All In The Genes
by Castlefan6
A/N: This is the sequel to "Only Just Begun ((from a READER'S PROMPT)." Please read that first. This picks up immediately after that story ends, and it will be a casket ending revealing some family secrets and events. It is a love story between Caskett and the next generations of castles and how they deal with their grandparents' history. The story is TOTALLY AU, and PLEASE DO NOT refer to actual episodes for events. For Kenny, Thanks for the prompt.
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I don't own Castle; I use the characters for amusement purposes only.
Chapter 3
NYPD Police Academy
New York
Two Weeks Later
Kyle and Kevin Castle were enrolled in a special class of recruits who had either been former police officers in another jurisdiction or had demonstrated proficiency in performing the skills being taught in a recent discharge period of less than one year from any branch of the Armed Services. They both qualified for the advanced class due to their Military Service and West Point degrees.
Typical new recruits require nine hundred thirteen hours of training before being allowed to join the NYPD full-time, which is higher than the New York state-mandated requirement of seven hundred hours. Of those hours, two hundred sixty-nine are focused on academics, one hundred fifty on physical tactics, one hundred five on firearms, and twenty-eight on driver training.
Since they were proficient in all but driving skills, they were enrolled in a three-week course that still required them to pass a written exam covering New York City statutes and a driving exam using a squad car. The test would include the codes used by the Dispatcher to inform the officer of what crime was reported and the proper use of sirens and lights for each code.
The codes most frequently used were:
10-0:Use caution
10-1:Weak signal
10-2:Good signal
10-3:Stop transmitting
10-4:Affirmative
10-5:Relay to/from
10-6:Busy
10-7:Out of service
10-8:In service
10-10:Fight in progress
Other codes
1033:Emergency
1040:Fight in progress
1050:Vehicle accident
1065:Armed robbery
1080:Fire alarm
126:Intercept suspects
127:Proceed with caution
128:No siren, no flashing
129:Request backup
1096:Situation involving a person with mental illness
In addition to the 10 Series Codes, the recruits had to know several others without referring to any source, all of which must be from memory. They include.
Code 1: Do so at your convenience.
Code 2 Urgent.
Code 3 Emergency/lights and siren.
Code 4: No further assistance is needed.
Code 5 Stakeout.
Code 6 Responding from a long distance.
Code 7 Mealtime.
Code 8 Request cover/backup.
Code 9: Set up a roadblock.
Code 10 Bomb threat
Code 12 Notify news media.
Code 20 Officer needs assistance.
Code 22 Restricted radio traffic
Code 30 Officer needs HELP - EMERGENCY!
Code 33 Mobile emergency - clear this radio channel.
Kyle kidded Kevin about their younger years when they watched the TV program Cops and tried to figure out what the codes meant. Kevin would always say, "10-4, I've got him at gunpoint; all other units cover Code 4", having no idea of what that meant.
They knew better than to ask their Grandmother, who had strongly requested that they not watch that show. However, she wasn't around when the reruns came on before she got home from work. It was ironic that the same codes were still in effect now that they were adults.
The brothers' competition continued. Three weeks later, Kyle had bested Kevin by two points on the written exams. Kevin returned the favor by scoring one point higher on the driving and physical agility tests. They were now ready to report to One PP and start on the actual assignment.
They returned to Kyles's home and prepared for a video conference call between Director Curry and the mayor, Rozz Karpowski, who was Mamaw's old friend. They received instructions to report to One PP in three days and wear their FBI suits and ties. The undercover work would be discussed with the Mayor and Commissioner and then with them when they appeared in person.
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ONE PP
THREE DAYS LATER
As they approached the meeting place, Kyle turned to Kevin and asked, "You have any feelings about this assignment, Kev?"
"Now that you mentioned, I have been having dreams about a younger Grandpa and Mamaw running around guns blazing; none of them ever concluded or made sense, so that's why I never mentioned them to you," Kevin confessed.
