She didn't resist. Sarin mounted and penetrated roughly, the pressure on her arms so intense she felt they would dislocate; that pain mercifully blotting out the agony of his entry. She turned her head to the side to avoid his breath only to see Brun masturbating and quickly clamped her eye shut as tears flooded her cheeks.
Then she heard voices and felt Sarin ripped from her body yelling, Brun whining in the background, and then Sindali, crying, rolling her to the side and releasing her bonds. Regan screamed with the pain as blood coursed back into her arms, and then succumbed to blackness.
*
She lay in dim light, listening, orienting herself. She was on a bed; her legs curled up and tangled with sheet. With one hand she reached for the soreness, face first, puffed and swollen, then curling into a ball she cupped her hands to her sex and whimpered quietly, rocking onto her side.
Much later, a light at the door, a small form silhouetted, soon joined by another. Through blurred vision she watched without moving as they approached quietly. The bed moved as they climbed up beside her, and she felt the careful molding of their bodies as they curled up, arms across her shoulders. In her mind, came a very gentle intrusion.
[Marin is all right. It's going to be ok.]
She considered the thought, [Thank you Ham], then drifted back to oblivion.
The stillness came as a surprise. Regan lay on her back, alone now, staring at the ceiling, mind clear. She rested a while blanking her mind, trying to shut out the thoughts.
Then . . . realization, I'm alive. She tested her limbs and stretched her neck, feeling for anything broken. For a brief moment painful images flashed through her mind then she shut them off again with steely resolve.
They've had their time, she thought. I will not give them another minute of mine! With one ache filled motion she swept her feet to the floor.
[Where am I Ham?]
[You're in Sindali's apartment and you're alone at the moment. Sindali and the children have gone to the council offices to meet with Beria. How are you?]
[I've been better, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.] She wrapped the sheet around her and walked through the door to the main room [I need a suit Ham, is there anything here?]
[Sindali's room, on your left.]
Regan walked through into the hallway. She stopped to use the bathroom and wept briefly as she tended to her injuries. Ham then guided her past several other rooms before doors opened to her right. Entering she found a large comfortable room with a central bed and on one wall a bush scene that for a moment took her breath away. She sensed movement and a bird flew across her vision. [This is Earth?]
[Yes, from Mariner's files.]
She sat for a moment taking in the scene, strengthened by it, and then stood, looking for storage.
[On your left Regan.]
She touched the pad and the door slid open to reveal a wide shallow closet. Hangers and shelves were there with a selection of garments, some obviously formal, some practical. Selecting a one piece suit in red that looked suitably bold she walked back to the bed and pulled it on. While too long in the legs it nevertheless stretched over her body, so snug it felt like an athletic support.
[Is there a mirror?]
The screen picture disappeared and instead she saw herself, standing tall, and the suit legs bunched at her ankles. Bending she folded them like cuffs, the elastic nature of the fabric proving enough to hold them in place. A quick look in the cupboard and she found slippers but they were too small. Massaging her feet through the fabric she felt a pad on the sole, like a ship suit, it will have to do. Stepping back she regarded her image again, noting the swelling was down a little and she could see out of the eye. Bruising on that side was an ugly black, blue, and yellow. Shit! She smiled nevertheless, not unpleased with what she saw.
"You are one mean mother fucker!" She spoke to the image. Exiting the room Regan walked out to the open area and noticed Sindali had left food and drink on the table. She sat and for a few minutes contemplated her next steps, drinking and eating a little, all business, no pleasure. "You said Marin was ok?" It felt good to hear the sound of her voice, strong, and in control again.
[Yes, the problems were with the web surface, not the branches reaching into brain tissue. They've been repaired and he'll be fine, he's already on his feet but they'll hold him for a few days.]
She felt a wave of relief flood through her; this was what she had come for after all. [Does he know what happened?]
[No, he's been unconscious for the last two days.]
Again, relief, and embarrassment, where has the time gone? "Two days? That doesn't sound right?"
