Sindali simply cocked her head and raised her eyebrows again. How very human.
He continued, "I know, I know, yes, I went down there again, I'm driven to visit that place, it haunts me. Anyway, there was an accident and I was badly hurt." He gestured at Regan. "Without this human I wouldn't even be here."
"Perhaps it would have been better if you weren't." Her look was severe for a moment, and then Regan saw tears well in her eyes and her head dropped. Sindali suddenly reached across the table and took Marin's hand. "Oh Mer', you have no idea. Of course I'm glad you're here but this could not be worse."
He took her hand in his, "Tell me, what has happened?"
Sindali looked sideways at Regan, and then continued. "Things were bad before you left, but they have escalated while you were away. Things are much more volatile now and Mother has been threatened by unknown rivals, hence the guard. There have already been two attempts on her life. I've had approaches from the council, not associated with the attempts I'm sure, but they do want to shut down the dissent." She paused, uncomfortable with something.
"Marin, they want me to take over, I have refused, naturally, but Mother becomes more and more determined and she is more and more unreasonable."
[What's this all about Ham?]
[Oh - food, money, power, influence and of course jealousies, slights, infidelities, insults, the normal hotch potch of humanoid failings.]
[Give me the Reader's Digest version.]
[Beria has ruled with an iron tongue since Mariner was killed. She assumed the throne so to speak, as if it was hers by right. Regan, this isn't a monarchy as you know them. Mariner was followed by the people because of the man he was, Beria has no such qualities and she's retained her control by threat and coercion. Not physical, at least not so far, but with information, her spies are everywhere. In the beginning she intended to do so only until Marin or Sindali took over, but increasingly she's become more paranoid and it threatens to destabilize the orbital. There are many who would like to control the trade with other tribal groups, other orbitals. Instead, she gives nothing and shares nothing . . . it seems some have had enough.]
While she internally conversed with Ham, Marin and Sindali continued talking animatedly. The children had insinuated themselves under the table and she felt a small hand on her leg. Looking down she saw Buela's face, then Rhine's appeared. Regan reached down and drew them up beside her, smiling. They touched her biceps and thighs, clearly intrigued by her bulk, then scattered at a bark from their mother. Regan made as if to speak only to be brought up short by a bark from Ham, [REGAN!] It caught her just in time and she simply nodded to Sindali and smiled.
Marin stood and they followed. "Thank you Sin, I must face Mother now. Before I do, there is something else, something I need you to organize for me."
"Of course Mer, I'll do anything." She replied
"In the accident, my web was damaged in some way." Sindali's hand went to her face in concern. "I need a specialist to look at it, it may be something simple but I can't function properly without it. Can you organize that for me, urgently?"
"It will be done," She replied without hesitation. "By the time you have finished with Mother I will have organized a meeting."
"Thank you again sister, but one more thing. For now, and if I go into treatment, please look after this woman," and he indicated Regan, as if there was any need. "I owe her a debt of honor. No harm must come to her."
"Of course I will . . . again, anything Mer." She looked reluctant but didn't hesitate to agree.
With that he turned to Regan, took both her hands and smiled. He nodded to the table and the message was clear, stay here, then he turned for the door.
Regan, alarmed, made to follow.
[Let him go Regan. He needs to talk to the witch alone.]
[Can you track him?]
[Yes, from here and from the ship. We'll always know where he is.]
Regan wrung her hands, and then sat back down at the table as the doors slid shut behind Marin.
The boy, bolder now, looked up and extended his arms, another familiar gesture she thought and smiled thinly before picking him up. What do I do now?
Sindali proved a gracious if nervous hostess and not long after Marin left she returned to the room with a tray, food and drinks. The food items were new to Regan but she ate with confidence, knowing nothing she'd eaten so far had been a problem. They were tasty, things that had recognizable flavors but unfamiliar forms and while it was disconcerting she ate anyway, nervously. While the children were a delight, trying to entertain her with their antics, largely Regan spent the time listening to Ham explain more about the likely politics of the situation. I probably look like a zombie to them! She knew Marin would know more and bring them both up to date when he returned.
Sindali drifted in and out of the room saying nothing, what was the point after all? She stole glances at Regan, observing her from a distance and it was disconcerting until she realized Sindali's concerns probably weren't about her, she was fretting about Marin.
The room, while comfortable was compact open plan. It had no windows but neither had the ship so Regan hardly noticed. Still, she itched to get outside; there were gardens and parks she knew, hanging there in space! She wanted to explore, to experience. Early days, Regan, she told herself, be patient.
The most interesting exchange in the whole waiting period was asking for the toilet. She played her role and simply acted it out, poorly. It was Buela, laughing, who first discerned her meaning and everyone broke out in fits of laughter, it was a magic moment. Sindali looked at her with compassion, a connection was made and she took Regan by the hand leading her to the bathroom.
It was two hours before Marin returned, looking haggard and emotionally drained. On his entrance the children immediately ran to him. He swept them both up and swung them around, kissing each before putting them down. He went down on his haunches so that he could look at them at eye level.
"It is so good to see you, my favorite niece and nephew."
"We're your only niece and nephew!" Rhine laughed.
