Here is a new series of "dialogs" that were started when the Cadserv list became rather quiet and they continue to pop up every now and then when the list is somewhat quiet. I am sure you will find them just as amusing at least in the beginning. The later ones, trouble begins and we shall see just how this gets resolved. Then again, it may just take a long time. It's done totally in dialog. It was set up that way and will continue to be done that way until the last word is said. Enjoy.

0^0 - denotes binoculars

0^0

"Anyone out there?"

"Nope. No Fu-ie in sight."

"Keep looking. This stake out is getting on my nerves. Somethings got to break some time."

"I wish Blake would get here. He's supposed to releave us soon. I'm suppose to meet my Pop for dinner."

"You don't suppose... no..."

"Suppose what? No what?"

"I thought I saw a flash of black just now."

"Black, as in...?"

"Yes. We have a possible Black Jammie alert. You don't suppose the Sing Wah got everyone, do you? Are we the only two left?"

"Don't move. There's a spider on you."

"Did you say a spider?!? What kind?"

"I don't know they all look a like to me."

"Well get it off of me! Put it in a bag so my Pop can add it to his scorpian pizza."

"Scorpian pizza?!?"

"Sure, you ever had it? The tantualas are the best part."

"I hope your joking. You're joking, right? Pete don't do this to me."

"You mean . . . . Uh Oh. Looks like we've got trouble."

"'They don't look like your regular 'black jammies' though."

"Yeah. Unless they have decided to get another 3 pairs of legs."

"'Urgh. Get off my car.

"Be thankful that you had the hood up so you won't be saying 'Get off me' instead."

"Would you stop talking and help me get rid of these things??"

"All right. I guess Pop will have more ingredients for his pizza."

"Get on will ya??"

"Ok, ok..."

"I don't believe this"

"Believe what?"

"That you, Kermit Griffin are scared . . . ."

"Kid you finish that sentence and you'll be talking through your nose."

"As my Pop would say, 'Embrace your fears, for only then can you overcome them."

"Then you better get over your fear because I'm gonna kick your ass"

0^0

"Give me those things. I think the're beginning to rot your brain."

"Got have a little fun."

"We've been here for over 12 hours. The only thing we've seen is a possible "back jammie" alert?!?! Give me a break."

"Hey, don't knock the Singh Wah. I shouldn't even mention their name. You don't want to be messing with those guys. I should know. My Pop and I've gone up against them and they are one force not to be taken lightly."

**^%@%*^%@

"What's that noise?"

%@**^%@%*^%@%^***^%

"You mean . . . . Uh Oh. Looks like we've got trouble."

"I tell yeah, that stakeout was a bust. The only thing we spotted was a bunch of stupid spiders and that was crawling on the windshield."

"Don't remind me. I'm still embarrassed."

"Still, I can't help wonder where they came from. Hey. Where is everybody? Uusally the precinct is hopping this time of night."

"Must be tax season."

"Did you have to remind me."

"You're lucky. You get to be claimed by two families."

"I haven't been a dependant for at least 20 years now. And my Pop doesn't even file taxes."

"Oh right."

"Hey, how about we go down to Delancies."

"Beats waiting around here. It's too quiet for my tastes."

"Boy, it's quiet tonight."

"Aw don't start that again."

"What!?! All I said was that it's quiet tonight."

"I know, don't remind me."

"Well, where do you think everyone's at?"

"Delancy's maybe?"

"I think I'll go see my father. He's always got something exciting going on."

"Oh, you mean like the Triad or the Singh Wah."

"You never can tell."

"Pop, Pop?"

"In here my son. You have a problem?"

"Well, yeah, have you noticed how quiet it's been around here?"

"And that is a bad thing?"

"Pop you know how things can get around here, wild, crazy.There's always something going on, but now...nothing, nada, zip."

"Perhaps it is the holiday, uh, weekend? Many people have left to...Party Hardy?"

"Pop!, ha, ha. yeah I guess your right. But just look out there, Pop. I know there are people out there. I think next time there is a holiday WE'LL skip town. Right Pop?"

"You know Pop. I wouldn't mind a little peace and quiet for a while but it never really lasts very long."

"What do you mean my son?"

"I mean look at all the times you were meditating and someone always came in and disturbed you. That time when you were taken by Chan to the Dalai Lama and by Damon. Drove me nuts. I thought I'd never see you again."

"But you did. You created a fine dragon's wing I was proud that you were able to come to my aid regarding Damon. I was equally proud to learn that I had a second brother."

"Do you think you and Uncle Martin will get together some time?"

"Perhaps. I also sent him to St. Adele."

"Boy I bet grandfather's in for a shock."

"Knowing my father, he should handle them quite well. He handled us after all."

"Yeah, I guess things will pick up sooner or later. I know I don't usually ask this, but could you make me a cup of tea. I think I'm getting a little chilled."

"Your forehead does seem a bit warm."

