Confluence Point Read Online Free PDF

clearly didn't intimidate Brian; Brian's width clearly intimidated the Coran.
    "Have Brian escort him straight down to the Siberian camp, Ham. He can join the bitter and twisted group down there." She turned back to Marin. "We need to talk about Leah."
     
    Marin looked startled. "I haven't done anything," he said defensively, "we've agreed."
    "What are you talking about?" She asked.
    "Weren't you referring to . . . you know?"
    "Marin, not everything is about sex, but since you mention it, exactly what agreement are you talking about?"
    "I thought . . . well, I meant that we won't be doing anything without you, she was quite definite."
    " She was quite definite, sooo . . . you tried."
    "Nooo," He took on the look of a rabbit caught in the headlights. "Well, I thought about it yes, that's true, but you'd be pleased with me, I decided I wasn't going to. But she beat me to it anyway, she told me no way."
    "I guess I should be pleased about that . . ." She looked at him sideways, a teasing suspicious look. "You know, you really should think more before you speak, you don't put your case particularly well."
    He embraced her then held her at arm's length. "Listen, I joke about it, but I want you to know, there will be no more Stephanie's. I won't go with any of your friends."
    "Without me . . ." she smiled and pulled him close.
    "Not unless you’re there," he agreed and laughed.
    She pushed him backward, playful but firm.
    "I've got to talk with the President shortly, you can sit in if you like and come to think of it that might be helpful, I do think he likes to see you there. I suggest afterwards we head up to the gym, meet Leah there for a workout and then go back to the STEIN. I do need to talk to her; what do you say?"
    He smiled at her agenda a little too eagerly, and then sprawled back on the couch.
     
    Hilary put the call through at two pm Hillary Station time, six pm in Washington, and as the screen lit up with Cliff Johnston at his desk in the Oval Office, he was working as usual.
    "Mr. President - how are you?" The question was more than a courtesy; she was shocked at how tired he looked.
    He looked up and smiled warmly, standing to move around the desk and sit in a more comfortable position. "Regan, Marin . . . I'm . . . good. And how are you?"
    Marin replied for them. "We're good up here sir, away from all the troubles you need to contend with, you have our sympathies."
    "Cliff," Regan leant forward getting quickly down to business, "I understand you wanted to talk with me."
    "Yes - and it will be no surprise to you I'm sure. Regan, I'm told development of the shuttles is going well based on the Coran drive and our scientists are excited by the whole effectors technology thing. I don't understand it of course, it's all beyond me, but then so is the working of a microwave." He smiled warmly. "The thing is we're now at that point we were always going to reach at some stage. We and our partners need the power source; it's as simple as that. I presume when you set us on this path you were aware our nuclear sources wouldn't cut the mustard."
    "That's true sir, and we do have the power sources for you but they're not unlimited. We can provide insertion ready tubes that will fulfill all your needs for now; we have enough for twenty shuttles at this stage. I understand you have two shuttles ready to trial and we will make matter available for those two and three more. The Chinese will also get five as, like you, they've backed us as partners on the Step. Our plan is for eight to go to the new Space Coalition, and they're all allies of yours anyway. It includes Japan, Australia, France, Britain, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, and one representative each from the African and South American Coalitions."
    "You don't mention New Zealand in there I notice?"
    She raised her eyebrows pointedly as it didn't really need to be said; with STEIN Corp and Regan both Kiwi to the bone, New Zealand had access to the most advanced space fleet