Disclaimer:  I don't own the characters, and I'm not making any money.


Jonny Quest:  The Real Adventures

The Jewels of Cairo
by Wendy Carley



        The minute he stepped through the door he knew that
something was wrong.  The security system wasn't working, and
he heard a faint rustling in the next room.

        As quietly as a shadow, he set down his suitcase and
crept forward.  He was careful to stay in the darkness cast by
the night.

        Hadji had returned home from Bangalore a few days
early.  He knew the rest of his family was away on a mission, so
the darkened figure he saw could not be one of them.

        Observing in complete silence, he watched the person
trying to crack one of Dr. Quest's safes.  After several failed
attempts, the burglar finally took a device out of a bag on the floor.
The tool stirred the lock a few times, and the door sprang open.

        The thief ignored the neat stacks of money.  Instead, the
hands went straight for an object wrapped in a dark cloth.  Gently,
with trembling fingers, the person unwrapped it.  Even in the
dim light, Hadji could see a green glow imitating from the thief's
hands.

        With lightening speed, the burglar closed the safe, picked
up the bag, and looked around the room to make sure everything
seemed orderly.  The person eased to a window, and Hadji knew it
was time to make his move.

        He ran to the figure cloaked in darkness and lunged at it.
The person was knocked to the floor.  Hadji kicked the thief in
the stomach.  For a while, the burglar did not fight back; the 
shadowed person had expected this to be an easy job.  Quickly
regaining composure, the thief backhanded Hadji and ran to escape.

        Hadji sprinted after the person, pinned his attacker
against the wall, and flipped the light switch on.  The room was
flooded with bright light.  Hadji's eyes widened and his mouth hung
open.  As he stared in shock, the burglar smiled.  He looked
straight into a pair on sparkling pale green eyes.

        "Long time; no see," the woman said.

        "Jade?" Hadji gasped in surprise.

        "You know, Hadji," Jade said with a flirtatious smile, "you've
grown.  You're really are getting very handsome."

        Hadji's eyes darkened as he reached for her clenched fist.
"And you, Jade, have not changed.  What were you stealing?"

        "Stealing?  Oh, Hadji, how could you accuse a close family
friend of such a horrible thing?" Jade gasped in mock disbelief.

        "Because," Hadji replied, "it is the truth."  He finally wrestled
the object away from her.  A bright green jewel sparkled in his hands.
He stared at it in awe.

        "I never knew Dr. Quest had this," he said softly.

        "It's the Emerald of Cairo," Jade responded with a smile.
"Dr. Quest was holding on to it for me.  Since I need it, and he wasn't
home right now, I decided I would . . ."

        "Break into our home and steal it!" Hadji finished her thought.

        "Hadji," she murmured as she crept close to him, "how can
I steal something I already own?"

        Hadji took a deep breath and stepped away from her.  He
folded his arms across his chest as he stared at her with his deep
brown eyes.

        "OK," she finally blurted, "maybe it isn't exactly mine.  It's
one of the three Jewels of Cairo.  The set was separated years ago.
Even without the other two, this gem is priceless.  A lot of people
would be willing to kill for it."

        "Or willing to steal it," Hadji added coolly.

        "Exactly," Jade responded, "that's why I wanted to take
it and keep it safe until Dr. Quest returned.  It isn't safe in this empty
house."

        Hadji frowned as he walked to a nearby computer.  He
found a file on the emerald.  It was a part of the Jewels of Cairo.
Jade was telling the truth about one thing at least.  Dr. Quest was
keeping it safe until he could transfer it to a museum.

        Hadji rose, picked up the gem, and placed it back in
the safe.  Jade sauntered up to him.  He shot her a cold look and
said, "Do not waste your time.  This jewel is going into a museum.
If you leave now, I will not inform the police of your actions.  Since,
you are such a close friend of the family."

        "But, Hadji,  I need it.  I promised it to my employer.  He
won't be happy if I show up empty-handed."  Hadji eyed her
suspiciously, but she did seem really worried.

        "Why would it matter so much to him?" Hadji demanded.

        "Because," she began.  She nervously ran a hand through her
short black hair.  Looking at Hadji, she knew she might as well tell him.
"Because I know where the other two jewels are.  The reunited set
would be worth billions.  I got into a little trouble with my employer,
and this is my way of . . . making amends."

