Part 3 Scene 14

Karen leaned back in her chair as she prepared to square off against the ex-mercenary. She folded her arms and carefully chose her words before beginning to speak. "I think you owe me an explanation about what just went on out there. And I don't want to hear one word about this being classified, either. You brought this into my precinct, Kermit Griffin, and as far as I'm concerned, that makes it my business. Now why don't you start with how the hell you could stand there and accept a human being--a child, no less--for a gift as casually as you would a necktie."

Kermit quickly went through his list of options and found the only viable one to be the truth. "You're right. I do owe you an explanation. First, though, I need to know that what I'm about to tell you won't leave this room, not even through a confidential report."

The angry lover wanted to snap at him with a sharp reply, but the captain won out, instead calmly nodding and replying, "Of course."

The detective sighed and began his tale. " King Bhaskar contacted our government for help when he learned of plans for an attempted coup. The rebels wanted to mine a store of plutonium that was discovered on the most sacred site in the country. The king has refused to allow anyone to mine it, claiming it would desecrate the holy shrine there. Our government has scientists working on a way to mine it that won't disturb the sacred shrine. In the meantime, they want to keep news of the find as hush-hush as possible, which made a normal military intervention out of the question. So I was one of a very small, elite group sent in--unofficially, of course--to help put it down and keep the plutonium from falling into the wrong hands.

"A few days ago, I was informed that the king was going to present me with a gift and that under no circumstances could I refuse. And no, I wasn't told what the gift would be, in case you were wondering. If I had refused, it could have caused a break in relations with the king and then the mission would have been for nothing. If another coup were attempted and the king felt he couldn't come to us for help. . ." Kermit let his words trail off and remained silent until Karen could process the information he'd shared.

"Then the plutonium would probably fall into the wrong hands," she finished. "Okay, I guess I can understand that this is a rather delicate situation. I assume you'll be sending her back home when the scientists get this mining problem figured out."

Kermit swallowed hard, knowing his lover wasn't going to like his next words at all. "No, you don't understand. I can't send her back. Not ever."

Karen literally jumped out of the chair. "What? And just why not?" she angrily demanded, leaning on her desk.

Kermit tried desperately to remain calm and took the time to choose his words carefully. "Are you at all familiar with the culture of India?" he inquired.

The captain was slightly baffled, but responded, "I'm no expert, but I do know a few things."

The detective nodded and continued, "Do you know their customs and attitudes concerning daughters?"

"They treat them as second class citizens, from what I recall. Daughters are not desired nor necessarily welcome additions to most families," she answered, finally calming enough to retake her seat.

Kermit nodded. "Arun Gari is a lot like India in its attitude toward daughters. If I send her back, no matter what the scientists do or how much time has passed, she will be looked down on and shamed. They will assume that she failed to "please" me and it will be held against her for the rest of her life. I can't do that to her. Please don't ask me to."

Karen wasn't ready to give up. "So what did the State Department have to say? Are they going to look into a solution, or do they expect her to stay with you for the rest of your life?"

"I don't know exactly what I'm going to do. But for right now, yes, I'm going to let her stay with me. She's never been to this country before and I can't just send her away. She needs time to adjust to our culture and get used to new surroundings. I guess I'll have to play it by ear for the time being," he explained.

The captain tried to curtail her exasperation. "You didn't answer my question. What were you discussing with the official from the State Department while Princess Kalindi was saying goodbye to her father?"

Kermit shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "It had to do with the ...uh...legalities of her staying with me."

Karen's anger flared again at the obvious attempt at evasion. "Dammit Kermit! Stop playing games with me. What the hell are you trying so hard not to tell me this time?"

Kermit stood and paced over to the file cabinet. Karen watched as he leaned on it with his good arm while running a hand through his hair in a gesture reminiscent of Peter Caine. Her anger was making it difficult, but she forced herself to give him time to collect his thoughts.

Passing seconds seemed like hours, but finally the ex-mercenary spoke. "Arun Gari is different...its customs are different...from our country. They--the State Department--were under the impression that this would be a simple matter of my being appointed her legal guardian. But then the king told them something on the way over here that they have to check into. He assured me that they will take care of it as soon as possible."

