Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy (40 page)

"Commander," The General spoke, "the Russian Federation as a senior member of the Earth Security Council and as leaders in the Earth space program welcomes you to our planet. We have looked forward to such a visit since the knowledge of your worlds became known to us. We wonder at the purpose of your welcome visit, if any, and how we may work together to mutual advantage."

Merryl seemed to regard him with contempt, giving nothing away. After a long pause he glanced sideways at his First officer, and then turned his eyes back to the General slowly. "Major General, we are here for the murderess . . . one Regan, and for the rebel Merali from our system. Do you know of them?"

Beria leaned forward, watching like a Hawk. The General gave nothing away. Almost comically he mirrored the actions of Merryl, glancing first at his assistant, and then back at the Coran. "Commander, it seems fortune favors you. You have by chance or fate come to the people most able to assist you in your quest. I wonder how this quest and our assistance might work to mutual advantage."

Beria laughed out loud, a bitter cackle drawing looks from the Emperor. She was clearly impressed with this animal.

Merryl's look was mixed but definitely one of respect. "Major General, it is our expectation that fate will work with us. It would be a great disappointment for such words to prove empty. However, should you be able to deliver on that promise, who knows what benefits might accrue for those who assist?"

"Then we must work together to achieve our respective goals Commander." Lebedev remained calm. "Might I suggest that at your earliest convenience we meet with the leaders of our Federation, and develop a plan that will see your needs met
and
our own. You may yet have the bitch and her bastard son." The Generals excitement could hardly be contained.

Merryl's demeanor was cold, chilling. "This
is
my earliest convenience General, we will leave at once."

"STOP!" Ignoring protocol Beria shouted over the recording. She stood slowly, all eyes turning to her, including the aging Emperor's. The visuals froze.

"Replay those last few exchanges." She spat out the words.

The replay picked up with the general speaking.

". . . Then we must work together to achieve our respective goals Commander. Might I suggest that at your earliest convenience we meet with the leaders of our Federation, and develop a plan that will see your needs met
and
our own. You may yet have the bitch and her bastard son."

"STOP!" She stood there, shocked, cold, calculating . . .
her bastard son!
. . . then turned and bowed to the Emperor.

"A word in private, please my Lord."

* * * * *

About the Author

Mark Brewer is a New Zealander based in Wellington. With a background in business training and consultancy Mark has worked with some of the largest companies in Oceania developing people and organizations to perform at their best.

A lover of the outdoors and adventure he fishes, ski's and tramps throughout New Zealand. With his wife he regularly travels internationally particularly to Europe, Asia and the USA.

Other books by Mark G Brewer

Regan's Reach: Book One in the series.

Young Kiwi tech entrepreneur Regan Stein has just sold ten percent of her company for four hundred million US dollars. The buyer, aerospace and defense giant USDynamics want a share of Arteis, her new cyber defense system. Plus they've picked out Regan as a fresh creative genius and want in on whatever she has planned next

Washed out from negotiations and cash rich Regan decides to take a long planned break and go bush, to disappear for six months and freshen up her thinking. Tramping off track, top of New Zealand’s South Island she accepts a shock Satphone call for help. Doing the right thing finds her the rescuer of a comatose man, human but strangely alien. Within hours her life has changed.

While in orbit at the mercy of a quirky artificial intelligence and nursemaid to the injured alien she finds out traitorous moves have been made against her company by foreign business powers. Unable to do anything about it in her present situation she instead messages her team to warn them then embarks on the journey of a lifetime assisting the AI to return the man while leaving her trusted team to deal with the attack at home.

The two month interstellar journey see’s a developing relationship with the AI and a formidable partnership established. They arrive at their destination in the middle of political unrest.

At home her team find themselves collateral damage in a corporate war full of intrigue, murky politics, and betrayal. Will she survive the trip across the galaxy? How will her friends deal with the threats and will the company survive the attack? And who would want to be in Regan Stein's sights if she returns at all?

Orbital Envy is Book Two in the Regan's Reach series.

Coming soon is book three, 'Confluence'.