"But surely I could be of assistance-"

"Dead?" Scott interrupted. "You know Dad would never forgive me."

Penny's face hardened. "No, Scott. I don't know that at all."

Virgil's eyes widened and John mock-whistled as Scott stared straight back at her. "Penelope, please. I'm in charge now, and I want you here."

"Very well." Her voice was cold. "We shall arrive as quickly as possible. Lady Penelope out."

As soon as the vidphone screen winked out, John let out the whistle that before had been silent. "Whoa, man, I guess there was something between them after all."

"Maybe not," Gordon shrugged. "It could be one-sided. She doesn't really seem like Dad's type."

"What, a leggy, gorgeous blonde?" John asked. Then he looked thoughtful. "You're right. She's more Scott's type."

"My type?" Scott asked, mouth quirked in a half-grin. "I don't think so. She's got Dad written all over her."

"I wonder if he knows that," Virgil said. "So, Scott. What's the action?"

"Action?" John repeated.

"Well, sure. Two of our agents are dead and it's pretty clear who's behind it."

"What are we supposed to do? He's got the upper hand here. If we leave this island, we're definitely not safe."

"Leave the island?" Gordon breathed, looking over at Scott, who immediately caught his line of thought.

"Dad," the four brothers whispered in unison. "Alan."

The palace was simply made, yet the opulence of its interior was impressive, to say the least. Jeff nodded as he and Alan were led through various rooms and corridors, because he could see Tin-Tin's hand everywhere they looked. She'd obviously been busy doing some interior decorating while at the same time ruling the State of Sarawak. They had been well-received by the palace guards, as their sultana had been expecting them. Well, at least, they'd been expecting Jeff. They'd made Alan show them his driver's license to allow him in. A fact which had soured his already so-so demeanor. At last they reached high wooden double doors. One of the guards opened a door, then closed it, leaving Jeff and Alan out in the corridor with three other guards.

"Some security," Alan said softly.

"She needs it. From what I've gathered over the past few months, Tin-Tin is loved by her people, but not by other governments. Especially now with the impending unification of South Malaysia."

"I...it never occurred to me this would be so dangerous."

Jeff looked at his youngest meaningfully. "I'll bet there's an awful lot you don't know about what Tin-Tin does, son. It's not just about wearing a turban and sitting on a throne."

Alan didn't get the opportunity to reply, for the double doors creaked open and the guard made a gesture for them to enter. Jeff went first, Alan hanging behind as they took in the definite Tin-Tin look the bedroom suite had to it. Pinks and lavenders, lace and chiffon were the order of the day. It almost made Jeff chuckle, because it was exactly how her room back on Tracy Island had looked.

"Your Highness," Jeff said, bowing low at the waist. "Thank you for seeing us."

Alan's eyes grew wide as he stared first at his father, then at Tin-Tin. He never thought he'd seen her look more lovely, and yet somehow she seemed sad as well. He decided it was best not to piss her off first thing, and so followed his father's gesture.

Tin-Tin rose from her large, plush chair and said, "There's no need to bow, Mr. Tracy."

Jeff looked up as Tin-Tin rushed into his arms. He held her tightly. "It's good to see you, Tin-Tin."

"It's good to see you, too."

Jeff saw Alan pretending to ignore them and said into Tin-Tin's ear, "I'm not the only one here, you know."

She backed away and turned to face Alan, who stiffly stared her down. "Your Highness," he nodded.

A hurt look crossed Tin-Tin's face momentarily, and Jeff felt like popping his son in the jaw. Maybe Alan hadn't grown up as much as he'd thought. "Alan," she said evenly. Then she turned her attention to his father. "Mr. Tracy, I don't know how to thank you for coming. I'm so worried about Father. Every day for six long months I've worried myself sick."

"Sick?" Alan repeated, looking alarmed. "You're sick?"

"I'm afraid so," Tin-Tin nodded, returning to her chair. "I haven't been eating well and I've been so busy with affairs of state and trying to direct the search for my father that I've taken quite ill."

Alan took a hesitant step forward, then turned to look at his father. The look in his blue eyes made Jeff's heart ache. He simply nodded, and Alan crossed quickly to the chair. He knelt down before the woman who had always been a princess to him, even before he'd known of her title.

"Tin-Tin, I miss you so much. You're not well here, you need to come home. Please," he pleaded.

"This is my home now, Alan. I cannot leave, especially with Father missing." She reached out and touched his cheek gently. He closed his eyes, nuzzling into her hand, and her eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Alan."

