Tangled Currents - Lady Tanya, Stormy Waters subthread Options

[Mercy]

Saturday, 23 November, 2075, 1757, Fu Shing's Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Fu Shing nods at Ai and turns to leave the room. "I will leave you to get this sorted out. We can replace anyone you have to kill to get your point across." His words draw low growls and a more than a few startled looks from the assembled guards.

Ai smiles at the others as her boss leaves her alone in a room with the fourteen gunmen. Adrenaline is pumping through her system as she looks out at the faces before her and she realizes that she has to move quickly to gain control of the situation or she is likely to end up a pile of bones and rags in the near future. The original script she had been operating from had not included the reality of what has happened and she is already playing from Plan B. She takes a breath and says, "My name is Ai. Learn it and remember it. I have proven to Fu Shing that I am capable and he has given me the position that Hai Cheng has recently given up. Hai Cheng had proven.......unreliable and untrustworthy. He was cheating his Master and deriding him in the presence of others. Worse, he attempted to kill Fu Shing in this very room a short time ago. I prevented that by killing Hai Cheng." Ai holds up a hand to forestall comments. "In return for my display of loyalty, I asked Fu Shing to allow me to take Hai Cheng's place at his side. That request has been granted, for now. At this time I have to prove myself worthy of his trust. That means I have to prove myself to all of you and get you to accept me as your boss. If there are any here that doubt my ability, you may step forward and be the first example of how I deal with insubordination. Any takers?"

Ai casts an eye over the men in front of her, projecting a calm that she really does not feel. Her right hand is slightly behind her, with the monofilament of her whip draping to the floor, ready for use if she needs it. The men start talking among themselves in low tones, but no one steps forward to challenge her just yet. After a couple of minutes, she clears her throat and all look to her. "So, no one then? Good, I will say to all of you that my primary goal is to keep Fu Shing alive and I expect that your primary goal is to help me do that. I am very good at doing my job, but I will need help. Not only is this going to be a transition for you, it is certainly one for me. I am not prepared to completely step into Hai Cheng's shoes and will need help from you, Chien Lo, and you Han Sin." Two of the men look surprised as she singles them out. "You were Hai Cheng's assistants, the men responsible for your shifts. I will not ask you yet to swear the same loyalty to me that he required of you, but I will expect that when I have proven myself. For now I will expect that you will continue doing your jobs and that you provide me with the support I demand."

The two men give short bows and Ai continues. "Good. You may release your shifts and attend me for a bit as I have many questions on your routines and specific duties. The rest of you are dismissed to go to your posts. I will be around to meet all of you." The men appear almost as startled at the dismissal as at her being there in the first place. Chen Lo and Han Sin get the rest moving and soon only the two of them and Ai are in the room. She watches them closely and smiles at them. "Thank you. Now, if you are ready to begin, let us be to it. I need to know what goes on here and how we do business. Teach me."

[Mercy]

Saturday, 23 November, 2075, 2000, Fu Shing's Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Two hours later, Ai pinches the bridge of her nose and looks at the two men with her. "Alright. That is about as much as I can manage at one sitting. Thank you both. I will call on your aid again, but not tonight." Han Sin and Chien Lo look at each other and back to her, nodding. They have both developed a respect for Ai's mental acuity and ability to learn during the short time they have spent with her. She has come across as willing to listen to them and has had to have very few things repeated twice. Already she has proven more able to understand the ins and outs of the organization than Hai Cheng had been. Their former boss had been some sort of nephew of Fu Shing and had been appointed to his position due to his family connections. He had been more bully than effective leader, raking his percentage from the top and interfering in the day to day operations that should have been left to his subordinates. From the past two hours it would seem that Ai is not going to be like that. For her part, Ai's read of their body language and microexpressions leads her to believe that the men are being honest with her, even if they are not completely sold on her abilities yet.

All three stand from their chairs and Ai says, "I will take a tour of the casino and get a feel for our operation here. Tomorrow, I will look at our other business interests and accompany each of you on your rounds. I do not anticipate getting involved in your business, but I will be interested in how each of you works. Good evening to both of you." Sensing dismissal, both men bow to Ai and leave. When alone, she sits in a chair for a few moments, holding her arms out in front of her. The right hand is fine, but it is synthetic and should be. The right hand is real and she has to focus for several moments to get it to stop shaking. The adrenaline is slowing its rush through her and she can relax a bit after the strain of playing a role she was not really primed for. Plan B is already under water and she is on Plan C and realizes how thin the ice is that she is skating on.

Calm, she gives a mental command and one of her hidden compartments opens with a quiet snick. She deploys three of her Fly Spy drones, setting one to view the entrance to the suite at the elevator and a second one at the door to Fu Shing's bedroom. The third she places in her hair at the back of her neck. She sets the sensor feeds from the drones to her internal 'link then removes one of her Medusa Extension drones and drapes it about her wrist as a bracelet. Finally, she takes five sensor tags and places them about the suite in locations that afford her the best ability to see what goes on. She looks around at her handiwork and is satisfied for now. It might take more work to get it just the way she wants it here, but she cannot do everything at once.

Closing the compartment, she heads for Fu Shing's room, knocking on the door and entering only after he acknowledges her. She finds him sitting at a desk to one side of the room, working at a tablet of some kind. He looks up as Ai enters. "Did you have to kill any of them?"

Ai does not smile. "No Master. All are still alive. I will still have to prove myself to them, but I am making a start. I have spent two hours with Chien Lo and Han Sin, learning some of what we do here, and now I wish to go to the casino to see the operation there. Do you have a problem with that?"

Fu Shing studies his new head bodyguard for a moment then shakes his head. "You are already doing more than Hai Cheng did. You have my permission to get as involved as you wish as long as it does not affect my profits or security. On another, but related, matter. I have arranged for David Han to talk to you tomorrow about the rituals that you will need to undergo in order to make your position here official. He will be ready for you at 1000." He pauses. "This is very important, Ai. The failure for failing the rituals is severe."

Ai nods in understanding, although she can feel the adrenaline starting to move through her again. This could easily be the greatest risk she has ever taken and she loves the challenge. She tells Fu Shing that she will return in a bit and leaves the bedroom, heading for the elevator.

[Mercy]

Saturday, 23 November, 2075, 2020, Fu Shing's Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Ai brings up the com codes of the four security staff immediately under her and tells them all to meet her at the elevator on the casino floor level. The wait for the car to arrive she pushes the button to summon it is remarkably short. She steps into the car and pushes the only visible button, that for the ground floor. On the way down she begins to put together what she has learned so far. Chinatown has three Triads, two of which owe some form of token allegiance to the Red Dragon Triad out of Hong Kong. The Yellow Lotus has broken away from the mother Triad and has managed to hold off two attacks on its territory by the other groups. Each Triad pretty much operates with a similar organization of a Lodge Master with an Incense Master as his main adviser. There are four lieutenants to each lodge, each of whom handles part of the Triad business for his master. The business usually involves various vices, such as prostitution, slavery, running drugs and smuggling. Additionally, each Triad has an area of Chinatown where it collects protection money and keeps the others Triads away, although there are some places, much like Madam Wen's, now Madam Xuan's, that pay money to all three Triads so that they can operate in peace without having to worry about who is allowed to come into their establishment. It will be Ai's job to oversee the collection of the protection money and to ensure that the day to day business operations are not interfered with. She has been told by both Han Sin and Chien Lo that there is likely to be an attempt by one or more of the other lieutenants of the 88s as well as by the other Triads to make inroads on Fu Shing's area if they see the removal of Hai Cheng and Ai's appointment as a weakness. Ai had reassured her subordinates that she would deal ruthlessly with any sort of land grab by anyone.

All four of her men are waiting at the elevator as it opens and she steps out. She looks at them closely then nods. "I appreciate that you have questions and doubts as to my ability to fill my position. I am willing to entertain questions from you on my orders as long as they do not border on disobedience. I will accept advice but when I make a decision I expect all of you to carry it out to the best of your ability. I do not like shirkers, nor will I tolerate meanness for its own sake. I will expect you to be ready to commit violence if threatened or to protect Fu Shing, but not just because you can. I have seen and heard things about Hai Cheng that I do not like and I expect no one to threaten or abuse the businesses in our area just because that is how he used to do things. Also, there is a certain amount of surplus that is expected to be taken off the top of our collections, but I will be watching closely for any abuse of that and will deal appropriately with anyone who disobeys me on this. Any questions so far?"

All four men shake their heads, although one seems to smirk a bit. Ai immediately focuses a stare on him. "Chan Ling, right? I have heard that Hai Cheng had made you his chief enforcer when collecting protection money and that you and he were fond of taking pleasure in threatening people and in taking a bit extra for yourself." The man pales and gulps. "Yes, I have seen this and other things that I am willing to forgive to this point, but I will not forgive any further excesses. Am I clear?" The man looks like he is about to say something, but keeps his mouth closed and nods his head. Ai narrows her eyes and stares him down. "You are not convinced, Chan Ling. Let me put it very clearly for you; if I catch you doing things the old way, I will kill you and get a replacement. Is that clear enough for you? There is no room on this team for anyone who is not willing to obey me so you get one chance to remove yourself. If you stay, you agree to what I have just said. If you leave, I will take no action against you unless you cause me other problems. What is your choice?"

The other men have moved slightly apart from Chan Ling during this quiet conversation, as if separating themselves from his fate. The man pales a bit more, then snarls. "I want nothing to do with you, you cow pig of a whore. Yes, I know where you were working. I helped Hai Cheng bring you from there yesterday. You are insane if you think you can take his place." He looks to the others. "All of you are insane to work with her. She will get you all kiled as others move to grab what they can of Fu Shing's power." He seems about to say something else, but his brain finally kicks in and stops him from going that little bit too far. Even so, two of the others put their hands in their coats to draw weapons but a word from Ai stops them.

Ai looks to the other three men and notes that none of them seem to share Chan Ling's thoughts then she turns back to that man. "Chan Ling, you have offered to resign your position and your resignation is accepted. You will be escorted to your room and then out of the casino. You are welcome in all of our businesses, to include here, as long as you behave yourself as any other customer. I warn you that making a scene in the casino or any other business will be cause to have you removed and denied further access. I also remind you that providing any assistance to anyone opposed to Fu Shing will be enough for me to kill you." Without waiting for Chan Ling to comment, she nods to one of the others. "Please escort Chan Ling to his room and see that his things are removed and then escort him out of the building. Seek me out when you are done as I amy have questions about the casino as I walk about." Her words leave little to argue with and the indicated guard takes Chan Ling by the arm and walks him towards the bank of elevators that provides access to the rest of the building other than the penthouse. Ai then turns to the remaining two men. "Thank you for your loyalty. You will not see it wasted or abused. Now, the first change I am going to make involves stationing one man at the elevator exit upstairs. I saw first hand that it takes too long for any of you to respond to an emergency there. So, one man at the elevator here and one up top. The remainder will move through the casino floor to keep an eye on things, but do not stray too far from the elevator. Any questions?"

When there are none, Ai assigns one of the men to the penthouse and the other to the ground floor then walks out into the bustling casino floor.

