The Quantum Cypher

by Aaron Maximus

  One day, Chang contacted Zhang’s closest aide and secretly enquired about Zhang’s other ventures. He learnt that Zhang controlled the narcotic trade and the mafia business in China. He is a notorious criminal, who was wanted by the authorities in all South Asian countries. Yet, here he was sitting in front of him and having his dinner without a care in the world.

  The next day, out of curiosity, Chang checked about Zhang on the internet. There was Interpol Red Alert on his name. But the person in the picture was someone else. This was shocking. So, is Zhang an imposter? He thought.

  Chang was troubled by this revelation and wanted to confront Zhang.

  He got his chance one late afternoon when Zhang visited his restaurant. The customers had left and just few cleaning staff was around setting tables for dinner. Chang was chatting with Zhang as always, and then he mustered courage and casually asked him about the facial transformation. Zhang’s face turned red. He got up from his seat and left the restaurant without a word.

  Later that evening, Chang was escorted to Zhang’s home by his aide. It was a humongous property with a beautiful garden. Zhang received Chang with open arms and offered him a cup of tea. Zhang led him to a study, where there were pictures of his younger years. Chang could see the photos resembled the one he saw on the Internet. Confused, he enquired about his facial transformation.

  "I got a plastic surgery done by a trusted friend of mine, who is based in Singapore. He visits me on a weekly basis to check if I'm healing. He is in fact in town and you should meet him." Looking closely, Chang could see a scar under Zhang’s chin leading all the way up to his ears. Chang apologised profusely and invited Zhang and his friend for dinner and promise to cook their favourite dishes.

  A few days later, he threw a great banquet for the Shanghai underworld to celebrate the success of his restaurant. During dinner, Chang announced that the restaurant chain is launching its first outlet in Hong Kong next week and to celebrate this occasion, a great party was organised for Hong Kong mafia in Macau.

  The following week Zhang received shocking news that the entire Hong Kong mafia was poisoned and more than 84 people, including the head of the faction, had died of food poisoning at the party held by Chang.

  Zhang was shaken. He was trying to digest the news when he received a call from Chang.

  "I'm outside, please let me in."

  Once in the privacy of his house, Chang explained his motive behind killing the mafia and that he had planned it for a long time to avenge his parent’s death.

  But Zhang was furious that Chang used their business partnership for his personal reason. He signalled his bodyguards to kill Chang. To his surprise, his bodyguards collapsed in front of him. Before he could react, he felt a sharp object cut through his stomach. His eyesight started to fade and darkness set in.

  CHAPTER 53

  Chang’s bodyguard slowly pulled out the dagger out of the lifeless body of Zhang. "What about his friend?" asked Chang. "He's dead in the next room," said the bodyguard. "Good, time to make the announcement."

  Next day, he gathered the entire Shanghai mafia for an urgent meeting at Zhang’s house. None of them knew the reason but sensed some grave purpose.

  They were all seated in the main hall and were served tea. Everyone was getting impatiently and started to speculate. Just then, they were all led to the inner courtyard of the house. The entire mob froze at the sight of Zhang's body hanging from the inner balcony.

  Chang stood in the upper balcony and addressed the mob.

  "Welcome everyone. As you can see, I have killed Zhang and all the members of the Hong Kong mafia too."

  A few contemplated running up the stairs to attack Chang but they were outnumbered and the bodyguards were alert.

  “Who did not have the tea, raise your hands.”

  None went up.

  “Good,” said Chang, “Please walk into the inner chamber of the house. We'll talk as brothers."

  The mob was completely baffled as to why Chang is interested in knowing if they had tea. As the crowd moved through the door they found a scanner which indicated a green light. People who triggered a red light were led to the next room.

  Once they were all inside, Chang appeared in a distance. He was guarded and had a bottle of green liquid in his hand.

  “Dear brothers,” he addressed. “I am your new leader!"

  There was an outburst and people started to advanced towards Chang.