"Tin-Tin," Jeff interrupted, "tell me what happened."

Tin-Tin nodded, and Alan grasped her hands in his own. "Father attended my coronation," she began. "He was there throughout it, but the last time anyone recalls seeing him was when the room broke into applause after I was named Sultana. No one informed me, I was so caught up in the well-wishers and subsequent ball that I never noticed he was missing until the ball was almost finished. Then I asked Badan where he was, and Badan said he did not know. It was then that I went to his rooms, only to find them empty. I called for an immediate search of the palace and its grounds, but they found nothing. No trace of him."

Tin-Tin closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair, her hands still held tightly in Alan's. "At first light the next morning, I sent three-quarters of my army across Sarawak to search. Of course, the state is full of jungles, so it is nearly impossible to search every corner, but with infrared technology, night vision glasses and the sheer number of men searching, I believe we have covered every inch that can be reached."

"You've been looking for him the entire six months?" Jeff asked.

"Yes," she nodded, reopening her eyes. "Until four days ago when Badan informed me that Sultan Osman of Sabah has decided to give me the title to his state as well."

"Give it to you?" Alan queried. "You've got to be kidding! Why would he just give his throne to you?"

"He is frightened, Alan. Osman is a coward, and always has been. With the threats of violence from Brunei and Indonesia, he's running like a dog with his tail between his legs."

"What kinds of threats, Tin-Tin?"

"Oh, the usual, Mr. Tracy. The Indonesians are part of the Asian Union. They're against the West, and that includes the North American continent, Europe and the former Soviet states. Their countries have been in upheaval for at least a year now."

Jeff shook his head, unable to believe that one so young, one he'd watched transform from a cute little girl to a beautiful and highly intelligent young woman, had so much to bear. "Have you been seen by a doctor for this illness?"

"I have. They insist upon force-feeding me, and upon me being locked here in my suite for at least ten hours a day, ostensibly to get some sleep." Tin-Tin sat forward slightly and looked directly across the room into Jeff's eyes. "But how can I sleep when I don't even know if my father is alive or dead?"

"That's why I'm here, Tin-Tin," Jeff replied, moving forward and taking one of her hands from Alan. "I'm here to find Kyrano and bring him back safe and sound."

She squeezed his hand, then turned her attention to Alan. "And why are you here?" she asked, so softly it was barely heard.

"To take care of you," he said simply.

Jeff allowed them their moment before asking what needed to be asked. "Tin-Tin, what was your father's state of mind when he disappeared?"

Tears filled her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. Alan pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and offered it to her. "Oh, Mr. Tracy, it was terrible. He'd forgotten most of his past. He'd forgotten my mother and..." She looked at him briefly, then looked away, unable to bear what was next.

"He forgot us, too. Didn't he?"

She nodded, still not raising her eyes. "Yes," she whispered, a choked sob making her body shake.

Jeff swallowed hard. How could his best friend forget him? "What was causing it? Does he have Alzheimer's or something similar?"

"No," she replied, shaking her head. "He had brain scans from some of the top facilities in Kuala Lumpur. One doctor told me it was as though his memories were erasing themselves."

"No idea of why?"

"I have an idea, but it's so crazy I don't dare mention it to anyone here."

"What is it, Tin-Tin?" Alan asked.

"When the sultan from the other dimension brought him back to life," she said, looking sadly into Alan's eyes. "I believe something went wrong during that transfer of my father's spirit from me back into his body. I don't know why, but it's the only explanation I have."

"So what do we need to do to get his memories back?"

"I don't know," she said. "But I can do nothing if I don't know his whereabouts."

"I'll find him," Jeff said. "Do I have access to everything I need here?"

"Yes, I've told my guards and my statesmen that you are to have free reign of the palace and anything you need while you are my guest."

"Thank you."

"No, Mr. Tracy," she said, smiling. "Thank you. Now that you're here, everything will be all right. I just know it."

Jeff smiled and nodded as he exited her suite. He wasn't too keen on the idea that Tin-Tin thought he could do anything at all and be successful at it. Especially when he had no idea where on Earth to start looking for Kyrano. She was putting her faith in him completely. Jeff never liked to fail, but in this? In this, failure wasn't even an option.

So he decided the first order of business was to review everything she'd had done since Kyrano had been discovered missing. Maybe that would give him a clue or two where Sarawak's royal investigators hadn't searched. But even as the guard who'd been assigned to him escorted him to the palace's war room, he had his doubts as to whether or not he'd ever see his best friend alive again. After all, wouldn't he have gotten in contact with his daughter by now if he were still alive?

