IC
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IC
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As a general rule, Al was pleased enough wtih his appearance that he balked at any sort of disguise, but he could see the need in this case. Fortunately, he was such a Master Thespian that with a few deep breaths he was able to transform his speech, gait, demeanor, yea, his very essence to completely that he became unrecognizeable with no physical change in appearance whatsoever. Change complete (he had adopted his overeducated Portuguese chimney sweep persona), he grabbed a roll of toilet paper from the glove box of his trunk (prepared for any emergency) and said, “If this don’t distract him, nothin’ will. Y’all make yer move once i got his attention.”
Approaching the booth, he said, “Hey pal, ya got a few nuyen fer some hard drugs an’ a soft whore ta git ol’ Al through the night? I am a chimney sweep by trade, but no one’ll gimme a damn job on account o’ my overeducatedness.”
The man looked at Al as though he recognized him – Al congratulated himself with the way the character he’d created was universal enough to seem instantly familiar to any onlookers – but the man kept a straight face, fiddling with something under his counter while saying, “Get out of here, you bum.”
Undeterreed, Al showed the man the toilet paper. “Tell ya what. I’ll make it worth yer while.”[/blue] He produced a ten-nuyen note and pressed it against the plexiglass. “Ya ever heard o’ the Dance o’ the Flamin’ Asshole? Reckon I’m gon’ shove one end o’ this roll where the sun don’t shine, light the roll on fire, then unspool it down the sidewalk a ways here. Usually takes, oh, ten seconds fer the flame ta reach the ol’ Hershey Highway. Now, if I can go fer thirty seconds without puttin’ the flame out, you gon’ give me ten nuyen. But if I put ‘er out sooner’n that, well, this here crisp tenner’s all your’n. Whaddaya say, amigo?”
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John
Tuesday, 26 November, 1245; China Town, Seattle Metroplex #202John had to admit: Al might be a funny (smelling) little guy, but his distractions where grade A+++. It took himself a second to pull away from the scene, but while the guard still sorted through possible responses beyond “what” and “what” but in a much louder voice he managed to quickly squeeze past the gate, rolling into the shadow of a column and climbing like a spider up and along the ceiling, avoiding three cameras keeping an eye on the first level.
<<Hey Nachthexe, I’m in the parking garage. I’ll ARO the car for you, but I need you to open it and afterwards fake a message from the car to its owner that someone has broken in. Afterwards make sure his messages to anyone else aren’t sent. A bit of GI/GO should be enough.
In any case, I want him to come down in person.>>
<<No need to explain my job to me. That will cost you quite a bit just for that annoying mansplaning.>>
<<Sorry, just wanted to avoid any misunderstandings.>>
<<Just don’t be late for the match. You want me to open the trunk too?>>
<<Can’t hurt. I’ll need to direct connect afterwards to take over the car. >>
<<Roger. Get in position – I’ve just started to hack his link and let me tell you this is no fun at all. Spoof is going out in 5,4,3,2, and open…>>
John noticed the sports car beeping. Without wasting another second, he dropped from the ceiling and opened the door. Taking the Narco/DMSO mix he splashed the stuff liberally over all surfaces and the seats, before vanishing behind an SUV parked in the corner of the garage.
<<John, I faked the message. Now it’s up to him if he trusts his men with his car or not.>> -
Tuesday, 26 November, 1250; China Town, Seattle Metroplex
John hears the soft ping indicating that the elevator has opened at this level and from his vantage point, he sees two identically dressed Chinese men step out of the elevator and look around, giving him a chance to see that both are armed with some sort of snazzy SMG. They spread out a bit and then one turns back to the open elevator and nods. A rather large Chinese man with a bald head strides from the elevator car, followed by two more of the suited guards with very similar SMGs as the lead pair. After all, what self serving crime boss would go anywhere without a guard detail, especially when told that someone was in the act of breaking into his car? The lead guards move towards the car, but the large man pushes in front and raises some sort of device in his hands.
John hears a loud beep then sees the driver’s side door swing open as the man approaches, followed by his armed detail. He gives some instructions and two of the men peel off to look around. All four guards seem to be alert but the large man only really has eyes for the car.
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Tuesday, 26 November, 1330; Bright Path Casino and Hotel, China Town, Seattle Metroplex
The meeting between Fu Shing and his staff is going well. There were some tense moments early on when he wanted to take control of the meeting, but he remembers Song Ai’s advice and relaxes to let his advisors pretty much run the meeting. Listening to the others speak, he finds that he is surrounded by competent staff and that Song Ai was correct to let them take the lead in the discussion on how to open the casino and hotel in the morning and how best to prevent similar problems from happening in the first place.
