Voyage into Slavery Ch 5

Jennings had made his way back on board the 'Eastern Princess.' He'd headed back,to the stern,and waited in the same spot,where he and Kieko had talked before.As yet,she hadn't returned.

He was pleased Sarah would follow his wishes.He was gazing down,at the customs building,checking that she was still there.She was.

As he waited,Jennings suddenly saw a young woman looking down at him.She was part of the crew.He noticed her white uniform.She looked very pretty,but she wasn't smiling,rather, her face showed concern.

He wondered who she was.Maybe he should wave to her,hoping she'd come to him.

However,before he could do so,the girl looked quickly behind her,and hurried away.It was then,that Jennings noticed two crewmen,walk up to where she'd been standing.

He suddenly had the feeling,that the girl may be in trouble.If she was avoiding the crew,there was a good bet she'd know what was going on here.

I'd better go and talk to her.Jennings thought.She might need help.

However,he realised that he was waiting for Kieko returning.He looked again,at the two crewmen,still standing where the young Thai girl had been.None of them seemed to have seen her,and showed no sign of pursuing her.They were talking together.

Jennings kept an eye on them,as he awaited Kieko's return.Neither crewman looked at him,but that didn't lower his alert status.

He stayed on the stern,still waiting for the Japanese girl,and for the first time,started to feel uneasy.

Where the hell was she? He thought,glancing at his watch.He'd been waiting here,for about an hour.Surely,she should be here by now?

Something must have happened to her.Jennings thought grimly.Better go and see if she's okay.

He was just about to go and start searching for her,when he suddenly realised,he didn't know where Kieko's cabin was.

Well,go and find it.He told himself angrily.

Jennings knew every liner carried a passenger manifest.It listed everybody,who was travelling,and where they were,in the ship.He had to find it.

Got to be in the Captain's possession.He assumed.This made him head straight for the bridge.

Of course,he knew passenger access would be strictly restricted here.He had to be discreet.Fortunately,Jennings had long experience,in his previous tours of duty.

He'd sneaked into many tightly guarded enemy strongholds,and after completing his assigned mission,safely extracted out,without the enemy ever knowing he was there.

Quickly,Jennings headed up to the bridge.He soon came within sight of it,and clearly noticed the assigned crew there.

Keeping out of sight,Jennings made a brief scan of the bridge,and he could clearly see it would be nigh on impossible,to get them all out,so he could get in.

I'll need a diversion.He began to think what he could do.

He then noticed a fire alarm,built into the wall.Grimly,Jennings knew,if he proceeded with this plan,it may cause problems,with the rest of the passengers,and there were hundreds of them.

However,he also knew he had to find Kieko,and if it took desperate measures,then so be it.

Jennings was just about to smash the fire alarm,with his arm,when he suddenly saw the young Thai woman again.

She was gesturing urgently at him,not to go ahead with his idea.Instead,she was gesturing at him,to come to her.

Jennings looked around him again.He still hadn't been spotted,and then quickly moved over to her.

'Who are you?' He asked her.

The girl didn't answer.Instead,she took his hand,and led him away.

She actually led him,to an empty cabin,then she locked the door.

'I am sorry I did not introduce myself earlier to you,Mr Jennings.'She spoke fluent English.'But I had to make sure the crew didn't see me.'

'How do you know my name,Miss?' Jennings was gazing at her,puzzled.

She smiled gently at him.

'My father knows of you.He is a very good friend of Major Williams.'

This puzzled Jennings even more.Surely,Karen would have told him,about Thai security involved here.Maybe she didn't know.

'So Major Williams knows about your people,here on this ship?'

She knew what he was saying,so began to explain for him.

'The 'Eastern Princess' is a ship we've been investigating,for many months.The Captain,and his crew,are all known to be involved,with running slavery rings.We've sent in quite a few female officers undercover here,but they've all disappeared.'

'I see.'Jennings instantly knew,what the girl's mission was.'You're here to find them.'

