Nor did the spoiled upper-class activists with whom he secretly consorted… and whose national reform movement he was helping to fund.
He was a narcissistic dabbler, interested in gratifying his own conceits, and would leap for the safety net of privilege if the consequences of his actions overtook him.
'Sawasdee. My place isn't nearly as well appointed as Kersik's residence, but, as a humble exile and outsider, it's the best I can do.'
This from Khao Luan himself. Seated at the head of the table, he raised his hands in the traditional Thai greeting, palms together as if in prayer, his fingertips just below his nose to indicate familiarity. On their previous meetings, Zhiu noted, he had steepled his hands lower and closer to his chest — the stranger's wai.
The significance of the gesture was not lost on Zhiu, and it admittedly distressed him… for was a man not measured in large part by his associations? Still, he returned it without hesitation. The time for misgivings was long past. And corrupt as his occupation might be, the Thai was without pretense and worthy of respect.
'Please,' Luan said, indicating an empty chair on his right. 'Make yourself comfortable.'
Zhiu went over to the table and regarded him carefully. Round and balding, Luan had a smooth wide forehead, bow-shaped lips, and a light mustache and chin beard. His cheekbones were perfectly flat and covered with soft, shiny pads of flesh. He sat with his chair pushed back from the table, his short-sleeved batik shirt hanging out over his waist sash, straining at the seams around his big stomach, and unbuttoned at the collar to reveal a thick ring of Hmong silver. There were dark blotches of perspiration on his chest and under his arms.
'The American,' Zhiu said, lowering himself into his chair. 'Where is he?'
Luan nodded toward the door in the right wall.
'My friend Xiang and his sea wolves are keeping a close eye on him.'
'Has he told you anything?'
Luan was silent a moment before replying.
'He's been, ah, unable to communicate this morning, but I expect he'll be coming around shortly,' he said. 'Maybe then we'll all learn what we want to know.'
Zhiu darted a surprised glance across the table at General Kersik. 'He was captured, what, four days ago?'
Kersik brought his head up and down, a slow nod.
'He's a tough one,' he said.
'No need to be concerned, we'll get what we want out of him soon enough,' Luan said. He smiled thinly. 'The White Lady has her ways.'
Zhiu raised his eyebrows. 'Heroin?'
'They've scarcely been apart since we introduced him to her yesterday,' Luan said. 'She'll charm him into talking.'
'It is barbaric.'
'It is necessary,' Kersik said. 'And preferable to some alternatives.'
'As our prisoner should conclude for himself before too long,' Luan said.
They were quiet. Zhiu found himself staring at the enormous pirate. He seemed somehow to exist in his own space, immovable and dangerous, his calm unfeeling eyes those of a Mesozoic creature poised to strike.
'What I think ought to worry us is the woman,' Nga said.
Zhiu shifted his attention to him. 'Chu, is that her name?'
'Kirsten Chu. She's dropped out of sight. And there's no telling what she's discovered about our involvement with Monolith, or what sort of proof she's taken with her. A tremendous amount of information could have been routed through her division of the company.'
'I assume we have people looking for her in Singapore?'
'And elsewhere,' Luan said.
'Still,' Nga said. 'It could hurt us badly if the Americans learn of—'
'I've been trying to reassure Nga that he's jumping ahead of things,' Kersik interrupted. 'Let's stay with what we know. This could have been a case of industrial espionage, having nothing to do with us.'
'She's repeatedly accessed Monolith's most sensitive financial databases from her office computer terminal. Made dozens of telephone calls to the UpLink groundstation in Johor.. and probably many more that can't be traced because they went to a secure line,' Nga said. 'Are you suggesting that we simply forget about her?'
'You really must try to become a more receptive listener,' Kersik said. 'Without the American to guide her, it's likely she won't know where to turn, or what to do with any documentation she might have. Probably she'll surface on her own. If not, we'll eventually find her.' He motioned toward Zhiu Sheng with a slow, gliding wave of his hand. 'Let us put speculation aside, and get to the point of why our comrade has traveled here.'
Zhiu nodded slightly. Despite his equable manner, Kersik was looking hard at him.
'I've brought positive news,' he said. 'Those I represent are prepared to supply whatever munitions you require. The high-speed boats will be more difficult to obtain, but should also be forthcoming.'
'And the landing craft?'
'You'll have to settle for fewer than requested.'
'How many?'
'Three, perhaps four.'
Kersik pinched the bridge of his nose. 'The assault rifles, they've never been fired?'
Zhiu knew he was thinking about their integrated silencers, which quickly became ineffective with use.
'They are factory-new Type 85's.'
Kersik continued to look thoughtful. 'We must be guaranteed prompt delivery. As you know, our window of opportunity is quite small.'
'Any date we agree upon will be firm,' Zhiu said. 'You have my word.'
Kersik drew a long breath.
'I'm concerned about how the reduced number of watercraft will effect our invasion capabilities,' he said. 'It means revising the entire operational plan.'
'Perhaps not as drastically as you might think. The attack boats are heavily armed. And the amphibious craft can be refitted to hold larger complements. Insofar as available manpower, there would likely be no difference at all. If you want me to go over the specific modifications—'
'Later,' Kersik said. He hadn't taken his eyes off Zhiu's face. 'Your government. What is its position toward our venture?'
'Officially, nothing is known of it.'
'And speaking practically?'
'I can tell you there will be no opposition at any level,' Zhiu said, selecting his words with utmost care.
Kersik nodded with satisfaction.
'Yes,' he said. 'That much is good news.'
Zhiu let his eyes roam around the table.
'I hope, then,' he said, 'that none of you will object to the terms of payment.'
Luan pursed his lips, reacting with predictable wariness.
'Which are?' he said.
'I'm obliged to require the full sum in advance.'
'What?' Nga said, his eyes flashing incredulously. 'You can't be serious.'
Zhiu remained very still.
'We are asking for a great deal on short notice,' he said. 'The suppliers have expenditures of their own. It is reasonable for them to expect hard currency in return for the risks they are taking.'
'And what of our risks?' Nga said in a tight voice. 'I've done much for you and the Zhongnanhai you represent. My bank's international position could be irreparably damaged if things go wrong.'
'That is very much appreciated. But, regrettably, this isn't a situation in which my superiors can barter off a portion of the cost, or make any other concessions.'
Nga bridled. 'Forgive me, Zhiu, but it sounds to me as if you're offering up excuses for PLA profiteers. How can you expect us to—?'
'Enough,' Kersik interjected. 'I understand your frustration, Nga. But we are compelled by certain exigencies, and must acknowledge that our needs are rather special.' He glanced at Luan. 'What do you say?'
