Asian Quarter Docks
With the last sparks of fireworks dissolving overhead, two helicopters -one police and one press - circled the site of the accident. On the water, several boats trained their spotlights on the burning hulk of the ferry. Black smoke billowed out of both ends of the sinking boat. A city fire boat loitered in the vicinity ready to use its water cannons if the ferry did not burn itself out as expected. Other boats that had been part of the regatta were moored on the docks.
On the shore, carnival goers lined the docks gawking at the spectacle playing out on the river. A large contingent of reporters swarmed the area taking pictures and getting eyewitness statements. Suki and his managers began to efficiently dismantle the tents and tables. Out of uniform, Captain Samantha Wells competently directed police operations from the Green Pearls Import dock.
"In the water! Someone's in the water!" cried out a random voice in the crowd. This was followed by more comments. "They lived through that? Amazing!"
Police and fire officers helped two men out of the water. They were covered in blankets and promptly escorted to the waiting ambulances. Several reporters took the opportunity to broadcast live as the ambulances sped away.
"According to the owner of the ferry, it was chartered for the evening by a private party. It was not part of the regatta. Due to a steering problem and a loss of power, it drifted towards the regatta lanes," said Eva Gomez. "As you can see behind us, there are survivors."
From a distance down the docks, Frisco alternated between observing his former colleague with satisfaction and scanning the waters for survivors. Beside him, Felicia was on the phone with Maxie who was watching the news from home.
A group of suited men and one woman ran across their field of view. The woman stopped in mid-run and did a double take when she saw Frisco.
WSB Agent Tania Lowell ran towards Frisco while her team spread out. "Sir! Do you have him?"
"Have who, Tania?" asked Frisco. Felicia put her phone away.
"Andrew," said Lowell catching her breath. "The Kestrel was to be part of the regatta. Have you seen it?"
Felicia shook her head. "We've been here since the beginning. We haven't seen Andrew or the Kestrel."
"Why are you talking to me, Agent Lowell? I'm no longer your superior," said Frisco.
Lowell flushed. "Reflex, I guess."
"That's all right. Calm down. Think," advised Frisco. "What's the next logical step?"
"Ah, check with other resources." Lowell looked frantically around the area. "None of his own security is here. It was our coverage tonight."
"If the Kestrel was damaged, it would be hard to miss wouldn't it?" asked Frisco.
"Yes, it would. I didn't think about that," said Lowell. Her phone began to beep. "Agent Lowell."
The volume was loud enough that both Felicia and Frisco could clearly hear Robert's voice on the other end of the conversation.
"Agent Lowell, you may stand down. My son's been with me the entire time," said Robert. "You can go off duty. We're on our way home."
"Yes, sir. Confirmed," Lowell responded in a formal tone. As she turned off her phone and signaled her team to join her, she said, "Thank god! Disaster averted." She realized Frisco was still looking at her. "Oh, sir, thank you for your help."
"We've all been in the same situation. Just keep going. You're doing fine. Good night," said Frisco.
As soon as the WSB team was out of earshot, Felicia said, "Robert lied."
"Big time," added Frisco.
"Why?"
"There's something going on. I knew it!" crowed Frisco.
BOOM!
A fireball exploded from the depths of the burning ferry blinding onlookers and rescuers alike.
"Get down!" Frisco threw an arm about his wife and they both crouched close to the ground.
The Golden Wok Restaurant
The television news blared in the background. Nearly all the patrons were watching intently. In a secluded booth in the far corner, Anna and Robert paid little attention to the television. Robin kept one ear on the news and another listening in on her parents. They were uncharacteristically unconcerned about the ferry accident. In fact, the dinner conversation was decidedly mundane.
"What do you think about raising hay?" asked Robert.
"How involving is that?" asked Anna.
"Not as much as wheat or corn. We have to be raising something to qualify for farm designation," said Robert. "But I don't think hay is going to be enough."
"I liked Mac's idea about raising animals," said Anna.
Robert put a healthy helping of lo mein noodles on his plate. "I'm not much of a horse trainer or rancher."
"We do have dogs. Why not raise and train dogs for, um, seeing eye dogs or bomb and contraband detection," said Anna. "We would certainly qualify for that even with an inspection."
"That would work. We need more. We have three farms to think about."
"Greenhouses," offered Robin. "Exotic flowers, rare herbs, out off-season fruits and vegetables."
Anna gave Robin a hug. "Perfect!"
"I've seen some enormous greenhouses. No telling what can be happening underneath one," said Robert.
"And they need a lot of labor don't they?" said Anna with a wink at Robert. "People who could live nearby would be essential."
"Little Scorpio strikes again," whispered Robert.
"It's selfish on my part. I need to raise some plants for the lab," said Robin.
"Um, legal plants?" asked her father. "Should I turn a blind eye?"