Fu Shing initially does not want to endorse Song Ai’s idea of setting up a fund to care for the families of the slain security officers and to make sure that the casino covers the medical costs of the those injured in the attack, but relents when he sees how favorably the idea is considered by the others. He asks what the costs will be and flinches a bit before realizing that the amounts total to a very small percent of what the casino takes in and agrees that making the position known will get a very good PR spin for the casino.
The greater questions have to deal with how to better deal with the situation in the first place. It is obvious that the current measures are not adequate. Song Ai mentions bringing in an outside firm to look at the security and make recommendations and the others look at Fu Shing in some trepidation, but the man realizes that he is on a roll and waves his hands, telling them that he is interested in anything that will work. He smiles as he adds that he will maintain the right of making the final decision, which seems to sit well with his subordinates. Fu Shing might be injured, but he cannot fail to notice that each of the others casts a small but significant look in Song Ai’s direction.
The meeting is concluded with each of the others having one or more tasks to work on. Fu Shing is quiet in the elevator as it returns to the penthouse level and he immediately goes to his room, motioning for Song Ai to accompany him. He waits until the door is shut before he turns to her. “Just who are you, Song Ai? A few days ago you were a prostitute working in a whore house down the street and today you stand as my right hand in everything I do. You are bold and brave, and you have certainly proven able to kill my enemies as well as turn my other subordinates into a near certifiable fan club of yours. You have charmed my mother and grandmother, something which I would have though beyond the possible.” He shakes his head. “All in all you are too good to be true. I have not got to where I am by blindly believing everything I am shown and I have asked questions. Your background checks out perfectly. But there is no way that you could be that girl. Talk to me. I have come to realize that I am falling for you and do not want to lose you, but I cannot have lies and deceit between us.”
Ai stands in front of Fu Shing for a few quiet moments then nods and changes her face. The man is startled at the transformation. “I know you. Tanya Marisart. We met at a charity function a year ago. But why………………..?”
The woman changes back to the form of Song Ai. “Because I have seen first hand what is happening to this city and want to do something about it. I have spent a lot of time looking for the best way and decided about three years ago that the best way to make a change is to do it from the inside and I began working on the Song Ai persona, laying the groundwork for what I hoped to be able to do. I did my research and thought that you were progressive enough to be willing to…………………….”
Fu Shing angrily interrupts her. “………………….to be your patsy, your dupe in all this. What gives you the right to manipulate me in this fashion?”
Ai stands her ground. “Because you are the sort of man that wants to make a change but you are unsure of yourself. You, like the others, are so set in your ways that you are not seeing what you are doing. But you are different, Shing……………”
The man holds up a hand to interrupt. “I am not sure that we are on a good first name basis any longer, Song Ai, or Tanya Marisart, or whoever you really are.”
Ai lowers her eyes for a moment then raises them again. “But you are different, Fu Shing. You are a good man that is simply going along with what you know. I felt, and still feel, that you would be willing to make a difference if you had the ability to do so. But you needed some guidance and advice, something you are not know for accepting.”
He waves his hands at her. “Fine words, but why the charade?”
Ai smiles at the obvious. “Would you have accepted the advice of a round eye? Or would I have been accepted by the people here as Tanya Marisart? No, I needed to fit in.”
Fu Shing considers the answer then nods. “You are correct, I suppose.” He breaks his stare and begins pacing the room. “So all of this was a game…..a pretense?”
Song Ai nods. “It was, up to a point. Now I am in so deep that I am not sure I can really come out. And I have developed a strong feeling for you on a personal level. A very strong feeling.”
He stops and turns to look at her. “Another part of the game, Song Ai?”
She mutely shakes her head and he looks closely at her. “So, you are prepared to try to eliminate my rivals in the 88s and make me the primary authority figure? Doing this will rile people up and might not sit well with the Red Dragons. Have you considered that? And the other Triads may not sit idly by and watch it all happen. The bloodletting will bring the others out to take advantage of a perceived weakness after we fight each other.”
“Song Ai shakes her head. “Not if they are also going through their own shake up and the survivors offer to work together as a joint organization.”
Fu Shing stops in his tracks and stares at her. “By all the dragons, you are insane, woman. Who would agree to that?”
“When you move against Rick Wu directly, the Octagon will go through its own internal turmoil and the offer made to join together to be stronger and prevent others from taking advantage. I think it would be in OUR best interests to accept that offer. The result will leave you in control of both Triads.”
-
Finally, the gate guy shrugged and accepted the bet.