"Yeah, the way it was described, Grandpa was the one who saved Mamaw's life by stuffing a clean handkerchief in her wound and applying pressure all the way to the hospital. I overheard a conversation between Mom and Lanie; they didn't know I was in the house, explaining how the sniper was at Mamaw's Captain's funeral." Kyle said,
"I know there were a lot of hurt feelings after that. Grandpa even went to England with the excuse that Mom was at Oxford, but he was the ghostwriter for the James Bond series for almost five years. I got that information from his publicist, who was drunk at the last book signing for the Nikki Heat series." Kevin replied,
"Well, that explains why it took them so long to get together after that, but as Grandpa said, it was a matter between husband and wife." Kyle steered the conversation away from matters he knew his Grandfather would have more than just a fit about.
"Well, we're here, brother. Take a deep breath, and let's see what the Universe has in store for us this time," Kevin smiled as he gently poked his brother in the arm.
"You and the damn Universe, I know Grandpa used to say it all the time, but did you really have to include that into this case?" Kyle scolded his brother,
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They approached the Commissioner's office and heard voices behind the closed doors. Kevin stepped forward and knocked gently. A moment later, the door opened, revealing Captain Kevin Ryan, looking tired and worried; Mayor Roz Karpowski, who still had a hell of a figure—no wonder they had been warned strictly business—and finally, Commissioner Anne Hastings, looking ten years younger than her age with a smile that lit up her entire office.
They stepped into the office, shook hands with Ryan, and were surprised when Roz and Anne pulled them into hugs. "Hey, don't be so shy. I changed your diapers a few times," Rozz kidded the twins.
Both blushed and responded, again in unison, "You Did? When I don't remember that," and then looked at each other.
"Of course, you don't remember it. Your grandparents were on vacation in Europe, and your Mom came down with the flu. Her Grams was on tour with her acting company, so Kate called me and asked if either Anne or I could look after you until she got arrangements made with your nanny. We spent the night, and which one of you is Kevin?" Roz asked
"I'm Kevin, the younger and more handsome twin," He laughed,
"You took after your Grandfather, even before I heard that. Kyle was really good, but you kept trying to go after both mine and Anne's boobs." She laughed as Keven turned redder than a stop light.
Then Ryan coughed to let the ladies know that he was still the bashful one when it came to talking about women, "Oh loosen up Ryan, you've done more than look at Ginny's or your kids are adopted," Anne kidded
Then the first display of the mind melt came: "I/He's still a breast man. " The twins responded in unison, and Kevin's mouth flew open and stayed open for a few seconds. Not only do the two young men resemble Rick Castle physically—well, a young Rick—but they also have the same personality and sense of humor.
After a few moments, she continued, "Anne is up to speed, but we need to update Captain Ryan and you two gentlemen about the mission and your roles. First, congratulations on your graduation from the Academy, and thank you for going through with that part; it takes away a lot of questions from anyone outside our circle.
"I have Director Curry standing by on a FaceTime call, shall we?" she asked as she motioned for them to proceed to an interior office, very private, similar to the SCIF the twins were accustomed to.
After everyone was seated, Roz connected their camera and microphone. She said, "Good Morning, Director Curry. I'm Mayor Karpowski. This is Commissioner Hastings. Next to her is Captain Kevin Ryan, and of course, I think you know the Castle Twins." Roz said as the camera panned the small room.
"Good morning, all. It's nice to see you again, Madam Mayor and Commissioner, and nice to finally meet you, Captain Ryan. I've heard a lot of good things about you," he said, easing Ryan's nerves a little.
"Well, shall we get into the briefing Director?" Roz asked, and after he nodded, she began. "Well, some of us in the room remember the events that led to the downfall of the New York Senator, William H Bracken, several years ago.
"I thought at that time that we were done with this scandal, but it appears that his genes were passed down to his only son's child. William H Bracken the Third, now the junior Senator from New York, seems to be following in his Grandfather's shoes, including conspiracy to commit murder, bribery, and treason.
