Billy stood up and excused himself. He wasn't fooling anyone that he was going to meet Mi Ling outside for a walk a bout.
Brad said, "Well team, we are going to the Johnson Space Center. We have to assume another attempt will occur. These Masters are not prone to make mistakes, so we must make something happen. In other words, we need to set a trap."
Mike said, "I'm all ears Brad. What do you have in mind?"
"I'm thinking some kind of net might work, but not sure how."
Agent Jones said, "I read somewhere that to catch birds a flip up net was rigged up somehow."
Nancy laughed and said, "That's in France. They catch Palambes to use for bait to catch a bigger bird; but I forgot the name of it."
Brad said, "Let's do something with a net. When the Black Dragon runs by, we spring the net. I'll see what our Master says."
Brad sat down with the two Masters. First he asked how it might be possible to catch the Black Dragon Grand Master. They looked at each other and then one said, "My son. We really don't know. He is very quick and like you say in English, slippery as an eel. He knows where he is going; we don't. We follow hoping to catch him. Before he enters any place he has an exit."
"Do you think we could trap him in a net?" Once again they looked at each other.
"We're not sure what you mean about a net. We know about trapping animals in a net. Maybe you could explain it further to us."
Brad went on to explain how a rocket powered net might be used to rapidly raise a net up in front of a fast moving object, like the Grand Master.
The twin Masters looked at each other and Brad saw a twinkle in their eyes. Then a Master said, "Why not a weightless room?"
Brad was amazed and wondered where the Master came up with that idea. Then from inside his cotton jacket he produced a flyer or brochure about the Johnson Space Center. Apparently someone gave him a brochure. Brad smiled and thanked the higher spirit. Here was the answer. Now all they had to do was bait the trap.
Brad found out later that a mock up of the International Space Station was used for training astronauts from around the world. It was a quite large building. This was the latest in technology. For example, you went inside the room, waited a few minutes and soon you were floating in space. How they did it wasn't for public knowledge at this point in time.
This could be perfect. If the Grand Master could be lured into the building, doors secured and the gravity nullified, they could trap the Black Dragon. Or, was this just wishful thinking? Maybe it wasn't meant to be, that is, the capture of a Master.
Brad asked, "Master, is there any way we can talk to the Grand Master?"
"No. He has a mission and must complete the mission. To stop would be like stopping the sun from coming up. If we stop him, he will die. IF we don't stop him the President will die. No matter what, someone will die. That's how it works in life: we live we die." Brad looked on and the Master continued, "You know how old we are. And the Black Dragon is even older. Our bodies are about worn out, but our minds are just coming into their prime. When the body dies our spirit will evolve to be one with the others."
Brad lowered his head in deep thought. His son wasn't even a year old yet. His whole life lies in wait. What path would he take the left or the right? Be that as it may, Brad wanted to be with him when he made the choice. Well, he thought, time to take a rest and see what the morrow brings.
It was decided to land at Ellington International Airport. Even though he didn't have regular flights, it served NASA very well. It had been decided the security for the Chinese President was better served than at Houston International.
Both the Gulf and Air China touched down shortly after 2 pm. An armored van picked up the Chinese President and his daughter. It had been publicized that the Chinese President would tour the space center. Brad and the rest of his team were a little put out at seeing so many people waiting to see the Chinese President. Brad noticed a contingent of school kids waving both the American and Chinese flags. On the one hand it warmed his heart and on the other he hoped nobody got hurt in the upcoming confrontation.
Inside the space center, where the tours began, a group of tourists were beginning to take a tram around for a look see. Among those tourists was a little old man dressed in what appeared to be black pajamas. He had a cane with him and was leaning on it with his chin sitting in the moving tram car. He'd heard about the new exhibit of anti-gravity. The tour guide kept a steady dialogue going and few were listening. When the new exhibit was mentioned, the Black Dragon sat up and took notice.
At the same time the Black Dragon saw a line of cars coming knowing full well it was the Chinese President. The Dragon slipped off the tram unnoticed.
Brad was on red alert and so were the Masters. Brad didn't like the feeling he had and Mike was on-point wondering where the Black Dragon would strike next. As a matter of fact, he didn't have to wait long. The caravan of cars stopped in front of the new exhibit building where throngs of people were waving. Brad had stepped out before the van even came to a complete stop. He was directly behind the Chinese President's van.
The two Masters were right behind Brad and they disappeared in a flash. During that same flash, the Black Dragon struck as the Chinese President stepped out of his van. He never knew what hit him.
At the same time, the Black Dragon was struck by a Master. He tumbled over the front of the van and came up running. He caught the tram as it drove around the building going to the entrance to drop off the tourists and pick up another load. Both Master's let him go.
Brad felt for a pulse and found a weak response. He said, "He's alive. Get an ambulance here right now. Mi Ling was bawling her eyes out with Billy holding onto her. A siren was heard approaching quickly. Brad was afraid the President had a broken neck so he made sure nobody moved him.
