Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy

by Mark G Brewer

  Hayden Joyce, already well settled in to his new role as USDynamics Hillary Station CEO, led Regan and Kevin along the hangar deck at Hillary Step.

  "The US seems happy with the orbit position of The Step where it is Regan and if it meets their needs, why go to the trouble of moving it?"

  Kevin nodded, "I agree Regan, provided the Chinese agree too, and we've negotiated a great deal for a ten year lease with rights of renewal. We limited it to ten, not them, and there are strict limitations on the stations use. Absolutely no action will be permitted against Hillary Station and no aggressive action against Earth military targets. The understanding is that the US will be developing Space Fleet as a means of Earth defense and Solar System development. The Chinese have agreed to participate with them although they will delay occupation a few more months. Both hope to continue research through contracting the private firms on Hillary Station anyway. This will be strictly a shared Navy base as such."

  "What if the Russians want space?" Regan sounded doubtful.

  "The Americans understand they don't have exclusive use however they have committed to half the square meters available. China are less accommodating but they've only committed to thirty percent. That leaves twenty for the Russians and Hayden has plans to expand the Step anyway. He can tell you more. On top of that of course there is the USDynamics manufacturing space which they may not need as Hillary Station grows."

  "They want more space Regan" Hayden explained, "but even they can't justify it budget wise or with the fleet available. And that's where it gets really exciting. We'll be expanding the landing area on their pads and be tendering for their new craft. This could be the opportunity to sell the two seated ADF!" Hayden was ecstatic.

  "Sis' the US is already underway. The first shuttles with advance crew are expected tomorrow. They'll be working with Hayden's team on logistics and they hope to have operational shuttle squadrons flying back and forth within three months. I hate to say this but it will be like watching the Wright Brothers in the beginning. They don't have anything like our Sherpa's or the ADF's. I have a feeling that we'll have to address the technology gap issue pretty quickly." He paused.

  "On that note," and he nervously paused again, "they want to post a couple of their flyers to Hillary, to spend time with you if possible. It's basically a shopping expedition. I said I'd talk to you about it, but no promises." He looked hopeful.

  "Shit Kev, the last thing I want to be is a salesperson, or a tour guide. Couldn't you think of someone else?"

  "So you're not opposed to the idea per se?" He made eye contact, questioning, his eyebrows lifting."

  She stopped, put her hands on her hips and eyeballed him. "Kevin Stein, did you just cherry pick me?"

  He laughed. "I knew you wouldn't be interested so I thought we could find someone else to show them around. Good use of a straw man I thought."

  "Well, it seems it is a new age of cooperation. Kev, I still want to be careful. I don't want them getting any of the Field Bubble technology. They can enjoy it at the Step but they don't find out how it works ok. Same with the Grav Plates, they can use them, buy them, but they don't get the tech." She was adamant.

  "I hear you babe, and don't think we're not savvy about these things too. We don't surrender up the jewels to anyone. I wouldn't just have you on my back I'd have Mary too."

  Regan pondered that a moment. "Kevin, I love Mary and it's unqualified. Just to be clear though. No price would make it OK. Any decision on Tech go's through me. Are we agreed?"

  "I hear you." And he turned to Hayden. "I guess you heard all that too my friend. USDynamics have access to a lot of hot stuff. Where do you stand?"

  "Kev', do you really need to ask. We've left politics behind now. We have to work with it and we know who our friends are, but when it comes to this business I for one know where my loyalties lie. On my watch there will be no leaks, period. Our contract states that USDynamics are the station mangers and we will be as tight as a drum."

  * * *

  The Russian moon shuttle drifted slowly off its prearranged orbital path, the occasional irregular bursts from a left tail thruster developing spin that threatened to soon become a sickening whirl. After seven days on the surface, simply a token mission to establish presence and precedent, it appeared the return shuttle would soon be out of control. The five cosmonauts moon walking were about to find themselves very, very alone. On the Shuttle, pilot and engineer reportedly were working frantically to identify the fault. Preparing for pick up had become a disaster.

