WHAM! The file folders landed with a heavy thud on Peter Caine's desk. "CHIEF!"

Strenlich grinned in wicked delight, "Don't look at me, Detective. I didn't assign these to you."

"But I haven't even done anything, this week." Peter protested.

"Yet, but it's only Monday." The Chief decided it was time to take pity on the young man, "It's OK, Peter. These are old cases of yours, destined for the archives. The Captain just needs your stamp of approval before they head out the door. Take your time. They're not due out until Friday."

The frustration that had drained from Peter's face as the Frank Strenlich spoke returned ten-fold, "FRIDAY!"

"Just work it in, Caine. You aren't doing anything special tonight, are you?"

Peter glared at the folders, "Not now, I'm not."

Strenlich was still laughing as he walked away.

Mary Margaret said sympathetically, "Don't feel bad, Peter. You'd have known this was coming if you hadn't been late Friday."

"That wasn't my fault. Someone put a nail in two tires."

"I know, but since it was the second time last week, the Captain was in no mood to listen."

Peter sighed, "Wish I could wake up as easily as Pop. He's up and out in the community by six am every morning and doesn't even own an alarm clock." He glared at the folders on his desk, "Well, for once I'm prepared for court early, so I've got an hour to get a few of these done."

"You might get one done, partner." Skalany's voice held a hint of laughter in it.

"Huh?"

"You obviously haven't opened the top folder yet. They've made it almost as hard to archive a file, paperwork wise, as it is to file for a warrant."

Peter flipped open the folder in front of him and paled.

"Gee, Peter, it's not that bad," Mary Margaret started to tease, but then realized that it was not the paperwork itself that had caused this reaction, "What's wrong, Peter?"

"Memories," he said quietly, "The stuff nightmares are made of."

********

Xia smiled as she contemplated the task before her. Too much time had passed since her last encounter with the Caines. Then she had been bound to the service of Bon Bon Hai; their common goal, the elimination of Peter Caine and the cycle of his lives. Her revenge on Kwai Chang Caine for the death of her father, Tan, would have been so sweet. Fortunately for her, she had been but a minor player in the service of the Dark Warrior, when the plan went awry. When it came to the Caines, Bon Bon Hai had failed their master too often in the past and had paid the ultimate price for it. This time, Xia knew she and she alone would be held responsible for the corruption, and ultimate destruction, of the line of Caine. An empty page of 'her' photo album lay open before her. As she watched, enthralled as usual, an image of Peter took shape there. The young man sat behind his desk at the 101st, frowning at a report. Smiling in satisfaction, Xia sealed the picture in place, "It is time, young Caine. Your fate, and your future, are almost sealed."

********

The day that had started so badly was rapidly becoming a disaster. The court case, so carefully prepared, had fallen apart with the introduction of 'surprise' witness by the defense attorney. The unimpeachable witness had cast doubt not only upon the veracity of the prosecution's case, but on the motives of one Peter Caine, himself. The 'evidence' had forced a mistrial, and a drug lord now walked free to plague the streets again. The prosecuting attorney placed a supportive hand gently on Peter Caine's shoulder as the defendant was released. His hold tightened as the man sneered at Peter and delivered an obscene gesture in the young cop's direction. "Easy, Peter, that's what he wants, a confrontation."

Clinched fists indicted the young man's willingness to oblige, but an uncharacteristic caution soon took hold. "I know, but damn!"

Samuel Klein, assistant district attorney, shrugged, "It happens."

Peter turned angrily on the younger man, "Not to me, it doesn't"

Samuel held up his hands, "Whoa, I'm on your side, remember?"

"Sorry, Samuel." Peter ran his hands nervously through his hair. "This whole scenario just reminded me of a case I'm sending to the archives. The defendant in that case was guilty, but got away with murder, literally, by casting similar aspersions on my motives, and tactics."

"Xia Tan."

Surprise registered on the cop's face, "You know the case?"

"Uh, it's actually required reading when you start work with the District Attorney's office."

"Excuse me?"

"All the facts were there, you had the bitch cold, but a clever piece of courtroom manipulation set her free and almost cost you your career. Yep, required reading on just what can go wrong."

"Special."

"Don't worry, Peter. There's not an attorney who's read it who puts any blame on you."

"That's nice to hear."

"Go back to work, Detective. I'll clean up the mess here and see if we have any grounds to refile against Lord Asshole."

Peter grinned, slapped the young man on the back and left the courtroom. He hesitated as he left the judicial building. Lord Asshole, as Samuel had called him, was holding a press conference on the front steps. "Damn," Peter thought, "I should have anticipated this." He moved as far as possible from the circus taking place on the steps and prayed he'd make it to the street without Sandra Mason noticing.

"Detective Caine!"

The female voice stopped him in his tracks. He groaned inwardly. He didn't know which of the Immortals he'd offended, but he was definitely paying the price. Taking a deep breath, he turned, "Yes, Ms. Mason?"

"Detective, our viewers at Channel 3 would like to hear your opinion of Mr. Albert's release."

To himself, he muttered, "I'll just bet they would." Aloud, he smiled, "Ms. Mason," he paused, "No comment."

"I see, well perhaps you can tell our viewers if there is any truth to Mr. Albert's contention that you will face charges over his false arrest."

Peter steeled himself not to react, "No comment, Ms. Mason."

"This isn't the first time you've almost been brought up on charges because of 'bad' evidence."

The Shaolin cop knew the woman was baiting him, and struggled not to take the bait, "Ms. Mason, I said no comment." Peter slipped by her and forced himself to walk at his normal pace toward the Stealth. To his relief, no media followed him. As he clicked the electronic key, a figure caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. When he turned, it was gone. Shaking his head, he muttered, "Get a grip, Peter. There is no way that Xia Tan has returned."

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part - 02 ↑

Kwai Chang Caine sat quietly drinking tea with Lo Si. The younger Shaolin had arrived at his friend's apartment unannounced but not unexpected. Twin cups sat on the low table in front of the sofa and Caine's favorite cookies graced the delicate china plates beside the cups. The dainty pattern of tiny yellow and pink rosebuds seemed somehow out of place in the masculine environment. The Ancient seated himself beside his friend, "I have not had the pleasure of your company in many days, my friend."

"I apologize, Master, I have been assisting Mrs. Hendricks with her garden. Since she broke her hip last fall, she has been unable to do much in the garden herself. Her Dianthus were almost completely overrun and her shrubs were badly in need of trimming."

"Mrs. Hendricks? The name is somewhat familiar."

"You may remember Peter mentioning her when she broke her hip. She is an elderly widow who lives near Annie. She always walks to church with Annie on Sundays. When she failed to come to Annie's home, and did not answer the phone, Annie called..."

"Young Peter. Yes, I do remember. You have completed your work with her?"

"No." Caine smiled, "I introduced Bobby Evans to her. He will complete the work, under her watchful eye."

"Peter will be displeased that this boy is so close to his mother."

Caine smiled, "On the contrary. It was Peter who suggested that this might help the young man to overcome his 'problems'."

"Ah, young Peter is learning. You also believe this to be such an opportunity for this boy?"

"I do. He is naturally drawn to plants, and will learn much from Mrs. Hendricks. Her roses...." Caine suddenly ceased speaking and looked troubled.

"My dear friend, what is wrong?" Lo Si's dark eyes reflected his concern.

"I do not know, Master" he replied, "This is the second time this morning that my son has become very disturbed. I must return home, Master. If Peter wishes to talk, he will come there."

*************

Peter's good humor had almost returned by the time he reached the 101st. Turning the Stealth into the lot, he circled only twice before a parking place opened up. He frowned as he realized that the car next to him had parked legally, but too close to the line for the wide doors of the Stealth to open easily. Sighing he eased the door open and maneuvered his tall figure carefully out of the car. Once again a figure in the distance caught his eye, but was too far away to identify even so much as the gender. Peter stared until a car horn pulled his attention away for a moment. When he looked back at the figure, it was gone. "Odd," he thought, "That looked like... No, Peter don't go there." As he started to walk away from the Stealth, he suddenly realized that he'd parked the car in the ill-fated location where his car had been blown apart by Bon Bon Hai and... Xia Tan. "Dammit, Peter, you've got Xia on the brain." Shaking off a feeling of impending doom, he entered the precinct.

*************

"Commissioner, this is not right and you know it." Karen fumed as she listened to a almost one-sided conversation. "No sir, I do not agree it is best for the force... Don't you mean best for your career?..." She winced as the words left her mouth, "Yes, sir, that was insubordinate of me...Apology? I don't think so, not after what you've just told me....FINE. I'll do it but I want you to understand that I disagree with YOUR decision....Yes, Commissioner, your office, four o'clock." Karen slammed the receiver down hard into its cradle and fervently hoped that Commissioner Kincaid was still on the line.

Desperately needing to vent, she paced the floor of her office for a few moments then walked purposely into the main room. The utter normalcy of the chaos that greeted her was a welcome relief to the churning of her thoughts. She glanced around the room and frowned.

Thomas Jefferson Kincaid looked up from his desk to find his Captain glaring in his direction, "Captain, is something wrong?"

Startled, the woman realized that she was letting her emotions show entirely too much. "Is Detective Caine back yet?"

"No, Ma'am." TJ watched with fascination as her face went from obviously angry to completely relaxed and professional in a matter of seconds.

"Tell him I need to see him when he gets back, ASAP."

"Yes, Ma'am." TJ didn't wonder why; like the rest of the 101st, he'd already heard the outcome of Peter's court appearance.

"And TJ?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"Has your father always been... difficult?"

"Yes, Captain. Difficult is one of his finer traits."

"I see." With that she turned and walked purposely back into her office, leaving the young detective wondering what his father had done this time.

*************

"Tough luck, Peter!"

"Yeah, Pete. The judge shouldn't have done that."

"You'll get him next time."

For a change, the young detective said nothing, but silently acknowledged the consoling words of his friends. Those who knew him best were concerned by the silence. That Peter would probably speak at his own funeral was the most well-known comment on the young man that was heard around the 101st.

"Peter, uh, the Captain wants to see you, pronto."

"About what?"

"She didn't say, but..." TJ hesitated.

"But what, TJ?"

"Well, she was obviously upset when she came out of her office."

"Don't sweat it, TJ, I've been on pretty good behavior lately. She probably just heard about the mistrial."

"I'm sure you're right." TJ turned quickly to answer his phone.

Peter walked away, puzzled by his friend's reaction. Even without Shaolin senses, it was obvious to him that TJ did not believe the words he'd just spoken. He knocked on the Captain's door, waited briefly for her standard, "Come" and disappeared into her office.

*************

Kwai Chang Caine quietly entered his main room and studied the figure seated on the floor in a full lotus position, with his back to the door. Under other conditions, he would have been pleased to see his son in deep meditation. It was a skill that the boy had never mastered, and, until recently, the man had also despaired of ever learning. Today, however, Caine would have been preferred Peter to be talking incessantly.

Without turning, the younger man stirred and said, "Hello, Father."

Kneeling beside his son, Caine replied, "Peter, what has happened?"

Peter rose quickly and fiddled absently with the candles on the altar. "I, uh, I hope you don't mind me coming here like this."

Caine winced at the pain in his son's voice, "My son, you are always welcome."

"I just didn't want to be alone, but, but you weren't here."

"I am here now, my son." Caine paused, "Please, you are greatly disturbed. What is wrong?"

Peter turned to face his father and spoke angrily, "Just pick something, Father. The Albert drug case was declared a mistrial, Internal Affairs is looking into the evidence presented by the DA, and the Commissioner himself has suspended me."

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part - 03 ↑

Kwai Chang Caine listened with growing concern as his son spoke. Peter had been thrilled that the case against this man Albert had gone so well, and for once the Shaolin had not seen fit to speak about forgiveness. Douglas Albert had been the cause of too many deaths in Chinatown, as well as the rest of the city. The priest felt that, like Tan, the cycle of Albert's lives was at an end. "I am sorry, my son. What went wrong?"

"Well, a surprise witness showed up in the Albert case and presented new evidence. Everyone there knew it was faked but since we had no way to prove it at the moment, the judge had to declare a mistrial. And now Internal Affairs is involved, damn it."

"Peter, it is not like you to be so cryptic." Caine's tone was stern. "Why has Internal Affairs been called in?"

The younger man blushed, "I'm sorry, Pop, but it's just been a really bad day. IA is investigating allegations made against me by the witness. Corruption, tampering with evidence that sort of thing."