The girl nodded eagerly at him,then went on,'We didn't have time to inform you,of my presence here,but my father has been in contact,with Chief Inspector Ying,from Hong Kong.'

He was still sceptical,but Jennings could see the girl was genuine.He knew from her eyes.They showed much warmth,and care to him.

'What's your name,Miss?'

She spoke her name,in her native Thai tongue,and could see that he hadn't understood any of it.

'I have a few English friends.'She switched back to his language.'They call me Su.'

'Okay.'Jennings nodded,as he offered his hand to her.'I'm John.'

Su didn't shake his hand at first,but made the customary Thai greeting to him.Clasping her hands together in front of her,then bowing slightly to him.

Jennings returned the gesture.

'Is there something I can do to help you,John?'Su asked him.'I noticed you were talking,to a Japanese woman.'

'Yes.'Jennings confirmed.'She's called Kieko.Japanese naval intelligence.She's my contact here,but I'm waiting for her.She hasn't come back yet.'

'Oh? Su looked concerned.'How long has she been gone?'

Jennings glanced at his watch.'Well,it's been over an hour.She should have been back by now.I was going to find her,but then realised I didn't know where her cabin is.'

'Maybe I can help you with that.'Su could still see some doubt,written over Jennings' face.She was eager to prove to him,that she was on his side,and could be trusted.'I'll find her cabin for you.It will be written on the passenger manifest,up in the Captain's ready room,behind the bridge.'

'If you do that,Su,you're bound to run into the crew.'

She nodded at that.'Yes,I'm prepared to accept that risk.If I'm lucky,the senior officers won't notice me.'

'You're sure about that?'

'Yes.'Su had been hiding on the 'Eastern Princess' for quite a while.She always watched the crew carefully,and could even dish out orders,to the lower ranks,but the Captain,and his first officer,had to be avoided.

'Sometimes,the officers are busy,and the ready room is empty.'She nodded again,confidently.'I think I can do it for you.'

She's got guts.Jennings thought admiringly,and said so.

Su smiled,at his compliment.'I'm a police officer.Sometimes,we need that.'

'Okay then.' Jennings agreed.This time,he took a hold of her hand,and led her out of the cabin.'Come with me.There's something I'll give to you.'

Su accepted his friendly hand,and together,they headed out.Jennings made his way back to his own cabin.He kept a careful eye out,should any of the crew see Su,or challenge her.

Fortunately,none of the crew was in sight,and they made it,unmolested.

Jennings quickly entered his cabin.It was a single berth,with spacious cupboards built in.Those cupboards looked somehow strange to Jennings.He'd made a point to himself,to check it out later,but right now,he had something else on his mind.

Reaching under his bed,Jennings pulled out a big holdall bag.He planted it on the bed,and zipped it open.He then produced two small radios,from the bag.

He handed one of them over to Su.

'When you find where Kieko's located,contact me straight away.Got it? Oh,her last name's Yamamoto.'

'I got it.'Su grinned.'Don't worry.I will find her for you.'

She then made to leave,but stopped,as Jennings told her.'Be careful,okay? Watch your back.'

She smiled again at him.'Thank you.I will be fine.'

With that,Su left his cabin,to head up to the bridge.

Jennings was thinking of following her,just to make sure she would be okay,but then thought better of it.He stood a better chance,finding Kieko,if he stayed here.All the passenger cabins,were within easy reach here.If he was up near the bridge area,time might be against him.

He put the holdall bag back under his bed,then his gaze turned towards the built in cupboards,in his cabin.

He went over,and slid open the door to one of them.There was plenty of space he could use,but something was still bothering him about them.

Jennings then looked at the inner wall,to the cupboard.That appeared well varnished,but he did notice something odd.There was a slightly different colouring,on one section of the wall.

Curiously,he knocked a couple of times on it.A hollow sound echoed back to him immediately.With an idea what this led to,Jennings knocked on the other wall sections.This time,the sound was different,more harder.

