by Wesley Chu
Tao scowled. “We called it? Why? The last one set off the Korean War. What good does the two sides talking ever achieve?”
“The technological curve on this planet is increasing exponentially. Both sides have adjusted their timelines; the Genjix by as little as two hundred by their plan; ours by seven. We have reports that the Genjix have begun prototyping this Penetra scanner. Code name: Longbow. Our people are focusing on disrupting the supply lines for its parts. The design list requires very specific pieces of technology. The manufacturing plant is the underwater facility off the coast here. It is impossible to infiltrate. Intel has also confirmed that there is a massive three-phase program in the works, with the Penetra program being the first phase.”
“Longbow, huh. It must be a game changer to carry such a lofty name,” Tao murmured. “We are losing this fight one step at a time. The planet is following the Genjix timeline.”
“And now Command is scrambling for reconciliation,” Baji said. “They fear total capitulation.”
Tao spat. “Fools. We have been on the brink of capitulation for five hundred years. Already, we see the effects of their industrial push. If the Genjix have their way, the planet will be barren and stripped of all resources in order to achieve the expedition of the return.”
“Acceptable losses by the Genjix.” Baji shrugged. “Be sure to burn these documents when you have finished with them. No need to put your boy in a panic yet. When do you think he will be ready to take the field?”
Tao shook his head. “Not sure. Definitely not until we overcome his physical deficiencies. He could be destined for a desk job.”
“Hardly, Tao,” Baji snorted. “You were always one of our best field agents. You coaxed the most out of even the most helpless ones. Look at what you did with Genghis and Shamshi-Adad. If my memory serves me, Shamshi-Adad wanted nothing more than to breed horses and children, especially after his father gave the kingdom to his brother. It took an inordinate amount of prodding from you to get him off his rump to go conquer his own kingdom. He did much more than that. Assyria was a bona fide empire back in the day.”
Tao laughed. “I did set that one right. Shamshi-Adad – that man was quite the rascal. I am quite proud of that one.”
“Just do the same for Roen. He will come around. As for teaching him how to fight, what about that ever-so-modest and humble fighting style of yours you created in China during the fourteenth century, the one you claimed you discovered when you saw the bird and the rat fight? What did you call it, the Grand Supreme Fist? I am surprised you did not call it Tao Fist. It is no wonder Napoleon and Lafayette could not stand each other. There was too much ego in the room.”
“It was a magpie and a snake, and I swear I was not the one that came up with the name. San-Feng came up with that on his own.” Tao paused thoughtfully. “You know, I thought the Grand Supreme Fist might have been too difficult for him, but it actually might be a good fit. Learning it requires unlearning everything about body movement, and Roen never had any to begin with.”
She said, “Well, Dania and Sonya never understood your Supreme Fist, but Roen might. He just needs to apply himself.”
“The problem with Roen is not his desire. It is his self-doubt and awkwardness. He is also very stubborn. Trying to convert him to the metric system is trying to teach a Gaul haiku.”
“It just takes practice. You will think of something. You always do. You invented half a dozen martial arts. If you could do that, I am sure you could train him in one of those to some degree of aptitude.”
“That is a bit of an exaggeration. If you looked at all those martial arts, they were all similar, just different means to an end.”
Baji threw a playful jab at Tao, which he blocked. “Rubbish, Tao. All combat ends at the same place. It is the training that is important. Just figure out what style of combat Roen takes to and run with it.”
“Perhaps,” Tao replied.
The two spent the rest of the night reminiscing over better times and chatted about the future. All in all, it was nice to enjoy each other’s company without having to deal with hosts. The sun was just appearing over the horizon by the time they decided to turn in. The effort required to control their hosts was quite draining.
“We should speak again soon,” Baji said as she escorted him to the door.
Tao nodded. “I look forward to it.” As he turned to leave, he stopped and grinned. “One more thing; humor me with this one. Not if, but when Antonio decides to make his move on Sonya, have her tell him that she is flattered – but her heart is set on Roen.”
