Don't own Chuck

A week later after Quanzhou, Jian was still searching for Ettore. He'd first travelled to Lhasa and there he found he had just missed him. Ettore had taken on a new name and identity which made it more difficult for Jian to track him. Difficult yes but not impossible, finally an informant came forward with a tangible lead which led Jian to his current location, TribhuvanInternational Airport in Kathmandu.

"Are you here for business or pleasure," asked the Customs officer as he looked over Jian's fake passport and travel documents.

"A little bit of both. Now if you don't mind I'm in a hurry so can we get on with this," said Jian as he looked at his watch.

"I see you're in a hurry to get somewhere. Well these things take time you know. Here it says on your ticket you flew in on the Air China flight from Lhasa," said the Customs Officer reading Jian's ticket.

"That's right," said Jian. He purposely only gave the man short answers. If this was some sort of pre-interrogation he didn't want to show his hand.

"We don't get many visitors from Lhasa. It's usually the other way around people retracing the footsteps of Buddhism. You aren't thinking about climbing, are you? We're at the end of the monsoon season but there still are frequent down pours in some areas so you need to select you site carefully."

"I'm not going climbing," said Jian. "So there's no need to worry about that. Now can I be on my way. I'm a little tired and I'd like to get to my hotel."

"Yes, yes just one thing you said that you were here for both business and pleasure can you explain that better? You're not going climbing so why are you here?"

"I'm here to visit with an old friend who's living outside the city. Actually, it's like you said I'm retracing the spread of Buddhism backwards from China, Tibet, Nepal and into India if necessary. That will depend if I can meet up with my friend which is why I'm in a hurry."

"I see well welcome to Nepal," said the office as he stamped Jian's passport then handed it back to him. "If you publish your findings speak kindly about our country. We need all the tourists we can get after the earthquake."

"Always," said Jian as he quickly gathered his things then exited the airport. Outside of the airport he grabbed the first cab he could find. "Take me to the Hotel Ambassador," he said to the driver as he got in.

They took off from the airport then drove around the ring road. The taxi driver took Jian the long way around to the hotel to add to the fare. But Jian didn't care he sat in the back looking out the window but not looking at anything. He was tired of chasing Ettore around but couldn't go home until his mission was done. He hadn't checked in with Wang since he'd left for fear he'd yank him home and for some strange reason the minister hadn't tried to call him.

"Yes, you must be in the doghouse," Jian said to himself. "If the Emperor hasn't called you to see where you're at or asked how things are going then you're in it deep. He might even be trying to put some of the blame on you. Not that he wouldn't try something like that. No, you need Ettore to bail your bacon out of the fire."

"We're here sir," said the Taxi driver as he pulled up outside the Ambassador. It was a modern looking hotel situated in the middle of the touristy area of Kathmandu but better it was a place he could blend in and go unnoticed. He paid the cab then walked inside the hotel walking across the foyer he went up to the receptionist.

"Good even sir," said the smiling Clerk from behind the counter. She looked cheerful and polite; however, what wasn't polite were the two men in black sitting in the lobby behind him. "How can I help you?" she said.

"I have a reservation. Tommy Chow is the name," said Jian as he handed the woman his passport smiling at her. But all the while he kept track of the two men in the mirror behind the woman.

"Yes, I have your reservation here it's for a deluxe room with balcony. It says you plan on staying with us for a week and your room is pre-paid. I just need to make a copy of your passport then I can issue you your room key card."

"Thank you. Oh, can you also check to see if there's a package for me? My people were supposed to send me something."

"Let me make this copy and I'll check," said the Woman as she disappeared into the back. The men in black were still sitting in their seats but he noticed one of them was looking him over. He wondered if they weren't DMI, the Directorate of Military Intelligence, the Nepalese version of their MSS.

"Yes sir, there is a package for you," said the woman as she came back to the counter and handed him a padded envelope along with his key card and passport. "I hope you enjoy your stay with us."

"I do too," said Jian as he took everything from her then headed towards the elevators. In the chrome finish around the elevator door he noticed the two men were getting up but they weren't following him, at least not right away. They were probably calling in they'd made contact and asking for instruction.

"You need to do your disappearing act," he said to himself as he opened the envelope and took out a type 64 with an extra clip and silencer. The pistol he slipped in his belt under his jacket while he pocketed the extra clip and silencer.

