Chapter 1 [Metropolitan Museum, New York—About the same time as "Surviving" ends]

Nocturne fell across Manhattan's skyline. Lights, however, kept the Big Apple on the move. People hustled toward work, dinner, perhaps toward Broadway or a coffee. Subway clacked on rails underground. Taxis maneuvered through the concrete jungle. Pedestrians strode from place to place with care.

And for some, the show involved past antiquities….

[Oriental Wing]

Just off the main staircase, the museum's Asian exhibits held their own domain. Dragon masks, silken robes and medieval wall paintings decorated the walls. Samurais' gear and weapons sat under alarmed glass cases. Earliest paper books presented themselves under care toward another end….

…and that wasn't counting the level's main attraction. Bigger display sat right in the central chamber's middle. Steel case and locked glass case closed off an intricate katana. Long handle snaked from the dark scabbard. Green meteor glinted in handle's end. Two guards flanked the weapon. Cameras watched it with care….

A slender Asian woman smoothed a dark blue blazer. Her eyes surveyed the wings' visitors. Greetings went out to the occasional academic or political dignitary. She answered questions for the few Western patrons. Still, other than Art Classes' tours, attendance numbers lagged behind the other exhibits. She checked her watch. There are only two hours until the museum closes. It is a shame. Their State Department managed to secure this katana for brief window of time. It will return to Tokyo next week. Quite the pity! She noted a dark-haired man in a gray suit talking to a young dark-haired Middle Eastern woman. I can count on them at least. She walked over to the two newcomers. "Konnichiwa, Agent Petersen. I can count on you. Princess Jasmine, you honor us with your presence." She bowed. A rare smile spread across her face.

Petersen shrugged. "I'm like a bad penny. Always around." He raised an eyebrow. "Seriously. You're being too hard on yourself. You did a first-rate job helping the Japanese Consulate to arrange this exhibit. Faruki San didn't have a problem." He turned to his companion. "What do you think, Princess?"

Jasmine nodded. She rubbed her chin. "I believe it to be one of the miracles to see it here. I agree with Agent Petersen, Professor Tuishiama. And to have it on display here? My father, Sultan Mahmud, was grateful for the chance to see it during his trip. In fact, your department should have a letter in your file. Your hospitality and attention to detail is as the Americans say first rate."

"You are most kind. As my sensei would say, we can only plant the seed. After that, it has to grow on its own." Tuishiama exhaled a sharp breath. "This is like the one in my departments back at the college." Frustration glinted in her eyes.

"Oh?" Jasmine looked at both of them. Questions and Disbelief narrowed her eyes. "I can listen to you speak all day! Your haiku is refreshing. You know a great deal about your region's history. There will be some place that appreciates you."

"I tell her that all the time." Petersen glanced around. "By the way, be on the lookout. We had word about potential trouble. Arighatto's been spotted on the ground here in New York." His earpiece buzzed at him. "Petersen here."

"Petersen, this is Singleton. That kid from the Daily Bugle, Peter Parker, is here to take pictures of the katana exhibit. He's here with a small group. I'm walking them down to you."

"Right. Dr. Tuishiama's here. So is the Princess. Guess we'll have a real gathering for a few minutes." Petersen recalled his earlier conversation with Amy Mercado and Robbie from earlier that afternoon. "Sorry. We've got that news photographer and his friends coming." Petersen frowned. "Remember what the Princess said, there's somewhere that'll appreciate you. There are other places for me too." He raised his hand. "Remember what Karen said to you last month."

"Hai. I know. Opportunities are few. With everything else we gave up…." Tuishiama bowed her head. Her eyes met his.

Petersen squeezed Tuishiama's hand. "We will find the best fit. Let's meet these people. Princess, my apologies."

"For what do you apologize for, Agent Petersen? For a man supporting his partner?" Jasmine raised her eyebrow. "It is most refreshing. I support you both. I have for years. After dealing with the attitudes in Javalastan, you are most enlightened. Now, we should prepare for your guests?" She bowed to him.

"It is as she said." Tuishiama winked at him. "This is why I made sacrifice." She stepped toward the stairs. Duty demanded an honorable reception after all.