There was a pause . . . "You're a genius! Well, for the moment anyway, I guess I will trust in your discretion. It seems I am in your power."
Regan snorted. "Yeah right, now it's my turn to say it . . . puh-lease, like I could even feed myself if you weren't there to open the door!"
"Well, there is that." Ham conceded, "but you see my point. I'm not much use on my own. It's not like a ship can just shoot happily off into the unknown. Bit boring on your own don't you think? I'm like a happy sheep dog, a Border Collie. Love working in a team but can't abide the idiot with the whistle! That's why it's important to get Marin back. If this ship ends up under someone else's command I swear I'll wipe myself!"
Regan sat for a moment just thinking.
"Hmm . . . I see your dilemma. Ok Ham, let's agree on it, you watch my back and I'll watch yours."
"Done!"
She changed tack. "So, what do you do in all that time between our little chats?"
"Pine . . ."
Regan smiled and shook her head. "No really, with all that processing power you must fill the time somehow."
There was a pause. "Well . . . err . . . read, watch, study, plan, scheme, research, be nosy, you know all the usual things. Oh, and of course there's always a ship to run while we circumnavigate the galaxy!" He said it with a dose of friendly sarcasm.
Regan knew not to take the bait. "So, what have you been reading?"
"Well, I've been doing some interesting reading on everything that's ever been recorded about one Regan Stein, an interesting character study that one. By the way, John McCall, what did you hit him with? Very effective I must say."
Regan laughed. "That one was a straight right. So quick I didn't even get blood on my hand. . . he'll probably sue me."
"He won't sue you, Regan."
"Huh, I wish! That kind always sues; in fact he'll sue just to settle. He'll want a juicy slice of the four hundred million I bet." She massaged the back of her neck, working out the knots that gripped her just at the thought of that episode.
"You'd lose if you made that bet, trust me, he won't sue." He sounded suspiciously smug.
Again, the cock of the head, "What do you know about it Ham?"
"Weeeell . . . apparently someone leaked recordings of the discussion during the ad break, just to a few rival news organizations of course . . . as I said, trust me, he won't sue. And then of course there's the support you got from social media. An unbelievable number of views online, tens of millions in fact, with many millions of supportive comments I understand, truly unbelievable support."
She smiled. "Ham, Ham, Ham. What will we do with you?"
"Well, you did ask what I do with my spare time."
Regan paused to gather her thoughts. She stood, stretched and began to pace the room. "The Pod?" she asked. "How does it move, no sound, no G force, incredible!"
"Well," Ham paused . . . "You do realize that at this stage of Earth's development, if I were to tell you, I'd have to kill you."
Regan snorted derisively. "Oh sure, I'm no physicist anyway; just give a broad brush picture then."
"Ok, you know about quantum physics, electron clouds and such, how protons and neutrons aren't really orbiting the nucleus, more appearing and disappearing from one side to the other?"
Regan was leaning forward instantly captivated. "Oh yeah, wow!"
"Well," . . . Ham continued . . . "It's nothing like that."
She grunted and flopped back into the chair.
"Actually," Ham continued, "we use a number of different propulsion methods. The main in-system, in-atmosphere method is Infinitely Variable Spinning Displacer. In atmosphere it works by displacing variable volumes of atmosphere continually from one face of a vessel to another. This means vacuum on one side, high pressure on the other. Therefore there's movement toward the vacuum. In the vacuum of space, we displace the object, in this case the ship, Pods or Interceptors. Small displacements, repeated incredibly fast, combined with the ability to vary degree and direction of the displacement gives the illusion of smooth movement. By your standards the speeds attainable are beyond comprehension."
"It doesn't sound like it could be that fast." She looked doubtful, trying to draw him out.
"What do you not understand about the word infinite? I said infinitely variable. One centimeter per second doesn't sound like much but repeat that displacement one hundred thousand times in a second and that's damn quick! Then imagine if you increase the amount of the displacement."
"So this is how you cross the galaxy? It still sounds like it would be too slow." Regan looked decidedly sceptical.
"Of course it's too slow. FTL speeds are needed to cover the distances involved in interstellar travel. For that stuff we surf, you know how to surf don't you?"
"Don't tell me, it's nothing like that!" Regan yawned and stretched as she was stiffening up in the chair.
Ham continued. "Actually it is a bit like that; I'll tell you more when we reach that stage in about seven days. We're cruising now but we'll hit the crest then."
"I'll look forward to that. Sorry Ham, I'll process this but I desperately need to do something. I saw a gym in my travels and I'm not sure if I can find my way back, can you guide me there?"
"Sure can, follow the lights."
Regan set off and kept talking as she walked, not really needing the guidance of Ham, but he was good company.
"Do all the ships have gyms? It seems a bit of an indulgence."
"This is Marin's ship and he has quite a bit of influence at home. He doesn't let on why it's important to him but the gym and gravity on board is all about preparing for his highly improper sorties onto the planet."
"How so?"
"Home gravity is only eighty five percent of Earths’ gravity. So, soon after departure he slowly builds ship gravity up to Earth normal and works out in the gym to prepare him for a walk on your world."