Jian went straight for his room once inside he took a quick shower then changed out into clothes he could blend in with. He checked his weapon then put it in a shoulder holster he'd put on then he grabbed his jacket and went to the balcony. He'd picked this room in particular because there was a drain pipe that ran down next to it. It was connected to the balcony to catch run off water when it rained.

"Now to disappear," he said as he climbed over the balcony. A few minutes later he was down the drain pipe and gone into the evening crowd.

Jian mingled with the other tourists that were out on the town. The Kumari Jatra chariot festival was coming to end. The three chariots carrying human representations of the deities Ganesh, Bhairava and Kumari accompanied by musical bands were pulled through Kathmandu. The procession had started at around three but was now drawing to an end making it easier for Jian to make his escape. He wondered how the DMI knew where to look for him.

"Someone had to have sold you out," he said to himself as he hailed down a taxi. "That had to be it. it was the only way unless they canvased all the tourist hotels looking to see who'd show up." He had to admit to himself that was possible too.

"Where to," asked the Taxi driver as Jian got in. The Taxi driver looked over Jian and thought he'd make out well. "There's a big party in the center if you want to go there. But we'll have to drive around town and come in the other way," said the driver as he smiled at Jian in the rearview.

"No, I don't want to go to a party," said Jian. He handed the man a piece of paper. "I want to go here."

"But this is in Lumbinī... you don't understand that's a five-hour drive from here. Ten hours to go and come back not counting the time you spend there. If I take you I won't get any more fares for the rest of the evening or night for that matter. I have a family to think about. I'm sorry but I can't do this..."

"Here," said Jian as he tossed the man a wade of money. "That's half I'll pay you that much more when we return. It should be enough to buy another piece of garbage car like this. Now drive and keep quite."

"Sure, but it's a long drive and I might get bored. It would be better if I could talk to you… you know to help me stay awake."

"If you have to talk to someone talk to yourself just do it in silence," said Jian as he looked out the window at the people in their brightly colored clothes. "You people make more noise than a Cantonese funeral."

"It's a festival what do you expect? People are celebrating... How do people celebrate in your country? They sit in their homes and be quite read?"

"We work. We don't have time for all this superstition. I thought I told you to keep quiet… look I'm tired and I'd prefer not to get pissed so do what you've been paid to do… drive."

"Sure, no problem, but I bet you're a barrel of laughs in the office," mumbled the driver as they left the city limits past the circle road then headed east towards Thapathok.

Jian continued looking out the window staring off into nowhere thinking about walking into the Ettore's hideout and pumping him full of lead then getting out but he couldn't do that no matter how much he'd like to. The minister had been adamant he wanted Ettore taken alive. So, he had to come up with another plan but pumping him full of lead could always be his plan B.

"How much room have you got in the boot?" asked Jian. The question caught the driver off guard. He looked up at Jian in the mirror. "Don't worry I'm not talking about shoving you in it," he said even if the thought had crossed his mind but Jian didn't feel like driving.

"I don't know I've put three large suitcases in it once when it was empty. Now I've got a tool box and a few other things back there. But for the right about I can ditch all that."

"Let's keep that as an option but keep the spare tire for when we get to where we're going," said Jian. "So, if he got Ettore in the trunk, they could in theory drive to the border where he could turn Ettore over to his people but he'd have to get him past the Nepalese border guards first.

"That would require coordination from the other side," he said to himself as he pulled out his phone. "No, no don't call the minister until you've got the bird in your hand. The last thing you need to do is have to call him and tell him Ettore got away after you told him you were about to grab him. That would be a rookie mistake and one that would cost you dearly."

They proceeded down the dusty road passing through town after town but Jian wasn't looking at the sights. Something in the back of his head was bothering him. Why hadn't Wang called him? This was the longest he could remember that the minister hadn't called to find out what was going on and to threaten him. He hated to admit to himself but he was almost worried that something was wrong with the minister.

"Don't you dare call him," he told himself. The Taxi driver looked at Jian sitting in the back talking to himself wondering if his passenger wasn't all right in the head.

"Did you say something," said the driver as he pulled off the road. "Before you get nervous back there I need to get petrol. This thing doesn't operate on air. You might want to get out and stretch your legs while I'm filling up."

"The longer you screw around the longer it is before we can start make home," said Jian. He decided to spring the drive to the border after they had Ettore in the trunk. No use making his friend any more nervous that he already was.

They pulled up at the pumps in a gas station in the middle of nowhere. Jian and the driver got out but Jian reached in and took the keys.