At Tin-Tin's request, Alan had helped her remove the traditional royal robes she wore so that she was left clad in nothing but her underwear. He turned as she removed her bra, her whispered, "Okay," turning him back to face her. She had managed to cover herself with a sheet, and he thought to pull her rose pink blanket and similarly colored comforter over her as well. But as he moved to do so, her small, frail hand upon his arm stopped him in mid-motion.

"Tin-Tin, let me cover you up. You need to stay warm."

"I would be warmer if you were in here with me."

His eyes widened. "What?"

"You heard me," she teased, that familiar twinkle now returning to her green eyes. Then she looked away. "I need you."

"That's what Dad said."

She looked back at him. "He was right. As usual."

"I don't know what to think of all this."

"Then don't think. Just take your clothes off and keep me warm."

Alan nodded, and wordlessly removed his shirt and shoes, his socks and slacks, leaving him in nothing but briefs.

"You're beautiful," she whispered, smiling and lifting the sheet.

"Not as beautiful as you are," he replied, scooting his body in close to hers. He pulled the sheet, blanket and comforter over them both and smiled as Tin-Tin snuggled into his arms, her head on his chest.

"The hair tickles," she giggled.

"Shhh," he said softly, though his body wanted her to be anything but quiet right now. "You need to rest."

"You won't leave me?"

Alan looked down at the top of her head. God, how he loved this woman. This felt so right. So goddamn right! "No," he said. "I won't leave you."

He could feel her mouth curve into a smile against his skin. "Good," she said. Within minutes, her steady breathing told him she was asleep.

"Oh, Tin-Tin," he whispered, smoothing her hair with his hand. "Why the hell did you have to go and become a queen?"

Flying over the jungles of Malaysia made you realize how utterly impossible it was to search each and every inch of the countryside. Kyrano could be anywhere under that canopy. Hell, he could even be in Indonesia, but wouldn't the government there had made it public if they'd taken a political prisoner? Or could Kyrano be hiding out there without their knowledge? Perhaps he'd gone to the Malay Peninsula, but why? Without knowing anything or anyone but his daughter, why would he leave her? Suddenly Jeff found himself wishing for the flat prairie lands of Kansas. At least there, all you had to search were buildings.

He was certain there was more to it than a senile man wandering off. But what would drive him from Tin-Tin's side? What was the one thing that could make Kyrano think he had to be anywhere but at the palace? And just like that, Jeff knew the answer as surely as he knew his own name. It had to have something to do with the Hood. His heart froze in his chest. If the Hood had him...he shuddered to think what was happening to his friend, and cursed the Hood for probably the millionth time in the last year.

He felt the hopelessness hit him again as they circled around the edge of Sabah. They couldn't hit Indonesian air space, not with political tensions as they currently were. But he couldn't fathom Kyrano would've gotten across the border without being noticed. Tin-Tin's top advisor, Badan, had informed him every route into the country south of them was covered by Indonesia's particularly nasty military. But where, then? Where would Kyrano go?

Jeff closed his eyes and leaned back in the seat as the pilot headed north toward the Peninsula. He'd spent years with Kyrano as his best friend. His mind replayed so many moments they had spent together. He pieced together everything he knew about Kyrano. Like an FBI profiler trying to figure out the ins and outs of someone, Jeff thought about the state Kyrano had been in the last time Tin-Tin had seen him.

He'd been lost. Frightened, undoubtedly. He didn't know his own past or Tin-Tin's mother, she'd said. Couldn't recall anything at all. Not even Jeff or his family. To have lost all his memories that way...it must have been killing him. Had he forgotten his mysticism? For Jeff believed the first thing the Kyrano he knew would do was use his special abilities to try and heal himself. But perhaps he had forgotten. It would make sense that would've disappeared along with everything else. But it was part of Kyrano's make-up. Even if he didn't remember the words and actions, surely he would know that something inside was wrong that he needed to put right.

So what would he do? He would try to meditate. Or, if he couldn't remember meditation, seek out help. But from whom? Jeff's eyes opened. Now he was getting somewhere. Where would Kyrano go for help in restoring himself? He would believe it to be something other than physical since the doctors hadn't been able to explain it with science. Who was known as a healer? Probably many throughout this country. But Kyrano would instinctively seek out those who were like himself. So there would be no commercial healers or fortune tellers involved.

