Regan's Reach Read online

  Regan’s Reach

  Mark G Brewer

  Published by Mark G Brewer

  Copyright 2013 Mark G Brewer

  License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Amazon and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Cover Image source NASA and STScl

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional or used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons living or dead is purely coincidental and entirely unintended by the author.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One: Regan Stein

  Chapter Two: The Journey is the Reward

  Chapter Three: Dahlia Orbital

  Chapter Four: Home, Where the Heart is

  Chapter Five: The Return

  Prologue

  The sphere approached in shadow, its objective obscured by trajectory until the last possible moment. Visible from Earth the object would have drawn considerable interest. It was a large perfect sphere, matt black, forty meters in diameter and moving without any identifiable signature at ninety thousand kilometers per hour.

  From Earth’s Southern Hemisphere, zero one hundred hours New Zealand Standard Time, a full moon dominated the night sky. In the moon’s glow stars struggled to compete, a night ideal for the visitors’ stealthy approach. Swinging past Luna in a wide arc trajectory that avoided space between Earth and Moon the spheres’ passage to park in geostationary orbit above the Pacific went unnoticed . . . for the moment. In its position, relatively still from any earthbound viewpoint, the object presented as nothing more than a black pinhead on a dark space background.

  Twelve hours later, thirteen hundred hours NZST, like a clean slice from an apple, one section simply slid off the sphere and dropped away into the upper atmosphere. As it fell in a controlled descent with resistance seemingly nonexistent the disc oriented itself face down and curve up becoming the ubiquitous UFO, a cliché, a flying saucer.

  With clear purpose and a startling five thousand kilometers per hour turn of speed the disc shot down and southward.

  Tracking by Air Traffic Control in near regional centers commenced not long after separation, however little else could be done to identify the object so swift was the entrance into atmosphere and subsequent progress across the South Pacific.

  Just a smidgen under one hour after separation the disc slipped silently through valley air, unaffected by the notorious Wellington winds. Dipping under the high tension wires that reach down from the western hills to a valley transfer station it then continued up river at a leisurely pace that suggested no particular hurry. Flying low, almost skimming the water at some points, the progress was steady, patient, considered.

  A few fishermen, dog walkers and truant teens on the river followed its passage north with open mouths, hands grasping urgently for smart phones.

  Two kilometers up river the matt black inverted plate lifted smoothly over the mid valley bridge, its sudden presence and shadow leading to a minor accident; car versus truck. It then soared over western bank willows, crossed the public tennis courts and settled gently mid domain hovering just above the surface of the brittle dry summer grass.

  Only three lucky people viewed the domain arrival so quiet was the approach. Mid day, mid week, most were at school or work. Of the three, all soon to be celebrities, two were retired. Only one, a young mother recorded the event. Lyn Ward sighted the approach while hanging washing and like all tech savvy youth moved automatically to capture high definition images that would soon circulate the planet, instant fame.

  An eerie calm seemed to settle over the park. Scorching midday sun beat down and from her vantage point a haze shimmered off the huge dark disc surface.

  Along with the visuals Lyn recorded stunned whisperings for posterity as she looked around for cameras. "Oh. . . My . . . God, it's a Saucer . . . it’s as big as a house . . . holy shit! Is this a prank?"

  Later, heavily censored for early evening news her comments would nevertheless be replayed by millions. Replayed, studied, dissected and ultimately lamented by those who sought more information than someone of average intelligence could manage in the pressure of the moment.

  From the far side, the river side of the craft, two figures emerged. Whether they came up from the river itself or exited from the saucer no one watching could confirm with certainty, but Lyn felt certain they came from the craft. Both were dressed in skin tight black and they walked north without hesitation toward Carter St as if they knew where they were going. One figure seemed clearly female with no hair, lean build and a long, athletic, purposeful stride; the other, harder to tell, less comfortable, androgynous, taller and unusually thin.

  "He looks like a rubber man." Lyn whispered, still recording.

  They paused briefly, the taller one raising and inspecting one foot, and then scraping it on the grass, the female doubled over dissolving into laughter.

  The two then continued toward a gate at the north end of the domain and as they walked the male reached tentatively and took the woman's hand. She paused, glancing down. For a moment it seemed as if the woman might shake him off but then, with a look and a nod of her head she clasped the hand tightly to her chest. They then walked without further hesitation to the river trail and soon disappeared from view down toward the water.

  Already sirens could be heard filling the air and the thump of helicopter blades were approaching from the distance.

  Out of Lyn’s view now, only birds watched as the two strolled silently along the riverbank, following the cycle trail. They soon came to a small rise that would take them to the end of the next street running parallel. A few steps to the top of the rise and they paused, tears welling up in the woman's eyes as her gaze lingered on the huge oak there, and the brick house beyond looking over the river.

  "This is it." she whispered, to herself more than anyone.

  [Regan . . . I'm sorry, but there isn't much time, perhaps 30 minutes?] The voice intruded on her thoughts.