"Maybe." Robin smiled. "I'm talking real exotics like orchids, cebil. echinopsis and a rubber plant plus a few more that aren't imported. Things that require a controlled environment."
"You're going to need a lot for the you-know-what, won't you?" asked Anna.
"It's not for that. It's for a reagent that I was developing in my last months. I would only need a small quantity to add to a diluted mix." Robin looked at Anna. "I think it's what ... what saved Charlotte."
Anna stiffened. Robert looked around the restaurant making sure they weren't being overheard.
"I injected her with the reagent and a common stimulant after the compound had been given to her. Hours after in fact," said Robin for their ears only. "The compound was fully in her system but she was able to retain her mind when she woke up. But that could have been a ... a fluke."
"And it could also be the answer," said Anna.
"Yes, it could. I've been going over the patient notes and test results in my head. The reagent is the only thing I can think of that could work against ALL possible variants," said Robin. "Not an antigent but more of a booster to help fight the effects of the compound."
"That would be one heck of a breakthrough," said Robert. He looked at Robin. "Would ... could it help Therese?"
"I don't know, Dad," said Robin. "I don't think it would lead to a full recovery for a long-term case like her. That's impossible. But it may curb the more, um, violent or unpredictable behavior, minimize mood swings, that sort of thing. Maybe."
"Anything positive would be an improvement." Robert frowned. "If I could only know if she was really, truly happy. I need to know that."
Anna touched Robert's arm reassuringly. "She's in the best place that she could be right now."
"I keep telling myself that."
The owner of the restaurant walked by and sat down on one end of the booth facing Robert. He slid a note on the table towards Anna while saying, "I'm Darren Lu, the owner. I hope everything is to your satisfaction."
"The food is wonderful," said Robert with a smile. He glanced at Anna reading the note.
Anna handed the note to Robert with the Trident Security logo prominently displayed on one corner. She looked closely at Darren. "Have we met? You seem familiar to me."
Darren nodded. "I know all your karate moves, Ms. Devane. I was a Green Shirt back in the day."
Anna looked at Darren closely. "Oh, my god, you are. You helped me fight off Wu's men when we were cornered at the warehouse."
"You did good. All of you," said Robert. "Even better now."
Darren nodded. "I hope to do better. In the spring, I'm opening a new place at the Megaplex. I signed the agreement yesterday. I can't wait. That place is booming." He sobered. "We ... I want to extend my condolences ... for your daughter."
Robert cleared his throat. "Well, um, thank you."
"My community remembers the little girl who helped the Ancient One. I saw her later. She volunteered at the free clinic many times," said Lu. "I read in the paper that she had a daughter."
"Yes she does ... she did," said Anna.
"Cutest thing with dimples on it within fifty miles," added Robert.
BEEP. CHIRP. BEEP.
Robert took out his phone and looked at the incoming message. "Ah. we have to be going. Could I have the check please?"
"It's on the house, Mr. Scorpio," said Darren. "Give me a minute and I'll have everything wrapped up." He motioned for a server to take their food into the kitchen. "I'll have the food brought to your car."
Robert chose a number to dial. After a connection was made, he said, "Agent Lowell, you may stand down. My son's been with me the entire time. You can go off duty. We're on our way home." He ended the call and pocketed his phone.
Anna and Robin slid out of the booth. They began putting their coats on.
"Why the lie, Dad?" whispered Robin.
"A necessary evil," said Anna softly. "Explain later."
"And the note?"
"One last task for the night," replied Robert. "Let's go."
In the back lot, Robert started the Jaguar. Anna took the front passenger side while Robin sat in the back. A minute later, two breathless waiters emerged out of the Golden Wok's back door carrying parcels. The trunk of the Jaguar sprang up. The waiters dropped their parcels into the trunk and closed it.
"Ah, wait. Won't the food spill in there?" asked Robin.
The rear car doors sprang open. The waiters got in. Robert sped off. It was a full five minutes before anyone spoke. The waiter on Robin's left side lowered his hood and removed his eyeglasses. It was Giles. He greeted Robin.
Robert said casually, "It looked spectacular on the television. "
"Shane outdid himself," said Giles.
"How was it for you, Wolf?" asked Anna. She tossed a small duffel bag into the back seat. "Towels inside."
Former DVX agent turned defector Wolf Paradjis said, "The water was cold even with a wetsuit." He unzipped the duffle and pulled out two towels. He handed one to Giles.
"And the rest of the team?"
"All accounted for on the Kestrel or at the Majestic," said Giles as he dried off. "Having had the tunnels mapped was exceedingly convenient."
"The old catacombs?" asked Robin to no one in particular.
Giles nodded. "Unfortunately, these are more populated than the Paris version. We have to be judicious with their use."
"I like having an ace under my sleeve," said Robert. "I sleep better at night."
