Peking Assassin

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "I'll enjoy watching the fight my brother. Regardless who loses, the body will be transported to the caves. The skull will be added to the other three to make the four directions complete. Also, the survivor will be placed at the head of the clan. I'm sure you will want to speak to your son Brad so I'll return to the TV."

  The Master slipped out the door and silently made his way to the Round House. Both Brad and Sujin were waiting for him. Brad had told Sujin that he felt the presence of the Black Dragon, but no threat was forthcoming.

  Both stood and bowed a greeting to the Master. All three sat on the floor facing each other. Brad waited patiently for him to speak. Sujin kept her eyes downcast; Rocky laid his head on the Master's leg. The Master gave Rocky a long stroke and said, "You know he's here my children. Tomorrow when the Sun is at its highest zenith, we will do battle. I need not tell you to not interfere. There is no winner or loser. I hope you will understand that this would have happened regardless of these particular circumstances. We do this to evolve to a higher level. Someday I hope you reach this point in time. We have some rituals we have to go through tomorrow. The Black Dragon will dine with us in the morning around 9am. Both of us will require a lot of fuel for the battle.

  The body must be transported back to the compound. I know you will see to it my son. Do not be sad if I lose because if I'm defeated I'm the winner in the end. If I defeat him, he is the winner and I'm the loser, but get to continue my life training until it's time for me to pass on.

  The Black Dragon clan is so named for the river they live by. We all know each other and share in the wealth and knowledge we acquire. Tomorrow for us is like a birthday. We shall celebrate before we open the presents."

  Chapter 8

  A heavy fog was the first thing viewed the next morning. Brad stood outside the front door with Rocky starring at the white fog knowing just beyond his visible sight, the ocean repeated its action against the shore. You could hear the sounds of the waves spilling onto the beach, but you could not see it.

  Brad was outwardly calm, but inwardly nervous of the day's event to unfold at noon. Someone of great mind, body and spirit would be dead today. Another in the long line Peking Man for archeologists and anthropologists to discuss thousands of years from now.

  This event was a culmination of sorts that had been repeated thousands of times in prior history. Man had a reputation of one-upmanship. Today would be no different; just the philosophy behind the battle. The weapons were the same throughout Eastern tradition: hand to hand combat. Once again, Brad shivered not from the cold fog, but from the outcome of today's event. It was almost time to feed the combatants. Brad did have a fleeting thought: where was the Black Dragon?

  He did not have to wait long as the door to the motor home opened and out came not two but three Masters. It was obvious who the Black Dragon was as Brad got a close up look at his attire and to observe his demeanor. His dress was identical to the other two Masters except in color. His dress was in total black with a green dragon on the front of his thigh length tunic. Their pants were similar in style being loose fitting and billowy.

  Brad bowed to all three as they short stepped up to the front door. Brad opened the door and stepped back letting the Masters pass into a room that smelled of garlic, onion and other various spices. Sujin and her sister were busy in the kitchen with Park outside on his BBQ cooking fish.

  No words were spoken as the three ancient Chinese Masters sat down to the floor table. Brad did the honor of pouring green tea. All three smacked their lips announcing satisfaction of the drink.

  Sujin and her sister brought in bowls of hot steaming soup. Once again slurping sounds were heard voicing happiness in the food. As if on cue, Park came in with a plate full of fish. Plates were passed to all three and with deftness of practice with chop sticks, soon nothing but a pile of bones lie on the table.

  While the fog swirled around the house, Billy was preparing his video camera. He wanted to video the battle, but with the weather and speed of the combatants, video would be not clear. Nancy, Wendy and Agent Jones sat around discussing the upcoming battle. All had seen the video of the Master saving the life of the Secretary of Defense in the White House. Now to witness, what was probably a blur, would be frustrating and disappointing at the same time. Nancy said, "This is probably a mile stone event in history."

  "No doubt about it," said Wendy. "However, we will witness the event, but how would we be able to describe it?"

  "We don't," said Jones. "We will feel it, hear it and never forget it. I've never been to the compound or the caves, but observing skeletons of humans over a half million years old would be unbelievable."

  "We have about four hours till noon. I hope this fog lifts. I'll never have any grand kids but this would be a nice story for anyone around a fireplace or camp fire. I did get a call from Steve saying he would be here in a day or two," said Nancy.

  Back upstairs the Masters had finished eating. Brad wondered what they would do now. He watched them exit the house, turn right and walk down the path to the seashore. The fog was so thick that they soon disappeared like ghosts into the white swirling mist.

  Brad helped clean off the table and then hollered down for the next round of customers. Brad smiled when he saw Wendy carrying Brian up the stairs whispering in his ear. Sujin rushed to take him off her hands. She knew he needed a diaper change and was a little embarrassed because of it. Wendy sensed it and said, "I need the practice Sujin. It's too early to tell, but there's an outside chance I'm with child."

  Agent Jones heard the conversation and literally went to his knees. Billy rushed to help him back up and Brad laughed till he cried tears. Sujin raised her voice and said, "Brad that's not funny at all. If you're not careful I'll tell a story on you when you found out I was carrying Brian."

