Violet peered through the ultra-microscopic scope and watched the effect the latest additive to her mixture had on a grain of sand. She jotted some notes and sighed. There was no change to the crystalline structure and she knew the key was in crystallization.
A sudden commotion from the secret entrance into her lab startled her and she jerked her head around to see a bodyguard rushing toward her. It was "pale eyes."
"What's wrong?" she gasped.
Without a word, he clasped her hand and pulled her across the room.
She strained against his hold. "Where are we going?"
When he didn't immediately respond she practically shouted, "Answer me!"
His response was to tug harder and calmly reply, "Stop talking and follow me if you want to stay alive."
His words, although shocking, didn't goad her into action. Her hesitation, however, was enough for him to react. With a curse, he reached and lifted her over his shoulder and said, "In about three seconds Security Police are going to crash into this office and arrest both of us. Dr. Glasmir has already been taken away."
His words made Violet forget all about her undignified position and she didn't ask any more questions. Within seconds her guard had somehow opened an exit door that Violet hadn't known existed. Once through the door, he set her on the ground as the door slid shut. He rasped, "This tunnel leads to the refuse system. From there, we'll make our way out of the city." He grabbed her hand again and pulled her downhill in the narrow tunnel. Behind her, Violet heard a crash and then a shout. "Search this room until you find the exit!"
No longer did Violet balk at following her savior. She ran as fast as she could behind him.