Regan's Reach Page 18

  Her eyes were fixed on him; she reached behind her with one hand, open.

  "Marin?" was all she said.

  He dropped the tube into her hand and Regan squeezed a generous amount over his length before lifting him and beginning to slowly stroke, long and steady drawing gasps with every movement. She could hear his breath quickening and saw his hand grip the sheet tight, bunching it in his fist as the telling groan began to build. Her eyes closed tightly and she thrilled with a feeling of power like nothing she had experienced before.

  Chapter Three: Dahlia Orbital

  A rose by any other name, would smell as sweet

  Coming out of warp was a revelation as in the Gliese 667 system the starscape really did look different. Ham's virtual tour for Regan was like following a documentary, revealing Gliese 667 as a triple star system with planets that looked different in unearthly ways, some huge by comparison, and six orbitals that exceeded all Regan's expectations. Why hadn't I asked to see them before? she thought.

  Most of course was file footage as they were still in the outskirts of the system, however viewing it while actually being there built her sense of anticipation unbearably. For the first time she felt truly nervous but there was no going back and she didn't want to.

  Expecting the orbitals to be gathered around a single planet she was surprised to find they were far apart, orbiting different planets and stars. Ham and Marin became more and more animated, explaining things with an excitement that was infectious. She didn't have the heart to point out that all this background and history was as available to her now as it was to them. As questions came to her mind they were just as quickly answered, and Ham must know this she thought, but it doesn't diminish his excitement.

  Marin's orbital was the smallest of the six in population and as Ham manipulated the image zooming in from a distance she understood why he had called it Dahlia. It did truly look like a flower, with petals reaching out from a central bulb. The petals, Ham explained, served as huge energy gatherers from a star less luminous than Earths’ sun. Some simply stored solar energy while others doubled as enormous glasshouses providing food that Dahlia traded with other more industrialized orbitals. As she watched the recordings in wonder, Regan could see tall thin people working fields with machines she didn't recognize, walking through parks and swimming in lakes that seemed to extend for kilometers. All this in petals she knew must be large beyond her comprehension.

  Marin pointed out details on the central bulb and explained it was a city of sorts with most of the habitation space and with parks and recreation areas of its own. Although Dahlia had a significant manufacturing industry, supplied with raw material from its partner planet, this wasn't a large part of their economy. He described everything proudly.

  Marin left for the galley while she leaned back and mentally reviewed the statistics. The population was three hundred million with four hundred thousand on the planet. Small compared with the other system orbitals, the largest of which held six billion souls. Six billion! On an orbital, in space! These orbitals were like planets.

  How had all this happened? Strangely she found no reasonable answer came to mind, her only thoughts feeling more like myths. The building blocks of origin were absent from the data and that is a mystery to be explored in the future, she thought.

  Regan's nerves were acute with only another day cruising before they drew near to Dahlia. Seeing so many people at work and play reminded her that she would be the alien here. She was a 'somebody' at home, indeed a beauty, here she would be the outsider, squat, muscled and bulky. What would they think of her? I'm going to need friends, she thought.

  Suddenly the two months on ship seemed unreal, something that happened an age ago, how could I have grown so complacent?

  [Ham, do you have any visuals of Sindali?]

  Immediately on the wall Ham slowly scrolled through file footage, clearly from the last few years as this tall willowy woman looked not much younger than Marin. She seemed to move with grace and dignity.

  There was Sindali visiting the sick in hospital, sitting surrounded by laughing children in a park, at a large table with officials smiling and clearly seeking her favor. There was footage of her working a machine in the fields with people running behind the harvester, eager to keep up. Yet another showed her descending from a vessel, possibly at another orbital, with crowds cheering and everywhere Regan noted, members of her guard seemed to watch over her jealously, devoted.

  "The People's Princess." She whispered.

  "They do love her," Ham commented, "Not just on Dahlia but throughout the system. On the more industrial orbitals life on Dahlia seems like a dream, and she's the dream princess."

  "She's not a soft flake is she?"

  "Don't mistake respect for role and tradition as weakness. She has her father's values and steel."

  "What about Beria? What do you have on her?"

  "She's a witch, what more can I tell you?"

  "No, what visuals do you have? I'd like to know what she looks like."

  Ham displayed picture after picture, all viewed from the ugliest, most unflattering angle. If they were to be believed Beria was a troll.

  "Just a little biased in your perspective, don't you think?" Regan observed carefully.

  "I don't know what you're talking about, I think I've been generous, that's exactly what she looks like." He was unrepentant.

  It was a waste of time pursuing the matter and Regan decided it would be best to leave it.

  She uncurled herself from the chair and followed Marin to the galley.

  [Are you ok?] Ham sounded concerned for her.

  [I'm fine Ham, just a bit nervous. Nothing a coffee and comfort eating won't fix.]

  [Let's do something positive.] He prompted [Assuming you get to go home sooner rather than later consider what things you would like to take back with you? What's on your shopping list? That should give you something to think about.]

  She hesitated in the doorway. What a great idea! Energized, she quickly poured a coffee, grabbed a selection of treats and made for the war room. "Ham, I'd like to make some notes, can you set me up with a touch type screen please?"