  Brad saw his wife with hands on hips and with a serious look, couldn't remember for the life of him what or how he reacted when he found out she was pregnant. Whatever it was he shut his mouth and walked over to shake Jones's hand.

  They all sat down on the floor with Agent Jones making sure Wendy was comfortable. Nothing more was said as a plate of scrambled eggs and BBQ ham was served.

  Billy asked, "Have you heard from the Chinese President when they are coming?"

  Brad decided not to tease Billy and said, "The last I heard she will be here in a few days."

  Nancy cracked up almost spewing forth a mouthful of eggs as the word "she" was heard by all. Billy turned beat red and spent the next few minutes spreading strawberry jam on his toast. Sujin smacked Brad on the arm with a big scowl on her face. Brad tucked his chin smiling at his plate. With the pending battle, it was good to let some humor into the atmosphere.

  The tide was out making access to Fish Rock no problem. The Master had been to Fish Rock many times. He led to the top where it was mostly flat with brown grass struggling to survive against the wind and rain. None of the three noticed the air temperature as they sat down Indian style. The Black Dragon began the conversation because he was the elder. An hour or more passed before they stood up and walked back to the beach.

  If asked, Brad would have said they discussed clan and paths of life. Oral history would have been a hot topic as they would share the last century with each other. The survivor would take the history back to the clan for the record.

  Brad was outside with Mike when the Masters came up the side hill trail. They made a beeline to the motor home. Mike looked at his watch. He said, "Two hours to go and I’m not sure of this damn fog. However, I think we're the only ones who are cussing the weather. The Masters, it would seem to me, could care less about the fog."

  Sujin was inside with her sister cleaning up after breakfast. The sister said, "Sujin, is this fight really necessary? I mean it's like two bullies at school wanting to know which one is stronger than the other. Let's be honest here, I really think it's a form of suicide with honor. From that perspective, I've no argument with the confrontation."

  "I agr
ee with you. This is not a battle between good and evil, or two tough guys fighting in an alley. There's no evil here to speak of. Yes, maybe the Black Dragon sided with evil individuals, but that is history, or will soon be history.

  Billy came up with his video camera looking rather serious. He smiled at the two Korean ladies and went outside. Sujin said, "Well sis, guess we best start preparing for lunch. Let's see if Park's garden can make a big salad. If not he can run to town. I'll be right back."

  Billy came in requesting some hot tea for the Masters. Sujin's sister already had hot water on the stove. She set up a tray with cups, sugar, and milk if desired. Billy hurried out the door as it was drawing very close to noon.

  Billy quietly knocked on the door of the motor home. A Master took the tray from him while Billy bowed. Then he hurried back to his video camera.

  Inside the motor home the three Masters sipped green tea. No words were spoken. Now it was almost time for the duel between the Masters. The Black Dragon Master knew one Master would stay behind and it didn't matter to him which one he faced. The tea cups were empty; time to go. The Black Dragon led the way out the door.

  All team members were standing on the top of the hill facing south. The fog had lifted somewhat and it was a bit brighter. Billy hoped for the best. Brad was very concerned for his teacher and Master. They been together for a long time now and he didn't like the idea of living without him.

  Now he watched the ancient Chinese Masters walk slowly down the side hill. When they reached the soft sand of the bottom next to the creek, they spread apart and bowed to each other.

  Brad realized this fight would not take long; or he guessed it wouldn't last but a few minutes. He was wrong. Later Billy had 28 minutes of video before it was all over.

  Nancy articulated the fight the best. She said, "I saw black and white together and then I saw water flying in the air. Before I could look up I saw black chasing white up the far side dunes. Then they made a circle and came back down making water fly in the air from the creek again. I could see a flash running toward the ocean. We ran to the cliff that overlooks the ocean to the west. That's when I saw circles on the hard sand in front of Fish Rock. The next thing I knew both black and white were on top of Fish Rock.

  Then it seemed to get very quiet and calm. I looked hard at the top of the sea stack seeing nothing. The tide was out and then from the back side of Fish Rock they both walked from behind the rock side by side. Once again they faced each other, bowed, and black and white became one. It seemed a long time they were together fighting, but it was so hard to tell time. Then like a streak of black they were both back by the creek with water flying in the air.

  I'll never forget this sight as long as I live. I was holding my breath when both of them stopped, sat down Indian style, gave a neck bow but never again raised their heads. I saw Brad run down the hill almost as fast as when the two Masters were fighting. He slide to a stop between them and bent down to look in their faces. After a close look, he slowly felt the pulse of each Master. Then he stood up and bowed to both of them, turned and walked back up the side hill.

  All realized the two Masters were dead. The how would never be known. The why, well, as it was later tossed around, it was a Peking Man thing.

  There was one more thing to do. Brad went to the motor home because one Master was still inside; he hoped alive. He gave the door a brief rap and entered. He saw a Master in the same position as the other two on the beach. Brad checked his life signs and found a strong heart beat. At least this one was alive, he thought. Why he was asleep was curious to him. This was very unusual and hard to find an answer to an even more difficult question. Then he saw the tea cups. He picked each one up at a time, sniffed it, tasted with his tongue and after he was finished with all three, he smiled. The cup in front of the sleeping Master had been drugged.