"I don't get it, it seems such a risk. Why is getting the soil under his feet so important to him?"
"Part personal, part simple, most Dahlian's have never had the experience. Dahlia, and remember that's my designation not theirs, Dahlia is an orbital. The planet they partner with is in a cold phase and only a few hundred thousand live there. Most in the system have been living on orbitals for generations and they will be for many more to come."
"It sounds fascinating," she replied and meant it. This was going to be the journey of a generation! Regan found herself outside the gym and she paused there.
"Thanks Ham, I'll be busy for a while."
"No problem. If you also want a regular run, the storage decks are empty and the largest would work for you. That's level five counting down. Also, we need to talk more after your workout . . . about Marin."
Regan didn't miss the pause - something was up, but it could wait. She entered the gym determined to work till she dropped.
It didn't take long.
Ninety minutes later Regan stepped out of the shower in her room pleasantly weary. A controlled workout had been just what she needed. It took a while to work out the machines but her first impressions were correct with most being resistance type strength builders. She noted the settings with interest. They were probably Marin's and definitely a challenge but she didn't adjust them.
He's stronger than he looks, she thought as she regarded herself in the mirror again wincing at the bruises visible on her forearms along with numerous cuts and scratches. They were healing fast though, she noted with satisfaction. Walking naked into the bunk room she found a fresh one piece on the bed. How Ham was getting them to her she had no idea as so far, other than the trolley she'd seen on arrival, there had been no other independent machines. Didn't all alien ships have server bots?
She was still dressing when Ham's voice emanated from the ether. "Regan, sorry to interrupt . . . I have news . . . it's important."
"What's up Ham?"
"I've been reviewing the data grab from the trip. While all the drama was going on we were capturi
ng active communications right up until leaving orbit. . ."
Ham hesitated and Regan could swear she picked up embarrassment.
"What is it Ham?"
"It's best you review the information yourself. I've prepared a summary as there are a number of different communications related to the same thing, best you sit down at the desk and I'll work through the written transcripts first, they were encrypted of course originally. Then I can play you the phone discussions between the key players."
Regan felt her tension rise. What's this about? She slid into the desk chair and the desk surface lit up with the first document . . . .
The minutes passed. Some pages she read and re read again, muttering to herself. "Traitorous bastards! Piss heads! You shits! Politicians!"
Exactly thirty seven minutes after reading the first word Regan stood slowly from the desk resting her weight on the edge. She hung her head, sucking in short breaths, still disbelieving and stunned. She then hauled herself up and clenched her fists with arms stretched tight behind her as if setting up for a swan dive.
She took a moment to draw in a huge breath then tilting her head back screamed "FUUUUCK!" . . . and sank to her knees on the floor.
"Visuals?" Ham offered.
"VISUALS!” Regan screamed. “What's the fucking point! Those traitorous self serving, ball less bastards! How could they do this! Don't they know what a fucking contract is! Shit, shit, shit!"
"Perhaps later then . . ." the epitome of calm, Ham adopted his most soothing voice, "They don't add much to the picture anyway."
"Bastards, bastards, bastards!" Regan continued ranting then collapsed face down on the bunk.
Ham's summary was a history lesson. For decades, he explained, America had relied heavily on the Chinese for financing consumption, steadily racking up debt now measured in the thousands of trillions of dollars. China over the same period had pursued technological advancement and modernization voraciously. The unfortunate financial situation the US found itself in, while not leading to capitulation, had led to them playing a soft hand with any Chinese controversy, in particular industrial espionage and hacking attempts which could be notoriously difficult to prove anyway. Such activities when uncovered tended to be swept under the carpet for the sake of diplomacy. To be fair, the US had taken whatever measures it could to protect its technological superiority but little was really known about how many incursions were successful and never discovered - that is until Arteis.
Attempted hacking of USDynamics and similar attempts on the US government, both STEIN clients, had resulted in the Arteis response and ultimately paralysis of Chinese aircraft and space development. Large sections of the Chinese government had also been affected.
Arteis, they China had discovered to their huge cost worked well. It functioned by successfully identifying hacking attempts and corralling them. Then it would present itself as legitimate information and allow itself to be downloaded by the hacker. So cunning was this presentation that the inclusion of special packets, highly contagious virulent payloads, went unnoticed and once unleashed they spread rapidly. The Chinese found systems could only be cleansed by complete and total system wipes. In many cases total hardware and software replacement was required. Literally this meant starting from scratch. So, through their actions the Chinese had caught a bad cold and although in the wrong they were seriously pissed!
Urgent diplomatic approaches had been made quickly to their 'old friends' the Americans. In their opinion unfortunate mistakes had occurred and they had been unfairly targeted. Compared to the simple errors of their corporations they argued the US response had been criminally disproportionate.
Privately the US Government was pleased at the setback for their rivals. No one likes being under the thumb of another power and senior people at the Pentagon were quietly toasting Regan Stein for giving the Chinese a bloody nose. However, diplomacy and a mountain of debt called for a different approach. Perhaps a compromise could be negotiated?