Baji laughed. “Sure thing, Tao.”
He winked and hurried off to bed before Roen woke. As he laid his host back on the couch, Tao thought back to the time he spent in China after Temujin. His mind wandered to the years after he left the Mongols and moved south to the Yuan Dynasty where he met San-Feng and created the Grand Supreme Fist.
As he often did when he thought about the past, Tao reminisced over the many mistakes he made. A few key moments could have changed the world for the better or hindered the Genjix’s rise to dominance.
Tao mulled over his conversation with Baji until sunrise lit the apartment. The problems of the Prophus weighed down on him. It bothered him that he was on the sidelines during such a critical time. If a Decennial was scheduled, he needed to be there. With Roen’s current progression, his attendance was in doubt. While Tao did not value those old fools meeting under a banner of truce, it was still an important event.
At this rate though, his host was ill-prepared for such an intense encounter with so many Quasing in one place. The man might crack under the pressure and get himself killed. But Tao could not even consider putting Roen into a combat situation until Roen could handle himself in a fight. There had to be something he could do to accelerate Roen’s training. Training with Sonya had taken him far, but Tao needed to change his approach somehow.
The magpie and the snake. Tao searched his memories of that one vivid moment in history. While events of that fight were not in any history books, it launched a thousand schools of study.
San-Feng had stumbled upon the two animals fighting. The magpie was trying to eat the snake. However, each time the magpie attacked, the snake would evade the magpie with its loose and supple body, always staying out of range of the magpie’s sharp beak. And then just as the magpie missed, the snake would strike, springing like a tightly wound coil releasing itself. The magpie then used its wings to evade the snake’s attack by striking at odd angles to trap and peck it. The snake would always recoil from harm’s way and strike back with lightning speed. Again and again, the two fought their dance of death.
Finally, after a fierce fight, the magpie took off into the sky, seeking easier prey. Tao, having inhabited birds and snakes before, knew exactly how they fought. He had envisioned the instincts he had when he occupied those animals. It was that moment of revelation that led him to teach San-Feng the Grand Supreme Fist.
Damn it. If I can create the all-powerful Grand Supreme Fist, I can teach this lug how to fight. Roen, wake up!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
LIN
It was there that I met Chang San-Feng and created the Grand Supreme Fist. It was also there that I joined with a man with great potential, much like Temujin, but tempered with humility and wisdom. His name was Zhu Yuanzhang. Born in poverty, Zhu had lived as a monk, a beggar, a rebel – and later as a leader of the Red Turban sect during a tumultuous time. Zhu Yuanzhang was quick to accept me, believing that the Ho Lung had come to him in his people’s time of need.
I said, wake up, Roen!
“Whuu... What?” Roen woke with a start. “What’s going on? Why am I on the couch? Oh yeah.” He sat up and yawned. “What time is it?”
Get your workout in and then take the rest of the day off. We have much to do.
Roen blinked several times and buried his head in the pillow again. “Why am I so tired? I feel like I didn’t sleep a wink last night.”
> Wake Sonya and start your morning jog.
“I feel exhausted. You know the body’s defense system is weak when it’s tired. I might catch a cold. Maybe I should take the day off.” Roen pulled his blanket over his head.
No excuses today.
“Why are you so crabby?”
Go. Now!
Roen knew better than to argue when Tao was in such a mood. Complaining every step of the way, he rolled off the couch and knocked on Sonya’s door. Coincidently, she was just as tired as he was. Their workout was very half-hearted as they both struggled to get through all the exercises. They cut the session short, and Sonya left to take care of her tan. Tao made Roen clear his schedule and had him drive away from the city to the suburb of Skokie to a plain unadorned building off the side of an alley.
“What is this? Another Prophus safe house?” Roen mused.
You will see.
