The Lives of Tao

by Wesley Chu

  Sonya threw Roen a sharp look. He felt his face turn hot and shrugged apologetically.

  “Oh, didn’t Roen tell you about his alien-saving-the-world story?” Antonio chuckled.

  She laughed it off. “Well, he does have quite the imagination. I’m going to have to hear about it sometime. Come on, Roen, we’re going to be late.” She turned abruptly and left the room.

  “You all right there, buddy?” Roen asked, patting him on the shoulder.

  Antonio nodded. “Not the first bar fight I’ve ever been in. If anything, I should be asking you that. You look like a hot mess. How does it feel, getting into your first riot?”

  Roen grunted. “It’s an experience I can do without.”

  Antonio laughed, winced, and rubbed his head. “I need a shower,” he sniffed. “Well, don’t tell her you got your rear handed to you by two girls half your size. Last night was crazy!”

  “Roen, you coming?” Sonya’s voice came from the front door.

  “I have to go. I’ll see you later?” Roen said solemnly. In truth, he’d been afraid he’d find his roommate hurt or dead. The relief of finding Antonio all right nearly brought him to tears.

  That is why for the good of both of you, it is best to keep what we do quiet.

  “I understand now. I’m sorry, Tao.”

  “No problem.” Antonio grinned. “You’ll be back in time for dinner? We’ll go grab some pizza or something. You’ve been hanging out with Sonya so much I’m starting to get jealous.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Roen smiled and left the room. Sonya was waiting for him outside. He could tell she was furious. He felt his stomach twist into a knot as he walked into the elevator.

  “Is something the matter?” he asked innocently as the door closed.

  She grabbed him by the shoulder and shoved him hard against the wall. “What the hell were you thinking telling him about us? You’re going to blow our cover!”

  “What?” he stammered. “Antonio thinks it’s a stupid joke! He doesn’t take it seriously!”

  Her nostrils flared as her face came very close to his. “If the Genjix ever catch wind of you, don’t think for a moment they won’t torture the information out of him. And don’t think for a moment he won’t tell them everything he knows. If they ask the right questions, Antonio will lead them to me as well! How could you be so stupid?”

  “I didn’t realize at the time,” he stammered. “I felt like I had to tell someone.”

  “Don’t you realize that our lives require utmost secrecy? This isn’t a game we’re playing. Your friend’s life depends on what you don’t tell him.”

  “I’m... I’m sorry.”

  “Who else did you tell?”

  He shook his head. “No one. I swear.”

  Sonya’s face stayed hard for several seconds before it finally softened and she let go of his shirt. “Did you tell Antonio about the safe house or where I live?”

  Roen shook his head. “I don’t know where you live. You never invited me over.”

  “Good, and it’s going to stay that way, big mouth.” She added, “If I have to move out of my loft because you’ve compromised me, I’m going to kill you, Roen!”

  And she means it too. Her mother was wealthy. Sonya probably has a very nice place.

  Marc walked into Sean’s office and bowed. “Forgive me; I have failed.”

  Sean didn’t bother looking up from the deposition he was reading. He had been notified within minutes of the boy’s escape. The basement had only one main exit. They had laid the perfect trap and the fool had let him escape. Still, after looking at Heefa’s report, Marc made all the right calls. Sean himself would have planned the attack the exact same way, except that he would not have failed. Marc stood at attention, awaiting the consequences of his failure.

  “That’s twice now,” Sean finally remarked. “Has our prey suddenly developed skills, or are you that incompetent?”

  Marc replied, eyes downcast. “His physical appearance is different from Omer’s original report as well. The Prophus have trained him well.”

  “Of course he has been trained,” Sean snarled. “It took you almost six months to find him. Did you think he was just sitting idle this entire time? On your knees!”

  Punishing every subordinate who had ever failed him would leave him with no subordinates. However, allowing such a golden opportunity to go to waste was inexcusable. Who knows if the Genjix would ever get the chance to capture another highly sought Prophus again? Marc was lucky the two enforcers had vouched that the failed capture was due to incompetence and not the work of a double agent.