Al gave him a satisfied thumbs up and started unbuckling his belt, at which point the man yelled, “Hey, you can’t take your pants off here!”
Al looked up at him. “Did you not hear me explain what the Dance o’ the Flamin’ Asshole was?”
“I heard you. But you can’t take your pants off here.”
“Well, we ain’t goin’ back ta your place kemo sabe….”
“No, just do it here.”
“Without droppin’ my drawers?”
“Against the rules.”
“An’ lightin’ myself on fire?”
“Not in the rules.”
By this time, Al was aware that Johnny had safely entered the parking structure. “Well amigo, they’s some in this world might say someone willin’ ta even do the Dance o’ the Flamin’ Asshole was…well…stupid. But they clearly never met you. Have yerself a nice day.”
And then Al spent the following few minutes this way:
Eighteen seconds to cross the street.
Thirty-six seconds to collect Jan and fetch his hunting rifle from his truck.
Eight seconds to find out there was no external fire escape on the apartment building across from the parking structure – they used one of those self-deploying ones.
Seventeen seconds to take find a service door with a malfunctioning security camera.
Nine seconds to take the housing off the maglock, and fourteen more to cross the wires.
Ten seconds to disable to contact alarm and enter.
Twenty-nine seconds to rush up the stairs to the roof.
Ten seconds to pick the padlock on the chain securing the roof access.
And once they were set up on the rooftop facing the parking structure, fourteen seconds to spot John playing with a sports car and then hiding behind an SUV.
They watched as Ving and his bodyguards arrived.
End of the day, the angle sucked, and the wind was bad, but they were ready to back Johnny up if anything got weird.
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John
Tuesday, 26 November, 1245; China Town, Seattle Metroplex #203John mentally sighed. Of course the guy brought four guards – fragging pussy gangster.
<<Al, Jan, Nachthexe: Good news bad news: The bet’s a draw. Ving came down but he has four body guards with him. Any second now he’ll touch the interior and start getting woozy.
I’ll start up the Jammer and and Nachthexe can shut down the elevator – but you need to prevent the guard upstairs from making any noise should the bullets down here begin to fly. I probably can take out two guards before they can react. After that it might get a bit loud.>>
John had pulled his tasers out, ready to fry the ugly mofos. The jammer was on full power, preventing anyone not carrying an absolute hightech link from calling outside.He heard Ving Sung curse about the seats being damp – less than three seconds and the guy would collapse, likely also the guard who would try to take his pulse. John readied himself to make use of the little distraction.
As if on cue, he heard one of the guards aks: “Boss, are you alright? Boss?”
Spoiler:John took that as his cue – he came to his feet and fired both tasers on the two guards looking directly at their boss. The integrated biomonitor showed John that only the one closest to him had been taken out completely, the other one was just momentarily stunned.
Unfortunately, the two other guard had been more alert than their colleagues and were now in the process of targeting their SMGs at John.
‘Shit.’ -
The words in Al’s head were something like ‘fish in a barrel,’ though he said to Jan “Got the one onna right,” and after that the sounds dribbling past his lips were a nonsensically glossalolical jumble of random Creole words and names of voudoun loa. And as he muttered, his patrons brought the crosswind to a halt and lifted the opposite parking structure a few meters to bring his target level with his optimal firing solution. His crosshairs on the head of the deadman drawing a bead on Johnny’s flank, he exhaled and squeezed the trigger.
-
Tuesday, 26 November, 1430; Bright Path Casino and Hotel, China Town, Seattle Metroplex
Fu Shing stands in silence for a full minute, just staring at Song Ai. When he speaks, his voice is low. “This is quite a plan, Ai.” The use of her first name does not escape Ai, but she says nothing, only nodding at him. “And what of the Yellow Lotus? Do you have a plan for them as well?”
Song Ai just looks at him.
“My God, you do. What sort of woman are you?”
“Dedicated to see a change, Fu Shing.”
The man stands silent again for a bit. “And us, Ai? Was that part of the plan as well?”
Ai shakes her head. “No, Fu Shing, falling in love with you was not part of the plan at all. But there it is. I don’t know what to make of that, actually.”
The man considers her carefully. “So you would still marry me if I asked you to. Give me a child? You would go that far?”
Ai shakes her head, her reply almost a whisper. “No, Fu Shing. I would indeed marry you if you asked and I would be willing to give US a child. I have found a special man in you and do not want to let that go.” She pauses. “So where does that leave us, Fu Shing?”