"We've barred the tunnels close to the Majestic. There are a few more places I'd like blocked off."
"Such as?" asked Anna.
"Places and businesses that Suki and I have identified as potentially useful for storage, drop offs and general hiding places," said Giles. "The ... the catacombs are far more extensive than how you originally described them, Anna."
"I've only seen portions of it at ... at various times."
"How big is it?" asked Robin.
"Don't get ideas, sweetheart," said Robert.
"If anyone needs hiding places, it's me, Dad."
"Point taken," said Robert.
"I confess I did not think it would work," said Wolf rubbing the towel over his wet hair. "Escaping the boat and diving to a cave entrance is not simple."
"We're not entirely done," added Anna.
"What is next ... for us?" asked Wolf. "Do we stay with you?"
"Do you like plants, Wolf?" asked Anna.
"Yes. I was born on a farm. What does that-"
"That's perfect," said Anna. "Yes, you will be with us for a while. I'm sure your superiors will be investigating your ... deaths."
"Good thing there are more than enough witnesses," said Robert. "Enough to satisfy the DVX and the insurance company."
"Whether it does or not, we can't have Wolf or any of his team out and about and being seen. I'm afraid, Wolf, you won't be able to contact your families back home. Maybe you never can."
Wolf breathed deeply. "We are all prepared for that. They must believe we are dead to remain safe."
"When the dust settles, perhaps, we can see about notifying your families and-" began Robert.
"No, we cannot. On my last call, my sister warned me about the borders closing. She works for the Moscow police. She said orders have been given."
"What kind of orders?" asked Giles.
"All foreigners are to be investigated. They will be imprisoned and executed if they are found to be spies, accomplices or informers," said Wolf. "The embassies will also be more closely watched."
"That's a witch hunt," said Anna.
"We wanted our country to become strong but not like this," said Wolf.
"New regime in power flexing their muscles. Let's hope their paranoia doesn't last long," said Robert. "What else can we do?"
Asian Quarter Docks
"What the heck was that?" asked Frisco. He wasn't expecting an answer but he got one.
"It's going down! Look!" cried one of the onlookers.
On the water, a small whirlpool dragged the helpless ferry into the river depths. The heat from the latest explosion turned water into mist giving the whole floodlight-lit scene an eerie quality. Cameras and pens recorded every moment of the once proud ferry's death. For many of the onlookers, the ferry was a friend from childhood. It had plied the river as many things over its long life - ferry, water taxi, freight boat, tourist charter. It was fitting that the river claim her quickly and completely at the last.
The crowds dispersed soon after. The helicopters disappeared into the night sky. Even the press had gotten their fill of news and retreated to their studios and news rooms. The dock was empty save for a half dozen police officers seeing to last minute clean up and recovery work.
Captain Wells moved towards Frisco. She gave both the Joneses big hugs. "I wasn't going to believe you were back in town until I saw you with my own eyes, Frisco."
"Well, I'm here in the flesh," said Frisco.
"You were amazing!" said Felicia. "No one panicked or got hurt."
"I had a lot of help," said Samantha. "Things are wrapped up here and I have to get home. But I had to say hello."
"We're glad you did," said Felicia with a smile.
"Did you pick up any more survivors?" asked Frisco.
"It was a fireball, Frisco. I doubt anyone could have survived it," replied Samantha.
"I did see people on it earlier," said Felicia.
"The boat was rented out," said Samantha. "We'll find out the details in the morning. Accidents happen."
"You deserve a medal for tonight. The response was super fast. I don't remember getting the squads and personnel together that fast even in Robert's heyday," said Frisco.
"Ah, we have better relations with the community. They ... they give us a heads up when things like this are planned," said Samantha not able to make eye contact. "We have to have dinner soon, okay? Next week?"
"Sure. I'll call you!" said Felicia.
They watched Sam drive off in a squad car. Many of the lights that had been turned on for the celebration were now off. The dock area was covered in shadows with only a few street lamps giving light to the river front. The ferry had finally sunk into the chilly waters. The river was dark and calm once more.
"They got here REAL quick," said Frisco.
"Like they knew they HAD to be here," said Felicia. "Or were waiting to make an entrance."
"Do you think I'm paranoid now?"
"No but it's still none of our business," said Felicia. She wound an arm about her husband's waist and began to walk down the river front. "Let's go home. It's late and I'm cold and tired."
"Honey, they're our friends and they might need help. We-" Frisco began to say.
"And I'm sure they have a very good reason for saying what they said and for not telling us," said Felicia.
"Yeah, they're hiding something."
Felicia turned her head towards the river. "Shhhh."
"What?"
"I hear something. Shhhh." Felicia stopped, closed her eyes and listened. A familiar sound was getting closer.
Less than a minute later, the ghostly form of the Kestrel riding high and extremely fast on its hydrofoils whizzed by. It was running with no lights on and decks empty. The combination of its powerful engines and foils gave the Kestrel a distinctive growling hum when it was at its highest speeds.