"That's true, but you are still my favorites." Marin smiled warmly but Regan could see he was strained. "Now, I will speak with you later and tell you my stories of travel, but for now I must speak with your mother. Leave us for a while, I won't forget you."
The children surprised Regan by immediately disappearing off to another area. Try that at home, she thought.
Sindali had been waiting and watching. She came forward and embraced Marin, long and hard. "Now you understand?"
"I had no idea." Marin replied and slumped into a seat, "How long has she been like this?"
"Oh Marin, she's been difficult for a long time but you are so focused on your work you just don't notice. These last few periods, with the threats, attempts on her life, she has become hardened, not more reasonable. She's impossible."
He looked incredulous, "Who would threaten her? What is there to gain? She talks as if the orbital is full of traitors."
"Traitors there are, Marin, those who have had enough of the sidelines, families with grandiose ideas of system influence and power."
Marin shook his head. "This is all so ridiculous; there is nothing to be gained. We do have influence and power but we are no military power. All they needed was to be listened to, to participate, to share in the responsibility. Mother has brought this on herself."
"She's brought it on all of us Marin."
"You have support Sin. We're no democracy. The people appreciate your skills; they will follow your lead." Marin looked desperate, as if grabbing at straws.
"I worry that it has gone past that point Mer. I'm caught. If I show disrespect to Mother I lose the respect of many. If I do nothing, every day Mother undermines Father's legacy and one thing is certain; this is coming to a head."
Marin looked pensive. "I need this dealt with first Sin," and he pointed to his head. "I'm hamstrung like this, did you get a specialist?"
A
look of genuine desperate concern came over Sindali. "Of course I called Marin; they have made space for you at the clinic, tonight." And suddenly tears welled up in her eyes, alarming Regan. "Mer,'" she said, "this is such a risk."
[Ham, what does she mean?]
[There is a risk Regan, this is a brain operation after all. He'll have the best of treatment but everyone worries. There is no going back and for Marin this isn't the first time he's been through the procedure.]
Regan stood and went to Sindali, putting one arm around her shoulders. She sat beside and just held her. Sindali dropped her head to Regan's shoulder and sobbed.
[This is more than Marin, Ham. This woman has been carrying the orbital on her shoulders.]
[I think you're right Regan, and holding off the witch.]
Marin stood and spoke to Sindali while Regan had the feeling he was also speaking to her.
"It must be done Sin and thank you for organizing it, I know you must have called in some favors. The sooner this is done the sooner I will be in the right shape to help."
Sindali looked bereft and didn't reply. The unsaid hung in the air, Marin might not be back.
He stood, then with a look at Regan and a touch on Sindali's shoulder he walked to the doors. "I'm going now, I don't want to wait. I promised the children I'll be back and I will."
Regan continued to hold the sobbing Sindali and subbed Ham desperately [What do I do now?]
[Regan, don't!]
[What?]
[Regaaaan!]
Regan pulled Sindali closer, stroking her arm and rocking gently as she wept. Then she took a big breath and spoke. "Don't worry Sindali, everything will be fine, my mother always used to say, this too will pass."
Suddenly, unsurprisingly, Sindali became very, very still. She reached up and carefully lifted Regan's arm from her shoulder then avoiding eye contact she sat up, wiped her face with her sleeve and shifted, subtly, putting a gap between them.
Regan spoke first. "We're not technologically deficient Sindali."
Sindali looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"My world, we're not technologically backward you know, not anywhere as advanced with star travel for sure but language translation - such things are commonplace to us."
"Oh?" She looked sceptical.
"Marin said you would be like this."
[Oh boy, here we go!] Ham immediately registered Regan's use of the name.
"Marin? Only our father called him Marin, his name is Merali."
"Well, that's good; at least we're talking now." Regan shifted to engage Sindali face on. "Why would he want to be known as Merali? What is wrong with you people?"
Sindali stood. "He doesn't like his name?"
"Have you, or anyone, ever asked him? This fine man, lumbered with a damning reminder of his condition? Honestly, I don't know whether he minds, but he is Marin to me."
For a long moment they simply looked at each other, neither giving ground. Sindali spoke first. "Clearly, we need to talk. . . . what else do you know about my brother?"
Ham was impressed. [Oh . . . you . . . are . . . very . . . good!]
Two hours passed before they finally succumbed to pressure from the children and took a break. It had been interesting. Sindali clearly loved and respected Marin, that much was obvious, but she did not understand him. Ham's comments punctuated their discussion, at times helpful, sarcastic, scathing and hilarious. Somehow Regan remained straight faced and the conversation proved for the most part enjoyable. Sindali was evasive about local politics, and the threats.
Family business stays in family I guess, she thought. However with Ham's insights, skewed as they may have been, Regan felt she had a good understanding of the situation. In summary she thought; these people are just like us . . . Damn!
Despite her best hints she had been unable to get Sindali to agree to take her anywhere; clearly she didn't want them to be seen outside. Joined now by the children they curled up on the furniture and watched a large screen showing news. While she could understand it Regan found news was as boring here as at home and quickly she switched to playing with Buela and Rhine.
A distracted look came on Sindali's face and she hesitated as if listening.
