~ ~ ~
Back on the Auspicious, Connor’s escort was in fact the yacht’s captain. While extolling the technology at his disposal, Captain Malik suddenly became alarmed by what appeared to be an approaching vessel. Connor seemed equally concerned and took a closer look at the helm’s radar display. “I’ve got to inform Mr. Gill,” Malik stated.
“Don’t bother,” Connor barked.
Captain Malik was startled to find a gun pointed right at his head.
“Turn the ship around,” Connor stated, assuming an aggressive stance.
“What are you doing?”
Connor moved toward a more tactical position on the bridge. “You heard me. Turn the boat around and put us on an intersection course with that incoming vessel.” Circling him closely, he could now cover both Malik and the entrance into their compartment.
“Alright, alright,” the captain stated. His compliance, however, seemed at odds with his demeanour. While grabbing the yacht’s helm, he look back at Connor, saying: “What kind of gun is that anyway?” The words were barely out of his mouth when he lunged toward Connor. A swing of his left fist quickly fell short, though. Malik was stopped in his tracks by a small dart having penetrated the skin of his neck. The fingers of his right hand felt its intrusion as Connor looked on. “It’s a prototype Taser,” he said. “Its paralyzing agent should be making your spine tingle right about now.”
Captain Malik stiffened. “Tell them …” he stated, before falling flat on the deck.
“It works?” Connor said, completing the man’s sentence. “I’m sure they’ll appreciate the positive review.” Little time was wasted taking control of the ship. Connor grabbed the helm, disabled its auto-nav system, and sent an inaudible signal to Decker, warning him of the imminent course correction.
SOPHIA - Age of Intelligence Page 54