[Mercy]

Saturday, 23 November, 2075, 2100, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex



Ai walks onto the main floor of the casino, looking for the casino security. She knows that they have been told of the change in Fu Shing's guard but wants to get eyeball to eyeball with the people that work here so that they know who she is. The head of security, Cho Ban, seems to have a lot of questions, but decides to hold them for the time being as he shows Ai the security office and walks her around to introduce her to the people on staff. She puts names to faces in a file in her mind and is mildly surprised to not get much in the way of questions about her authority and how she acquired it. She does see a few people stop and point at her and and expects that some part of the story has circulated already. The main floor is hopping and Cho Ban tells her that it is like this every night, sometimes worse. "There are many tourists that come here to play. It is the closest casino to the entrance to Chinatown, which is a very nice thing for Fu Shing. The only real challenge for the most customers is the Golden Palace restaurant, owned by the Octagon, and the Glorious Den, a brothel and drug den owned by the Yellow Lotus. they are both near and claim a certain percentage of the available customers. Of course, there are other establishments farther down the street, but they usually get more of the local trade and fewer tourists..........."

He is interrupted and puts a hand to his ear and calls out softly for backup at the front door. He turns to Ai, "It appears that you are not to be allowed an easy first night, Ai. Four Yellow Lotus toughs are barking at the front door about demanding to see Fu Shing. This is highly irregular and not normal, so I do not really know what is happening." He motions for her to precede him. "Shall we? I will back you up as you need, but this may be something that casino security needs to stay out of, if you understand."

Ai understands well enough. Han Sin had been clear when he explained that the casino security was a separate entity from Fu Shing's personal guards and that there would be times when that separation was necessary. Ai sends a message to her men, telling them to remain at their posts in case this was a diversion of some kind, and another to Chien Lo, who is the leader of the ready squad, essentially the people who are on duty next and who should be ready to assist her if necessary. She instructs him to assemble his team in the lower lobby and be ready, but that he should attend her. Most of the people in the casino have no idea that anything is happening at the doors to the building and just keep on gambling, adding to Fu Shing's profit with every pull and every card played. Once at the door, though, this changes a bit as a small circle of tourists and locals is gathered near the entrance, listening to the leader of the four men there, who continues to call out Fu Shing and his lackey of a security chief. He is cursing Fu Shing for being a fool to trust his life to a pig of a whore and saying many things about Ai's own heredity that are far from complimentary, clearly going past the bounds of common decency. Ai stands at the door and listens to the rant for a few moments then acts. She steps forward into the man's arm movement and slaps him hard, the sound being heard for several meters. His head whips to the side as his cheek bones snap and several teeth go flying. The man steps backward but Ai stays with him, continuing her attack with a backhand stroke, breaking more bones and sending the man to the ground in agony. The entire thing is over in seconds and no one else really has a chance to respond but she sees several hands in the process of darting into jackets and she calls out in a commanding voice. "Do you really want to see blood shed on this street? Your master will not be happy if people die. This man insulted my ancestors and has been punished for that, but do you want to add to that?" She requests that Cho Ban stand his men down and is a bit surprised to see that Chien Lo is there with a pistol in his hand that he carefully puts away. She turns back to the rest of the Yellow Lotus men. "We all know that this was a test and that Fu Shing has passed. Take your garbage with you and return to your bosses. Tell them that there will be no easy push against Fu Shing and that the next man to insult my ancestors in such a fashion will not be able to complain of a few broken bones and missing teeth."

Two of the man's companions pick him off the street while the third looks closely at Ai before nodding. All four leave through the crowd, which is still just beginning to realize that something has happened. Ai turns to Cho Ban and speaks loudly. "Do you think we can offer these people a free drink to calm their nerves?" Cho Ban smiles and nods his head, pulling out drink chits to hand to the tourists and locals who were standing about. Ai then turns to Chien Lo and looks at him carefully before nodding without saying anything. He points to her chest and she looks down to see a few flecks of blood from where she had hit the Yellow Lotus man. "Frag, I guess I need to go up to change. I will need to see someone about a wardrobe tomorrow. Thank you for coming quickly and I am sorry that I thought you might be needed at all." Chien Lo bows to her without saying anything and walks off into the crowd. Ai stands outside the casino entrance for a few minutes before turning to head back to the elevator.

Back in the suite, she nods to the guard there and walks to Fu Shing's bedroom, again knocking and waiting for permission to enter. Inside she finds Fu Shing looking at a large trivid screen that is broken into sections, one of which is the front entrance. He turns to her and says, "A measured response, Ai. Thank you for not killing a man on my doorstep without enough cause to do so. I am impressed even more. I have noted that you have placed a man at the elevator on this level. I have wondered in the past why Hai Cheng did not do that, but I now understand that he may have had plans to kill me from the start and take my place and did not want someone to witness that or try to stop him"

Ai does not respond verbally, but removes her clothes in a decidedly non-verbal demonstration of something else. She approaches Fu Shing and begins to take his clothes off. He starts a bit then helps her before taking her hand and leading her to his large bed where they spend the rest of the night in a manner best left to the imagination. Suffice it to say that both are exhausted by the time they finish and Ai falls asleep with her head on Fu Shing's arm and listening to the man as he breathes deeply in sleep.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 0630, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Ai wakes up in Fu Shing's very large bed and listens to the soft breathing of her employer and lover. Her first action is to look through the sensor feeds from the drones and tags she has placed around the suite. She replays all the activity for each source and is satisfied that nothing happened that she should be concerned about. The change of shift had apparently gone off without issue and the man in the foyer appears to be alert. After completing this ritual, Ai lies back and tries to make sense of what she has done and where this is going to go. She has no intention of remaining here in Chinatown as the head of personal security for a Triad lieutenant, but how to get out of it is the question. Her tendency to live on the edge has landed her up against a sticky wicket for sure. She carefully slides out of the bed and pads over to the private bathroom to use the toilet. Once that is done, Ai looks in the mirror above the sink and shakes her head; another face that is not her own looks back at her. No, that is not really correct. Another face that IS her own for now looks back at her. She has been so many faces and so many people over the years that there are times when she feels that she would not be able to remember her real face if it were not in some computer file somewhere. She finishes washing her hands and splashes some water on her face before returning to the bedroom and slipping between the sheets to cuddle up to Fu Shing. And how, she wonders, did this happen? Fu Shing is a top lieutenant in a large criminal syndicate and everything about him is telling Ai to stay away. But she finds that she does not really want to stay away. He has proven to be an intelligent and careful man and a talented lover. Again, Ai wonders just what she has gotten herself into this time.

She wraps an arm around Fu Shing and the man stirs, opening first one eye then the other as he turns to look at the woman in his bed. "So it was not all a dream and you are still here. Or have I perhaps died and gone to my ancestors and been rewarded with you?"

Ai laughs. "You are not dead, but whether I am a reward to you is probably still to be determined. I want to go out today and walk your turf to get a better idea what it is you control. I will also need clothes but do not yet know the best place to go. I still have much to learn if I am to protect you and your interests."

Fu Shing pulls the young woman closer to him and nuzzles against her hair as his hands begin roaming her body. "Yes, you can accomplish all that, but it is still early and I need additional proof that I am still alive."

Ai giggles and surrenders to his touch, showing him over the next forty minutes that he is indeed quite alive. While the two share an extended shower Ai orders breakfast to be sent up from the casino kitchens and continues her tireless monitoring of her various sensors. She slips into a silk robe and walks out into the main room of the suite to tell the guard there that breakfast will be arriving for Fu Shing in a few minutes. She can almost feel the eyes of the man follow her as she walks about the room, ending up at the large windows overlooking Chinatown. It has been raining and the sky is still overcast, promising more. Many of the bright neon lights of the various clubs and brothels are muted or unlit in the morning light and there are many people already on the streets below; some are early tourists but most are locals going about their daily lives. She sets reminders that she will need to go see Xuan and work out some way to talk to Ni Ni.

While she is standing at the window, David Han comes out of the guest bedroom and walks over to join her. "I see that you are an early riser? I love this place, but you should see Hong Kong in the early morning. It is even more magnificent than this, even though both here and there hide their dirty secrets in the slums just out of sight."

Ai had not really put it to thought before, but David's accent is just a bit off and his mention of Hong Kong sets off a light in her mind and she speaks in a soft voice. "You are not from here, are you, David? Red Dragon, maybe?"

The man next to her stiffens for a moment and Ai knows she is right. "That is not for everyone to know. Please be careful with that information. I am here to visit with my old friend."

Ai bows her head and nods. She is pretty sure that there is far more to his presence here than just a visit between old friends, but she keeps those thoughts to herself. "Of course, David. It is not my place to talk of such things with others."

David Han laughs and swats at Ai's butt as he moves away from the window. Her short yelp brings another laugh and she moves to join him as he walks about the room. "Just as expected, Ai. You are something of a conundrum to me; one I would very much like to figure out. I will tell you that you have already moved far in the estimation of my friend. And mine. Your handling of the Yellow Lotus crew last night showed a fine understanding of what the consequences of more direct action might have been. At least I am thinking those thoughts went through your mind?" At Ai's nod, he continues. "Yes, we thought so. That is very interesting and just adds to the mystique of your presence here. I certainly appreciate that you saved my friend's life and I am grateful for that, believe me. But I am also curious as to how you maneuvered yourself to be in just the right place at the right time. I am not a great believer in coincidence, Al, as I am sure you will find out as we discuss your training to get through the rituals."

Ai nods and smiles. He has already accepted her use of his first name, indicating to her that she has been accepted. "No, David, few things are pure coincidence. My ancestors put me on this path and I was ready to seize an opportunity when it came my way." She pauses then adds, "When do you wish to begin this training? I had thought to get some clothes and have Han Sin show me around Fu Shing's territory this morning. Would that be acceptable?"

David nods. "Yes, that should work. I will expect you up here and ready to begin your training after lunch. Fu Shing wants to get you through this as soon as possible and I agree. You will not truly be accepted in your role by others until you have the rituals behind you, and it is important to both Fu Shing and you that you are accepted."

The elevator signals the arrival of the car and the man on guard in the marbled foyer moves to place himself in front of the opening doors. Two young women in the uniforms of maids working for the casino push a cart into the foyer and wait patiently as the guard looks everything over. He steps aside and the women push the cart into the main room and up to the table. Ai moves to assist them, passing her chemsniffer ring over the various trays of food. Satisfied that all seems normal, she nods to David and Fu Shing, who has emerged from his room at the sound of the elevator. He and David Han takes seats at the table while Ai serves them food, taking a seat next to her employer only after he indicates that she should do so.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 0800, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


While dining, the bell announcing the arrival of the elevator car sounds out. Again, the guard moves to place his body in front of the doors but steps back as Han Sin and another guard step out. As the new guard takes his place in the foyer, Han Sin bows silently to those at the table. David Han raises an eyebrow but does not speak as Ai rises form the table and walks to the foyer and speaks to the shift leader. "Han Sin. I will be accompanying you on your rounds this morning. I will join you in thirty minutes if that is convenient."

Han Sin bows again and nods as he steps back into the elevator, manfully not even noticing that Ai is dressed only in the silk robe. Ai returns to the table and bows to the men there. "Master, I will get dressed and go out for a while. You are under good care here, but you can contact me at any time, of course. May I depart?"

Fu Shing looks closely at the girl then nods. "You may depart, Ai. Thank you." As the girl leaves for the bedroom, he turns to his friend. "David, I am not truly certain who is in charge here."

David Han laughs, "No? I know exactly who is in charge, my friend, and it is not you. I am glad that she is on our side." The man watches as Ai disappears. "She may be quite useful to our plans." Fu Shing nods and raises a glass to toast that thought, then continues dining.