Jeff rubbed his chin. He himself had often thought of Kyrano as something like a priest or a monk. After all, the man had been celibate since Serena had left him and their daughter. He spent his hours in meditation, quiet contemplation and tending to the grounds and gardens of Tracy Island. And talking with him. Jeff swallowed the lump in his throat. To never get Kyrano's advice ever again? It was inconceivable. Jeff shook his head slightly. He had to get his mind back on track. No time for wallowing in self-pity. Besides, at this point, lamenting the loss of someone who was only 'missing' was premature.

So...a monk. A priest. Where did you find men like that? Churches? No, that was organized religion. Not Kyrano's way. He had a definite dislike of organized religion, like those which dotted the United States. He had once said they were lost sheep who would never find their God among the hypocritical pastures of those churches. Well, those hadn't been his exact words, but they'd been Jeff's interpretation of them. So Kyrano would turn to the more native religions, he guessed. Those found in the area in which he'd grown up. He may not remember them all, but Jeff somehow felt Kyrano would just be drawn to places where they practiced much like he did.

"Monks," Jeff breathed, sitting up straight in his seat.

"Excuse me, sir?" the pilot asked, arching an eyebrow in his direction.

"Monks," Jeff repeated. "Are there any...I don't know...temples or anything around Sarawak?"

"Yes, there are several," the pilot replied. "Why?"

"I have a feeling in my gut," Jeff said. "I want to return to the palace immediately."

"Yes, sir." The plane banked southeast. Jeff knew what he was going to do next. He only hoped his instincts were right.

Scott entered the gym to find Virgil just finishing with the free weights. Virg grabbed a towel and mopped the sweat from his face and neck. "Hey, Scott. What's up?"

Sitting down on a bench, Scott replied, "I thought you might spot me. I need to burn off some steam."

"Steam? From what?"

"Not what. Who."

"Oh," Virgil nodded in recognition. "Lady P."

"Yep," Scott replied, lying back and lifting his hands into the air. Virgil picked up the long barbell and laid it gently in his brother's hands. "Lady P, all right."

"Why's she got you so bent out of shape?"

"You *grunt* heard *grunt* the way *grunt* she talked *grunt* to me."

"Yes, I did. But she's upset, Scott. Besides, if you had been the one to find that mask, don't tell me you wouldn't have stayed there to look for the Hood, even if you were by yourself, and even if Dad had ordered you back here."

"Not *grunt* the same *grunt* thing."

"Why? I can understand her being pissed. I can also understand you wanting her safe. But she's a professional, Scott. You've treated her like she was an amateur who wanted to pretend she was James Bond."

Scott nodded to him and Virgil took the barbell and replaced it back on its rest. "You're right," he said, grabbing the towel from Virgil's hand and wiping his forehead. "She's going to be some pissed at me."

"Damn right, she is."

"So...maybe I can give her some other excuse for asking-"

"Ordering."

"Ordering her to come here?"

Virgil cocked his head and eyed his brother. "What'd you have in mind?"

"Well, maybe something to do with one of the ships. She did help Brains with some ideas based on her work. Maybe I can tell her it's critical to have her here to help some more."

"Lame."

"Shit."

Virgil laughed. "I think you're just going to have to face the music. Penny's not stupid."

Scott shook his head and chuckled. "No, that's true enough." He stood and headed for the punching bag in the corner. He'd just pulled the gloves on when it suddenly occurred to him. "I've got it!" he crowed, giving the bag a good, solid punch for emphasis.

"Got what?" Virgil asked as he settled onto the rowing machine.

"Dad."

"Dad?"

"Dad," Scott nodded. "I can tell Penelope we're worried about him going off half-cocked to find Kyrano on his own."

Virgil's look of confusion changed as a wide grin spread across his face. "You're going to send her after him."

"Ha ha!" Scott grinned, punching the bag again. "Kills two birds: we get Dad some help out there, and we keep Penny from trying the Vulcan neck pinch on me."

Virgil laughed out loud. "That's why you're the field commander."

"Damn straight," Scott replied as he turned back to the bag, quite pleased with himself. "Damn straight."

"I want every temple in Malaysia mapped out for me," Jeff said to Badan as the two met in the war room.

"Temples? Why?" Then Badan raised his eyebrows and smiled. "You believe Meor to be at one of them!"

"I do," Jeff replied. "How fast can I get it?"

"Give the Map Maker an hour. It will be finished by then."