"You have done nothing wrong."

Peter smiled at his father's declaration, "Yeah, well you know that and I know that but right now we may be the only ones. The Commissioner sure believes it, that's why I'm suspended."

"Who is the witness?"

The younger man sighed, "An accountant that works for the same firm as Albert's CPA. Hell, Pop, I wasn't even worried about his story at the trial. I figured the DA would regroup and come out fighting, but when I got back to the precinct, the Captain called me in and told me that IA was investigating and that our illustrious Commissioner had ordered me suspended."

"I do not understand." Caine was justifiably confused.

"It turns out that the accountant is really an undercover DEA agent. The Feds were also watching our Mr. Albert and our arrest of Albert may have undermined their case."

****************

Word of Peter's suspension had spread like a firestorm through the 101st. Indignation and outrage were the foremost emotions surfacing as each the officers and staff heard the news.

Kermit Griffin stormed into Karen Simms office, without knocking and slammed the door behind him.

She glared up at him from behind her desk, "Don't even start! I had no choice."

Surprisingly, her angry remarks quelled his own rage, "Why? What did he do?"

"As far as I'm concerned, absolutely nothing, but Commissioner Kincaid is afraid of a scandal. Apparently this is not the first time Peter has been accused of wrong doing from the witness stand."

"You mean the Xia Tan case? Blaisdell was here then, but you're right. Peter still fumes about her getting away with killing those young men. That was years ago, and the allegations were proven to be false. Peter was exonerated."

"Yes, but so was Ms. Tan."

"True, but what has that got to do with today's fiasco?"

"According to unnamed sources, our favorite reporter, Sandra Mason, is doing an 'expose' on police cover-ups and will be intimating that the Xia Tan trial was one of them. She'll also apparently be using today's events as a recent example."

Kermit snarled, "That little bitch..."

"No argument there. However, we'll have to deal with it." She sighed heavily and stood up slowly, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got an appointment with the Commissioner."

The ex-mercenary nodded approvingly, "That's right. Fight him."

Karen looked rather sheepish, "Actually, I already did and lost. My meeting is to discuss my insubordination earlier today."

Kermit struggled to hide a grin, "I take it you didn't react well to his order."

****************

The short stocky man was brought before Xia by her personal bodyguard. As he stood silently, waiting to be noticed, Xia cursed at her masseuse, "Damn you, Albert, you fool! This is supposed to make me feel better, not kill me."

"I apologize, my lady, but you are very tense. The knots in your muscles have been there for many days. It will be painful to dislodge them."

Xia huffed a haughty "Fine, do it", then noticed the visitor, "Ah, Mr. Singh, I assume from your presence that you have been successful."

"Yes, my lady," Singh nodded, "Three separate bank accounts have been set up."

"Three?"

"Yes, your instructions were that the account be very difficult to trace. That it should be obvious the owner went to great pains to conceal it's existence. However, this restriction also meant that the police would have difficulty finding it. The creation of three smaller, but still substantial, accounts increases the odds that at least one will be discovered."

Xia raised her hand to stop the massage and slipped into a sitting position, "And if three are found, then all the better. Excellent Mr. Singh! I am impressed. Hans, Mr. Singh has earned a five thousand dollar bonus. Albert, Mr. Singh, you may go."

As the other men left the room, Xia smiled at the tall blond, "Hans, has the other little piece of the puzzle been put in place?"

Hans moved to her side and stroked her hair, "Yes, dear Xia, Internal Affairs will soon find it necessary to recruit Kermit Griffin's computer skills in their investigation. He should be able to find at least one of the accounts."

"And," Xia smiled, as she allowed the towel she was wrapped in to slide to the floor, "he will be required to give evidence against the account-holder, Peter Matthew Caine."

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part - 04 ↑

It was very late by the time Peter Caine arrived back at his apartment. He'd spent the hours with his father in quiet conversation, but found that even Caine's calming presence was of little help. Before he'd left for home, he'd put on the mantle of a cheerful spirit but knew the older man had not been fooled.

Peter turned the key to unlock his door and stood staring blindly into the darkness that matched his mood. He'd left the curtains drawn when he left for work so no hint of the city lights entered the apartment through the window. A green blinking glow caught his attention as he shut the door. He moved unerringly to the answering machine and pressed rewind. Still moving in darkness, he was temporarily blinded by the light as he flung open his refrigerator and retrieved a beer. As he slammed the door shut, and popped open his drink, the first voice on the machine spoke to the blackness,

"Peter, it's Jody, call...." Unwilling to listen further, he skipped to the next message.

"Partner, Skalany here, you got..." Again he bypassed the message as well as those that followed from TJ, Chin, Blake, and others. His mood improved somewhat as he consistently skipped each message of support. He downed his beer and put the machine on hold to get another one. Hitting play again, his finger froze on the bypass button when he heard a stern voice say, "Don't even think about it, Caine. Cut on your lights and call me. Now!" Peter frowned at the machine, "Sorry, Kermit, not tonight." His mind faded away for a moment to a long ago time when he'd first met the ex-mercenary. It had been one of the rare occasions that Paul had been late picking him up from Pineridge, in a very crowded van, for a weekend trip to the lake...

The girls were happily hidden away in the last seat in the van, forcing Peter to slid in beside a dour man in sun-glasses.

"Kermit, I'd like you to meet Peter Caine. Peter, this is my good friend, Kermit Griffin."

The boy eyed the be-speckled man curiously. Something about him brought out an unusually shy moment. A quiet, "Hi", issued from Peter's lips. The man merely nodded his acknowledgment, albeit barely, of Peter's existence.

But Kermit had noticed much more than Peter's existence, he'd seen the haunted eyes and underlying fear belonging to the teenaged Peter Caine. Kermit Griffin had joined forces with Paul Blaisdell in saving Peter's life, both literally and figuratively back then. Peter smiled at the memory; Kermit had saved him on numerous other occasions, although in all fairness, Peter had done his fair share of saves himself. So intent on his memories was the youngest Caine, that he missed the first part of the next message. Startled as he recognized the voice, he hit rewind and played it again.

"Dete...Ooops, excuse me, MR. Caine. This is Sandra Mason, Channel 3 news. I'm doing an expose on police corruption and would like to offer you the opportunity to tell your story. Call me when you want to ta..."

"That'll be a cold day in hell, a really cold day." Peter snarled as he snapped off the recorder and went for another beer.

***************

"Damn the kid, even the answering machine's off now." Kermit glared at the receiver in his hand.

"I can't say that I blame him. He should never have been suspended this early in an investigation." Karen Simms sighed and sipped her brandy, "Kincaid's pulled some boneheaded stunts, but this one beats them all."

Kermit returned the handset to its cradle and turned to face the pretty blonde, "OK, now that you've had a few drinks, will you tell me how it went with the Commissioner?"

"Not good, Peter's still suspended, pending possible criminal charges."

"I know that, I meant for you."

"Oh," she paused for a moment, "formal reprimand for insubordination, on the record. I'll survive. It's Peter I'm worried about."

"He's tough, Karen. A real survivor."

She stared into the depths of her drink as if gaining courage, "Yes, but Kermit, this time I think someone wants him to go down, hard."

"Hard as in jail time?"

"Oh Yeah!"

***************

Sleep did not come easily to the troubled young man, and even after it finally took hold, it did not provide Peter Caine with the rest he so desperately craved. The night terrors that had slowly diminished with the return of his father, reemerged ten-fold to haunt his sleep. The dream was vaguely familiar...

He was running for his life. Dragons of all shapes and sizes swept down on his head as he ran along a long corridor lined with traps, an obscene mockery of a Shaolin 'trials' cavern, where aspiring young initiates were put to their final test. As Peter successfully warded off the last of the beasts, he found himself in a chamber lined on either side by the somber, robed forms of Shaolin priests. Each priest nodded a curt greeting as the young man walked cautiously through their midst. The throng opened up before him as he went, revealing at last the cauldron, dragon and tiger emblems glowing red hot, awaiting his touch. Looking down, Peter saw that he wore the white robes of a newly bonded priest, waiting to take the brands. Ignoring the absence of his father in this medley of horrors, Peter found himself drawn to the cauldron. He approached reverently, his soul yearning for the release the brands would bring. As he knelt before the cauldron, and raised his arms, he suddenly became aware that the brands were wrong. The tiger and the dragon were reversed. This was not the branding cauldron of his ancestors, this was.... Falling backwards, away from the flames, he shielded his eyes as a monstrous form emerged from the cauldron.

Crying out in panic, Peter sat bolt upright in his bed, soaked with sweat. His eyes wide with fear, he groped for the light switch beside his bed. Locating the knob at last, he gave it a relieved turn. Nothing. No light emerged to chase away the darkness. Stumbling blindly from his bed, he hit the switch on the wall. Still nothing. Struggling to regain control of his panicked senses, even as the most innate parts of him screamed a warning to flee this place, Peter threw back the heavy curtains in his bedroom to reveal a city overcast with darkness. As the notion of a city wide blackout worked its way into his frazzled thoughts, the young man sank to the floor of his bedroom. He'd finally recognized the form from his dream, "Not again, oh, please, please not again," and somewhere in the darkness, the Dark Warrior laughed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 05 ↑

The blackout took the city by surprise. No storms were reported to be nearby and the weather had not yet reached the heat levels where massive circuit overloads were a real possibility. City workers were rousted from their beds by irate supervisors demanding answers to the questions their own supervisors were asking. All available fire, EMT and police personnel were put on emergency alert, citywide.

The unexpected absence of light triggered an instinctive awakening in the ex-mercenary. He moved gently away from the diminutive blond who shared his bed, and ambled quietly toward the window. Throwing back his drapes, Kermit was quick to realize the situation. As he returned to the bed to wake his companion, her pager went off.

"What?" Karen Simms' voice was heavy with the confusion that belonged to an interrupted sleep.

"Blackout. Looks like it's city-wide and your pager is going off."

"Special," she reached for the phone but a heavy masculine hand stopped her. "What?"

"Caller id. Use your cell-phone, unless you plan to announce our little liaisons publicly."

Smiling she slipped from the bed, draping his robe around her naked body as she went for her purse. Dialing a familiar number, she said, "Yes Frank?...Right, it'll take me about twenty minutes... W..What?...R..Right, I'll let him know." Hanging up the phone, she stared in disbelief at the handset.

"Well?"

"Oh, everyone Frank's level and above have been called in. Everyone else is on stand-by."

"Why are you staring at the phone?"

"Frank said to tell you that IA wants to see you first thing in the morning."

"What the hell do they want?"

"He didn't say. How did he know we were together?"

Kermit kissed her gently, then replied, "He is a detective you know."

"Oh. Right."

*************

Chinatown was wrapped in the gloom brought on by the blackout. Sirens in the distance spoke of the chaos that had befallen the city. Kwai Chang Caine had awakened to the sounds of a distant scream. He now stared, unmoving, out his window in an effort to identify the source of the terror. He feared with all his heart, that an unspeakable evil had returned to haunt his son.

*************

The candlelight did little to dispel the darkness surrounding Peter. He initially lit half a dozen candles, but the shadows seemed to increase around him as each flame flickered to life. Soon, the atmosphere became so oppressive that the young man blew out all but one. Forcing himself to concentrate on the yellow-orange glow, he tried to banish the terrors of the past from his mind.

"MAMA!" The toddler screamed in terror as the lightning crashed and the thunder exploded. The night light in his bedroom suddenly ceased to glow, dramatically increasing the little boy's fear. Soft, warm arms suddenly enfolded the frightened child and lifted him from his bed.

"Shhhh, Peter, don't cry, Mama's here." Laura Caine moved tiredly to a nearby rocker, her too-thin frame showing the effects of her illness all too well. "It's just a storm, baby."

"Mama stop?" The absolute faith the child had in his mother's ability to control even the weather brought a smile to her lips.

"I'm sorry baby, Mama can't stop it, but I can stay here until it passes."

"Daddy stop?" Peter asked hopefully, snuggling closer as another bolt of lightning raced through the sky.

"No, sweetie, even your daddy can't stop it." She smiled as she spoke. "But," she thought, "on a night like this it would be nice if he came home early from the temple." Wrapping a baby blue blanket around her child, she began to rock, humming a gentle lullaby that matched the rhythm of the rocker. Soft hazel eyes, rimmed by the longest lashes she'd ever seen, fought a losing battle to stay awake. Another, louder crash startled both mother and son. Laura stiffened and clutched her child to her breast as she realized that this noise was not thunder. Voices from the kitchen confirmed that she and Peter were no longer alone.