Karen wasn't sure who he was trying to convince more--her or himself. She could tell by his body language that he desperately wanted her to drop it, but the police officer in her wouldn't allow it. "So? What did the king tell them that they have to check into?" she demanded.

Kermit swallowed hard. "That my acceptance of his gift...that by agreeing to take care of her..." The ex-mercenary pulled off the green sunglasses to look her straight in the eyes.

A knot formed in the pit of her stomach at the gesture, but Karen remained calm on the outside. Her face again turned deadly pale and the room began to spin wildly at his next words.

"That according to the customs of Arun Gari, we're married."

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Part 3 Scene 15

Outwardly, the young princess seemed to have completely recovered from her fright and appeared to be settled quite comfortably into Kermit's chair. Peter's Shaolin senses, however, told him quite a different story. He sensed fear, anger, and apprehension, with a tinge of homesickness thrown in--all things he'd felt when taken to the orphanage all those years ago.

In an attempt to put her more at ease, he tried to start a conversation. "So, is this your first visit to our country?" he tentatively asked.

She jumped, startled by the question, but quickly recovered. "Yes, it is my first visit, but I have read many books about America."

He smiled in an attempt to put her more at ease. "It must be frightening for you to be in a strange country, away from your family and friends," he offered in sympathy.

The young priest was prepared for the angry outburst that followed. "What would you know about having to leave the only home you have ever known and all of your loved ones, to be forced to go live in a strange place with a man you have barely met?" she spat.

His answer was sharper than he'd intended, due in part to the strain from blocking the emotional storm from the next office. "I know a lot more than you think. When I was twelve, an enemy of my father's destroyed the only home I'd ever known. I thought my father was dead and I was forced to leave my friends and everything I'd known growing up to go live in an orphanage full of strangers." After taking a deep breath to calm himself, he continued in a much gentler tone. "I was angry and frightened and homesick and not a very pleasant person to be around back then. And you have an advantage that I didn't. Your family and friends may be far away, but you can talk to them almost as often as you'd like. At least you know they're alive."

Kalindi stared warily into his eyes, searching for the truth in his words. Peter met her stare, pouring every ounce of sincerity he could muster into the look he returned. Finally, the princess broke the silence. "You...you speak the truth," she whispered, a hint of wonder in her words.

Peter nodded and waited for her to continue. He remained in the chair across from Kermit's desk as he watched her struggle with her emotions. When she next spoke, the priest wasn't sure which of them she was trying to convince. "Balin will allow me to email them."

"I'm sure he won't mind at all if you email them," the young priest replied with a smile. "I don't mean to change the subject, but...can I ask you a question?"

"Of course," she replied with a tentative smile.

"What does 'Balin' mean? I noticed that you called Kermit that earlier, too."

Her face lit up at the question. "In my country, 'Balin' means 'Mighty Warrior.' After Mr. Kermit saved my brother's life, my father held a big celebration and proclaimed that from that day forward he would be known as 'Balin.' There was music and dancing and a huge feast. Of course, it wasn't nearly as grand as the celebration for my brother's coming of age will be. I can't wait..." Kalindi's voice trailed off and her face fell as the realization that she wouldn't be there hit home.

Peter quickly moved out of his chair and knelt in front of the princess, as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill. He took her hands in his and tried to offer comfort. "It sounds like it was a wonderful celebration. I'd like to hear more about your brother's coming of age. When is it? I'm sure Kermit will try to arrange for you to attend."

Raising hopeful eyes to the priest, she tightened her grip on his hands. "It will be in three months. Do you really think Balin will allow me to go?"

Peter gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sure if you tell him how much it means to you that he'll do whatever he can to see that you get there. I know he will."

Kalindi smiled warmly at him as she wiped the tears away. She placed her hand gently on the side of his face and told him, "You have a kind and gentle soul, Peter Caine. Would you...could I...I would be honored if you would consider being my friend."

Peter moved his hand to cover hers, which still rested against his cheek. "I would be very honored to be your friend," he told her as her returned the smile.

The tender moment shattered as the door burst open, revealing an angry Kermit Griffin. Startled at the scene before him, he loudly asked, "What the hell's going on here?"

The princess quickly pulled her hand back as if she'd been burned. Peter slowly rose to face the ex-mercenary. "I was just assuring Princess Kalindi that you would do whatever possible to see that she could attend her brother's coming of age celebration in three months." The priest turned slightly to smile at the young princess as he continued. "We also agreed to be friends."

