[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya nods as she watches John at work, and she thinks to herself.  **He has done this before.  I suppose it is a good skill to have for an FBI bloke.**

[Stoneglobe]

As the elderly monk leads them through the grounds and talks of a typical day in the temple I focus not on the content of his words but on the underlying personality and mental state that they will reveal. The overall serenity of both the surroundings, now that we are away from the physical remains, and of the monk himself allow me to push the fresh memories of death to the back of my brain and focus on the task ahead.

Arriving at a sparsely furnished, yet still somehow welcoming and comfortable, room the elderly monk offers tea to his guests. Not wanting to upset or disturb the monk's serenity prior to the start of the interview I accept for the both us. "Thank you Bao Jong, we would be honoured to take tea with you."

Once the tea has been served I take a small sip Man, I've never liked this stuff. Why anyone would choose to drink this I'll never understand. before showing my commlink, "If you don't mind I would like to record this," activate the relevant app and relax back in my seat to show both Bao Jong and Tanya how unconcerned I am and maintain the calmness that fills the room.

"If you don't mind I'd like to start with cognitive interview I discussed earlier. Once we've completed that any specific questions that either Tanya or myself might have can then be asked." Once Bao Jong give his consent I continue.

"Many people find this easier with their eyes closed but it is not necessary so please do whatever makes you most comfortable. I'd like you to start by telling us about the final hour of your day before retiring last night. Focus especially on the sounds and smells you remember. As you take us through those events allow the memories to take you back to that time. As you reach the point of falling asleep in your memories describe every detail you can now recall, especially sound and scent, so that your dreams become conscious rather than subconscious memories. Tells us what you hear, smell and even see in your dreams as these will often be guided by the external stimuli our senses perceive as we sleep."

As the monk begins to talk I now focus on every word and nuance ready to help guide him with questions and prompts if it is required.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya follows behind Bao Jong and John Chance as they walk through the grounds to the man's quarters.  She is struck by the dichotomy of the tranquility of the grounds surrounding the temple and the brutality with which lives were senselessly taken within scant meters of her location.  She takes the time to go over what little she knows of her current companions, but it seems that the group is well matched to be able to figure out what happened and to provide the Triad with answers.  With the knowledge that these Taoist monks are pretty much ascetics and scholars seeking spiritual enlightenment and growth, she is not surprised at the sparsely furnished room when they reach the small cottage.  However, her eye is caught by a rather vibrant watercolor on the wall, the one real source of color in the room.  When Bao Jong goes to prepare tea, Tanya walks over to examine the painting.  Certainly not a masterpiece, it is still a very good rendition of cranes in flight against a backdrop of tall mountains.  What sets it apart is the use of trees from the Pacific Northwest rather than the more traditional Chinese versions.  When the man returns with a bamboo tray and tea service, Tanya turns and bows to him.  "這是非常好的、包容。 我對此表示贊賞的工作很多。"  Bao Jong places them on a small table in the room before bowing in return and acknowledging her appreciation without saying a word.  Tanya moves to kneel on the floor at the side of the table, where she bows to the two men as they sit in the chairs opposite each other.  She takes the small pot from the tray and pours the elixir inside it into the three small cups provided, placing the first cup near John and the second next to Bao Jong, before pouring one for herself, smiling as the divine aroma rises through the steam.  She remains kneeling in the subservient role and waits for both men to sip from their cups before taking her first taste.  **Mmmm.  Heavenly.  I cannot understand why people do not drink more tea.  And this is excellent.**

Sitting back on her haunches, she watches John begin the interview.  Her accepted role here is to listen and assist with interpretation if needed.  She knows that Bao Jong has already nearly forgotten her, which is as it should be in his world.

Translation:  This is very good, Bao Jong.  I appreciate the work very much.

[Mercy Merchant]

Elsewhere, Monique had been binging on the latest episodes of her fav trid show when the call from Tanya comes in.  The acting on "Marc Blaine, PI" is good, but the main character has a robust zeal for life that is almost mesmerizing.  It also does not hurt that he is extremely handsome and the show takes advantage of that by pushing the limits of sensorship in his frequent bedroom scenes.  Monique sighs as she looks at the face of the dreamy action hero, probably in just the fashion of the throng of female viewers that makes up the major target audience of the show.  "So much for taking the rest of the day off.  Oooh, Marc Blaine, if only you were real."  Monique  turns the program off then goes to the planning room in the flat where she presses several hidden buttons, opening three of the cabinets concealed in the walls.  She grabs the climbing gear go-bag from one and does a quick inventory check to make sure that it is stocked, then goes to the supply cabinet to pull out a second harness and add it to the bag.  Pausing at the third cabinet, she decides to add the grapple gun in case her mistress needs it.  Satisfied, the Frenchwoman closes the cabinets and leaves the room, carrying the bag with her.  She puts the bag down and crosses to her room, where she strips out of her loungewear and changes into something more appropriate.  Leaving her room, she crosses the expansive living room heading to the door, pausing as bends over to pick up the climbing bag.  Making a decision, Monique stands up and heads off to Tanya's room.  Once there, she opens the double doors to the huge walk-in closet and selects some casual clothing more suited for climbing than the quite nice cheongsam Tanya wore to lunch.  She packs the clothes and some shoes in a second bag and leaves the room, picking up the climbing bag on the way out of the flat.

