Difference between pages "London Calling" and "The Chengdu Concubine"

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'''OUTLINE'''
 
'''OUTLINE'''
  
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''As [[Carla]]'s guardian angel keeps her away from danger, [[Alexander|Nikitin]] successfully launches his banking operations on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Stock_Exchange London Stock Exchange].
+
''[[Ao-nan|Wang Ao-nan]] convinces [[Ju-ling]] his Communist concubine to leave the Mainland with him.
  
−
'' Unable to hit, Mossad's new strategy is to plant the debatable notion that a destabilization of European markets would harm the US economy.
+
''Ju-ling could be a descendent from Khazar refugees at the turn of the first millennium
  
−
''Introduction of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Intelligence_and_Research Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR)] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USCYBERCOM USCYBERCOM].
+
''Ju-ling is a vibrant [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sichuan_Opera Sichuan Opera] performer.
  
−
[[I_Seek_You_2.0|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] -- [[The Orient Express|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
+
''Ju-ling met with Chiang Fang-liang ( born Faina Ipat'evna Vakhreva, Jewish bride of Chiang Kai-sheck's son) during the siege of the Chengdu Central Military Academy.
 +
 
 +
''On 1 October 1949, Mao Zed-ong has proclaimed the PRC in Beijing. In a state of complete disarray, the remaining KMT troops have retreated to Sichuan. Chengdu is the last city to hold. An airlift to Taiwan is being secretly organized for senior officers and their families. Ao-nan, an officer close to the Chiang family developed an affair with Ju-ling, a very young Sichuan Opera performer. When offered the possibility to flee the mainland with her lover, she is confronted between her duty as a CCP covert agent to either kill him or marry him and leave her family and beliefs behind.
 +
 
 +
[[The Hansa Way|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[Nest of Spies|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
  
 
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46.9476373, 7.4544005; 25.2262382, 55.2556098; 38.8989912, -77.0043252; 39.1098195, -76.770452
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}}
 
}}
  
  
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====PORT TAWFIQ, SUEZ, EGYPT====
+
====Main Hall, Opera House, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, November 25, 1949====
−
 
 
−
As [[Pierrot]] lashes down their trawler, [[Philippe]] discusses with a man who met them at the edge of the Suez port. The man, Mr. El-Sayed, is the head and single employee of '''Suez Environment Services''', a local company used to collect a fake Red Sea environmental protection fee from independent [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suez_Canal Canal] users.
 
−
 
 
−
Pierrot brushes him away as walks up to Philippe.
 
−
 
 
−
-If you stop at every peddler on our way to Mister John, we won't even have money for a beer tonight!
 
−
 
 
−
-And the trunk? You want to carry it on your back!
 
−
 
 
−
-So ask your new friend for a dolly.
 
−
 
 
−
Philippe walks back to Mr. El-Sayed who was standing by.
 
−
 
 
−
====LLOYD'S REGISTER OFFICE, SUEZ====
 
−
 
 
−
Mister John sits by his office window overlooking the Suez Canal. Pierrot and Philippe sit across from his desk next to the mail trunk.
 
−
 
 
−
-Well, Gentlemen, I can lend you a thousand Pounds which should be enough to fill up and clear the canal, but this trunk is the property of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Mail The Royal Mail]. I'm sure they will be grateful about your finding but there is no way we could negotiate anything.
 
−
 
 
−
Philippe challenges him with his barely comprehensible English.
 
−
 
 
−
-Yes but this ''naufrage'' was never even declared. ''Sans nous personne n'aurait jamais identifié l'épave''. More than 70 years.... Isn't ''domaine public''?
 
−
 
 
−
Mister John replies jokingly.
 
−
 
 
−
-Never... It's not a song, it's the Royal Mail.
 
−
 
 
−
Pierrot, who's sorting through some mail on his lap, stops on a [[Isabella's_letter_to_Anastasio|letter addressed from Palestine to Australia]], then continues.
 
−
 
 
−
-Well, maybe not a song but lyrics for the least...
 
−
 
 
−
-Then write a book about it, replies Mister John.
 
−
 
 
−
Philippe looks at Pierrot, not grasping the humour.
 
−
 
 
−
-Qu'est-ce qui dit?
 
−
 
 
−
-Qu'on peut aller se faire voir!
 
−
 
 
−
-Putain! On s'est fait chier pendant 2 mois, sans femmes, sans pinard, dans une mer infestée de pirates...
 
−
 
 
−
Mister John tries to smooth things down.
 
−
 
 
−
-As a British subject and as Lloyd's employee, you understand that it is my duty to report your findings.
 
−
 
 
−
Handing a stack of British Pounds to Pierrot who place the mail back in the trunk and takes the money.
 
−
 
 
−
-Sorry... If you guys would have found amphora, I could have found buyers. At least then, the Romans wouldn't have come after you.
 
−
 
 
−
====MONDAY MORNING, CIRCLE LINE, LONDON UNDERGROUND====
 
−
 
 
−
[[image:LondonUndergoundLogo.png|thumb|right|480px| London Underground Logo]]
 
−
 
 
−
A passenger reads a Financial Times' article about the introduction of a new bank on the London market named The Russian Middle Eastern Bank.
 