As soon as the ambulance arrived a medevac helicopter came in for a landing. It was a very warm July day and it was decided to airlift him out of there for expediency.
Very professionally they attached a neck brace and soon he was off to the hospital. Brad turned his attention to the Masters who by this time were back in the van. Brad wondered about the Black Dragon and what happened to him. He leaned into the van and asked about the attacker. The Master told Brad that the Black Dragon suffered an injury but they didn't know how serious it might be. It would be best, they said, to provide security at the hospital if the President survived.
It was a matter of fact statement without any emotion. But who could blame the Masters, they did what they could. Unfortunately, the USA would have egg on its face while they tried to find a diplomatic way out of a political catastrophe.
Brad needed to prepare himself for the Presidents call. He turned to Mike and said, "Mike take the team and follow the helicopter. I'll be along shortly." His cell rang and he listened saying nothing. He shut his phone and stuck it in his pocket. His driver waited for instructions. Brad told him to go directly to the hospital. Meanwhile he struggled with what to do. At this point he really didn't know if the Chinese President was alive or dead. The ride to the hospital was made longer by heavy traffic.
Brad went over what the President had told him. He said a public spokesperson would speak at the hospital to the media. However, he wanted Brad to find the real story from the attending doctor. Brad heard the phone hang up on the other end. Now they were entering the hospital parking lot. He was reluctant to get out and face the music; or media circus that was already in front of him.
With the Masters being transported to a safe hotel, Brad forced his way inside holding up his government ID. The reception area was a madhouse, but fortunately Billy had wormed his way into the safe arms of a burly security guard. He waved at Brad. Brad pushed and shoved his way to follow Billy and his new friend to an elevator. Once inside they could talk. Billy told Brad that the Chinese President had a broken neck, but his vital signs were good.
Brad said, "Do we have security in place?"
"Yes, the OR is on the s
ixth floor and it's been sealed off. Mi Ling is with him and seems in good spirits. A doctor told me that the Chinese President should recover, but it will take some time. He's be fitted for a 'halo' which is a neck brace with titanium screws attached to the skull. He'll not be able to move his neck for a few months. Mi Ling joked that she'll always have his undivided attention unable to look away."
"That's all well and good Billy. But we still have a killer loose and he'll attempt another attack when he feels like it."
Mi Ling came running up and said, "My father wants to talk to you Brad."
Brad followed her to a private ICU room for VIPs. Brad saw he was laying down with tubes dripping into his arms. Mi Ling said, as she walked up to his side, "Brad's here father. He can hear you just fine."
Brad said hello and knew better than to ask how he was doing. The President said, "I talked to Sam and told him not worry about any repercussions from my government. None will be forth coming. The doctors said I got lucky and survived the attack. I'm worried about the next one. I'm getting a little sleepy here Brad so I'm asking if I can recuperate at your Round House for awhile?"
Brad was both flattered and shocked at the same time. He quickly analyzed the idea and then he saw the wisdom of such an idea. That would provide Brad and his team the home field advantage. He answered the Chinese President saying, "Of course Ben. That's a fine idea. I'll see to the arrangements while you rest easy."
Chapter 7
Sujin was ecstatic the Chinese President and his daughter were coming for an extended stay. She realized the place would be turned upside down, as the Americans are so fond of saying. Her dilemma was where to put him. Well, someone would determine that later. Meanwhile she had her own house to run and a baby to tend to. She looked at her watch and realized that very soon her husband would be here. She'd asked Park to fire up the BBQ and with the addition of a gas stove, a ten gallon pot for soup they were in business.
Park's garden was doing well, but with the amount of visitors coming, it would take a beating before long. Sujin had told them a Chinese doctor and two nurses were flying in to tend the President. Park scratched his head as he stirred the pot with a cut down boat paddle wondering where all were staying. Yes, there was a really nice upscale motel just down the road so maybe that would suffice?
As Park was turning the chicken on his BBQ, in drove Brad and the Batt Team. All had forlorn looks on their faces except Billy. Park wondered why he looked so happy, but he focused on his cooking rather than the downside of the mission so far. Park saw the two Masters scurry over to their motor home, while Sandy went a little crazy seeing Rocky and the team back.
Sujin had Brian in her arms and that perked Brad up seeing his wife and son. He was so glad to be back home and later told Sujin just how much he missed her. Sujin held him tight as he poured forth his story of being frustrated at the Black Dragon being able to make him and his team looks like fools.
In the privacy of their bedroom she said, "My husband, don't fret. No one's been killed yet and the President will heal in time. Our Masters are not finished with the Black Dragon. A face off is coming. The Black Dragon is not an evil man by anyone's standard. He accepted an offer and he could care less if it's the President of China or a porter at the airport. If you take the clothes off the person, him /her all look the same. You take a title away and they are all equal in the reality of life. If I'm not mistaken it will soon be time for the Black Dragon to evolve."
"Honey, you're so wise for your young age. I was thinking the same thing. The Black Dragon is over 130 years old. I'd expect his bones to be on the brittle side. Like all things that are too old: move over and make room for a younger one."