Rising swiftly from the chair, she made her way to the door of the toddler's room and listened. Deep male voices spoke quietly, but the sparsely furnished home had an echo which carried the words to her.

"You're certain the priest is at the temple?"

"Yeah, some special ceremony tonight."

"The woman's home?"

"Yes, stupid, you don't leave a baby alone, but she's not a threat. The boss said the pills her doctor prescribed will keep her out most of the time. The bedrooms are upstairs, kid's room is the first door on the right. Come on."

"How," Laura thought as she tried not to panic, "do they know about the pills?" It was because the medication knocked her out so completely, that the young mother refused to take them very often, and never when her husband was gone. Besides, the herbal tea Ping Hi provided did a good job of dulling the pain without rendering her unconscious. She knew she would not live to see her little boy reach kindergarten, much less manhood, and refused to sleep through what was left of her time with him.

Peter sensed his mother's growing fear and for a moment, Laura thought he would put his powerful lungs to use. With a gentle hand, she lifted his head to look into his eyes, "Peter, you must be very, very quiet. Don't cry. Can you be a big boy and do that for Mama?"

The tear-streaked little face nodded and raised a tiny finger to his lips, "Shhhh." Laura smiled at the tot's imitation of the adult gesture with which he was perhaps too familiar.

"That's right. Shhhh." She mimicked his gesture. "We're going to play hide and seek." Taking note of the approaching footsteps, she held the child tightly and raced silently down the hall, to the master bedroom. The closet she shared with Kwai Chang was oddly shaped, resembling an oversized L. She slipped quickly into the hidden portion of the closet and prayed that the intruders did not know of this particular anomaly. It seemed an eternity before quiet footsteps approached the door and turned the knob...

The returning power suddenly set Peter's bedroom ablaze with light. He cried out in pain and clenched his eyes shut against the brightness. His mind raced as he fought to put together the pieces from yet another partial memory of the past. He could still feel his mother's fear, and his own, as the door swung open, bathing the closet in light. While they had hidden, Kwai Chang Caine and the power had returned. The intruders had fled when the lights came back on, but it had taken the young father quite some time to fully understand why his family was huddled on the floor of the closet. Peter vaguely remembered that nothing had been stolen and that the local police had been less than helpful. As he reviewed the memory from his adult perspective, he came to the frightening realization that the intruders may have been looking for him.

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part - 06 ↑

Kermit Griffin's temper was rising. He'd honored the Internal Affairs request to arrive at their main office by eight am. It was now after ten, and he was no closer to learning the reason for his summons than he had been the night before. "Ten more minutes," he muttered to himself.

A high-pitched soprano voice responded, "Ten more minutes and what, Detective Griffin?"

Years of training by the women in his life told Kermit he should rise for a lady, but he quickly revised his opinion of the woman in front of him when she answered for him. "Oh, yes, I see. Ten more minutes and you leave in a huff, isn't that right, Detective?"

"Patience, Kermit, she's supposed to be a good guy," His thoughts preached restraint while his instincts told him to beware, this one was dangerous. The ex-mercenary reined in his temper and responded in his most charming voice, "Actually I was planning a trip down the hall, but hesitated for fear someone would think I'd bolted. And I certainly wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea." He met her green eyes, and concentrated on a visual game of chicken.

She lost the battle, and broke eye contact first, but the sarcasm in her tone spoke of disbelief, "Right. I'm sure. Inside." She opened the door and motioned him to enter first.

Somehow the idea of ladies first, never even occurred to Kermit as he pushed past the dark-haired woman.

************

Peter stood back from his train set and watched as the little engine took a solo course around the new layout. Unable to shed the fear and dread brought on by his dreams, he'd sought solace in the hobby which had helped to save him as a teenager. His mind played back to that first visit with the entire Blaisdell family.

Peter sat in the back seat with the girls, uncomfortably wedged between the young blond and even younger brunette. Sibling rivalry had died in the face of a new threat from outside, and both girls had refused to give up their window seats, forcing the tall, slender boy to sit in the center.

"Peter?"

"Yes, Ma'am?"

The pretty woman twisted slightly in the passenger seat, to face the boy. For a moment, Peter was afraid that the old jeans and T-shirt he wore were too ragged, that they would not do for the outing. True fear raced through his being as he realized these casual clothes were the best he had. Sunday duds, as the other boys called them, were kept under lock and key, waiting for special occasions and Sundays. Bile rose in his throat at the thought that he would be asked to change. His rising panic dropped off as memory kicked in. Annie Blaisdell was blind, she couldn't see the condition of his clothes. He fought to hear the rest of her words.

"... go out together on the weekends without going to Paton's hobby shop. You haven't mentioned having a hobby, Peter. Is here anything special you do in your free time?"

His subdued "no, ma'am" did not go unnoticed by either adult as the boy fought for control. He longed to tell them of the interests of his past, Kung Fu, Shaolin history, even meditation, but did not dare. The few times he'd attempted to center himself at the orphanage had brought about the ridicule and contempt of his roommates. He'd slowly forgotten how to meditate and saw no reason to mention it. And his clearest recollection of the art of Kung Fu was inexorably merged with the destruction of the temple. Peter had learned through bitter experience that to attempt to remember his former life only brought on the nightmares. The boy could not quite suppress a shudder as the memory of the dragon dreams chased at his subconscious mind.

"Girls, why don't you tell Peter about your hobbies?" Paul's request was met with enthusiasm. The remainder of the drive was filled with girlish chatter about Caroline's latest interest, ceramics and Kelly's collection of stuffed animals.

Peter jerked back from the table and stared unseeing as the train continued on its course, "Oh God! The dreams. They were the same dreams, even back then. W..why I am having them again?"

************

Kermit once again found himself waiting on the woman. She studied paperwork on her desk as she pointedly ignored his presence. A knock on the door was followed immediately by the entrance of a forty-plus man. Light brown hair framed a rugged, surprisingly pleasant face. "I apologize for being late, got held up in court. I'm Matthew Hensley. You must be Kermit Griffin. Have I missed much?"

"Nothing at all, Matt, we hadn't even gotten to the amenities yet. I'm Carrie Stewart, the lead in this investigation of former detective Peter Matthew Caine."

Alarms went off in Kermit's head, "Detective Peter Caine is on suspension. I was not aware of a change in employment."

She shrugged, "It won't be long now. The Commissioner thinks his resignation will only serve to put the department in a better light in the public's eyes."

"I don't see how." Kermit's voice was cold as ice.

"It's quite simple, Detective Griffin. If he resigns now, then he will merely be a former cop when he serves a ten year stint in the federal facility of the state's choosing."

The ex-mercenary struggled to maintain his calm, "Aren't you being a bit hasty, Ms. Stewart? Peter hasn't even been charged with anything and you've got him tried, convicted and imprisoned."

Hensley interrupted, "Not at all, like you, we have to prepare a frame-work for a case. I must tell you though we've pulled together quite an impressive array of circumstantial evidence. Now we need your assistance."

"Excuse me?"

"We've been told you're the best. We need your computer skills to trace some transactions over the Internet."

"No way in HELL." Kermit rose and quickly headed for the door.

"Then you believe your friend is guilty and are helping him hide it."

Kermit whirled, "Peter Caine is the most honest, decent man I know. I don't know what your game is, but he isn't playing, and neither am I."

"Detective Griffin," Carrie Stewart responded, "I'm surprised. I thought you'd jump at a chance to help your friend. But I warn you, we've about got the little womanizing bastard nailed."

The ex-mercenary stiffened, then returned to the desk, fury blazing in his eyes, "You're right. I'll help you, and I'll really enjoy watching you eat your words when you are proven wrong."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 07 ↑

For the second time in less than twenty-four hours, Kermit Griffin stormed into the Captain's office and slammed the door. Frank Strenlich shook his head and made a mental note to suggest that the Captain put a stop to that particular behavior.

Karen Simms was on the phone with the Commissioner as the door crashed behind her guest. "No, Commissioner, this one you will have to do yourself. I will not ask Peter Caine for his resignation.... Yes, sir, I understand that two formal reprimands in such a short time frame, do not look good on my record, but I frankly do not give a damn. Record the second reprimand and ask for his resignation yourself." The phone slammed hard against the cradle and she glared at Kermit, "What?!"

"I'm sorry."

"About what?" She was genuinely puzzled.

"My suspicions. I should have known that you would have no part of this plot IA is cooking up."

"What are they doing?"

"Don't know what they've found, but apparently it's all conveniently circumstantial. They want me to do their Internet traces for the final piece of the puzzle."

"Of course you refused."

"Actually, no. Peter hasn't done anything wrong and I'm personally gonna make them eat their paperwork when I prove it. Particularly that Stewart female."

"Carrie Stewart?"

"Yes, you know her?"

"Just by reputation, but she's supposed to be good, ruthless but good."

"Can't prove the good part by me. She really believes Peter's guilty of something, but I don't know what."

"But you will find out?"

He smiled down into her eyes, "Oh yeah!"

****************

On the little engine's next pass, Peter lifted it lovingly off the tracks and smiled as the good memories began to drive away the nightmares.

In the boy's mind, Paton's hobby shop was a wonderland, with new discoveries on every over-packed aisle. Kelly had dragged him off to see the latest display of furry creatures and squealed with delight at the newest arrivals. He was still nodding in confusion at the child's enthusiasm when Caroline arrived to pull him to aisles filled with raw greenware. Paul rescued the boy just as Caroline loaded another item into his arms, "Hold on Caroline, Peter's our guest, not your porter. If you want to buy all those things go get a basket, and make sure you have enough money."

A resigned "yes, Daddy," brought a smile to her father's lips as she vanished to get a cart. "Peter, come with me, I'd like to show you something."

"Yes, sir." The boy obediently followed the older man through the maze of merchandise. Paul kept a close eye on the teenager's reactions, slowing his own pace to allow the boy to precede him. Peter paused momentarily in front of the model rockets and slowed even more when he found the race cars and tracks. The boy played for a short time with a black sports car, then moved on. Paul almost ran into the slender figure as Peter suddenly froze. The older man followed the boy's line of vision to the most elaborate railroad set-up he'd ever seen. From the look on the teenager's face, it was obvious to the cop that the youngster had never seen anything quite like it. Paul nudged him forward and together they examined the intricacies of the train set-up.

Paul had laid his trap well. The little engine he'd purchased for the lonely teenager served to be the catalyst that had brought the family permanently together. Peter smiled as he remembered his delight in Paul's train layout. He'd been so thrilled to be allowed to add his own little engine to it. With a start Peter realized that the engine on the tracks had been his first, purchased on that trip. "But," he thought, "not without trouble." Frowning he remembered the accusations that had marred the shopping trip.

Paul watched as the boy's eyes never left the smallest engine on the tracks. "Peter, do you like that one the best?"

Mesmerized by the motion of the trains, the boy could only nod.

"Would you like to buy it?"

Blushing, the teenager stuffed his hands into his pockets, "No, sir."

"If it's money you're worried about, I'll be glad to lend you the price of the engine, then you can pay me back by doing chores when you come to visit."

Hope swelled in the boy's chest. Paul wanted him to visit again. "Yes, sir, that'd be great, sir."

The older man smiled, "Fine, I need to check on Kelly. You find the engine in the open stock on the shelves then come get me."

"Yes, sir." Peter moved quickly to search for the engine. Paul grinned broadly and head for the stuffed animals, hoping to catch Kelly before she spent her allowance for the next three years.

It took longer than Peter expected to find what he was looking for. He finally spotted the engine on the lowest shelf at the back and pulled it to him. Clutching the box to his chest, he stood up and looked for Paul. Spotting the man talking earnestly with his youngest child, Peter moved toward him. Suddenly a hand shot out and an iron grip on his shoulder halted his forward motion. "Hold it right there, you little thief. Gimme that box!"

The stunned boy allowed the box to be pulled roughly from his grasp. "W..What?"

"Don't tell me you weren't trying to steal this. You," his voice held a sneer, "couldn't possibly have enough money to pay for it."

"I..I'm not a thief!" The boy's eyes flashed with indignation at the charge.