"We are forming a joint task force since we know information is being leaked to the Senator, just not the source of the leak, YET." Roz emphasized YET: "The charges we will deal with are conspiracy and bribery. Once we discover the moles and eradicate them, the Department of Justice will be referred to the records for treason.
"I know you don't know the gentlemen sitting across from you, Ryan, but please meet Kyle and Kevin Castle. Yes, they are the sons of Alexis and grandsons of Rick and Kate." Each of the twins nodded in Kevin's direction when they were introduced.
"Kyle, why don't you tell Captain Ryan your qualifications? Kevin, feel free to interject as he is informing the Captain. You do not need permission to, but you have it." She smiled, remembering the good old days when Kate and Rick would complete each other's sentences at the precinct.
"Thank you, Mayor Roz and Captain Ryan. I'm Kyle Castle; this is my twin brother, Kevin. " Then, in unison, "We're fifteen minutes apart, Kyle/I am older" came out of their mouths. Kevin was in awe again; he, too, remembered the old days at the precinct.
Kyle smiled at Kevin and continued, "We both graduated from West Point, tied for first in our class academically, and then served two tours in the Middle East." Kevin interrupted. "We both reached the rank of Major, but I got the promotion first," he smiled, demonstrating that competitiveness was still alive between the brothers.
Kyle took over the conversation. "You were promoted first because you were in the back of the action; my company was in the midst, and I had to be evacuated to find out that I had been promoted as well. The effective date was the same, " he said in a matter-of-fact tone before Kevin picked up the conversation.
"It wasn't my fault you volunteered for that suicide mission; I was doing my job using computer skills that we both were trained in. You had to be all. Gung-Ho and prove something to that girl. Heck, I got the Dear John the same day you did; I didn't do anything stupid like you did." He added, filling in some blanks,
Kevin Ryan was amazed at the two young men. They looked like Rick and sounded like Rick, but one had his personality traits in spades, and the other definitely had Kate's.
Kyle resumed talking and said that they had been directed to report to the NYPD Police Academy for advanced training and was interrupted by Director Curry. "Agent Kyle Castle, did you have that conversation with your Grandparents we discussed?" He asked in a polite voice,
"Yes, Sir, we did, and well," Kevin stepped in and told the Director what had happened and the direct quotes from his Grandfather, "Director, I mean no disrespect, but Grandpa told us to relay to you that you could shove your protective detail, well I think you can figure out the geographic location.
"He said that he would handle his security just as he has since your team allowed Mamaw to get shot at Captain Montgomery's funeral. He isn't over the incompetence of your team all these years later and asked us not to be shy about letting you know his feelings." Kevin stopped, and Kyle picked up,
"He also said if you didn't want part of your team to get hurt, you would stay the hell away from him and Mamaw; you are about as subtle as a blinking red light in the middle of the desert." Kyle paused,
"He's not wrong, Kyle, Kevin. It was my team's responsibility to protect your Grandmother, and we failed. I thought after all this time, he would have softened, but I don't blame him. I'll try to approach him privately when this is over." Director Curry said softly,
"Well, now that we've broached that topic, Mamaw also wanted us to relay a message to you and Captain Ryan," Kevin's head perked up when Kyle mentioned his name.
"What was the message, Kyle? I can almost guess, but let's hear what Beckett had to say word for word," Ryan replied,
"With all due respect Captain Ryan, Mamaw, or Captain Beckett, as you last knew her said to tell you that if one hair on Kevin or my head was injured, your ass was grass, and she was the lawn mower.
"She didn't want us to accept this mission but understood our duty and oaths of office. She still doesn't like it, and if you know Mamaw like we do, you know she means what she says, especially about her boys." He said as Kevin Ryan winced,
"Nice to see Kate hasn't changed; she used to say she would shoot me, but I think she would make it a lot slower and more painful death; message received, Kyle," Ryan said, with a serious look on his face.
Director Curry took over the conversation, "Well, now that you know, the agents aren't just Castle's grandsons. They are highly trained and skilled assets for the bureau. They will concentrate on the electronic dragnet that has been set around the Senator and his network of suspects.
