The Lives of Tao (18 page)

Tao took the stack and skimmed through them. “Like watching someone slowly suffocate,” he muttered.

“It is worse than you think. There is a proposal on the table to build a safe haven in the event we need to go dormant. Some believe this generation is lost.”

Tao looked up from the papers. “Really, that bad? Where?”

“Greenland.”

“Figures.” Tao scowled. “Too unrealistic to hope for a nice isolated tropical island?”

“Completely.” Baji chuckled. “Real estate is too expensive.”

“How are our financial figures looking at least?”

“That is our lone bright point. Tresk was spot-on in predicting the right revenue-generating models. Thank goodness for our cosmetic pharmaceutical division.”

“Indeed,” Tao replied. “Such an irony that our quest for mankind’s greater good required an appeal to their shallow nature.”

“No one wants to pay for a cure for cancer, but Heaven forbid a man lose his hair or an erection.” Baji hesitated. “There is one more thing, Tao. A Decennial has been called, and the Genjix have agreed. They are working on a date now. Initial date proposed is sometime middle of next year, possibly in Spain or Singapore.”

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.