  "No problem, touch the desk in front of you and I'll establish a QWERTY keyboard. You'll be able to access the file in future by simply asking. I understand shopping therapy is popular where you come from, so, have some fun."

  In only a few minutes her mind was buzzing, her fingers tapping furiously while the list and side notes grew longer and longer. When Marin looked in an hour later he could see immediately she did not want to be interrupted, she was totally engaged. Along with the list her general ideas crystallized quickly and a growing excitement about the future began to grip her. Then, suddenly without warning, an irrational fear swept through her, that she wouldn't get home, that these plans would never be realized. Almost immediately, a soothing calm passed through her in a manner so unexpected and unlikely she knew it had to have been triggered in some way.

  "Ham, what happened then?"

  "You lost it for a second there and it hit me like an alarm so I triggered a release of hormones to calm you down. It was all natural, I'm learning all the time."

  "I'm not sure I like that Ham, and now that I know you can do that let me ask in future please. There are advantages to fear at times and I'm not a patient, capiche?"

  "Yes godmother, are we good now?"

  "We're good. I'd like you to review my list and consider what might be reasonable. I know I've asked a lot but I'm guessing if the ship requests provisioning these things might be possible. Also, once you've considered my plans if there's anything else you feel that I've missed you can add it."

  "It's quite a list."

  "Well - you said it, I needed lots of therapy!"

  Marin and Regan sat in the control room, eyes glued to the screen as the Dahlian orbital grew in their vision. Her chest tight with stress, Regan was tempted to ask Ham to release some calming influence, but the approach to the destina
tion seemed so rapid she preferred to be alert. Instead she sat curled in the seat with arms crossed, hands obsessively brushing the opposite biceps as if trying to stroke away tension. Marin leant forward, reaching across to squeeze her arm. They made eye contact and he smiled a tight smile.

  "It's going to be all right, Regan." He squeezed again, and then returned his gaze to the screen.

  She could see they were approaching the bulb from underneath with the petals soaring over them, one moment still in light then suddenly they were in shadow, hidden from the dim star. As they drew nearer she became aware how distorted her view had been, as from a distance there was nothing to compare the orbital with in this area of space.

  The minutes ticked by on her watch, each glance reminding her that distances were deceptive. The ship really was a very, very small ball, like a speck of dust approaching an enormous, inconceivably large structure. Gradually detail on the bulb became clearer, huge windows, vents, platforms and vessels of all shapes moving in ordered paths across the face. Nothing more was said as the majesty of their destination was revealed and Regan acknowledged she was awestruck by the sight and this is a small orbital!

  [Not small in size,] Ham reminded her [Smaller in population - it's actually one of the bigger in total area.]

  They swept under the bulb, drawing ever nearer.

  "There it is!" Marin said, excited to point out his base.

  Regan followed his direction and saw they were making for a concave gap in the surface. It was clear to her, although she couldn't tell its size, that they would slot into that space.

  [We dock from the side.] Ham explained silently [That way the Pods and other vessels are free for use.]

  That they were approaching side on wasn't evident from the screen as they always had a forward view. She understood however and watched spellbound as the concave space filled the screen, until nothing. Then she heard a familiar clunk sparking memories of the Pod and her sense of a lock closing. A shudder again passed down her back.

  Ham broke the silence. "Let's review quickly while we can. Regan, you must stay silent, you can speak your own language but nothing else."

  "I've got it Ham."

  "And I can sub-vocalize to you, but you mustn't reply, and Regan . . . ." Ham hesitated.

  She waited. "Yes? What?"

  "Don't hit anyone!" He was serious.

  "Why would I do that?" She said, slightly offended.

  "Oh you'll see," Marin sounded resigned. "We'll exit via deck five Regan; we might as well get down there." Then he turned to her and took both her hands. Looking into her eyes he seemed genuinely sad.

  "Regan, no matter what happens; I'm grateful, thank you. If my family doesn't do the right things try to get back to Ham, and run!"

  She knew he was anticipating problems with his web and tried to reassure him, "It won't come to that Marin. You'll be fine, we need you."

  [Regan, I have another idea. I've downloaded details about the orbital that will help us. I won't speak to you from the ship unless I have to, and I will always say 'ship'. That way you'll know not to reply. If I don't say ship then our conversation is all internal and we'll be able to converse without detection, and remember, even Marin doesn't know I'm here in you.]

  [Thanks Ham. I've never been so happy to have an invisible friend.]

  It all suddenly became seriously real, not just a plan. Regan felt as if the blood was draining from her face and she sat rigid for a moment. But then she dug deep, summoned familiar competition strength, and stood. She was the first to speak.

  "Right, let's do this thing!"

  A few minutes later and they were walking across the deck on level five. Regan looked sideways at Marin and he looked confident if serious; we're both keyed up, she thought. Ready for action, she hoped they didn't look defensive and couldn't help wondering, how do we look? She reflected on the thought, both in black ship suits, he taller by at least twenty centimeters and lean muscled, she in excellent shape by Earth standards but heavily muscled compared with Marin's people. Stocky, she thought, ugh! It struck her they might look like an odd pair, the odd couple.

