After his father left, Albert turned to face Mr. Sumko Tamako with a thoughtful expression.
“Do not be concerned, all will be explained.”
He sat down in the chair vacated by the admiral and leaned back to wait. The inspection was anticipated. His slight build and curly hair always distracted people. The mustache helped some, but many thought him young, still in his teens. They were shocked to discover his doctorate.
“I asked regarding you. People raved about your accomplishments. Vice-President Roosevelt called you an “Engineer Extraordinaire. The mechanized servant at the door is superb.”
“Thank you. I will pass your praise on to Thomas. Even though a machine, he enjoys compliments.”
Silence returned. They sat relaxed and studied each other. Like Albert, he projected a calm peace. His silk coat was woven with exotic designs and colors. One hand lay across his lap, maybe to access a hidden weapon. He noticed Albert’s curious interest and nodded. They both understood each other.
“Vice-President Roosevelt requested we speak?”
The Japanese emissary brought his fingers together to form a peak. “While negotiating a treaty, my Emperor mentioned a personal request to your president. He needs your expertise on a special device. President McKinley directed his vice-president to facilitate our meeting.”
Albert studied the opposite wall for a minute. A thought ran through his mind. Set up by both his father and old friend, Teddy. International repercussions if he said, no. The university semester ended in a couple of weeks and the student projects were not completed. His time was extremely limited, but his schedule could be adjusted. He calmly replied, “I can come by in the morning and look at it. Is it nearby?”
Mr. Tamako stared at him. “You misunderstand. The device is in Japan. You will need to travel there to work on it.”
“I have certain physical limitations right now. Extended travel is out of the question.”
“Ah, your encounter with Captain Napoleon. His treatment of you was terrible. The transportation will be easy. By train first in the Emperor’s section. Followed by a luxury berth on a steamer for the final part of the journey. Your every need will be taken care of. There may be healing herbs we can use on your foot.”
“What is the exact problem? Can I explain how to fix it and have someone there work on it?”
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
It became a staring contest as the clocks ticked in the background.
The Japanese man was the first to break eye contact. He nodded at the man in black and signaled to him. He glided over to guard the closed door. The emissary’s eyes became distant. “What I tell you now cannot leave this room. It is a matter of our national security. There are factions in our government that want the old ways and would use this for their ends. Our Emperor has the last known dragon in existence. He keeps it safe in a cave next to the Dragon Temple. Only the priests know it is there.”
“A real-live dragon?” he skeptically asked.
“Yes. Again, it’s the last known one in existence. There could be others, but not probable.”
“Why do you need me?”
“Mikoodo is very lonesome, almost despondent. She doesn’t leave her nest. They are not like most creatures, but only need happiness to stimulate egg production. Our Emperor directed the scientists to build a giant dragon. If another dragon appears, even if mechanical, maybe she would lay an egg. Mikoodo showed interest in the one we created, but the mechanism only runs for a while and freezes up. They went over it, piece by piece and cannot determine what is wrong. We need your knowledge and expertise.” He nodded to one of the geishas
From her sleeve, she removed a six-inch miniature in the shape of a dragon. Bright green stones glittered on its protruding snout. In her open palm, the miniature flapped its wings and sent out a burst of fire. She stood and approached with hand outstretched.
“As you can see, we can build a miniature, but not a life-size model. Our culture is used to working in intricate detail. The bigger one needs synchronization that we cannot achieve.”
Albert studied the exquisite machine with fascination. He had never seen anything like it before. “How is it powered?”
“That can only be revealed when you come with us to Japan.”
His hands longed to reach out and touch the small green dragon, study how it worked. University responsibilities dictated he must stay. “What you showed me is fascinating, but I have commitments. Students depend on me to help them with their projects.”
The emissary saw the desire gleaming in Albert’s eyes. He smiled and rose from the chair. “We leave by train in three weeks for California, from there by steamship to Japan. Your classes should be finished by then. I have not mentioned money, but the reward will be abundant.”
The geisha immediately picked up the dragon and slipped it back up her sleeve.
“You have this already planned. How did you know I would come?”
“My contacts told me you cannot pass on an adventure. And this one will be incredible. I will be at the embassy. You can contact me there.”
“It has been a pleasure to meet you. My apologies, I cannot give you an answer right now.” Albert lightly bowed his head.
The man nodded at him. They both knew he would be coming to Japan.
Walking toward the front door, the black clad guard opened the door. Gaslights were lit along the street to keep the darkness back. Soundlessly, the man stepped out into a shadowed corner. The two geishas were next, followed by the emissary. Lightning streaked across the sky and rain sprinkled as they cautiously walked down the slippery steps. Albert reached over to pull out an ornate umbrella from the stand and held it over them.
The carriage driver stood at attention with the door open. A minute shift in the shadows indicated another concealed guard watched.