"Tell it to the cops. Unless I miss my guess, your name's probably all over juvenile hall."

"It is not. No Caine has EVER stolen anything. It's not..." He'd started to say the Shaolin way, but the words wouldn't come. Even a false charge filled him with shame. "Father," he thought frantically, "help me, please."

A stern voice spoke softly behind the other man, "I strongly suggest you release the boy."

"No way, this kid's going to jail just as soon as I call the cops."

"I am the cops." Blaisdell was angry now, "What is it you think he's done?"

"He was going to steal this engine." The angry man waved the box in Paul's face.

"No, he wasn't." Paul's tone silenced the manager, "The boy is with me. I am buying the engine for him, IF he still wants it. Do you want it, Peter?"

A slow nod was the only response from the frightened teenager and as Paul paid for the little engine, he silently cursed those who confuse dress codes with moral codes.

Peter sighed as he recalled how much the false charge had hurt. It had marred that first trip to the Blaisdells, even though the entire family had gone out of their way to help him forget the ugly incident. Even the new jeans and T-shirts Annie had insisted he pick out didn't help. He vividly remembered wanting nothing more than to run and hide from the world. Startled, he realized that that was exactly what he was doing now. Hiding. Internal Affairs was investigating him for misconduct, among other things and he'd been suspended pending the results of that investigation. Moping in his apartment would not save him from a jail term if enough false evidence was presented and believed. Peter switched off the train and headed for the showers, thinking, "It's time to act. Paul isn't here to save me this time, I'm on my own."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 08 ↑

"Wonderful, that's much sooner than expected. Commissioner Kincaid has been more than cooperative... No, IDIOT, it's a figure of speech, Kincaid has no idea he's the perfect pawn.... Call me as soon as the paperwork's issued." Xia disconnected the phone and laughed.

The man sharing her bed smiled, and gently brushed her golden hair out of her eyes, "Good news?"

"Oh, yes. I'd allowed for it to take at least a week but Kincaid, the old fool, is more nervous than I anticipated. It is an election year, you know."

"He's asking for Caine's resignation?" Hans stared in astonishment, "That's wonderful. Shall we escalate or retain the status quo?"

Xia lay still for a moment, then frowned, "No. I believe our Mr. Hensley is correct. If we escalate too much, then even the Stewart woman will start to suspect it's a frame."

"So? If the evidence is there, they'll have to prosecute."

Xia shook her head, "You don't know our Ms. Stewart, if she thinks something's not right, she'll hold off the DA forever and chase after her suspicions like a dog after a bone. No, we wait. Let Caine resign and sweat for a while before IA arrests him. A nervous Caine is a dangerous Caine, particularly to himself." She smiled into the large man's eyes, "Now, where were we?"

*************

Kermit slipped unnoticed, he hoped, from Captain Simms' office and returned to his cave. Dropping heavily into his chair, he entered his screen-saver password, followed by his network password. Keying up the city e-mail system, he waited impatiently while it down-loaded. A low female voice announced, "You have mail" to anyone who would listen.

"Thank you, darling," Kermit responded as he petted the top of the nineteen inch monitor. "Yep, that download from IA is here. Let's see what you assholes don't have."

*************

Peter checked the mirror for the third time. With the older suit and the thick glasses, he looked suitably academic, he hoped. He hesitated by his front door, using Shaolin enhanced senses, and his peephole, to determine that the coast was clear. Taking the elevator down to the parking garage, he paused by the Stealth. He hesitated only a moment before heading for the pedestrian exit to the street. The Stealth was much too noticeable and Peter was well aware that at least one TV station would be watching his building. He walked casually out of the exit, made a left turn and stopped. The tingling sensation at the base of his skull told him he was being watched, but try as he might, he could not find the watcher. Shaking his head, he muttered, "It's your imagination, stupid, get a grip." With only a trace of a shudder, he continued on toward the park near his building.

***************

The large bedroom was dark; heavy curtains shielding the occupants from the unusually bright afternoon sky. A tremulous knock awakened Xia. She sighed deeply and gazed for a moment at the naked body of her lover. Hans was still asleep. She punched him viciously in the side, "The door, get the door!"

Heavy with sleep, the man staggered to his feet, draped his robe around his body and yanked open the door. A servant stood there on trembling knees.

"What do you want?" the bodyguard snarled.

"My m..mistress wished to be informed when Peter Caine left his building. He did so a few moments ago."

Xia appeared as if by magic, and asked excitedly, "Which way did he go?"

"Toward the park, My Lady."

"Excellent! You may go." She shooed the nervous servant away and shut the door.

Hans was thinking rapidly as Xia turned to face him. He grinned at the woman, "You knew he'd go through the park."

"It was a pretty safe bet. His only other choice would have been that mercenary friend of his, Frog something, but my source made sure he'd be working today."

"Where's Caine going?"

"The University Library Computer Lab. Open twenty-four seven, except for certain holidays."

Hans stroked her hair, "OK, dear Xia, why the Computer Lab?"

"He needs Internet access for the research he needs to do and he's never gotten a PC of his own." She paused and slipped out of his embrace, "I've got to change."

"What research? Where are you going?"

She whirled angrily and slapped the taller man hard, "ENOUGH QUESTIONS!"

Realizing he'd overstepped his bounds, Hans backpedaled quickly, "I'm sorry, My Lady, I just want to help."

"Just be tall, strong and stupid. That's enough." With that comment, the young bodyguard knew he'd been dismissed. As he left the room, he grumbled under his breath, "One day you'll need me, Xia, but don't count on having me."

*************

Kermit leaned back and studied his screen. He'd spent a couple of hours optimizing his search criteria and had submitted his requests only moments earlier. He placed his hands behind his head, and tried not to think of Carrie Stewart. The woman was as cold a fish as he'd ever run across. He really doubted that even the infamous Peter Caine charm would work on her. For that matter, Kermit strongly suspected that Peter's ability to endear himself to the female of the species was part of Stewart's problem. His thoughts turned to his young friend, and the ex-mercenary frowned as he suddenly realized that he'd not heard from Peter since the young cop had been suspended. Punching the rapid-dial on his speaker phone, he listened to the incessant ring. Peter had not re-connected his answering machine and was not picking up himself. Kermit let the phone ring for a good five minutes, but no answer. "OK, Peter, if you were at home, you'd have picked up, told me to mind my own business, then hung up. I'd love to know where you are, and what you're doing."

*************

To the casual observer, the man in the out-of-style suit, slouched shoulders and thick glasses appeared to be the perfect stereotype of a University professor. As he ambled toward the library Peter passed a variety of structures, ignoring all of them until he reached the bridge. The feeling that he was being watched had grown as he'd moved closer to the old mansion that housed the University Library Computer Lab. The building dated from the mid-1800's and had been built as a flight of fancy by a wealthy recluse. It had been designed to resemble an European castle, complete with moat. The old drawbridge was not original to the structure. It had been replaced the stationary bridge around the turn of the century. Peter felt compelled to stop and stare into the clear water below. His eyes widened as he thought he saw figures surrounding his image in the water. Shaking his head to clear his vision, he decided that his imagination was working overtime, the figures now appeared to be the reflection of the bridge pillars in the afternoon sun. One last glance over the rail, then he walked on toward the entrance, while below the bridge, the shadows whispered in the darkness.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 09 ↑

Kermit yawned and realized that he'd read the same screen three times with no idea what it said. Checking his watch, he was not surprised to find it nearing midnight and shook his head in mock disbelief at the passage of time. Reluctantly, he downloaded the page he was trying to read, bookmarked his location and was about to shut down his modem connection when the female voice once again announced "You have mail."

"Damn it!" The ex-mercenary wearily rubbed his eyes, then opened E-mail. He sat bolt upright, fully awake for the first time in hours, at the reply-to address - INTERPOL.

***********

"Sir, I'm sorry, we're having to ask everyone to log off now." The Computer Lab technician looked embarrassed as she gave Peter the news.

Peter looked surprised, "I thought you were open twenty-four hours a day."

"Normally we are, but we've been having network problems and they upgraded over the weekend. Now it seems something has gone wrong with the connection to the University mainframe, and they're gonna have to IPL the big computer to resolve the problem." She paused then added apologetically, "The notice was posted on the bulletin board."

"I checked it when I came in," Peter grumbled, "I didn't see anything."

The technician stifled a grin, "Oh, no, sir, not the paper one, the BBS. It's been up and running since the beginning of the semester. It was in all the staff packets handed out then."

Peter feigned surprise, "We're supposed to READ that stuff?"

The girl couldn't hold back her giggles as she move on to give the next user the bad news.

***********

Kermit frowned as he studied the E-mail again. "No way. This cannot be right." He saved the INTERPOL message then replied in what he hoped would be a non-committal manner. He needed time to think. Pressing send, he waited until the message had cleared then quickly shut down his machine. He wanted no more surprises tonight. Kermit stared at the phone for a long moment, then punched redial. "Three, four, five, six, damn you, Peter. You should be home by now." Stuffing the diskettes he'd collected in a small bag, he cut off his light, and locked his office door. Walking almost unnoticed through the midst of the night shift, Kermit headed for his green Corvair. Even before he lowered himself into the seat he knew his destination was not his home. It was time to talk to Peter.

***********

As Peter exited the library building, he realized that the feeling of being watched was now stronger than ever. He shivered involuntarily as he crossed the bridge. In an effort to prevent an increase in violent crime on campus, the university had increased the number of streetlights, extending their use into areas of the grounds not usually utilized, legitimately, after dark. The lamps cast eerie shadows on the grass as the young detective once again entered the park. As the young man walked deeper into the gloom, he suddenly noticed that a mist had begun to form. Peter froze in his tracks, as the mist grew to surround him. "This is too familiar," he muttered to himself, "Where have I seen this.... Oh damn! XIA!" He could almost see her now, standing in front of him as she'd done that night. Peter knew had his father not intervened, he would have been her last victim. The other young men had died merely to draw out his father. Peter's death was to have been the catalyst for the destruction of Kwai Chang Caine. He shook his head to clear himself of the image of the beautiful, but evil young woman. With a start he realized that she was really there.

"We meet again, Peter Matthew Caine."

"What do you want, Xia?" Peter took a step backwards as she moved closer.

"Surely I don't frighten you, do I?" She purred as she edged closer.

"No." Peter replied firmly, "I'm just staying out of the reach of those claws."

"I'm crushed, I had my nails done just for you."

"I can imagine. What do you want?"

She smiled, "Your service will be sufficient."

"I don't think so."

She sighed, "Pity, then your death will do." Stepping rapidly backwards, she motioned to the shadows, "He's yours."

As Xia Tan vanished into the darkness, shadow warriors of a long dead era surrounded Peter Caine.

******

["FATHER!"]

Kwai Chang Caine was deep in meditation when he heard his son's cry. "Peter?"

Even the mental speech appeared breathless as the younger man worked to communicate his situation, ["B...being a..attacked by shadow warriors, no form, no substance - W..What do I..I do?"]

Focusing his chi, the Shaolin struggled to reach through Peter's horror and confusion, "My son, take my strength, use it!"

["Pop?"]

"Focus, my son, add my strength to your own and drive away these demons." Caine was sick with fear as he recognized the evil that his only child faced.

["How, Pop? I don't know how."] Peter's mental tone was edged with his concern, but no panic.

"Remember your training, my son." Caine could not contain his pride in a son who would face such evil so bravely, but he also could not help but worry that some harm might befall his son and he was powerless to prevent it.

******

As Xia stepped out of the circle of mist, she moved quickly toward a malevolent figure and knelt before him, "My Lord, all is as you have commanded."

"Excellent!" The Dark Warrior laughed as the sounds of battle reached his unholy ears. "They know not to injure him, that his wounds must appear to be the result of a fall?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"Good. Peter Caine will learn to fear the darkness, as he did as a child. Then he will learn to fear the light."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 10 ↑

Xon Chu yawned deeply as he studied his master's latest obsession. The young man standing bravely before him would succumb, as had all the rest. It was only a matter of time. Still, there was something different about this one. Dark eyes flashed with anger but no real fear as the man warily watched his opponents. Xon Chu's eyes narrowed as he realized that his dark-haired prey had chosen to meet his own eyes, as if he recognized that Xon Chu was in command. The young one was truly perceptive; indeed he might be the first in millennia to make a worthy adversary. The long dead prince tilted his head slightly and Ku Li moved forward in obedience to his lord's unspoken command.