Ai dresses in the clothes she had worn the previous night, having daubed most of the blood from the material. Once dressed, she looks in the full body mirror in the bedroom and smooths the dress along her curves. She is a striking looking woman and knows it, especially since she has created the body to go with the name. Finished, she leaves the room, stopping by the table before leaving. Both men eye her figure appreciatively and bid her farewell for the morning. She passes by the man on duty and pushes the call button for the elevator. Within seconds, the car arrives and she steps in to be whisked to the ground floor. Stepping from the elevator, she walks into the nearly deserted casino floor, passing by a horde of people removing the detritus of the previous night's entertainment. Within an hour, no one would be able to know that a crowd of gamblers and revelers had been in the building. She sees Han Sin talking to two of his men and heads that way, stopping at a respectful distance from them so that he can finish his conversation. He gives her a surprised look but does not move away until he is done talking. The two men give short bows and move off as Han Sin turns to Ai. "Thank you, Ai. Are you ready to go?"

Ai bows slightly. "Yes. I do have an address to a tailor that Fu Shing recommends. I need to stop in for some clothes to be made. Will that be too much trouble?"

She shows him the ARO for the shop and Han Sin shakes his head. "No trouble at all. She is on our morning route. We will be joined momentarily by Shu Fong, one of my men. Let us walk to the entrance and await him."

Ai nods and the pair leave the main floor to stand outside the casino. Ai looks but can see no evidence of the bit of blood that the Yellow Lotus man had dripped on the pavement outside. The other man joins them shortly and the three head off into the street, which is busier as the shops open for business. A few tourists are about, looking for early bargains, some of them looking for the fleeting contentment to be found in the arms of a morning prostitute or drug den. Ai walks with the two men, but does not interfere with their business. She does note, however, that most of the shops they visit have already heard of the doings at the casino and the change in leadership of Fu Shing's security detachment. Most are also apparently surprised by the way Han Sin treats them when collecting the money owed for their protection, and even more surprised when he returns a bit of the money offered. After four shops, Ai cannot hold back her curiosity and asks Han Sin about what she has seen.

"These shops are on the route that Hai Cheng would normally have had this morning. I thought to show you this part of the neighborhood first. Hai Cheng was not..............polite in his collections. He would simply demand the payments and I had thought that he was demanding more than he should. I would guess that he was pocketing the difference and sharing it with Chan Ling, his normal partner on the collection route. My supposition is proven correct this morning. We are well rid of both of them, Ai. You have done us and Fu Shing, our Master, a favor."

By 1000, the three have walked most of Hai Cheng's route and have begun Han Sin's. The routes have taken Ai away from the main street and onto narrower streets that do not have the same glitter and polish. Neon lights are far fewer and no tourists are in the number of people walking the streets. Ai notices many hard stares from people that have nearly nothing and feels a large amount of sympathy for them, as she does for all of the people forced to live in one Barrens or another. Still, there is little that she can do to help at this time and her conscious is helped a little by the thought of the charities, street clinics, and orphanages she supports in one of her other lives. Has Sin takes her to the address of the tailor/seamstress and she goes in after bidding the two men farewell. A wizened woman of indeterminate age comes from behind a counter to ask if she can be of assistance and brightens considerable when she hears that Ai has been sent by Fu Shing. She nods and tells Ai that her boss had already called her and that she was to give Ai the best service possible and send him the bill. An hour, several cups of tea, and some talk later, Ai leaves the establishment wearing a new dress and with a new wardrobe on order. She walks back through the streets she has memorized and is a bit surprised by the new looks given her as she passes people. Some press a packet of cookies or noodles on her while others offer her friendly greetings and little else. By the time she makes it back to the main road, her arms are full of small packages and a number of fortune-cookie-like strips of paper have been pressed upon her as wishes for good fortune.

Han Sin greets Ai as she steps past the doorman into the casino, looking her up and down. "You seem to have made out well, Ai. Congratulations. I had hoped that you would be well received and it appears that you have been." He does not offer to carry any of the small packages for her as he walks with her to the elevator that takes her back to the penthouse suite.

David Han is waiting in the main room ans raises his eyebrows as she appears. "I see that you have met some of the locals and have already been accepted. Why not put all of that down on the table here and go freshen up? Lunch will be here in a few minutes and we will begin right after that." Ai nods and places the small packages on the coffee table and goes to the bedroom, removing the small bits of paper from her clothing as she does. Fu Shing is sitting at his desk and he looks up as Ai enters the room, smiling at her appearance, but not saying anything. Ai goes into the bathroom and washes her hands before returning. Her employer has stood and is waiting for her.

"Let us go eat lunch, Ai. Bring those fortunes with you and we will read them and honor those who gave them to you. It would seem that you have had a good morning. Were you able to arrange for some clothes?"

Ai bows her head and nods. "Yes, Master, thank you for arranging that. I do not know if I am deserving of such generosity."

Fu Shing laughs. "My mother and my ancestors would definitely agree that you are deserving of such a minor show of gratitude for saving my life. She has already told me that I am to bring you around for dinner tonight and she is not one to accept disappointment lightly so I am afraid that you are committed. Now, lunch, then training with David for a couple of hours." The two leave the bedroom and go out to the main room, where the lunch meal is being put on the dining table. Ai once again passes her hand over the food as she personally serves it to Fu Shing and his good friend.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 1335, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Lunch over, Fu Shing retires to his bedroom office to work and David takes Ai to his room. "Make yourself comfortable. We are going to be here for at least a couple of hours." When she has settled down on the couch, he sits opposite her in an easy chair and starts right in. "The Rituals of Honor were created long ago as a means of trying to guarantee the loyalty of a leader's followers. Back then, most of the Triads were called Tongs and there is still a certain relationship between the words. The rituals were a set of oaths that were intended to bind master to subordinate, but they were only as good as the people involved. There has always been a bit of the mystical to them, but that was more flavor and superstition than reality, although there were stories of odd things happening to those that broke faith with the oaths. It was not until the awakening that some real teeth were put into the rituals. The emergence of magic in the sixth world made it possible to make the ties much more binding. At some point it was deemed practical to set the oaths as a binding contract that was worded so as to assure that the person who swore them would be punished for talking about the Triad or its plans and policies to outsiders. This left the door wide open for internal conflicts, such as the one stepped into between Hai Cheng and Fu Shing. Externally, one cannot betray the organization to another, but internally.......well, that is another issue."

"A man is only fit to hold onto his territory as long as he can manage to keep it under control. This philosophy allows for upward movement of those in subordinate positions. In the case of Hai Cheng, he would have been allowed to keep control of all of Fu Shing's territory if he had been successful in killing his master and then fend off any other claims or attempts to unseat him. We value strength and ability, and that is represented in the rituals. I am quite certain that you could have killed both Fu Shing and me after dealing with Hai Cheng and that useless cow Wen, but holding onto the territory might have been a different story, especially since you had not undergone the rituals yet and would not have been supported at the highest levels of the Triad. Hai Cheng would have been given the benefit of the doubt and accepted if he had been strong enough to keep others at bay long enough to solidify support."

David pauses to pour himself a glass of water from a carafe on the table and motions for Ai to help herself if she is thirsty. He continues as she pours water into a glass. "Now, what do you see, if anything, that stands out from what I have said so far?"

Ai considers her response then says, "We are 88s and the Triad has embraced technology and cyberware as being normal. I know that 'ware implants inhibit the use of magic and that the more you have inside, the more affected you are. So how does that square against the idea that the oaths are supported by magic?"

David nods and smiles. "Very good, Ai. Yes, when the 88s began looking to implants as normal, even desirable, they came face to face with that same realization. A strongly 'wared Incense Master would be unable to use magic enough to cast any spells, and would not really be able to bind the rituals with the magic needed to effectively bind anyone. The decision as to what to do bounced back and forth between keeping the Incense Master free of implants, but even then, those swearing the oaths would still be resistant to the punishments meted out by the other Triads. The Second Awakening provided the answer and the Incense Masters were selected from the ranks of technomancers, whose magic could easily be used to bind the oaths through their command of the sprites that roam the resonance. Betrayal in the ranks of the 88s will bring the worst kind of sprites down on the offender, obliterating their implants and effectively ending their lives."

He sits back and looks at Ai carefully. "Alright, now that the introduction is out of the way, are you ready to learn what the rituals consist of and what your responses should be?" At Ai's nod, David Han smiles. "Let's get at it, shall we. The first thing...........................................................................
.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 1535, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Two hours later, Ai's mind is reeling with the information David Han has given her. Even her photographic memory is having trouble keeping everything straight. The rituals themselves are straightforward enough, but the small nuances of what goes on in the Triad are weighing her down. David sees her distress and holds up a hand. "Alright, alright. I think that is enough for today. You are doing very well, Ai. This normally takes several days of preparation and you have to do it in two. We need to get you ready by 1700 tomorrow evening because Rick Wu and the Incense Master, Ruibai Dong, want to see you then. You will be given one chance to decline to take the rituals, a decision that will force Fu Shing to ask you to leave his service. If you decide to go through with this, you must be ready as the alternative will be dramatic and probably fatal. Do you understand?"

Ai forces herself to consider her options. This is a huge risk and she will be gambling with her life in a non-physical way. Swearing binding oaths to a crime syndicate such as the Triad is not what she had intended when she set out on this path, but she is in the position where that seems to be the only course of action open to her if she wants to learn more. Perhaps she should have expected this. Ai feels the initial surge of adrenaline as it begins to course through her body. She is a risk taker and would rather live and die on the edge than live any other way. Controlling her breathing, she looks David Han in the eye. "Yes, David, I want this. Give me some time to sort and assimilate the information you have given me. Can we meet again tomorrow?"

David nods. He is certain that his feelings about this girl are justified. She could be of great help to the Red Dragon Association if she passes the rituals. "Very well. Tomorrow at 1000?"

Ai nods in turn. "Perfect." She stands, knowing that the session is at an end. "Thank you for your help. I will be ready."

He stands and escorts her to the door. "I will see you in a while. We will be leaving here at about 1830 to go see Fu Shing's mother for dinner."

Ai bows her head and withdraws from his bedroom, returning to the main living area. Her heart is still beating loudly enough that the guard in the foyer must certainly hear it, but he gives no indication that he does as Ai walks across the room to Fu Shing's bedroom. Knocking, she waits for her master to tell her to enter before opening the door and going in. Fu Shing looks up from his work and smiles. He rises from his desk and stretches, groaning a bit. "I really should not sit at a desk all day like this. My bones are creaking."

Ai smiles back. "Come to the bed and let me try to work some of that tension out. I know a thing or two about massages therapy."

Fu Shing smiles and walks to the bed, removing his shirt before laying down. Ai hikes her dress up and straddles his thighs as she begins kneading the muscles on his back, judging her success by the moans she elicits. She changes her position as needed to be able to get to all of his muscles, leaving him in a relaxed state after working out all of his kinks. She finishes and steps aside to let him get off the bed and is caught off guard when he takes her into his arms and kisses her. "That was wonderful and I feel as if all the tension just melted away. You are an amazing flower. I am surprised every time I open a new petal and find something new about you inside it. I wonder what other surprises you have in store for me?" He puts a finger to her lips. "No, do not tell me. I want to find out for myself."

Ai nods and reaches for his belt. "We have some time, Master. Would you like to put it to some use other than work?"

Fu Shing laughs. "You, my girl, are going to ruin my routine. But I do suppose that I can take some time away from business." The two undress each other and spend the next hour engaged in activities best left unmentioned.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 1650, Penthouse, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


After a shower, Ai dresses and watches Fu Shing do the same. "Master, I would like to go see Xuan for a few minutes. I am sure that she has heard the news of what has happened by now, but I want to tell her myself."

Fu Shing nods and waves a hand. "Go. Just be certain to be back here before 1830. I do not want to be late in leaving to go to my mother's place and it will take nearly thirty minutes."