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Tuesday, 26 November, 1432; Bright Path Casino and Hotel, China Town, Seattle Metroplex
Fu Shing stops pacing and stands still for a minute, just looking at the woman in front of him. Shaking his head, he frowns. “I do not know where that leaves us, Ai. I am still trying to take in the deception and the lies and fitting all of that into the ways you have saved my life twice. My heart tells me that letting you go is the dumb path but my head tells me that I might regret keeping you.”
Song Ai takes a step forward, but the look on Fu Shing’s face stops her from coming closer. “Fu Shing, I can promise you that from time to time you might regret keeping me, but over all, you will regret it more if you send me away.”
The man nods. “Perhaps. But is the pleasure and pride worth the regrets?”
Ai pauses then silently nods.
Fu Shing gives her a smile. “I suppose it would be nice to lead all the Triads here as one element. Are you sure that your plan will work?”
Ai shakes her head. “Only a fool would make that claim, Fu Shing. I think I have most things covered, but there is already a rogue element in the mix that I am working with but have little to no control over. Some of my plans are already being adapted because of these people, but I think it will still work. Do you need to know the details?”
“I think it would be better if I did, yes. From now on, if I agree to this, we are partners. No secrets and no lies. Can you agree to this?”
Ai nods. “Yes, Master.”
Fu Shing grins and steps forward to take Ai in his arms. “And don’t you forget it, Ai.” Their kiss is long and passionate. When they break, Al keeps her eyes on Fu Shing’s face as she slips from his arms and kneels in front of him and reaches for the belt of his pants.
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John
Tuesday, 26 November, 1245; China Town, Seattle Metroplex #204Spoiler:In a way it was quite beautiful, John had to admit: Just as he had fired his taser, two shots rang out only a fraction of a second apart. The one guard furthest from him was hit squarely in the neck, severing his spine, making him crumple to the floor like a puppet with cut strings. The other one next to the sports car suddenly sported a big, bleeding hole in his left shoulder only inches away from his heart.
Yet this wasn’t enough to deter the man from firing a short burst. The Ingram Smartgun spat it’s silenced rounds at John before he could take full cover behind the SUV but to his immense relieve did not hit anything but armor plates on his back. John just staggered back in sight and finished his work with the stunned guard.
Meanwhile the shooter also fell to the ground – the combination of bullet wounds and Narcoject proved to be to much, knocking him out instantly.<<Thanks guys, but we have to hurry now. Nachthexe, transfering ownership will have to wait for the moment, just give me manual control – I’ll take care of it in a few minutes.>>
Without hesitation he took the SMG of the nearest fallen foe and put a bullet into each men’s head, just to be sure. That done he went to the car, shoved the unconscious form of Ving aside and got in.
He wasn’t really familiar with this model, but the basics weren’t so hard to figure out. As the true owner was inside the car all it took was to press the start button to get the engine running. With screeching tyres and much too much gas the sports car shot up the ramp and out past the security guard that had just heard the shots and was carefully closing in with his weapon drawn.
John didn’t give the guy a chance to do something stupid and just drove past im at a dangerously unsafe speed, prompting the man to jump away.
Out on the street the souped up engine and the sports exhaust made enough noise to be accidentally mistaken for a jet turbine as John shot down the road, leaving a trail of smoking rubber in his wake.
<<Alright guys, I’ll just gonna take care of all the little tracking devices trying to be spoil sports. Meet me under the highway bridge at these coordinates. You’ll take Ving and I’ll get rid of this car – for a nice payday.>> -
“Job done, time ta didi mau, amigo.”
The small human and large elf lost no time getting off the roof, exposed as it was to any responding surveillance drones. Running down the stairs, Al ran the math: one short SMG burst, two rifle shots…might go unnoticed. Call for help from the guard guy…not so much.
They hopped into Al’s truck. <<We’ll trail ya from a couple o’ blocks back, Johnny. Run interference in case ya pick up any tails.>>
Once they were under the highway flyover, Al would look again for any watchers and then toggle his plates and AROs.
-
Spoiler:
When they had met up, John hurried to carry Ving out of the car and into Al’s waiting trunk.
“Only touch him with thick rubber gloves. otherwise you might catch some of the DMSO still on him. Just keep him warm and dry and he will be good to go in a few minutes. I’ll take care of the car in the meantime – I’ve got a guy that will pay a top price – easy 10 000¥ for each of us.”That done, John got to work. His hacking skills were only rudimentary and consequently it took him an embarrassing four tries to get just one MARK on the high level vehicle pilot. Transferring his consciousness into the machine was unpleasant to say the least – all senses where wrong – but all it took was diving into a few of the more complex details of the machine, setting a few checkmarks, deleting and replacing a line of code and than applying some of what Nachthexe called “Resonance Magic”.