Jeff nodded. "Thank you," he said. Then he headed for the suite he'd been given to stay in while a guest in the palace. Stately and adorned with rich mahogany bed posts, dressers and mirrors, the floor was a plush burgundy carpet, with matching burgundy bedding and drapes. It seemed rather dark, but that was okay with Jeff. He'd decided a catnap was in order, because once he got that map from Tin-Tin's Map Maker, he would know no rest until he had Kyrano's hand in his, leading him home.

With that optimistic thought firmly in mind, Jeff reclined into the massive amounts of pillows and chuckled as he figured those had to have come from Tin-Tin. His eyes drifted shut, and he sighed. He wondered how Alan and Tin-Tin were getting on, and hoped it was as well as Alan had wanted. During the journey he'd talked to his father about his plans, about how he still wanted to marry Tin-Tin whether her country permitted it or not. It's the late 2030s, Dad. For God's sake, these people need to move into this century!

And, he had to admit, Alan was right. That was a pretty archaic custom. If the love between his adopted daughter and youngest son was as strong as he suspected, it would happen. But then where did that leave International Rescue? Less a man, that's where it left it. Even if for some reason Tin-Tin abdicated the throne, he didn't automatically assume they'd come back to Tracy Island. It was pretty clear Alan wanted to be his own man, and Jeff couldn't begrudge him that, especially after the 'obligation' speech he'd given him earlier.

Maybe Alan would join the World Space Agency, although given what he'd put Lucy through during his years as an astronaut, he wasn't sure that was such a good idea. Perhaps he'd join one of those private companies who were, even now, making plans to colonize the Moon right alongside the military installations that were there. But...Tin-Tin living on the Moon? Jeff almost laughed out loud. No, that would most certainly not suit her. Then again, all this wondering might be for nothing. Maybe Alan and Tin-Tin could get the Malay laws governing royal marriage changed. Then again, that could also be premature if the two weren't hitting off at all right now.

Besides, Jeff was fairly certain Tin-Tin would make no decisions about her life without first knowing what had happened to her father. And Jeff could only pray his theory would pan out, and that he'd find Kyrano hiding at a temple somewhere. But where? He was sure there had to be thousands in this region of the world. Buddhists, Muslims and scores of different beliefs held by the native peoples. If Kyrano had gone to one of them, which would he choose? Where would most suit his needs? Where would his inner self take him? He knew the man quite well, but if only he had further insight into his mysterious ways. Into his mind. What we wouldn't give-

Jeff sat bolt upright. "My God," he whispered. For before his very eyes, Kyrano had appeared. Just a brief flash, but he'd seen him and he'd swear to it on any Bible handed him. And suddenly the last moments he'd spent with Kyrano came back.

You and I...we feed off one another's energy.

"Maybe that's why I've been unable to sleep. Why I've been so tired!"

I wish only to establish a link, so the tether does not dissolve no matter how far apart we may be.

"A link," he breathed. "That's it! A link! He...he established a link between us!"

As with the energy that binds us all together in the expanse of the Universe, so now bind my energy to yours, a connection never to be broken, never severed.

Every word spoken, every gesture made was there with perfect clarity. Kyrano had looked into his eyes, and afterwards he had felt better. Better than he'd felt in a long, long time. But then why had he seemed to start declining after Kyrano's departure? And if they were somehow connected, how would Jeff find that connection? Could he use it to lead him to Kyrano? If so, how did he tap into it? Or was this 'connection' nothing more than a ritualistic way to say he didn't want to be forgotten after he left?

Remember me.

Jeff's jaw dropped.

Remember me.

His eyes widened.

Remember me.

He cried out as if in great pain and lost consciousness, falling back into the pillows behind him.

Remember me...

Lady Penelope stepped out of the jet aided by John, who'd flown her there to Tracy Island. The ride had been tense and quiet, with John having no idea how to talk to an angry Lady of England, and Penelope wondering if John felt the same as Scott where she was concerned. She had completely made up her mind to have it out with Scott Tracy once and for all, and was just preparing to do so when she realized she and John were alone in the gigantic hangar that had once been home to Thunderbird Two.

"Where are your brothers?" she asked, a bit miffed at having no reception whatsoever waiting for her.

"Busy," he said. "Parker, you know where Penelope's room is."

"Yessir," he said, hauling the first bag out of the jet and down the steps.

"John, what is going on?"

"We're trying to get in contact with Dad."