"How lovely for you," sneered the angry detective. "Just make sure you keep in mind that she's only seventeen, Casanova."

Kermit flinched slightly at Kalindi's panicked voice. "No, no, Balin. It was exactly as he said. I asked him to be my friend, but I would never betray you. If you desire that I not to speak to him again, I will abide by your wishes."

"Don't worry, your Highness. Balin here won't mind us being friends," Peter interrupted. "Will you?"

At Kermit's lack of a response, the young Shaolin crossed his arms and glared at his friend. "I take it things didn't go well with the captain," he surmised.

Anger and frustration emanated from the detective, further assaulting the young priest's mental shields. Sarcasm dripped from his voice as Kermit replied, "Oh, it went smooth as silk. She told me to go straight to hell and ordered me out of her office."

====================

Part 3 Scene 16

--One week later

Peter entered the precinct to the usual round of greetings. After scanning the squad room and finding no sign of James Dakota, he started toward Blake's desk to inquire about the man. He smiled as he felt a familiar presence come up behind him.

"Dakota said to tell you that he'd be back as soon as he could and if you can't wait for him, he'll catch up to you at the loft," explained a noticeably agitated Mary Margaret Skalany.

The priest turned to face his former partner. "Thanks, Skalany. I..."

Mary Margaret interrupted as she grabbed his arm. "Come with me, Partner. You and I have to talk. Now. In private," she explained as she pulled him toward the interrogation rooms. They had barely made it five feet before finding a scowling Kermit Griffin blocking their path.

"Sorry, Mary Margaret. You'll have to table your discussion for the time being," he directed. Turning his attention to Peter, he ordered, "You're with me, kid. We've got a situation."

The young priest shrugged at his former partner. "Sorry," he apologized as he attempted to pull away.

Skalany wasn't giving up so easily and kept a tight grip on Peter's arm. "Kermit, I only need five minutes. Then he's all yours."

Kermit leveled a menacing stare at her. "He doesn't have five minutes right now. You can have him when we get back."

Reluctantly, she let go of Peter's arm and the two men moved toward the exit. "We ARE going to talk when you get back, Peter. So don't think you're getting out of it. I know where you live," she threatened as they disappeared from her sight.

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Part 3 Scene 17

"I don't suppose you'd care to share where we're going," Peter quipped as he pulled the Stealth out of the parking space. "Or am I supposed to read your mind?" He turned to the ex-mercenary in the passenger seat and flashed a crooked grin. "Even a general direction would be helpful."

Kermit remained silent and pointed the direction Peter should take. The grin soon turned into a concerned assessment, though he kept a careful watch on the road in front of him as well. The priest noted the sagging shoulders, which his Shaolin senses told him had nothing to do with the injury. Peter could see dark circles around his friend's eyes when Kermit pushed up the trademark sunglasses to rub them.

"We're going to your place," the Shaolin announced with certainty after completing his assessment. Kermit nodded, but remained silent. Peter drove for several more blocks before suddenly pulling over to the side of the road and parking.

"We're not at my place yet," the ex-mercenary groused.

"No, we're not. And we aren't going to your place until you tell me what's going on." The demand was calmly, but firmly stated and Kermit knew he had no real choice--especially if he wanted Peter's help.

The detective continued to stare straight ahead, but leaned his head back as he began to speak. "You are going to explain to her Royal Highness that she can't have everything she wants here like she did in Arun Gari," he explained.

"Such as?" the young priest inquired.

Kermit sighed deeply. "When I got home from work a few days ago, she had at least half a dozen people there. They haven't been back since." He turned to look at Peter. "Do you think it might have something to do with the glimpse of the Desert Eagle I made sure they saw? And I believe I did mention something about how I used to kill people for a living," he said with a smirk.

The young Shaolin shook his head and smiled. "I take it there's more," he guessed.

"Oh yeah," the ex-mercenary replied in typical fashion. "Last night, she was on the phone when I got home. Every time I went to check on her all evening, she was on the phone again. I asked if she was talking to family back home and she bit my head off and told me no. I told her I didn't mind her calling home occasionally, but it's expensive and we'll have to keep an eye on the number and length of the calls." He shook his head in disbelief. "I checked my long distance charges today. She's made over a thousand dollars worth of calls in just one week."

