The room went silent as they again looked at the maps, images, and other information.
Several minutes later, Pon wai-ed Taksin. “Thank you Khun Taksin. I can now focus on meeting our brother monks and plan for any reception they may give us,” said Pon, knowing how the Tinju and Chokdet welcomed strangers.
“Now we know where we were going, when are we leaving Pon?”
Pon rubbed his cheek and said. “We are still not prepared Dave; we need more time. There’s still a lot to learn and do.”
After spending the next day researching, Taksin came to the quarters in the evening carrying a large white military canvas backpack.
Spock and Stu again left the dining table and went into the kitchen to help with the washing up. Spock didn’t want to go to the lounge again and watch the little monsters from hell fill his now unrecognisable hat with more jelly and ice cream.
The group again gathered around the table and Taksin said. “All travel arrangements have been made and the Royal jet is on standby.”
He then opened the backpack and removed a white body suit, similar to Chuck and Sedgly's undergarments but a lot thicker.
“Although these are light-weight, they will keep out the cold,” he said and then showed them the inner silver lining. “This material is what NASA used for space suits.”
“It looks similar as the foil survival blankets,” said Chuck leaning forward.
Taksin nodded. “It is Chuck, but with more thermal protection and trapped the moisture from your body that heated up and insulated you. The outside is white, so it camouflaged you in the snow.”
He handed the light quilted suit to Pon who felt the soft thick white suit.
“You should still feel warm, even in temperatures below minus forty,” said Taksin and pointed to the hood of the suit. “This suit covered every part of your body except for your eyes and hands, and you will notice that the part that covered your mouth and nose was thinner.”
Pon looked at the hood that looked like a military balaclava with an oval-shaped slit for the eyes.
“You can wear your monk’s cassocks over the suits, which will be less obtrusive when you make your introductions to the Strength of Wisdom monks. Pon, you can also wear your Tusen suit over it should you need to go unnoticed.”
Pon nodded to Taksin and passed the suit around.
“Suits were now being made for each of you and will be ready tomorrow,” said Taksin and removed a pair of goggles from the backpack.
He held them up and said. “These solar-battery powered goggles blow out warm moist air on your eyes. They are made of a Polaroid plastic, so will adjust to the sun’s glare, protecting you from snow blindness. A row of LED lights shine from the rim so that will give you plenty of illumination and fully charged they will last 24 hours. I have these already as they are manufactured here for the Norwegian army.”
Taksin then showed them inside the backpack, held open a long pocket and said. “There are compartments for Tinju swords, Juglaves, the Chokdet’s bows and arrows and two smoke grenades… and these,” he said, taking out a pair of gloves, “will protect your hands. They are not as thick as the body garment material, to allow you more mobility when using your weapons.” He handed them to Pon, who looked and passed them around.
“You will use the US special forces standard white winter boot, which is ideal for this situation. I am having all your sizes flown here, which should arrive tomorrow, as should these,” he said and took an A4 image from the backpack and showed them. “This kit you will carry in your backpacks.”
Chuck smiled. “You have thought of everything Khun Taksin, I am impressed.”
“Thank you Khun Taksin,” said Pon and pondered. “We still have a lot to do, but I think we can now plan our departure for two weeks hence.”
The others cheered and felt a sense of urgency. Dave and Manhut looked at one another and smirked, knowing they may soon have the opportunity to take out their revenge against Fahed. Sedgly and Chuck glanced at one another before smiling.
The following day there was renewed vigour in the training area.
Things progressed at a frantic pace as Pon tried to bring all their individual skills together and make one indomitable fighting unit.
The Tinju and Chokdet skills were similar as was their levels of fitness. Pon hoped that Chuck and Sedgly’s strength and Dave and Manhut’s determination would see them through.
Late afternoon, as Pon sat in his study listening to a Punjabi language CD. Taksin, along with several of the Palace guard, arrived with boxes of the Warriors equipment.
“Fuck me, it’s the snowy ninjas,” gasped Spock as the team walked into the dining room.