When he was back in his body, still slightly disoriented, barely 30 seconds had elapsed and John had just gained ownership of a car six figures worth. Just to be sure he rebooted both himself and the car, took a close look for any remaining tracking devices and drove away to pay Glistening Pete a visit. He’d love that car – especially after he had repainted it. ‘Should have collected one of the goons too. Pete loves a little snack.’ -
While Johnny played mind-meld with a car, Al contemplated the bald Chinaman snoring in the exposed bed of his Gaz pickup truck. And wondered why anyone would assume he had any thick rubber gloves lying around.
There was a big space behind the seats in the cab to stow tools. He started tossing his assorted hardware into the back, and once Johnny had completed his coitus-automobilus and made his remark wishing he’d grabbed a bodyguard, Al said, “What ya should have collected was a tarp, or a hose, or some o’ these gloves yer talkin’ about, cuz he ain’t stayin’ warm nor dry lyin’ there, an’ us mere fleshforms ain’t touchin’ him. Be a dear an’ check him fer anything transmittin’ his location, ware included, then use yer superstrength ta stuff ‘im behind those seats for us. We’ll pick up the right gear onna way home, shower ‘im down, an’ let ‘im chat with my pets.”
Waiting for the baggage to be stowed, he came very close to texting the she/he brains of the outfit, but decided against it. Still didn’t know squat about her. So while he wouldn’t turn on her, he figured delegating first crack at the guy’s brain wasn’t really any violation of their tenuous alliance.
The Tong asshole was really too fat for the space behind the seats, so Al had to slide them forward. He was short enough it didn’t really inconvenience him, but poor Jan was riding with his knees on the dash. Soon, however, new plates and AR reg in place, they were picking up gloves, take-out, and more beer and heading back to their storage unit.
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Tuesday, 26 November, 1515; Bright Path Casino and Hotel, China Town, Seattle Metroplex
Song Ai is awakened with a small internal beep, indicating that she has an important message waiting for her. She snuggles up to Fu Shing as she accepts the message then sits up. The man next to her on the bed stirs, reaching out with a hand to pull her back down. He begins caressing her body until she puts a hand on his in an obvious signal to stop. Lifting his head, Fu Shing turns to look at Ai and sees that she is serious. For her part, Ai is sending a reply to the message and looks over at him. “Shing, it appears that Ving Sung has been kidnapped and four of his guards killed.”
Fu Shing takes only a few seconds to digest this information then sits up and slides from the bed. “Have you alerted security?”
Ai is already moving to the bathroom and a shower as she nods. “Yes. And I have directed that we call in our soldiers. The rumor is that you orchestrated this move and Ving Sung’s chief of security is planning on some sort of revenge play to show his dominance and justify him being selected to replace his boss. Some of their soldiers are already massing at the club and there is some talk of marching here and taking direct action. We are much weaker than we used to be but I still recommend that we fight this battle. Rick Wu has not said or done anything yet, but he must be hopping. Perhaps you can talk to him and let him know that you had nothing to do with this.”
Ai turns the shower on as she is sending yet another message. >>John [Tanya]: I hear that Ving Sung has been kidnapped and am assuming that this was your doing. Can you please confirm this for me so I can discount yet another player down here? In any case, the early word on the street is that Fu Shing made this happen, so it appears that you are in the clear on that aspect. Unfortunately, it also means that I and my boss are very much not in the clear. Would you be willing to let me know what your next step is?<<
Fu Shing joins her in the large shower, but there is no play other than a quick kiss. Ai is out and drying off, receiving and answering messages as she does. Once dressed, she slips out of the bedroom to see David Han waiting for her with a worried look on his face. “Yes, David? What is worrying you?”
David’s face turns a deep red and he snarls a response. “What do you mean? Are you ignorant of what is happening? Is this all part of some sort of sick game that you are……………….”
Song Ai walks over to the man and slaps him across the face, shutting off the yelling. “Get control of yourself, David. The last thing we need here is hysterics. Yes, I know what is going on and yes, we are dealing with it. Still, I will get you a gun, just in case you need it.”
“A gun? Are you seriously going to defy Rick Wu? You have barely two thirds of your security detachment and soldiers. How are you going to fight? No, it is time to cut your losses and get out with your lives intact. I have contacts that can get us to Hong Kong and safety.” He waves his arms about. “Away from this insanity and these petty Triads and back to where the real power is.”