−
 
 
−
"The bank, which was born from ashes of the short lived now defunct Dubai Mirage Bank, will also follow [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shari%E2%80%99a#Trade Sharia banking] practices."
 
−
 
 
−
"It will be introduced on the London Stock Exchange this morning under its predecessors, code: DUBMI"
 
−
 
 
−
====ZABAR'S GROCERY STORE, UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN====
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron and Naama, a 24 year old woman, are waiting at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabar's Zabar's] cured fish counter.
 
−
 
 
−
Naama<br>
 
−
So you should have told us you were coming. I would have shopped or something...
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
It was a last minute call. You know how it is. I never know much in advance.
 
−
 
 
−
Naama<br>
 
−
(pointing to the man behind the counter)<br>
 
−
Half a pound of Gravlax and half a pound of this Lox right here.<br>
 
−
(to Aaron)<br>
 
−
So why don't you stay till Wednesday. Ilann's supposed to be back from his trip tomorrow. I know he purposely turned off his phone but I'll check on his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook Facebook] friends who are with him. They might cheat on their woes.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
What woe?
 
−
 
 
−
Naama<br>
 
−
Not to login while they're at the beach.
 
−
 
 
−
Araron<br>
 
−
And they need to make a woe about this.
 
−
 
 
−
Naama<br>
 
−
(smiling)<br>
 
−
You don't get it dad.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
(playing innocent, while checking the balance on the counter)<br>
 
−
I guess not.
 
−
 
 
−
====CARLA'S APARTMENT, BERN, SWITZERLAND====
 
−
 
 
−
Carla hold her house phone between her cheek and shoulder as she peeks down at a Bern Cantonal Police car parked in front of her door.
 
−
 
 
−
Carla<br/>
 
−
(on the phone)<br/>
 
−
Yeah... I prefer to stay alone these day... Thanks [[Franziska|Franzi]]... You've done enough... Yeah, I need to rest...
 
−
 
 
−
She hangs up the call and looks at a hand written note that she's holding, the one [[Uri]] left in the hotel room in Moscow.
 
−
 
 
−
STAY OFF THE GRID - URI
 
−
 
 
−
She then stares back at the police car and looks at the few passerby's on the quiet street.
 
−
 
 
−
====WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER, LOWER MANHATTAN====
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron is looking at the construction site of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Tower Freedom Tower] from the 50th floor of 3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Financial_Center World Financial Center]. Two men AAA, 30s and BBB 40s walk into the conference room.
 
−
 
 
−
BBB<br>
 
−
(in English)<br>
 
−
Mr. Hanin... Nice to meet you. Sorry for keeping you waiting, we learned of your arrival this morning.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
(extending his hand across the conference table)<br>
 
−
Aaron... Shalom.
 
−
 
 
−
BBB<br>
 
−
(extending his hand)<br>
 
−
BBB...<br>
 
−
(introducing AAA)<br>
 
−
AAA works with the SEC... I asked him to join us before he'd start his day.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
(shaking hands, gauging AAA's allegiance)<br>
 
−
Aren't you guys in Washington.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br>
 
−
Actually our New York offices are just two floors down... In this building.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
(cutting to the chase)<br>
 
−
We have been monitoring the activities of a Russian national, Alexander Nikitin, for some time now and it's become difficult for us to nail him as his business moves are rather... in-predictable.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br>
 
−
Yes.. The Russian Middle Eastern Bank which just opened on the London Exchange. They haven't filed with us yet, but BBB mentioned your concern so I look into it.
 
−
 
 
−
BBB<br>
 
−
(turning towards Aaron)<br>
 
−
AAA's uses our internal network...
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
(to AAA)<br>
 
−
We can't get to him in Dubai. Not directly, nor through official channels... So what we need I guess is for the US Treasury Department or even your agency to break him.
 
−
 
 
−
BBB<br>
 
−
(to AAA)<br>
 
−
Aaron's people can feed you as much intelligence as need be on Nikitin's activities to eventually justify the United States' intervention.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br>
 
−
The problem is that from what I gather... this bank's activities are out of our jurisdiction. I don't even see how the Treasury could intervene.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
What if they destabilize Europe's markets... Won't this affect the US economy.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br>
 
−
Not automatically... and it's not necessarily bad... I mean for US interests.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
Well it's in our interest that Nikitin does not extend his reach.
 
−
 
 
−
Silence...
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br>
 
−
Well I assume that if we are provided with specific and clear intelligence that a foreign bank, even if out of our jurisdiction, is deliberately manipulating numbers to hurt one of our exchanges, our people will get in touch with the relevant law enforcement authorities.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
Intelligence is not the problem here... It's getting it to the right people and then getting these people to bring it to the other set of right people who will finally act on it.
 
−
 
 
−
BBB<br>
 
−
(looking at AAA)<br>
 
−
All this needs to be monitored and well coordinated.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br>
 
−
Remember I don't run the shop here, I'm just a case manager.
 