Monique takes the private elevator to the garage level and walks the short distance to where the Mirage is parked, placing the two bags in the side storage compartments before climbing onto the racing bike.  She fires up the powerful engine and carefully motors out of the car park, pushing the bike to match the speed limit as she exits onto the street outside the hotel.  She brings up the grid guide on her own cybered 'link and heads off to Tacoma to meet Tanya at the Taoist Temple.  Traffic is relatively light just now and she calculates that she will make good time without speeding.  She takes the opportunity to send a quick text to Tanya to let her know that she is on the way.

[Mercy Merchant]

Petra Sprent wakes up in a bed that is not her own and takes a moment to put her thoughts together.  The arm that is wrapped around her waist is definitely masculine as are the deep semi-snores coming from her bed partner.  Her eyes follow the arm to the rather nice looking chest to the even better looking face of Paul Armand, her current on-air producer at Trident Media Outlets.  Unfortunately, his sexual technique had not lived up to the hype going around the office, something she had grown used to over the years.  The night had been nice, but not the shooting stars type of experience she had hoped for.  Still, the evening had not been a complete waste as she had nailed down the plum assignment of being allowed to cover the mayoral campaign from inside the offices of the current poll leader.  She does frown a little as she realizes that to keep the plum assignment, she will likely have to repeat the sex several times over the next few months.  Shrugging, she tells herself that is the cost of getting ahead.  Her tenacity and doggedness would only get her so far; her "people skills" would help get her farther.

Her thoughts are interrupted by the ringing of her 'link on the nightstand near her.  She looks at the display and notes that the caller is Cora Lee, a decker acquaintance of hers that has been useful on several occasions.  She had turned her on to her very good friend, Tanya Marisart, some months ago and the two had seemed to hit it off quite well.  She lifts the arm and slides off the bed, heading to the bathroom while answering the incoming call.  >>Hey, Cora Lee.  What can I do for you?<<

>>Tanya called me earlier and asked if I was interested in some work today.  Unfortunately I have, um, company around for the weekend and am not able to help.  I called a couple of freelancers, but everyone seems busy today for some reason.  Can you go through your list of deckers and see if one can help her?<<

Petra smiles to herself as she looks through the bathroom door at her own, um, company, even if this is his place.  >>Sure I can.  I know a few.  I will give her a ring and see if she has any specific requirements.  You go back to your company.<<

The women break the connection and Petra calls Tanya.  >>Hey, sweetie.  Cora Lee just called and said you might be looking for a decker.  That still open and do you want me to check around?<<

Tanya smiles inwardly as she picks up the call on her internal 'link.  >>Petra, love.  No, I got it covered, ducks.  Let Cora Lee know not to worry and I still have her at the top of my list.<<

Petra breaks the connection and wanders back to the bedroom, pulling the covers aside before crawling back in bed.  She kisses Paul awake.  "Hmmmm.  Now where were we?"  The man on the bed moans as he begins to wake up.  The woman's hand roams down his chest to his waist and beyond.  She giggles as she says, "Oh yes.  I remember where we were.  I hope that you are ready for round three?"

[Jayde Moon]

The monk speaks easily, if he is bothered by the dead men in the other room, it is not apparent.

When he speaks, Tanya is... surprised is not the right word, it isn't entirely unexpected... charmed by the poetic nature of the monks speech.  The teachings of Lao Tzu are evident in his manner and his description of the night prior.  Unfortunately, much of the poetry is lost in translation.

Tanya tries her best to keep the feel as much as the content, but it is a nigh impossible task.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya listens to the old man speak in Chinese and is almost spellbound.  It has been some time since she has heard this sort of poetic phrasing and realizes that there is almost no way to translate this into English accurately.  She nods to Bao Jong and turns to her companion.  "John, you have no idea how beautiful what he just said is.  I completely understand it, but some of the words and phrases do not have English translations.  I will do my humble best to get everything across to you. 