Al looks at him for a moment and shakes her head. “All talk and no sand, eh, David?” When he looks at her with an unspoken question. “Yes, that means you are acting a coward’s role right now. But to answer your question directly, yes, we are going to defy Rick Wu and survive. You would do well to either flee to the safety of Hong Kong or find your backbone and help us.”
The man sputters and takes a step back. “You would dare insult me in this fashion? You? You are nothing but a jumped up wh…………..”
He is interrupted by the stern voice of Fu Shing. “David! I strongly advice you to not finish that sentence in that way. You are my oldest friend and I have trusted your judgment and advice for years, but if you continue in this way, you will have to leave my house and not return until you can adequately make amends and regain your honor.”
David Han looks from one to the other and nods when he looks back to Ai. “I do not know how you have done it. Sex, I suppose. Shing has always been sort of a fool for a pretty woman and you certainly are that. But you are smart and bold and….and I cannot sit by and watch this happen.” He turns back to his friend and bows low. “I cannot watch you throw your life away in this fashion, my friend. I care for you but this is just insanity. I will pack and leave as soon as I can.”
Fu Shing looks at him for a few seconds and nods. “As you wish, David. I wish you luck, but the dragon is in this one and I am staying.”
David shakes his head and walks away to his room. Ai turns to Fu Shing to say something, but the man raises his hand. “Ai, you were right. Leaving now, even if it were possible to get to Hong Kong alive, would leave me with no honor and no life to live. I would rather die with you and anyone else still loyal to me than live that sort of non-life.” He turns to the three guards standing near the elevator. “And you three? Are you staying with us?”
As one, all three men bow in the affirmative. Fu Shing turns to a smiling Ai. “So, Song Ai, I suppose that you have a plan for this?” He smiles at her nod. “I thought as much. Then let us see who the dragon favors this day.”
-
John
Tuesday, 26 November, 1245; China Town, Seattle Metroplex #206John smiled at Al: “Soaking wet works too to get rid of the residue. But no problem.” Stuffing the guy behind the seats and not caring very much for his comfort John quickly finished the job.
He was just reaching Glistening Pete’s garage (for the second time in 24 hours) when Triad Tanya called. Including the others in the conversation he wrote:
<<I don’t know what you are talking about. We did exactly what we discussed in person – and considering the circumstances, I’d appreciate it if we could avoid such topics over the net. I know that I wasn’t hacked, but that’s about all I can be sure about. Anyway, are you still interested in me accompanying you on this event tonight? I certainly am brimming with pepper and vinegar to meet all those big wigs.>>That done, he sent Glo a short message. Somehow he liked the girl. She had exactly the right combination of intelligence, lack of conscience and cloths: <<Hiho, we have some Chinese Take Away waiting for you. Better hurry or there are no more meatballs left. You know how the two are when they get Chinese.>>
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Tuesday, 26 November, 1517, Bright Path Casino and Hotel, China Town, Seattle Metroplex
Ai receives the return message from John as she and Fu Shing are descending to the casino ground floor. Nodding to herself, she sends a reply. >>And how should I refer to such things so that you would know what I am talking about? I do not know yet if the meeting for tonight is still on or not. A hornet’s nest has been stirred up and people are demanding heads, notably those of my employer and myself. Things could escalate here much faster than anticipated. Right now, I am considering my options. I will try to be in touch. Ciao.<<
-
Al and Jan, rubber gloves on, had just hauled Ving Sung into the storage space when they heard the exchange between Johnny and Triad Tanya. Robo-Kid was pretty good. But he was pretty sure TT wouldn’t believe him, so they might not have all the time in the world to squeeze their prisoner.
While Jan went to fetch the food and beer from the truck, Al started trying to strip the guy, but it turned out to be a lot of work, so he just pulled out his knife and slashed his clothes off, not minding if he left a few deep cuts. Then he put the guy in the corner under the shower head and let it run until the DMSO washed down the drain. He didn’t need his pets getting narced.Finally, he draped a Western rattler around the man’s neck, put another in his lap, and shot the guy full of stim from his medkit. The man woke to the sight of Al holding the third snake, and his eyes went wide as he immediately sensed the other two on his person. Al put a finger to his lips. “Don’t move none, ya may be okay. They’s right peaceful less’n ya rile ’em.”
Holding his at the middle in his left hand, Al caressed its swaying head with his right. “Gospel o’ Mark, chapter 16: ‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.’ Groovy stuff, hey baby. Now me, I believe. An’ I suppose if you’re a believer, you’ll be fine too. Whaddaya say, Ving-a-ling, you a….”