−
 
 
−
Aaron<br>
 
−
You're a young and energetic man. Grab this as an opportunity to make a name for yourself...
 
−
 
 
−
AAA looks forfeit.
 
−
 
 
−
====JUMEIRAH BEACH, DUBAI====
 
−
 
 
−
[[Najwa]] swims underwater for several seconds before coming out to breath. She calls [[Fan]] who's sitting on the beach holding a veil over her head. She signals Najwa that she's not going in.
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(walking out of the water)<br/>
 
−
Why don't you come, it will do you good.
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
(looking at the glaring sun)<br/>
 
−
Too much sun!
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(grabbing her towel)<br/>
 
−
Wow this was good.
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
(impressed)<br/>
 
−
You swim like a dolphin. I thought you had disappeared for a moment.
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(smiling, wiping her body)<br/>
 
−
I was once snorkeling in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socotra Socotra] and... I was so focused on looking out for stuff at the bottom of the ocean floor that I didn't notice a pod of dolphins swimming all around me for several seconds.
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
Maybe they thought you were one of them. Where is Socotra, in Greece?
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
Yemen... That's where I met Alex.
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
(fixing her veil to better hide her face from the sun)<br/>
 
−
You've known each other a long time.
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
Like 2 years...
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
He's a wise businessman.
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
Yeah... I guess...
 
−
 
 
−
====ELAINE'S RESTAURANT, NEW YORK CITY====
 
−
 
 
−
AAA walks into the busy restaurant [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaine's Elaine's] and squeezes at the bar between two mini-skirted 40 something ladies who are waiting to get noticed. They seem put off by AAA youthful and bleak appearance.
 
−
 
 
−
One of the women<br/>
 
−
(sarcastic)<br/>
 
−
You mind standing like, not just in between us... We're kind of waiting for someone... And that's not you.
 
−
 
 
−
Barman<br/>
 
−
(to AAA)<br/>
 
−
What do you drink sir!
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br/>
 
−
(uncomfortable, to the woman)<br/>
 
−
Oh... Yes, sorry.<br/>
 
−
(moving behind the other woman while answering the Barman)<br/>
 
−
Euhhh... [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolling_Rock Rolling Rock] please.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA seams uneasy in this stuffy Upper East Side ambiance.
 
−
 
 
−
Barman<br/>
 
−
(serving the beer)<br/>
 
−
There you go, that'll be six dollars.
 
−
 
 
−
As AAA searches his pocket for money, [[Dan]] Reilly, a 50 year old FBI agent walks up right in between the two women who seem rejoiced by his demeanor.
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
(to the Barman)<br/>
 
−
His money's no good. Put this on my table Sam.
 
−
(extending his hand to AAA, over one of the women)
 
−
AAA... Dan Reilly, FBI... Nice to meet you... We're sitting right there.
 
−
(to the women)<br/>
 
−
Sorry to kidnap him from you ladies.
 
−
 
 
−
The two women look at each other defeated as Dan and AAA walk away.
 
−
 
 
−
Dan introduces AAA to two other man siting at his table.
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
So this is AAA from the SEC. KKK works out of Langley and GGG is based in Fort Meade, although I'd say he mostly hangs out here. (jokingly to GGG) Don't know what kind of operation you guys are running down there but doesn't look like serious work to me!
 
−
 
 
−
KKK<br/>
 
−
(to AAA)<br/>
 
−
Sit AAA... Don't listen to this cold war relic...
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
At least I still pick up without having to pull out my wallet.
 
−
 
 
−
GGG<br/>
 
−
No but I'm sure you pull out your police badge! (to AAA) Did he say like '''Dan Reilly, FBI''', when he came up to you between those two ladies?
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
(cutting short)<br/>
 
−
Ok guys... This young man's got other things to do than to listen to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viagra Viagra] poppers like us...<br/>
 
−
(to all)<br/>
 
−
AAA's gotten intel about this Russian based in Dubai who's financial dealings on foreign markets could be of interest.
 
−
 
 
−
KKK<br/>
 
−
(to AAA)<br/>
 
−
We're well aware of Alexander Nikitin, (looking at GGG), I'm sure you guys are monitoring him as well.
 
−
 
 
−
GGG<br/>
 
−
Seen the name around but it never landed on my desk.
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
(joking)<br/>
 
−
What desk!
 
−
(serious again)<br/>
 
−
Sorry... We actually have nothing on him.
 
−
 
 
−
GGG<br/>
 
−
(to AAA)<br/>
 
−
And how do you see this affecting us?
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br/>
 
−
Our sources tell us that... by opening on the London Stock Exchange... Give's him the ability... Short currencies... Betting against our interest... Getting some to crash...
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
(skeptical)<br/>
 
−
We'll who are your sources.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br/>
 
−
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Organization_of_Securities_Commissions IOSCO] members... Various international and foreign agencies in Europe and Asia similar to the SEC... We're in permanent contact with each other... Trying to monitor the financial grid.
 
−
 
 
−
GGG<br/>
 
−
No offence, but why does the SEC sends you? Why hasn't it gone up the ladder? Through proper channels?
 
