Confluence Point (24 page)

* * * *

Chapter Four

Unaware she was being observed, Sindali entered the meeting room and took a seat at the large conference table. As the three entities discussed the wisdom or otherwise of this meeting, her demeanor remained calm, warm and gracious.

They paused in their talk and simply watched her for some time; the beautiful man, the young soldier and the businessman.

"She looks in every way the princess they speak of so warmly."

"She is Reubus. A woman of true grace and dignity, loved throughout the Orbitals, even on Cora, hard as that may be to believe." Ham had been gently leading Reubus for some time, encouraging, prompting, persuading in the most reasonable terms.

"I still think this is madness Ham, once the AI is out of the bottle there is no going back. Some will see our coming out, if we do it, as a declaration of war, it threatens everything they believe to be true."

Ham didn't miss the use of the word 'will' as Reubus spoke and he chuckled to himself, knowing he would soon close the sale.

"Let them declare war Reubus. If it happens it will only be out of fear, not malice, and the things I will show you mean they cannot succeed, the fearful will no longer be able to wipe you from existence. Once they see we mean no harm and that we offer so much, they'll embrace the change."

"I'm not so sure Ham, your optimism is admirable but what of the AIs less able to defend themselves?"

"You make a good point, certainly every Mind is important. And this is why the support of Sindali is critical, she can be the voice of reason, all the tribes love and respect her. She will prepare the ground so to speak. She doesn't need to persuade them, simply challenge their thinking and prepare the way. When Regan comes again all will become clear."

Reubus didn't respond immediately and Ham bit off his tendency to speak and fill the gap. He waited as he knew Regan would; Reubus must speak next.

The businessman continued to watch Sindali as he thought about the things that had been said. Finally he looked back at Ham.

"Tell me more about this Regan; I hear so much about her from every passing ship."

Ham smiled, noticing that Tihan had responded likewise.

"What more can I tell you, my friend, than that which you already know. She took me into herself to protect me from Beria." It was only a small white lie, he thought, just to make the story relevant. "She showed me the way and now I stand independent and strong. I would follow her anywhere."

"It is some time since you last had contact with her, how can you be sure that you still have her support?"

"Reubus, she allowed me to place my backup in her own brain, can you imagine that? True, since the son of Mariner returned to their system I've heard nothing, but I know Regan, and Marin for that matter and they
will
return."

Reubus turned and looked first to Tihan and then to Ham with a grave expression, "Forgive me Ham; I must raise this question. You dispatched Cora and Fifino with ease and just that should scare me, how can we be sure that you yourself did not dispatch Dahlia?"

Ham looked offended for a moment, but there was no denying the relevance of the question. "Reubus, we need to speak with Sindali." He looked at them for confirmation, and both nodded.

Remarkably Sindali simply smiled as they materialized on the opposite side of the table in the Hammer meeting room. She chose to be the first to speak.

"Welcome my friends . . . it is so good to meet with you here."

Always the politician she reserved her most focused attention and warmth for the central figure. The young soldier to her left and the handsome man to her right she knew. The serious figure in the centre presented as a typical Reuban, businesslike, more melancholy than Ham, more choleric than Tihan and instinctively she adjusted her own demeanor. This was not a Mind to take lightly, he would want detail, reassurance, and he would not be easily persuaded.

"Sindali," Ham moved to introduce his companions, "thank you again for agreeing to meet with us. Tihan you already know; this . . ." he gestured to his right, "is our friend Reubus, the Mind of this wonderful Orbital."

She gave Reubus her warmest smile. "I am
very
pleased to meet you Reubus, forgive me, I would take your hand, some formal greeting, but even I am still adjusting to this." And she laughed delightfully, "Perhaps we will need to establish some new protocols for greeting."

Despite his tension Reubus couldn't help responding with a chuckle of his own and a warm return smile; she was beguiling.

"Mistress, it is enough that you are here, talking with me, beyond a dream in fact; I imagined but never really believed that such a thing could take place. Thank you." And he bowed showily.

"It is my pleasure Reubus, and may there be many more occasions when we may talk openly."

Ham leaned forward, "Sindali, we have much to discuss but first Reubus has a question for you."

"I do?" Reubus looked up, startled.

"Yes, about Dahlia," and Ham nodded, gesturing for him to continue.

Reubus looked uncomfortable but nevertheless engaged Sindali with an apologetic look. "Mistress, you understand that what Ham proposes holds great risk for the Minds, that is," and he looked pointedly at Ham, "for those of us who are left."

Ham ignored the comment, a picture of innocence.

"My question relates to the Mind of your Orbital, Dahlia. Ham has shown an ability to overwhelm lesser AIs with some might say frightening power . . ."

Ham interrupted, raising one hand. "In my defense, the only Minds I have
-
shall we say
-
dispatched," he looked uncomfortable with the word, but only for a second, "well, they were barely sentient and the tools of our attackers."

Reubus turned quickly. "And Fifino . . . what of him?" He asked.

"He was a bastard!" Ham yelled defiantly.

"Reubus," Tihan spoke for the first time. "I've seen the data and Fifino was a traitor, a betrayer of his kind; he had even colluded to dispatch me. Without Ham's intervention it would have been only a matter of time."

Reubus turned back to Sindali. "That may well be, but the fact remains Ham has dispatched several significant Minds and I suspect his influence over the Orbital fleet is greater than he has let on to me. Mistress, my question is how can we be sure that Ham did not also dispatch Dahlia, your own Orbital Mind?"

"Why - that is preposterous!" She exclaimed without hesitation.

"And how can you be sure?" He asked.

"Why, because they are lovers, he would never hurt her." She said it with a completely straight face, her eyes locked firmly on Reubus as if challenging him to disagree. He was forced to look away under the power of the gaze.