The Chinese maintained STEIN was dangerous - to all businesses and governments. This type of technological strength in the hands of uncontrolled private operators was dangerous to everyone. In an age where technology was so important to the infrastructure of governments, surely, for the good of all people no private company should be allowed to establish power and superiority . . . Don't our good friends the US Government agree?
And now, Ham explained, for payment holidays and interest rate concessions, in just a few days, Arteis USA would be shut down quietly and any technology would be grabbed for the public good. Licensing fees to STEIN would be stopped and contracts cancelled. Recommendations that other governments should reject the technology would be made and diplomatic pressure would be put on the NZ Government to curb STEIN's activities.
As far as the backroom powerbrokers of the US Government were concerned, STEIN had served a useful purpose. They now had a significantly better financial arrangement with their Chinese bankers and their rivals’ progress had been set back hugely, possibly by years. Frankly it was hard to see a downside. USDynamics would recover in time and Arteis was, after all, only a small investment lost.
All in all, a good days work!
LIKE FUCK! Thought Regan, fuming with an anger that would melt metal!
"Are we ready to talk?" Ham tentatively asked.
"Talk? I want somebody's balls in a vice!" She was stalking now, an angry cat on the prowl.
"May I make some suggestions?"
"If it involves ruination for those weasels I'll take anything at the moment." Regan slumped back in her chair, fists clenched, plans for dire retribution circulating through her head.
Calmly Ham continued. "Regan, we're not out of the system yet. Now we're not going back, but we can communicate with a small delay via our relay probe that stays in orbit. It masquerades as an old satellite and we've used it for decades. If you want we can squirt a message back to your team and prepare them. They're very good Regan. They'll take what actions they see as best to progress things until you return. Who knows what you may come back with? Those 'bastards' may yet find they have crossed the wrong woman."
Regan went quiet, her usual steely calm beginning to return and she took on that look she knew made people feel uncomfortable.
"Ham . . . you're a voice of sanity. I want you to send them everything you prepared for me, including the visuals! And there needs to be a message from me too. Let me think for a moment, there are a few things I need to say."
*
The War Room STEIN Riverside
Regan's familiar face had held them captivated for the last thirty minutes and considering the subject matter she was scarily calm.
". . . So that's it. I can't tell you yet how I got the information but I will. I hope I've come across rationally but you all know me and yes, I was apoplectic when I discovered what the bastards were planning. That said, this is the scummy side of politics and we've always taken the approach that governments throw up barriers, we just get on with the business. Nothing's changed and we need to find ways to thrive despite them." Regan scanned the room from the screen as if she were taking them all in.
"I will still be back as planned in six months and as far as I'm concerned we press on with our plans. I'm going to make some suggestions on how to deal with this but you're not bound to carry them out. You'll be in the best position to decide over the next few weeks as the scum buckets show their hands. I'll back you in whatever steps you judge are most appropriate. Here's what I'd like to happen." Regan consulted notes on her desk then looked back up.
"Kev, you and Marcus should challenge the US Government over this decision but keep it behind closed doors. See if you can come out of this with something that pays off for us while helping them save face. They don't deserve the soft treatment but we need to maximize the return. I reckon you let them know we won't make any waves provided they pay us significant compensation. Two hundred million dollars minimum! Save it until you know how they're responding but do
n't be afraid to point out that without our agreement, if they continue to use Arteis illegally, they effectively become the equivalent of a threat. Arteis will treat them as such without our support.
I'm not worried about the intellectual property. They won't be able to crack our codes and they won't be able to use anything without the keys. As far as I'm concerned they've rolled over for the Chinese and they don't realize how vulnerable this leaves them. Well, that's their problem.
Mary, I know you'll be thinking about this already but just to be clear, get all our US funds into other international accounts before this shit hits the fan. I don't want to give them any more leverage over us than they already have.
Our marketing guys need to spin this as an opportunity. Be careful how they communicate it but this whole episode shows clearly how effective Arteis really is and we need to sell it as such. The Chinese are running scared so what better recommendation do we need? I'm sure the French and Germans won't be intimidated into dropping us but we may lose the Australians and the Brits. We need to push the strength of Arteis to every independent country, other than those we know are terrorist hell holes.
And Kev, we need the Prime Minister on board. He's a good guy. We can be up front with him and it’s best we get to him first. Don't wait. Show him this stuff, but don't let him copy it. We at least need the backing of our own government so use your best persuasive skills bro. We're loyal; we're good employers and bring in good business to this country so I hope they'll stand by us.
I'd also like someone to contact Hayden Joyce. I've no idea how USDynamics will be affected by this but it's not our fault, hell our product works. They're caught up in this too and they deserve to know what's happening so that they can plan their own damage control. I just hope they will still want to work with us.
Steph, Kutch - for you nothing has changed. In fact our little project could be even more important so press on full steam ahead. There will be no problem with funding and Marcus is working on a few things for me that I have a feeling will pay off handsomely.
Regan's Reach Page 8