**********

Peter cautiously scrutinized the shadow figures surrounding him. The seven beings were garbed in battle gear belonging to a variety of eras. Some he recognized, the Greek and Roman soldiers, the Bantu warrior of southeast Africa, even the Chinese mercenary probably belonged to the Ming Dynasty. The other three were a mystery. All were from the Orient, but try as he might, Peter could not place the dynasty to which they belonged. The young Shaolin settled his gaze upon the obvious leader. The short, stocky Oriental controlled the movements of the others with a mere shift of his head. As Peter met the other's eyes he waited for the attack, not yet registering that the long dead warrior's eyes were green. Kung Fu training served Peter well as he whirled to dodge the blow dealt by the man wielding a heavy battle-ax. In the same instant the other five converged on the young man, leaving their leader smiling in satisfaction.

***********

Kermit knocked on Peter's door, waited three seconds, then let himself in. Knowing he'd receive no answer, the ex-mercenary still felt obliged to call out, "Peter, you home?" Crossing his young friend's living room, he snapped on the answering machine. He noted quickly that the message count was set at eight but only seven had been played. Chasing any clue to the younger man's behavior, Kermit rewound the tape and skipped through the support messages. Stopping briefly on his own, he muttered, "Doesn't pay to ignore me, kid." Anger then flared in his eyes at Sandra Mason's cruel words. "BITCH!" he snarled as he moved on to the one message that Peter had probably not heard. To the older man's disgust, it was a hang-up. He hit the off-switch again, and went to retrieve a beer from Peter's refrigerator. Taking a sip, he suddenly remembered that the young detective still had caller-id. Kermit checked quickly for the device and ran through the numbers called. He back-tracked, noting with interest that the Mason woman had called twice more. He finally located the hang-up and jotted down the number. Using his cell-phone, he dialed and listened to the rings. A sleepy voice answered, "Albert residence, Carter speaking." Kermit quickly disconnected and sank down into the sofa cushions. His thoughts whirled dizzily as the implications of the call struck home. Internal Affairs would have a field day, if they found out. He took another sip of his beer, and froze as the front door began to slowly open.

************

"Come!" The command was not to be lightly disregarded and Xia stepped quickly through the doorway opened by her dark master. The park was left behind as she wandered momentarily lost in the haze of the other world. Breathing a sigh of relief, she finally found the correct exit. Feeling a bit like the child in 'Through the Looking Glass', she slipped from the mirror into her bedroom. She smoothed her hair and turned to once again face the Dark Warrior. He studied her for a moment then said, "You have doubts."

"Yes, Master."

"Ask." The command was as menacing as it was inviting.

Xia gulped, knowing full well the penalty for displeasing her master, "My Lord, it will be two full years yet before Peter Caine's blood can be used to restore you to this realm. What purpose does it serve to attack him so now?"

Her question was met with silence and she trembled under the dark one's gaze. For a long moment she feared she was doomed to die, then the deep voice replied, "Peter Caine is Shaolin, even though he has not taken the brands. He can no longer be an unwilling sacrifice. He must wish for death more than life for my return to be made possible. Stripped of his badge, imprisoned for crimes he did not commit, barred from friends and family, he will come to view death as a blessing."

**************

The door opened slowly, and an exhausted Peter Caine slipped into his apartment. Closing the door, he leaned momentarily against it for support. Sighing deeply, he spoke softly, "Go home, Kermit. I don't really feel like company."

Noting with detached interest that Peter's awareness of his presence did not surprise him, Kermit calmly replied, "We must talk."

"I don't think so." Peter walked unsteadily toward his bedroom, blood matting his hair and bruises just starting to appear on his face.

The ex-mercenary's eyes widened with concern, "Good God, Peter, what happened? You look like you've been mugged."

"Yeah, mugged."

"You obviously didn't go to the hospital. Did you file a report?"

Silence.

"Why not?" Kermit's voice held barely disguised anger.

"Wouldn't do any good. The, uh, muggers are long gone."

"Peter..."

"Just drop it, Kermit!" It was Peter's turn to show anger as he whirled to find his friend's face inches from his own.

"No. What happened?"

Peter glared for a moment then replied softly, "Xia Tan."

"Mugged you?"

"N..not ex..." His vision suddenly faded and Peter grabbed a table for support. Moving quickly Kermit's arm looped around the younger man's shoulder and Peter found himself propelled toward the sofa. Kermit forced him into a sitting position and commanded, "Put your head between your knees and breath slowly. In, out, in, out, that's right."

Kermit watched in concerned silence for a moment, then sat down next to his friend, "Talk to me, Peter... Please."

"Old enemies have returned." Kwai Chang Caine's voice caused both younger men to start violently. His expression was troubled, "But I do not know what they truly want."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 11 ↑

"Old enemies? You mean Xia Tan?" Kermit inquired. "She attacked Peter tonight."

"Not exactly." Peter replied weakly as his father knelt to study his eyes.

"Then what, exactly?" Kermit was becoming annoyed with his young friend.

"Kermit, please put on water to boil. I must treat Peter's injuries. He must also have food. Bread, cheese and fruit will do."

The ex-mercenary stared in disbelief at the two Caines, then stalked toward the kitchen muttering, "Obviously someone has mistaken me for a short-order cook."

************

"My lord, young Caine has returned to his home. His father is with him."

"Excellent, Xon Chu. His injuries?"

"As requested, my lord, his physical injuries are minor. His father," Xon Chu fairly spat out the title, "should treat them without seeing the shadows."

"Should?" Although spoken softly, the word still contained a barely veiled threat.

Xon Chu bowed, "Yes, my lord. Caine is Shaolin, and a Shamballa Master. He has also defeated you before. There can be no guarantees, however, the shadows should not yet be readily apparent."

The Dark Warrior frowned. "Then we must make sure the separation occurs before the shadows take hold. Do you have the blood?"

"Yes, my lord." The long dead prince handed a small vial to his master.

The evil being smiled as he looked at the blood. "You understand that two more must be drawn quickly."

"Yes, my lord. Young Caine's blood must be harvested before he succumbs otherwise it will be of no use when the gate opens in two years. It shall be done, master."

"There is something you have not told me."

The prince sighed, "Master, I have assisted you in gathering the finest warriors throughout the ages, but I must tell you that I fear this Peter Caine. He is different, somehow."

"Indeed. How?"

"He knew I led the attack."

"I see. Interesting. That will be all." The dismissal was curt, and not entirely unexpected by the prince.

************

The Shaolin breathed a sigh of relief as his eyes released their hold on Peter's.

"Pop? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, my son. You appear to have sustained no major injuries."

"Tell that to my bruises, Pop, and my head is killing me."

"That is to be expected, my son. You..."

Kermit's voice interrupted. "Here's the water and food, Caine." Turning to Peter, he decided to force the issue. "Okay, Peter. Give. What happened tonight? How did you get injured and why is your father looking so worried?"

Peter looked slightly embarrassed as he took a bite of cheese. "I went to the library to, uh, check a few things out. As I was walking home, I ran into Xia Tan." He turned to his father. "You know, Pop, that fog came up around us, just like when she was killing those men to get back at you."

Caine handed him a cup of herbal tea. "Drink this quickly. Was the fog cold?"

"No, just the opposite, it was very warm, but I still had chills running up my spine."

"Look, forget the fog." Kermit interrupted again. "What happened after you saw Xia?"

"She wanted my service or my death." He laughed wryly. "She didn't get either. Anyhow, after I said no to the service gig, she backed away and I was attacked by, Kermit don't laugh, shadow warriors."

"Shadow what?"

"How many my son?"

"Shadow warriors and there were seven, but only six attacked. One appeared to hold back, almost like he was calling the shots."

"What did he look like?"

"Chinese. Short, stocky but dressed like, like royalty. Fancy red outfit, with dark yellow plumes on the head dress. I didn't recognize the dynasty."

"What about his eyes?" Caine's voice was concerned.

Peter answered quickly. "Well, they were kinda cold looking, gave me the shivers." His own eyes suddenly widened. "Pop, they were green. This guy had green eyes."

**********

A slender hand yanked the phone off the table on the second ring. "Do you know what time it is? This had better be good."

"You were right, Carrie. That Corvair of Griffin's is parked at Caine's building."

"Ha! I knew it, he's found something."

"Huh?"

"Caine and Griffin are good friends. I know you picked up on that in our interview with Griffin. I suspected that if he did dig up dirt on Mr. Caine, that he would go see his friend for an explanation. It appears he has."

"Fantastic! What now?"

"Meet me at the 101st with Michelle Baker."

"Baker?"

"Yeah, OUR computer expert. I need someone who can break into Griffin's machine."

"Don't we need a warrant?"

"Nope Matt. The PC's city property. We can do whatever we wish in the course of an investigation."

"Then we hang both of them?"

"Only if we can prove Griffin's involved in Caine's activities. I don't really think he is. My information is that Caine's the bad apple. Has been for years. I'm really looking forward to getting the cuffs on that SOB."

***************

"Since when do Chinese have green eyes?" Kermit asked confused.

"It is rare, but is know to happen particularly..."

"What Pop? You know this guy don't you?"

"Perhaps. We must go see Lo Si immediately."

"Pop, it's after midnight."

Kermit tried again. "Yeah and I really need to talk to Peter. IA's had me digging..."

"Lo Si will not mind."

"into Peter's finances and..."

"Pop. I'm really tired. Can't it wa.."

"I've found something that..."

"It cannot."

"Fine. Just fine." Peter sighed and walked toward the door. "Well the sooner we go, the sooner I get some rest."

Kwai Chang Caine moved to follow. Kermit stared in astonishment as both father and son left the apartment, oblivious to his attempts to add his perspective on Peter's problems.

The ex-mercenary kicked a footstool. "Oh Kermit, you're still here? Make yourself at home. We won't be long. Shit! Damn it to hell, Peter! I need to talk to you! Okay, calm down Kermit. Just wait 'em out. Peter's got to come back here sometime. Who am I kidding? That well-funded foreign bank account of his could turn up on someone else's PC any time. Hope Lo Si won't mind three guests this late."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 12 ↑

Broderick looked with satisfaction at the empty lobby. Sometimes it was a relief to work the night shift. No endless lines filled with annoyed, and annoying, people. He absently dropped a folder onto a desk and froze. Damn. The idiots have suspended Peter. Who's working the Larsen case now? Glancing around at the near-empty squad room, he remembered that most of Peter's cases were now in 'detective limbo'. There was simply no one available to take up the slack. He frowned as he heard unfamiliar footsteps approaching. Turning he saw two women and a man appear at the front desk.

"You!" A woman with dark hair beckoned to him imperiously.

Stiffening, the sergeant responded. "Yes, can I help you." Pushy broad.

"You can start by coming over here, Sergeant. I don't like shouting my business across the room."

"Certainly ma'am." Broad, hell, bitch covers it better. Broderick deliberately took the long way back to the desk. "There're no detectives on duty, ma'am. Is there a particular investigator you're looking for?" Pity the poor soul that's helping you.

"I'm well aware of that Sergeant. I am Carrie Stewart, Internal Affairs..."

Uh oh

"...this is my partner, Matthew Hensley..."

Wonder what he did to deserve her?

"...and this is Michelle Baker. Where can I find Kermit Griffin's office?"

"Detective Griffin's not here, ma'am."

"Do I look stupid, Sergeant? I am well aware that Griffin is not here. I asked for his office."

Crap. What now? It's on the back wall. You shouldn't have trouble finding it. It's the one with his name on the door."

Carrie eyed him suspiciously. "Was that sarcasm, Sergeant?"

"Oh, no ma'am." Watch it, Broderick.

"Didn't think so. Michelle, Matt, let's go." She paused as the three passed Broderick's position. "Oh, Sergeant. If you value your job, don't even think of contacting Detective Griffin or anyone else on this staff. Understood?"

"No, ma'am. Wouldn't think of it." In a pig's eye.

"Didn't think so." Well aware of the Sergeant's angry gaze she followed her staff into Kermit's office and shut the door behind her.

Broderick glared after his visitors for a moment, before a ringing telephone pulled him back to his duties. He spoke for a few minutes, then disconnected. Keeping the receiver at his ear, he dialed a number which was permanently engraved in his memory.

A sleepy voice answered. "Hello?"

"Sorry to bother you, Mrs. Blaisdell. This is Sergeant Broderick at the 101st."