  “Before you get violent, please note you have all been poisoned,” announced Chang.

  The crowd stopped at their feet. They knew Chang was not joking as he has just killed the entire Hong Kong mafia and they would be no exception.

  “But the good news is, I have an antidote. I cannot save you, but

  I can keep you alive as long as you listen to me.”

  A few refused to listen and advanced to attack him but were shot down by the guards in the room.

  He continued, “The tea you were served was poisoned with a unique substance. Most poisons kill their victims when consumed. This works the other way around. You will all die if you don’t consume it every 72 hours!”

  CHAPTER 54

  Chang ruled with an iron hand. He killed anyone who opposed him. He invented a new drug called 'Green Joy'. He used cocaine along with a poison to create this super drug. This drug was like no other. People who consumed green joy were highly productive and were always in a state of ecstasy. It was the perfect drug but had a deadly flaw. If you stop consuming it, you would be dead within 72 hours. The demand for the drug reached beyond the walls of China and soon the world was his marketplace. Chang became a monster. The years of trauma had changed him forever. He became fearless and detached himself from all human emotions. He was power hungry and there was no stopping this beast.

  Andy glanced at his phone. It was Cara. There were 6 missed calls and a tonne of messages. He had been engrossed in reading about Chang and didn’t even notice the time.

  He dialled Cara. She answered it immediately, “What’s going on? It’s 11 P.M., I was getting worried."

  “Sorry, my phone was on silent. I’m just leaving now and will be home soon,” comforted Andy.

  He was driving through the busy roads of Dubai. It is a city that never sleeps. There was still traffic on roads. His mind was pre-occupied about how to break the news of Chang in a way that won’t scare Cara.

  The door was immediately answered by Cara. Anxiously, she asked, “So, what did you find out? Who is he?”

  Andy decided that it was futile to cover up and he replied, “He is a dangerous drug dealer and heads the Shanghai Mafia”.

  There was complete silence and a few minutes later Cara said, “I want to go to my mum’s place. I will call my parents and let them know. Once you return from London, we can decide on the next steps."

  Andy was expecting a wave of words, but her resigned outlook made him guilty and sad. She didn’t sleep well that night and first thing in the morning, pulled out the suitcases and asked the kids to start packing. Andy sat in the living room overcome by the feeling of helplessness.

  Cara’s parents lived in Dubai, not far from them. Her dad worked for the local Airlines as Operations Director and was due to retire in 2 year’s time. Her mum was a headmistress for a renowned school for special needs children. Having them in close proximity was a great help for Cara and Andy in raising their children.

  The artefact has turned their life upside down and now, his kids and wife were moving away from him. He decided to call his dad to update him and seek his advice.

  Andy informed about Chang and that Cara was leaving with the Kids to her mum’s.

  Ted listened intently and spoke after few minutes of introspection.

  “I think it’s better Cara leaves to her mum’s, or you can bring them to London with you and they can stay with us while you finish your work. But staying back in Dubai will not affect Cara’s work or children’s school. I’m sure Cara will feel better and safe at her mu
m’s,” advised Ted.

  Andy thanked him for his support and bid goodbye.

  He then went into the bedroom and saw Cara packing. He held her tightly and could feel her tears drop on his shoulders.

  “I am sorry. I should have listened to you and distanced myself from this whole affair. I promise to put an end to this matter soon."

  Cara quietly withdrew and renewed her packing. Andy felt sick in the stomach. He had expected her to react strongly, but her actions drove a spike through his heart.

  He dropped off Cara and kids in the evening to his in-law’s place. Heading back home, he distracted himself from drowning in misery by preparing for his trip to London. He called his cousins to inform them about his itinerary.

  Next morning, he was picked up by his company car to take him to the airport.

  At the Airport, he saw Tony by the check-in counter.

  “Have you checked-in?” enquired Andy.

  “Yes, did it online last evening. I had a lot of luggage and thought best to check in early."

  Once on the flight, Andy buckled the seat belt and waited for the flight to take off.