"Well, if I have to get sick at least it's during a quiet period and not during something exciting. Just don't make it taste too awful."

"You never did like what was good for you, my son. Come, I will make you some tea."

"Mmmmm, that tastes good."

"You are not my son. Peter ususally complains about my . . . concoctions. Who are you and where is my son?"

"I knew I couldn't fool you. I told them. Don't worry. Your son will be returned unharmed."

"What is that you wish?"

"For now, I just want to sit here and enjoy this wonderful tea."

"If you have harmed him . . ."

"No threats. That's not very "Shaolin" of you."

"No. But it is very much a father."

"Is it? I seem to recall that you were missing from his life several times."

"My son knows how I feel toward him."

"We shall see. Because there is something I would like you to do for me."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then you shall never see your son again."

"What have you done with my son?"

"Your son, just how well do you know your son, Caine? He's not the same person, he's not that little boy anymore. You certainly keep treating him like one though!"

"I could not be there when the boy became a man, but I am here now for him. What have you done with him?"

"Ha, ha. You'll find out, priest."

"Caine, Pete, you here?"

"Do not say anything about this or one word from me and Peter is dead."

"I am in here, Kermit."

"Hey Caine. You look a little pale is everything all right? Peter, Captain Simms needs to see us right away. There's been a murder at the old Agrippa club."

"My father's not feeling well right now. Could be the heat is getting to him. Let's get going Kermit. We don't want to keep the Captain waiting. We'll talk later POP."

"We shall see."

"Hey Pete. You all right?"

"Yeah. Why did you asked?"

"Well, you just seemed a little...quiet tonight. Sure everything's all right?"

"Yeah. Life's never been better."

"Life's never been...Wait a minute, who the hell are you? You're not Peter Caine."

"That was fast Detective. If you don't mind me asking, what gave me away?"

"You said that Caine wasn't feeling well before and then you said life's never been better. The Peter Caine I knew would've been worried sick about his father. So, who the hell are you and where's Peter?"

"Ohh, where am I?"

"You are my guest for now, Peter Caine"

"Who are you? Why can't I see you?"

"I prefer to remain annonymous for now."

"If I'm your guest, why am I chained to the wall?"

"Let's just say it's a precaution."

"Why are you doing this?"

"It's a test."

"What kind of a test?"

"You will learn that in time. Get some sleep Detective. It's going to be a long stay."

"I have come to you for help. The man who looks like Peter is not my son."

"Are you sure?"

"I know my own son."

"Then why come to me?"

"Because you 'hear' things that others are not always aware of."

"That is so true. I don't know if I can helop you here, Mr. Caine. All I can say is that be careful. They would surely kill Peter as they would their own mothers."

"Then my son is truly in danger."

"I would say so yes."

"The imposter has asked me to do something."

"What do they want from you?"

"I do not know."

"My suggestion would be to do whatever they ask of you right now. It may be the only way to get Pete back."

"I do not know what it is they wish me to do. I cannot refuse, neither can I accept without knowing what is expected. Is there anything else you can tell me about the people who have my son?"

"Only this, the one that looks like Pete, was carefully selected not so much to replace him, but whatever they have planned is sure to cause great consternation and grief in Chinatown."

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?"

"Cuffing you in my office."

"And why would you be doing that?"

"Because you look like Peter and if I put you in a holding cell, someone might actually be stupid enough to let you out. Can't let that happen since you'll no doubt disappear without a trace after that."

"Hpfm...epmf..."

"An added precaution. Just in case you decide to call for help. Hope you'll enjoy your stay and don't go anywhere, I'll be right back."

"Mmmmm....Hmpf"

"So, sugar, since things are kinda quiet out there, why don't you just slip out of those glasses and give me a...peek."

"Peeks are part of my routine. It's all or nothing."

"How 'bout I take 'all', then?"

"Think you can handle 'all'?"

"You bet I can."

"If things get too quiet in here that busy bunch out there might try to arrange a kidnapping, a torturing, or a gunfight to entertain themselves. You know how those VT types are, sweetcakes. Quiet just isn't something they can leave alone."

"I can think of many adjectives you'll use later to describe what's about to happen, sugar. But I guarantee 'quiet' won't be one of them."

"Oh...yeah..."

"Hey, you too cut that out. Oh, sorry Captain. Kermit, what's Peter up to in your office?

"He's checking on a lead regarding a possible kidnapping."

"That's not like you to let him use your computer."

"I'm trying to change my image. Besides he asked me nicely. Oh, I wouldn't disturb him if I were you. He'd likely to blow your head off. I've got some unfinished business I have to take care of."

"How long is Peter going to be in there? I need to know whether to send him out on a case."

"He's already hip deep in one Chief. Talk to him tomorrow. Hopefully, he may be himself by then."

"What's he mean by that?"

"Darned if I know, Powell. Kermit's always been a lttle strange. All right people get back to work. Crime does not wait for no man."