"Has something happened to Peter?"

The fear in the woman's voice caused the man to wince. "No, Ma'am. I'm sorry. Peter's fine. I just have a...situation...here, ma'am and need your help."

"My help?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Internal Affairs is in Detective Griffin's office right now. I was wondering if you would mind letting him know."

A faint chuckle came through the line. "Of course, Sergeant. No trouble at all."

"Thank you, ma'am." Humming to himself, Broderick disconnected and returned to his work, all the while keeping a suspicious eye on Griffin's office.

************

"Who'd he call?"

Matt glanced at the number on the machine. "Nobody that works here. He must be a returning call from before we got here."

"Huh. He's brighter than he looks. I really thought he'd try to get hold of Griffin. Anything yet, Michelle?"

"No. I've never seen anything quite like this set-up. It's gonna take some time to get around the security features he's got installed. Who is this guy, anyway?"

"The 101st's resident computer genius."

"Carrie, I don't get it. Michelle's already found Caine's bank account in Zurich. Why bother with Griffin any more?"

"Simple. We're investigating Peter Caine. That includes his friends, particularly those on the police force. It'll be interesting to see if he's found something that he hasn't reported. Obstruction of justice comes to mind."

"I didn't think you were after Griffin."

"I'm not. He just might end up being a bonus."

"God, you're bad, Carrie."

"Not really. I've just got no use for bad cops."

*************

Lo Si waited patiently on his sofa. The knock on his door was entirely expected. "Come in, my friends."

Caine pushed the door open, and smiled as they entered the room. "Ah, you were perhaps expecting company?"

"Indeed, old friend. The water is almost hot."

Peter looked puzzled at the tea cups. "But why are there four?"

"One guest has not yet arrived. Ah. That would be him now."

Kermit bounded into the room. "Hope you don't mind another guest at this little party."

Lo Si smiled benignly as he poured the water over the tea. "Not at all. Lemon?"

*************

Annie Blaisdell swiftly dialed the pager number she rarely used. Upon hearing the beep, she punched in her phone number and the appropriate emergency code. Now all she had to do was wait. Fortunately, waiting was something she'd been forced to practice for many years and had become quite adept at it. Doesn't mean I like it, though.

*************

"Now, young Caine. You must sit here."

"You know why we've come?" Peter was once again astounded by the Ancient's skills.

"Of course."

The young detective glanced at the two Shaolin and shook his head in disbelief. "Okay, what do I need to do?"

"Meditate with the Ancient."

"Huh?"

"You were attacked by shadows. From your description, and from what I felt during your attack, I believe I know who assaulted you. I would like the Master's corroboration."

"Please young Caine. Join me." Lo Si sank gracefully into a lotus position on the floor of his living room. Peter smiled. I don't see how he does that. I'm a whole lot younger and I can't do it.

A voice inside his head startled him momentarily. Practice, young Caine.

Not quite certain of what he'd heard, Peter chose to ignore the message. He flopped down on the carpet and pulled his legs underneath him. "What now?"

Lo Si reached out and took the younger man's hands tightly in his own. "We merge."

"What? Pop, I don't think..."

Caine sat down beside Peter. "It is necessary, my son."

"Well, okay, but I don't have to like it, do I?"

The older Shaolin looked grave. "Actually, I do not think you will like it at all, my son. It will be quite...intense."

Peter studied his father's face, then the Ancient's. Seeing true concern in both, he sighed. "Figures. Well, let's get this show on the road."

*************

The beeper startled the ex-mercenary. He jumped slightly, but no one noticed. Finding Annie's number in the window of the pager, he slipped into the hall to call her. He returned shortly, a grim expression on his face and motioned Caine to join him in the hall.

Caine rose gracefully from his position near his son and followed the younger man. "Something is wrong?"

"Oh yeah! IA's at the precinct now, trying to break into my computer."

"Why? What is it they seek?"

"Information on Peter. Someone has done a major number on your son this time."

The Shaolin replied softly. "The line of Caine has many enemies."

"Well, these enemies will get Peter sent to prison for a long, long time."

Kwai Chang Caine looked troubled. "That cannot be helped now, Kermit. Xia Tan must be stopped."

"I don't think you understand, Caine. Peter will be arrested, and based on what I've uncovered but haven't reported, he will go down. As an ex-cop, he won't be in with the general prison population. They'll keep him isolated but even then, with all the guys he's put away, just how long do you think Peter Caine will last?"

"We have no choice, Kermit. Whatever the Dark Warrior is planning through Xia, must be stopped or a greater evil than you have ever known will enter this world."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 13 ↑

"You must first center yourself, young Master."

"I'm not a master. I haven't taken the brands."

Lo Si's sharp rebuke startled the other man. "You are a Master, young Caine. You earned the right to take the brands. Refusal to wear the outer trappings of Shaolin, does not in any way negate your achievement, nor your responsibilities."

Peter felt his face grow warm. "I'm sorry, Master. I meant no disrespect."

"I do understand, Peter. Now let us get on with this. I am an old man, and need my rest. Close your eyes and relax."

*********

"Caine, you don't seem to get it. Peter could end up in prison if we don't do something."

The Shaolin sighed heavily. "That is a chance we must take. The Dark Warrior must be denied this victory."

Kermit removed his sunglasses and met Caine's eyes. "I'll be the first to admit that I don't understand this metaphysical sh..stuff, but I'll be damned if I'll stand idly by and let Peter take a fall for something he didn't do."

Caine met the ex-mercenary's eyes. "Then please help Peter with what you understand and I will do the same."

Kermit stared in disbelief as Kwai Chang Caine turned and walked away.

**********

"Got it!" Michelle's excited voice brought Matthew and Carrie back to her side.

"What? What have you got?"

"Another bank account." The young woman fairly crowed with delight.

"Great. Corroboration on the ban... Did you say 'another bank account'?" Carrie was stunned.

"Yep AND details of the latest deliveries, times, places, amounts. No names though. I'm surprised this wasn't encoded. Want me to download the files?"

Carrie's voice was cold as ice. "Yes. Detective Griffin is in a great deal of trouble. I certainly didn't expect to find this."

The younger woman nodded and loaded a diskette in the A drive.

"We could offer him immunity. You know, no charges if he testifies against Caine."

"Why on earth would we want to do that, Matt?"

"Well, Griffin might actually know more than just the numbers."

"Like anybody else that might be involved?"

"You got it, Carrie. We've got enough on Caine to put him away for years. What we don't have are his accomplices. I'd lay money on more cops being in with him."

***********

Peter's breathing evened out to match that of Lo Si as the Ancient led the young man into a deep meditative state. Caine sank into a lotus position beside the pair. Longingly he reached out for his son's cheek, barely stopping his hand from touching Peter's face. "I am sorry that you must do this, my son. I know of no other way. But do not fear, I will guard you with my life."

***********

The young Shaolin glanced around him. Everything was gone. One minute he'd been in Lo Si's living room, the next he was... where? He didn't have a clue. The haze was so thick that his hand became visible only about six inches from his face. The Ancient was supposed to be here. Where was he?

"I am here, young Caine."

Peter whirled around to find Lo Si standing behind him, in a swirling patch of mist. "I can barely see you. Just an outline really. What now?"

"We must return to the park where you were attacked."

"How did you... Never mind." To Peter's astonishment the haze suddenly vanished and the pair were standing outside the University computer lab. "Whoa. Ghosts from Christmas past."

A low chuckle reminded him suddenly that he was not alone. "Not exactly, young one."

"Right. What now?"

"We observe. But remember, Peter. This is the past. Nothing can be changed, but much can be learned."

"What are you talking about? Oh, geez!" The young man's jaw dropped as he watched himself exit the old building. "This is really weird."

"Indeed. Are you ready?"

"No time like the present, or the past, whatever."

***********

Kermit stalked to his car. Thrusting the key angrily into the lock, he opened the door and climbed in. The door slammed behind him with a satisfying metallic thud. "Calm down, Kermit. Caine loves Peter. He wouldn't do anything to hurt Peter. Then why isn't he worried about prison? Because you idiot, he has you to do that. He and Lo Si can concentrate on this Dark Warrior asshole and you can deal with the Witch from Internal Affairs. Right, no problem. I can deal with HER. SHIT! She's playing with MY computer."

************

Peter stood motionless beside the Ancient as the past version of himself walked away from the old building. The old man smiled as his young friend stared after 'himself' in astonishment. "Peter, we will catch up with you in a moment. First please take a moment to look, really look around us."

"Master, I've already looked. There's nothing here."

"Not with your eyes, young Master. There are other ways to see."

Embarrassed once again, Peter shut his eyes, as well as his mouth, and concentrated on his surroundings. Suddenly he realized that his assailants had followed him from the computer building. As he watched with his inner senses, the seven emerged from underneath the drawbridge and moved deliberately toward the park. "Who are they, Master?"

"Six are unimportant; dead heroes gone wrong. Their leader is Xon Chu, a warrior prince of a long forgotten province. He was the younger son of a warlord who betrayed his father and brother to join forces with the Dark Warrior."

"What makes him so important? He didn't participate in the attack but he was sure watching me."

"Ah. So he knows."

"Master Lo Si. With all due respect you and my father could use a course in communication. Would you mind explaining what you mean?"

"Not at all, young Caine. Xon Chu's plot to kill his father and brother and to steal his brother's wife was uncovered in time and the young prince died by his own hand rather than face capture. He has a score to settle and believes it will be settled with you."

"Me? Why?"

"Because your ancestor, the first Kwai Chang was the cause of his undoing. How better to avenge himself on the family than by enlisting the last of the line into his master's service?"

************

"What the hell?" Michelle's eyes widened in astonishment, then she started to laugh. "He's really, really good." She paused for a moment. "You don't suppose. Oh, my God!"

"What? Did you find something else?"

The younger woman gulped. "N..Not exactly."

"Then what, exactly." Carrie tapped her foot as she impatiently waited for an answer.

"The PC was, shall we say, booby-trapped. The files aren't on his hard drive any more. He's even managed to wipe the disk areas where they were really stored."

"No problem, we've got the diskette."

"N..Not really. I'm sorry, Ms. Stewart, but the diskette is empty. Somehow, and I would really like to know how, the act of copying the files is what triggered them to be erased. And it looks like the 'copy' erased them as it pretended to 'write' them. We have nothing, absolutely nothing."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 14 ↑

Kermit Griffin whistled a merry tune as he took the steps at the 101st two at a time. "Evening Broderick."

Sergeant Broderick stared, stunned at the ex-mercenary's abnormal behavior. Barely hiding a smile, he asked. "Uh, Detective Griffin. What on earth brings you down here this time of night?"

"Promised the captain I'd have some paperwork done by tomorrow morning and clean forgot about it, Sergeant. Doesn't pay to piss off the captain, now does it?"

"No, no it doesn't."

"SERGEANT BRODERICK!"

"Shit. YES, MA'AM?"

"Get in here!"

"Coming, Ma'am."

"She's in my office, isn't she, Sergeant?"

"Yes, Detective, there are three of them in your office."

"Oh. I see. Three of them, eh?"

"Yes."

"Stay here, Sergeant."

"No problem, Kermit." Broderick poured himself another cup of sludge and watched the amused detective saunter toward his office.

***********

Peter stared in astonishment at the elderly Shaolin. "Enlist? Wait just a damn minute. That implies that I would willingly join the Dark Warrior's forces or whatever they are. There is absolutely no way I would do that."

"Peter, there are no absolutes."

"Like heck there aren't."

"What if the only way to save your father's life were to enlist?"

"P..Pop would understand. Besides, h..he can t..take care of h..himself."

"What about your mother?"

The younger man's face drained of color. "M..Mom?"

Lo Si's facial expression never changed. "Yes, young Caine. Annie Blaisdell."

"I..I.." Peter's voice faded.

"Do not know?"

The hoarse whisper was barely heard by the elderly Shaolin. "No."

An ancient hand reached upward and, in a motion born of love, gently touched Peter's cheek. "We will try to ensure you do not need to make this choice." Smiling, the little man added, "Come. Let us see where you have gone."

***********

"Where the hell is that man?" Carrie jerked open the door and stared, stunned, as Kermit pushed by her into the office. "W..What?"

"Now where did I leave.. Oh, yeah. There's the folder. Thank you very much." Kermit smiled politely as he effortlessly removed a manila folder from Matthew Hensley's hand. "Don't mind me. I just came to pick up some paperwork." Turning to the woman at the PC, he added, "Having trouble with the hardware?"

