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

you do that?" she asked, breathless and turning back to take in the stunning view.
    "Uh . . . it switches on for visitors automatically," she quickly replied. "Isn't that beautiful?"
    [Regan?]
    "What is it Ham?"
    [Sorry to break up the love fest', but something's up, with the Russians. I think you should get to control]
    [Damn, and I was just starting to enjoy myself]
    Regan turned back to the Major, to catch a strange look on her face.
    "Who were you talking to then, have you got an ear piece or something?"
    "Between friends?" and she cocked her head, smiling conspiratorially, "Yeah, it's something like that. Look Leah, I'm really sorry to cut this short but some business has come up that I need to attend to. I'll walk back half way with you then I'm sure you'll find your way."
    "No problem, it's been great already, thank you. I can tell this is going to be bomb!"
    Regan smiled at the choice of words remembering Jared's construction, disturbingly effective under Ham's questionable tutelage. They started back soon chatting animatedly until Regan paused opposite The STEIN.
    "I'll leave you here Leah, it's been fun and it's nice to say that. The USD Liaison will meet you as you continue down. We can talk another time."
    "Thanks," she replied, "I'd like that." Regan just stood there smiling, so Leah turned and started back. She took a few steps then paused, swiveling back. Somehow thanks didn't express how grateful she was to be here. But Regan was gone. Leah stood there for a moment, the hairs on the back of her neck rising. Her eyes instinctively lifted to the ceiling window, and The STEIN, hanging there in space five hundred meters away. Beam me up Scotty . . . Surely not? A burst of excitement shot through her and she began to run, occasionally skipping like a child, drawing strange looks as she made her way down the wide corridor toward the familiar man she could see in uniform approaching through the other busy walkers.
     
    Sitting in Control Regan and Ham reviewed the recordings from the little ADF. Not a real time feed it was sufficiently delayed to arouse concern.
    "So, how long do you think they have?" Regan's eyes were glued to the Russian shuttle. It made her dizzy just thinking about what it would be like on board.
    "The latest data seems to indicate the irregular thrusts are slowing but each one is like using your hand to keep a ball spinning except here in vacuum there's no resistance. The thrusts look significant but they're like tiny puffs. Still with each one the spin will get faster."
    "Cut to the chase Ham . . . how long?"
    "I would have said it should be over by now but clearly it isn't. If you watch carefully there is a counterthrust occasionally which slows the spin but it still doesn't look good. I guess they're trying to regain control."
    "Have they requested assistance?"
    "Not yet, what should we do?"
    "We should be ready Ham but help won't be welcomed if they're more concerned with saving face. Where's the Tenzing?" She looked thoughtful.
    "It's on the way up from Base Camp. Fully laden but there would be space for, maybe five if they're prepared to get familiar."
    "Redirect it to the moon pronto and don't worry about giving away our speed, just get there. We can hold off and be ready if we're called upon. How long would it take?"
    "She's almost here at the pipe so if we steam on by we could be there in a couple of hours without drawing attention. What about the shuttle, it's heading away from us and we don't even know if anyone's alive there?"
    I'll take an Interceptor, if they ask for help. We don't want the Russians accusing us of interfering at the moment. Sub me if you hear anything, I'm going for a shower and I guess this is as good a time as any to try the new suit."
     
     
    Down at the earthward rim As Regan tried her suit Leah Morgan was herself just exiting the bathroom after a luxurious twenty minute soak. Towel wrapped around her she was a tantalizing prospect for Butch but he knew better.