  Brad dropped to his knees and stared hard at the face of the sleeping Master trying to determine which Master it was. As he was about to say to himself that this was his teacher and Master both eyes snapped open. The, now awake Master said, "My son, both my brothers have moved on in the scheme of life. My brother drugged me knowing I wasn't ready to move on. I don't fault him, but envy both of my fellow brothers. You see, my son, we were not twins, but identical triplets. It had been decided many generation ago that a splinter group needed to migrate east to propagate the fertile area around Beijing.

  Now, my son, please help me up so I can prepare the bodies for the hereafter. I'll need your help and your wife's help please. I'll instruct you as we go along. You need to learn this, my son, in case someday you have to prepare me for the long rest."

  The bodies were prepared for the long trip back to the compound. Inside each coffin was a gold bar. The Chinese President had arranged for the transportation and guards to stay with the coffins until met at the airport in China.

  As the two Masters were flying west, the Chinese President was on his way to the Round House. Preparations were made for his and Mi Ling's arrival.

  However, one man still wanted the Chinese President dead. Number One was in San Francisco visiting Chinatown. He was looking for a Japanese Ninja for hire. He was directed to Japan Town and specifically to a Sushi restaurant.

  Number One had a pocket full of American dollars. He bought his way to a table without a reservation. In broken English he finally got his point across. He was instructed to check into a hotel not far away and wait for a knock on the door. Number One was not so stupid as to keep a wad of money on him and told the owner of the restaurant that he wanted to make sure no one robbed him.

  They agreed trust was needed between them. After what seemed a long period of negotiations an agreement was had.

  At midnight a price was agreed upon and the next day, a deposit was put into escrow. The only instructions he gave were a town in Oregon and to assassinate the Chinese President. A phone call was made to Japan.

  Chapter 9

  Number One was counting on the fact that Brad Pratt and team would let their guard down. The ancient reputation of Ninja assassins was legendary. All folklore has some elements of truth and the Ninja sect revealed a very dangerous individual indeed. Stealth was their forte. Weapons were few, but deadly. In a few days time, Number One hoped to read in a newspaper the death of the President.

  Brad and team had seen the two Masters off from North Bend Airport via a military cargo plane. The surviving Master went with his brothers. Brad shifted mental gears and went into the next phase with the Chinese President arriving tomorrow. That gave the Batt Team all day and night to take a relaxing break. However, Brad knew better than to let his guard down. He told Mike he wanted extra protection in the form of Navy Seals dressed as tourists beach combing and bird watching. Mike dug out his cell phone and put a call into Blaze in San Diego.

  Brad and team, with Sujin of course, spent the day brainstorming the earth house to come. In addition, a tour of the next door property for Jones and Wendy was thoroughly discussed. What was needed next door stood out by observation of the dwarf pine all leaning to the east. Every living thing bent to the east along the coast from the onshore wind.

  The solution escaped all of them for awhile. Of course Billy suggested surfing the internet would be the best idea. All agreed and back they went to discuss the earth house.

  It was decided that a pile driver was needed and environmentalists would have a field day protesting the earth disturbance. Well, no matter, it never hurt to try. He'd give the project to Nancy and Steve.

  That night Billy had a movie to show. It had taken a lot of time to cut and paste, but what he did have was simply entertaining and educational. Actually it was a little ironic that they were in the Master's motor home with its giant screen.

  After dinner all were gathered except Rocky who had to guard the property. As no buzzer was set up in the motor home, Park volunteered to stand guard in the house. The stage was set. Billy was the director. He said, "Take your seat folks the movie is about to start." All
were sitting on the floor as no chairs were available. Billy said, "Here we go……………."

  Everyone saw the two Masters walk down the side hill to the beach floor. The fog was making the picture a little blurry, but viewing was not bad. The creek was next to them spreading out over the sand to mix with the salt water. The creek was only about six inches deep where the two stopped to exchange bows. It was then that Billy switched to slow motion.

  Afterwards all agreed it was a fine fight involving martial arts at its best. In slow motion you could see arms and legs flying back and forth between the two of them Next was one chasing the other into the creek and then up the dunes on the other side of the small valley. A lot of energy was spent running, fighting and leaping in the air.

  A small pause as the battle moved over to Fish Rock. Billy had a nice close up of the two combatants on top of the rock throwing punches and using their legs in classic martial arts fashion. The next shot showed the two of them walking around from behind the sea stack together. They bowed once more and went to battle again.

  The slow motion showed the two of them moving back to the creek area. It was there that the fight ended. Billy left the slow motion on as the two sat down on the sand next to the creek. They slowly bowed to each other and never moved thereafter. End of video. All was very quiet.

  Brad said, as he stood up and faced his team, "I'm convinced that this was not a fight to the death where one is a survivor. This expenditure of energy was the last of a long life. I'm not sure how to explain it but maybe like two kids playing until they both get so tired they have to rest. There's one more thing I'd like to share with you and that is they, all three Masters were identical triplicates. The Black Dragon was led away before he was old enough to identify with his brothers in the compound. His uncle took him, along with other, to increase the population around the Beijing area.