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Act XVII: White Bishop

Returning to Athens didn't take as long as it would have from Australia. Locke and I arrived via private jet at the airport within a few hours, then proceeded back to Chess headquarters. Danath Gaul was awaiting our arrival at the entrance. His expression seemed somewhat grim.

"That's not exactly a pretty picture. What happened this time, Danath?"

Danath glared at me intensely.

"We need to do something about you-know-who."

I mentally uh oh'ed.

"What did he do this time?"

Danath sighed.

"I sent him to investigate a mess in Africa. In typical Dominic fashion, he not only lost his partner, but he returned asking a question that you may not like. Evidently, he ran into someone who asked him why he had returned this time. So, he returned to ask me when he had been there before."

I glanced at Locke wordlessly, then back to Danath.

"What did you tell him?"

Danath glanced toward the elevator.

"I told him that we had an agent disguised to appear to be him to fool an old adversary. He seemed to buy it. But I'm not sure he did buy it."

Locke spoke up now.

"Where is Dominic now, mate?"

Danath grinned.

"A were owl sighting cropped up in Germany. No one wanted to team up with Dominic, so I sent him alone to investigate it. I dread what will happen when he returns. We need to decide something about him."

I hummed. Danath was right. Dominic was becoming a serious Chess risk. One Tanner in Chess was trouble enough. But two Tanners in Chess was too much. And the fact that the other agents didn't want to work with Dominic seemed to verify this fact. Fortunately, thanks to my trip to the future, I knew what to do and what to say.

"Danath, I think it is time for Dominic to return to the United States. First thing we do is send out a message to all of the bunkers throughout Europe to inform Dominic that Chess has disbanded due to a mass loss of agents in the Nile delta region. We strand him wherever he is, then arrange for him to win a lottery so he can not only return to the United States, but be able to live comfortably, as a near-millionaire. Once he's established in the United States, you'll recontact him and tell him that the disbanding was a prefabricated story to get him based in the United States to carry on Chess' work there. He'll believe it because he'll be able to see the logic in having Chess in the United States secretly. PSI tends to get a little too big for it's britches, so Chess needs to be there to help them out occasionally."

Both Danath and Locke seemed to be in shock. I could tell Danath liked the way I thought. Danath started grinning, as he patted my shoulder.

"Well done, Jansen. Or should I say, White Bishop Jansen. And to make this plan more believable, when I contact Dominic later, I'll promote him to White Bishop, as well. That way, if he should happen to return to Athens for some reason, he'll see the title White Bishop on his door. You're a pure genius, Jansen! I was at wit's end and you came up with the idea to get Dominic under control. Locke, escort Jansen down to supplies and choose out a nice White Bishop's jacket for him. Then... take some time off in the city. By tomorrow, I am sure I'll have another mission for our star agent."

Locke grinned and escorted me down to supplies to get me a new jacket. I gladly removed the Black Bishop jacket and slid the White Bishop jacket unto my arms. I grinned at Locke and he grinned back. We then proceeded off into the city to celebrate my promotion. Hanging out with beautiful female tourists was only the beginning of our fun. By that evening, we had a nice dinner at Nicodemus' Tavern, then later, we played some billiards in the Chess recreation room.

The next morning, I found myself, alone, standing in Danath Gaul's office awaiting my next mission. Danath was late to arrive, but appeared to in a much better mood.

"Good morning, Jansen. I apologize for being late, but I had to make sure that the Dominic arrangements were taken care of. Now, on to business. I have an unusual treat for you. Ever been to Japan?"

I blinked my eyes.

"Japan? Not yet. Is that where you're sending me?"

Danath smiled.

"Yes, it is. Do you know what a ki-rin is?"

I hummed, thinking back to my studies.

"A ki-rin is a species of the air and wind that resembles the cross between a unicorn and a dragon. Their coats are luminous gold, much like the sunrise on a clear day. Their mane and tail are darker gold. Their horn and hooves are golden pink, while their eyes are violet. Ki-rin are aerial creatures whose hooves rarely touch the earth, preferring to dwell amongst the clouds and behind the winds. Females are almost never encountered, and ki-rin are always solitary. They sometimes aid humans if properly abjured or the need to combat evil is great. They sometimes travel the astral and ethereal planes of reality. They are apt magic users, and have unrecorded psionic capacity. They speak their own language, yet can speak mentally to all living creatures, at will. Did I miss anything?"

Danath smiled.

"Well remembered, Jansen. I see our classes did not go to waste on you. Yes, that is a ki-rin. Lord Oh-Kuni-Raiden Amakami contacted our Chess bunker in Tokyo, requesting that one of our most trusted agents be sent to assist him in a matter of grave importance. He was vague on the details, but it was clear that he needs our help. I want you to go there immediately. White King Shou Tung at the Tokyo bunker will direct you further once you arrive in Japan. Good luck."

And that was that. I was soon on board the private jet en route to Tokyo, Japan. I wasn't sure what would transpire there, but Danath had faith in me. A real ki-rin. My first ki-rin. I knew that I had to do my best in the ki-rin's presence and not make Chess look bad. While making the trip, I brushed up on my Japanese in preparation for my presentation.