"Just in case you were thinking about leaving me behind," said Jian as he pocketed them. "You don't need these to fill up and I'd top off if I were you so we don't have to make any more stops."

"Thanks for the advice on how to do my job," said the driver as he started filling his car. "You know you never told me what you do for a living."

Jian just walked over to the block building next to the pumps. Inside was an old woman sitting next to a stove trying to keep warm.

"Where are the facilities? Are they out back and do I need a key or something?" The old woman looked at him like he was crazy. "Lady, I asking where's the loo?" he said louder.

"You don't need to yell, I can hear you just find. What do you think I am deaf just because I'm old? There isn't anyone here to see you so find a spot and go just don't go into the wind or you'll get yourself wet but you should be old enough to know that. I have to tell you that because I don't know what you young people know these days."

"Thanks, I think," said Jian as he started to walk away but he heard the old woman talking behind him.

"You young people, act like you know everything but you don't know anything. When you get as old as these mountains then you might know something but until then you don't know squat."

Soon they were back on the road and an hour later they were pulling into the city limits of Lumbinī. Jian wasn't happy but the driver had to stop and get directions to the place Jian wanted to go to. There was a man on the corner selling newspapers and drinks who told him where to go but only after Jian bought two drinks. However, considering they hadn't eaten it was better than nothing.

"Okay, no more stops," said Jian. "Now let's go there and let me get this taken care of then we can all go home."

"All right there's no need in getting nervous and grumpy. I know where I have to go now and it's not that far from here."

The driver drove through some narrow streets and allies before everything opened up into a small square with a Buddhist pagoda at one end with brightly colored strips of fabric on strips that went from it to the buildings around the square. The place was quiet with no one insight not even a stray dog in the street. Jian wasn't sure what he'd expected but this wasn't it.

"Wait for me here," said Jian as he stepped out of the cab. "Pop the boot and keep the motor running. I won't be long inside." Jian didn't wait to hear what the driver had to say he just went straight into the temple with his weapon down by his side.

Inside the temple was dark with just a few candles burning. He'd forgotten how late it was so naturally everyone was asleep. How was he supposed to find Ettore in the dark? Where would he start looking? Was he going to have to wake up someone threaten them with his weapon pointed in their face? But before he had to resort to that he spotted someone who looked like Ettore with a shaved head in one of the cubicles working diligently on a Mandala. The man had a straw with which he was slowly applying colored sand to his work. As Jian drew closer he recognized it as being a variant on the sketch they'd found on the boat and the man was definitely Ettore.

"What happened to you," said Jian as he circulated around coming up on Ettore from behind. "The saffron robes and shaved head don't fool me. This is a scam plain and simple."

"Do I know you," said Ettore as he turned around to face Jian. "I feel I ought to know you but I can't place you."

"In another life," said Chuck as he came out of the shadows behind Jian. "That's lovely work. Too bad you have to destroy it when you're done."

"It's a part of the circle of life. The beginning can only be understood in the end. The wheel of life is constantly turning."

"I'm not buying that you suddenly found religion. This is you hiding out and laying low until the heat dies down. But I hate to break it to you it's not."

"You sound upset with me. If I'm the cause of that anger and suffering I'm sorry. But I don't know what you're talking about. Now, if you'll excuse me I have to get back to work. I'm trying to finish this before dawn."

"And I suppose you want to tell me how I can get enlightened too so I can break this cycle of suffering and rebirth."

"I cannot tell you how to obtain enlightenment because in the moment I tell it is not that. I point to the moon for you to see and you look only at my finger. If anything is certain if someone tells you what you need to do to become enlightened that it is not. Words are like fences used to corral wild horses. Once you've box a wild horse in, it stops being wild. If you follow the eight-fold path and meditate on the four noble truths then you might find the peace you are looking for but the peace will come from within."

"I've got your peace right here," said Jian as he raised his weapon. "This is my piece and it will give you eternal peace."

"You cannot kill me you may only kill my body then I'm reborn again to start a new life and maybe this time I can get it right. So, go ahead and shoot I just ask that we do this outside not to disrupt the peace and tranquility within these walls." Jian studied Ettore's face. He never batted an eye looking down his barrel.

"You really do believe what you're saying," said Jian. "But I don't understand how's that..." he stopped talking suddenly. "The glasses... this was caused by the glasses."

"Let's take this outside," said Chuck as he shoved a pistol barrel into Jian's back and relieved him on his piece. "So long Lotus Blossom."

"You should come back at dawn and see this when it's done. Crap, desire got me again. I'm never going to make it if I keep breaking the four noble truths."

