Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy Read Free

acceptable to the members of the Security Council here present, and be for the good of the world and our ongoing well being." He paused, relaxing back in his seat and smiling disarmingly. "Now, there would be no one present here who has more admiration for what USDynamics and Regan Stein have accomplished in three short years. We are in their debt for the huge leap forward they have made into space and I think we are all aware the platforms they established will be the staging posts for countless missions into our Solar System and even beyond. All humanity stands to benefit from this opportunity and I'm sure we agree it should not be the preserve of just a few. Having said that," and he again leant forward, taking on a grave expression, "We now also know we are not alone. As our people venture further out into the unknown who knows what forces we might be prodding and who knows what responses that prodding may draw. Farfetched you say? I think not. The very presence of the alien Marin in our system, the fact that one of our own has journeyed with him to his system, these truths remind us that we are under observation from afar. For what purpose you might ask?"
    He stood and began to pace around the table, forcing each to turn and follow his progress. On reaching the chairman he paused and placed one hand on each shoulder of the uncomfortable Canadian. "We, this council need to take up the responsibility and leadership the world expects from us. The proposal which is outlined in the documents you now hold has been prepared by the Russian President and I in consultation with the Chinese leadership and many other like minded concerned nations. In short, the proposal is for this council to take oversight of Hillary Station, on behalf of the world and in defense of the Earth. It's time for the secrets and opportunities offered by Hillary to be made available to all and for the benefit of all. Now gentlemen," he put emphasis on the word and as he did so clearly spied the Chancellor, " and ladies, is the time." Finally, he released the Chairman's shoulders and returned to his seat.
     
    The Canadian Prime Minister, clearly rattled, perhaps undiplomatically removed a handkerchief and wiped down his shoulder pads before proceeding.
    "Well . . . we have had the discussion document since last evening and the formal proposal is tabled before you. The floor is open for discussion. I understand the New Zealand Prime Minister would like to speak and perhaps that might be a good way to kick things off. Prime Minister Jarvis, I hand over to you."
     
    Bob Jarvis leaned forward, a picture of calm. What a change Regan thought from her security camera view, In four years he has gone from a first term PM to a man of genuine gravitas, a respected international leader.
     
    "Thank you John," he sounded warm, comfortable in his position and he smiled as he looked around the room. "I join with the President in congratulating Regan Stein for her achievements. She has truly opened up a gateway to the stars. Who would have thought it possible only a few years ago that we would make such progress so quickly. It would be all too easy to attribute this progress more to the visit of our Dahlian friend than the work of any other however I have had the privilege of discussing this with him personally. Make no mistake; Marin is in no doubt as to the force that is Regan Stein. That he is here and that she returned with technology the envy of many is a result achieved by her efforts and personal risk. It is not the charity of distant neighbors that she profits from at others expense. Further Marin points out that already she and her team are building on this technology and improving it, something that will be of benefit to his world as well as ours." He paused, clearly choosing his next words carefully. "President Johnston, with respect, in your introduction you called for the secrets and opportunities offered by Hillary Station to be made available to all and