Ai bows her head and leaves the room, heading through the main room to the elevator and seeing that the guard has changed. She gives a smile to the new man as she waits for the elevator car to arrive then steps in for the short ride to the ground floor. She notes that the main-floor casino is quite busy as she steps out of the elevator and heads to the exit. She passes by Chien Lo, who is walking the main floor with Cho Ban, and tells both men that she is going for a walk and will return shortly. Both men bow slightly to her and Chien Lo says, "Good afternoon, Ai. Thank you for letting me know. If you do not mind, I know a man that would do well in your guard section. Would you like to interview him?"

"When would he be available?"

Chien Lo smiles. "He is available when you wish him to be."

Ai considers her schedule and makes a decision. "I will see him as I walk. Please bring him to me at the entrance to the casino. I can delay my departure until he arrives."

The man bows his head. "I will have him at the door in less than ten minutes. Thank you, Ai."

Ai moves to the entrance and stands just outside the door, watching the flow of people in the street, some of whom enter the casino. She has been standing there for just over five minutes when Chien Lo approaches her with another man. Ai looks closely at the new man, trying to gauge him through non-verbal indicators. He carries himself with an air of confidence, but she detects a slight uncertainty in his step. Both men stop at a respectful distance and bow slightly and Chien Lo makes the introductions. "Ai, this is Chien Dao. He is a cousin of mine from my father's side. He is an experienced soldier for us and I believe that he will do well with this promotion."

Ai looks even closer at the man, noting that he seems a bit nervous. "Hello, Chien Dao. I am walking to visit a business I have an interest in. Please accompany me as I walk there and we will talk on the way."

Chien Daoi bows and falls in beside Ai as she sets off into the street for the business that had belonged to the unlamented Madam Wen. The two talk and Ai hears enough that she makes a decision by the time they arrive at the shop. "I will give you a chance to prove yourself, Chien Dao. Your shift will normally be from 2400 to 0800, however, tonight Fu Shing is going to dine elsewhere and may not return until after 2400, which means the shifts will overlap. Report to Chien Lo prior to 2400 to be given an assignment that will last until Fu Shing returns, at which time I will decide what position you will have. Questions?"

The man shakes his head and bows to Ai as she releases him to return to the casino without her. Turning, she enters the shop and walks to the counter, noting that several customers are browsing among the shelves. Xuan is with a woman and her eyes widen momentarily when she sees Ai. When she is finished, she walks over to where Ai is standing and bows low. "You grace this poor shop, Song Ai. It is a pleasure to see you. How may we assist you today?"

Ai smiles and gives Xuan a slight bow. "Thank you Xuan. It is good to see you. Do you have time to see me in your office?"

Xuan nods and motions for her guest to lead the way. Once inside the office, Xuan shuts the door and looks at Ai in curiosity. Ai steps forward and takes the other girl's hands in her own. "No need for any formality between us, Xuan. You are my friend and I will not forget that."

Xuan's smile is a bit unsure. "You are not what we had thought you to be, Song Ai. What am I to think?"

"Please.............it is Ai to you; Song Ai is too formal for friends. You can think of me as I was when you were protecting me from Madam Wen's anger. For that you will always have my gratitude and friendship. I wanted to come here personally to make sure that you were aware of the transition. I advised Fu Shing to leave you in charge."

Xuan nods. "Yes...Ai. I was told that. I could hardly believe my luck. I had expected to be killed and now I am the owner of this shop. Is it really you and how did you do this thing I have heard of. There are many rumors, including one where you flashed beams of light from your eyes and cut Wen in half with them."

Ai laughs. "I had thought there would be rumors. The truth is far less fantastic, but it is enough to say that I was lucky to be able to help Fu Shing survive Hai Cheng's assassination."

The pair spend the next twenty minutes talking before being interrupted by a knock at the door. Xuan gives the word to enter and one of the other girls pokes her head in to tell them that Ni Ni Xiaolu from across the street has come to see about her niece. Xuan looks at Ai, who nods, and tells the girl to show the visitor in then turns to Ai. "This I would like to stay and listen to, but I will give you privacy. It is good to see you, Ai. I hope that you visit often."

Xuan bows low and leaves the office as Ni Ni is shown in. The two exchange greetings then Ai is left alone with her friend and lover. The two look at each other for a couple of minutes without talking then Ni Ni breaks the silence. "Well, Song Ai, I had not expected you to achieve so much so soon. I hear that congratulations are clearly in order."

Ai bows her head. "I hope that I have pleased you and have brought honor to the family."

"I am not sure how pleased your mother will be to hear you are associated with the 88s, but no, you have not brought dishonor to your ancestors. Are you well?"

Ai nods. "Very well. I have been accepted by Fu Shing and will undergo the rituals of binding tomorrow evening.


Ni Ni's eyes widen a bit at this news. "This is a very serious undertaking, Song Ai. Are you certain this is for you?"

Ai simply nods and smiles. After a couple of minutes of silence, Ni Ni approaches Ai and embraces her in what could certainly be considered something entirely inappropriate for an aunt to her niece, even a favorite niece, whispering, "You take care of yourself. This is not a game and I do not know where you are going with this. My heart is heavy that we may be on different sides if things go wrong."

Ai feels tears come from her eyes. "I will be as careful as I can be. Even I do not know yet where this path will take me, but I want to see. Send a message to Monique, please. Let her know that I am well and that is not to lose faith in me."

Ni Ni steps back and shakes her head. "As if that would ever happen with that woman. Or me. Stay strong, Song Ai, and good fortune to you."

The two smile at each other, unable to say more. Ni Ni exits the office, followed closely by Ai. Ni Ni bows to Xuan and thanks her for the use of her office and leaves the building. Xuan turns to look at Ai. "Did everything go well? She seems a bit sad."

Ai shrugs. "She is Octagon and I am now an 88. There is little between us now except blood and that disturbs both of us. She will be telling my mother, who is likely to die of a heart attack. I must return to Fu Shing. I have responsibilities now."

The two young women embrace and Ai takes leave of the shop after saying farewell to the other girls, returning to the casino with plenty of time to spare.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 1728, Penthouse, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Ai walks into the casino and finds Han Sin, who is patrolling the floor. "Han Sin, I will be accompanying Fu Shing to dine out this evening. I will be taking two of my shift as guards as I do not expect to return before midnight. I have a new man on my shift that I will be leaving here. Will you please see to placing him as one of the two men I am leaving behind?"

Han Sin, nods. "Of course Song Ai. Chien Lo has talked to me of his cousin and I agree that Chien Dao will make a good addition to the roster. I will see to placing him on guard this evening."

Ai nods to her subordinate and goes to the elevator. On the way, she contacts the men on her shift and details two to be ready at the elevator at 1815. When the car doors open at the penthouse, Ai steps into the suite from the elevator to find both Fu Shing and David Han ensconced on a couch in the large living room. Both men turn their heads as she comes over to stand in front of them, Ai lowers her head and bows slightly. "Thank you, Master, for allowing me to visit my friend."

Fu Shing nods. "Thank you, Ai. My friend tells me that you are doing well in preparing yourself for the rituals. How do you feel?"

Ai avoids looking at David Han as she answers. "I am pleased that Master Han believes I am making progress. I feel confident that I will not let you down."

"I am sure that you will do well, Ai. We have some time yet before we leave for dinner."

Ai nods again. "I am ready for that as well, Master. I have spoken to my people and have arranged for two men to accompany us." After the Triad lieutenant acknowledges her words, she leaves the two men and walks to the large picture window overlooking Chinatown below, unaware of the men's eyes upon her.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 1825, Penthouse, Bright Path Club, Chinatown, Seattle, Seattle Metroplex


Ai's internal alarm goes off at precisely 1825. She smooths her dress to her form one last time and gathers the two men, leading them to the elevator and down to the lobby, where they are met by Shien Lo and his shift, along with two men from Ai's shift. All move as a group to the entrance of the casino and out to the street, Ai leading the way. She has deployed her remaining Fly Spy drones to cover the route of movement and her sensors are fully on and searching the crowds ahead and behind them for any potential threats. The short walk to the arched exit from Chinatown goes without incident and Ai nods to the uniformed rigger/chauffeur standing at the already open door to the limousine. Chien Lo and his shift stand guard as Ai enters the car first and checks things out. Ai gets out of the vehicle and nods. One of the guards goes to the front passenger compartment and climbs in as the second guard enters the rear compartment, followed by David Han and Fu Shing. Ai enters last as the driver closes them all inside before taking his own seat and pulling a cable from his side to connect to the interface unit and driving off. Chien Lo dismisses his shift squad after the limousine pulls away. Inside the car, Ai and the second guard keep a watch through the heavily tinted windows and Ai maintains her feeds from the drones she has pacing the car. David and Fu Shing sit back in the comfort of the genuine leather seats and look at Ai legs.

The ride is smooth and the traffic blissfully cooperative as the large car glides down the wide boulevards leading to the ever posh Downtown District and the Seattle Hilton. Ai lets the parking garage at the hotel know when the car is two minutes out and the private security entrance is alerted, allowing the car to pass into the hotel garage without delay or incident. The occupants of the vehicle leave it in reverse order and head to the private elevator up to the penthouse. Ai details one of her men to remain in the garage at the elevator door, promising to have food sent out to him. When the elevator door opens at the top floor, two Triad security men greet Fu Shing and his companions, trading hard looks with Ai and her remaining security man. Ai leaves her man at the door to the apartment and enters the luxury penthouse suite just ahead Fu Shing and David Han, but she falls into her proper place just behind her employer after making a quick visual glance around the entry room. She has left one drone in the garage and now sends another out to look more closely at this room and the others, keeping the third one in her hair at the base of the long, dark ponytail.

Ai's glance tells her much about the room she is in as she mentally catalogs the value of the Chinese art and pottery visible. Everything is tastefully done and she can tell that this room is professionally decorated. Marble floors are covered with expensive rugs and the furniture completely suits the room.......and its owner, presumably. It would seem that the person who lives here likes cranes, as that is a common motif in the artwork. A sliding door in the far wall of the room opens and an older woman steps through, followed by a middle-aged copy of herself and a woman dressed as a maid. Both of the older women are dressed in fine silk dresses with their hair up and Ai can see a strong family resemblance between them and Fu Shing. The maid is clearly giving Ai an appraising look and Ai which Ai return, each seeming to understanding the real need and purpose of the other without words needing to be said. Surprisingly spry for her age despite using an ornate ebon walking cane, the older woman comes to meet Fu Shing, who steps forward to embrace her. "Grandmother. It is so good to see you. It has been far too long. I did not even know that you were in Seattle." He embraces the other woman next. "Mother, How normal of you to keep secrets from me."

David Han walks forward and is embraced by both women as if he were part of the family. Ai's roaming drone alerts her to the presence of another woman, more the age of Fu Shing, who appears from another door. The Triad lieutenant pales a bit then says, "And Jang, too? What is going on, mother?"

The third woman comes forward but does not greet him directly, instead looking at Ai. "Is this the girl? The one who killed my Cheng?" There is no emotion in the questions, just interest.

There is quiet in the room for a few moments before Fu Shing clears his throat. "Grandmother, mother, Jang, this is Song Ai. She prevented my assassination, Jang. Song Ai, these are my grandmother and mother, both Madam Fu and my sister, Hai Jang." He turns back to face the other women. "I had thought I was invited to dinner, not an inquisition."

The old woman smiles and gives a sharp laugh. "Silly boy. You should have known better. It is dinner AND an inquisition." She looks at Fu Shing's mother and nods. "And I think dinner is ready?"