−
 
 
−
Dan<br/>
 
−
(smiling at the women at the bar)<br/>
 
−
Proper channels... This here is the proper channel.
 
−
 
 
−
The women smile back Dan.
 
−
 
 
−
KKK<br/>
 
−
Well, I'll see what I can dig. This is not really our realm of business.
 
−
 
 
−
He turns towards GGG.
 
−
 
 
−
GGG<br/>
 
−
We might already have a team on this. You have to give me specifics.
 
−
 
 
−
AAA<br/>
 
−
(pulling a USB flash drive)<br/>
 
−
This contains the transaction history of the past few months, still mostly amongst [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_States CIS] countries but it'll give you an idea of how he operates ...  Check for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swap_(finance) swaps] between their owns clients. Follow who gains and who loses.
 
−
 
 
−
The two woman approach the table, cutting short AAA's pitch.
 
−
 
 
−
====PRIVATE SALON, THE BALTIC EXCHANGE, CITY OF LONDON====
 
−
 
 
−
[[Alexander]] is standing by the window of a private salon on the 5th floor of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Exchange The Baltic Exchange], looking up at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_St_Mary_Axe Gherkin] building across the street, as [[Jack]] Markson,  enters the room followed by three other men carrying folders and laptops.
 
−
 
 
−
Jack<br/>
 
−
(from behind)<br/>
 
−
So what brings you to London, Alex!
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander<br/>
 
−
(turning towards Mark)<br/>
 
−
Jack... You haven't changed one bit!
 
−
 
 
−
Jack<br/>
 
−
(looking at Alexander, grabbing him by the shoulder)<br/>
 
−
Well look at you... All suited up like a City banker! Congratulations by the way. Read all about it. From shipping to banking... Risky path.
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander<br/>
 
−
That's what we live for Jack. Isn't it what pays off for guys like you...
 
−
 
 
−
Jack<br/>
 
−
(looking at the Gherkin)<br/>
 
−
What pays off now is one thing Alex, at one point we have to start wondering what will pay off in the long run... Look at what they've done to the old exchange...
 
−
 
 
−
Alex<br/>
 
−
(admiring the architecture)<br/>
 
−
I don't mind it actually.
 
−
 
 
−
Jack<br/>
 
−
(sitting down in a sofa)<br/>
 
−
You know a man from Tallinn purchased the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Exchange#Sale_of_building rubbles].
 
−
 
 
−
Alex<br/>
 
−
(sitting opposite)<br/>
 
−
Yes... It came to my ears.
 
−
 
 
−
Jack<br/>
 
−
(smiling)<br/>
 
−
What doesn't... So let me introduce you to my colleagues...
 
−
 
 
−
====OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WASHINGTON D.C.====
 
−
 
 
−
[[image:UnionStationEagle.jpg|thumb|right|480px|Washington's Union Station Eagle]]
 
−
 
 
−
HHH is in JJJ's office overlooking the tracks leading in and out of Washington's Union Station.
 
−
 
 
−
HHH<br/>
 
−
We got the lead from AAA, case manager in New York... He's in contact with some kind of joint task force... FBI, CIA, NSA...
 
−
 
 
−
JJJ<br/>
 
−
Why did they go through a New York case manager.
 
−
 
 
−
HHH<br/>
 
−
Who knows. Anyways, what he's got seems like a hot lead.
 
−
 
 
−
JJJ<br/>
 
−
(looking at the document)<br/>
 
−
Yes but not enough to indict the guy here.
 
−
 
 
−
HHH<br/>
 
−
Shouldn't we tip the Brits then?
 
−
 
 
−
JJJ<br/>
 
−
Well, not sure they would act on it. This might tip off the Russian instead.
 
−
 
 
−
HHH<br/>
 
−
We can continue tracking him.
 
−
 
 
−
JJJ<br/>
 
−
We definitely will, but following his transactions will not prevent much... We gotta know more about him.
 
−
 
 
−
HHH<br/>
 
−
Request assistance from intelligence agencies. We'd have to go through DoJ.
 
−
 
 
−
JJJ<br/>
 
−
Or not...
 
−
 
 
−
====WHITE'S GENTLEMEN'S CLUB, LONDON====
 
−
 
 
−
''Alex discusses the ZIB case with other Russian expats at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White%27s White's Gentlemen's Club]. How it was orchestrated by some in Moscow to seize his pipeline assets before he could cash out through the RMEB. Now that the money has infiltrated the system, he says he aims to lay low not to upset the ones that could reach him (the US). He also refers to fuck ups including the Bern failed hit on a Swiss prosecutor.
 
−
 
 
−
''He is introduced to some beautiful Asian escort and while he spends some time with her, he leaves the club before getting down to business with her.
 