Jennings looked back,at where he'd first knocked,and slid his hands over this area.Almost immediately,the wall slid away,to reveal next door's cabin.

Fortunately,the place was empty,so Jennings didn't have to make any polite excuses.

Still,he had his suspicions confirmed.This may prove useful,he thought.

He slid the wall section back into place,then waited for the Thai girl to contact him,hoping she'd be okay.

That was precisely the thought going through Su's mind,as she neared the bridge.She could see more of the crew this time,and was praying none of them would bump into her.

She'd prepared her cover story,and had her papers ready to show,if they were asked for.However,Su knew this wouldn't get her anywhere.The crew here,were all known criminals.It was better,to avoid contact.

In fact,Su was now starting to feel uneasy about this.How on earth could she avoid the Captain,or any of his officers? They'd always be on the bridge.

I'll watch them,and wait my chance.She thought to herself.

Su finally reached the bridge,but didn't enter it.She stood back,seeing who was there.

Sure enough,Su noticed Yee,the first officer,observing the bridge crew at work.There was no sign of the Captain,but Su knew he was there,and in the very room she wanted to be in.

Still keeping out of sight,Su kept watching,hoping for a bit of luck.She didn't have to wait long,as she suddenly noticed the Captain,emerging from his ready room.

Su then saw Liu go up to Yee,and they had exchanged a few words,before Liu then exited the bridge.Her hopes rose dramatically.

She then watched Yee,go up to a couple of the bridge crew,and tell them something.The men nodded,and just as his Captain had before him,Yee too,left the bridge.

This is my chance! Su thought excitedly.The Captain's ready room,was empty.She then took the chance,and walked straight into the bridge,ready for any challenge directed at her.

Much to her surprise,none of the bridge crew did.Some of them glanced at her,but nobody spoke to her.

Despite her relief at this,Su didn't waste a second.She headed straight for the ready room,knocking politely on the door,just to show the crew,she was respecting the Captain's authority.With no answer forthcoming,Su entered Liu's ready room,closing the door behind her.

Instantly,Su started searching Liu's desk.She didn't have to search long.The passenger list,was in one of the desk draws.

Quickly,Su scanned the passengers names,beginning with Y.There was only one,and with a quiet smile of triumph,Su took out the radio Jennings had given her.

'I have found her cabin.' She spoke into the radio.'She's in cabin 230,E deck.That's a deck below you.'

'Got it.'Thank you,Su.' Jennings' voice instantly replied.'Are you okay?'

'Yes,I am fine.'Su nodded,even though he didn't see that.'There were no problems.I'll meet you on the stern later.'

'Okay,be careful.I'm heading for her cabin now.'

Jennings had quickly ended the transmission,and then hurried out of his cabin.

Su put the passenger manifest back into the draw,where she'd found it.She was just making sure nothing was out of place,when she suddenly heard the door slam shut behind her.

Startled,Su whirled around,and her face fell into dismay.

Yee was there,with a Chinese woman,blocking her exit.Both wore sinister smiles,as they leered at her.To make matters worse,Su clearly saw the gun,that Yee was holding,aimed directly at her.

'So,' Yee was still smiling,as he spoke to her.'You're Inspector Panna's daughter.'

Su was to stunned to answer,realising they'd been waiting for her.Despite her caution,Su guessed,that she must have been spotted.

She then realised,that she still held the radio.Maybe she could get a warning off,to Jennings,that she'd been caught.

Su began to raise the radio,up to her mouth,but Yee gestured sharply with his gun at her.

'I wouldn't do that,my dear.'He warned her.'You'll only speak,when we give you permission to do so.'

Yee then told Kim Yang,standing beside him.'Hold my gun,please.Miss Yang.'

After he'd handed his weapon over to her,Yee then moved towards Su menacingly.Su suddenly found the strength to try and escape,as she made a run for it.However,Yee easily seized her,pulling her arms behind her.