In the evening the Temple is at peace
The world is fast
As the world must be
Yet within the verdant wall the Temple stands still.

There is peace within and I roam the peace
I find my own
Soul among the stars
What eyes cannot see the soul can feel present

Among the stars I roamed aware of me
I was at peace
I was all at ease
In this peace I approached my bed  my sleep to find

Closed my eyes so to let thought fall away
No self no body
Only breath and stars
Scent of flowers in the garden and fading self

Self awakened by knock on door
Guard was present
Tell of death of men
They rode the typhoon and were spit out and struck down

Unfortunate is but is the way of things

Tanya takes a deep breath.  "Bao Jong saw and heard nothing that can help us, John.  Do you have any additional questions for him?"

[Stoneglobe]

Fragging poetry!

Just what have I got myself into here? Murdered, no scratch that, deliberately executed guards, possible witness spouting poetry in answer to questions and who seems oh so cut up about the fact that men have been murdered in his temple and the artifacts taken. A Ms Johnson who seems to be taking this very personally and isn't afraid of hurting people so maybe the start of a war between vying triad factions. Yeah, yeah, just another day in the office hey John! Solve the case or possibly watch yet more of the city I call home crumble as the triads make war on themselves, that is of course if Ms Johnson doesn't take affront if we fail. Sure, I've got lots of questions but I can't cope with any more of this poetry crap. On the plus side if I end this now I won't have to drink any more of that tea.

Reaching forward I recover the commlink from the table and stop the recording. As I speak I watch Bao Jong to see if there is any sign of comprehension or understanding of English showing in his eyes,"If your translation is anything to go by, Tanya, then I'm sorry I couldn't understand the original. But no, I don't think I have anything further to ask. Bao Jong has been helpful enough already and I wouldn't want to intrude further upon his day, though if anything does come to mind I will let you know. Please thank him for his help and time and apologise for us disturbing his day." I give a small bow to Bao Jong and wait for Tanya to relay my message.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya nods to John and turns to Bao Jong, bowing her head low and eyes cast down at the table.  "感謝你所說,美國、包容。 老爺機會表示歉意,你想令人不安。 我將會提供您與我通信代碼。 請聯系我,如果你還記得任何可能有助於我們找出誰殺害這名男子。 他們可能有牽連的颱風,但它是其他人保持沉默,他們的聲音和拋出來,我需要找到這些其他人。" 

Tanya remains in the kneeling position until after the men stand up, then rises to stand behind John as he prepares to leave.  She casts another glance at the watercolor as they leave the room.  On the way back to the main Temple site, she moves forward to walk next to the FBI man.  "Well, that was a bit less than useful, except to verify that he heard and saw nothing.  Do we ask to meet with the others as well?"

Translation:  Thank you for talking with us, Bao Jong.  Mister Chance apologizes for disturbing your meditations.  I will provide you with my comm code.  Please contact me if you remember anything that might help us find out who killed these men.  They may have ridden the typhoon, but it was other men that silenced their voices and tossed them out and I need to find these other men.

[Stoneglobe]

"Indeed. I didn't hold out much hope of anything useful really. Hopefully the rest of the group will have finished the search of the grounds by now, though again I'm not hopeful it will reveal anything more or produce the artifacts but you never know, and Kumiho will have got what he can from the cameras. Getting everyone together somewhere and comparing notes would be a good move." With that I give a shrug, "I don't know about you but I could certainly use a real drink. Dead bodies have always had that effect on me for some reason. What say we finish up here and reconvene somewhere that serves something a little stronger than what we've been offered so far today?"

I slip out my commlink and re-activate the conference channel again, >>So the interview with the monk was a bust, hope you lot had some better luck searching the area. Maybe we should meet up back by the artifact room and decide where we go from here. Kumiho, have you managed to get anything useful on that car yet?<<

[Mercy Merchant]

Monique rolls into the car park at the Taoist Temple and pulls into a slot for the bike.  Dismounting, she pulls the bags from the storage bins and walks toward the buildings, spying Alphonse and the Rolls.  The chauffer is using a polishing rag to clean up some of the grime accumulated from just driving on the city streets.  He has taken his uniform jacket off and laid it across the front seat to keep it clean.  Monique walks up behind him and from a few feet away says, "Let me know if you have heard this one.  A maid, a chauffer, and a lady go into this bar........

Alphonse laughs and interrupts Monique without turning from the spot he is working on.  "You try to tell that same lame joke every time."  The man turns and smiles.  "Hello, Monique.  You are looking well today.  Her Ladyship is in the Temple somewhere.  I am sure that someone will show you where."