Michelle gulped out a slow, "No. The PC's working fine."

Kermit patted the monitor lovingly. "Yeah, she's always been a good girl. Oh, looks like you lost some files. Pity."

"What are you doing here?" Carrie's words were forced through clenched teeth.

"You know, Internal Affairs should really do a better job of research. This is, after all, my office. Actually, perhaps I should address that question to you. So I will. What are you doing here?"

"Detective Griffin, I don't believe that is any of your business."

An angry voice from the door took the occupants of the room by surprise. "Maybe not, but it is customary to get the approval of the commander before searching the work area of a fellow officer, particularly when said officer is NOT under investigation." Karen Simms stood in the doorway, arms crossed and fury plainly etched on her face.

"Captain Simms, Internal Affairs is conducting an investigation and has the right to review pertinent evidence..."

"Ah, I understand now. Obviously Sergeant Broderick has been remiss in explaining exactly where Peter Caine's desk is located. Come with me. I'll be glad to show you the way." Karen waited patiently at the door while the IA officers glanced at each other in confusion. After a long moment of silence, Carrie snapped, "That won't be necessary, Captain. We have everything we need. Matt, Michelle, it's time to go now." Gathering what dignity she could, the IA investigator stalked primly toward the exit. As the three officers disappeared down the stairs, Kermit grinned at his Captain.

"Annie called you?"

"Yes! That Stewart woman is going to rue the day she decided to go around my back."

"Oh Yeah!"

************

Peter scowled as he watched his brief meeting with Xia and the subsequent appearance of the seven warriors. His eyes riveted onto Xon Chu's features as the long dead prince orchestrated the assault. The young Shaolin cringed involuntarily as he witnessed the attack. Tensing, he was about to join in the fray when Lo Si took hold of his arm. "The past cannot be changed, young one. Also, be aware that your adversary senses your 'extra' presence." Startled, Peter turned to look at Xon Chu. It was as Lo Si had said. The prince was frowning in confusion, looking first at the prone form of Peter Caine then back toward the spot where Peter now stood.

"Can he see us, Lo Si?" Peter held his voice to a whisper.

"No, young master, but strong emotions will give your presence away. Center yourself."

Nodding, the young detective took a deep breath, closed his eyes and concentrated on calming his inner turmoil.

"Better, much better. Now Peter, watch what is happening."

As the shadow forms of Peter and Lo Si watched, the past form of Peter Caine struggled with his attackers. The young detective tried to fight his way free but blows fell freely from the six warriors. As they held him relatively still, Xon Chu stepped forward and quickly retrieved a vile of Peter's blood from a cut on his left wrist. Stepping back, he nodded his dismissal to his crew and the seven vanished into the night.

"W..What? I don't understand." Peter turned confused eyes to Lo Si.

"It is as I feared. They are taking no chances. If you will not voluntarily join them, you will be drafted."

"How?"

"They can take you against your will if they have three vials of your blood. But they must collect it without your knowledge. They now possess the first of three."

************

The three Internal Affairs officers met briefly beside their cars. Matt looked at his irate comrade and asked, "Okay, what now?"

"Michelle, thank you very much for coming out. If we need your assistance again, I'll get back with you." Carrie watched as the younger woman climbed into her car and drove away. Her green eyes flashed as she turned back to her partner, "Matt, first thing in the morning I need you to finalize our paperwork. I want a warrant issued for the arrest of Peter Matthew Caine by noon."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 15 ↑

Peter Caine sat in his cell, waiting for someone, anyone to come. He was alone, again, and more than a little frightened. God, had it only been three days? It seemed an eternity had passed since the Internal Affairs officers had served their warrant.

Matthew double-parked the car, leaving the emergency lights flashing as they entered the old building where the old man known as the Ancient lived. It wasn't even nine and they already had the warrant. Judge Carmichael, bless the man, had approved it in record time. A quick check of Peter Caine's apartment and his father's quarters had proven fruitless. Somehow Carrie had known of the friendship between Caine and the elderly Chinese gentleman who lived in this building. Matthew frowned at her knowledge. The Chinese community was close-knit. He wondered who the source of her information had been. Shrugging, he followed Carrie silently up the steps and paused as she held up her hand, warning him into silence. The IA officer really hoped that the object of their search was not here either. Xia preferred to have Caine as a fugitive, but would settle for a cell if she had to. Concerned voices coming from the rooms at the top of the stairs soon dashed his hopes.
"My son, it has been a long journey, you must rest."
"Can't Pop, there's too much to do."
"Young Caine, a few hours rest will see you much refreshed, then you may continue on your..."
The woman's irate voice startled all three men. "Police! Freeze!"
Peter glanced at the two Shaolin in time to catch a brief display of surprise on both faces. The younger man was stunned to find that he was not the only one caught off guard. "W..what?"
Carrie Stewart's grin was almost feral. "Peter Matthew Caine?"
He gulped and nodded, knowing instinctively where this was going.
"You're under arrest."
Clearing his throat, he asked, "What's the charge?"
"Drug trafficking, for starters. Matthew, Mirandize this bastard, we don't want any screw-ups."
Kwai Chang Caine spoke up urgently. "Please, my son must rest. He is exhausted." Peter shot his father a mental 'Pop, no. Please be quiet.'
"Up all night plotting the deaths of more innocents, eh Caine?" Matthew roughly snapped the cuffs in place as he spoke.
Peter responded angrily. "NO! I'm not...I'd like to speak with an attorney."
"All in good time, Caine, all in good time."

The next forty-eight hours had been spend in solitary lock-up at the sixty-third precinct. He'd learned from his attorney that Karen Simms had formally protested his incarceration there, but had lost the battle. Visitation had been restricted to family only. Tears came unbidden to his eyes as he recalled his father's visit.

His toe caught in the hem of his denim uniform and he almost tripped as he was escorted into the visitation room. He spotted Caine already seated near the wall. Concern overcame fear as he moved toward his father. 'God, he looks so tired, so old.' It was the first time the younger man could consciously remember thinking of his father's age.
Kwai Chang Caine's eyes showed his pain as he watched his son sink into the seat on the other side of the barrier. He barely managed to hide his thoughts from his son. 'He looks so young, so frightened.' He placed his hand, palm down on the face of the Plexiglas barrier. "My son."
Peter slowly laid his own hand parallel to his father's, and pretended he could feel the gentle touch he loved. "I'm okay, Pop. It..it's been kind of l..lonely. Has everyone written me off?"
Caine winced inwardly at the pain in the young voice. "No, my son. Only family may visit. Captain Simms procured this arrangement with Judge Sanders. Internal Affairs was not going to allow any visitors."
"Tell Mom not to come. I don't want her in this place."
His father hesitated only briefly. "Peter, the Judge ruled that your foster mother is not family. She is not allowed to come."

He buried his head in his hands and thought back to the farce that had served as his court appearance. His attorney had protested but the shackles had remained. Given his last day in court, he really couldn't blame them. His arrest for the murder of...NO, he wouldn't think of her, not now. But his escape during that court appearance had given the district attorney's office enough ammunition to demand that he remain shackled for this preliminary hearing. And based on the evidence presented by Internal Affairs, the judge had ordered him held without bond. He could still hear the gasps from his family and friends as the judge added that he be held in the Federal prison two hundred miles away.
Peter tensed involuntarily as heavy footsteps trudged their way toward the solid door. Keys jangled in the lock and the door swung carefully open. "Time to go, Caine." Peter rose slowly, aware of the scrutiny he was receiving from the four officers sent to escort him to the bus. He stood stoically as the shackles were once again fastened tightly around his waist, wrists and ankles. The fit was too tight, but he knew better than to complain. These officers thought him guilty of the most heinous of crimes, being a cop on the take. They would grant him no relief. He found himself roughly pulled from the cell, but again offered no complaint. His heart jackhammered in his chest as the exit approached. This was really happening. It was not a nightmare from which he'd suddenly awaken, covered in sweat. The exit grew ominously larger as he approached. The guard on the door glared at the young prisoner. Unwelcome hands took a strong hold on his arms as the door was opened and Peter wondered absurdly how many more hands he was destined to feel before this nightmare was over.
As Peter moved clumsily into the alleyway behind the precinct, he glanced around, praying that no one he knew was there. He'd asked them not to come, not to witness his shame as he was forced onto the prison bus. Good, they'd honored his request. No one was... His stomach did a somersault as the woman's smiling face came into view. Suddenly, he knew without a doubt that Xia Tan was behind his troubles both in this plane of existence and in the metaphysical world of her master. He nodded an acknowledgment that she'd won this round, then taking a deep breath, climbed slowly into the prison bus.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 16 ↑

Peter Caine stared fearfully around him as the prison van turned off the main highway onto the side road. He'd been this way many times, but as a cop, not a prisoner. He'd heard there was a new warden, but suddenly found himself unable to remember anything he'd heard about the man. He was grateful for one thing. At least he was alone on the bus. No fellow prisoners to plague his existence, at least not yet. God, had it only been three days? Massive gates suddenly appeared and the ancient vehicle pulled to a stop, brakes screaming badly. They echoed the silent scream the young Shaolin uttered as he saw the Federal penitentiary through the eyes of an inmate. "Nooo! This isn't real. It isn't happening. Pop? No, mustn't do that. Don't want him here, in this place. Leave me alone, just leave me a..alone."

The massive stone structure was old, dating back to the turn of the century. It had, of course, been modernized throughout the years, but from Peter's current point of view, it resembled something out of Dickens. The gates cranked slowly open and the bus continued its trek toward the main building. Peter shivered as he felt the eyes that watched the bus. He'd been instrumental in placing many of the current residents behind these walls. His arrival had been kept secret, but he'd been a cop too long to believe that the inmates didn't know who was on the bus, and why. He took a deep breath in an effort to center himself and waited for the instructions he knew would come.

The bus slowed to a stop beside three men in suits who stood flanked by six guards. The driver rose lazily, and unlocked the gate that separated him from his cargo. The guard who'd ridden silently behind Peter roughly prodded the young man to his feet. "Get up, asshole, we're here."

Peter rose awkwardly and moved slowly toward the exit. As he gingerly placed a shackled leg on the first step, the guard behind him shifted his foot slightly, catching Peter between his legs. The tumble into the courtyard cost him what was left of his dignity, and his breath. As he lay gasping in the dirt, a strong hand reached out and helped him to his feet. Hazel eyes met compassionate brown ones as a deep bass voice commanded, "Get these chains off of him. He's a man, not a dog."

************

The mood at the 101st had never been bleaker as Karen Simms stalked across the squad room. "Strenlich, Skalany, Powell, Blake, my office. Now!"

The five senior detectives rose and made their way into the captain's office.

"Shut the door."

Before Blake could comply, two men forced their way past him. Karen frowned. "Chin, Kincaid, I didn't call you."

TJ glanced at Roger, who nodded for him to take the lead. "Captain, if this is what I think it is, the senior staff is going out on a limb to save Peter. Well, ma'am, the junior staff, including a very pissed off desk sergeant, wants in on the action."

Karen stared thoughtfully at her younger officers. "While I appreciate the thought, Detective, your father is one of the leading proponents of Peter's arrest. I really don't think-"

"Excuse me, Captain, but as you have often reminded me, I am not my father."

"And," Roger Chin added quickly, "I'm not related to anybody important."

Carefully suppressing a smile, Karen nodded through the window at the watching sergeant. Broderick wasted no time in turning the desk over to a surprised young patrolman on his lunch break.

"Shut the door." This time the order was carried out as Broderick slipped into the grossly overcrowded room. Karen studied the group for a moment before speaking. "All right, people. Listen up. I'm sure you realize that IA has apparently made Peter Caine their number one priority. They think he's dirty and it's obvious that they have no intention of going with 'innocent until proven guilty'. I must warn you that if we investigate on our own, we will all be subject to dismissal and possible charges if IA finds out-"

A gentle male voice interrupted her. "W..what do you mean 'if we investigate' Captain?"

"Thank you Blake." Looking around the room, she commented, "I take it the rest of you are in agreement?" There were nods all around. "I've got the transcript with the basic 'evidence' that IA has. Roger, TJ, I need you to find the holes, what IA has missed. Mary Margaret, Kermit's pulled some additional incriminating 'facts' from the Internet. He needs time to research it but he's been tied up with something that Caine considers important. I need you to help Caine so that Kermit find the truth. Jody, does the name Xia Tan ring a bell?"