        Hadji was not totally convinced.  He knew that Jade would
say or do anything to get what she wanted.

        When he remained silent, Jade said, "I don't care about 
what I owe that idiot.  I never really wanted him to have the jewels,
anyway.  If you think the emerald belongs in a museum, that's fine
with me.  But what about the other two gems?  Do you want them to
fall into corrupt hands?  With a little help, I could make sure the entire
set went to the museum."  As she finished speaking, she sat down on
a chair, crossed her legs, and gazed at him.

        Hadji had a sinking feeling.  He wondered if this was how a
fish felt just before it bit into a hook.  He cautiously asked, "Where
are the other two jewels?"

        Jade visibly brightened and quickly replied, "I've traced the
sapphire to, of all places, Cairo.  I think it's being held by a shady
crook named Madison.  He's a dealer in stolen merchandise.  He's
really bad news."

        "You should know," Hadji said under his breath.

        Jade either did not hear him, or she ignored him.  "The
amethyst," she continued, "I'm not as sure about.  I think I'll find
the answers in Cairo.  So what happens now?"

        "It's late," Hadji flatly replied.  "We should try to rest.
Then, tomorrow we go to Cairo."

        Jade slowly rose from the chair, wrapped a thin arm
around Hadji, and exclaimed, "You won't regret this."

        Hadji removed her arm and said, "I already do."


	*****


        The bright Cairo sun beat down as Hadji and Jade quickly
walked through the crowded streets.

        Jade tugged at Hadji's arm and pointed to a shabby building.
"That's the place.  Madison has the sapphire in there.  I know, it
doesn't look like the home of a wealthy dealer of stolen goods."

        "Appearances are often deceptive," Hadji calmly replied.
"What do you suggest we do now?"

        "I'll scout the back of the building.  You size up the front.
Then, we'll decide on our next move."  Jade turned away, but then
she spun around and hugged him.  "Thanks for helping me,"  she said 
before she left.

        As Hadji watched her go, he thought about how grateful he
was that the trip had been relatively uneventful so far.  Still, he knew
that Jade was up to something.  At least he knew the emerald was
secure in Dr. Quest's safe.  Hadji had checked it just before they
had left.

        He was about to survey the building when he noticed that
Jade had accidentally left her bag beside him.  He eyed it suspiciously.
After a quick mental debate, he decided he would rather be safe than
sorry.

        Rapidly, he unpacked Jade's bag.  He emptied the contents
and searched for hidden compartments.  He smiled when he found
that her bag contained nothing unusual.  Just as he was putting
everything back, a shadow covered him.  He sheepishly grinned up
at Jade.

        "Nice to know you trust me," she said softly.

        "I am sorry for the violation; however, you can not really blame
me," he replied.

        She shook her head and said, "I guess not.  Well, I think I found
something that could help us.  The back entrance is unguarded."

        "Then, we should use this to our advantage," Hadji exclaimed
as he began walking toward the old building.  Jade placed a firm hand
on his shoulder to stop him.

        "I think it would be better if I went in alone," Jade explained.
When she saw Hadji's disapproving look, she continued, "I'm more
familiar with this type of work.  It should just take a few minutes.  After
I get the sapphire, we can start asking around about the amethyst."

        "Fine,' Hadji reluctantly responded.  "I'll wait here."

        "Perfect!  I'll be right back."  Jade remarked before rushing
off.  Hadji knew that something was not right.  Before he had a chance
to change his mind, he began following her.

        As he saw her enter the building, his suspicions were confirmed.
There was a guard, and when he saw Jade he simply nodded and let
her in.

        Hadji knew he had to find out what was going on.  He crept
up behind the hulking guard and hit him on the head.  The man fell to
the ground with a thud.  Hadji entered the building just in time to see
Jade turn down a hallway.

        As he trailed her, he gave thanks that there were apparently no
other guards in the building.  Jade stepped into a garishly furnished
room and Hadji lurked just outside.

        "Ah, Jade, have you brought me what you promised?" Hadji
heard a loud voice rumble.

        "Madison," Jade quickly replied, "I ran into a slight problem."

        "So," Hadji realized, "Madison was not just a dishonest crook.
He was also Jade's employer.  But why would Jade lie about this?"