Stu smirked. “You look hot in those suits,” he said seeing beads of perspiration around their eyes soaking into the material around the opening.
“Dorn take the piss, we have to wear these all the time to get acclimatised to ‘em,” said Dave, his voice muffled by the cloth.
“Dave!” yelled Spock and Stu, unable to tell the Asians apart in the suits.
Spock, with a beaming smile, said. “You look like a Yorkie Cornetto in bovver boots,”
Spock and Stu tittered when they all sat down and removed their hoods.
Letting out a sigh of relief, they wiped sweat from their head and brows.
When Spock and Stu saw Dave and Manhut they gasped and looked surprised before bursting into fits of laughter.
Dave and Manhut frowned at the dopey Meggies as they wiped their now bald heads.
“We will all be going as monks. Prime Master Pon has given us the honour of wearing t’ Tinju orange robes over t’ suits” said Dave and translated for Manhut, who nodded.
Stu smirked. “Yorkie creep.”
Dao and Moo brought in several bowls of ice water and towels. The men poured the refreshing liquid over their heads, letting out pleasing groans as they felt their bodies cooling down.
“Why do you need to keep them on all the time? you’ll roast,” said Stu with tears of laughter rolling down his face.
“We don’t have long to become familiar doing battle in them, so apart from meal times, we will keep them on,” said Pon who didn’t appear to be perspiring.
Spock puckered his brow. “What, even in bed?”
Pon nodded. “Yes Spock, even in bed.”
“So where do you pee and dump out of?” asked Spock not seeing any zippers.
Dave frowned. “We’ve got Velcro flaps at the front and back,” he said sounding peeved after already trying to use them.
Spock and Stu laughed as Kim, Dao, and Moo brought in their food.
“Looks like no more baby Heads for you Kim,” said Spock smirking at Pon.
Stu chuckled. “Nope, the Abominable Snowmonk would scratch his todger on the Velcro.”
Dave sighed and nodded after already experiencing that.
“Shut up stupid or I’ll put some Velcro over your mouth,” said Moo placing a large bowl of crispy fried beans on the table. Spock stopped laughing and sulked as the others laughed at him being chastised.
As they sat and ate, Spock nudged Stu and nodded at Chuck and Sedgly.
The pair smirked as they watched Chuck and Sedgly’s heads doing the wobbly neck shuffle as they struggled to stay awake, with Sedgly yawning throughout the meal.
Spock looked at his watch. “It looked like they’ll all be having another boring early night,” he whispered, “shall we go out. I’m bored with staying in. We aren’t any use here.”
Stu nodded. “How about Soi Cowboy?
Spock smirked. “Yeah, good idea matey.”
Chuck’s phone then rang. He jerked awake, blinked several times and looked at the number. He smirked and then saw everyone at the table staring at him and said. “Oh, it’s Master Brown.”
Sedgly looked at his watch, smiled, and said. “It will be 8am at home.”
“Maybe there have been more developments,” said Chuck and answered. “Hello, Master Brown.”
/> Chuck only spoke for a few seconds before the others noticed a look of horror across his face.
“What? When?” he asked with his voice shaking, “How many are alive?”
“Something’s wrong matey,” whispered Spock looking concerned.
Stu nodded. “Yeah, very wrong looking at Chuck’s face.”
Chuck continued the conversation for a few minutes and asked. “Where are you now? When no reply came, Chuck sounding fraught screamed, Master Brown…. Master Brown?”
They all jumped then back when they heard gunfire through the phone and looked shocked.
Chuck stood with his mouth agape staring at the phone.
“What’s happened Prime Master?” asked Sedgly glaring at Chuck and looking scared.
Chuck doesn’t answer as he gawped at the phone.
“Prime Master Johnson, what’s happening?” asked Sedgly sounding distraught.
Chuck said nothing and looked frantic as he dialled the number.
“Damn, number’s busy,” he said and tried again, with the same result.
Chuck’s hand fell to his side and looking horrified he gazed at the confused faces of the others staring at him.
“They’re all gone,” he said sounding croaky, “Our family are gone.”
