Arrested!
Buoyed now with a solid plan, if not genuine enthusiasm, Ranell passed through the control tower’s airlock and began stripping off his cold weather gear. Even before the popping, sucking sounds were complete, sealing the room’s occupants safely away from the bitter arctic air, he called out, “Hey, get GML HQ on the horn! I need to make an important call. I’ll take it in my office.”
“Not so fast, Dr. Ranell.” These words came from Hétóng Rén, the man who claimed ostensibly to be the representative of the Dὸngjié Lù corporation, but now he was flanked by two sinister-looking men holding what appeared to be machine guns.
“What’s going on here?” Ranell demanded. “Who are these people? Where’s the rest of the Strange Lake staff?”
In a single fluid, almost languid, motion, Hétóng stepped forward and struck Ranell viciously across the face. “I will ask the questions! Dr. Ranell, you are under arrest.”
Ranell was keenly aware of his weight of years as the blow sent him staggering backward. Reeling, he fell heavily, catching the brunt of the fall on one elbow. Stunned, he wiped the blood from his mouth and gazed at the stain it left on his hand. “Arrested?” His mind rebelled at even the idea of it. “How can I be arrested? This is Canada.”
“What did I say about questions!” Hétóng’s boot caught Ranell’s ribs in a vicious kick.
Choose Option 1: Resist!
Choose Option 2: Cooperate