"Thank you, I'll see what I can do," said Chuck as he laughed. "I'm sure you'll find your way. Come on Jian. You have some friends waiting for you."

Chuck took Jian outside and in the court yard they found the men Jian had thought were DMI with others.

"I'll take him from here," said Henry Woo as he stepped through the men. "Jian, you're coming with me back home."

"Woo, you're working with the Americans. You traitor. Inside is Ettore LaBarba. You arrest him and this American and we can go home as heroes. The Minister will treat us like royalty and he'll overlook your friendship with Tien. We can call this a little misunderstanding."

"Oh, there's no misunderstanding here. Your Minister Wang had a heart attack a week ago and conveniently escaped a formal investigation. You're not going to be so lucky."

"Then if Wang is dead who's the Minister now?" Chuck and Woo smiled at him. "Oh no, don't tell me it's Tien?"

"No, not Tien... Ambassador Sheng has taken over running the MSS for now but I think it will become permanent soon. Tien is his executive assistant. Take him away," said Woo.

"No, you've got to listen to me. Ettore is inside. If you don't believe me got inside and look... go inside," yelled Jian as they dragged him away.

"Chuck, What Jian said about Ettore being inside is it true? What will I find if I go inside? Will I find this Ettore person?"

"You will find a monk diligently at work making a Mandala only to destroy it at dawn then start to make another one only to destroy it tomorrow at dawn and so on and so on. The Ettore you're looking for doesn't exist anymore. He went away on that boat in the Pearl River delta."

"That's good enough for me and Tien told me to tell you that you owe him a pair of sunglasses."

"Here you can give him mine," said Chuck as he handed him his pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers. "Tell him he can wear these without having to worry about his brains being scrambled. He'll know what I mean."

Woo left taking all his men with him along with Jian. Out from the shadows came a familiar face. Chuck smiled on seeing her.

"It's time for you mister to come home. Everything is done here and we've got a little girl to get ready for school."

"Yes, it's over but there is one last thing I'd like to do and I want to share this with you," he said as he took her hand and kissed her. "Come with me. Let's see Lotus Blossom's Mandala finished before he destroys it."

[Some years ago]

In a forest jungle, a group of rebels set camp in a stinking hell hole. The group had two American prisoners with them who they tied to a tree so they wouldn't run away. The group's leader went over to interrogate them while the rest set up camp.

"When our leader gets here you're going to be in a world of hurt. I know one of you is a CIA pig so why don't you tell me which one it is? I promise we'll go east on you."

"It's him... it's him. I'm just here to teach English. I signed up for the Peace Corps to help your people out. I don't know anything about the CIA. Look you've got to believe me."

"I do and I thank you for my people," said the man. He pulled out a Tokarev TT-33 and put a round through the man's head. "That's me going easy. Now for you Mister CIA pig."

"The name is Roan Montgomery and I wish you could move me over to another tree. This one isn't very comfortable."

"Men did you hear that? The man says this tree isn't very comfortable and wants to be moved. Mister you've got some cajones and if you want to keep them you should keep quiet. Do you know where you are?"

"I'm right where I wanted to be unlike my friend here next to me. I'm here to sit down with your El Jefe and have a sit down. We have somethings to discuss."

"And what makes you think Rosenda wants to talk to a pig like you," said the man as he pulled out his bowie knife next Roan's throat.

"Because sometimes it's fun to roll in the mud." The man got angry Roan hadn't counted on the man having feeling for his target. Then suddenly the man fell over as brain and blood splattered all over him. All the rebels began to drop.

"No, no, no," yelled Roan. "Who's responsible for this? Who had the itchy trigger finger?"

"That would be our Lieutenant," said a Major as he walked in out of the underbrush with his squad. "You can tell Colonel Beckman we found her man," radioed the Major.

"I was about to meet the rebel leader and put a face on her. I had this and I didn't need the cavalry charging over the hill... at least not yet. Well this is a bust and I was so close."

"It looked like you were getting close to glory," said the Major as he undid Roan's robes. "But if it's any consolation I never gave the order to engage. Our hotshot Lieutenant did this all on his own and he and our Colonel are going to have to have a sit down about his continued deployment with special ops. And speaking of Colonels, a Colonel Beckman wants you to get in touch with her right away."

"Diane, she wants me to go back to Berlin. No offense but Major but the accommodations are better."

"Continued in Chuck vs the Pirates of the Caribbean"