  [I know Ham,] she thought, [I'll get it done.]

  Regan clasped the arm of her companion tighter. "Marin, first I want to show you something".

  She led him further down the track out of sight of the house and they soon came to a rock groin reaching out into the river current.

  "It's for flood protection." she said, skipping confidently over the rocks, "We used to swim here and fish."

  "What sort of fish?" he asked, feigning interest, and followed her out to the water.

  She paused, thinking. "Trout . . . brown trout, and eel, good eating!"

  No embellishment was necessary. Marin was humoring her she knew and his studies probably made him more knowledgeable about the wildlife anyway.

  Marin focused on the water.

  "I see something there." and he pointed. Before she could grab him he was gone, barely a ripple as his slender form disappeared into the pool.

  Regan crouched with a deep sigh and for the next few minutes sat in silence, deep in her own thoughts, eyes locked unfocused on the river.

  Long after concern might have been appropriate the tall figure burst from the current looking disappointed. "It was too fast." he said sadly, then presented her with a locket he'd found.

  Someone's treasure, she thought. He seemed delighted and brought it to her like a cat presenting catch to its master.

  "Marin, you can be such a fool sometimes, it's not the time for treasure hunts." The warmth in her
words couldn't hide her tension.

  An intrusion came again to her thoughts, urgent, soundless.

  [Regan, move now if you're going to. There are people moving toward you. If you want to do this do it soon!]

  Marin looked at her, concerned. "You're delaying Regan . . . you'll be ok; I'm with you in this."

  "I know Marin." And she smiled at him gratefully.

  [Ok Ham, I just needed to get myself together, I've got this.]

  Quickly now the two clambered back over the rocks, onto the track and this time climbed straight up the bank onto the lawn in front of the brick house. Distant sirens sounded continually as they walked across the patio to sliding doors opening to the open plan living area. Marin held back, giving Regan space as she slid open the door and entered. Through the darkened glass he could see a figure, a woman at the stove. The woman turned as the door slid open and for a moment he saw a face so familiar it made him shiver. He could see the woman gasp as she spied Regan in the doorway. Then, without sound or warning, her eyes glazed over and she slid down out of sight behind the breakfast bar.

  As Marin entered the room, both women were still hidden behind the breakfast bar and he could hear Regan's plaintive voice.

  "Mom . . . Mom! It's ok . . . it's ok. It's me . . . it is, it's me and I'm so, so sorry."

  Chapter One: Regan Stein

  Eight months earlier: FBC Newsroom New York

  "Hello viewers and welcome to FBC's Business Focus, I'm John McCall. This evening I have the pleasure to introduce another of those young tech-entrepreneurs set to make us green with envy over the sale of her young company STEIN and this after launching only 3 years ago! STEIN specializes in accounts software, they're based all the way down in New Zealand and already it seems they are a big enough player to attract a surprising, some would say staggering, four hundred million dollar bid from aerospace and defense giant USDynamics.

  Regan Stein. Remember that name ladies and gentlemen, because I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more from this remarkable twenty four year old beauty in the future."

  McCall dripped sarcasm as he worked through his intro before turning his attention away from camera and toward his guest.

  "Welcome to Business Focus Regan and congratulations. Before we begin I should declare I'm a shareholder in USDynamics and personally have many questions about this unusual, some would say crazy, purchase by USD. I can't help wondering what 'special' skills helped you pull it off."

  The emphasis McCall put on 'special', accompanied by his trademark sickening leer, left his meaning transparently obvious and it almost took Regan off guard. Few viewers, men or women, would have missed his message . . . perhaps few cared.

  "Thank you John, it is a pleasure to be here in New York. I'm not sure what you mean when you refer to the purchase being unusual or by my needing 'special skills', but certainly I'm excited by this link with USDynamics. There's no doubt the world is becoming a much smaller place when it comes to working with technology. The South Pacific is not so far away in cyberspace after all." She smiled warmly.

  Regan took a sip of the provided water and a moment to prepare for battle.

  McCall leered forward. "Come now Ms Stein, it's no secret that USDynamics CEO Hayden Joyce has been quite taken with you. Shareholders in the company want to know more. They've certainly been hurting today over the fifteen percent drop in share value following this announcement. Obviously the market has concerns. After all, accounts software is hardly the bread and butter of a firm with clear leadership in aerospace?"

  McCall's smarmy smile was enough to produce involuntary gags. Regan kept her poise and looked straight at the camera.

  "Well John, your viewers and shareholders in USDynamics will be pleased to know that unlike you, Hayden Joyce has his eye on the business and is an astute judge of future business opportunity. He sees as I do that our companies working together creates synergy that will advance shareholder interests and see huge development possibilities. These are exciting times and . . ."