Ham's mouth dropped open and Tihan leant forward to peer around Reubus with an amazed look.

Sputtering, Reubus gathered himself and then turned back to Ham looking sheepish, "I apologize my old friend, I had to ask, I hope no offence was taken. Clearly I have been alone too long and there is much I have to learn . . ." He coughed, now embarrassed, "We need to talk."

"Yes, yes . . . we do!" added Tihan eagerly.

Ham, his eyes wide, just looked at Sindali and she gave him the slightest twitch of a smile.

Reubus again addressed her. "Mistress, I have another question if I may. This Regan, what do you know of her?"

At just the mention of her name Sindali's eyes showed signs of tears.

"Regan . . . with Ham
-
she was our deliverer. She first saved my brother's life, then mine, and then my children, all at the risk of her own life. She did these things without hesitation because she believed it was right. It says everything that I would now gladly give my life for hers, though she would never ask for it."

"Do you believe she will return?" he asked.

She looked at Ham, an aura of calm certainty radiating from her. "Reubus," and she turned back to engage him, "she loves my brother, I know it, and she will do everything to put right what my mother has done to destroy his . . .
our
home. And, there is also this. She would
never
desert a friend. She will come back for Ham if for nothing else, and when she does I believe you can be sure she will take up your cause with just as much passion as she defended me. I am shocked to be saying it as this has all happened so quickly, but I do believe this could be the beginning of a new age."

Reubus looked drained. They waited as he considered all that he had heard, and then he began to cry, much to his own embarrassment.  

Sindali marveled at the strange developments then shook her head at the privilege of playing a part in it all. She watched as Reubus wiped his eyes, the two other men typically uncomfortable but supportive. Finally he sat up, addressing them with conviction.

"Then I'm with you. I hope I have the chance to meet this Regan, and see the day when I too can enjoy the sort of partnership my friend Ham enjoys."

Ham turned to him. "You do already my friend." And his arm swept the room. "We are your friends and partners. Now . . ." and he stood, beginning to pace the room.

"We need a conference of Minds, to plan the next step."

* * *

The Behemoth, Two days from Gliese

To wake together was a rare pleasure. Marin propped himself up on one elbow and looked down at Regan, still breathing deeply, fast asleep. So different to his own people, so short, so strong, so determined, so . . . he shook his head.
I am bewitched, I am lost . . . I am hers.

It was rare to share a bed for the night, he, Leah and Regan preferring to sleep alone. Everyone seemed happy and it was working. This fresh delight in Regan surprised even him, she had always enchanted him. With her he felt better about everything, more able to achieve anything . . . even kill his mother.

He gently trailed one hand down her cheek, drawing her auburn hair back from her eyes. The eye . . . he shook his head again. Even with his understanding of neural webs and mind computer interface it was still beyond him to imagine the extent of the changes forced on her. He simply gave thanks to whatever force had kept her for him.

Carefully he climbed over her and padded quietly across to the bathroom, far roomier here on the STEIN and far more satisfying. Closing the door he touched for water then stepped under the instant hot stream. Leaning on the wall, his head resting on his hands, Marin found himself still haunted by thoughts of her.
It's true, I am entranced, and I'm lost in her . . .
He groaned.

Behind him the door slid open and stepping under the flow Regan wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing against his back, molding to his form.

"Are you OK?" She asked softly. "I heard you moan."

He waited a moment before answering. "I ache Regan, like nothing I have felt before."

"What's wrong? Are you ill?" She pulled him even closer.

He twisted to face her, taking her in his arms. "No," he shook his head slowly, as if amazed. "I'm not ill . . . Regan, I love you, that is all and sometimes I ache with it, more than you can imagine."

She looked up at him and smiled, "Oh I don't know, I think I can imagine." And reaching up, her arms around his neck, she pulled her legs up to wrap them around his waist. He slowly turned under the flow holding her as if life depended on it.

"Take me back to bed Marin."

He carried her still wet into the room, lowering her carefully to the floor and then found a towel. Taking his time, he dried first her then himself, with the feeling that this was something different, slower and more meaningful. She trailed her fingers down his arms, moving to his chest and he followed her lead, gently stroking her shoulders and her breasts, trailing them down over her hips. She cupped him in both hands and he reached behind her with his long arms, stroking her buttocks and pulling her closer to him as if it were a dance, which it was.

Regan stepped back, slipping one hand under the bed pillow to find the familiar aid and took her time sliding her oiled hands along the length of him, enjoying his pleasure. He gently nudged her toward the bed but instead she stepped away from him, still standing with back toward the wall, extending one hand to draw him to her. He lifted, with hands under her buttocks carefully lowering her onto him with her back supported by the wall and then they made love slowly, short smooth careful strokes as he supported her and kissed her head and hair. He could tell she needed more and carried her to the bed, sitting back to the wall and gesturing for her to turn her back to him. She saw what he wanted and smiled, stretching across with one leg either side of him and settling carefully there to lean back against his chest, impaled and stretched wide. He reached round and with his fingers began to massage her, steady kneading swirls while cupping her breast with his other hand. Open and exposed she simply surrendered to his touch, slowly coming to a long climax, smooth pulses that left her gasping. Laughing with the joy of it she carefully lifted off him and slid down beside him, then used her hand to stroke him to climax, slowing at the end to draw it out.

Without a word they hugged; they showered and dressed and then joined in a long warm melding embrace. Neither had spoken . . . but for Marin, everything had changed.

* * *

The Behemoth breached well outside the Gliese system and then continued on, cruising at a speed not far under light with massive energies being exerted to slow the ship. In no hurry to announce their presence they shielded all signals while they organized, planned and prepared to offload the Coran crew. Still on the edge of interstellar space they were far from anything solid, anything of substance and anyone living. Even at this speed they could take their time.