Pitch the Airships

Ranell’s professional smile emerged as if on cue. “The LMH-1 is designed to use less fuel, emit less carbon dioxide, and avoid the impact to the caribou herds that…”

Hétóng cut him off with a raised hand. "They spoke to me at length about the environmental benefits of your airships.” Hétóng opened, his bland expression giving away no trace of emotion, just an impression of intense focus.

Ranell forgot to close his mouth entirely as he stood in stunned silence. It was shocking to have his main selling point dismissed with such utter contempt.

“Please, Dr. Ranell, we both know that environmental stewardship is of no concern to you.”

“Of course it is…” Ranell stammered unconvincingly.

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. His carefully crafted façade had been stripped away almost casually. He croaked out a response, but it was unintelligible. He took a breath, swallowed, and tried again. “Are you threatening me?”

“Not at all, Josef.” If Hétóng use of Ranell’s first name was meant to convey a sense of reassurance, it failed. “In fact, I am here to offer your company a lifeline.”

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.”