"Why would they be heading home with no lights on?" asked Felicia. "And at that getaway speed."
"I don't remember seeing it go past the entire time we've been here. Did you?" asked Frisco.
"No. That means it was already down the river before the carnival. Why?" asked Felicia. "We could just ask Robert and Anna what's happening."
"Sure we can. Two people who can keep secrets even from themselves."
Felicia let out a groan of sheer frustration before saying, "We need to stop doing this."
"Doing what?"
"Running after the closest shiniest object or exciting mystery instead of dealing with our own life."
"We don't do that."
"Oh really?" Felicia took a deep breath marshaling facts from their years together. She opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted.
"Okay, okay, you're right," said Frisco. "I can't help it. I get bored easily. Can adults have Attention Deficit Disorder?"
"Bored? We have the Valentines fundraiser for YOUR children's theater at the Majestic coming up. You don't even have a tuxedo," said Felicia. "Then there's Maxie. We have plenty to do instead of speculating about things that don't concern us."
"You want me to stop asking questions and swallow lies as fact?" asked Frisco.
"When it's none of our business, yes, I do," said Felicia. "You're not making enough of an effort to retire. Don't deny it."
Frisco said nothing.
"I've always cut you a lot of slack but not anymore," said Felicia. "Please stop thinking like a WSB agent when you're not one now."
"You want me to be someone I'm not," protested Frisco. "I WAS an agent. There's no hiding that."
"I want you to be the father and husband I know you can be," said Felicia. "We're going to have grandchildren and you're going to be hopeless."
"WHAT?! Maxie's pregnant by that ... that ... that mob clown?" spluttered Frisco.
"Oh, no. I was using that as an example."
"Don't scare me like that, honey."
"You're harming yourself more than me. You know that."
Frisco was silent for a time. "I'm going to try harder. Really. I promise."
The Peninsula Hotel, New York City
Arnold Vandenberg's expression on the laptop screen was incredulous. Chase Masters just grinned back.
"I must have heard you wrong. What are we going to be doing?" asked Arn.
"Presenting the Minerva Project to the Executive Panel," replied Chase.
"That's what I thought you said." Arn leaned back into his chair. "We can't. Sean put the project on hold. And I happen to agree with him."
"So did I until today," said Chase. "It's a chance of a lifetime. You know it is."
"We're not ready and-"
"Yes, we are. All right we're missing some ... some pieces of the puzzle but this time won't come again."
"The serum is likely to kill anyone we give it to. We haven't found Sinclair. We don't know enough-"
"Then find Sinclair and squeeze the right formula out of him!" demanded Chase. "I don't care what you do just find him. Hire mercenaries and freelancers again if you have to."
"I don't know. Something doesn't feel right. Doesn't fit," said Arn. "We need to step back and regroup like Sean says. We don't need to be hasty, Chase. That's all I'm saying."
"We're not. I gave the panel nearly a year long timeline. That's plenty of time to develop one agent," said Chase. "We do this right and we get Guardian free and clear. Think about that."
"I have. I still say we can create our own systems. You didn't have to go running to the WSB for their expertise."
"Contacting Tim Sidwell for design help was a mistake. I didn't think it through," said Chase. "But we had no idea how ... how powerful and complex Guardian is."
"And you have an idea now?"
"Oh, yes, I do. It's the most sophisticated computer that no one knows about. Its potential is barely tapped. The things we can accomplish with it boggles my mind!" Chase looked apologetic. "And you were right and I was wrong."
Arn's surprise was genuine. "Wrong about what?"
"Robert Scorpio and his son. They are the keys we need to turn," said Chase.
"Sean warned us off them. He was VERY insistent on that point."
"I just want to ... to get to know them and vice versa. They're the last people I want anything to happen to."
"Remember, they shoot back," said Arn.
"The Gem Group will become their best and most loyal ally. That's what I want," said Chase. "Based on what little we know, I'm convinced that the son, Andrew, designed Guardian and his father is the liaison with their ... clients. That last bit I know for sure. He's in tight with Connie and the panel."
"Of course he is. I read somewhere that they wanted Scorpio to become Bureau Director," said Arn.
"And he turned them down. Interesting puzzle. A man who doesn't want power but has so much of it at his fingertips," said Chase. "How soon can you be here?"
"Early tomorrow afternoon."
"Good. Bring everything you have on Scorpio and ... Anna Devane. She's the boy's mother. We may be able to use her," said Chase. "Plus, we can see Sean together."
"He's not going to approve this. I'm not convinced either," said Arn.
"I'll tell you everything when you get here and you WILL be convinced," said Chase. "The time for Project Minerva is here. Together with Guardian, we'll become the best agency in the world! We're going to be unstoppable!"