  Sean considered suitable punishments for the failure. Marc was not a man without usefulness. To incarcerate him only weakened the Genjix, and a physical punishment was barbaric and ineffectual. However, strict discipline must be maintained even among those counted as blessed. A lack of consequence for failures only encouraged complacency.

  Sean stood up purposefully and towered over the cowering Marc. “Your standing has been lowered. You will learn that the Genjix are neither as soft nor as forgiving as your old comrades. Any more failures and you will be ordered to release Jeo to a vessel more deserving of a Holy One.”

  Marc’s body stiffened and he involuntarily looked up at Sean, his face turning pale. Jeo wouldn’t be pleased if that order was given, though it didn’t matter to Chiyva what Jeo thought. Any decree from a Genjix of his rank was as good as law. Sean was sure the man had already learned his lesson and knew that Marc would be haunted until the day he could reclaim his place.

  Tao is a great prize. Redouble your efforts.

  Chiyva’s remarks puzzled Sean. Apparently, this went deeper than he thought. “He’s just one Prophus, Chiyva. I know you have history with him, but why is he so important?”

  Your only concern is to execute my command.

  Sean could feel the Genjix seething, which was unusual. Chiyva was always in control, but Genjix grudges always ran deep, tempered over the years of war. Well, if his Holy One wished it so, it was Sean’s sacred duty to see it done. He looked Marc in the eyes. “Do you believe your team can pick up his tracks again?”

  Marc nodded. “It will be more difficult, but the question is whether he is worth tracking at this point. Even though he is still raw, he was able to elude capture. The Prophus have already altered all his records, and Tao has already trained his new vessel. He will be ready in the future. Is it still worth expending resources?”

  “It is if I say it is. It is not for you to decide,” Sean growled. “Your access to Homeland Security’s network is now gone. You will have to focus your surveillance on high probability areas with the resources you have. You are now forbidden to make contact without my express authority. Keep your team ready to move at any moment.”

  Marc bowed. “I am here to serve.”

  “Serve better. Now, get out of my sight.” Sean picked up the deposition transcript and began reading where he had left off, already oblivious to the other man’s existence. Marc bowed and hastily retreated. Sean focused on his document, but his thoughts raced. Once a Prophus entered their defensive network, he would be difficult to corral, and the cost to continue this manhunt was extraordinary. There were better uses for their resources.

  He had known Chiyva long enough to know something was amiss. Chiyva was extraordinarily meticulous and logical; to display anger and emotion was out of his character. Despite what Marc said, Sean also had doubts that his team could track him down again.

  You have doubts about my judgment?

  “Never, Chiyva. I live but to serve the Genjix.”

  You question my motives then?

  Sean hesitated. “I fail to understand the significance of this Prophus.”

  One of Tao’s previous vessels was Rianno Cisneros.

  The reason for Chiyva’s insistence became clear. Sean pulled out a small glass figurine of a turtle and caressed it in his hand. “Say no more, Chiyva. I will bear all the strength at my disposal
to see that your directives are carried out.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  TAILING

  The Council must have anticipated my possible disobedience. Zoras revealed to me that Europe in its current state had already been abandoned due to a period of stagnation, and that the Council planned to wipe the slate clean in order to rebuild from the ruins of a broken world. They called forth a world-killer, now known as the Black Death. I was given a choice. The Council had sent a ship laden with plague rats just off the shores of my lands. If I disobeyed, the Ming would suffer just like those halfway across the world. I told myself that I had no choice. Looking back, there was always a choice.

  Sonya watched Roen leave his office building and wait in front of the coffee shop. Like clockwork, he left work no later than he had to. He checked his reflection in the window and fiddled around with his shirt. What was Roen up to? Then he walked out onto the street, stopped and then went back to the window to check his hair. He seemed a little nervous.