"Or woman, right Chief?"

"Very funny Scalany."

"Peter's been in there quite a long time. It's been four hours."

"I wouldn't disturb him if I were you, McGuire."

"Chief, I only want to find out if he's doing anything tonight."

"All right, but make it quick. Kermit will have my head if he finds out."

****

"Lover, is everything all right in here?"

"Mmmummfpfp"

"Peter, who did this to you?"

"I'll kill him. He dies tonight!"

"Peter what are you talking about?"

'Just you wait Caine, your precious son is dogmeat.'

"Peter where are you going?"

'Arrgghhhhhh.....WHO LET HIM OUT?!?!?'

'What do you mean who let him out?? Who gave you the right to lock him and gag him up in your office??'

'You...YOU let him out?!'

'So what if I did?'

'You have no idea what you've done.'

****

'Where have you been?'

'That idiot of a cop locked me up in his office.'

'Uh huh. Have you contacted Caine?'

'Yeah. He's gonna do it to have his son back.'

'Good. Very good.'

*Pop?*

****

*POP!*

"He can't hear you Peter"

"Who are you? Show your face."

"Where you're at, your father will never find you. And in order to get you back in one piece, he's going to have to do something for us."

"My father won't do anything that's illegal or immoral."

"We shall see. Everyone has their price. Even Shaolin priests. And the price is your life. If he doesn't do what we want, you'll die."

"What do you want my father to do? What could be so terrible that he'd risk his soul to save me?"

"He must make a sacrifice."

"A sacrifice? What kind of a sacrifice?"

"A human one."

"My father would never kill another human being out of cold blood."

"Oh I think he will. But it cannot be just any humamn being. It must be his own son."

?????

"I thought that might perplex you. To have you returned to him, he must kill you. Ironic, a Shaolin priest sacrificing his only son. Kind of a familiar story, wouldn't you say?"

'Caine! Where are you?'

'Right here, Kermit.'

'Have you seen Peter?'

'Yes I have. And there is something...'

'Yeah, I know. It wasn't Peter and I got him locked in my office before SHE let him out. Now there's no way for me to find him. What do they want him for anyway?'

'As a ransom? You call it?'

'Money? Is that what they want? If that's it, they sure got...'

'No, they do not want money. The man I spoke to, the one who looked like Peter, said that they wanted me to perform a task for them.'

'What task?'

'I do not know.'

'Damn. If I get my hands on that SOB...'

****

'Tsk tsk, such language, detective...I'd be careful with that gun if I were you. Shot me, and your friend, his son, dies.'

'Whaddaya want?'

'Why, I'm just a messenger. No point killing me and besides, it's Caine that I want to speak to.'

****

'Where is my son?'

'Somewhere safe from you and his friends.'

'What do you want from me?'

'Good question priest, the instructions are in the envelope. Whatever you do with them is your problem as soon as the guy in the picture is dead, you'll have your son back. Have a nice day.'

****

'Who is it?'

'Peter...'

'WHAT? Why would they want you to kill him when they can do that themselves?'

'I do not know...'

"Perhaps it is not Peter they wish me to kill."

"The imposter? But how can you tell them apart? They look identical."

"There is more than one way to tell a man apart from an identical person than just his appearance. In any case, I will not kill this man."

"Wasn't it the imposter that told you Peter would die if you didn't perform a task for them?"

"Yes, but he did not tell me what that task was. He was only a messanger."

"Caine, you know what they'll do to Peter if you don't. They could kill the imposter and say it was Peter."

"I would know if my son still lived."

"But why do they want you to kill this man? There has to be a reason."

"I do not know?"

"Well, I'm going to find out. Maybe my sources might turn something up on this guy. I have a sneaking suspicion our look-a-like is not who he seems to be. I'll circulate Peter's picture as a John Doe across the net and see what turns up."

'Kwai Chang Caine. You are troubled.'

'LoSi. My friend, what should I do? I do not wish to kill this man in the picture, but I also wants my son back.'

'And in order for you to get Peter back, you will need to kill this person.'

'Yes.'

'Ah...then prehaps some 'magic' is required then.'

'Magic?'

'Have you ever heard of the magician David Copperfield?'

'I do not believe I have.'

'He is famous for performing illusions that fools the eyes and sometimes, the mind.'

'And you think such an...illusion is required in this case?'

'Precisely.'

"When do I get paid?"

"You'll get what's coming to you soon enough."

"When!?!"

"As soon as Caine performs his little task for us. That's when."

"Look, you hired me to impersonate Peter Caine. You said it was to be a role of a lifetime."

"And it is. A lifetime that no one will forget."

"So, I didn't see any cameras rolling. How's my public going to know?"

"Oh, they'll know. As soon as they read the morning paper."

"I don't understand."

"It will become clearer once Caine finishes the job, then your job will be over."

End of Part 26