A web, Regan realized and waited.
"They are operating on him now but they can't tell me anything as yet, and Regan, Mother is coming, she'll be here soon. I suggest you say nothing, she may see you as a threat."
"I understand Sindali, you have enough to worry about. I'll follow your lead as much as possible." Regan moved to sit at the table with Buela joining her, the young girl climbing onto her knee.
[She has Brun and Sarin with her Regan, quite an entourage with the guards.] Ham was concerned.
Regan began a routine of breathing that calmed and prepared her as the minutes passed in silence. [It's like waiting for battle Ham.]
[It may well be battle.]
There was no bell, the doors simply opening with guards entering first followed by Beria, then Brun and Sarin.
Beria's eyes locked on Regan as she spoke, "The children should leave us daughter, we need to talk."
Sindali nodded toward the door and the children scuttled away without complaint, neither of them acknowledging their grandmother, interesting.
Beria's glare was clearly meant to intimidate however Regan simply met the gaze and remained calm, relaxed. She could tell it infuriated the woman.
"Daughter, Merali did not tell me that he was injured nor did you inform me of his treatment, why is that?" Her eyes were still boring holes in Regan's temple.
"I can't tell you why Mer didn't mention it Mother. Perhaps his concern over the threats on your life made him protect you from the knowledge. As for his treatment, of course as a sister I did what I could for my brother, is there a problem?"
"Perhaps there is, it might have been best not to have this treatment at all! Do you believe his story?"
"Story?" Sindali looked innocently confused.
"The story about Merali's human. How could she have saved his life?"
[Keep calm Regan.]
"Mother I see no reason for Mer to lie, he said couldn't get back to the ship on his own. At worst he has been foolish, but no harm done. Discovery there would have been disastrous; truly she has done Mer a great service."
"Oh, that it were that simple my dear, and you will learn of such things. I am not pleased that no one informed me before this operation but what is done is done, the matters in hand are most important now. Merali's plaything is a problem we don't need." Not for a moment had her eyes left Regan but suddenly she turned to face Sindali.
"Until he recovers, if he recovers, Brun and Sarin will look after Merali's pet."
[Regan . . . Stay calm!]
But Ham was too late, the insult too personal.
"I . . . AM . . . NO ONES . . . PET!" Regan stood defiantly.
The guards actually stepped back shocked, leaving Beria standing alone. To her credit she didn't flinch. Regan judged her slow turn back to face her as almost demonic.
"Well, well, well. What have we here? Our specimen has a voice, and a language she should not have."
Regan didn't hesitate. "We may not travel the galaxy but we are not backward, madam. Language is no issue to us. I am no pet or specimen, simply the savior of your son."
Beria glared coldly. "Brun, Sarin, take her. She is in your care until Merali recovers."
"No!" and Sindali stepped between them. "Mer left her in my care, she stays with me."
The slap came suddenly and Sindali staggered. Before she could recover or Regan act the guards stepped between them and raised their weapons. Brun and Sarin immediately stepped forward and took her arms. Regan looked around wildly, considering defense and then saw the children at the door, terrified. She decided then not to fight and didn't resist as they pulled her toward the door. Behind her she could hear Sindali crying as they waited for a car, then as the doors opened they shoved her through. Unsighted Regan couldn't defe
nd herself as Brun hit her hard, a back hander slamming his knuckles into her cheekbone and she dropped to the floor stunned.
*
Regan opened her left eye. The right side of her face felt swollen and sore. She could feel she was on a bed, her arms secured uncomfortably behind her but her legs were free and she tried to struggle on to her front.
[Ham, what happened, where am I?]
[You passed out when Brun hit you and now you're in Sarin's unit. Regan, it doesn't look good. I have messaged Sindali with your location but she is still detained with her mother. She will come with help, hold on.]
Outside the room she could hear laughter, they were clearly drinking. Her arms hurt badly and wriggling to relieve the pressure seemed only to make it worse. She could feel herself beginning to hyperventilate in short panicked gasps so she tried to relax, to slow her breathing and think. Gritting her teeth she tensed and rolled but couldn't stifle a cry as she toppled to the floor with a thump. The laughter stopped and Regan groaned with despair. Face down on the floor she heard the door open and then, with a wrench of her arms both men lifted and threw her on to her back. She cursed them both and they stood, mocking, clearly beyond reason.
[Be strong Regan, I won't leave you, help is near.]
Brun reached for her suit and tried to tear it off her chest but it was too strong, the twisting fabric burning her skin. She spat at him and he hit her again, frustrated. Sarin left the room, only gone for a minute before coming back with a blade. He flicked her chin in warning then slashed her suit down the middle and off her shoulders; Brun then tore the fabric away and ripped the remainder of the suit off her legs leaving her naked. She yelled and swore at them before Sarin again knelt over her with the blade.
"You are an animal, you heard Mother, a pet, a plaything, and you resisted arrest." He laughed in her face. Stepping back he stripped off his suit and Brun followed his lead.
She felt sick with disgust and fear, [How could a form I came to love suddenly be so ugly?]
[They're not worth comparing Regan, they are the animals!]
Regan's Reach Page 19