−
 
 
−
====STREETS OF LONDON====
 
−
 
 
−
[[image:LondonTelephoneBox.jpg|thumb|right|480px|London Telephone Boxes]]
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander wanders on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Road King's Road] at night. Noticing a funky dress in a window, he takes a photo with his phone but then can't find an open WiFi signal to send it to Najwa. He continues walking around and notices a poster for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice-Simplon_Orient_Express Venice Simplon Orient Express] on the display of a travel agency. Still unable to get a WiFi signal, he walks to a telephone box across the street.
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander<br/>
 
−
(over the phone)<br/>
 
−
Naj...
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(surprised)<br/>
 
−
Habibi...
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander<br/>
 
−
No Epyks...
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
...
 
−
 
 
−
....
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander notices a street surveillance camera pointing right at him as he exits the telephone box.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
''Alex cannot connect to Najwa via Epyks so he uses a public phone (camera sees him, call tapped by NSA, from USCYBERCOM tip noticing the failed Epyks login attempt).
 
−
 
 
−
''She'll tell Fan, who'll tell ????
 
−
 
 
−
''Alexander walks alone in the London night and sees an ad for the Venice Simplon Orient Express and and tries find an open Wifi connection on his mobile device fails to log on.
 
−
 
 
−
''He sends an SMS' to Najwa.
 
−
 
 
−
WHAT ABOUT RIDING WITH ME AND TORIOP?
 
−
 
 
−
====EUCOM ROOM, FORT MEADE, USA====
 
−
 
 
−
A 20 something analyst passes the feed to the night shift room supervisor.
 
−
 
 
−
Supervisor<br/>
 
−
Toriop?
 
−
 
 
−
Analyst<br/>
 
−
He usually inverts the spelling of names. It's stupid but it beats our key words recognition app.
 
−
 
 
−
Supervisor<br/>
 
−
And what does it gives you?
 
−
 
 
−
Analyst<br/>
 
−
Poirot
 
−
 
 
−
Supervisor<br/>
 
−
Who the fuck is Poirot?
 
−
 
 
−
Analyst<br/>
 
−
I have a hunch that he's reffering to Hercule Poirot, a fictional character in Agatha Christies' novels.
 
−
 
 
−
Supervisor<br/>
 
−
That's all we needed now...
 
−
 
 
−
====ALEXANDER'S APARTMENT, BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI, UAE====
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa and Fan sit next to each other on the sofa with the TV on as both women use their personal devices to communicate with others.
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa types in POIROT on her iPad and hits the first [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hercule_Poirot link].
 
−
 
 
−
She looks up at Fan.
 
−
 
 
−
-Hercules Poiroit... You know anything about Agatha Christie?
 
−
 
 
−
-Well. Murder on the Orient Express.
 
−
 
 
−
-Right. Never read it. Not much into murder mysteries, but he is. You read that in China?
 
−
 
 
−
-Of course. In elementary school!
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(responding to Alexander on her iPhone)<br/>
 
−
-IN YOUR DREAMS.
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
(to Najwa)<br/>
 
−
He want's you to meet him London?
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(to Fan while still looking at her screen waiting for an answer)<br/>
 
−
I told him I won't.
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander's response appears on Najwa's screen.
 
−
 
 
−
-YOU GOT TIME TO CATCH THE EK 2:50 FLIGHT... RUN NAJWA RUN!
 
−
 
 
−
Fan<br/>
 
−
(noticing Najwa's smile)<br/>
 
−
So?
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa types in.
 
−
 
 
−
-I TOLD YOU I'M NOT GOING TO NODNOL...
 
−
 
 
−
Najwa<br/>
 
−
(to Fan)<br/>
 
−
He's hard headed!
 
−
 
 
−
Alexander's responses appears.
 
−
 
 
−
-THEN MEET ME HALF WAY!
 
  
−
====BUREAU OF INTELLIGENCE AND RESEARCH, DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON D.C.====
+
The main hall of the Chengdu Opera House is dimly lit. A single spot illuminates the turquoise costume of the last standing character. [[Ju-ling]] has just poisoned her old husband in order to acquire his wealth. He is lying at her feet. The loud click of the shutting spot precedes the slow fade of the 5000W incandescent  bulb. Vibrant applauds echo in the pitched black room. Ju-ling is frozen centre stage. -Should I do it tonight? What if I fail? What if I freeze? What if he kills me instead? Two [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_lighting Neon Tubes] intermittently light up as soldiers open the side doors of the wooden building letting the cold winter air in. Ju-ling has left the stage. [[Ao-nan]] walks towards the backstage against the exiting crowd, mostly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Revolutionary_Army NRA] officers, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuomintang KMT] officials and relocated industrialists.
  
−
[[QQQ]], a 45 year old Department of State intelligence officer sits at his desk as a colleague, RRR, enters his office and shuts the door.
+
====Backstage, Opera House====
  
−
QQQ<br/>
+
Ao-nan knocks repeatedly on a locked door. Amongst stage gear and costumes, the performer who a moment ago was lying dead on the stage walks by Ao-nan and warns him.
−
The SEC?
 
  
−
RRR<br/>
+
-Be careful. Genuine Sichuan girl. They're a fierce breed.
−
Yep... They went straight to Langley.
 
