The Labyrinth

Chapter 15 The Suncage

I assume you've been fully briefed Becker? James Lester said

Yes. sir Captain Becker replied as James Lester continued Your job's to tighten up security in every area of the ARC. As you may know, we've had a number of unfortunate lapses recently.

I'm aware of that Becker replied.

You're also aware of the work we do here? James Lester asked You detect anomalies and fight dinosaurs. When necessary Becker replied.

Correct. You don't sound surprised James Lester said I have extensive experience in dinosaur handling, sir. I assumed that was why I was picked for the job, Becker joked

I take it that's some sort of joke James Lester said. Yes. sir Becker replied. A lot of people are skeptical when they join us, Becker. They don't stay that way for long James Lester told Becker. And, in future, I'll do the jokes James Lester added.

Yes, sir. Sorry, sir Becker replied..

You'll be with a highly strung
and temperamental team of rank amateurs who just happen to be brilliant at what they do. Your job's to stop them from getting themselves killed.

No matter what they say,
what excuses they use, you and your men will stick to them like glue. We can't afford another Stephen Heart. Clear? Lester asked

Crystal clear, sir Becker replied.

Good luck. Oh, by the way.
Professor Cutter won't like you and he'll go out of his way to make
your job impossible. Try not to take it personally.

Just then Connor's Anomaly detector echoed throughout the room signaling a new anomaly at the British museum

****************

Connor Temple, Abby Maitland...This is Captain Becker. He's here
to protect us, so do as he says.

Unless I think he's wrong Nick Cutter added seeing the confused expressions of his team since when did they do as they were told?

You know, when I was a kid, I used to think that all the exhibits came to life at night. When I was about eight, I decided to stay behind one night, and find out Connor said.

What happened? Abby asked

Nothing...really. Apart from I got locked in the toilet for three hours.

Abby and Becker started laughing

It's not funny. When they found me,
I was hysterical. I've had a problem with...museums ever since Connor said.

Shouldn't you have a problem with toilets? Becker joked

Got over that Connor replied.

It's an animal kill. It could be anywhere in the museum by now Abby said as Connor spoke I really don't like this place.

Which way now? Becker asked just as the door closed

Go, go, go!

Stay where you are! Connor said

Stay where you are! Cutter repeated Connor's words. It's all right. Who are you? Cutter said

Doc...Doctor Page. Who are you?

I'm Nick Cutter.

OK. Um...I'm...I'm guessing... you're some kind of...of thief Doctor Page said as Nick Cutter responded. No. Actually, I'm a professor.

I've never seen a professor
with a gun before Doctor Page said.

Yeah. It's a pretty specialised field Nick Cutter replied. Marion! Doctor Page said seeing the dead body on the floor before she started running