  Sonya chuckled. “I love his awkward mannerisms. They’re so endearing. He’ll make the perfect spy one day.”

  If he does not pass that test tonight, he might not ever become one.

  “I think these written tests you’re making him take are a little harsh. I never had to take them.”

  You and Roen are not even the same species in my book. If Roen Tan was the first Cro-Magnon we had encountered, we might have put all our eggs into the Neanderthals.

  “Now you’re just being mean. You still haven’t forgiven him for that night at the safe house. It’s been three weeks.”

  Moments later, an auburn-haired woman came up to him and they embraced. Then holding hands, they walked into the coffee shop. Sonya shook her head. “Well, this is interesting. Our Roen has a love interest. He’s all grown up now.”

  Do I detect a hint of jealousy?

  “No. I don’t think so. I look at him like my little older brother. I’m happy for him.” She kept her eyes on the door. Then her eyes wandered to the dozens of people standing on the street. Did anyone take notice of them? Had anyone nearby made a move to keep him within sight?

  I do admit that I am protective of you. You are Dania’s daughter after all. In a way, you are mine as well.

  Sonya sipped her tea as she looked back down at the magazine she was reading. Ever since the night at the club, she had made a point to tail him on his way to and from work. She was worried that the Genjix were starting to triangulate his whereabouts. Already twice in the past month, Sonya found two other Genjix agents lurking in the South Loop area.

  She finished her tea as she watched Roen and his mysterious date come out and walk down the street. They turned and disappeared around the corner. Sonya surveyed the surrounding area for any sign of possible tails. Sure enough, moments later, a man who was waiting at the bus stop turned and began to follow Roen.

  The man with the gray coat and brown sunglasses?

  “I see him; the one at the bus stop. That’s the second tail on this block that’s caught wind of Roen this month.”

  We need to get him out of this area. They are closing in on his waypoints. It is only a matter of time before we miss a tail.

  Sonya stood up and began to follow Roen’s tail. The man wasn’t half bad. He kept a safe distance from Roen and didn’t react strongly in any way when Roen and his friend changed directions. Sonya continued walking as she didn’t have a care in the world, keeping tabs on both the tail and Roen.

  The three parties involved kept about a block apart. Roen and his girl, oblivious to what was happening behind them, continued on their merry way. The two walked into Grant Park and seemed to enjoy each other’s company. Sonya kept an eye on them and the tail as she trailed behind far enough to remain undetected, but close enough to act if the tail made a move.

  “They seem very happy, and Roen’s a sweet guy. Why were you so angry with the kiss?”

  You are meant for someone else. I do not want your future husband to be involved in all this.

  Sonya chuckled. “That basically narrows my dating pool to nil. My entire life is this war.”

  That is not true. What about that dentist who was completely infatuated with you?

  “Oh, Baji, Darren was nice, but way too domesticated. Movie night? Poker with his friends? Ugh. I know you want me to meet a civilian, but that sort of life isn’t for me.”

  Your mother never recovered from Jordan’s death. I am trying to spare you that pain.

  “I felt Daddy’s death as well. It hurt me just as much.”

  And I do not wish for you to go through that again.

  Roen and the girl sat down in front of Buckingham Fountain and were talking intimately. The tail had swerved to the side and had planted himself near a food stand. Sonya sat down at a bench in between the two and took out her magazine. For the next ten minutes, she learned more about road bikes than she ever wanted to know. The tail was sitting at a small table eating a hot dog. Roen and his date were still talking. Then they kissed.

  “I wonder if they were dating before he kissed me.”

  If they were, Tao and I will have some serious words.

  “Baji, relax. It was just a kiss.”

  Tao is a bad influence on humans. Edward was such a gentleman before Tao got his claws in him. He once tried to date your mother before she met Jordan. A scene of a young Edward flirting popped into Sonya’s head. It was followed by laughter and a hand, which Sonya assumed was her mother’s, pinching his cheeks.