Sedgly put his hands on his cheeks and with a tremble in his voice said. “What do you mean Prime Master, they’re gone?”
Chuck looked at Sedgly and tears welled up in his eyes as he stammered, “They are all dead Master Sedgly... Our brothers are dead.”
Sedgly gasped. “What do you mean they’re all dead?”
Chuck trembled as he looked at them all, and seeing concern written on everyone’s faces said, “Our Monastery was attacked.”
Looking morose as he stared at the phone, Chucks voice trembled when he said “They’re all dead.”
“Who attacked them?” asked Pon looking shocked and confused.
Chuck let out a deep sigh. “The Amanussas,” Chuck’s voice sounded hoarse as he croaked. “They killed them all.”
Sedgly looked stunned and with tears in his eyes, stammered. “What happened to Master Brown?”
Chuck took a deep breath to compose himself and said, “He told me that like the attackers on the descendants, nobody saw them.” Chuck sighed. “Even though they were prepared for an attack by Amanussas, they were not prepared for their automatic weapons.”
Sedgly put his hand over his mouth and trembled as Chucks eyes filled with tears as he looked at Sedgly. “They cut them to ribbons. Master Brown described it as a slaughter. He told me that after being shot in the head in the temple they thought he was dead. He said he lay motionless listening to the carnage.” Chucks lips quivered as he said. “Master Brown said that he saw nothing, but heard mayhem outside… before silence. They must have then come back into the temple and killed him.”
Pon and the others, although stunned by Chuck and Sedgly’s anguish, knew that could only mean one thing.
“We must go home Prime Master,” said Sedgly, placing his hand on Chuck’s shoulder.
Chuck sighed and looked at Sedgly. Everyone can see the sorrow in the Prime Masters eyes and felt the grief of these sad confused monks as Chuck said. “Home to what Master Sedgly? Our brothers have been executed.”
Sedgly sighed and bowed his head.
Pon sighed. “I am sorry Chuck; I can’t imagine how you must feel,” said Pon looking troubled.
Although tears filled the American’s eyes, Chuck composed himself. “We are Buddhist and know our brothers will be on their road to Nirvana and peace. There’s nothing we can do for them now.” He stared into Pon’s eyes, “I know you realise what this means, Pon.”
Pon nodded. “Yes Chuck. The attacks have started… so it has begun.”
“We can’t do anything about the Warlords of Peace, but we can prevent any further losses to our people and religion,” said Chuck sounding defiant. “We must leave now and find Fahed before it’s too late.”
“Yes Chuck,” said Pon. He looked at the others, frowned, and with a rage in his voice said. “We leave now.”
Chuck wiped the tears from his eyes. “I need some air,” he said. He went outside, smirked, and made a phone call.
Over the next twenty-minutes, there was a sense of urgency in the quarters. Pon called Taksin and told him what had happened in America. He said they must leave immediately and Taksin set things in motion.
Pon went to the monks quarters and organised the Tinju and the Chokdet Warriors and then he went back over to the accommodations.
Manhut and Dave, after getting their gear together met in the dining room.
Lek and Sid, even though knowing this would happen, bawled and clung to their protectors as Moo and Dao prized them off and comforted them.
Spock and Stu got under everyone’s feet, being neither use nor ornament with everything happening at a feverish pace.
“I wouldn’t like to be in Fahed’s shoes when Chuck got hold of him,” said Spock.
“Me neither,” said Stu after seeing the fury on Prime Master Chuck Johnsons face. “He looked ready to rip his head off.”
After a tearful farewell with Kim and Samnan, Pon joined the others in the dining room.
With them all now wearing cassocks, they picked up their white backpacks and went outside.
They congregated on the lawn and Chuck, Sedgly, Manhut, and Dave knelt alongside the Chokdet and Tinju Warriors already kneeling on the lawn.
Vitchae and Cenat knelt facing the Warriors and Pon knelt next to the two old Masters.
While the Warriors bowed their heads, the three chanted mantras in Thai for the safe journey of the Warriors of Peace families to Nirvana, and for Buddha’s protection for their quest.