She holds out an arm for Fu Shing to take and leads the way out of the living room into the dining room. David Han steps up to take the arm of Fu Shing's mother and is followed by Hai Jang. The maid gives Ai a look and both women move to follow the others, each keeping a wary eye on the other.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 1830, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


The dining room is as exquisitely decorated as the living room, from the solid rosewood dining table and chairs to the silk panel artwork on the walls. The wall opposite the table is a floor to ceiling window overlooking the sprawl from sixty stories up. The Hilton is not the tallest building in Seattle, but its penthouse does have one of the nicest views of the city. The men pull chairs out and sit the women, with Ai and the maid waiting until the rest are seated before serving their respective groups. Madam Fu, senior, watches Ai closely, noting with appreciation that the girl knows her manners and the proper rituals for the dining table. After serving all the others, Fu Shing's grandmother motions for both girls to join them at the table, further solidifying for Ai that the maid is clearly not just a maid.

The talk at dinner is relegated to discussions about the weather and Hong Kong, where it appears the older woman and Hai Jang have come from, arriving just this morning. Ai is asked once if she has ever been to that city, to which she quietly answers that she has not. Hai Jang speaks little unless directly spoken to and keeps her eyes on Ai for most of the meal. Ai listens to the conversations and it appears to her that there are close bonds between Fu Shing, his mother, and his grandmother but she is not exactly sure where his sister fits into the picture because she says so little. For her part, Ai plays the subservient role, speaking only when asked a question and even then keeping the answers short and to the point.

As the meal draws to a close, Ai and the maid both stand and move away from the table before the members of the family stand. As Fu Shing holds the chair for the older Madam Fu, she says, "David, please take Shing to the living room and make yourselves comfortable." As Ai turns to precede her master, the woman says, "No, Song Ai, Guang will see to their needs. You will come with us for some words in private." Still, Ai looks to Fu Shing, who nods his head, although the look he gives his mother and grandmother includes several unspoken questions. The old woman waves her hands at the two men. "Now shoo, both of you. There are drinks at the bar and Guang is already there waiting for you. I promise we will return her unharmed."

Fu Shing bows. "Why do I not find that statement particularly meant to relieve my mind?"

"Because you know me so well. Now leave." The last being said in a tone that brooks no comment or disobeying, the men depart for the living room, leaving all five women behind. "Now that they have left, let us go into the parlor and get comfortable. Jang?"

Fu Shing's older sister nods and takes her grandmother's arm, escorting her from the dining room, followed by her mother and the two bodyguards. Al is careful to not give anything away, but her blood is racing as she walks behind the Fu women. They arrive in a well appointed parlor and the maid moves to stand to the side of a long couch as the others sit and Ai takes up a respectful position, standing where indicated. The old woman finally smiles, but Ai is not sure that it reaches her eyes. "Now, Song Ai, you have had the dinner and now begins the inquisition."

In the living room, the men receive drinks from an elderly manservant, who retires from the room when the men are comfortable. After a moment of silence that seems to stretch a bit, David Han clears his throat. "Do not worry, my old friend. What can they do to her?"

Fu Shing shakes his head. "I did not expect grandmother or Jang to be here. Grandmother is bad enough; you know how she can get, but Jang? Ai killed her son. She knows that he was a rotten egg, but still.............."

"You are worrying far too much about this girl. What does it matter if she does.............."

David is interrupted by a stern look from Fu Shing. After a moment he continues, "Ah. So it IS like that. I was wondering. What are you thinking with, Shing? Put the little snake to bed and use your head. Yes, she saved your life, and for that you should be grateful. But you have already given her much and she is still just someone you have just met. Do not get too attached to her, no matter the shape of her legs and ass or the way she can use her body."

Fu Shing nods. "You are like a brother to me, David, more even. That is why I listen to you and why I allow you to speak of her like that. But she is different from most girls."

"Yes, Shing, she is different. She is 'wared like few people I have ever met. Her aunt is an Octagon lieutenant. She just happens to be in your presence when a trusted subordinate who happens to be your own nephew tries to assassinate you AND she prevents him from doing that. Does this not seem odd to you? Even suspicious? I will be less critical once she passes the rituals.....IF she passes the rituals."

"Yes, I as well. Do you think she has a chance?"

David Han pauses for a moment of consideration. "Yes, I do. She is a very quick learner or she has received coaching from her aunt, which cannot be discounted. Still, a close relationship there will work to our advantage when we make our move against the Yellow Lotus. The Red Dragon Association will be pleased and you will be allowed to keep your toy if she performs satisfactorily."

At that, both men sip from their drinks and each considers in his own mind what the future holds for the young woman in the parlor.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 2010, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


Ai stand still, waiting for the questions to begin. She has sudden memories of standing in front of the administrators of the first seven boarding schools she had been hustled off to after that big falling out at home. Each school except the last had tossed her out after her thieving had been discovered. Correction, after she had allowed her thieving to be discovered. The pattern had been pretty much the same each time. New place but same sort of boring people and boring classes. The only thing new was learning to get past the latest security measures the a school had in place to prevent thefts and hacking. She had proven better than any of the countermeasures they had tried and allowed herself to get caught when it was time to be leave. Daddy would never have moved her from the first school if she had not forced the issue..........

Of course, those people had never inspired the sort of fear and trepidation that the three women on the couch in front of her now bring. Ai knows that there is a good chance that her life is hanging in the balance and she would have things no other way. She steels herself and presents a calm front, turning the tables on the women by examining their most minute microexpressions to get any sort of feeling for where the conversation is heading. These women are good..............she gets very little from them. The senior Madam Fu nods and gives a pleased smile. "This one is good, daughter and granddaughter. See how she tries to evaluate us?" The other women nod as she claps her hands twice then talks to Ai directly. "Well done, Song Ai, well done indeed. I am not sure yet just exactly who or what you are or what your goal is, and if things go well, it will not matter. But I am impressed. Do you wish to hear a story?"

The abrupt change of subject has caught Ai slightly off guard, but she recovers quickly and nods her head slightly. "Yes, Madam Fu."

"I had thought that you would. Very well. It is long but I will try to focus on the main points. House Fu has long been involved with the tongs in China. We can trace a pedigree back many generations, to before the round eyes came to the shores of China, to before even the Emperors and their petty wars. The tongs existed before the Warring States period of history in that fabled land and I encourage you to look into that history. And where there have been Fu men, there have been women of the same name pushing them along to greatness. We have been strong through all the turmoil that has shaken our world through warlords, the Mongol invasion, two world wars and all the elements and upheaval of the sixth world. In fact, we grew stronger with the awakening. There has always been a bit of the mystic to the Tongs and we now suppose that this was due to some slight leakage of magic into our world and the awakening simply brought that power more into focus. The Fu women embraced the magic and became strong in it, reveling in it. The Fu family moved to Hong Kong, where they formed the central part of the what would become the Red Dragon Association, a very powerful Tong, or Triad as we began to call ourselves. Soon, the Red Dragon Association was the most powerful of the Triads in Hong Kong and we managed to bring several of the weaker ones into our fold, but we ran into a problem when we tried to expand to other countries. Certainly there is a place for us, but we failed to correctly plan on controlling far-flung satellite Triads. Ambitious men wanted to break away from us, much like parents and children who are no longer under direct supervision. "

"Something had to be done and my younger son thought he had the answer. The use of cyberware and bioware implants has long been available, but such toys were forbidden in the Triads, mostly because they interfered with magic." She laughs and takes a drink of water that her granddaughter hands her. "The implants actually competed with magic. But his idea was to embrace the implants, not deny them.............use them to form a subsidary of the Red Dragons that would answer to Honk Kong and regain control of the breakaway Triads here. He was given permission to proceed with his plan and he was sent to Seattle with my son-in-law and a trusted associate, Wu Ran Lo. Perhaps you know him by his anglicized name of Rick Wu. Things went well at first and the 88s were made over in the manner seen by my son. Unfortunately, he could not see into the hearts of men and both he and my son-in-law were betrayed to their deaths by their friend, Rick Wu. He planned everything so carefully, managing to lay the blame on the Yellow Lotus Triad, and we were oh so willing to be fooled, blinded by our own distrust of the Yellow Lotus. Rick even kept Shing on as a lieutenant as a show of faith and we all bought into his deception. There has been conflict between the Red Dragon Association and the Yellow Lotus since. We even managed to destroy them as an effective Triad in Hong Kong."

"However, our efforts here were far less successful. All of our assassins and gunmen were sent home in pieces or not at all. We even got the Octagon to try for us and they failed, suffering greatly for helping us. And the 88s failed as well, although we did not realize until recently that every attempt by Rick Wu to deal a killing blow to the Yellow Lotus was false. He sent dozens of loyal people to their deaths and it is only by the merest chance that we have found out. Now we have both Triads as targets, but we must be careful. Steps are in place that may give us a chance, but that will require some very careful planning and maneuvering on our part. I hope that you are going to be part of the plan. Unfortunately, although we often choose the long view, there is a need to hurry this along and the opportunity we set in motion might pass us by and cause more harm than good if we are not ready. That is where you come in, Song Ai. That is where you come in."

Ai pales a bit, despite her training and experience. The revelations so far have been far more than she has expected and for different from what she was ready for. Still, this does mean that there is a chance that she will walk out of the room in one piece. She nods as the old woman takes another drink, but the continuation of the story comes from a different direction as Hai Jang speaks up in her grandmother's place. "Song Ai, the Red Dragons do not incorporate 'ware implants for several reasons so it became necessary to put someone in place to bring about the downfall of Rick Wu without completely tearing the 88s apart. My brother, of course, has been part of this plan from the moment we decided action was needed, but it is not possible for him to do all that needs doing and there was the chance that anyone we trusted would be subborned by Rick's very persuasive tongue. My son, Cheng, was brought into the Triad to be my brother's right hand and help him carry out our plans. Unfortunately, as you witnessed, Cheng was indeed turned and was willing to kill his uncle. You prevented this. Somehow, you were in the right place at the right time with the right set of skills to stop my son. It is sad that he is dead, but he would have betrayed his ancestors if he had been allowed to kill Shing. For that I thank you, strange as that might seem. His souls is now between heaven and earth and he has a chance to atone for his crimes, which are less than they might have been, thanks to your intervention."

At this time the younger Madam Fu puts a hand on the shoulder of her daughter and continues. "It is too late to find another family member to take Cheng's place and so we come to you, Song Ai. Your ancestors put you on the path that brought you to this room and to our company. As my mother has said, there is always a strong Fu woman to push a Fu man in the right direction. Now, my son is a strong man, but he has always needed a push now and again. We want you to be the woman who is around to give him the push he needs when he needs it. We have studied the stars and other omens and you are the woman we need. If you refuse or back out, our fortunes will be in decline for generations to come and it may even bring about the end of the Fu line. It would certainly mean generations of hiding as the fortunes are rebuilt. As a practical matter, we would rather not see such a series of events take place. We are offering you a position of trust in the Fu family, something so rarely done that the last time was over three hundred years ago." She looks at her mother and daughter, both of whom nod, then turns back to Ai. "Song Ai, would you become Fu Ai?"

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 2018, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


To say that Ai is surprised would be an understatement. She is momentarily stunned and sits down in the chair behind her, her mind trying valiantly to come to grips with what she has heard. The old woman smiles and turns to look at her daughter. "See? I told you she would be surprised. You owe me five huyen."

A wave of a hand. "Of course, mother." Eyes of steel continue to look at Ai. "Are you alright, Song Ai? I know that this is a shock, but we need you to recover quickly and talk to us."