  Ham's voice broke the heavy silence. "Before I open up you need to see this Marin."

  The curved hull lit up with live visuals as they approached. The image presented as if looking at the outside through a large window and they paused to take in the scene. Fifteen people were gathered and they looked tense. Regan noted their dress was practical, not ostentatious, suits not as tight as those they had been wearing but still snug and revealing. She could see two women, both tall and willowy. One, in the centre of the group, was imperious with her head raised and mouth held tight, clearly the matriarch. Regan bristled. On her right she could see another woman, slightly taller, with two young children clasping her legs, she looked anxious and expectant. Gathered loosely around the two were eleven men, all comically thin to Regan's eyes, however they were nevertheless tall and imposing.

  "The two on either side of the women are my half brothers," Marin said, breaking her concentration, "Brun on the left and Sarin on the right."

  "Be careful of that one Regan, Sarin is an apt name, he's poison." Ham sounded wary.

  "This isn't the normal happy welcoming party," Marin said thoughtfully. "You're right Ham, something is up. Well, let's get this party on the road, open up!"

  Smoothly the floor and hull in front moved forward carrying them with it. Regan looked behind and realized the whole level was sliding across in one section, the effect being to produce two gaps, one on either side of the wall they were facing. Regan had the impression the floor could slide out even further allowing full access to the storage area. On this occasion it stopped when the gap was large enough to walk through and Marin stepped out while Regan hesitated. On the wall she could still see the images and watched as the two children on seeing Marin immediately squealed and made for him, only to be pulled back by their mother. She wasn't successful and the girl broke free, running to Marin and jumping into his arms.

  [Regan, be careful of the gravity, eighty five percent remember, walk softly.]

  "And carry a big stick!" she muttered as she stepped through the gap.

  All eyes in the group were on Marin as he carried Buela forward, both of them laughing. Beria's look and demeanor was severe as she regarded the pair and she appeared about to speak when a gasp escaped someone's mouth. Regan felt their eyes burn into her as they all turned. Beria stopped in mid sentence, her mouth still open. When she turned to Regan her face paled and her jaw tensed with a look that could freeze water. Very slowly she turned her head back to Marin.

  "You fool!" She turned in one abrupt motion and stalked from the deck. As she entered a corridor at the rear Regan could hear her yell, "In . . . my . . . quarters!" With that she was gone.

  [Well, that went well.] Regan silently processed the thought, shaking slightly with anger. [It's ok, you can talk, and this is the 'youme'. It might help you get through this to vent when you need to, I'm used to it.]

  Regan ignored him [What is wrong with that woman?]

  Marin turned, and walked back to her. Taking Regan by the hand he gently prompted her to follow and led her toward the remaining group, still standing stunned and alarmed. She caught Buela's eyes as the girl peered curiously over his shoulder. Marin made for Sindali, only to be confronted by his brothers who stepped quickly between them.

  "What have you done Merali?" Sarin sneered. "You are an idiot! This will be the seal on your coffin."

  Marin paused, glaring at Sarin until the brother looked away and then, shielding Regan, he pushed past him to his sister. "We need to talk Sin, preferably somewhere private."

  Sindali's eyes were fixed on Regan and without looking at her brother she spoke. "My quarters, we'll go there, then you must speak with Mother."

  She turned and taking the boy by the hand walked to the exit. They moved to follow and as Regan turned Brun reached out one arm to squeeze her breast. In a flash she spun and slapped him so
hard he was knocked from his feet. As they exited following Sindali she could hear Sarin laughing.

  [Well, it wasn't a punch, and you did miss his nose.] Ham sarcastically commended her restraint, [Feel better?]

  [Stay close Ham, I may need those calming influences yet.] She took deep breaths as she walked, shaking her sore hand and slowly draining the tension with every expulsion of air. Dear God, she thought. Is this what it's like to be short? I feel like a child.

  Not far down the corridor doors slid open at Sindali's touch and they entered a tube compartment with bench seats, as usual just too high for her. The five of them sat with Regan beside Marin and to Regan's surprise the girl, Buela, squeezed between them and held her arm. She could sense Sindali's disapproval but she said nothing.

  Without conversation it proved a long fifteen minute journey but Regan didn't notice, she was occupied in her head. At a thought the schematics of the area were there for her and she tracked their progress as if following a GPS at home. Home, she thought wistfully.

  [Are you homesick?]

  [Some. . .] She replied, [But make no mistake Ham, I wouldn't miss this for a minute.]

  When the doors finally opened they exited straight into an apartment, very austere but lit up in strategic places with lights and flowers. It was restful.

  Sindali gestured for the children to leave them. They shuffled off to the side but didn't leave, preferring instead to huddle behind a couch. Marin walked to the large table in one corner, clearly comfortable in the room and Regan followed, taking a seat without asking. Sindali joined them and they sat at opposite sides of the table, each waiting for the other to speak.

  With a nod Sindali indicated Regan and raised her eyebrows. Her features were striking and every look seemed to convey so much information, a woman of few words perhaps, Regan thought.

  "She saved my life." Marin also didn't waste his words.