  “You look tensed, everything ok?” enquired Tony.

  “All good, just tensed about the expo. It was a late decision to participate and I am not sure if the preparation has been thorough,” replied Andy.

  “Well you better, I am not going to be around to cover your back, mate. I just put down my papers. I resigned yesterday, so you, my friend are the new Director of Sales, Congratulations!”

  CHAPTER 55

  Andy was speechless.

  “Hey, you look like you have seen a ghost! I know we get along well, but I never thought you will be upset with my resignation. I am happy to have a colleague like you,” quipped Tony.

  Andy smiled and tried to behave normally. He was stunned at the prediction of the monk. There was a flood of questions in his mind. How could have the monk predict this event so accurately? Everything was fine with Tony until yesterday. So what prompted him to resign? Did Omar and Tony have a fall out?

  He decided to clear the suspense, “Why, the sudden decision?” enquired Andy.

  “It’s purely a personal one. I have been away from my folks in London and my dad needs help. He will be turning 80 next year. Secondly, my daughter has decided to pursue her college in London,” explained Tony.

  “Don’t worry buddy, you will be fine. If you need me, I’m just a phone call away,” assured Tony.

  “Thanks, Tony! I will really miss you, buddy. Good luck for the next chapter in your life” wished Andy.

  Andy opened a book to read but mind was elsewhere. He was thinking that in a corporate environment, there is a fair share of surprises and developments each day. It seemed like the universe had conspired to provide Andy with the promotion and it was predicted accurately a month ago. The pieces of the puzzle which made this moment a reality required Tony’s daughter to obtain college admission in London. He could have arranged campus accommodation for his daughter or could have asked her to stay with the grandparents. What if she was not admitted in London? Instead, she was offered an opportunity in the US or she could have continued her studies in Dubai. Secondly, Tony’s father was old but did not require urgent attention. He was comfortable and did not require any immediate medical attention. Tony himself could have dismissed the idea, as he was well settled in Dubai with a great tax-free package. It all fell into place like a jigsaw puzzle in the correct sequence.

  CHAPTER 56

  At Heathrow airport, Andy and Tony parted ways. Both had refused hotel accommodation provided by their office, as they wanted to stay with their respective families.

  Andy walked out of the arrival building to find his cousins waiting. “Andy!” shouted his cousin Jerry and ran up to him, closely followed by Ryan. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, they took the tube to Swiss Cottage, where Andy’s parents lived.

  “I see you have travelled light. We can now go directly to the pub for a drink,” suggested Jerry slyly. Andy was too knackered to join them, but he thought it was impossible to talk these madcaps out of it.

  Two pints down, not wanting to be fagged, Andy directed his cousins to the dark corner. After ordering for some chips, they retired with a Cuban cigar. Andy gave his cousins a rundown of the events. Both listened intently and finally, Jerry broke out “It’s an amazing adventure waiting to happen. I can take some days off from work."

  “Same here, I am not missing this for the world,” pitched in Ryan.

  “Great, I have to first finish the expo and then we can meet Nick’s dad to decipher the script,” said Andy.

  “That settles it. We will all meet at Nick’s tomorrow evening,” added Jerry excitedly.

  CHAPTER 57

  Andy joined Jerry and Rayan after having spent the last hour updating his dad and mum about life in Dubai.

  Nick opened the door and could smell the booze. Nick blurted out, “Assholes, you went to the pub without me."

  “Sorry bro, couldn’t resist a beautiful tavern on our way here,” apologised Andy, while giving Nick a hug.

  “I can see you guys have been up to no good, nothing changes,” taunted Nick exchanging hugs with his cousins.

  “Calm down. Where is your feeding bottle? Let me get this baby some milk,” teased Ryan.

  Nick was the youngest of all the cousins and frequently the butt of jokes and pranks.

  Nick’s dad, Michael, entered the living room from his study after hearing the commotion. He was a tall lanky man with grey hair and extremely fit for his age. He was an expert in the field of Linguistics and much-respected scholar in England.

