The Kasparov Agenda (Omega Ops Legion Book 1) (16 page)

“Welcome to the temple.” Akira shook Peter and Bruce’s hands. Bruce was a bit unnerved that the warmth of Akira’s words did not meet his eyes.

“Bruce—Peter—you two will be sharing a room in the sleeping quarters adjacent to this training room. Akira will show you to your room—you can leave your backpacks there. It is a simple arrangement, providing a place to lay your head and keep your belongings.”

“That’s fine; the bare essentials are all I need,” Bruce replied. “Once we drop off our stuff, are we going to train like these guys?” Bruce asked excitedly, pointing to the five students Master Benny was instructing.

“That will all come soon enough.” Keion raised a finger. “But first, we shall eat!”

***

Bruce poked at his food reluctantly with a spoon. “When we were eating this stuff on the journey here, I thought it was some sort of quick fix travel food…” On his plate was a medley of steamed rice, mixed vegetables, and lentils.

“It’s actually not bad,” said Peter, after eating a spoonful. “I could get used to this.” Bruce, Peter, Akira, Keion, and Alastor were seated on a wooden picnic-style table bench in the temple dining hall.

“What I wouldn’t give for a piece of fried chicken,” Bruce muttered.

“Sorry, Bruce. In the temple it’s a strict vegetarian diet,” Alastor responded.

“Wait—don’t tell me...Legion members aren’t allowed to eat meat?”

Alastor chuckled. “We recommend it, and the temple cooks do not prepare meat dishes. But it’s not a mandatory prerequisite. There are plenty of voracious carnivores amongst our ranks. If you can catch something suitable for eating in the surrounding mountain wilderness, by all means.” Alastor winked. “But I think you would be better off enjoying this fine temple cuisine.”

Bruce tried some of the food. It was edible, but he didn’t care for it. “Is it really that bad to eat meat? I mean, it’s natural, isn’t it? Animals eat other animals for survival.”

Alastor stroked his beard. “Well, let me ask you this, Bruce. Do you have any pets?”

“No.”

“Would you enjoy having a pet?”

“I suppose. I’ve always liked dogs.”

Alastor nodded approvingly. “I as well. So, let’s suppose you had a dog. Would you consider having it for dinner?”

Bruce scoffed. “No, but that’s different. It’s my pet.”

“So then, would you consider eating a stray dog off the street, one that you had no emotional attachment with?”

Bruce paused a moment. “Err…well, no, not a dog.”

“So, what’s the distinction between a dog, or a cow, or a chicken? A pig? It seems to be an arbitrary one, if any. They’re all animals that live, breathe, think, and feel.” Bruce stared down at his plate. He had no answer. Alastor smiled. “But you are right, Bruce. Animals eat other animals for survival. We, however, have been given enough reason and intelligence to make a conscious decision to abstain from eating meat. And we have enough knowledge to be aware of how to properly nourish ourselves without the need to slay another living creature.”

Akira put down his spoon. “If your survival is dependent on the killing of other living creatures, then you’re nothing but a parasite that deserves to be wiped off the face of the earth.”

“We don’t cast judgements or speak with such malice,” Keion warned Akira sternly.

“I wasn’t talking to anyone specifically, just a general observation.” Akira returned to his meal.

Bruce stared. “Jeez, get a load of Mr. Sunshine,” Bruce whispered to Peter. “He says nothing all dinner and then comes out with that gem...”

***

Bruce and Peter washed up after dinner and returned to their room. It was a small room with a bunk bed and a small closet. Peter had won the rock-paper-scissors game for the top bunk and was already tuckered out and sleeping snugly. Bruce, on the other hand, found himself lying awake in his bed, going over the events of the past few days in his head. Alastor Moore had told them he was heading out that night to return back to England. Bruce found it surprising that Mr. Moore came all this way with them, only to leave on the same night, given the distance. It’s not like he could magically fly between the two countries on a whim. Bruce was half-hoping that Mr. Moore would be there assisting with the training; he seemed far less intimidating than Grandmaster Shyu. But he supposed that Mr. Moore had more important things to engage in. After all, the grandmaster of the entire organization was personally training Peter and himself already—he
wouldn’t need the help
.