Ai nods and makes to stand, but a hand motion indicates that she may remain seated. Her mind is whirling a bit as she tries to come up with an adequate response. All she can come up with is, "I am not sure what you mean."

Fu Shing's mother snaps out. "Song Ai! Get it together. If you cannot truly fathom what we are talking about, you are useless to us and the family. Do you understand me?"

Ai nods, finally able to breathe normally. "Yes, Madam Fu. I am sorry for being taken by surprise. Without answering one way or the other, what would this honor entail?"

All three of the other women nod their heads, but it is the elder Fu that answers. "Some of it would be symbolic as you are brought into our inner circle, but you would marry my grandson and be the force that pushes him along. He is a bold man, but he needs..................emphasis in his direction. That will be all the more necessary if our plans are successful and he takes the reins of the 88s at Rick Wu's death. All of us are handicapped by not being in a position to influence him appropriately. On some things even now, he does not pay grandmother, mother, or sister enough attention, but he would not be able to ignore the advice of a wife." She looks closely at Ai. "Especially one that truly cares for him."

If Ai had thought the was surprised before, she is really surprised now, but she has recovered enough to at least give an answer. "Are there no other candidates? I am not steeped in this tradition and I have ties to others that might bring him more troubles."

"Ah, yes. Your aunt is a lieutenant in the Octagon, isn't she? We have thought of that and it may even work to our advantage. We are currently on friendly terms with the Octagon and this arrangement may help strengthen that relationship and provide help against the Yellow Lotus. The 88s will be seriously weakened after what is about to happen. We will need to try to preserve enough of it to withstand the expected attempt of the Yellow Lotus to expand at the expense of Shing and what remains of the 88s. As for other women, the short answer is no. You are in position and have the requisite drive. Most importantly, Shing is already more than half in love with you."

Ai is only momentarily put off balance this time and nods.

"It is good that you can see that and are honest enough to admit it. Not that love truly matters in a marriage like this one, but it does help."

All of this is coming far too fast for Ai to really process fully, but her brain is starting to catch up. "I have............obligations...........to others and I may not be able to give full time to this."

The comment seems to catch the others off guard and they appear to be a bit less sure of themselves. The conversation is not going entirely as they had foreseen. Hai Jang is the first to recover. "I am sure that we do not know exactly what you are talking about, but I am sure that we can come to an arrangement. The important thing is that my brother be given a nudge in the right direction now and again and that he remains willing to listen to you. Can you do that?"

Ai nods. "Quite possibly, yes. Must I give an answer before leaving this room?" From the looks on the faces of the women in front of her, Ai thinks she knows the answer to her question and she holds up a hand. "I do not mean that out of disrespect, but I have my ancestors to think of. I feel sure that they would favor such an arrangement and I would be wrong to deny them this opportunity to ally with you. I accept the honor."

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 2100, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


Another almost half hour of being grilled by the three women leaves Ai realizing that she might be able to pull this off. Shing's mother looks at her mother and daughter and all nod before she turns to Ai. "It is settled then. Song Ai, you will marry my son and become Fu Ai. We will keep in touch and give you as much support as we can. In turn, you will help guide Shing to greatness in the 88s and keep him alive. We have managed to set in motion a series of events that could soon lead to an outside attack on the 88s. Some dangerous men were the cause of a great embarrassment for the Triad and Rick Wu put out a contract on them; a contract that has yet to be fulfilled. My eye tells me that something is moving that will again bring these men into contact with your organization. What was done to them was by Rick and two other lieutenants, all who were shamed before their ancestors for their sloppy work and incompetence. Unfortunately, these men may not know exactly who in the Triad set the contracts and might be indiscriminate in their destruction. It is our desire that Shing be shielded from these men and what allies they may bring with them and that he be able to move through the ashes to assume leadership. The fate of the outsiders is immaterial to this plan; it is allowed that they survive if they are deserving. A bonus would be if the Octagon could also be drawn into the coming storm and be weakened such that an alliance of the 88s and the Octagon is feasible to give strength before the Yellow Lotus can take advantage of the situation. Working with your aunt on this is acceptable."

She makes to stand up and Ai stands first, followed by the others. "I think that we ought to go to the men, now, dear," says Shing's mother. "It is likely that they are curious. And Ai, it is not desirable for my son to know that you are guiding his path. You will have to use all of your wiles to pretend to be subservient. Can you do that?"

Ai smiles and bows her head. "Yes, Mother Fu, I can do that."

This is apparently the exactly correct answer and all four women smile. The Senior Fu holds out an arm for Ai to take and pats her hand as they walk. "And it would not hurt if you would provide me with another great grandchild to hold before I go to join my ancestors." Ai nearly skips a step and Jang snickers from behind her while her future mother-in-law laughs openly.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 2133, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


Fu Shing and David Han rise from their chairs as a sliding door opens and the women, led by Fu Shing's mother, return to the main living room. The two men exchange looks when they see Al escorting the old er Madam Fu and David leans over. "It looks like she survived the ordeal."

Fu Shing nods, his eyes on Ai as the women walk up to the men and take seats on the couch and comfortable chairs. Fu Shing's grandmother motions for the men to sit then pats Ai's hand, which is still holding onto her arm. Ai tries to keep her face from showing the sudden panic she feels at the thought that perhaps Fu Shing will refuse her. After all, she is nothing but a quite common whore who has some 'ware and has proven mildly useful. She is not a raving beauty in this face and she has no useful contacts as far as he knows. She does have the favor of his mother and grandmother, but he might defy them and what could they do? She sits quietly, not giving these thoughts away.

A silence seems to stretch for a few hours if Ai is keeping count, but is probably only two minutes in real time before Grandmother Fu speaks, breaking the tension. "Shing, you are my favorite grandson, known among the family and our ancestors for your duty and honor. You have been a good son and a skilled leader of men. Now your family calls on you for another task, one a bit less odious than the last one we set for you."

Fu Shing bows his head in deference, nervous at last as several distasteful options run through his head, all of them having something to do with sending Ai away. Still, he is obedient. "I am ready to do the bidding of my family and my ancestors. What is this thing I am asked to do?"

"It is our desire that you marry this woman who is named Song Ai and make her Fu Ai."

She might have been saying more...............certainly her lips were moving, but Fu Shing is too busy contemplating what had been said to really listen. He brings his mind back to earth and calmly waits for his opening to speak. He ahd thought himself suave and debonair but the only thing that comes out of his mouth is, "What?"

"Wake up, Shing! You heard me. I have noticed how you were looking at this girl and I do not think you find her or the idea repulsive. It is wished that you marry Ai it is as simple as that."

Fu Shing shakes his head. "Nothing is simple with you three so you must be cooking something up."

"Of course we are. That is what we do. I expect that she will keep you alive and assist you in our plans to damage the 88s enough that you can assume control. I also expect that she will keep you well entertained in bed."

Ai sucks in her breath despite her attempt at control and Fu Shing positively gasps. His mother smiles and says, "We are not so old that we cannot remember the joys of sex, my son. I am sure that you and she will be able to provide long years of happiness in the bedroom. So you know, we are not doing this simply to give you a bed mate. We all feel that Ai will make a good addition to the team for our other purposes. Will you defy your family and your ancestors?"

Fu Shing looks at Ai and her heart jumps a bit, then he looks at David Han, who nods and smiles at him. "Grandmother, mother, dear sister; I would be foolish indeed to try to turn away from this plan. When is this wedding supposed to happen?"

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 2300, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


The next two hours are a blur for Ai. She is still trying to process everything that has happened in the past few hours and the gravity of the situation is just starting to sink in. None of this had been part of Plan A and she is now working from Plan F or G or something even past that. A couple of days ago she was killing Yak thugs and thought that was dangerous, but tonight she is being locked into a long term relationship with a Triad boss and his female relatives make the Yaks look tame. For now, she has no real option other than to play along and hope an exit strategy opens up.

She is brought out of her thoughts by Shing placing a hand on hers, sending a small jolt through her body. She turns to him and smiles. Or at least tries to smile. She is not sure it is a very convincing smile, and neither is he, it seems. "All of this a bit much to take in at once? Are you considering backing out?"

Even though he had asked the question in a low voice, it was apparently loud enough to be heard by the others and all focus their attention on Ai. She shakes her head then nods then shakes it again. "No. Maybe. Yes, I have thought of that, but I think my ancestors guided my steps to this decision and I will not back down now." She gives Shing's hand a gentle squeeze as his grandmother smiles.

"She will be fine, Shing. Let her get some time to adjust her thinking and she will prove to be a strong addition to the family." She stands and holds her arm out for her daughter to take. "And now I must go to bed. I am up far too late for one of my advanced years." Shing's mother and grandmother leave the room as the men stand and bow slightly in their direction.

Fu Shing turns to the others. "I think that I, too, will be leaving. Good night to you, sister. I do wish that Cheng had not fallen prey to Rick and his sly tongue. That man will have much to account for when he finally goes to meet his ancestors." He holds out an arm for Ai and turns to his friend. "Coming, David?"

David Han looks at Hai Jang for a moment and his eyes light up when the woman gives a slight nod. He turns back to Fu Shing. "No. I think I will remain for a while and make my own way back to Chinatown. Goodnight, Shing. And goodnight to you, Ai. Remember our appointment tomorrow morning. The rituals are even more important now than they were earlier today."

Ai nods and Fu Shing guides her to the door to the suite as she sends a message to her guards to let them know that they are leaving the penthouse.

[Mercy]

Sunday, 24 November, 2075, 2303, Penthouse, Seattle Hilton, Seattle Metroplex


Ai picks up her guard outside the door to the suite and the other at the garage level of the elevator. All move quickly to the limousine and the two guards wait and watch as Al then Fu Shing enter the car before joining them. The ride back to Chinatown is quiet, but Al notes that her boss is giving her an odd look. She spends the time going over what has happened tonight and tries to make sense of it all. So many things happened at once and now she is a bit unsure of herself or her Triad boss. The large car drops them off at the arch that leads to the pedestrian boulevard of Chinatown and all four exit the vehicle. Ai and the two guards take up protective positions about Fu Shing as they walk the three blocks to the casino hotel. Once inside the still-busy main floor of the casino, Ai thanks her men and releases them to their normal shift duties. She nods to Chien Lo from across the room as she walks to the elevator, glad to see that her new man is in position at the elevator door. She and Fu Shing take the elevator up to the penthouse and walk past the guard in the foyer to the main living area. Fu Shing takes a seat on the couch and tells Ai to get him a drink, immediately apologizing and making it a request. Ai Smiles and brings him the drink, settling down on the floor in front of him. "Master................."

She is interrupted by Fu Shing. "No, that is now in the past, Ai. We will have to do something about your position here, but I am no longer your master." He laughs and sips at his drink. "As if I ever was. Ooh, this is quite good, by the way. I will have to ask you make this again. No, things are now so very different between us than they were earlier tonight. But one thing I have to know. Did you agree to this or were you coerced. Be honest. It makes a difference to me."

Ai looks up at Fu Shing from her kneeling position and smiles before moving her hands to remove his shoes. Sh ponders her answer as she begins massaging his feet then answers him. "A bit of both, I think. I have been told some very interesting things tonight and I find that I very much wish to help you...............and myself. I..............I am not sure what love is, but I am very much attracted to you, as a person and as what you are in the Triad. I would help you become more than you are, both as a person and as a leader of the 88s. In turn, that will help me. I do not know where this arrangement will take us, but I am very willing to find out."

