Threat Matrix

The Ultimatum

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION-THREE HOURS LATER)

Dr. Zareif was dragged by two of the operatives who grabbed him in Marrakech, their grips rather strong on him.

He looked around at the facility; it was surprisingly cutting edge, with numerous pieces of military technology scattered about with various scientists conducting what appeared to be tests.

He noticed one item in question; it appeared to be built on some form of hovercraft, but there were dual sets of treads underneath, as well as struts and airbags sandwiched between the canopy and treads. He could hear the technicians go over the craft.

"Got it up to fifty-five on the dyno today." One of the techs noted. "Working title, High Speed Sentry...HISS."

Dr. Zareif chuckled.

"Six of these should be ready for the operation in Kabul." Another tech noted. "If only we had them running for the Germany assignment."

As the doctor was dragged, he was led to an office with blacked out windows. One of his "guards" threw him inside, and quickly slammed the door behind the scientist.

Dr. Zareif was face to face with a man dressed in a sleek, black Armani suit with a silver Rolex watch. His hair was slicked back, and parted to the right. He had a small goatee with traces of gray hairs.

Zareif recognized him as James MacCullen, the CEO and founder of MARS Industries, one of the world's largest manufacturers of military equipment, as well as NATO's biggest business partner.

"Doctor, welcome." MacCullen greeted in a Scottish brogue. "I trust my Grenadiers weren't too harsh."

"I've been victim of worse." Dr. Zareif replied.

"We have the warheads. My team of scientists recommended you, on account of your business with the Iranians and their nuclear program."

"That was nearly twenty years ago, Mr. MacCullen." Zareif recalled.

"Lucky for you," MacCullen replied, "the Americans haven't updated a good portion of their arsenal since the 1970s. Should be easy to work with, for a man of your intelligence."

Zareif sighed, rubbing his hands. "I suppose so. What is in this for me? My work is not cheap."

MacCullen smiled, pulling out a Glock 43 from his suit coat. "You get to live, Doctor."

Zareif's eyes widened, then he let out a chuckle. "You don't scare me. I've been threatened before, but none of my captors have ever acted on those threats. Why should you be any different, Mister MacCullen? "

MacCullen then picked up the gun, and fired around into the doctor's shoulder. Zareif fell to the floor, grabbing at his shoulder.

"I just grazed you." MacCullen chimed. "Now, those boys in the Iron Grenadiers, they won't miss... should you decide to negotiate. Do we have an agreement?"

Zareif simply spat at MacCullen's shoes, to which the CEO chuckled.

"Good to know." MacCullen remarked. "Now run along, you have work to do, Doctor."