Regan's Reach 4: Avarice by Mark G Brewer Read Free Book Online Page A

details but I understand they are paying some kind of tax in
exchange for energy supplies. The new Fifino - the replacement since Ham . .
." and Tihan made a throat cutting action, apparently Ham's method of
despatch of the traitorous forebear, "well, Fifino is junior and easily
influenced. Dahlia is less worried. They have good supplies of insertion ready
tubes in reserve, plus a huge solar energy industry and I understand she took a
position in one of the plants Reubus was trying to buy. She held out while
others sold and although a minor player she certainly has the needs of the Orbital
covered."
    Regan couldn't contain her smile at the
Dahlia news but quickly clamped down on it in light of Tihan's fragile
disposition. "Tihan, I will speak to Reubus but you must be aware his
moves seem quite legitimate and legal. All I can do is try to establish his
aims and get back to you. In the meantime, might I suggest you forward to me
the work you have done on alternative energy. We may be able to build on it and
help you that way, you never know."
    He looked concerned at the suggestion.
"Well, we couldn't just give it to you."
    Regan was speechless for a moment, her
exasperation obvious. "Tihan, you have just said you fear losing control
of your own Orbital. And if that process continues Reubus will eventually have
the technology anyway. Who would you rather be working with, Reubus or me?
Think about it carefully. I'll meet with Reubus as I said, and then I'm
returning home. If you want help from me Tihan, you will need to transfer that
data to me before we leave. I may not be back for quite a few periods."
    "You are leaving for Rigel?"
    "Yes, within two periods, around
fourteen days from now."
    The sage nodded sadly. "I will confer
with the Premier and get back to you."
     
     
    * * *
     
    Reubus Orbital
     
     
    Reubus responded with delight to Regan's
message; of course he would be available. She considered calling for Ham but he
was strangely silent so she made the jump to the Orbital anyway, her ability to
accurately direct the path of travel growing with each successive leap. The
physics of these jumps still escaped her but the process was so simple it
proved ridiculously easy to adapt.
    If only it was this easy to physically
jump. And that was the challenge, to get to Orion,
or Gliese, or wherever with ships and people faster, certainly trips reduced to
weeks or months, not generations.
     
    Her avatar emerged in his large study and Regan
was relieved to find Reubus alone there, but not in the form expected. The
Orbital Mind chose to present in a stunningly handsome android and on her
appearance he bowed, gesturing to a female form reclined on a couch to the
side. It was clearly designed for her and he seemed wonderfully happy at the
visit.
    "Regan, I'm so glad you came. It has
been weeks since you were here, please join me in a meal and wine, aren't these
androids wonderful?" He gestured again, hopefully, at the form on the
couch.
    Regan shuddered at the obvious intentions
but smiled disarmingly. "Thank you Reubus, but no, another time perhaps, I
am under time pressure as always." The look of disappointment on the
android face spoke volumes and she immediately smiled again warmly. "My
friend, I will be back soon, and yes we will set aside some time then."
    His demeanor at the concession picked up
considerably and he took the seat opposite, again offering her the couch and so
she sat, taking a place beside the quite attractive female android. Like her it
was also dressed she in a skintight suit and did look somewhat like her. Quite
fetching, she thought, but nevertheless she shuffled a little further to
the side, feeling better for the distance.
    She then gave him her most engaging smile.
"I'm so pleased you were available my friend, I really just wanted to
connect with you, especially as I hear you have been doing so well; I
understand business is thriving?"
    "Oh yes Regan, this freedom to do
business we all enjoy now, it