  The little ADF observed the crafts irregular motion with casual interest. Ham reasoned he wasn't exactly spying, he was watching. There was a difference. It was none of his business but already he was calculating the rate of spin, the regularity of the bursts and the likelihood of survival. Hmmm, he thought as he prepared to report back to Hillary, I hope that thing has barf bags!

  Meanwhile, on Hillary, the US 'spies' had arrived. Regan watched the welcoming ceremony with interest, staying on the fringe of the small group. She had said she wouldn't be there at all, but in the end couldn't resist. The USDynamics Liaison Officer had gathered a small welcoming group for Majors Leah Morgan and 'Butch' Harmon, Navigator and Pilot of the latest US Shuttle. The pair's arrival had drawn a lot of interest as the craft struggled to match spin approaching the pipe. Ham left them for a while then arrested their progress before any damage was done, a fact of which they remained blissfully unaware. They then managed a successful glide in to the flight deck in the USDynamics Shipyard, inner rim earthward end.

  Regan had chosen this arrival pad for personal reasons. The USD flight decks hummed with activity and she knew it would be a shock to them. No harm in letting them know they're not the Bee's knees, she thought. Hayden had delegated a hand holder for the pair to spare her but she couldn't resist being there to observe the arrival. They were the first Military on Hillary. Shit!

  Watching them step down from the shuttle was almost comical. They did look flash but the bulky flight suits were a blast from the past she thought. To be fair she had become so accustomed to the apparent fail safe nature of Ham's systems that any thoughts of needing even a helmet hadn't occurred to her.

  [Now,] Ham gently reminded her [you need to be reasonable. These are our friends, remember. Take a breath. They joined up for just this chance, to get into space, not to kill people. They're just like you] Ham could tell Regan was unreasonably touchy. [Do you need anything to calm down? Elephant tranquilizer perhaps?]

  [I'm good Ham, but you know how I feel about this, it's not their fault but the military, they all come with this ingrained attitude of entitled power]

  [One, that's a ridiculous generalization, and two, you won't have to deal with them anyway, remember?]

  The two officers walked toward the obvious welcoming committee. Morgan was short but walked with a powerful grace. She looked like a gymnast. Harmon she guessed would be a little taller than herself. The pair walked straight toward Hayden who was clearly the oldest of the group and although dressed casually, every inch CEO material.

  Major Harmon, the senior officer saluted. "Mr. Joyce?" Hayden smiled a welcome and extended his hand which Harmon shook with gusto.

  "It's good to have you both here Major's, welcome to Hillary Station." Hayden glanced across at Regan but she quickly shook her head.

  "Wow," Harmon blurted, "What a place you have here, unbelievable, I flew your planes sir, in training, who would have thought I would one day be standing on a USDynamics Orbital?"

  [REGAN!] The voice boomed in her head, distracting her for a moment.

  Hayden jumped in quickly. "Well Major, let's get it straight, it's our privilege to be here, we're partners in the building and we're learning all the time, but this is a STEIN project make no mistake about that." He looked uncomfortable.

  "Oh sure, sure I know they've got the money but we sure know what to do with it eh?" and he laughed conspiratorially. Hayden actually recoiled and stepped away.

&n
bsp; Regan found herself stepping forward, what she would say she didn't know. Major Leah Morgan took one look and broke into an immediate delighted smile.

  "Shit, it's you . . . Sorry . . . Wow! I'm so pleased to meet you Ma'am."

  It rather took the wind out of Regan's sails. She hesitated a second only for Major Harmon to turn and catch a woman standing there out of the corner of his eye.

  "Oh," he said, "Thanks" and held out his bag while turning back to Hayden. He released the bag and Regan watched it drop to the floor.

  "Hey, there are breakables in there." Harmon turned back sharply.

  Hayden stepped forward and put one hand firmly on the Majors arm. "Major Harmon, I'd like you to meet Regan Stein. This is her station and you are here at her invitation."

  Regan smiled icily and extended her hand. He took it and she held it, without releasing.