"They will report to the precinct, Ryan. Your cover story is that they are there to work cold cases, some of which date back to the time their grandparents worked there. This was part of Mayor Karpowski's campaign promise and should answer most of the nosy inquiries." Anne said,
"What will they really be doing, if I may ask?" Kevin asked,
"It's classified, but they will involve you and your detectives when appropriate. For now, I'll say they are the eyes that will be spying on Bracken to get the intelligence we need to take down not only the Senator but the entire network. The precinct will allow them to be in plain sight while they do their reconnaissance. " Director Curry spoke with a firm tone in his voice.
"When does this start? I mean, I need at least a day or so to make room for desks and."
"Relax, Ryan, it's being handled as we speak by Lieutenant Tolliver; he's come a long way from the days of everyone just thinking he was a patrol officer, known by his initials LT used for his brawn, not his brain. " Anne spoke up.
Ryan, I want you to personally go over the new employee initiation with Kyle and Kevin. I have their badges and credentials, as well as their login credentials to the system. It goes without saying that there can be no mention of your days in the Army, West Point, and especially with the FBI, understood?" Anne said. Ryan nodded in agreement and looked in the direction of the twins.
The twins responded once again in unison to the confidentiality of the assignment, "Understood, Mam," and then smiled at each other. Ryan thought, "If I hadn't seen or heard it myself, I would never have believed it."
Roz looked over at Anne, then asked, "May I, Anne?"
Anne smiled and nodded, knowing what Roz was going to say.
"Kyle, Kevin, we all know how curious your grandparents can be, but confidentiality extends to them as well, for their own safety." She said, then mouthed to Anne, "Thank you."
"Once again, Madam Mayor, with all due respect, Grandpa's clearance is higher than Director Curry's, and by now, I'm sure he has gathered all of the intel he will need to know exactly what is going on," Kevin said.
"Depending on how dangerous the mission is going to be, will gauge how much he will tell Mamaw unless she twists his ear until he submits," Kyle added,
"Knowing Mamaw, he isn't going to get away without telling her everything. Remember, they will be on a private cruise for seventeen days starting next week, so it will be up to Grandpa to control the intel he gets. He's not a rookie in this," Keven added a bit sternly.
"I'm sorry guys, I didn't mean to come off as if they were meddlesome old grandparents," Roz started but was interrupted by Kyle,
"You may not have meant to, but you did." I'll remind you that all the time Grandpa worked at the precinct with you, Captain Ryan, Commissioner Hastings, and all of the Detectives, he maintained the high clearance he currently holds, and even in a room full of highly trained and skilled detectives, NONE of you had a clue of his real mission or qualifications.
"Neither of them has lost a step, and begging your pardon, Mayor, Mamaw is actually younger than you and is still as sharp as she ever was," Kyle said firmly; no one, regardless of their title or stature, would ever demean the two people he loved more than anything in the world.
Director Curry spoke up, attempting to defuse any hurt feelings, "I think NYPD has everything they need. Captain Ryan, would you meet with Kyle and Kevin to begin orientation for sign-on and building entrance and issue the badges the Commissioner has with her? They have their service revolvers, and since NYPD allows officers to choose from a range of brands, they do conform with NYPD regulations." he tried to calm the room,
"Surely, Director. Ladies, Director, we are going for lunch, then to my private office to begin; they will report tomorrow at 0800 hours." Ryan said,
Roz didn't realize it until after Kyle had politely told her off that he was a mini version of Kate and Kevin of Rick. This was going to be an interesting few weeks, to say the least.
TBC
A/N: How many of you were surprised to see the old gang still at it? I figured Karpowski, Hastings, Ryan, and LT would add to the continuity from past stories and Canon, so why not work them in? All in the genes can be good or bad, as Bracken's grandson proved or is about to prove. I threw in the police codes since I watched Cops and wondered what the hell handle code 4 meant. Now we all know.
Kenny, I hope this is close to something you wanted. Thanks for the story prompt.