At that moment, still as a statue though he was, the serpent in Ving’s lap became suddenly agitated and struck, sinking its fangs into the closest available protuberance in the space of a split second before slithering off under a cot, tail rattling in annoyance. Ving screamed in agony and Al said, “Oops. Well, I guess that answers that.” He approached, squatting in front of the man who was fighting between the urge to grab at his poisoned genitals and the instinct to remain motionless lest the snake still around his neck become similarly agitated. Looking down, Al said, “Ouch! Ya ever seen what happens to a limb been bit by a Western rattler? Well, suffice ta say, I don’t think there’s gon’ be any savin’ Little Chang there. But if’n ya play nice, we might jist be able ta leave the damage at that. Guess the real question is, how long ya got before that one still on ya starts ta git uppity as it feels yer body temperature climb?…Now, first, which faction put the hit out on us? Second, who ordered the hit last night? An’ third – an’ I want ya ta really stretch yer noodle on this one – what can ya tell ol’ Al about this lady hangs out with Fu Yung’s faction? – I’m gon’ assume ya know which one I’m talkin’ about.”
-
Tuesday, 26 November, 1517, Al’s Cargo Container, Seattle Metroplex
Ving Sung is doing the best he can to remain calm under the circumstances. He is a senior lieutenant in the 88s Triad, not some third-rate goon off the street. He can almost feel the poison running through his body from his groin and knows that the only chance at all for any anti-venom is to let these pigs of Westerners know what they want to know. After all, the information will do them no good once Han Cho tracks him to this location. He begins to shake his head then remembers the other snake and stops, holding his breath.
“First, I do not know you, so why are you doing this? Where is my car? And why the frag am I naked and all wet?”
Al remains passively mute and just looks at him with a raised eyebrow and lifts the snake in his hands to emphasize an unspoken point. Ving Sung realizes that he might live if he can talk his way out of this, which is more than he can say…………………………..wait. Wait a minute. He looks closer at the man and has to suppress a chuckle. “I remember being shown a picture of you. You are one of the round eyes that ambushed and killed my soldiers, and you must be the other. I ordered the hit put out on you and your friend there, but it is just a matter of business, you understand, nothing personal. We can talk about lifting that hit once you get me some medicine and let me go. I can appreciate inventiveness and ability, even in my enemies and could even see my way to throwing work your way if you are up to it. I know nothing about any hit last night, but I do know that Rick Wu is mighty angry that his pet hit squad seems to be off-line. It appears that you survived and they did not, which does impress me quite a lot, actually, as they were considered high quality. I can put two and two together and make an assumption, but I am not sure.”
He manages to spit across the floor in Al’s general direction, but it lacks the force to get even as far as his target’s foot, falling instead on his own leg. He does laugh a bit. “I have asked the same questions about that tramp. A week ago she was a cheap whore working in one of the neutral whore houses on the street. Next thing I know, she somehow prevents Fu Shing’s chief of security from assassinating him on my orders and takes his place as chief of security. Just like that. Two weeks ago, she was living on a farm out near Denver, of all places, living with a widowed mother and her sister. She came to Seattle to help support her family. The story checks out to the slightest detail. I have even had a PI in Denver go out to the farm and talk to the mother and sister. They have letters from her and money was deposited in the bank for them. He showed them a picture and they both agree that she is Song Ai. Still, I am not convinced. After all, how could a farm girl stop a trained soldier? She even passed the tests to be admitted to the highest ranks, and that is no mean feat, although you would probably not understand. Still, she has put herself in Fu Shing’s confidence and in his bed. She has wrapped him around her finger and is taking a great interest in his operations in the casino and his other businesses. I cannot deny her effectiveness, though. She stopped an assassination team from killing her boss, again on my orders. These guys were just a couple of mafia freelancers and some other muscle, but there were eight of them and yet somehow she killed them all. My gut says she is not right and is up to no good, but what is your interest in this whore? listen, if you let me go and give me healing, I will remove the hit on you and give you one on her. It could be worth 50k to each of you as a price and as a show of good faith.”
He looks back and forth. “Now, can you please get this snake off me and get me some anti-venom?”
-
Tuesday, 26 November, 1517, Bright Path Casino and Hotel, China Town, Seattle Metroplex
Fu Shing and Song Ai exit the elevator to a small furor taking place in the ground floor lobby of the casino. There is a mix of uniformed casino and hotel security as well as a large group of armed men not in uniform standing about and mostly arguing. The ping of the arriving elevator serves as a warning to most that Fu Shing is arriving, but some of the men do not hear that and keep arguing with their neighbors. The Triad lieutenant gets a chair to stand on and others begin to call for quiet, soon giving him the attention he needs. Song Ai looks out on the faces of those gathered and looks over to her senior subordinate whispers to him. “Is this all we have, Chien Lo?”