  "Welcome Major Harmon . . . Now," and she leant forward, doubtful, 'Butch', that can't be your real name surely, a favorite dog perhaps?"

  "Ma'am I've always been Butch."

  Regan was quick. "Oh, well you'll feel comfortable here then, we don't judge people by their sexuality." Leah Morgan laughed out loud.

  "No ma'am," he blushed, "It's my nickname, always has been."

  "Well there must be a given name surely, what do your parents call you?"

  "Rodney, Ma'am."

  "Oh . . . Butch it is then."

  She turned to include them both. "Well, we're going to be spending some time together I understand, in the meantime USD Liaison will guide you to your quarters. We can talk later."

  "Ma'am, I just need to secure my ship." He looked annoyed, at himself more than anything. Don't fuck up the diplomatics the General said. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

  "Of course Major, no offense intended but you can rest easy, there's nothing in there we would want." Regan turned to walk away. She could clearly here him mutter, bitch!

  [Regan, I love ya, but you can be a real ball breaker at times. Was that really necessary?]

  [They just make me so angry at the moment!]

  [Who, is 'they'?]

  [MEN!]

  [I notice you didn't leave the tour to the USD Liaison man?]

  She didn't comment.

  Although the first pipe tube was available she chose to walk and let off some steam. To her surprise she heard feet padding up behind her and turned to see Leah Morgan approaching at a jog.

  "Ma'am, I'm sorry to interrupt you, could I have a word?" She was hardly puffing.

  "Certainly Major, and its Regan, please, we don't stand on ceremony here." Regan took in the woman, taller than she first thought but she still towered over her, ten centimeters at least. She was slim under that suit, that much was obvious but she could also tell the major was a tough nut. The warm smile Morgan gave her could not hide the sense of calm control she radiated. She'd be a handful in a scrap I bet.

  "Thanks Regan," She didn't hesitate to switch to first names, "And its Leah, I realize you're the big wheel here but I would like to be on friendly terms." She stretched out a hand again and they shook warmly. She quickly continued, "Butch, he's not a bad guy, we were both just so keyed up about coming here. He knows he's put his foot in it and I just wanted to say, give him, us, a second chance. We feel like we've won the lottery coming here, truly, we don't want to blow it."

  Regan couldn't help smiling, "So you're the diplomat?"

  "You wouldn't say that if you knew me better," and she laughed infectiously, "but I am the smart one!"

  "I think I'd like that Leah, to get to know you better. Walk with me."

  They continued up the corridor, passing the compound and completing the full two point three kilometers end to end, chatting like old friends and only stopping on reaching the construction zone. Without thinking Regan called up a wall visual of the space beyond and suddenly, there in all its glory was the moon, off in the far distance but impressive nonetheless. Regan began explaining that the pipe would eventually extend a further seven hundred meters beyond that point, including the moonward flight decks, before realizing Leah was looking at her, mouth gaping.

  "How did you do that?" she asked, breathless and turning back to take in the stunning view.

  "Uh . . . it switches on for visitors automatically," she quickly replied. "Isn't that beautiful?"

  [Regan?]

  "What is it Ham?"

  [Sorry to break up the love fest', but something's up, with the Russians. I think you should get to control]

  [Damn, and I was just starting to enjoy myself]

  Regan turned back to the Major, to catch a strange look on her face.

  "Who were you talking to then, have you got an ear piece or something?"

  "Between friends?" and she cocked her head, smiling conspiratorially, "Yeah, it's something like that. Look Leah, I'm really sorry to cut this short but some business has come up that I need to attend to. I'll walk back half way with you then I'm sure you'll find your way."

  "No problem, it's been great already, thank you. I can tell this is going to be bomb!"

  Regan smiled at the choice of words remembering Jared's construction, disturbingly effective under Ham's questionable tutelage. They started back soon chatting animatedly until Regan paused opposite The STEIN.

  "I'll leave you here Leah, it's been fun and it's nice to say that. The USD Liaison will meet you as you continue down. We can talk another time."

