Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy Read Free Page B

request later meeting time. He was under no illusions about his own importance. Their interest was in Hillary Station, favors' in space, and possible contacts with these latest rock stars, Marin and Regan. It was a cross he bore happily. Gathering his papers he hardly noticed the young man approach from behind. He slipped a note into Jarvis hand, a request from the President, a meeting, now. Quickly he pulled himself together and followed the junior official to a side room off the main conference hall. Inside, waiting for him were Cliff Johnston and Secretary of State Anne Marshall, the only person, man or woman to be invited to hold that role in consecutive governments under different administrations. Without a word they all took seats and looked at each other. Appropriately it was the President who spoke first.
    "We're good Bob, don't worry. Anne's been good counsel on this but you need to understand, and I'd appreciate it if you'd pass it on, we're in a difficult position here. I meant what I said when I pointed out most of our top prospects for Hillary come from military or ex military. I'd like to work something out that works for both of us but I also understand what any compromise might set as a precedent. If you can do anything to get some movement from her it would mean a lot."
    "I hear you Cliff and I'll talk to her but I can't promise anything. I'm more concerned about the Russians, he looked seriously pissed."
    "Oh, he'll get over it. Sokolov hates appearing to be begging on anything. I think he just decided on his own that they'd go it alone. They have their manned mission to the moon due there any day. If it comes off they'll establish a base there. Don't be surprised if they claim it as sovereign territory. No, we need to move forward and we want to do it with Stein. Their partnership with USDynamics is too important to us and we don't forget out friends."
    "Not if we can help it anyway." Anne Marshall added the comment sheepishly, a clear reference to the earlier James Walker fiasco.
    Jarvis was conciliatory. He didn't like grandstanding and definitely didn't want to get offside with such important friends. "That's history Anne, don't worry about it, but it's worth remembering that Regan never lost faith then either. This stand isn't personal, but it is principled and she knows principles don't always make you right. I'll see what I can do."
    They stood and shook hands. Bob hesitated respectfully, watching them leave as the young assistant guided them from the room.
     
     
    Entering the main foyer he spied Regan stretched out by the windows. She stirred as he walked over. Not for the first time he stared, reflecting on her stunning looks, and then castigated himself.
    She saw right through him. "Don't beat yourself up Bob," and she smiled, breaking the tension.
    God was I that obvious! He blushed, and then joined her on the seat, perching on the edge so that he could look at her as they talked. "Sorry to drag you all this way. It seems you won't be needed after all. The Russians had a hissy fit and left. There are still some things I'd like to discuss with you, but perhaps when we're at home?" Why does she make me feel like a schoolboy!
    "No problem, it was very . . . enlightening shall we say. I'll head back to Hillary; I could give you a lift if you like?" She stood, effortlessly.
    "No, no, thank you, there are more meetings this evening." He found himself almost stammering.
    She smiled again, disarmingly. "I'll be off then, and Bob, thank you, you were magnificent."
    To his embarrassment he blushed again, speechless for a moment and then turned to walk away. Suddenly he stopped, wondering, how . . . ? He turned back, "Regan?"
     
    But she was gone.
     
     
    * * *
     
    Base Camp Wairarapa was abuzz with excitement. A new flight of ADF's rested on the tarmac, thirty six of the delta drones all fitted out and ready for the Wellington Air Show in two days. A huge shuttle, Sherpa Tenzing, first in the Sherpa