[You were lost to us for a bit there Regan. It's good to have you back.]
She stood and stretched, pleased to find more comfortable movement than she expected. [The council rooms Ham, take me there please.]
Regan looked thoughtful and determined as she strode purposefully for the door. Annoyingly it didn't immediately open for her.
[I do have to bring a car you know!]
[Just do it!]
[It's coming m'lady . . . Regan, are you sure about this?] and the doors slid open.
[Yes, I've tried the quiet role and it doesn't suit me. I like to speak for myself.]
She sat and looked around as the doors closed, noting the opulent interior along with space for a small army. It seemed extra attention had been paid to its selection and she worked a side lever, sliding back with the seat, reclining in comfort.
"This wasn't really necessary you know, but thank you."
[Just thought you might be a little tender. Sorry, not much class there but I was well intentioned. Regan, it's best to sub-vocalize now - Beria's monitoring is legendary.]
[Will do. Shit, what a control freak!]
She settled into the chair and composed herself. The trip wouldn't be long she knew, but she was glad for the time to calm, clear her mind, and strengthen her resolve. In the car, as with the Pod and the ship she felt no sense of motion, in fact only in the elevator on the ship did she feel aware of any kind of movement. The thoughts prompted her to think about the amazing technology, to mentally review her shopping list and to wonder how ShipHam was getting on.
[I'll be fine - and I like that by the way . . . ShipHam . . . that works.]
[You're reading my mind now? Ham . . . back there, with the witches’ spawn, did you feel everything?]
[Feel? I . . . appreciated . . . everything you were experiencing and truthfully, I needed a weapon. Regan, if feeling describes what I have now . . . it's dangerous!]
[That makes two of us Ham and I'm sorry you had to go through that, curtains weren't on my mind.]
[Regan . . . . don't ever shut those curtains, this is a ride I'm willing to take. One for all. . .]
[And all for one.] She replied. [Have you heard from The STEIN?]
[No, not since Marin left for the clinic. We could have connected but it might draw attention you can't afford. Best to leave it for an emergency.]
[An emergency . . . now tell me what that is again? Seriously, what does one of those look like?]
[You may be about to experience one now, we're arriving.]
Again, with no sense of G force, no movement, the doors simply opened and Regan leant forward, peering left and right into a well lit corridor. Large framed pictures of distinguished figures hung on the walls, probably past leaders, she thought. [So, which way do I go?] And immediately she knew . . . go left! Starting down the corridor she paused at each picture.
[This is like any council building at home.]
[Humanoids hate to be forgotten, they like to leave a legacy.]
[Huh!] An internal grunt. [We have a saying, history belongs to the victor.]
She walked on until one picture brought her up with a start.
[Marin?]
[It's Mariner, now there's a man who left a legacy! Sadly the witch has damaged it and it's time the witch was dead.]
Regan walked on without thought, Ham would warn h
er when they were nearing the meeting room. On the corridor walls she could now see ceremonial regalia, shields and crossed spears.
[Really?] She paused and looked up, incredulous.
[Be fair, even on Earth you see displays like this. Everyone likes to give the impression they're building on prior noble history.]
The doors to the meeting room were closed, and unlike every other entrance she'd seen, this one had a wide ornate double width jamb, did that signal a much larger room beyond? Regan planted her feet and drew in a healthy breath.
[Ready Ham.]
The doors opened silently, inward to the room. Regan paused and took in the situation, a conference room of sorts, with a large group gathered toward the front, clearly split into two factions. She could hear voices raised with anger and accusation.
Stretching to her full height, still well short of most in the room, Regan padded forward like a cat. Ten paces in and Buela ran from the side to greet her, her squeal drawing the attention of the group and the room was suddenly, deathly quiet. The group parted, and she took in at least thirty people of different ages. In the middle, apoplectic with rage was Beria, while Brun and Sarin stood to one side looking unrepentant, even arrogant in their stance. Sindali on the other side looked on anxiously as Regan stalked forward.