        "What problem?  You said this would be easy!" Madison
thundered.

        Hadji peeked into the room and got a good look at Madison.
He was enormous.  The tall man with sandy brown hair and squinty
brown eyes towered above Jade.

        "Well, I need more time.  This is a little more complicated than
I originally thought . . ." Jade began.

        "I need those other two gems.  My collection is incomplete with
just the sapphire.  I've been checking on you, Jade.  I know you got the
amethyst, and I know you were at the Quest compound.  You have the
two jewels, and I want them.  Now!" he growled.

        Hadji's eyes were wide with confusion.  He wondered if Jade
really did have the amethyst.  He had not seen it in her bag.  He casually
put his hands in his pockets as he thought.  A large lump hit his left hand.
He pulled it out, and saw that it was a black cloth covering something.
He unfolded the cloth and saw a shinning emerald and amethyst.

        He closed his eyes as he realized Jade must have planted the
jewels on him when she hugged him.  Hadji could barely believe that 
Jade had been lying to him all this time.  She had the amethyst all along, 
and she had stolen the emerald right from under his nose.

        "Jessie's right," Hadji whispered to himself, "my judgment
is severely impaired when it comes to women."

        He was about to put the jewel back in his pocket when he
saw someone was running towards him.  The guard had obviously
regained consciousness.  He quickly grabbed Hadji and pinned him
against the wall.

        "Kid," the guard said threateningly, "I owe you something."
The man pulled his huge fist back and punched Hadji.

        "How do I get myself into these situations?  Perhaps,
I need to meditate more," he stammered before collapsing.


	*****


        Hadji awoke to the sound of a booming voice.  "Good work,
Ron," it said.  Through his foggy daze, Hadji recognized it as Madison.
"Now that I have what I want, we can dispose of our guests."

        "Great, boss," the lackey replied.  "Want me to do it now?"

        "No," Madison said thoughtfully, "you better wait until it's
dark.  It will be easier to remove the bodies."  By their fading voices,
Hadji knew that the two men were moving away.

        He tried to focus his eyes and figure out where he was.  Hadji
found that he was forcefully tied to a chair in the overly-decorated room
he had just been near.  Turning his head to the side, he saw a woman tied in
a similar manner beside him.

        "I thought I told you to wait outside!"  Jade exclaimed.

        "You did.  You also told me you were going to get the sapphire.
You neglected to tell me that you already had the amethyst, you stole
the emerald, you hid them on me . . . " Hadji began.

        "I was just trying to keep them safe.  We can discuss this later.
Don't you think we should get out of here now?" Jade asked.

        As Hadji began to work his hands free of the ropes, he
continued, "You did not tell me that you were actually working for
Madison.  You also failed to mention that you were double crossing
him and planning to take the jewels for yourself."

        "Hadji," Jade replied, "I intended to keep them safe until
they could be properly exhibited in a museum."

        "Your only intention was to make a profit," Hadji corrected.
He finished removing the ropes that had held him and began untying
Jade.  As she stood, he said, "Let's go."

        "Wait," Jade whispered.  She shot a glance at a nearby
safe.  "This will just take a second."

        Before Hadji could say another word, Jade was toying with
the safe.  Soon, the door clicked open, and Jade wrapped all
three jewels in the dark cloth and put them in her pocket.  She turned
to Hadji and said, "Now, let's go."

        "Not so fast," a thundering voice behind them replied.
Madison and his guard entered the room.  Their eyes were narrow
and their fists were clenched.

        Hadji's mind spun like well-oiled gears.  He carefully and
quickly analyzed their options.  With rapid precision, he formulated
a plan.

        "Run!" he screamed to Jade.  They both turned and bolted
for the exit with the two thugs close behind them.

        Jade and Hadji reached the door and flung themselves into
the alley.  Madison suddenly leapt forward and tackled Jade.  She
hit the ground hard and a small bundle skipped out of her pocket.
Both Jade and Madison began to frantically chase after it.

        As if the package had a mind of its own, it headed straight
for a sewer drain.  Jade reached toward the drain, but Madison
could only stare in horror.  Everyone gasped as they heard a faint
splash.

        Jade hung her head and put her hands in her pockets.
Turning to Madison, she sighed, "Well, I guess we both lose."

