The Adventures of the Jade Dragon

Episode 8

The Jade Dragon and the Mountain of Heaven

Chapter 2 Trouble in Kunming

“This will have to do,” Natassia said looking around the palatial setting of the Hotel in central Hong Kong. They had experienced no difficulty including Sun Lin as part of their retinue as she had simply posed as one of their Chinese servants.

“Hell of a city this,” Melissa remarked. It’s 99% Chinese and yet they are only allowed in western hotels as servants. “Doesn’t say much for the British Empire.”

Sun Lin was thinking of the way Chinese were treated in the United States. There seemed very little difference. But she was used to the double standards whites imposed on other ethnic groups; she had lived with them all of her life. Still things were changing in China. It had a new government which was now slowly unifying the country. It was a gradual process, but it promised to eventually bring China into the twentieth century. In the meantime there was a little distraction to look after.

Huan Yue toddled toward her, her tiny face alight with a large grin. Sun Lin scooped up her daughter and swung her about in a circle. For a few minutes her mission was forgotten as she lost herself in play with her daughter. By this time Solange, Melissa’s daughter; and Vala and Lari, Natassia’s twins were added to the fray. The four young mothers lost themselves in innocent play with the four children they had conceived as a result of forced impregnation. Perhaps not so strangely considering who had developed it, the fertility drug they had been injected with allowed them to conceive only female offspring.

They had a couple of days to relax before they set out on what would probably be an epic pilgrimage and they intended to enjoy it as much as they could. Tomorrow they were to meet with the ex-British officer who was to act as their guide and liaison with the Chinese government when they made their journey into the interior of China. It promised to be a long and probably exhausting journey even given the fact that the first part of it would be made by aircraft.

“The Hotel Victoria,” mused Roshac. He had followed the women from the ship intending to learn a bit more about them. The fact that they were at the most expensive hotel in Hong Kong was a good sign. It confirmed the fact that the three broads were loaded. He should be able to demand a huge ransom. No doubt someone would be happy to pay to get them back. Unfortunately, he had not been able to learn much more about them. As far as he could tell they were just two fairly wealthy Americans traveling to China. What their motive was he had been unable to determine. It seemed a strange place for two tourists to visit, but who could understand the motives of American women these days. He snuffed out his cigar. According to his sources he had a couple of days to arrange things. He could hardly wait. It was like money in the bank.

“Enchanted I’m sure,” Miles Hedridge smiled, taking Melissa’s hand and raising it to his lips. “And this is Mr. Roshac. He will be assisting me in this expedition.”

“Excellent,” Natassia replied. She looked over the two men facing her. They were as different as Mutt and Jeff.

Hedridge was a tall, sandy-haired man in his mid-forties. A huge handlebar mustache hid much of his tanned weather-beaten face. He had clearly led an active outdoor life, and his upright stance and dignified manner spoke of his military background.

Roshac, was medium height, but heavyset, with a dark beard that appeared only a few days old. His sallow complexion was that of a man who seemed more at home indoors than on an expedition into the middle of China. However, Natassia supposed that he must be good at his job otherwise Hedridge would not have hired him.

“I’ll just check over your luggage,” Hedridge said. “There is a limit to what the plane can carry I’m afraid and we will have to travel rather light. However, we can pick up a few more things when the plane reaches Kunming. After that we go on foot. No more airports.”

Natassia nodded. She had assumed the leadership role by agreement, allowing Sun Lin to remain in the background. The Chinese heroine might be the most famous crimefighter in Metro City, but when it came to dealing with men like Hedridge she was just another insignificant oriental. That would change when they reached their destination, but for now, Sun Lin was content to remain in the background.

Hedridge returned from his inspection. “Excellent, Miss Green. It is so refreshing to find women who know how to travel light. We will leave in two days.”

Sun Lin looked dubiously at the aircraft that was to carry her and her child as well as her three companions and the two white men. She had never flown before and the three motored machine hardly looked safe, but she supposed it was. After all, if the plane wasn’t safe the pilot would refuse to fly it – wouldn’t he? She wished she could be more sure of that.