"Our Masters are as old as Moses was when he died. Who will take their place? It seems to me that the entire compound is either very old or young. What did you observe last time you were there my husband?"
Brad had shuffled sideways to make some room for Brian who was crawling around on top of Brad. Drool was running down his chin onto his father's pants. Brad dug out his handkerchief and whipped the little guy's chin. After that he said, "After many hundreds or thousands of years, there is always someone to replace a Master. The caves attest to that fact. By the way, Billy has made a big turnaround. I'm not sure it will last, but he has stopped smoking and is following some meditation exercises. Also, he is head over heels in love with Mi Ling. It's so nice to see him happy."
Sujin pounced on top of Brad while Brian was playing his father's toes. She said, "Billy deserves to be in a relationship. You remember when his cyber friend was murdered back east. That really took its toll on him. Now we need to find a place for our guests coming. What do you suggest?"
She never gave him a chance to reply as her mouth covered up his with a long passionate kiss. Brian was tickling Brad's toes and he started laughing. Sujin rose up and glared at him. Brad said, "Look at your son, tickling my feet. I can't just ignore it my dear wife." They both fell into a fit of laughter.
Later they were all outside having some of Park's BBQ and salad. Brad still hadn't determined where everyone would sleep. The President would do fine in the living room in a hospital bed so he could view the ocean scenery. Mi Ling could share with Nancy. For the time being, Wendy and Jones needed a place to sleep. Maybe it would be best to acquire another motor home. Brad looked over at the motor home the Masters stayed in.
Actually he didn't like the idea of two motor homes side by side. Brad looked north where an old house sat looking like it had seen better times. Brad had no idea who the owner was, but maybe it was time to find out. He hollered at Billy, who was in a conversation with Park while Park was flipping chicken legs over and over, to come here please.
Billy came over and Brad said, "Don't look where I'm talking but north is a piece of property with an old house on it. Find out who owns it please. I think we need to expand our property boundary. Our team is growing every day."
"Give me a few minutes and I'll be right back boss."
Brad walked over to the south side of the house and looked down at the small creek running through the narrow valley below. It was still jam packed with old logs and trees washed ashore from giant storms of years past. It was beautiful with the dunes against the far side stretching clear to Port Orford. He took a deep breath of salt air. For August, anywhere but the coast would be very warm, but living next to the ocean kept the temperature on the cool side.
Sujin came up to him, wrapped her arms around his middle and laid her head against his back. It was unusual for a Korean to show affection out in the open, but times were changing.
He turned to take her in his arms. He said, "How can one man be so lucky to have all this around him. I remember reading about the old hippie days where communes were the rage of the times. Most didn't last long, but the idea is good. With our extended family, we are a spitting image of those days."
"My husband, what is a spitting image?"
He laughed and took her hand to lead her around the house. He wanted to show her the land next door. He said, "That means something similar or like looking in a mirror. We live in a new millennium and the old hippies were a half century ago. But with all of us living together it's called a commune."
"I got it and now why are we walking around the house ignoring our extended family?" Billy came up and said, "Boss, sorry it took so long. It's a five acre piece and I just leased it for 99 years."
"Fine work Billy. Now, my wife, look at that old house and tall grass with a few pine trees growing on it next door to us. We need to expand and for the time being, we can move another motor home over there while we build our new earth home."
"What's an earth home," she asked.
"I'm thinking we need to expand our home underground near the cliff that overlooks the ocean. I guess it would be like having a row of rooms overlooking the sea. Like a hotel maybe. Each with its own door, but interconnected if need be. We could access it behind from our tunnels. I don't know but it's a thought."
Sujin was still gazing at the property next door. Brad noticed she started walking over to take a better look. He nodded to Billy, saying let's continue this later, following his wife across the tall brown grass of summer. Brad loved the summer air as it sometimes came from the east bring hot and dry weather. During those days the air was full of evergreen smells and cranberries. Bandon was one of the few places that grew cranberries.
When the weather came off the ocean, of course it was a tangy smell of salt and seaweed slowly rotting on the beach. However, with the roar of the ocean and the smell of the sea, home is where you made it. Brad increased his pace and caught up with Sujin just as they approached their property line.
She stood staring at the dilapidated place wondering what they could do to improve the appearance. A few brave dwarf pine trees bent to the east looked very lonely to her. What the place needed was Park and his handy dandy garden tools. She said to Brad, "You know my husband; Park could probably do this place proud. Let's turn him loose as see what happens."
"Where are you coming up with all these English expressions you've been tossing around lately?"
"I wondered when you were going to ask me that question. It's simple answer: the internet and a printer works fine.
"We'd best get back as the sun is dipping to the ocean. I like these long days of August. Soon it will be fall and the start of many storms will knock on our door."
Inside the motor home the two Masters were watching TV. No sound, just the picture. One said to the other, "He's here. Tomorrow is the day. To make it fair only one of us must fight him. As I'm the first born, I claim the right. Do you agree?"
Peking Assassin Page 7