Peter whistled and replied, "Whoa. That's not gonna be a fun bill to pay." He regarded his companion carefully for a minute, organizing his thoughts and choosing his words before continuing. "I can understand your being upset about the phone charges, but what's wrong with her having friends over? I'd think that it's a good sign if she's making friends. I know you like your privacy, Kermit. But you have to remember that she's a teenager. Teenagers are the most social beings on the entire planet, especially the female of the species. You can't expect her to stay at your place all day and all night with no one her age to talk to," he cautioned.

"It's not the fact that she had friends over, it's how she met them. She gave my phone number and address to bunch of total strangers in a chat room. The first three days she was with me, she was constantly on the computer. I told her all about the nut cases out there waiting to prey on innocent people and about how addictive the computer can be for some people. She threw a fit and started screaming about how I don't trust her and I don't want her. I finally had to change the password so she couldn't get on without my knowing. That's when she switched to the phone and started spending all of her time on there."

Peter nodded in agreement. "Okay, if she won't listen to you, someone else needs to get through to her about the rules of internet safety and make her understand the dangers out there. But that doesn't change the fact that she needs to have friends and a social life."

The weary ex-mercenary again rubbed his eyes. "I know she's been cooped up in my apartment way too much since she got here. And I know she needs friends, but I haven't figured out a way for her to meet the right kind of kids yet. You're such an expert on teenagers--where and how can she meet the right kind of people?"

The Shaolin pondered for a moment before responding. "What about school? Do you know what kind of education she's had so far? If she's already finished high school, there's always college."

Kermit became more animated at his friend's suggestion. "Between work, physical therapy, and appeasing the neighbors over the volume of the so-called music she listens to, I haven't had much time to think about school. When I was in Arun Gari, she told me she took some courses over the internet and mentioned that her tutor was always looking over her shoulder. I'm not sure she's ever been to a real school. I could look into enrollment procedures at your old high school. If Paul thought it was good enough for you, Carolyn, and Kelly, it should be fine for our royal friend, too. What was the name of that place? Marquette, wasn't it? They'll probably want to do some testing or something..."

Peter interrupted the rambling detective. "Why don't I take you back to the station. You can check into the school and make an appointment to see the administrator. Then I'll go pick up the princess and take her over to the loft for awhile. She can help me tend to Pop's herbs--under Lo Si's careful scrutiny, of course. Maybe the change of scenery will make her more receptive to a talk about phone charges and the dangers of the internet."

A visibly more relaxed Kermit Griffin leaned back into the seat. "Thanks, Pete. I owe you one," he offered.

"Yes, you do," countered the priest with a cocky grin. "So don't forget the beer and pizza when you come by to pick her up and we'll call it even." Peter started the car and pulled out into traffic.

Kermit laughed for the first time since his return and offered his standard reply. "Oh, yeah."

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Part 3 Scene 18

The sound of laughter greeted Kermit and Mary Margaret as they climbed the stairs to the Caine loft. The ex-mercenary toted a six-pack of beer, while Skalany carried two large pizzas.

Lo Si appeared suddenly as they reached the top of the stairs. "Good evening, Detectives," he called as he bowed slightly.

The two simultaneously returned the greeting. "Lo Si."

More laughter echoed in the stairwell. "I take it things are going well," Kermit inquired.

"Yes, very well. The princess did not want to open up to young Caine at first, but he persisted and they had a good talk. I think you will find your phone bill much lower from now on. The computer time will no longer be a problem, either," he informed the surprised computer expert.

Before Kermit could respond, Mary Margaret interrupted. "That's great. I'll just go put these in the kitchen for you and go find Peter. We really need to talk," she declared with a hint of anger.

Before she had taken a step, the Ancient's deceptively frail looking hand had her arm in an iron grip. "You will not," he stated.

Though shocked, she attempted to pull away from the old man. "What?"

"You cannot go in there with such negative emotions. It will destroy the progress young Caine has worked so hard to achieve with the young woman. I will not allow you to do such harm out of petty jealousy over a dinner invitation."

