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

look and broke into an immediate delighted smile.
    "Shit, it's you . . . Sorry . . . Wow! I'm so pleased to meet you Ma'am."
    It rather took the wind out of Regan's sails. She hesitated a second only for Major Harmon to turn and catch a woman standing there out of the corner of his eye.
    "Oh," he said, "Thanks" and held out his bag while turning back to Hayden. He released the bag and Regan watched it drop to the floor.
    "Hey, there are breakables in there." Harmon turned back sharply.
    Hayden stepped forward and put one hand firmly on the Majors arm. "Major Harmon, I'd like you to meet Regan Stein. This is her station and you are here at her invitation."
    Regan smiled icily and extended her hand. He took it and she held it, without releasing.
    "Welcome Major Harmon . . . Now," and she leant forward, doubtful, 'Butch', that can't be your real name surely, a favorite dog perhaps?"
    "Ma'am I've always been Butch."
    Regan was quick. "Oh, well you'll feel comfortable here then, we don't judge people by their sexuality." Leah Morgan laughed out loud.
    "No ma'am," he blushed, "It's my nickname, always has been."
    "Well there must be a given name surely, what do your parents call you?"
    "Rodney, Ma'am."
    "Oh . . . Butch it is then."
    She turned to include them both. "Well, we're going to be spending some time together I understand, in the meantime USD Liaison will guide you to your quarters. We can talk later."
    "Ma'am, I just need to secure my ship." He looked annoyed, at himself more than anything. Don't fuck up the diplomatics the General said. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
    "Of course Major, no offense intended but you can rest easy, there's nothing in there we would want." Regan turned to walk away. She could clearly here him mutter, bitch !
     
    [Regan, I love ya, but you can be a real ball breaker at times. Was that really necessary?]
    [They just make me so angry at the moment!]
    [Who, is 'they'?]
    [MEN!]
    [I notice you didn't leave the tour to the USD Liaison man?]
    She didn't comment.
     
    Although the first pipe tube was available she chose to walk and let off some steam. To her surprise she heard feet padding up behind her and turned to see Leah Morgan approaching at a jog.
    "Ma'am, I'm sorry to interrupt you, could I have a word?" She was hardly puffing.
    "Certainly Major, and its Regan, please, we don't stand on ceremony here." Regan took in the woman, taller than she first thought but she still towered over her, ten centimeters at least. She was slim under that suit, that much was obvious but she could also tell the major was a tough nut. The warm smile Morgan gave her could not hide the sense of calm control she radiated. She'd be a handful in a scrap I bet.
    "Thanks Regan," She didn't hesitate to switch to first names, "And its Leah, I realize you're the big wheel here but I would like to be on friendly terms." She stretched out a hand again and they shook warmly. She quickly continued, "Butch, he's not a bad guy, we were both just so keyed up about coming here. He knows he's put his foot in it and I just wanted to say, give him, us, a second chance. We feel like we've won the lottery coming here, truly, we don't want to blow it."
    Regan couldn't help smiling, "So you're the diplomat?"
    "You wouldn't say that if you knew me better," and she laughed infectiously, "but I am the smart one!"
    "I think I'd like that Leah, to get to know you better. Walk with me."
    They continued up the corridor, passing the compound and completing the full two point three kilometers end to end, chatting like old friends and only stopping on reaching the construction zone. Without thinking Regan called up a wall visual of the space beyond and suddenly, there in all its glory was the moon, off in the far distance but impressive nonetheless. Regan began explaining that the pipe would eventually extend a further seven hundred meters beyond that point, including the moonward flight decks, before realizing Leah was looking at her, mouth gaping.
    "How did