Regan paused, gently putting down the child and gesturing for her to join her brother. Then she calmly padded on through the silent group prompting Sarin to step forward, positioning himself between her and his mother.
[That suits me!] She said silently to Ham.
Then in one smooth powerful motion she spun and jumped, delivering a high, high kick, her heel catching Sarin's jaw with a crack that echoed around the walls! It lifted him off his feet, sending him crashing to the floor at Beria's feet. He lay there like a rag doll motionless and possibly dead.
Beria looked down, both shocked and horrified. She flicked Sarin's hand off her foot with a kick then screamed, "Guards!"
"No!" Sindali yelled and stepped forward, quickly insinuating herself in front of Regan. "No! She will not be harmed."
The uniformed guards hesitated, unsure what to do until Brun stepped forward and slapped his sister to the ground. Chaos broke out, with Beria's guards wrestling those loyal to Sindali while others hustled Beria from the room. Regan saw Brun making for the children and tackled him to the ground. She rained punches down until he slumped still, his face and her fists both bloodied. Panting with the effort she scooped up the children, one in each arm and turned looking for cover.
[Regan, take the door!] And she ran with long loping strides, ignoring the whimpers from Buela and Rhine, there was no time for niceties. Reaching the door she looked back and saw Sindali held by two guards and Brun, staggering toward her, pulling a blade from a concealed sheath. She dropped the children, turned to the corridor wall and wrenched a spear from the wall.
A match made in heaven! Calmly she lined up, took three steps and a skip then launched the spear with all the force she could muster. It took Brun just below the left shoulder, skewering him in front of the shocked guards. Sindali's eyes met hers across the room and Regan nodded an unspoken promise. She picked up the twins and ran down the corridor heading back toward the car, the sounds of fighting dwindling behind them. The doors were already open for them and she pushed the children through, diving after as the doors closed, then lay on the floor gasping.
[You missed his heart.]
[I'm a little out of practice Ham.] Pumped with adrenalin now, Regan pushed herself up, all action.
[Where do we go now?]
[The apartment will be best for the moment. It's a fortress and I can secure the entrance. If it's needed there's a security exit that I don't think anyone would know about other than Sindali.]
Regan looked behind her. The children were in shock and shaking so she moved back and took them in her arms.
"You're ok, in fact everything is going to be all right, and your mother will be too." Or so she hoped, desperately. They said nothing, and simply clung to her. If they noticed she could talk, neither mentioned it.
The fifteen minute journey was filled with tension as Regan reviewed the situation, still worrying about Sindali.
[We're there Regan, and I've checked the apartment, its clear.]
The doors parted and she gave thanks for transport that opens straight into the home with no corridors to navigate, no dark corners to hide in, or elevators to share with unknown persons. It also helped of course to have an invisible partner who navigates cyberspace in an instant.
Ushering the children into the room Regan felt that familiar flash of anxiety as they ran off to find their mother. She shook her head in anguish and walked to the bathroom to clean her hands, Brun’s blood still drying there on her knuckles.
[Have you any idea where Sindali is Ham?]
[I'm still tracking her. She's with a group but whether she's captive I don't know. As soon as they come near to a camera I'll tell you.]
[She's alive. That's the main thing, what about Beria?] She scrubbed her hands furiously, anger building as Brun’s blood washed away.
[Beria is in her offices, I can't break her encryption yet but she's communicating with someone off orbital. ShipHam may be following this - I'm sure he . . . I . . . will contact us if something important happens. Events have probably overtaken secrecy now.]
[I agree Ham, make contact anyway. There's no point in the charade any longer and we need all the information available.] Out of the corner of her eye she saw Rhine standing in the doorway, he looked bereft. She smiled welcomingly; dried her hands on the suit and picked him up, carrying him through to the food preparation space.
"We can't find her." was all he said.
"Where's Buela, Rhine?"