  
−
QQQ<br/>
+
====Changing Room, Opera House====
−
And what the fuck do they care about the Russian Middle Eastern Bank?
 
  
−
RRR<br/>
+
Knocks resonate in the sparsely but carefully decorated changing room. Ju-ling removes her headgear, staring at the opaque mirror. A prop dagger shoved in its scabbard, lies on the desk in front of her. -If I open, I'll have to kill him. If I don't, I'll be blamed for not helping the revolution. Knocks persist. Ju-ling walks to the door and opens it. Ao-nan grabs Ju-ling before she could say anything and kisses her passionately. He's a tall 30 years old NRA officer. Northern Han stock. Ju-ling is barely 20, darker than he is. Black lines around her green eyes accentuate their size. Her fine nose rests above vibrantly red painted lips. The embracing couple lands on the wooden bed. This is Ju-ling's room.
−
Some kind of scheme on the London Exchange.
 
  
−
QQQ<br/>
+
-Not now, you'll have to come later. Everybody is still here.
−
Who gives a fuck.
 
  
−
RRR<br/>
+
-Forget about everyone. I just see you. I don't hear anything else. I don't see anyone else. I don't think of them, I don't think of war, I don't think. I'm just here, with you and only you.
−
According to what we gathered, SEC claims that a destabilization of European Markets would affect us.
 
  
−
QQQ<br/>
+
They resume lovemaking. A moment passes before Ju-ling lights up a cigarette.
−
Yes, but in a good way.
 
  
−
RRR<br/>
+
-Who were you with? Next to you, I saw many guards and the row in front was empty.
−
That's what we've always thought.
 
  
−
QQQ<br/>
+
-Chiang Ching-kuo. The General's son. He was very impressed by you. But I was not to bring him here. He's a vicious man. He has many mistresses. Maybe he would want to have you too.
−
Well we'll beam it up to the Assistant Secretary. I got bigger issues to worry about.
 
  
−
RRR<br/>
+
-I don't like old men but you should have brought him anyways. I would have entertained him. Maybe you would have become captain. I know how to treat old men... Like you...
−
(raising his hands as he walks out of the office)<br/>
 
−
Hey, don't shoot the messenger.
 
  
−
QQQ<br/>
+
A moment passes. Ao-nan buttons his trousers.
−
(pretending to shoot)<br/>
 
−
By the way, where are we at with [[John|Wang]]?
 
  
−
====USCYBERCOM====
+
-There is a dinner organized tomorrow at the General's residence and Ching-kuo has invited me. You should come. I'll introduce you to his mother-in-law.
  
−
====DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND POLICE, BERN====
+
***
  
−
Carla gets to her office at the Department of Justice. She is greeted by her Assistant who opens her door to show a flower bouquet on her desk.
+
''Through her relationship with Ao-nan, Ju-ling has been introduced to the General's son and to the First Lady. She is now one step away from meeting the General himself.
  
−
Carla<br/>
+
====Streets of Chengdu, Night====
−
(to Assistant, admiring the flowers)<br/>
 
−
Wow...
 
  
−
Assistant<br/>
+
Ju-ling discreetly exits the Opera House through a side door and ventures into the Chengdu night. From the other side of the paved road, a silhouette brushes against the walls. Hearing footsteps, Ju-ling nervously swivels her head towards the noise but as the darkness doesn't reveal any shadows, she continues on her frantic paths.
−
(smiling)<br/>
 
−
You have a secret admirer!
 
  
−
Carla<br/>
+
====Tea House, Chengdu, Night====
−
(smiling as she opens the attached card)<br/>
 
−
I wish... It's [[Feurer]].
 
  
−
Assistant<br/>
+
As Ju-ling turns onto a lane, a narrow door cracks open to let her in. Inside, she is lead by an old woman to the main room of a unlit tea house. Sitting at a table, three CCP officials order her to join them.
−
You're sure it's not too early for you to have come back?
 
  
−
Carla<br/>
+
''May-ling, the First Lady, who's agents had been tracking Ju-ling's every movements, decides to turn her into a double agent.  
−
I'll be OK thanks. Just came in to check on my files, sort things out before I come back next week.
 
  
−
Assistant<br/>
+
***
−
By the way, a bunch of us are going to Zimmermann's tomorrow night for his 30th birthday. It'd be great if you joined us.
 
  
−
Carla<br/>
+
====Opera House, Chengdu, 10 December 1949====
−
That's nice, but I promised my grandparents I'd spend the weekend with them. I haven't seen them in months.
 
  
−
Assistant<br/>
+
A covered convertible Ford Coupe stops in front of the opera. It's head beams light up the dust it has raised into the cool dawn air. Moments later, Ju-ling walks out of the side door carrying a small leather suitcase and walks into the car as it departs.
−
They're in Emmental right?
 
  
−
Carla<br/>
+
====Road to Qionglai, Chengdu====
−
Yes.
 
  
−
Assistant<br/>
+
On the backseat, Ju-ling sits next to the First Lady who greets her with a satisfied grin, a cigarette in its holder between her lips. Ju-ling remains silent for a moment, looking at city waking up thought the car's window.
−
(looking at a pile of documents and letters on Carla's desk)<br/>
 
−
Well... I've sorted the internal correspondence here and the external mail there... I'll let you settle in.
 
