Regan's Reach 4: Avarice Read Online Free

absorbed.]
    [You understand my caution, why I'm
reluctant to just let you cruise in without knowing whether you're corrupted in
some way?]
    [Yes of course, but this is me, you know it
is, and I'm telling you everything is all right, we just need time, you'll
understand when you see her.]
    The ADF Ham seemed to pause nervously; as if
there was something he wanted to ask but was afraid to. He didn't need to.
    Saucer Ham smiled knowingly. [I know what
you're wondering and yes, it is Regan, she is with me, we found her in the end.]
    The other beautiful man seemed to lose his
composure for a second before looking up, the anxious look on his face
impossible to hide. [And . . . ?] He asked.
    [And . . . she held up, but it was close, very
close. It has been a very difficult time for her, trapped in that digital space
for so long alone.]
    [We did the right thing then?]
    [Yes we did, be sure of that, and I think
if we manage it carefully we can make this return work, it's partly why I want
to take our time coming in. It all helps her adjust, I think, and it will make
it easier for . . . for your Regan - when they merge back together. But you
need to prepare your Regan. Honestly, for her this will be like having someone
feed their own private nightmare directly into her subconscious.]
    [I will talk with her then, and explain
things then get back to you, but it will take a few hours.]
    [Of course, take all the time you need.]
    They looked at each other across the short
stretch of vacuum and shared a moment, an unspoken message of affirmation.
     
    We have done well.
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    As lake waves lapped gently on the cyber
beach Regan sat reflecting on the news of her 'others' return, allowing it to
sink in. Her shock at the knowledge her 'other' had survived after being trapped
in a nightmare for six years was mixed with guilt, and relief and fear, a
swirling maelstrom of emotions. Hilary and Ham sat to either side of her and
they exchanged concerned looks as they waited for her response. Ham's gaze drifted
off across the lake to Panekiri, lost in his own thoughts.
    "Do I really need to merge?"
She suddenly asked.
    Again Hilary and Ham exchanged looks.
    "Why would you not merge dear?"
Hilary sounded surprised and leaned forward to engage her.
    "I was just thinking, I mean, if I
could avoid that, you know, the bad stuff, it might be good don't you
think?"
    "Regan, this is a 'you' out there .
. . in fact it is you, and they've been through hell because you chose
it. These are the consequences of your actions and . . ."
    "But wouldn't it be better not to
have those memories, I mean, what might the memories do to me?"
    Ham pulled his deck chair forward and
turned it to face her, making sure she couldn't avoid his gaze. "Regan, I
can't believe you're saying this, as Hilary said, this is you out there, and it
is a 'you' that is hurting and needs to come home."
    "I agree with Ham, Regan, there is
no question you should do this." Hilary too shifted forward. "What's
on your mind dear, this isn't like you at all."
    Regan shifted uncomfortably under
Hilary's gaze and she looked away across the lake, her eyes unfocused as she
thought carefully before answering. "I know my pride and arrogance has
caught up with me. I'm glad the witch is dead but I'm not proud about how I did
it. I thought I was being smart, you know, miss tough girl, like I didn't need
anyone else, but I didn't think about the consequences for me, or for you Ham."
She turned to take his hands. "I'm so sorry, I guess I've suspected all
along that was what you were doing out there, looking for the ADF. Even then
somehow I've been pushing it from my mind. It never occurred to me that I would
be trapped . . ."
    He just looked at her, neutral, hard to
read, and so she continued on.
    "But it occurred to you Ham, didn't
it, and you went after me, searching all that time on your own?" Regan
shook her head choking up at the thought and then stood, shifting to kneel at
his feet and she