'Let me go!' Su protested,half mad,half fearful.

'Oh no,my pretty.'Kim Yang chuckled.'We're going to keep you.A very pretty girl like you,is always worth a great deal,to our clients.'

Su gasped in pain,as Yee tightened his grip on her arms.He then hissed into her ear.

'We know you were sent here,to look for your missing pretty police colleagues.I'm going to take you to them now.'

'What have you done with them?' Su managed to gasp out,in his hold.She couldn't struggle at all.

'I'm going to show you,my dear.' Yee smirked,as he then asked Kim Yang.'Would you mind getting the ropes please,Miss Yang,so I can tie her up?'

'My pleasure.'Kim Yang gave Su a cold smile,as she suddenly produced the familiar coils of strong white rope.

'No!' Su couldn't help,but shout out in protest,before Yee's hand clamped hard,over her mouth,silencing her.

'Just don't struggle,and you won't get hurt.'Kim Yang advised.Her voice sounded totally inhuman.

This seemed to do the trick.Su heard the utter menace,in the woman's voice,and was helpless.She had to stop struggling.

'That's a good girl.Miss Panna.'Kim Yang was pleased the girl was obeying.'I should tell you,that I have a zero tolerance,of disobedience,my dear.I'd have hated,to have marked that pretty face.'

Su then suddenly felt Yee force her down,onto her knees.Kim Yang walked over to them,standing right in front of Su,as she handed over several coils of the rope to Yee.

'Now,let's make sure you'll still be a good girl,and Mr Yee will take his hand away.Do you understand?'

Su nodded,mumbling softly behind Yee's tight handgag.It was the last thing she wanted,to be tied up,but of course,she had no say in the matter.

She felt Yee take away his hand,and was much relieved.Being handgagged,wasn't an enjoyable experience for Su.

She then felt Yee starting to bind her wrists together.The man was an expert,having practiced this,many times.Within a couple of minutes,Su's hands were securely tied behind her.

She then felt Yee wrapping more coils of rope,over and under her chest.Her face became more alarmed,as she felt the ropes tighten into her upper body.

Su looked up desperately,at her captors,pleading.'Please! Let me go!'

Unfortunately,her plea only made the Chinese woman smile down at her.It wasn't a nice smile either,as she caressed Su's cheek.

'We told you,my dear.You're going to join your female colleagues below,and we're going to sell every one of you,to the highest bidder.'

Enjoying the fear in the Thai girl's eyes,as she mentioned this,Kim Yang went on coldly taunting her pretty captive,as she was tied up.

'I have indeed,many business associates,who will pay me handsomely,to tie up and gag a pretty girl such as yourself.Who knows? You might even get to enjoy it.'

Su was horrified at hearing the woman's plans for her.She was just going to make another protest,when suddenly,she heard the sound of tape being ripped off.Almost instantly,Yee forced her head back to him,and firmly placed a large strip of black tape over Su's mouth.

Yee enjoyed her fear,and then finished off tying Su's ankles together.Once that was done,he checked the knots,and was satisfied,nodding at Kim Yang.

'Good work,Mr Yee.'Kim Yang was pleased.'Take her below,and put her with the others.Miss Jennings will be here soon.I'll lure her in,and tell the Captain to be ready,to chloroform her.'

'Of course,Miss Yang.'Yee nodded,as he easily picked up Su's tightly bound,gagged form,in his arms.He then carried her,to the hidden lift entrance.

Kim Yang pressed the hidden switch,under Liu's desk,and sure enough,the hidden door revealed itself.

Held tight in Yee's arms,Su could only stare wide eyed at him,as he took her into the lift.She then heard the Chinese woman say to her.

'Don't get too hopeful,Miss Panna.You won't escape me,and I'm sure we'll be feeling your delicious body,quite soon.'

The lift door closed,sealing Su's muted cries of fear shut.