  
−
The Assistant leaves as Carla sits and pops out her laptop. She starts sorting through the pile of internal documents as her laptop boots up. As she gets to the external mail pile, she finds a canton of Uri emblem post-card. She flips it to read:
+
-How did you know I would be there?
  
−
PS: YOU SNORE... SOFTLY.
+
-Because it was your only way out. You couldn't go back to your people. You couldn't wait for them to capture the city...
  
−
She notices that the card was mailed from Tallinn, Estonia the week before. She flips it again to look at the cow's head with a buckle through its nostrils and smiles.
+
Ju-ling looks at the Railway Movement Monument as they cross Renmin's Park. She's a traitor to her people, her family, her cause. All that for the man she loves.
  
−
====VICTORIA STATION, LONDON====
+
-So why are you doing this? Why didn't you denounce me?
  
−
[[image:OrientExpressVictoriaStation.jpg|thumb|right|480px|The Orient Express at Victoria Station]]
+
-From one concubine to another... I know you'll be valuable to me where we go...
  
−
Alexander boards the Orient Express and reaches his compartment. He removes his shoes and settles comfortably on the berth.
+
The Fist Lady exhales her cigarette smoke onto Ju-ling's face.
  
−
In the bar car, the barman, a black man in his early 40s, pours champagne flutes and distributes them to arriving guests.
+
====Qionglai Air Base, Chengdu====
  
−
At the head of the platform, [[Uri]] shows his ticket to a costumed controller.
+
[[File:C47.jpg|thumb|right|480px|NRA C-47 ''May-Ling'']]
  
−
-You'll be travelling on your own sir.
+
The First Lady's Ford is idling on the tarmac as a military convoy arrives to secure the area. The General's car followed by several other jeeps make their way pass the Ford as a C-47 Skytrain aircraft pulls out of a hangar and stops on a patch of grass near the strip its engine still running. Ju-ling anxiously looks at the military personnel and other dignitaries boarding the plane.
  
−
-Yes
+
-Ao-nan's not there.
  
−
Seeing that Uri only carries a small shoulder bag.
+
-Don't worry mei-mei, he'll join you later. Nothing will happen to him, he'll probably be in Taipei for Christmas, before our New Year for sure. You want him to come, don't you?
  
−
-No luggage?
+
Ju-ling looks at the inscription painted under the cockpit: May-ling. How did a Christian concubine became so powerful? China's most influential woman. What's waiting for her on the other side of the Taiwan Strait?
  
−
-No
+
-Of course I do.
  
−
-Welcome on the Orient Express.
+
The C-47 take off with Ju-ling, the presidential couple and a dozen chosen officials.
  
−
''-Aaron is at the Conecteka US office to arrange a meeting with some Office of the Treasury and Financial Agency guy to plant the notion into US intelligence services that Nikitin's newly formed RMEB is preparing to disrupt the NYSE by posting bogus numbers.
+
[[The Hansa Way|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] - [[Nest of Spies|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
−
''-Office of the Treasury and Financial Agency will tip off newly formed USCYBERCOM in order to get the US and Jouni involved into terminating Nikitin.<br>
 
−
''-Fan's ties to Shenzhen will alert Najwa of the Jouni/USCYBERCOM's plans.<br>
 
  
−
[[I_Seek_You_2.0|<< PREVIOUS EPISODE]] -- [[The Orient Express|NEXT EPISODE >>]]
 
  
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
−
[[Category:The Venetian Cell|1.003]]
+
[[Category:The Passengers|2.004]]
−
[[Category:Follow the Money|1.003]]
+
[[Category:The Clan|2.004]]
−
[[Category:The Age of Nujood (2010- )]]
+
[[Category:The Age of Anne (1943-1953)]]

Latest revision as of 16:57, 22 December 2023

OUTLINE

Wang Ao-nan convinces Ju-ling his Communist concubine to leave the Mainland with him.

Ju-ling could be a descendent from Khazar refugees at the turn of the first millennium

Ju-ling is a vibrant Sichuan Opera performer.

Ju-ling met with Chiang Fang-liang ( born Faina Ipat'evna Vakhreva, Jewish bride of Chiang Kai-sheck's son) during the siege of the Chengdu Central Military Academy.

On 1 October 1949, Mao Zed-ong has proclaimed the PRC in Beijing. In a state of complete disarray, the remaining KMT troops have retreated to Sichuan. Chengdu is the last city to hold. An airlift to Taiwan is being secretly organized for senior officers and their families. Ao-nan, an officer close to the Chiang family developed an affair with Ju-ling, a very young Sichuan Opera performer. When offered the possibility to flee the mainland with her lover, she is confronted between her duty as a CCP covert agent to either kill him or marry him and leave her family and beliefs behind.