When my jet arrived in Tokyo, I picked up my luggage and hailed a taxi cab. As I was loading up the taxi, I was approached by a well-dressed New England gentleman.

"Pardon me, but may I share your taxi, please?"

I turned to face the man and smiled.

"Of course. Where are you heading in Tokyo?"

The New England gentleman stood at around five foot ten inches tall, with short brown hair, hazel eyes, and having a fairly handsome appearance. He currently wore a buttoned black shirt under a brown leather jacket, blue jeans with a black leather belt, and designer track shoes. On his right wrist was a weird tattoo of a runic dragon design. On a silvered chain attached to his jacket pocket was an Old World styled pocket watch, with the same weird runic design.

"I am headed for the Kasaki Dojo on business. From your garb, I would assume that you are with the famed Chess organization. It is always a privilege to meet another of your kind in the field. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Sam Murdock, a transitional investigator. I am often employed by financial firms and government agencies, as well as by private investors. It is my job to track down people who have changed locations and lifestyles in an attempt to skip out on an owed debt. The case I am currently working on is to locate a young man who borrowed thousands of U.S. dollars from a San Francisco banking firm, then fled the country without repaying the lenders. My sources revealed that he came here."

I blinked my eyes.

"Did you say Sam Murdock? Did you attend college at some point at the University of Phoenix?"

Sam smiled.

"Yes, I did. Say... do I know you from there?"

I grinned.

"You should, but back then when James, Canon and I were solving mysteries, you had your nose stuffed into dragon mythology manuals."

Sam laughed.

"Jansen Tanner! So you made it into Chess... This is a surprise! What brings Chess to Tokyo, Japan?"

I finished loading my luggage into the taxi, then Sam and I got inside and got underway. As we rode, I continued our discussion.

"I guess I do owe you that much. I was sent here to aid a ki-rin who specifically asked for Chess' help in some matter."

Sam grinned slyly.

"They are part dragon, aren't they? Do you think I could tag along? You know my love of dragons and other scaly species. I can never get enough."

I hummed.

"This is a matter of honor and respect, Sam. Though it is funny... through all the weird things I have met in the field, I have never encountered a dragon."

Sam also hummed.

"If I promise to be good, can I come along? Please? Pretty please? It's a ki-rin, Jansen... when will I ever get a chance to see another?"

I looked at Sam.

"What about the case you're working on? That person might slip away while you're ogling a ki-rin lord."

Sam chuckled.

"Come on, Jansen. Ever since college, I've been wanting to meet a real live dragon. But I've just never gotten lucky enough to be in the right places at the right times. Can't you let me come along just this once? True, it isn't a full dragon, but maybe this lord can tell me how I can find one. When have I ever asked you for anything like this before? Please?"

I sat back in my seat.

"Sam, I am here on requested Chess business. I really shouldn't bring a civilian along..."

I noticed Sam frowning.

"...but I guess I can allow you to come along this time."

Sam cheered with glee, then settled back down into a more respectable appearance.

"Forgive me. It's just that I really want to meet a dragon and a ki-rin might be the best way for me to finally get a clue as to how to meet one. So naturally, I am a little excited."

I chuckled.

"I have long since learned that you should guard yourself well when dealing with powerful mythical beings. This is good advice to take to heart."

Sam hummed and remained silent for the rest of the drive to the local Chess bunker. I wasn't sure why fate chose to have me bump into Sam Murdock here in Japan, but another thing I had long since learned was that you didn't tempt fate. You accepted whatever you were given. However, I was soon to have another surprise encounter here in Tokyo.

When Sam and I checked into the Chess bunker, I was surprised to see the second surprise awaiting me. Standing at the main desk was Sheridan "Shane" Wayne. I chuckled.

"Shane! Why are you here?"

Shane turned to me and laughed.

"I had to rescue a White Rook from a nasty spot on one of the other islands. I hope they can get him changed back into a human..."

Sam and I both blinked our eyes at that statement. I proceeded to question Shane.

"What did he get changed into?"

Shane grinned.

"A turtle. A non-morphic turtle. If I hadn't witnessed the transformation, he'd likely have been trapped out there all alone as a turtle. And before you ask... he got changed by a wu`jen. An oriental mage who is local to Japan."

Sam whoa'ed.

"So transformations are possible?"

I nodded my head.

"That's right, Sam. It happens all the time. Though usually, when you encounter someone with the power to cause it, they don't always give you the change you want. You usually end up as something you really don't want to be, and more usually, without the capability to speak."

Sam made a sour face.

"Oh. I'd only want to be a dragon, if anything."

I turned to Shane.

"Where are you heading after Japan?"

Shane grinned.

"Gotta go help my brother run the ranch. And keep an eye on Dominic. He is in Rocky Falls, Missouri, now. All of your sisters think that he's you. Want me to let the cat out of the bag?"

I gave Shane a very serious 'fire daggers' look.

"Not if you want to live a while longer, Shane. If Leia can't figure it out, she's not as smart as I always believed her to be."