"In our room," and he pointed. She followed his direction back into the hallway and found Buela face down on her bed. As she sat down Ham reported back.
[She's with allies Regan. They're going to Marin.]
Marin! [Can you check on him too Ham? Try to make contact. Let him know what's happened if you can, and what do you know about Sarin and Brun?]
[I'll try to contact Marin, if not via his web I'll find some other way. Sarin and Brun? No signal.]
[Dead?] She asked.
[If there's any justice!] He sounded hopeful.
Regan sat beside Buela, Rhine on her hip gripping her for dear life. She gently reached to stroke Buela's back.
"Buela, I've just heard, your mother is fine, and she's going to see Mer. I'm sure she'll come here straight after." The girl sat up quickly wiping tears from her face. "You see, there's nothing to worry about."
"How do you know?" Buela asked.
Regan tapped her head. "A little bird told me." Idiot! She thought, what on earth does that mean?
"You have a web?" Buela looked surprised.
Regan leaned back, looking at the child askance. Smart girl! They don't miss anything!
"I have something different to your webs, but I do know it tells me your mother is with friends so for now, we wait. You're probably hungry? Let's go and get something to eat." She led them back to the kitchen and soon they were helping themselves. Regan left them there walking back into the open area and sat at the table. She rested her head in her hands, conscious of a sudden drain in energy.
[Ham, what's happening?]
[Me merging.] It was all he said. She left him to it and rested there for a moment, very tired.
*
The Clinic
Escorted by her three guards Sindali walked confidently into the clinic and approached the official behind a security screen on the ground level. He recognized her immediately and jumped to his feet.
She fixed him with a steely gaze and paused disconcertingly, "I'm here to see my brother, what room is he in?"
"Of course Mistress Sindali, would you like to wait for your mother? She's on her way."
"No, thank you, it will be nice to have a few moments with him myself."
"Y
es, yes, of course. I'll take you there now." The man exited his office and led them down a hallway to Marin's room on the ground floor, a large private room. Thanking the official she dismissed him and he quickly departed for his booth. Sindali hesitated at the door, gestured to her companions to remain there and entered. To her relief Marin was sitting comfortably and recognized her with a smile. She walked quickly to the bed and before he could speak took his hand.
"Merali, you may be in danger, we both are, and Mother has lost her mind."
He looked shocked. "What are you talking about?"
"Mer, listen, there's no time to explain so you must trust me. Brun and Sarin are dead, they tried to kill me and Mother is coming here right now, can you walk?"
"Brun and Sarin are dead? Hold on, who tried to kill you? And who are they?"
"It was Brun, Brun tried to kill me. . . Regan killed them both. Marin we must move!"
"Regan did what?" He gripped Sindali's arm, alarmed, "She killed them, really?"
He swung his legs from the bed, tearing the drip from his arm as he slipped to the floor, his robe flapping loosely. Desperately he looked for clothes as Sindali ran to the door . . . there was nothing. Instead Marin tore the drip tube from its stand and tied it round his waist. A wave of nausea swept over him and he leant on the bed while his head cleared. Sindali gestured from the door, hurry, hurry. Her urgency galvanized him and he stumbled across to the door. Two of the men supported his weight and together they fled down the passage toward the entrance. As they exited to the corridor they could hear the supervisor calling but they ignored him.
[Marin . . . Marin!] The voice intruded on his consciousness.
"Ham?" Marin pulled back, hauling the men to a stop.
Sindali, frantic, appealed to him, "Mer, we must hurry, please!"
Marin held up his hand and gestured, waving for her to be quiet. "Ham . . . Ham is that you?"
[Marin! No time! Go the other way! Beria and her men are coming from the tube. I've locked the door but they'll force it.]
Already Marin was pulling the men back the way they had come "This way, they're at that stop, run!" Even with adrenalin pumping through his system, relief overwhelmed him. Ham . . . I can sub!
Regan's Reach Page 20