The man looks a bit embarrassed as he nods. “The word out on the street is much worse right now. There is a great deal of pride that Fu Shing struck back at Ving Sung, but also great worry that Rick Wu and the other lieutenants will not stand for such actions against one of their own. Together, it means that we have kept some who might have wavered, but lost others.”
Ai nods. “What is our count?”
“We have nine of the personal security detachment and thirty-seven soldiers. The hotel security staff numbers twenty-four, counting the three officers, but the rest have all left or, at least, not answered the call to attend here.”
Ai bows slightly to Chien Lo. “Thank you. And thank you for staying.” She looks at Han Sin standing just beyond and includes him. “And to you, as well, Han Sin. Your loyalty will be remembered.”
Fu Shing looks around to make sure that he has the attention of everyone and begins to speak, making a nice attempt to play this as standing up for their leaders. After a few minutes, he ends by thanking all of them, something that strikes many as odd, as Fu Shing has not demonstrated such feelings in the past. Many of those in the crowd look to Song Ai and nod. He steps down from the chair after telling everyone that their superiors would be coming around to give them assignments. Turning to Ai, he gives a short laugh and shakes his head. “Did you see their faces at the end? I am sure they all believe me to be ensorcelled by you, Song Ai. And I suppose they would be right. So, what is our next meeting?”
Chien Lo makes a noise and Ai turns to him, nodding for him to speak. “Master Fu Shing, we have coordinated a meeting with the casino security to discuss how to defend the casino in case of attack and I would like to walk with you and show you our ideas.”
Fu Shing gives the man a stern look then nods. “Very well. Your name is Chien Lo, is it not?”
The man bows low. “Yes, Fu Shing.”
“Then please show me what you have worked out, Chien Lo. I am pleased that you have been able to act so quickly.”
Chien Lo licks his lips and gives a quick look to Ai, who gently shakes her head. He then bows to Fu Shing. “Thank you, Master.”
The group of subordinates is already dispersing to their given assignments as Fu Shing and his major subordinates take a tour of the casino, discussing how best to defend it.
-
If there was any question in Al’s mind about being able to control his prisoner, it was rendered academic by Jan’s looming presence. Which reminded Al to congratulate himself on how merciful he was to run the interrogation himself rather than let his friend handle it. He put his snake into a sack and a moment later the one around Ving’s neck joined it. Finding the third seemed like too much trouble right at the moment. Then he took the syringe he’d already prepared and injected Ving. “That should keep ya from dyin’ right away, but I’m afraid the damage down south is done. Maybe cyber whatsits….hope that mistress I heard ya beat the crap out of….or was that yer wife an’ kids…anyway, hope someone done gave ya a good one last night…you know, fer the memories…..”
He stepped back, plopped down on the cot and lit a cigarette, but made no indication Ving should move from where he sat naked and bleeding on the wet concrete floor. “Well, ya done sung, so don’t reckon there’ll be more need ta hurt ya none, long as ya keep on yer best behavior. Gon’ keep ya alive fer at least a little while longer, in case any o’ mi compadres got any queries o’ they own for ya. But gittin’ ta what ya said. First, ya wanna watch that ‘nothin’ personal’ crap around ol’ Al. Few things get my goat worse’n some asshole implyin’ I shouldn’t mind him tryin’ ta kill me cuz it was jist biz. What the hell kinda world y’all livin’ in? Anyhoo, I do appreciate yer offer ta lift the contract, cuz that’s mainly why me an’ my amigo is here. Thing is, if’n ya call it in, well, they’s jist gon’ say you’s under duress an’ ignore ya. An’ if’n I let ya go, well, ya might start reflectin’ on all the poon ya ain’t never gon’ git again an’, well, have second thoughts. Trust issue, ya know. So you jist set tight there fer a spell, an’ if at any point I’m well an’ truly convinced yer safe ta let go, well, then I will.”
Then he pretended to ignore the man (though in fact he did not) while texting Johnny. <<Like TT said, this guy’s behind the original contract on me and Jan. And funny enough, now more than happy to lift it. Says TT was a whore two weeks ago and suddenly she’s this badass triad player, which don’t jive with the whole long-term change from within line to me. Say if you have questions. He’s talking, so would prefer not to kill him, but probably will have to if TT doesn’t indeed take over his whole organization. That’s about what it’d take for me to believe a word he’s saying about lifting the contract. Are you still going to the shindig tonight? And if so, where do you want us?>>
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