  “Wasn’t Mother much older than him?”

  By about ten years.

  “I don’t blame him. Mother was very beautiful.” Another image flashed of Dania looking into the mirror. It was one that Baji often showed her. Sonya smiled; it was one of her favorite memories of her mother. “Hey, I want to hear what they’re saying.” Sonya moved closer and sat down about twenty meters away. Then she pulled out a small listening device and aimed it at the couple.

  This is very inappropriate.

  “I know, but so much fun.”

  Roen was saying, “You’re right. I was going to make it a surprise, but you forced my hand. I’ve already booked a ski trip for your birthday. Thanks for ruining your gift.”

  “Really?” Roen’s girlfriend sounded skeptical. “When’s my birthday?”

  There was a pause. “December twelfth,” he answered finally.

  You know Tao is feeding him all that information.

  The girl laughed. Something about her voice irritated Sonya. The girl said, “I thought I had you there for a second. I’m impressed, Roen Tan. I didn’t think you remembered what month it was, let alone the day.”

  Sonya smiled. “Seems you’re not the only one who thinks that, Baji.”

  He has the memory capacity of a gerbil.

  “You kidding?” Roen was saying. “Spent an entire night repeating your birthday over and over again just to make sure I wouldn’t forget.”

  “I bet you did,” she teased. “You have the worst memory, I swear. So where are we going?”

  There was another pause. “Galena.” Pause. “It’s in Illinois.” Pause. “West of Chicago.”

  She leaned back, impressed. “Well, look at you. Aren’t you suddenly the romantic one?”

  Their conversation went on and on. Sonya turned off the listener and went back to her magazine. Any more of that conversation and she thought she might get sick. She still kept an eye on the tail, who must be on his third hot dog now. They were in a far too populated area for anyone to act, so the only thing she could do was wait them out.

  Are you unhappy, Sonya?

  “Not unhappy per se. It’s just nice to have someone sometimes. My life right now is mission after mission. And it’s not that I regret it. This is all I ever wanted to do, but listening to them makes me a little wistful.”

  I am sorry you feel this way. I am to blame. Tao said I should provide a more balanced life for you. Perhaps he is right.

  “Baji, I appreciate everything
you’ve done for my family. You have nothing to say sorry for. Wait, Roen and girlie are moving.”

  Sonya kept her face down as Roen and his girl got up and walked back the way they came. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the tail move as well. She saw his lips move as he strolled after them.

  “We need to move fast. He could be calling in a kill team.”

  Take him out at the first isolated spot you can find.

  The stalking continued. The tail was a third of a block behind Roen while Sonya kept half a block behind him. They ventured west to Michigan Avenue and then turned north.

  Somewhere along the way though, Roen’s tail must have detected something. Maybe Sonya got too close, maybe she had a miscue in her reaction, but whatever she did, the tail was suddenly aware that something was wrong. This began a new game.

  The tail broke off from Roen and walked into a store. Moments later, he came out and changed directions. He then turned west onto Madison Street and then right on Dearborn Street. He was moving in random directions in an attempt to identify his tail. Unfortunately for him, Sonya was very good at this game.

  She timed her steps with his and the two crossed paths just as they passed by an alley. In a split second, she rammed her fist in his gut and pushed him into the alley. The tail wasn’t completely unprepared. He took her initial hit well and retreated behind a dumpster.

  “Hmm… he seems like he knows what he’s doing. Is he gun worthy?”

  Not if you can avoid it. It will cause too much attention in this populated area. Watch for his, though.

  The tail tried to pull out his pistol. Sonya dove forward and grabbed his wrist. Then she hit him on the chin with her forehead. Sonya wrestled the gun away and threw it to the side. The tail shoved her away from him, and the two squared off, sizing each other up. Sonya was careful to cut off his exit. He was younger than she thought, but he looked and moved like an experienced agent. The way he held his hands and moved his feet told her the tail had Mossad training.