Stuart studied his cuffs. The ringing in his ears faded out, as the surrounding sound gradually streamed back in.
Yes, terror dominated his feelings. But intrigue also tugged at his mind. Was this simply revenge against Sarah Jane, or something more? Was it just Ruby, or Wormwood too? He looked at Ruby's bracelet.
'What else does that bracelet do?'
'That's of no concern to you.'
Stuart slouched back.
Oh, well, he thought. Nice try.
He looked Ruby directly in the eyes.
'Let me guess. This door was for me, the other, Sarah Jane? Or it was a mixup, and I was supposed to get Wormwood.'
Ruby smirked.
'What makes you think it's Wormwood?'
Who else could it have been, he thought? Some other megalomaniac from the other side of the Galaxy, that hadn't sought the conquest of Earth from a soft drinks factory?
Stuart sat up.
'Oh...just a hunch.'
Pause.
Ruby crouched down, reaching again for her bracelet - but Stuart kicked out, knocking Ruby back to the floor.
Oh, crap. His face blanched.
Ruby regained her position.
If looks could kill.
She raised the dart gun. Before Stuart could react, his head drooped to the side, as another dart pierced his neck.