Being aware of the fact that training began tomorrow kept Bruce awake. Exactly what would they
learn? He remembered watching Master Benny’s pupils. Would he become as good as them? If so, how
long would it take him? Or maybe he wouldn’t be able to grasp a proper understanding of what he was being taught. And he would never… Bruce rubbed his eyes and shook his head.
No, that’s loser talk
, he told himself. He
would
become as good as them.
Quicker than them
. And then, he would surpass them. Bruce had a smile on his face as he slowly drifted off to sleep.
 

***

Ding-Ding-Ding-Ding-Ding
!
The sound of a bell echoed off the walls in Bruce and Peter’s room.

“What the hell…” Bruce rubbed his eyes open. The source of the disturbance was a young Tibetan boy standing in their doorway, several years their junior.

“It is morning! Grandmaster Shyu is ready for you!” the boy proclaimed. He rang his bell again.

“I’m up, I’m up!” Peter moaned from the top bunk.

“What time is it, Peter?” Bruce asked.

“Five thirty...”

Bruce rubbed his hand down his face. “God...”

The pair followed the Tibetan boy out of the room. He seemed to be deliberately trying to stay in front of them. “What’s your name?” Bruce asked.

“Dache!” the boy replied excitedly.

“Well, Dache, we know where everything is—the showers, the eating hall, the training room; we got the grand tour yesterday.”

“Okay!” Dache continued to walk importantly in front of them.

Bruce looked to Peter for assistance. “So, Dache...you can carry on with your usual things; we can find our way,” Peter told the boy politely. “Thank you for your help.”

“Okay, bye!” Dache smiled and waved energetically, then proceeded to run down the hall.

“Hey, Dache!” Bruce called. “Next time, ease up on the bell a little, okay?” Dache looked back smiling and waved at them again. He then turned a corner and disappeared.

“Kid needs to ease up on the sugar as well,” Peter mumbled.

Bruce and Peter showered and changed, had a quick breakfast of oats and fruit in the dining hall, then joined Keion and Akira in the training room. “Welcome, Bruce and Peter. Did you have a good rest?”

“Yes, Grandmaster,” the pair replied in unison. Other than the four of them, there was no one else in the dojo.

“Please—sit.” Bruce and Peter sat down in front of Grandmaster Shyu, while Akira sat down behind Bruce and Peter. Bruce glanced back to see Akira’s eyes boring into him. “Please bear with me, Akira, while I give Bruce and Peter an overview of what they will be learning.” Keion clasped his hands behind his back. “Let us begin. We draw upon several bodies of knowledge to instruct Legion members—to strengthen their minds, their bodies, and their spirits. A healthy academic knowledge and understanding of the sciences is often already covered in society’s education systems. Most adults that come here already have an adequate background. Of course, if people are interested, there are faculties here that can facilitate the higher pursuits of academia. You two are still children, of course. Thus, you will be attending school here at the monastery. I have already discussed it with the Walkers.” Bruce and Peter both groaned. “Ethics and morality. These are essential concepts that are constantly changing. There are no clear-cut rules for either, and every situation is dependent on the circumstances. What students try to develop here is a strong moral foundation so that, in any situation, they can use sound judgement to do what is right and what is necessary. Being able to cope with difficult situations and the ramifications of one’s actions is a lifelong challenge and a learning process.” Bruce wasn’t sure if he fully understood what Keion was talking about, but he nodded like he did anyway. “Physical conditioning...”

Bruce rubbed his hands together excitedly. “Finally, the good stuff!” Peter nudged Bruce in the ribs, urging him to shut up.

Keion took no heed. “Strength, endurance, flexibility, speed, balance, and coordination—all physical attributes imperative in the martial arts. Daily exercises will be practiced to hone each of these facets. In turn, your martial arts prowess and form will improve. You will be trained in as many martial art disciplines as you are willing to undertake. Ideally, you will take what you learn from these different schools of martial arts and create a unique style unto yourself—to promote your strengths and protect your weaknesses.” Bruce smiled.
His own unique fighting style...
He liked the sound of that
. “Meditation. Every day. Very important to have the time to collect one’s thoughts. To have the time to relax, recuperate, and refocus one’s Qi to pursue all things in life.” Both Bruce and Peter’s hands went up. “Yes?”

