Flashfictionfriday prompt 133: Given Ultimatum. Words: 503

The fight between Gordon and the sniper was short and sharp. He'd ploughed into the man, hoping it was enough to protect – no, save – Scott. The rifle skidded across the ground but the man was quick to follow up with a gut punch that forced the breath out of him, and he rolled away.

They had both got their feet, knees soft and braced for action, when John's voice came over the comms. It was tight, and Gordon immediately knew it was bad.

'Gordon, finish up. They took Scott.'

'FAB, John.'

He stood up and feigned a move to the door. The sniper saw exactly what Gordon intended, and as the man dove at him Gordon neatly sidestepped him, driving his elbow into man's back and following up with a kick to the stomach when the man collapsed. Gordon wasted no time in trussing the man up and rushing downstairs and joining Virgil. His brother was finishing off treating the manager.

'Any idea where Scott's going yet, John?'

'They're still on the move. Kayo's almost…woah!'

'John? John! John!'

'It's gone. Scott's signal is gone.'

'Is Kayo close enough to find the car?'

'No, I'm not, Gordon. Damn it!'

'Stick with it, Kayo. There has to be a jammer somewhere.'

'Virgil, is there anything more to do there?'

'Negative, John. Medics are on scene and there is nothing further to do.'

'Then I suggest you bring One and Two home and get ready for whatever else is going to happen.'

They waited. And waited.

John and EOS searched. Kayo, Penny and Parker dug. Gordon called contacts. Virgil and Sally conferred with Colonel Casey.

Nothing.

Until…

'John, we have an incoming message.'

'Thanks, EOS.'

'International Rescue.'

'You! What have you done with Scott?'

'Now, now. All in good time. Is everyone on the line?'

'Yes. Everyone is listening.'

'Oh good. I have another job for you.'

'Mr Whatever-Your-Name-Is, we are not your private taskforce. We are a rescue organisation.'

'Let me guess. You must be the ex-WASP, Gordon.'

'And what should we call you?'

'Nice try.'

'We want to see Scott now.'

'Of course you do. Hang on.'

The hologram disappeared and was replaced by what looked like a live feed. Scott was sprawled on a bed. He looked like he was asleep. His shoulder had been treated and bandaged up.

'Satisfied?'

'Barely. I would have preferred to have spoken to him.'

'Unfortunately, Scott is indisposed. Now, to business.'

The screen clicked off and was returned to the blurry hologram.

'I have a job for you. I need you and your equipment to break into your old friend Professor Moffat's lab and steal the Centurium 21.'

'You want to us to steal more for you?'

'Yes I do. Consider it an…ultimatum. Your brother for the Centurium. You know that I am a man of my word. I have proved that already.'

'We will need to discuss this.'

'You have one hour to discuss. When I call back you better have an answer.'

The hologram disappeared.