Editing Agents of Empress Wu:John Lampros (section)

== Background ==
The Lampros (translation: 'Brilliant') family in Constantinople is descended from Kallinikos, the creator of Sea Fire (what foreigners call 'Greek Fire') and while largely a state secret, his family line has lived up to their name and kept knowledge of it for themselves. John, as part of this noble family, was brought up to be both a bright scholar, and demonstrated a strong grasp of mathematics and science that did the family proud.

However, the family drew the suspicion of Emperor Justinian II, already grappling with the aristocracy, cracking down on various sects in the Church, and unpopular for high taxes. Whether true or not, Justinian believed the family was associated with seditious elements, and John was sent away for his own safety. Deciding Eastern Rome was too dangerous, he went east on the Silk Road, towards the famous empire of China, reputed for its wealth, power and sophistication...

And it was indeed exotic in ways John could not have imagined. There were those who wielded powers practically supernatural, and one of them, a flamboyant fellow by the name of Cosmic Zhan took a shine to the intelligent foreigner. Zhan offered to teach him in chi and kung fu (when he was available) and recommended him to the services of the Empress. For indeed, there was an embattled monarch too, but one of worthy judgement and leadership...