Most of the luggage was aboard. All except a small bag that Natassia was carrying. “I’ll take that Miss Green,” Hedridge volunteered.

“No thank you, Mr. Hedridge,” Natassia replied. “I’ll hang onto this one myself.”

A few feet away, Roshac raised an eyebrow. What was in the small suitcase? Well, in a few hours he would find out.

“Kunming,” said Hedridge. “We’ll stay here for a couple of days while I organize the pack animals and coolies. Then we’re off to the mountains.”

Natassia nodded. She looked at Roshac out of the corner of her eye. He was actually helping to unload the plane. It was the first useful work she had seen him do. Hedridge seemed to do most of the organizing and all of the talking for both of them. Once again she found herself wondering why Roshac and been hired. She shrugged. Hedridge must know what he was doing. And he was in charge of organizing the expedition after all.

The lodging Hedridge had arranged for them in Kunming was not as modern as those in Hong Kong, but they were quite impressive nevertheless. He had found a traditional Chinese inn of good quality, where to the surprise of the three women he was welcomed with some enthusiasm by the proprietor.

“Missa Hedlidge,” said a short, rotund, pleasant-looking Chinese man in his fifties. You velly welcome. Prease to come in.”

“Thank you, Li,” Hedridge replied. “I’m glad to be back.” To the surprise of the three women Hedridge replied in perfect Chinese, although in a dialect that they found a little difficult to follow.

It took only a few minutes for Hedridge to arrange their accommodations. Then Li ordered servants to take their bags to their rooms.

I’ve been in worse places,” Natassia commented. At their request the three women and their children had all been installed in the same suite of rooms. It was quite roomy and decorated in the oriental style typical of Chinese art. Tired after the long plane flight, they went down to supper early, taking their children with them. If Li was surprised at the presence of three very beautiful but apparently unattached young women complete with offspring, he did not show it. Hedridge was there, although surprisingly Roshac was not. According to Hedridge he was busy attending to a few details pertaining to the expedition, something that Natassia found surprising, considering how little he had done so far.

Roshac entered through a wall panel from the adjoining room. Perfect. Li had done just as he had been told, placing the women in the room next to his. He took a quick look around to make sure that no one had remained behind, then he headed immediately for the suitcase that the raven-haired beauty had kept to herself. It was the only one he did not know the contents of, and the fact that she had taken care not to let anyone else handle it had made him intensely curious.

To his surprise the suitcase was not even locked. He opened it and stared at the contents. “What the hell…?” He reached into the suitcase and brought out a gossamer-light dark green outfit. He had never seen anything like it. He held it up and wondered how anyone would get into it. It would have fit the wearer like a second skin. Even stranger was the fact that there were two more costumes; one a slinky white outfit, and the other a jet black costume that was so skimpy it would have revealed most of the body of the wearer.

What the purpose of the costumes was baffled Roshac. They were certainly not normal items of clothing, more suited to some sort of fancy dress ball than anything else. He dug deeper into the case, locating several pairs of gloves and three pairs of boots; all of them clearly intended to match the costumes. Then he came across three belts. These excited him, as two of the belts contained a number of pouches Visions of money belts flashed through his mind, but instead of cash he found an assortment of bizarre devices. One after the other he checked each one. A number of them appeared to be weapons while others seemed to be climbing gear. Still others he could not figure out at all. He returned all the items and put the belts back in the case. Then he picked up the third belt.

“Jesus,” he whispered. He was gazing at the largest emerald he had ever seen. Even in the dimly lit room it seemed to blaze with an inner light. “This must be worth millions.” Quickly he reached into his pocket and brought out a large clasp knife. Working it into the setting holding the gem, he pried it loose and dropped it into his pocket. Then he replaced the belt and everything else he had taken. Closing the case he disappeared back into the secret passage by which he had entered the room.

The three heroines finished as soon as they were able and then retired to their room. They were looking forward to a bath and a good night’s sleep. Natassia knew something was wrong as soon as she entered the room. “Someone’s been here,” she said, handing Vala to one of their servants. She headed immediately for the suitcase she had so carefully guarded on the plane.