“Peter wants to know what Qi is,” Bruce informed. Peter shot Bruce a dirty look.

Keion smiled. “Let me take a step back. The Omega Ops Legion has a very simple organizational structure. Once somebody has been accepted into the organization, they are known as acolytes. They are the students. Disciples of the Order. From this level, they train and gain life experience through the Legion. When the acolytes are ready and willing to undertake the responsibility, their teacher will grant them the rank of paladin. At this level, they have earned the right to teach, take on students, and make command decisions on behalf of the Legion. Only those with exceptional combat skills, dedication, and strong moral fiber ascend to the rank of paladin. These are the full-fledged members of the Legion and are able to become involved in all Legion duties.”

“How long does it take to become a paladin?” Bruce asked.

“Typically several years. The person must have reached a maturity where they are able to bear the responsibility that comes with the rank. Most reach that stage in their twenties or thirties. Some even later than that. And, of course, there are the rare exceptional cases that attain the rank before they even hit their twenties.”

“When did you become a paladin, Grandmaster Shyu?” Peter asked.

“Well, Peter, I was an exceptional case.” Keion smiled. “But let’s leave the past aside for now. I want to get back to your original question. There is one final rank above the paladin. The rank from which the grandmaster of the Legion is selected by their peers. These select few members are known as the guardians. There are two key differences that separate guardians from paladins. Any guesses as to what those two differences might be?”

“More experience?” Peter suggested uncertainly.

“Absolutely. Specifically, a much deeper understanding of right and wrong. Someone that has proven themselves time and time again. Proven that they are able to make the tough decisions—the right decisions in cases of extreme adversity.” Keion gazed down upon his students. Akira seemed to be idling in the back, but Bruce and Peter were hanging on his every word. “Good. Now then—the second difference?” Bruce and Peter glanced at each other, then looked back at Keion. They were stumped. Keion paused a few moments longer, then continued: “There is something very special that separates the guardians from paladins. Every single guardian has tapped into the Qi lines. This is one of the most fundamental concepts of life and yet incredibly complex and difficult to fully understand. This idea of Qi has been around for thousands of years. It is also known as Chi, life force, or simply ‘
energy’
. There are subtle differences pertaining to its understanding, dependent on the time period and culture. From the viewpoint of the Omega Ops Legion, this energy is a force that permeates throughout the planet and the cosmos. It resides in all living things and is an essential part of what makes something alive. It is mostly understood as something immaterial. But there are those few with a much deeper understanding of it—those that can tap into it and make it something tangible. This is known as
energy field manipulation
.”

Peter was amazed as he soaked all of this information in. He was making a conscious effort to keep his mouth from hanging open. Bruce, however, was skeptical. He wasn’t ready to just buy into this crock. Keion seemed to sense his doubt. “Bruce, please come here.” Bruce hesitantly got to his feet and stepped forward. Keion held out his arm outstretched with an open palm. “Watch.”

Bruce focused on Keion’s hand. Within moments, little particles of light began to appear. They gathered together, as if by Keion’s command, to form a glowing ball of light. The ball of light hovered in place, just above Keion’s palm. Bruce went wide-eyed. He wasn’t sure what to make of it. Peter appeared to be even more astonished than Bruce: his restraint was tossed to the wayside, and he looked ready to swallow a snooker ball. Bruce hesitantly reached with his hand. “Let’s see how long you can hold on to it,” Keion challenged.

Bruce’s hand grasped the ball of light. His hand felt very light and it seemed to go right through the ball. His fingertips disappeared in the white glow. Bruce could feel heat gathering on his fingers. It seemed to be penetrating his whole hand now. He gritted his teeth as his hand grew hotter and hotter. Finally, he pulled away, shaking his hand to cool it down. Bruce and Peter never expected anything like this when they signed up for this journey. Keion closed his hand and the ball of light disappeared. Akira watched with his arms folded in front of him. He didn’t seem to be impressed.

“That is the energy I was talking about,” Keion stated. “The greater control you can exercise over the energy fields, the more astounding the results are. What I demonstrated was just the tip of the iceberg. The possibilities are truly endless.”