The Quantum Objective by F. Habib Page A

Bazir,’ he glanced around the room. ‘I hope your room is to your satisfaction.’ He had a strong American accent, but she couldn’t tell what sort. It wasn’t like Mimi’s.
The deferential treatment was as unexpected as the luxury accommodation. The men who’d chased her halfway across the globe had been tough professionals who would have killed her without batting an eye.
Now I’m being treated as a guest; why wasn’t I simply invited from the start? It’s so peculiar.
Bazir seemed to take her silence as affirmation and moved into the room. He sat on the armchair and watched her with soft eyes. He had a pleasant face. Not handsome as such. The kind of open readable face you could trust. He leaned slightly forward and spoke with quiet concern.
‘Beth…is it ok if I call you Beth?’
She swallowed hard and firmly pressed down the urge to cry uncontrollably. A deep panic she hadn’t experienced when faced with guns and knives loomed over her. She’d known then to fight and run. Now, she was disoriented. Am I obliged to be polite when I want to scream at him for my son? She nodded stiffly, her gaze fixed on the thick cream carpet.
‘Thank you. Firstly, I want you to know that Galen is completely safe.’
Her head snapped up, checking the truth in his eyes. He smiled.
‘You will see him shortly, but I want to give you some information about your circumstances first. This will hopefully save any misunderstanding later.’ He paused to get her full attention.
‘Your host is not interested in harming you or your son. Clearly he could have achieved that very easily. His interest in you is purely…scientific. My job is to ensure you cooperate and that everything moves ahead smoothly. So far, things have not gone to plan and the delay to our research has proven costly, unexpected and…irritating.’ He walked over to the butterflied wallpaper and brushed a finger over the fabric.
‘Khoen does not tolerate incompetence, and I have personally taken responsibility for the delay.’ His fingers clasped behind his back. His smile broadened, ‘fortunately, we are finally on track. You and Galen will dine with him this evening. Someone will come to fetch you in a couple of hours and I suggest you rest till then.’
He moved towards the door, and then turned back.
‘By the way, there is no escape from here. We are nowhere, aboard a ship that never docks. Several miles of ocean always surround us and all means of transportation are strictly controlled. Any confused attempt to leave will be met with…discipline.’
A ship? I’m on a ship? Shock had her looking round the room with new eyes. She could feel no movement of the ocean, no sound of waves. She would never have guessed she was at sea.
‘Who is Khoen?’ She finally found her voice. ‘Why didn’t he invite us instead of kidnapping us? I can only assume his intentions are malevolent. Will he ever let us go?’
Bazir raised a palm to silence her. He paused and spoke carefully.
‘Khoen is unique – a man unlike any other I have known or heard of. I’ve worked for him now for more than 15 years,’ Beth got the impression this was something of an achievement. ‘He is not to be crossed lightly.’ Bazir’s warning trailed off into a whisper as he looked deep into her eyes. Beth suddenly found it difficult to keep a straight face.
Sheesh, what theatrics.
He opened the door and spoke over his shoulder, ‘please leave the knife here. There will be a fine selection at the dinner table if you choose to go down that route.’ The door clicked softly behind him leaving Beth open-mouthed.
Who are these people? She slid the knife carefully out from under her, and tossed it on the table in self-disgust. It was a stupid thing to have considered. At least Galen is safe. She sprawled on the bed with a frustrated groan.
I’m going to have to think my way out of here; deal with this Khoen person directly. I wonder if he’s a complete psychopath or if