Monique laughs and walks past the car and driver on her way to the temple building.  "You missed a spot."

Once at the entrance, she is stopped by a security guard who tells her that the site is temporarily closed.  She lets the man know that she is here for Tanya Marisart and asks him to contact her employer.  She sends a message out on her own to let Tanya know she is here.

[Mercy Merchant]

Tanya nods to herself and sends a quick reply to her maid before turning to John.  "I had asked Monique to bring some climbing gear to the Temple so that I could help Kumiho clime the pole to get a direct link to the cameras.  She is at the front gate waiting.  Would you like to come along to meet her and get the gear?  And I am certainly a big fan of meeting to compare notes.  I could offer my flat, if you like.  I have a large quiet room for planning and I could arrange for something stronger than tea to be served.  Give it a thought."

Tanya toggles to the team channel.  >>Hey Kumiho.  Monique is at the front gate with some climbing gear.  Meet us there and show me the pole you need to climb.  I am sure that we can get you up it for your direct connection.<<

Tanya and John walk to the front gate, where Monique eyes John up and down as introductions are made then holds out a hand.  Her French accent is clear as she says, "Nice to meet you, John.  Very nice."  She turns back to her boss as she pats the smaller bag.  "I thought that you might want to change into something more suitable for climbing, Miss."

Tanya beams.  "And what would I ever do without you.  I may have to give you a raise."  She takes the smaller bag and steps into some foliage while motioning for Monique to follow.  "Try not to look too closely, John.  You might be disappointed by the imperfections."  Tanya quickly strips off the cheongsam and puts the casual clothes on.  If John looks closely enough, he may catch a glimpse of flesh now and then. How much he sees depends on how much of a gentleman he is.   After finishing, she steps back out and picks up the climbing bag while handing the other to Monique.  "Thank you dear.  I will not be much longer here.  I am thinking of using the flat for a meeting afterwards, so please make some arrangements for refreshments."  She glances at John, "And have them include some good scotch or bourbon.  And thank you so much for bringing this out; you really are a dear."

Monique nods and smiles before turning to leave.  She gives John a wink as she walks back to the car park and the Mirage.

[trv123]

Seeing that the others had the investigation well in hand, Calico had decided to continue wandering about the grounds, looking for details that might otherwise have been overlooked. She knew it was a longshot, but there was little else for her to do, and anyway it got her out of their hair and allowed her to enjoy the majesty and grandeur of the temple. Having found nothing of note, she got the message indicating that it was time for the group to reconvene.

<Got nothing here, was following an astral trace but it turned out to be a dead end. Headed back now.>

[skulldixon]

Good timing. I was just finishing up in here

Kumiho logoff the temples host and waited at the front gates on the bench he had been sitting at the whole time. Around him is watched with noticing eyes the elegant beauty of the garden's Feng Shui design and the pleasant smells of the plants and the sound of the water as it pored from one small pool into another. It was sad to think that this was all marred by both the presence of the Triad and the recent deaths.

When Kumiho finally sees Tanya approaching, he slowly extracts himself from the bench and the tranquil feeling of the surrounding garden. When she is close enough he states with a placid smile in place,

How exactly does this climbing thing work? I've never done it before.

[Stoneglobe]

"Well a private planning room sounds fancy, not to mention useful, and if you're sure you won't mind the living equivalent of 'Dogs Playing Pool' messing up you're no doubt beautiful residence it would be a perfect place to reconvene."

Who is this woman? Private planning rooms, a personal maid, chauffeured limo on call. Best watch your step with her. She's obviously no need to run the shadows, if the pay we're getting for this is anything to go by, so why is she. Let's just hope she isn't some thrill seeker who'll end up getting us all killed, though she does seem more than competent so far.

Walking alongside Tanya I'm again struck by the calmness and serenity that surrounds the temple, touching everything, even after the horrors of last night. Arriving at the front gate to be greeted by Monique. Accepting Monique's hand, "A pleasure, though I'm sure it's all mine, to meet you Ms Monique. May I assist you with those bags?", before taking the larger of the two bags she is carrying as Tanya retrieves the smaller one and steps into the foliage. "What exactly do you take me for Ms Marisart, some sort of peeping Tom? Though I'm sure that imperfection and a description of yourself rarely, if ever, manage to be associated with each other." As I turn my back upon the scene unfolding between the leaves and branches.

Once Tanya exits the makeshift changing area I hand her the larger bag, "Yours I believe Tanya", with a smile. As Tanya mentions refreshments and scotch or bourbon I lean in "Single malt, preferably from one of the Isley distilleries if it's not too much of a presumption to ask," and give Tanya a quick wink.