  McCall interrupted, "Exciting perhaps for those with the cash to enjoy it, but really Ms Stein, USDynamic shareholders need something more than that. Four hundred million dollars may not be much in the context of this company's turnover but it's the CEO's judgment that's been called into question here. I and most other informed commentators fail to see those supposed synergies between aerospace and accounts software. Help me out here Regan; isn't this purchase just a four hundred million dollar signal that Joyce has his eyes off the ball?"

  For a brief moment Regan reflected on her look and choice of dress for the interview. Tall, at one point eight seven meters, she gave herself a tick for not wearing high heels; McCall was short. Tonight her long auburn hair was loose; she had brown eyes and a killer athletic figure. Dress for the interview? Not too revealing but body hugging, yes. A bit too B&D perhaps?

  Bugger it . . . you look good girl! She smiled at the thought.

  Regan kept her gaze on the camera. "Clearly John, you and your friends need to do better research." Her look firmed as she replied, articulating each word slowly, only turning to meet McCall's eyes as she emphasized the last word. The action was disturbing and he shifted uncomfortably.

  She leant forward and continued. "First, you fail to mention that Mr. Joyce doesn't operate in a vacuum. He and the USDynamics board have impressed me and most informed commentators with the quality of leadership and vision in that company. Without that confidence in the USD leadership team STEIN wouldn't have even contemplated proceeding.

  Second, while STEIN's core business to date has been our Ezas accounts, auditing and fraud protection software, that division of the STEIN Company isn't part of this agreement. USDynamics have purchased specifically into our Arteis defense division. Arteis is leading edge in cyber defense and USDynamics are already major clients. As such they are in a prime position to assess value and the potential of our products. Further, they've been able to review our research and development programs and found them without peer. I could tell you more, but as they say, I'd have to kill you." She deliberately put a disturbing edge to the words then laughed disarmingly. Regan went on. "Developments in our military defense systems are . . . shall we say, exciting in their potential. Arteis is going to challenge the thinking that might is always right. No one will want to shoot first when we're finished!"

  She paused briefly, holding his eyes. ". . . Oh, and John, USDynamics haven't purchased STEIN. They do now hold a valuable ten percent share of STEIN Arteis. Both companies hope this will be just the first step in a long term partnership. A mutually beneficial relationship has been established which they, and we, are certain will pay off big time for everyone."

  "Going to break in ten." The voice boomed in her earpiece.

  McCall jumped in. "Well Ms Stein, as you enjoy your moment in the sun with Hayden Joyce's patronage perhaps spare a thought for all those suffering shareholders." He paused and looked at the camera . . ."And now, a short word from our sponsor . . ."

  "Off air for twenty five," the voice came again.

  McCall stood, stretched, reorganized his jacket and turned to a livid Regan who had also taken her feet.

  "Thanks for appearing Regan, nothing personal you understand, and I can certainly appreciate the attraction you are to Joyce, very nice indeed." As he spoke his eyes grazed her body.

  "Back in ten. . . "

  "Before you go . . ." McCall leant forward,

  "Six . . . five,"

  He looked at her chest, ". . . Show us your tits will you?"

  ". . . two . . . you're on!"

  *

  USDynamics Broomfield Office, Colorado

  As they reviewed the McCall Stein interview the USD board members present in Broomfield were mostly silent; however it was clear from their reactions they were at times appalled, at others amused.

  Mary paused the recording as McCall went to the sponsor's promo.

  "I do wish she hadn't highlighted that!" A male voice said.
r />   Everyone gathered in the Broomfield boardroom turned back from the huge HD screen. While the group didn't include everyone on USD's Board, the assembly certainly included the main power brokers in the firm. Seven senior members were in attendance, including the CEO; five men, two women, a collective three hundred years of experience in management and directorship and all in the aerospace or related fields. They knew their stuff.

  All eyes turned to the Chairman, William J Thomas; at seventy three a man still firing on all cylinders and someone who well understood the influence of perception on share price. Sadly perception often had nothing to do with reality. As a dealmaker Bill Thomas was lightning fast with a good feel for the markets. That his share portfolio only included star performing stocks was no surprise to anyone. That his net worth would exceed all public estimates was also taken as a given. The Board knew him to be a man you underestimated at your peril.

  Hayden Joyce spoke first. "What points concern you specifically Bill? She spoke well of the board and everything else was only the truth. I thought she kept pretty much to script."

  "True," Bill massaged his scalp furiously, "but that idiot McCall hadn't picked up that it was only ten percent and then only for Arteis. What Arteis is about is so far under the public radar no average investor would be in any position to properly assess its value. Hell, even we're not sure how this will play out so how can they judge this acquisition in terms of share value at all. In the short term they're going to slay us!" The Chairman poured another drink and dropped into his chair.

  "Well, we do know this." Said Mary Pope, youngest on the board at a sprightly forty seven and probably the most tech savvy member.

  "Arteis has already successfully protected us from five significant incursions in the last four months and the projects that were targeted are critical to billions in projected business revenue over the next ten years. That protection of our intellectual property was priceless. Four hundred million in my book is a bargain.