Fu Shing sits back and a couple of ahhs escape his mouth as he relaxes under Ai's touch. "But marriage?"

Ai laughs softly. "Yes, that bit was the most surprising, but once your mother and grandmother explained things it somehow makes sense. Are you willing to go through with that?"

"I would be insane to not want to marry you, Ai. You are what a Chinese wife should be and also entirely not what a Chinese wife should be. All at the same time and in a very confusing manner. Still, I have to confess that my heart is quite happy at the prospect."

Ai smiles as she moves her attention to his other foot. "Your grandmother wants me to provide her with more great-grandchildren. Are you willing to help wit that?"

Now Fu Shing laughs. "I had wondered about that look in her eye. I guess that part is up to you." He moves so that his foot leaves Ai's hands and he reaches down to lift her up before him. "I suppose I should make this a bit more formal. I would like to at least pretend that neither of us is doing this out of convenience, but will settle for hoping this becomes something more than duty." He clears his throat. "Song Ai, will you marry me and become Fu Ai? I promise on my ancestors to treat you with the respect and honor you deserve. Stay with me for as long as you can and bear me children that our combined lines will bring honor to our ancestors."

Ai realizes that this is just about her last chance to opt out of the craziness before it becomes impossible to do so. Her mind is flooded with the possibilities this relationship could bring yet is fearful of the same thing. Still, she does not hesitate. "Yes, Fu Shing. I will marry you and become Fu Ai. I swear on my ancestors that I will be a dutiful wife." With these words, her life changes forever.

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 0633, Fu Shing's Penthouse, Bright Path Casino & Hotel, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex


Ai wakes to her internal alarm and slips out of the bed to use the toilet. She orders breakfast as she slips a silk robe about her shoulders and walks back into the bedroom, pausing to look at Fu Shing before going over to the large window and looking out at Chinatown below her. In the light of day, even the gray and rainy day she sees outside the window, her decisions of last night seem far fetched and pretty much insane. How is she going to balance her new life with her old? She has responsibilities and duties that do not include living in Chinatown as Fu Ai and resurfacing in Downtown as Tanya Marisart. At lease not without some careful planning. She turns her head to look at the man stirring on the bed and realizes that she likes him very much. Perhaps much more than she should. But enough to marry him and perhaps have children with him? Now, that is the real question. She smiles as an arm reaches for her on the bed and pats the space she has left. "I am here at the window, Shing."

The man carefully squeezes his eyes partially open and looks at her before climbing out of bed to come stand behind her. His large arms entwine her narrow waist and he puts his head at the nape of her neck. "You smell wonderful, Ai. Now, you have to tell me true. How much did I have to drink at my mother's last night? I seem to remember that you have agreed to marry me and I find that just too insane to be true.

Ai twists in his arms, letting the silk robe fall to the floor at her feet. "I smell horrible, thank you very much. But why insane, Shing? Do you not like the idea? Or should I go back to calling you Master?"

He laughs and kisses the woman in his arms. "No, I happen to like the idea very much. I was just afraid that my dream was soon to be chased away by the sunlight and scattered like so much mist."

Ai reaches an arm behind him and gives a gentle slap to a butt cheek. At his short yelp, she laughs. "Does that feel like a dream to you, Shing? No, unless you decide to change your mind, it appears that you might be stuck with me for a bit longer than you had thought. Longer than either of us had thought." She lays her head against his broad chest and sighs. "At some point we will have to talk about me, but I am not yet ready for that moment. For the time being, you will have to trust me. I have no designs against you and will indeed support you in your plans and help you make the 88s stronger than they are now. I very much want this............for both of us. Does this make any sense?"

Fu Shing hold the woman tightly to him. "Nothing has made much sense from the moment we walked into my mother's apartments and found her mother there as well. Not to mention my sister, who I thought was....well I guess I don't know where. But anywhere other than here."

He picks her up in his arms and takes her back to the bed, answering her feeble arguments with kisses until she gives in and responds with kisses of her own. Their lovemaking is passionate, but far gentler than their earlier bouts. They shower and dress, Ai in one of the outfits that had been delivered from the seamstress the previous evening. The work is stunning, fitting her like a second skin. She models for Shing and resolves to return to the woman to see if she can have some special modifications made. The two leave the bedroom and go to eat breakfast in the dining room. They are enjoying a very good after breakfast coffee when David Han arrives. He smiles at them as he comes up to help himself to some coffee. Fu Shing snorts. "It seems that you have had an excellent night, my friend."

David smirks a bit. "Yes. Please tell me why I never saw what a wonderful creature your sister is?"

"Because she is a cold and calculating woman."

The men look at each other seriously for a moment then both break out laughing. David then turns to look at Ai. "You look delicious, my dear. Are you ready for our meeting?"

Ai nods as she sips from her cup. "Of course, David. I will be there at 1000."

The man nods and leaves the room, cup in hand. Ai turns to Fu Shing. "I will do well at this, Shing.

In turn, he nods at her. "I have every confidence in you, Ai. Our ancestors have paved the way for us to be together at this time and no mere ritual will undermine that destiny."

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 0955, Fu Shing's Penthouse, Bright Path Casino & Hotel, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex


Ai approaches David Han's room and knocks on the door, entering after he calls out for her to do so. She walks up to a respectful distance and bows her head. "I am ready to learn."

David looks at her then nods. "Sit, Ai, and we will begin. First we will review what we talked about yesterday then we will cover some new things."

The next two hours zip past quickly as the David Han prepares his student to undergo the Loyalty Rituals used by the 88s to ensure that its higher ranking members do not divulge any Triad secrets to those outside the organization. He is pleased at Ai's ability to remember things and tells her so as they finish. "I am confident that you will do well, Ai. Just go into the meeting with the Incense Master with the confidence you have displayed to me and you will do fine. Now, I believe that it is time for lunch." He stands and motions to the door. "Shall we?"

The two enter the main living area to find two girls unloading a cart of food onto the table under the watchful eye of the guard. He bows slightly to Ai and moves back to the elevator as the woman takes his place. She fiddles with everything on the table as if making sure that everything is in just the right place. She smiles as her ring lets her know there are no known toxins in the food and she thanks the girls, letting them return to the lower levels of the hotel. Fu Shing is sitting on the couch in the living area, watching the casino action on a large trivid screen when Ai turns to look at him. She smiles and walks up behind him, wrapping her arms about him and kissing his neck. Shing takes an arm and places it about Ai's neck as he says, "You are amazing, Ai. You seem to know just the right thing to do."

"Come to the table. Lunch is ready."

Fu Shing puts his controller down and rises to accompany her to the dining area, where David Han is waiting at one of the chairs. Ai pulls out a chair for her employer and serves him his lunch before doing the same for David. When the men are served, she puts some food on a plate and takes her seat at the table. Fu Shing smiles. "I will assume that things went well as neither of you are frowning. I have received a reminder that we are to be before the Incense Master at 1700 today. We will leave here at 1600 to make sure we are early."

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 1300, Fu Shing's Penthouse, Bright Path Casino & Hotel, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex


Lunch finished, Ai stands first and pulls Fu Shing's chair back for him to stand. As he stretches, she looks at him. "I would like to go visit the seamstress, Shing. I would like some modifications to my wardrobe if I am to adequately defend you. Do you mind?"

Fu Shing smiles. "Not at all, Ai. Tell her to bill me for this."

Ai bows her head. "Thank you. You are kind. I will return well before we need to leave."

She leaves the penthouse, stopping in the casino lobby to let Chien Lo know where she is going and when she expects to return. Her visit with the seamstress is quite productive and she arranges for several modifications to the clothing she had ordered the previous day. The woman nods and tells her that she has already been called by Fu Shing and that all costs are taken care of. Ai returns to the hotel without incident, letting Chien Lo know before she takes the elevator to the penthouse and alerting him that she will require him and two men to escort Fu Shing.

In the penthouse, Ai finds Fu Shing dressing and helps him. Stepping back, she admires how he looks and tells him. "I am a lucky girl, Shing. You could have been an ogre to me instead of being kind."

Fu Shing laughs. "Remember that I have seen what happens to people who are ogres to you."

They both laugh and Ai says, "Well, that is not likely to happen, is it. I can see a very long and lively relationship with you in my future." She steps forward to do his tie. "There, now you look ready to go. How do I look?"

"Delicious. If we did not have to go out, I would want you in the bed."

Ai steps into him and puts her arms around the man. "I am yours to command, Master."

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 1600, Fu Shing's Penthouse, Bright Path Casino & Hotel, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex


Ai, accompanies Fu Shing and David Han to the casino level of the hotel, where they link up with Chien Lo and his two men. The five leave the casino lobby and turn onto the busy street, headed for Rick Wu's private dwelling. They have to step around the puddles of water that have formed from the drizzle of rain that has intermittently fallen during the day, the slick streets reflecting the neon lights that advertise the various businesses along the main boulevard. Ai is very attractive in her tailored cheongsam and gets looks and second looks from some of the men they pass, most of them tourists. Most of the locals recognize who she is with and bow slightly to Fu Shing before moving on, many wishing that they could be so lucky. Four men guard the main gate of Rick Wu's compound but they barely give a look at the visitors, bowing low and allowing them to pass inside without harassment.

The garden that Ai and the others step into is right out of a travel magazine. Lush undergrowth accents beautiful flowers, and artful pottery and statues line the path that meanders from the main gate to the doors to the main house. As Ai crosses a small wooden bridge over a stream and pond, she can see large fish swimming below her. The guards at the doorway bow as low as those at the outer gate, but the security here is a bit more stringent. Chien Lo and his two men are escorted to where they can wait for Fu Shing to return for them. Scanners built into the carved doorway eliminate the need for a direct search of Fu Shing or his companions yet still give the impression that a search has been made.

A young man in the foyer of the house and bows low. "I am Gelong Dan and I welcome you to this house, Master Fu Shing, and to you, David Han. Please follow me." He pointedly does not address Ai as she is too unimportant to be recognized directly. Ai follows her employer as Gleong Dan leads them to a large study, where Ai finds more ostentation wealth than she has yet seen in Chinatown. Certainly, Fu Shing lives in luxury, but his possessions are far less obvious than Rick Wu's display of wealth and power. Their guide leads them to a sitting area and motions for Fu Shing and David Han to be seated on long leather couches that surround a glass and porcelain table. Ai moves to take up a position behind Fu Shing and Gedong Dan claps his hands, bringing two lovely girls into the room from a doorway concealed by a magnificent tapestry. "Please see to the needs of Master Wu's guests." The girls bow low and approach the men as the guide addresses Fu Shing. "Master Fu Shing, I have been directed to take Song Ai to meet with the Incense Master. Will you allow that? These women will see to your every need while she is gone. Please consider them yours while you are under this roof."

Fu Shing nods and Gelong Dan motions for Ai to follow him without speaking to her. As Ai does so, she recognizes that adrenaline is pouring into her system and she feels the rush of excitement at the step she is about to take. The man takes her back out to the foyer and down a hallway, stopping at a large, ornamental door. He knocks and opens the door, stepping aside and motioning for Ai to enter. The room Ai steps into is.....well, spartan would be over descriptive. The nearly non-existent decorations here contrast very strongly with what she has seen in other parts of the house so far. A man is kneeling on a bamboo mat in the center of the room, surrounded by several incense burners filled with various burning joss sticks. Belatedly, Ai notes that Gelong Dan did not enter the room with her. The man before her looks up and stares at her with penetrating eyes. The stare goes on for several minutes and Ai does not move or make a sound during this time.