        "No," Madison replied with ice in his voice as he grabbed
her, "I never lose!"

        He swiftly drew back his huge fist.  Then, he dropped
unconscious to the ground.

        Hadji, who had eased up behind him, unclenched his fists and
said, "There is a first time for all things.  Now, this time, I suggest we
really leave." 

        Jade surveyed the scene and discovered that the guard had
run away as soon as his boss had been defeated.  "So much for loyalty," 
she thought.  She looked at Hadji with a radiant smile and said, "No
arguments here.  Let's get going.  And thanks."

        Hadji shook his head and replied, "Forget about it.  That is
what I hope to do."

        Later, they were waiting at an airport terminal.  Hadji
quietly watched the metallic white birds landing and rising.  The
rest of the Quest Team was picking him up, and they would
return home together.  And Jade . . . at this moment, he did not
really care where she was going.

        She sat down beside him.  "Hadji," she whispered, "don't
be mad at me.  I really did intend to put the jewels in a museum."

        He stared at her blankly, "Of course you did."

        She stood up, stretched, and swung her bag over her
shoulder.  "It's too bad we lost them.  You would have been
surprised," she exclaimed.

        A well dressed and distinguished man quickly approached
them.  When he saw Hadji, his wrinkled face burst into a smile.
"Mr. Singh," he called.

        Hadji looked up and waved to the man.  "Hello, Mr. Adell,"
he responded.  "I did not expect to see you here."

        "Well," the older gentleman said as he shook Hadji's hand,
"I could not let you go without thanking you one last time."

        Jade raised an eyebrow and asked, "Thanking you?"

        Hadji ignored the question and said, "No need for thanks.
It was my pleasure.  Have you met . . ."

        "Call me, Jade," she interrupted.

        The old man beamed, "Oh, and did you help with the
recovery?"

        "Mr. Adell," Hadji replied, "I can honestly say that none
of this would have been possible without her."

        Jade's green eyes bulged and her face wore an uncharacteristic
look of concern.  "What wouldn't have been possible without me?"
she nervously asked.

        Mr. Adell looked a little surprised.  He said, "Why, the finest
acquisition our museum has ever made.  Thanks to the two of you, the
Jewels of Cairo are now on display for all to see."

        Jade's jaw almost hit the floor.  She quickly
rummaged through her bag.  Then, she dumped all the
contents on the floor and turned the bag inside out.  She
finally looked at Hadji in utter shock.

        "Is anything the matter?"  Mr. Adell questioned.

        She tried to sputter a response, but for once in her
life Jade was speechless.

        "Oh no," Hadji assured him, "everything is perfect."

        Mr. Adell looked at Jade quizzically, but finally said,
"Then, I should be going.  I just wanted to thank you again.
Goodbye.  Nice meeting you, Jade."

        "Goodbye," Hadji called as the man trotted away.

        Jade found her voice and turned on Hadji, "I . . .
I . . . I never . . ." she stammered.

        Hadji looked her in the eyes and said, "You never should
have underestimated me."

        Jade's eyes glowed and her arms crossed, but the anger
seemed to leave her as quickly as the wind blows though the
trees.  Suddenly, she relaxed, and a soft smile played across her
lips.  "You're right," she said.  "I'll remember that next time."

        Hadji glared at her and responded, "There will not be
a next time."

        Jade laughed as she murmured, "Oh, Hadji, with me
there's always a next time.  See you around."  Then, she slowly
sauntered away.

        As he watched her go, Hadji felt a blow to his back.  He
tensed and quickly spun around.

        Two smiling faces greeted him.

        "Hey, Hadj, how you doing?"  Jonny asked.

        "Yeah, how was your trip?  Why did you want us to meet
you here . . ."  Jessie trailed off as she scanned the crowd.  "Is that
Jade?" she asked.

        "Where?"  Jonny said as he frantically looked around.

        Jessie smacked Jonny upside the head and replied, "She was
over there.  But now she's gone.  What's going on, Hadji?"

        Hadji turned towards the exit.  "My friends," he sighed,
"it is a long story."



The End


OK, I lied.  This wasn't a Hadji solo.  I had to put J&J in there
somewhere.  Well, it was mostly a Hadj solo.  :)

A