Whiny melodic chanting filled the Bangkok air as Thais and Cambodians chanted their sutras.
While Dao and Moo stayed with the kids in the lounge, Spock and Stu stood outside with Kim and Taksin watching the ceremony as a large helicopter flew overhead and landed.
Thirty minutes later, the chanting stopped and the Tinju and Chokdet Warriors stood, wai-ed Cenat, Vitchae, and Pon, and lifted their packs onto their shoulders and formed two ranks with Chuck and Sedgly alongside them.
Dave, Manhut, and Pon, went to the four stood watching.
While Pon spoke to Kim, and Manhut spoke to Taksin, Dave smiled and said. “Take care of Sid and Lek Meggies.”
“We will Yorkie,” said Stu shaking his hand and smirking. “I’m sure Spock will keep them entertained.”
Spock cringed as he shook Dave’s hand. “Be careful Yorkie, because you won’t have Meggies there to protect you,” he sniggered.
Dave tutted and smiled.
Taksin walked to the helicopter and Manhut went over, wai-ed Spock and Stu, and he and Dave joined the others.
Pon kissed Kim and went over to Stu and Spock.
“Please take care of them all, my friends,” he said, wai-ing the pair and then shaking their hands.
“We will, don’t worry mate,” said Stu looking sad.
Spock puckered his brow and said. “Yeah, and take care buggerlugs, remember, we aren’t on this adventure to take care of you.”
Pon smiled and knew his family were in safe hands; there was no one on the planet he trusted more.
Pon walked to the front of his Warriors who walked behind him to the palace’s heli-pad, where a Mi-171 transport helicopter waited with its rotors idling.
Taksin waited at the heli-pad when the Warriors arrived and as they boarded the helicopter, he and Pon stood a few metres back.
“General Mahatmacote will meet you at the small airfield near Gilgit city. He will introduce you to your guide before helicopters fly you to your drop off point,” said Taksin handing Pon a thick brown envelope. “All necessary documents and instructions are in there.”
Pon saw the concern on Taksin’s face when he said. “Good luck, and stay safe.”
“Thank you my friend, you too,” said Pon soundi
ng calm. “I will stay in contact as much as possible.”
Taksin nodded, sighed, and said. “With the American Sanctuary being attacked, I will make sure we are prepared for anything. I will have more police dogs brought here and with the rest of the Tinju here I can double our patrols.”
Pon and Taksin wai-ed each other and Pon then boarded the helicopter. Taksin stood back as the engines roared and the rotor blades spun. He and the others watched the large helicopter taking off. It then banked as it flew the short distance to Don Muang Airport where they would catch the royal Jet stream 41 aircraft for the seven-hour flight to Pakistan.
The noise of the engines faded into the distance and there was silence. Taksin sighed and said aloud, “It’s now in the hands of Buddha.” He walked to his office.
Kim went inside the quarters along with Vitchae and Cenat, while Spock and Stu stood outside in the warm Bangkok night air watching the small lights of the helicopter getting smaller before disappearing from view.
Everything seemed surreal and there was an eerie silence, broken by Spock.
“Soi Cowboy?”
“Yep,” said Stu. “I’ll get the car.”
— Chapter Fifteen —
A helicopter landed between patches of small rocks at the foot of Mount Vishnir while another circled overhead.
With the rotors idling, the pilot told Pon. “This is as far as we can take you because there’s too much turbulence between the mountains.”
Pon nodded and when the aircrewman slid back the side door, he, along with their guide, Chuck, Sedgly, Dave, Manhut and several Tinju, grabbed their backpacks and disembarked.
The group stood back as the helicopters turbine roared and it rose into the sky with the rotors throwing up clouds of light snow dust.
The other helicopter landed in the same spot and the rest of the Tinju and the Chokdet Warriors disembarked.
When the helicopter took off and the party watched both helicopters disappearing into the dawn light, they looked up at the foreboding, snow-covered mountain ahead.
With their hoods down, the crisp cold air came as a shock to the Asian Warriors with them never experiencing freezing temperatures before.
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