“How can you tell?” Melissa asked.

“The suitcase has been moved. I placed it so that it was lined up with the top of the wardrobe and now it is offline.” She clicked the case open.

“Perhaps one of the servants moved it,” Sun Lin said hopefully. But she didn’t sound too confident.

Natassia rummaged through the case until she came to her belt. She held it up. “The Dragon’s Eye is gone!”

“My God,” Melissa said. Sun Lin said nothing, but her green eyes dilated.

“We’ve got to find it,” Natassia said. “We can’t let the Dragon’s Eye fall into the hands of a criminal.”

The other women readily agreed. Although no one had been able to use the mysterious gem that gave Natassia her super powers, she was just an ordinary woman without it. And there was always the chance that someone might find a way to use the stone for evil. Whatever they did, they could not leave Kunming without finding the gem first.

“I’m a fool,” Natassia said. “I know that I should always wear the Dragon’s Eye, but I thought it would be safe for a short time.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Melissa said. “We’ll get it back.”

“But how?” Natassia asked. “We don’t even know where to start looking.”

“Who’s going to look?” Melissa asked. Her brown eyes had turned hard as flint. “I’m just going to ask someone.”

“But who?” Natassia asked. “You just can’t ask anyone.”

“I think I’ll start with our friendly innkeeper. Then I’ll work my way through the staff.”

“Wait,” Natassia said. “I know that look. You just can’t start threatening people.”

“You forget,” Melissa said. “I was trained as an assassin in this area of China. I expect the people here know about the Assassins’ Guild.”

“Alright,” agreed Natassia dubiously, “but no killing.”

“Not unless I have to,” Melissa answered. She headed for the door.

“I’ll stay here,” Sun Lin said. “Anyone who would break into our room might threaten the children next.” She had remained silent throughout the entire conversation between Melissa and Natassia. Although both superheroines, their personalities were radically different. Of all of her companions Melissa was the one least likely to follow the superheroine code, which forbade the violent interrogation of criminal suspects. Sun Lin knew her well, having taken the girl under her wing and transferred as much of Master Zhou’s training to the tall heroine as she could. But there was one thing that she did not teach, but which Melissa had in abundance. And that was a ruthless streak which promised swift vengeance upon anyone who crossed her. She was in that mood now. Sun Lin suddenly felt very sorry for Master Li.

A commotion outside his door disturbed Master Li. A frown creased his normally placid features. He had been just about to settle down with his favourite serving girl when the shouts of his servants interrupted him. He stepped toward the door and then stopped as the door burst open and the tall young white woman swept in. Behind her was the other white woman and tailing the two determined-looking females were three of his servants. Bringing up the rear was a subdued looking Hedridge.

“I could not stop them Master Li,” said his head servant. “They just pushed past me.”

“What is meaning of this?” Li asked in broken English. He already suspected the answer, but there was no point in letting either of the women know that.

“Something of ours has been taken,” the tall chestnut-haired woman said. “And we would like it returned.” To Li’s surprise the woman spoke Chinese in the local dialect.

“I know nothing of what you speak.” Li said, switching to his own language. “Was it very valuable?”

“I have no time for games,” the woman replied. Her hands went to her shirt and to Li’s fascinated surprise began to unbutton her blouse.

Li’s eyes first opened wide and then his complexion turned a sickly shade of yellow as the girl opened her shirt, exposing the area between her breasts.

“You know this symbol?” Melissa asked.

Li gulped, and he had to clutch at the table beside his bed to keep his knees from giving way. Behind him he heard a faint cry as the girl he had been about to bed caught sight of the mark between Melissa’s breasts.

Li stared fascinated at the bright red brand between Melissa’s breasts. He felt as if he might faint. There was no mistaking the sign of the scorpion, the mark of the Assassins’ Guild, the most feared of China’s secret societies.

“I see that you do,” Melissa said, buttoning her blouse. “Now tell me what you know.”

Roshac held up the glittering emerald to the light of the lantern. He was almost certain that the huge gem was giving off a light of its own. He was already wavering over his original plan. It no longer seemed all that worthwhile to kidnap the three women and hold them for ransom when he had a stone that was surely worth millions. On the other hand, anyone who carried something like this must be worth a huge amount of money. Surely someone would pay something for a woman of such great wealth.