“Not used very often, huh?” Roen kicked aside some garbage that littered the ground as he approached a rusty metal door. It squeaked as it opened as if it hadn’t been used in ages, revealing another vault-like door similar to the safe house that Sonya and he trained in. Roen punched in his code and watched a layer of dust fall from the ceiling as the vault door rumbled open.
Like the safe house at Lake Street, the interior looked nothing like it did on the outside. However, instead of training equipment, this building looked like someone’s home – with the exception of a large circular mat in the center of the room. Against one wall were dozens of assorted potted plants; on the opposite wall were a row of pinball machines and electronic equipment. An antique table, rocking chair, and couch were the only other furniture in sight. An old pudgy Chinese man with short black hair was sitting in the rocking chair reading a book. He did not seem to notice Roen walk in.
“This is something you don’t see every day. What is this place?”
Go greet Sifu Wei Cheng Lin. Sifu means master in Mandarin. With respect, mind you, and take your shoes off, for God’s sake.
“What’s he a master of? Is that an Atari next to the television?”
Pay attention. Bow when you first speak to him and tell him Ho Lung greets him.
“What? What’s a Ho Lung?”
Just say it.
Grumbling about bacteria and dirt, Roen took off his shoes and placed them next to the door. He strolled up to the man. “Um... Hi, Master Wei Cheng Lin. I was, uh... sent here by Ho Lung.”
That is not what I told you to say.
The wizened old man, eyes still fixed on the book, spoke in a soft voice. “You are trespassing. Leave now.” He pointed to the door, not bothering to even glance Roen’s way. Roen shrugged, turned, and began to walk away.
Stop.
“What? What do I do now? I don’t get it.”
You really should follow directions better.
“You didn’t say anything about verbatim.”
Roen turned around again. Lin leaped from the chair at a blinding speed. His hands flashed forward and struck the air where Roen’s head had been moments before. The punch was so fast Roen thought he heard the air pop. Stumbling backward, he covered up and retreated.
“What the hell? I don’t want to beat on an old guy.”
You have a bad track record with old men. You should worry more about your own safety right now.
Roen raised his guard just as Lin closed in waving his hands all crazy-like. Those strange gestures befuddled Roen. The old guy’s palms were open and his arms outstretched as if he was trying to slap Roen. Both arms were waving in small circular patterns, moving back and forth like pieces of string blowing in the wind. However, when Roen blocked the slaps, it sent a shock through his body, unlike anything he had ever felt before.
“Ow! That hurt. That really, really hurt.”
Punches are supposed to hurt.
“He hits like a Mack truck!”
Immediately, Lin moved to Roen’s side and struck again. Roen barely blocked the attack as it came dangerously close to his face. The force of the blow pushed him backward. Roen retreated, shaking his hands in pain – as Lin continued stalking him, and whose hands still waved in the air as if they were live snakes.
Roen knew he had to keep his guard up, but the nerves in his arms refused to comply, and he found himself suddenly defenseless. He looked at the supposedly old and wizened man – who no longer seemed that old or wizened. Roen tried to move to the side, but was cut off as Lin pressed the attack.
After another punch that nearly took his head off, Roen decided that he had had enough. If the old fogey felt he had the right to knock Roen silly, then well, Roen was going to hit him right back! Roen stepped in and threw a hard right cross at Lin’s chubby cheeks, just like during his fighting sessions with Sonya. The punch flew well short of its target.
Come on, that was embarrassing.
He followed through with a high kick. Lin stepped past his kick and karate-chopped his shins. Roen staggered and his knees buckled. Determined not to fall, he retreated again, trying to shake off the numbness in his legs. Lin pressed forward, darting in from side to side. Roen threw a few jabs, trying to keep him at bay, but his arms felt like lead weights. Lin smashed his defenses and, before Roen realized what had happened, flipped him onto his back.
The geezer who just beat the snot out of him stood over Roen and shook his head. Then he extended a hand, helping Roen stand up. “I hope you’re a new host in need of training and not a live operative. You move like a pregnant cow.”