Shane just laughed and swore he wouldn't tell my sisters the truth. Then, I checked in with White King Shou Tung to be briefed on my mission to see ki-rin lord, Oh-Kuni-Raiden Amakami. Sam waited quietly, listening to my briefing, though not truly understanding all that was being conveyed to me. Soon, Sam and I were in a Chess jeep heading out of Tokyo toward Ki-rin Gate.

When we arrived there, I received my third surprise. Gathered at a stone table in front of the gate was three individuals. The first individual appeared to be a male Japanese teenager with long black hair, braided in the back, wearing a simple white kimono and wooden togs. The second individual looked to be a female dressed in the fashion of a Tibetan shaman. She had long golden hair draped over both shoulders, and wore rings on the fingers of both hands. The third individual stood at about five foot nine inches tall and weighed about 155 pounds. He had blonde hair, green eyes, and naturally tanned skin. He currently wore the clothes of an arch mage, with a silver-lined black cloak over that. The three were studying an ancient scroll map, though only the Japanese teenager noticed our arrival.

When Sam and I got close enough to the three, I blinked my eyes yet again. The third individual was someone I was familiar with. My buddy, Mark Jolson, had told me about this person. It was a surprise to encounter him in Japan.

"Valerian Mouse, I presume."

Valerian turned his gaze to the two of us. When he saw my White Bishop jacket, he sighed and rolled his eyes up at the sky. When he once again focused upon me, he placed his hands on his hips.

"Oh lovely! An agent of Chess... I have permission to be in Japan. Can't you Chess people leave me alone?"

I smiled.

"Mark has only said good things about you, Valerian. I can assure you that our paths crossing here is a mere coincidence. I am on another assignment, at the moment. I am Jansen Tanner."

The Tibetan lady lifted her gaze and focused on me.

"So you are. Strange that Dominic Vanlyone claims to be Jansen Tanner. Yet here you stand."

I irked when she said that.

"You've met Dominic? Then I better explain what's going on there so you don't get the two of us mixed up."

And I revealed the whole mess to their group. The three listened quietly then Valerian relaxed a bit.

"Dominic is currently setting up his mansion and beginning to examine the documents that I sent him. As for myself, my friends and I are tracking down an oni demon lord who has captured a few people. Let it be known that powerful mages and such are needed in this particular case. What brings you to this spot?"

I smiled, glancing towards the Ki-rin Gate.

"I have an appointment with a ki-rin lord. He has asked Chess for aid and I am the one who was sent to lend this aid. What he wants exactly, I cannot say. I do not know."

Valerian eyed Sam.

"And what about your companion?"

I turned to look at Sam.

"Sam Murdock accompanied me to ask the ki-rin lord about possibly providing a clue so that Sam could finally meet a real live dragon. Sam has been wanting to meet one since he was a boy. I told him how dangerous such a request could be, but he is undeterred, and seeks this knowledge anyway."

Sam nodded his head.

The Japanese teenager spoke up at this point.

"I can give Sam what he seeks."

Everyone, including me, turned to look at the youth. He continued.

"I am Kwy-saugi Raeyu, a Stellar Dragon. While my two friends are powerful mages, I am a dragon, though I may not appear to be one, at the moment. Tell me Sam, why you seek to meet dragons?"

Sam finally spoke up.

"I want to study them, learn from them to see if all the things I've ever read about them were true, and possibly much later, if allowed, become a dragon."

Raeyu smiled and laughed.

"As if Thermo didn't have it off bad enough. You should talk to Thermo before you think about becoming a dragon. Not everyone can become one."

I whispered toward Sam.

"Think before you leap, old friend."

Sam evidently wasn't listening to me.

"When can I meet him?"

Valerian turned to Raeyu.

"Why don't you take Sam back to your Connecticut estate, explain to the others why you brought him, then come back and rejoin us for our oni hunt. We can wait on you."

Raeyu smiled.

"Thank you, Valerian. I will do this. Sam? I can take you now, if you wish."

Sam turned to me and smiled.

"We must part company here, old buddy. You know me... I can't pass up this opportunity! I just simply -have- to meet some dragons. I just have to."

I nodded my head.

"Okay, Sam. You run along and meet your dragons. But don't expect me to wait on you. I'm on a schedule. Though, I may lend my aid to Valerian later, if he wishes it."

Sam nodded his head, then he and Raeyu held hands, vanishing from view.

Valerian nodded to me.

"Your offer is appreciated, Jansen. But you mustn't keep the ki-rin waiting. If you finish before Raeyu returns, you can aid us."

I nodded my head and invoked the gate's power. Then, I strode through for my appointment with the ki-rin lord.

---

She smiled as she finished reading this section.

"He certainly does try to warn people about the dangers in the world."

She grabbed a pillow and placed it in her chair for comfort, then sat down on it once again.

"Someone needs to warn Pamela about some of those guys she's been dating. In my opinion, they are far more dangerous than an unwanted transformation."

She sat in her computer chair once again and resumed reading Jansen's agent history.

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