Finally, the man motions for Ai to come to the mat in front of him and she does, kneeling and keeping her head bowed just so in a manner of respect for the Incense Master of the 88s Triad. "Let us begin.................................

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 1730, Rick Wu's Personal Compound, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex


Later, Ai would remember almost every word spoken by either herself or Ruibai Dong. Every statement, every question, and every answer. During the first hour and a half, he Incense Master asked questions about the history of the Triads in China and she had answered him. He had asked her about the formation of the 88s and its roots in Seattle and she had answered him. He had asked her questions about technology and implants and how the Triad saw them differently from other Triads and she had answered him. He had asked her about the promises she would be asked to give and she had answered him. He tried to rattle her with interruptions and misleading questions and she dodged every pit trap he laid for her. He tried once to startle with a loud noise from behind her and she did not do more than flinch before continuing her answer to a question. He asked her how and why she had killed Hai Cheng and the whore Wen and she told him. At no time during this part of the session had he given even the slightest indication of how she was doing but that did not matter because Ai knew that she was answering correctly. Her senses were on high and she could feel the power of the adrenaline flowing through her as she walked the edge of a sharp knife that had death on either side for even one misstep.

Ruibai Dong called a small break and offered Ai tea, which she accepted. A girl brought the service in on a tray and Ai poured out before resuming her kneeling position. He did not address her during the tea, but he watched her, looking for anything that would tell him that she was not ready for the rituals. He had never given the rituals to a woman before and he was on unfamiliar ground. As a general rule, Ruibai Dong does not like women, preferring the company of men. He is not a homosexual, but he believes that men make better company and that there is a specific place for women and taking these oaths is not that place. He has tried harder to find fault with Song Ai than he has with most of the men he has given these rituals to. And he has been stymied at every turn. It is like this girl, this whore has knowledge that she should not have. Some of his questions have been detailed so that she should have failed, and once failed, she should have panicked and then the failures would have cascaded...................and that did not happen. No, the girl in front of him had passed his tests and he had to admit that she was ready for the next step; the Rituals of Loyalty.

He placed his cup down and the serving girl appeared at his silent summons to clear the tea service away. Ai had barely moved during the interval, only making the most economical movements required to pour and drink the tea. Ruibai Dong centers himself and begins the next phase. An hour later, Ai has seen horrors of the mind that few people can see and remain steadfast. The Rituals of Loyalty for the 88s Triad invoke sprites that are shown to be able to destroy the technological wonders that are implanted in almost every member of the 88s. These sprites would be tagged to the person swearing the oaths and they would know if there was any betrayal and act on their own to punish the traitor. Ai does not know much about sprites but she is genuinely afraid of losing her implants and can see how such a threat might be effective. Still, she is not planning on ever betraying her knowledge to outsiders and says the words of the rituals when prompted. No errors. No mistakes.

After two and a half hours, Ruibai Dong bows to her, the first woman to pass the Rituals of Loyalty, more, to even be offered them. He rises and motions for Ai to do so, congratulating her on her success and walking her to the door of the incense room. Without looking at her again, he leads her back to the sitting room, where Fu Shing and David Han are waiting with another man, who Ai recognizes as Rick Wu, the boss of the 88s Triad. Ai walks to a position behind her master and stands with lowered head as Rick Wu asks, "How did she do, Incense Master?"

"She has passed with excellence, Master Wu. Master Fu, she has brought honor to your house and to your family. I have certified that she is of the faithful.

Rick Wu beams and it would take a true expert to see through his lies. "Congratulations, indeed, Fu Shing. I am glad for you." And, to be honest, he is, for he does not like Fu Shing for he sees him as a threat. Promoting this whore to his chief of bodyguards is an error of the greatest magnitude. What happened had been a fluke, a mistake. No mere girl could have killed Hai Cheng as easily as has been reported, even one with a whip hidden on her body somewhere. No, Hai Cheng's error had been to be careless and forced to act before all was ready. Certainly Fu Shing himself had killed the intended assassin, or perhaps that devil David Han. That they have convinced this pig of a whore to take the credit is a question that bears looking into, and he is looking into it. But the real insanity is making her Fu Shing's personal bodyguard. This is obviously a means to get someone Fu trusts at his side, but that will backfire on him. Rick Wu is already planning on how to turn the whore to his advantage and use her to kill Fu Shing. It is only time, after all, and he has time.

So for now, he keeps the smile on his face and the words of congratulations on his lips, for such is the way of business in the Triads.

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 1900, Fu Shing's Penthouse, Bright Path Casino & Hotel, Chinatown, Seattle Metroplex


The celebration with Rick Wu had been short and perfunctory, leaving a slightly sour taste in Ai's mouth. She had made sure to pass her ring across everything that was served, even though the chance that Rick would do something here was minimal. Ruibai Dong had actually seemed to warm to her after the ceremony and twice Al caught Rick Wu frowning at his Incense Master. The walk back to the casino had been muted but Fu Shing and David Han had shared words of congratulations with Ai, who was busy doing her job and keeping her master alive and so had little time for more than a few nods and smiles.

When they walk through the casino entrance, they are met by Chien Lo and Han Sin and their shifts, who all bow to Fu Shing and then to Ai before going back to their duty stations. Apparently the word of her success has spread through some sort of Chinatown telegraph and Ai smiles at her subordinates as it really sinks in that she has officially been accepted as a ranking member of the 88s Triad. The ride up to the penthouse is quiet and they find champagne in an ice bucket waiting for them, a gift from Jedong Kai, the other Triad lieutenant that is not squarely behind Rick Wu and his ideas for the direction the Triad should take. Fu Shing looks at the gift and smiles. "See, Ai, your acceptance is not just from us. Jedong Kai is an influential man and a good friend. David, why don't you do the honors?"

David nods and moves to the table, taking up the bottle and expertly uncorking it without spilling any. He pours the sparkling drink into flutes and offers one each to Fu Shing and Ai. As she reaches for hers, Ai's ring sends a message to her telling her that the drink is poisoned and she puts a hand on Fu Shing's arm as he raises his flute in a toast. "No, Fu Shing. The drinks are not safe. The champagne has been doctored."

For his part, Fu Shing is not ready to believe that a close friend would do such a thing, but he trusts what Ai tells him and places the flute back on the table. David Han does likewise as his friend turns to him. "David, please contact Jedong Kai and thank him for the generous gift."

David nods and makes the call and the conversation turns interesting when he relays to Fu Shing that Kai denies having sent the champagne over. Fu Shing is connected into the call and after a few tense minutes it is decided that Jedong Kai would come visit him and a neutral restaurant was selected as the meeting place.

[Mercy]

Monday, 25 November, 2075, 2030, Simon's Sea Fort, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex


Simon's Sea Fort is an upscale seafood restaurant built into what was an abandoned warehouse in the Tacoma business district. A former runner known by the single name of Simon had purchased the rundown property in 2060 and had ripped out the interior but leaving the exterior visually intact while strengthening it to keep the building from collapsing. Simon had immediately let it be known that the eatery was to be considered neutral ground and that any violence would be met with violence and a ban from the property for a length of time depending on the offense. Gangs and AAA corporations, eager to find a place where they could discuss business, were quick to support the neutrality, giving them another location free from harassment. It helps that the food is excellent and the security from surveillance is top notch. Simon has had to invoke his spirit protectors only three times so far and the effect was not pretty. It is rumored that he has some old friends on his payroll that help provide the magic muscle.

Fu Shing and Jedong Kai had agreed to meet at Simon's to discuss the incident with the bottle of champagne. Fu Shing is livid...............and frightened. Without Ai's intervention, he would have died on the floor of his suite for the second time in a few days. He looks at his new chief bodyguard in the dim light provided by the illumination of the limousine's interior and smiles to himself. Ai is intent on watching the security monitors from the car's own external system and the small Fly Spy drones she has in the air above and around the vehicle. Chien Lo is in the front passenger seat and two of his men are in the main compartment with Ai, Fu Shing, and David Han. At the restaurant, Chien Lo and his men are out first to check on physical security. Once they are satisfied, Ai leaves the car, followed by the other men. The group proceeds to the restaurant entrance, where they are met by two men and a mountain of a Troll who scan everyone for weapons and ask that all such be deposited for pick up on departure.

Fu Shing is not unknown in certain circles and he is recognized by several of the patrons inside the eatery, some of whom raise a glass or wave to him while others try to make sure that he does not see them. It can be forgiven if those watching assume that Chien Lo is the chief bodyguard and that Ai is simply ornamental. They are escorted to a private room to find that Jedong Kai is already here, with his chief bodyguard and three men outside the room. Chien Lo had provided Ai with a data brief about Stig, Kai's bodyguard during the trip to the restaurant. The man is a legend in Triad circles, known for his ruthlessness and his womanizing. He has been know to kill man who has displeased his master then taken the man's wife while in full view of his body in a display of lust that few can equal. His appetite for whores is well known and many believe that one will be the death of him some day..............but that someday has not arrived yet. Stig eyes Chien Lo as the group approaches him and he nods an acceptance, even as his eyes momentarily pass across Ai before going to Fu Shing and David Han. The man bows to the newcomers then his eyes flash back to Ai, running them up and down her figure with undisguised desire.

Nodding to Chien Lo, Stig knocks on the door and opens it for Fu Shing and David Han to enter. He is surprised when Ai goes in with them and reaches out a hand to stop the obviously clueless whore, but Chien Lo makes a sound and shakes his head and Ai passes in before the man can react. He is even more surprised when Chien Lo remains outside with his two men, but shrugs and goes into the room, looking at the man he believes to be his counterpart. As Fu Shing and David Han take seats at the conference table, Stig moves behind Jedong Kai and Ai stands behind her boss. Jedong Kai nods at his friend then smiles at Ai. "Congratulations, Ai, I understand that Ruibai Dong is very pleased with you and he is not pleased all that often." He turns to look at Fu Shing. "Now, my friend, tell me more about this bottle of champagne I am supposed to have sent you. I have checked again and I can find no one in my employ that sent such a thing to you in my name. I will continue to look, and will deal harshly with the person if I can find him. I am glad that your ancestors blessed you with surviving such an attack."

Fu Shing is torn, but he chooses to believe his friend of twenty years and raises his hand. "My ancestors certainly have blessed me, and not just for sparing my life from whoever sent me the poison. Shall we drink to our friendship and our ancestors then order a meal fit for us?"

An hour later and the two Triad lieutenants shake hands and rise from the table. Ai has felt Stig's eyes on her during the entire time, some of it in question of her abilities and some of it mentally undressing her. He knows that Ruibai Dong is a meticulous and trying man and that he does not like women, so he is confused by his acceptance of the woman into the higher levels of the Triad. Perhaps he is not so against women as rumored and this one managed to use her undeniable sexuality to seduce the Incense Master. No woman could actually do what this one is said to have done. Both groups of men leave the room and gather the guards who were left outside the door before leaving the restaurant. The security measures are conducted in reverse and the groups slip into their respective limousines for the trip home to Chinatown. The cars pull out of the parking lot, Fu Shing in the front, and make their way to the highway back to Seattle. Suddenly, something catches Ai's eye in her security feed and instinct causes her to call out to the driver and Chien Lo in the front as she throws herself across Fu Shing in the rear compartment. Contrails signal the imminent arrival of four anti vehicular missiles, two aimed at each car. Ai's timely warning allows Fu Shing's driver to swerve enough to get one missile to miss entirely and causing the second to impact on the driver's side front. The expected explosion should have destroyed the car and its occupants, but only flips it on its top, leaving it a smoking wreck and no one moving inside.....................................