Challenge the Threat

Ranell was unnerved. He'd been so engrossed in watching the landing he hadn't heard the rest of the party leave. I never planned on meeting with a Chinese agent, he thought. His body tensed as when exposed to the shriek of distant machinery. China already controls 80% of the world’s rare earth minerals. It was clear to Ranell why Hétóng was here.

“You seem uneasy to meet me, Josef.” If Hétóng’s use of Ranell’s first name was meant to convey a sense of reassurance, it failed.

Irrational anger flared in Ranell’s heart. “You’re here to gain control of this mining operation. Admit the truth!”

Hétóng narrowed his eyes. It was the first authentic facial expression Ranell had seen him make. “The truth is that your company is dangerously overextended. Without this Strange Lake deal, GML faces bankruptcy within months.”

Ranell felt like he was falling. How could Hétóng know that? He croaked out a response, but it was unintelligible. He took a breath, swallowed, and tried again. “Are you threatening me?”

“Not at all. I am only here to offer your company a lifeline.”

China’s maniacal efforts to control their economy are what triggered the global economic depression. “Like the ‘lifeline’ your government offered the world? Communism ruins everything it touches!”

“It was not the Chinese banks that collapsed and plunged the world into economic chaos, Dr. Ranell.” Hétóng seemed to be enjoying himself, like a cat that toys with its prey before devouring it. “But I do not wish to discuss the philosophical shortcomings of American Capitalism. I am here to make you an offer.”

The two men discussed the details of the business proposition for a short while until Ranell finally nodded and said, “I am not authorized to make a decision like this on my own. I’ll have to discuss it with my CEO.”

“Very good, Dr. Ranell. I look forward to your answer.”