Free Regan's Reach 2: Orbital Envy by Mark G Brewer Page B

success?" Regan asked no one in particular.
    "We're alive." Rod was quick to point out.
    "What about that moon team?" Leah asked.
    "That's a damn good point Leah . . . Ham? Where are they?"
    "They're still in the Sherpa, arriving at earthward flight deck in an hour. Regan, we need that load the Sherpa's carrying."
    "Get security there Ham. Make sure Brian's one of them and tell him they don't leave the deck. Cram them in the smallest most uncomfortable shuttle we've got and send them down to Riverside. We can have the police meet them there."
    "Hmm, the smallest and most uncomfortable shuttle; that would be the one Rod and Leah came in."
    She laughed, the other two failed to see the joke.
    "Just get them down there Ham. I don't want them on my station a moment longer than necessary."
    "Just so you know Babe that made great viewing. Billions will watch that, again and again. The shot of him flying off into space was spectacular."
    "How did you get that shot?" Rod looked amazed.
    "Ahh, we used a helmet cam, on Regan." Ham quickly replied and moved on, "Where to then boss?"
    "Let's go down to Riverside to meet them, I'd like to eyeball them myself. What do you say team? I'll show you my apartment and we can sleep there tonight."
    The two Americans looked at each other with a common thought . . . 'Team' . There were no objections.
     
     
    The bright winter's day in Wellington quickly washed away memories of the coldness of space. Regan was unusually subdued as they made the usual run up the river toward home. It was unnecessary but Ham knew it was her favorite route. Nothing moved her today.
    [Are you ok babe?]
    [That's the second shot at me Ham, what the fucks going on?]
    [We'll work it out, don't worry. Word has got out about the rescue. There's a crowd building at Riverside. You sure you want to go there?]
    [We'll be on the roof Ham, no worries; I don't want to get paranoid]
    Leah seemed to sense the tension and walked up behind Regan to squeeze her shoulders gently. "Are you ok?"
    Regan put one hand back and squeezed Leah's in appreciation. "Thanks, I'm all right, just a bit shaken up I guess." She stood and joined Leah as they approached the rooftop of home. The crowd while not huge was significant. Mixed in among them were the Moon Graffiti protestors as usual but they were far outweighed by supporters.
    They settled gently to the rooftop beside a Pod already there and as they disembarked a loud cheer erupted from out of their sight. They couldn't resist and walked over to peer across the top of the rampart, Regan stretching over to try and see the base . . .
     
    Regan jerked back flung like a rag doll and crashed to the ground, the sound of a shot following. Instantly there was a flash and she disappeared, along with Leah who had dived to shield her.
    The sonic boom broke windows as the Interceptor leapt from the rooftop and scorched vertically to the clouds, an unbelievable ascent that could hardly be followed by the eye. In seconds it was gone leaving Rod shocked, climbing back to his feet, dusting off his suit and finding blood, brain matter and skin on his hands. He vomited over the wall.
    * * *
     
    "Jared?" The voice in his earpiece interrupted the boys sketching. He looked up. "Tell Gran, it's a code red."
    Jared stood slowly and walked, surreptitiously he thought, to the couch where his Grandmother was talking with Mary and Kevin.
    It didn't escape Kevin and he watched with interest. The boy leant over and whispered into his Gran's ear.
    "Code Red!" Jean stood sharply and took the boys arm. " We have to go Kevin, now, back to The STEIN."
    "What?" and he also stood, "Why, what's going on?"
    "I . . . I'm not sure." Jean looked flustered but determined.
    "Tell Gran not to worry I'll take you from there."
    Jared put out his arm. "Gran, take my hand."
    The lights in the room suddenly went out. It was only for a second and when they returned the two were gone. The twins whimpered and ran for their mother.
    "What the . .