Regan's Reach 4: Avarice by Mark G Brewer

stayed to tour Earth before returning to Gliese. He leaves in a few days
to go back." She turned and ushered Leah in through the door.
    "Did he have news from Cora for
you?"
    "Yes and no; Leith is based on Fifino Orbital
managing a business there. He purchased in the days of the Emperor and has done
very well; he's trading throughout the whole system now."
    They made themselves comfortable in the
spacious yet modest lounge and Leah could see Ruben playing in the small
garden.
    "And yet he came here as crew on a
passenger vessel - isn't that a little strange?" Leah continued to probe
gently.
    "Oh Leah, have you any idea how many
from Gliese want to visit here? He jumped at the chance to come early and of
course Aaron has opened up the possibility for traffic so regular that Earth
could become a new tourist destination, an adventure trip." Her eyes seemed
to glaze over at the mention of Aaron's name. She drifted for a moment then
continued. ". . . And with Aaron's work establishing the link to Orion,
well, people could eventually travel across the galaxy in weeks."
    "Hmm, it is great," Leah smiled
to encourage her, "and with the research Regan has been getting for him
who knows where we will get to in time." She attempted to bring some
perspective to Moriah, reminding her that Aaron wasn't operating in an
information vacuum. It was to no avail and the Coran seemed not to hear.
    Moriah shifted forward excitedly,
"Aaron feels he can link up the galaxy, open up other systems, perhaps
even undiscovered planets that will sustain life, the opportunities are
endless."
    Leah frowned, "And would your cousin
be interested in such things?"
    "Oh yes, who wouldn't, the
possibilities for business are huge and Leith sees a great future for Aaron -
he's right don't you think?"
    "Of course, he has great opportunities
now as well as in the future. Regan values him hugely Moriah, although I don't
think business is Aaron's interest. He loves his research and development, put
him in a lab, or an engineering workshop and he's as happy as a clam."
    "I'm sorry; a clam?"
    Leah chuckled. "It's a saying from
home, when Aaron’s working in his workshop he's like a clam, a shellfish at
high water, he's in his element; work is what makes him happy."
    "Hmm, yes he's happy I agree, but
perhaps sometimes he doesn't see the value of his work, I wish he did."
    "Oh I'm sure he knows he's valued,
Moriah, Regan thinks very highly of him, as do the people of the Regil star
system." 
    "Oh, I'm sure they do . . ."
Moriah hesitated before changing tack, "Would you like to eat something? I
have some of your pancakes fresh?" And with that she stood and moved
through to the kitchen, calling over her shoulder as she left. "My cousin Leith
has recommended a patent lawyer from Reubus Orbital to me, he feels Aaron
should be protecting himself and I tend to agree. He is so innocent and trusting
don't you think?"
    Leah shifted uncomfortably and leaned
forward to call through the door. "Moriah, before you do anything, I think
Aaron should talk to Regan, that would help I'm sure."
    The muffled reply came back, difficult to
read in terms of sincerity. "Oh, yes of course, I will think about it and
talk with him."
    Leah could sense Moriah's hesitation, and
then the bustling signs of kitchen activity again filtered out to the room.
     
    Hmm, I need to talk to Regan.
     
     
    * * * * *
     
     

Chapter Three
    Rigel star system in the Orion Belt
     
    Both androids stretched uncomfortably in the
tiny probe, traveling as they were lengthways and feet first in the direction
of travel. They bickered as the missile soared into atmosphere and down through
the bleak night sky.
     
    "I don't like this; I don't like it at
all."
    "Bob, this kind of reconnaissance is
essential so be a man, toughen up, what are you a wuss?"
    "Ham, I have no idea what a wuss is,
as you well know but I'm sure it's nothing remotely like me. We could be
alerting them to our plans; it's a mistake to go in."
    "And yet