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

offers such opportunities and I'm sure you'd be
pleased. There are so many inefficiencies around the various Orbitals; so much
time and effort wasted. With free trade and the ability now to merge inter Orbital
businesses I've been consolidating and expanding my interests." He slid
forward on his chair and leaned toward her as if trying to bridge the gap and
she had the impression he would leap on her if she had a physical form; it was
almost predatory.
    Reubus took on a conspiratorial look. "You
know that we, you and I - we could establish a great business partnership if we
merged . . ." and he hesitated subtly while holding seductive eye contact.
"Together we would have the largest business in two systems, and who knows
where that could lead?"
    Regan hesitated, considering how best to
reply. Stay neutral, stay neutral.  "Hmm, and what of the other Orbitals?
What of their independence and freedom to operate, how would they survive?"
    He smiled reassuringly, "No one would
be taking away their independence Regan; in fact we're offering expertise to
help businesses thrive, for a share of the action of course, which is only
fair. And if the share they retain ends up worth more than the original whole
isn't that good for everyone? Honestly Regan, some people shouldn't even be in
business. Often I find things can be done so much better and at much lower
cost. The consumer will benefit with better pricing and it is good for the
business in terms of efficiencies and profitability. And yes, of course I, or
we . . ." he looked up again hopefully, ". . . we then benefit too.
Regan, you and I, we could be partners and it would yield such fruit; it might
be fun." His eyes were again drawn as if by magnet to the female android,
a longing lustful look that Regan did her best to ignore.
    "I have partners, Reubus," she
replied.
    "Ah, what you say so encourages me;
you don't dismiss the idea out of hand and that gives me hope." He smiled
again, quite the charmer.
    Despite herself she couldn't help
responding in kind and smiling warmly. "Reubus, business is one thing,
personal life is another. You know that I am very happy with my partners."
It was shameless but Regan wasn't averse to using her own charms to flush out
extra information.
    He laughed. "Of course, I understand,
you have partners at home . . . in the Earth system. But you can't blame a Mind
for hoping, can you? You have so much to share," and then he couldn't help
himself, glancing once again at the android, "Gliese would benefit so much
from you being here more."
    Regan teasingly stroked the leg of the
female form beside her and she could see Reubus shiver uncontrollably. "I
must go for now; Reubus please, if you care for me go easy on Tihan, you have
so much already; do you really need more?"
    He settled back and smiled patronizingly.
"Tihan yes, I love him like a brother and I respect his ability to
organize and manage, but Regan he knows nothing of business and . . . you
probably don't know but he has made so many poor decisions. For you, my dear, I
will help him as much as I can, but in some ways acquiring businesses there is
the best way to do it. Some would say it is a kindness."
    Regan stood and nodded her head in
acknowledgement. "Do what you can Reubus, for me, and I will think on the
things you have said."
    "I can ask no more." he replied,
rising to take her extended hand, a cyber haze seeming to enshroud the android
arm as he did so, reaching above the skin to meld with her essence.
    He seemed to draw something and she
willingly let it pass, watching his eyes glaze over for a moment in ecstasy
before she dissolved in gentle fading light leaving him standing there alone.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    Dahlia Orbital
     
    They reunited in a favorite cyber
construction on Dahlia Orbital; Regan, the beautiful man, and the gracious
lady. Regan sighed; relieved now to be with those she could be completely open
with. What Ham had been up to she would soon find out. What Dahlia/Hilary