  "Thanks," she replied, "I'd like that." Regan just stood there smiling, so Leah turned and started back. She took a few steps then paused, swiveling back. Somehow thanks didn't express how grateful she was to be here. But Regan was gone. Leah stood there for a moment, the hairs on the back of her neck rising. Her eyes instinctively lifted to the ceiling window, and The STEIN, hanging there in space five hundred meters away. Beam me up Scotty . . . Surely not? A burst of excitement shot through her and she began to run, occasionally skipping like a child, drawing strange looks as she made her way down the wide corridor toward the familiar man she could see in uniform approaching through the other busy walkers.

  Sitting in Control Regan and Ham reviewed the recordings from the little ADF. Not a real time feed it was sufficiently delayed to arouse concern.

  "So, how long do you think they have?" Regan's eyes were glued to the Russian shuttle. It made her dizzy just thinking about what it would be like on board.

  "The latest data seems to indicate the irregular thrusts are slowing but each one is like using your hand to keep a ball spinning except here in vacuum there's no resistance. The thrusts look significant but they're like tiny puffs. Still with each one the spin will get faster."

  "Cut to the chase Ham . . . how long?"

  "I would have said it should be over by now but clearly it isn't. If you watch carefully there is a counterthrust occasionally which slows the spin but it still doesn't look good. I guess they're trying to regain control."

  "Have they requested assistance?"

  "Not yet, what should we do?"

  "We should be ready Ham but help won't be welcomed if they're more concerned with saving face. Where's the Tenzing?" She looked thoughtful.

  "It's on the way up from Base Camp. Fully laden but there would be space for, maybe five if they're prepared to get familiar."

  "Redirect it to the moon pronto and don't worry about giving away our speed, just get there. We can hold off and be ready if we're called upon. How long would it take?"

  "She's almost here at the pipe so if we steam on by we could be there in a couple of hours without drawing attention. What about the shuttle, it's heading away from us and we don't even know if anyone's alive there?"

  I'll take an Interceptor, if they ask for help. We don't want the Russians accusing us of interfering at the moment. Sub me if you hear anything, I'm going for a shower and I guess this is as good a time as any to try the new suit."

  Down at the earthward rim As Regan tried her suit Leah Morgan was herself just exiting the bathroom after a luxurious twenty minute
soak. Towel wrapped around her she was a tantalizing prospect for Butch but he knew better. For him at least, Leah Morgan was a No Go Zone. He mused on that ruefully but still couldn't keep his eyes off her as she moved about the generous room.

  "So what's your room like Butch?" she asked.

  "Just like this. More than I expected actually. Everything works which is a change. No mini bar or anything to eat or drink, but Peter, he's the liaison guy; he said he'd explain our options after we'd cleaned up. He let me look in on his own place as we passed. It's like a small apartment. When I commented that I was surprised, you know what he said? He said, of course this is an apartment, this is my home, like it was permanent or something." Butch sounded shocked.

  "Well perhaps it is . . ." Leah looked thoughtful, "his long term home I mean. This place is huge and getting bigger by the day. Regan said there are even children here. Her son and her brother's children, and they're gearing up for more. This is going to be a community."

  "She has a son? Huh, the big guy's I guess." Butch paused, thinking, "Sex with an alien, wonder what that's like?"

  "Well, as you were saying today, you've always been Butch, maybe you'd like it, and he seems like a nice guy." She kept a poker face until he made a grab for her towel.

  "Morgan if you spread that crap I'll eject you into vacuum." he groaned and covered his face with his hands. "What the fuck was I thinking?" She laughed and headed back to the bathroom to put on the ship suit provided. He continued talking, calling through the door. "So, what was she like?"

  "I like her, and you will too if you can just keep that massive ego under control. She's self made Butch, not some Bimbo. Don't be such a chauvinist and you'll get on fine."

  "Pick up any good intel?"

  She came back into the room and glared at him. "No, and I'm not here for that. You should drop that thinking too, quick smart or you'll be on the first shuttle out of here. We're here to learn yes, and build good relations. But I am not a spy . . . are you?"