"How did you know that's what I wanted..." Confused, she allowed the sentence to trail off before adding, "Never mind. I don't even want to know." She shook her head to clear it and shoved the pizza boxes at the elderly man. "Here. I'll let this go for now, but tell Peter I WILL talk to him tomorrow," she demanded as she turned to descend the stairs.

Laughter once again floated out to the stairway. His curiosity piqued, Kermit couldn't help but ask, "What are they talking about?"

Lo Si responded with a twinkle in his eyes. "They are discussing school. It would seem the young princess has never been to one. Young Caine is telling her of his adventures in high school. She is most anxious about the experience," he explained as he turned to head for the kitchen. "Peter is attempting to put her mind at ease with his tales."

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Part 3 Scene 19

Peter gathered up the empty plates along with the leftover pizza. "I'll clean these up while you talk. I think Kalindi has something to say to you." The young Shaolin nodded encouragement to the princess as he headed to the kitchen.

An awkward silence fell over the room as the proud princess looked for the words she needed to say. Hoping to break the ice, Kermit spoke first. "So, it sounds like you had a pleasant afternoon."

A sparkle appeared in her eyes as she went over the afternoon's events. "Oh, yes! Mr.--I mean, Peter's--father has many plants, even some that grow at home. I mean, that grow back in Arun Gari," she explained.

Kermit grinned at the near slip she made in referring to Peter. All through dinner, the two corrected each other over the use of formal titles. Early in the visit, it was agreed that she would drop the "Mr." when referring to Peter if he would agree to drop the "Princess" when addressing her. Both of them seemed to be having a hard time living up to the agreement, much to Kermit's amusement. As the awkward silence threatened to redevelop, the detective encouraged her to continue. "Do you like plants?"

"Oh yes, very much. The palace gardener used to let me help him tend the plants in and around the palace when I was a child," she explained. "I've always loved taking care of plants and watching them grow. The Ancient said that I could be a big help to M--Peter in taking care of the plants until his father returns. If that would be all right with you, of course," she added, mimicking Peter's puppy dog eyes to punctuate the request.

'Damn. Now I've got two of them doing that. I wonder what else he taught her this afternoon,' he thought. He nodded and gave his approval. "Sure, if you'd like to help Peter and he agrees to it, I don't see a problem."

Her joy at receiving his permission quickly turned to shame at the mention of Peter's name. "I--I owe you an apology," she began. "I have behaved like a spoiled child and have done terrible things--said terrible things. I promise not to use the phone without your permission and to obey any rules you feel necessary. I will not give our address or phone number to strangers or spend too much time on the internet. I humbly ask your forgiveness for these things."

"Apology accepted," he replied. "And I owe you an apology, too. I'm sorry I wasn't more understanding about what you were going through. I shouldn't have left you alone at the apartment so often without anyone to talk to. Will you forgive me, too?"

"Of course," she agreed.

"Good. Now let's put all that behind us and talk about tomorrow. State law requires you to have a physical examination before starting school, so I made an appointment for nine o'clock in the morning," Kermit explained as Peter reentered the room to rejoin the pair.

Kalindi turned pale, a terrified look in her eyes. The ex-mercenary was immediately concerned. "Are you okay? Do you feel sick? Maybe it's the pizza disagreeing with you," he suggested.

Peter could barely keep from chuckling and jumped into the converasation. "Kermit is taking you to a doctor to make sure you are healthy," he explained to the shaken princess. "You will be weighed and your height measured, the nurse will do a blood test, take your blood pressure, and ask you a lot of questions about your health. Then the doctor will come in and talk to and check you over. I'm sure you had much the same kind of check-up before," he suggested.

A very relieved Kalindi turned to Kermit and replied, "Oh, you mean I will need a medical examination."

The confused detective nodded. "Of course. What did you think I..." Kermit stopped mid-sentence as he realized what she must have thought.

As the ex-mercenary turned a bright shade of red, Peter couldn't contain his amusement. "Kermit, I don't think I've ever seen you blush before," he gasped out between fits of laughter.

Kalindi was trying, though none too successfully, to suppress her own giggles. "It is all right, Balin. It was an honest mistake," she tried to reassure.

The embarrassment quickly faded from his face and Kermit wasted no time in responding to Peter. "Keep laughing and it will be the last thing you ever see," he warned with a deadly glare.

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