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Main Hall, Opera House, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, November 25, 1949

The main hall of the Chengdu Opera House is dimly lit. A single spot illuminates the turquoise costume of the last standing character. Ju-ling has just poisoned her old husband in order to acquire his wealth. He is lying at her feet. The loud click of the shutting spot precedes the slow fade of the 5000W incandescent bulb. Vibrant applauds echo in the pitched black room. Ju-ling is frozen centre stage. -Should I do it tonight? What if I fail? What if I freeze? What if he kills me instead? Two Neon Tubes intermittently light up as soldiers open the side doors of the wooden building letting the cold winter air in. Ju-ling has left the stage. Ao-nan walks towards the backstage against the exiting crowd, mostly NRA officers, KMT officials and relocated industrialists.

Backstage, Opera House

Ao-nan knocks repeatedly on a locked door. Amongst stage gear and costumes, the performer who a moment ago was lying dead on the stage walks by Ao-nan and warns him.

-Be careful. Genuine Sichuan girl. They're a fierce breed.

Changing Room, Opera House

Knocks resonate in the sparsely but carefully decorated changing room. Ju-ling removes her headgear, staring at the opaque mirror. A prop dagger shoved in its scabbard, lies on the desk in front of her. -If I open, I'll have to kill him. If I don't, I'll be blamed for not helping the revolution. Knocks persist. Ju-ling walks to the door and opens it. Ao-nan grabs Ju-ling before she could say anything and kisses her passionately. He's a tall 30 years old NRA officer. Northern Han stock. Ju-ling is barely 20, darker than he is. Black lines around her green eyes accentuate their size. Her fine nose rests above vibrantly red painted lips. The embracing couple lands on the wooden bed. This is Ju-ling's room.

-Not now, you'll have to come later. Everybody is still here.

-Forget about everyone. I just see you. I don't hear anything else. I don't see anyone else. I don't think of them, I don't think of war, I don't think. I'm just here, with you and only you.

They resume lovemaking. A moment passes before Ju-ling lights up a cigarette.

-Who were you with? Next to you, I saw many guards and the row in front was empty.

-Chiang Ching-kuo. The General's son. He was very impressed by you. But I was not to bring him here. He's a vicious man. He has many mistresses. Maybe he would want to have you too.

-I don't like old men but you should have brought him anyways. I would have entertained him. Maybe you would have become captain. I know how to treat old men... Like you...

A moment passes. Ao-nan buttons his trousers.

-There is a dinner organized tomorrow at the General's residence and Ching-kuo has invited me. You should come. I'll introduce you to his mother-in-law.

Through her relationship with Ao-nan, Ju-ling has been introduced to the General's son and to the First Lady. She is now one step away from meeting the General himself.

Streets of Chengdu, Night

Ju-ling discreetly exits the Opera House through a side door and ventures into the Chengdu night. From the other side of the paved road, a silhouette brushes against the walls. Hearing footsteps, Ju-ling nervously swivels her head towards the noise but as the darkness doesn't reveal any shadows, she continues on her frantic paths.

Tea House, Chengdu, Night

As Ju-ling turns onto a lane, a narrow door cracks open to let her in. Inside, she is lead by an old woman to the main room of a unlit tea house. Sitting at a table, three CCP officials order her to join them.

May-ling, the First Lady, who's agents had been tracking Ju-ling's every movements, decides to turn her into a double agent.

Opera House, Chengdu, 10 December 1949

A covered convertible Ford Coupe stops in front of the opera. It's head beams light up the dust it has raised into the cool dawn air. Moments later, Ju-ling walks out of the side door carrying a small leather suitcase and walks into the car as it departs.

Road to Qionglai, Chengdu

On the backseat, Ju-ling sits next to the First Lady who greets her with a satisfied grin, a cigarette in its holder between her lips. Ju-ling remains silent for a moment, looking at city waking up thought the car's window.

-How did you know I would be there?

-Because it was your only way out. You couldn't go back to your people. You couldn't wait for them to capture the city...

Ju-ling looks at the Railway Movement Monument as they cross Renmin's Park. She's a traitor to her people, her family, her cause. All that for the man she loves.

-So why are you doing this? Why didn't you denounce me?

-From one concubine to another... I know you'll be valuable to me where we go...

The Fist Lady exhales her cigarette smoke onto Ju-ling's face.

Qionglai Air Base, Chengdu

NRA C-47 May-Ling

The First Lady's Ford is idling on the tarmac as a military convoy arrives to secure the area. The General's car followed by several other jeeps make their way pass the Ford as a C-47 Skytrain aircraft pulls out of a hangar and stops on a patch of grass near the strip its engine still running. Ju-ling anxiously looks at the military personnel and other dignitaries boarding the plane.

-Ao-nan's not there.

-Don't worry mei-mei, he'll join you later. Nothing will happen to him, he'll probably be in Taipei for Christmas, before our New Year for sure. You want him to come, don't you?

Ju-ling looks at the inscription painted under the cockpit: May-ling. How did a Christian concubine became so powerful? China's most influential woman. What's waiting for her on the other side of the Taiwan Strait?

-Of course I do.

The C-47 take off with Ju-ling, the presidential couple and a dozen chosen officials.

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