What was that? There was someone in the hallway outside. That seemed strange. No one should be up this late at night and he had given orders that no one be allowed near his room. Hastily he tucked the emerald into the pocket of his jacket. A few seconds later there was a timid knock on his door.

Dammit! He had given Li express orders to make sure he was not disturbed. Angrily he strode across the room and yanked open the door.

“Good evening,” Mr. Roshac. I believe you have accidentally acquired something of mine.”

Roshac stared in disbelief. It was Natassia Green, the beautiful, dark-haired woman who had hired Hedridge to lead her expedition. Behind her was a very frightened Master Li and an embarrassed looking Hedridge, and behind them was the youngest of the three women, Melissa Gallant. The men he had told to guard his room were nowhere in sight.

“I don’t understand,” Roshac stammered. What the hell was going on?” The raven-haired beauty was acting as if she was making a minor complaint at a department store. And where were his men? They should be swarming all over the two women by now.

“Mister Roshac,” said Li in his heavily accented English. “She assassin. Your men all run away. All gone now.” He was so frightened his voice shook with fear.

“Assassin? Who’s an assassin?” Roshac spluttered. “What the hell is going on?”

Melissa stepped forward, stepping into the room. “I think it is about time we stopped playing games. You stole something from our room. You have five seconds to give it back or suffer the consequences.”

Roshac looked at the tall young woman who faced him. She seemed brimming with confidence, but there was also a steely determination about her, and a glint in her eyes that hinted at danger. But she also weighed about sixty pounds less than he did and was unarmed. As a matter of fact no one facing him seemed to be armed, not even Hedridge. With a sneer he reached into his jacket for his revolver.

“Aaahh!” He hadn’t even seen the girl move, but he clearly heard the sound of his wrist breaking. Gasping in agony, he clutched at his injured arm while the girl calmly reached into his inside pocket.

“I think this is yours,” Melissa said, handing the Dragon’s Eye to Natassia. Roshac could only stare in shock, staggered by how easily he had been defeated.

“Hedridge, do something,” Roshac cried.

The tall Englishman shook his head. “Sorry old boy. “I’ve been in these parts often enough not to have heard of the Assassins’ Guild. I value my life too much to go up against any of them.”

“Consider yourself fired, Mr. Roshac,” said Natassia. “I find your services quite unsatisfactory.” She tuned and walked away from the room. As she passed Hedridge she motioned for him to follow.

“Gambling debts,” explained Hedridge. “Roshac told me he would forgive all my debts if I took him along on this expedition. I didn’t have much choice really. I owed him thousands.”

“You had a choice,” Melissa said sternly. “You could have said no.”

“If I had then you wouldn’t have a guide. He was going to sell my debts to the Tong. I wouldn’t have lasted a week.”

“The question is, said Sun Lin, “whether or not we still want Mr. Hedridge as our guide.”

Hedridge looked at her in surprise. It was the first time he had ever heard her speak and he had supposed like everyone else that she was Natassia’s servant.

Sun Lin continued. “I am willing to give Mr. Hedridge another chance. He has shown the good grace to feel shame for his actions and that is a good start. I understand he was also very cooperative when Natassia and Melissa confronted him.”

Natassia and Melissa nodded. Hedridge noted in amazement that the two white women seemed to defer to Sun Lin’s assessment. There was something here that he did not understand. This entire expedition was getting stranger and stranger. First the mysterious green stone, and then the claim that the youngest woman was a trained assassin and finally the revelation that the woman he had thought no more than a servant seemed to be the one in charge.

“Tomorrow then,” Sun Lin continued, “Mr. Hedridge will complete arrangements for our journey to the Mountain of Heaven. I expect no more surprises.”

“There will be none maam,” Hedridge replied. “I will begin immediately. I wish you good night.” He bowed and exited the room glad to escape the scrutiny of those jade green eyes. He had a feeling that he had gotten off very lightly. From now on he would give the women his full cooperation.

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