“I’m a new host in need of training,” stammered Roen. His entire body hurt in so many places that his brain couldn’t process all of it.
“It’s good to know Command isn’t completely bottom feeding.” The old man nodded. “Who did you say sent you again?”
“Ho Lung greets you, Sifu Wei Cheng Lin,” Roen managed to say through gritted teeth.
Wei Cheng Lin brightened up. “Oh, Sifu Tao, yes, it is so good to see you again. I see you picked a fixer-upper as your next host. I grieve with you for Edward.”
“Tao, did you used to be a Ho Lung?”
Yes. I am quite a legend in Chinese mythology, you know.
“You’ll have to tell me about that sometime.”
Roen bowed. “Thank you, Sifu Lin. To be honest, I’m not sure why Tao sent me here.”
Lin chuckled. “Isn’t it obvious? You were sent here to be trained.”
“But I’m already being trained,” Roen protested.
Lin gave a snort.
Roen looked around the room. “This is what you do here? Train agents?”
Lin nodded. “I was once an agent, but one particular mission made me too visible in the world, so I went underground, and now I train.”
“What mission was that, Sifu Lin?” Roen asked.
Lin gave him a blank stare. Finally, he replied, “It is of little matter. I am content serving any way they require. I have seen your abilities. We have much work to do.”
“Is that why you attacked me?” Roen asked.
“How else could I gauge your real skill if you didn’t think you were fighting for your life?” Lin smiled. “Do not worry; you are in good hands. Sifu Tao would not do otherwise.”
“Sifu Tao?” Roen asked.
“Just as I train his students, he was once my master,” Lin said. “In fact, you can say he was a master to all of us in our art.”
“And what art would that be, Sifu Lin?”
Lin put his hands together and bowed. “Why, the Grand Supreme Fist of course, or what you might know as t’ai chi.”
Sonya adjusted her sunglasses before putting them on. She lay out on her beach towel and enjoyed the weather as she tanned in her two-piece swimming suit, soaking up as much rays as possible. She tapped a hidden button on the side of the sunglasses. Several small screens turned on in her lenses. Now she had a three-sixty view of the area.
She sighed in contentment and relaxed. “This is the life. It isn’t the Caymans, but it’ll do.” Oak Street
Beach during the summer was packed with beachgoers. After the harsh Chicago winters, the people congregated on the beach with enthusiasm like a colony of ants. The crowd was loud as the hordes of humanity crowded the small beach as if it was the last strip of sand in the Midwest. Actually, that might not be that far off, Sonya thought.
Just remember you are still working.
“I’m never not working. The camera facing east is a little fuzzy.”
It will have to do. I doubt our contact is coming in from the lake anyway.
“Well, Gaston better get here soon. I have plans with Roen today.”
You are spending far too much time training him.
“He needs the work. Besides, he’s like the puppy I always wanted.”
Do not get too attached. Command is putting him in the field soon.
Sonya sat up. “What? It’s too soon. He’s not ready.”
He will have to be. This is a bad time for Tao to take the year off. You need to get back to Europe.
Sonya shook her head and laid back down, pretending to doze off, while keeping an eye out for the signal. “I’ll talk to the Keeper. It’s only been a few months. He’ll just get killed.”
Nonsense. Soldiers in the United States go to war after basic and advanced training after five months; other countries, far less. Roen’s had much more intense training from you.
“He wouldn’t have even gotten into the army the state he was in when Tao found him.”
Sonya’s thoughts stayed on Roen. If that was the case, his training would have to be stepped up. She’d have to cut short the hand-to-hand combat and move to firearms and squad tactics. She was concerned he might be getting overwhelmed. She waited for another thirty minutes before turning over onto her stomach. As soon as she flipped over, the south camera picked up a flash, and then two more quick flashes. “We’re a go,” Sonya murmured. It was too bad. Now she’d have an uneven tan.
I was beginning to wonder. After the past two months, I was afraid something might have happened to Gaston.