  He greeted the boys and enquired about their life in general. Nick’s mum, Nancy, who was busy in kitchen cooking dinner, also joined them.

  “I’m heading over to the store to pick up some wine. Do you fellas need anything? There is beer in the fridge. Help yourself,” said Michael.

  Nancy gave a stern look at Michael and said “Wine? Mister, you remember the doctor has advised you cut down on your drinking. Go easy!” scolded Nancy.

  By the time, she finished her sentence, Michael was out of earshot.

  The boys let out a chuckle and Nancy went back to the kitchen, muttering angrily. They settled down with the beer and waited for Michael to return.

  Michael returned in time for Dinner. Nancy had set up the table and smell of mince pies was filling the room. They hogged like they hadn’t eaten for days and polished off the custard in a jiffy.

  They all moved to the backyard for a smoke and lounged in the Gazebo. The weather was warm with clear skies and a bright moon was visible.

  “I need your help, Uncle Mike,” said Andy. Andy relayed everything about the artefact and Tsang . He showed him photos and videos which he had on his phone.

  Michael printed some of these pictures using the Wi-Fi printer and rushed into his study to fetch them. An hour had passed and there was no sign of him. “What’s keeping him so long?” asked Andy

  “Don’t worry. I am sure he is working on the photos. The wine bottle is still here, so he has not dozed off. If not for us, he has to come out to get the wine,” laughed Nick, while others just stared at him. “He is behind me, right?” guessed Nick. Michael gave a light knock on his head and said, “You are right. I came here for the wine, but I see you fellas have downed it."

  The others cracked up watching Nick’s mortified face.

  CHAPTER 58

  Michael sat back in his chair and made himself comfortable, then began with his explanation.

  “The script used was from the Mauryan era. The Mauryan Empire was founded by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya which dominated ancient India between c. 322 and 187 BCE. Originating from the kingdom of Magadha, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the eastern side of the Indian subcontinent, the empire had its capital city at Pataliputra (modern day Patna). The empire was the largest to have ever existed in the Indian subcontinent, spanning over 5 million square kilometres a
t its zenith under Emperor Asoka.

  Emperor Chandragupta Maurya raised an army and with the assistance of Chanakya, overthrew the Nanda Empire in c. 322 BCE and rapidly expanded his power westwards by taking advantage of the disruptions in western India caused by Alexander the Great's armies. By 316 BCE the empire had fully occupied Northwestern India.

  The great Empire stretched to the north along the natural boundaries of the Himalayas, to the east into Assam, to the west into Balochistan (south-west Pakistan and south-east Iran) and the Hindu Kush mountains of what is now Afghanistan."

  Michael paused for a while and looked at all of them listening so raptly. He was satisfied to see none had fallen asleep. He then continued, “The script on the artefact is a secret code that was used only by the generals of King Asoka. The scripts were found in one of the archaeological sites in India. The person who etched the script onto the artefact had to be a General, who was in the core group of Asoka’s army.”

  Andy relived the visions where the warrior was sitting in the pool of blood.

  “The problem is, I only have part of the code, as most of the scriptures were destroyed with time. But I can reconstruct the words if I can see the entire writings on the artefact. Do you have more pictures?” asked Michael.

  “Still better, I have the artefact,” said Andy gleaming.

  Despite his promise to Cara, Andy had opted to carry the artefact as it was the only insurance against Chang. He knew it did not raise any flags during their return from Hong Kong. So he had tucked it into his suitcase knowing fully well that it will not glow until there was visual contact.

  CHAPTER 59

  Andy had carefully covered the artefact in a red satin pouch and had placed it in the inner sleeve of his jacket. He pulled it out and placed it on the table. There was a bright light beaming from the canister more so in the dimly lit Gazebo. Michael and the others were speechless and mesmerised by the sheer beauty of the object. Finally, Andy broke the silence, “So, what do you make of it?”