"That b-"

"I see it does. Very well, Kermit believes Xia is involved in this scheme to send Peter to prison. Take her down."

"With pleasure, Captain."

"Strenlich, Broderick, your piece of the puzzle will be distraction. Keep IA away from our people. I don't particularly care how."

"Blake, if you'll stay a moment, the rest of you can get to work. Oh, for all our sakes, don't let your regular caseloads slide and make sure that you don't get caught helping Peter. Thank you."

Blake sat silently until the door closed behind the last detective. "What do you need from me, Captain?"

"A bug."

"Only one?"

"Yes. I'm gonna plant one on Carrie Stewart and find out what Miss Personality's got up her sleeve."

***********

The tall black man held onto Peter's arm as the younger man climbed to his feet. Fixing a glare on the guard exiting the bus, he repeated. "Remove the chains. Now."

"With all due respect, Warden-"

"I'm glad you remember who I am. Take the chains off. If I have to ask again, you're suspended."

"Y..Yes sir." The stony-faced guard released the shackles, allowing them to fall freely to the ground. Peter desperately wanted to rub his aching wrists, but did not dare.

"Mr. Caine, I am Albert Marcus, Director of this establishment or in more common vernacular, the warden. The men behind me are Henry Jones and Oliver McWilliams, the deputy wardens. Let me make a few things clear. You have been confined here until your trial. My job, and that of my staff, is to keep you in one piece. As a police officer, I am sure you realize that this is a formidable task, particularly given your reputation. Since I am a firm believer in innocent until proven guilty, I have decided the only way to maintain your safety is to place you in solitary confinement. But also be aware that I do not particularly care if you are guilty or innocent. You will be treated fairly while you are here, but will be given no special considerations. Do I make myself clear?"

"Y..Yes, sir." Peter's quiet voice could barely be heard, even in the silence of the courtyard.

"Fine. The guards behind me have been charged with seeing to your safety. They will see to it that you are processed and given a uniform. Unlike other facilities, we have a strict dress code that is enforced. In addition, all prisoners are given a complete physical upon arrival. They will escort you to the infirmary. They will remain close by during your examination, then they will show you to your new accommodations. Any questions?"

The whispered, "No, sir" held a hint of a sob.

The older man nodded, then turned to the younger man next to him. "Mr. Jones, you may take him now."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 17 ↑

As the warden and one of his deputies disappeared into the administration complex, the expressions of the guards shifted from neutral to obviously hostile. Henry Jones' smile chilled the young prisoner to the bone. "Well, Caine, I don't normally get involved with the processing of prisoners, but I decided to make an exception in your case."

"That's decent of you." The words were out before Peter could stop them. Almost simultaneously he gasped and staggered forward as a billy stick impacted with his lower back.

"Lesson one, don't speak without permission. Lesson two." A second blow followed close behind the first. "All rule violations are punished." The third blow sent Peter to his knees. "And lesson three, all punishment comes in triplicate. As a former city worker, I'm sure you'll appreciate the pattern. Get up."

Peter rose as quickly as possible to his feet and quietly faced his assailants. Every fiber of his being wanted to fight back, to do harm to these men who were so blatantly abusing their positions, but he remembered the lesson of the Tao that dealt with yielding in the face of evil. Oddly a phrase from a favorite television show joined with his father's lessons - resistance is futile. At least outward resistance. He refused to be, what was the phrase, assimilated. He smiled inwardly as he watched a frown cross Jones' face. It was obvious that the man expected his prisoner to be at least in pain, if not frightened or angry. The calm demeanor exhibited by the prisoner obviously rattled the deputy warden badly. Shoving Peter none too gently toward one of the nearby buildings, he ordered. "Let's go. It's time to give you the insider's tour."

************

Kwai Chang Caine sat across from Lo Si on the floor of Caine's home. Kermit paced impatiently in front of the small altar as the older men meditated. His own anger over his inability to do anything constructive toward helping Peter grew with each loop of the small room. Absently picking up a ceremonial knife from the altar, Kermit began to twirl it in hand. By now, he knew, the prison van had delivered his young friend to the penitentiary. The thought of Peter being housed among so many who hated and feared him, further infuriated the already angry man. The knife was suddenly propelled across the room and imbedded itself into the door frame. A frightened gasp brought all eyes to the door. Mary Margaret, face pale with shock, stood trembling in the doorway. Caine rose gracefully to his feet and moved swiftly to her side as Kermit stared, frozen in horror, at the knife.

"Mary Margaret, are you injured?" The Shaolin's voice registered his concern.

"I..I'm fine. Just s..startled."

"God, Skalany, I'm sorry, I just-"

"was expressing your anger over this whole damn situation. Yeah, I know, Kermit. I'm fine."

Caine smiled at the understanding of the young woman. "Mary Margaret, why have you come? Is there news of Peter?"

"No, I'm sorry Caine, but we're working on the problem and that's why I'm here." Turning to the ex-mercenary, she was startled to notice that he was slightly green. "I'm here to replace Kermit. Captain Simms wants him back at the station."

Kermit lost no time in moving toward the door. He slid to a halt and slowly pulled the knife free. Turning to the young woman, he spoke softly. "I'm really sorry, Mary Margaret. I could have killed you."

She grinned openly at his discomfort. "Naw, Kermit. Caine's taught me to duck."

*************

The infirmary was exactly what Peter expected, cold, stark and gray, very, very gray. The paint on the walls was peeling badly, revealing streaks of olive green underneath. The trustee on duty when Peter arrived cast a suspicious eye on the guards before turning his attention to the new arrival. Jones waved the man to one side, then spoke to Peter. "The doctor's not on duty today. Larry's gonna do your preliminary work-up. Doc Adams will do the rest tomorrow. Officer Tennison's gone to get your uniform. Larry, he's all yours." The deputy warden moved away from his prisoner, but like the guards, made no effort to leave the room.

The trustee grinned. "Thanks Warden Jones. Gotta draw some blood so first things first. Strip."

Peter stood motionless then spoke through clenched teeth. "I'm wearing short sleeves, why-"

His words were cut off by three rapid blows from the club in almost the same location as before. He staggered forward and would have fallen had it not been for the examination table in the center of the room. Well-aware of Peter's status as a former cop, the trustee's grin widened. A glance at the deputy warden gave the inmate the permission he needed to continue his request. "Guess all that shooting you used to do made ya a little hard of hearing. I said, strip."

Peter angrily jerked at the buttons on his shirt, causing them to pop loose and fly across the room. He slid out of the shirt and waited for the trustee's next instructions.

The older inmate smirked. "God, cops are stupid. I didn't say take your shirt off, stupid. I said strip. Off with the jeans and toss 'em over here, asshole."

Gulping, the young Shaolin reluctantly undid the button on the waistband. Struggling to center himself, he unzipped the jeans and slid them over his slender hips. Stepping out of them, he bent over, picked them up and tossed them to the obviously leering trustee, who caught them and dropped them into the trash.

"Now the jockeys."

Feeling his face turning red with shame, Peter closed his eyes and slipped out of his underwear. He didn't need his Shaolin senses to tell that every eye in the room was looking him over as if he were a horse at an auction. Footsteps approached his position, and the young man braced himself for another blow, which to his horror, never came. Instead, rough hands took a firm hold of his shoulders, then traveled down the muscular chest. Peter's eyes shot open and he took an involuntary step backwards as Larry's hands reached his slender waist. A glance at the guards proved they were enjoying his humiliation. The trustee moved closer to Peter, intending to finish what he'd started. Lightning quick reflexes brought a gasp to the older man's lips. Peter leaned closer and whispered, "I have nothing to lose by breaking your arm." One glance into the furious hazel eyes, and the trustee backed away.

"What's the matter, Larry? Is there a problem?"

Throwing a quick look at the stone-faced deputy warden, Larry replied. "N..No Warden Jones. No p..problem."

"Didn't think so. Please, continue."

It was now Larry's turn to gulp. Much as he wanted to continue to fondle the outstanding body in front of him, he really wanted to keep his arm intact. His decision was made without him really being aware of making it. The sound of the newest prisoner's harsh breathing echoed in his ears as the trustee turned to the counter next to him. His hands trembled slightly as he gathered what he needed and turned back toward Peter. "Give me your arm."

Peter's arms remained frozen to his side.

Jones nodded to two of the guards. "Seems our friend here needs another lesson."

Before the guards could move, Larry said, "Look, I'm gonna get your blood one way or the other. Make it easy on yourself and give me your arm."

Knowing he was beaten, Peter reluctantly raised his arm, wincing as the needle found its mark.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

part - 18 ↑

Peter Caine cringed as the last set of doors slammed shut behind him. The echo reverberated around him as he finally realized that he was really, and horrifyingly, alone. A quick glance told him all he needed to know - this was solitary confinement at its worst. There wasn't even a window, just a ragged cot, miniature sink and a badly stained toilet. He sank helplessly down onto the cot and folded his arms across his chest. The experience in the infirmary had proven to him that he'd find few, if any, allies in this place. Larry had collected the all the required specimens before Warden Jones had allowed their prisoner to dress.

Peter stared morosely at the gray Federal uniform he now wore. He could still feel the guards' eyes as they watched him slip out of the denim shirt and jeans that were the uniform at the city lock-ups. The one piece jumpsuit that bagged around his slender body was carelessly printed with his identification number, 127953. This was now his name, and based on the evidence presented so far, he knew that it might remain his name for a very long time to come. Exhausted, he lay down on the cot, closed his eyes and willed himself to sleep, praying he would not dream.

***********

Kermit slipped quietly into his den, noticed only by Karen Simms. She watched as he gently closed the door. Rising from her desk, she walked deliberately towards that door. Karen entered without knocking and was greeted by an angry voice. "Shit."

"Problems?"

"Yes, dammit to hell, I've been locked out."

"Locked out?"

"Security at, uh, never mind. Just accept the fact that it's pretty tight. I wasn't able to find everything I needed."

"Just what have you found?"

Kermit shook his head. "Nope, it's on a need to know basis only and you don't need to know."

The strength in her hands took him by surprise as she jerked him around to face her. The fury on her face succeeded in quashing his sarcastic retort. "Don't even think about excluding me from this."

"I just don't-"

"Want to get me involved. Well," she thrust her index finger into his chest, "let me make it clear that I am involved. Every detective, junior and senior, in this precinct is involved. There is no way in hell Peter did anything wrong and we're gonna make IA eat dirt."

Kermit held up his hands in mock terror. "Uh, Captain, Karen, I'm not the enemy."

"No, but don't think we won't discuss that attitude of yours one day soon. Now what have you found?"

The ex-mercenary glared at his commander over the rim of his glasses. "A trail of evidence leading back to Douglas Albert, the drug kingpin."

"Peter? Not a snowball's chance in hell."

"I know, but it's pretty damn solid."

"And planted."

"Oh Yeah!"

"So you going into your source by the back door?"

Kermit's shocked face brought a smile that lightened Karen's somber features. "What do you know about back doors?"

She smiled sweetly. "Enough to know that you've got an alternate way in and have probably found how this shit is being planted. Am I right?"

Stunned, he could only nod.

"And, if we could get hold of your information, legally, we could spring Peter right now, but since nothing you've done on your computer since this started has been legal, we're left with knowledge but little else. You didn't happen to find out who's planting the evidence did you?"

Mercenary instincts die hard and Kermit had regained his composure before she'd finished speaking. Once again the petite captain had surprised the jaded man with her insight, intelligence and loyalty to her people. "No, I didn't find out, yet, who's planting this shit, but I do know whoever's doing it is using the PC's at Internal Affairs."

***********

The dream was not long in coming. Peter knew it was only a dream, but also knew he could not stop himself from taking another journey into night terrors. He was in the desert, again. Why, dammit? Why sand and empty spaces? Why not lakes and trees and people, lots of people. Oh, yeah, this was a nightmare. Silly Peter, he'd forgotten. At least he thought it was a nightmare. Sighing in resignation, he began to climb the sandy dunes in front of him.

A loud groan startled him. How? Who? That had come from behind him. Whirling, he turned to find the source and froze where he stood. Frantically reminding himself that it was only a dream, he moved toward his own image.

The alternate Peter was spread eagle and staked to the hot sand. His clothing was in tatters and the redne