"Your father? Why? Is he in trouble?"

"He may very well be," John replied. "I don't honestly know. We talked to him just as he was landing in Sibu, but haven't heard from him since."

"Was he to check in?"

"Yes, half-an-hour ago. Scott told me over the headphones that he hadn't, they can't raise him on his comm, and they're having trouble getting Tin-Tin's palace to accept their call."

Penelope frowned. It wasn't like Jeff to miss a check-in. Suddenly it didn't matter that he'd left for Malaysia without saying good-bye, or that Scott had had the audacity to order her to Tracy Island. Suddenly, all that mattered was Jeff's safety. "Do you know what he was going to do upon arrival?"

"No. All he said," John replied as they entered the elevator that would take them to the villa's main floor, "was that he was going to find Kyrano come hell or high water."

"Oh, dear. Kyrano is very special to him, isn't he?"

"He's his best friend," John said, shrugging. "I just hope it hasn't gotten him into more than he can handle."

"I want to help," Penelope said suddenly.

John cracked a smile. "We thought you might. They're at Launch Control. Come on."

"It's graduated from being a little white lie to keep the peace to an actual Search and Rescue," Scott said as he waited impatiently on hold.

"I can't believe they won't let us through," Virgil complained as he turned in his seat to face Scott's console. "I mean, they know Dad and Alan are there." He stopped as Gordon turned to look at him. "Don't they?"

"What are you saying?" Scott asked, brow furrowed.

"What if they never arrived?" Gordon gave voice to that which he knew he and Virgil had both been thinking. "What if they've been kidnapped?"

"Or worse?"

"Virg, Gordo, stop that right now. Sarawak is peaceful, Tin-Tin's seen to that."

"She can't control every part of it. What if some rebels or something were waiting at the airport?"

Scott's face lost all color as he returned to facing the HOLD screen on the vidphone. It couldn't be. They wouldn't have been captured. Tin-Tin would've called and asked where they were. She knew they were coming. Well, she knew Jeff was coming. Alan was more of a surprise.

They had to have made it safely. Maybe they were just at some state dinner or something. Maybe the royal palace staff were just being assholes. Or maybe something bad had happened, and they didn't want Jeff and Alan's family to know. Oh, God, Scott thought, shaking his head.

"Well, we can't even get through to his watch," Gordon said. "I mean, something's got to be off if we can't raise him on that."

"I don't want to hear that kind of talk," Scott said matter-of-factly. He was about to continue when a voice from the vidphone startled them.

"Hello, Mr. Tracy."

"Yes! With whom am I speaking?"

"I am Badan, Senior Counsel to Her Royal Highness, Sultana of Sarawak. How may I assist you?"

"We're trying to reach our father. He was supposed to call us forty-five minutes ago, but so far we've heard nothing. Where is he?"

"Your father was resting in his suite, the last I was aware," Badan replied. "Would you like me to send a guard to check on him?"

"Yes, please. I want to speak with him. I'll hang on."

"Hang...on?"

"I'll wait," Scott said, trying to hide a smile.

"Ah, yes. Very well. One moment."

He was placed on hold again. Just about to turn and address his brothers' earlier statements, Scott was once again interrupted, only this time by the door from the tunnel swishing open. Lady Penelope walked through, followed by John.

"Hi, Penny," Gordon said with false cheer.

"Gordon, Virgil." Penny nodded at each of them. Then she walked up to the eldest. "Scott," she said, holding out her hand.

Scott smiled and shook it warmly. "Hi, Penny. Sorry about before, but I had to get you here and I had to do it quick."

"Well, for heaven's sake, just tell me what's going on next time, will you? Goodness gracious."

"Sorry, Penny."

"John has debriefed me. What is the latest news?"

"Got hold of some guy named Badan, said he was Tin-Tin's senior counsel. He's sending a guard to Dad's room to find him."

Penelope nodded as the vidphone screen came back to life.

"Mr. Tracy."

"Yes, I'm still here."

"Your father was, as I predicted, in his suite."

"Well, why didn't you put him on?"

Badan looked nervously off to the side, then back at Scott. "We...Mr. Tracy, it seems...we are unable to wake him."

"What?" Penny gasped. "Scott, get me there. Get me there now."

Scott nodded. "Badan, may we be so bold as to impose upon Her Highness's hospitality once more?"

"Who will be coming?" he asked.

"Me and Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward."

"Ah, yes. The Sultana has spoken of you, Lady Penelope. I will expect you both. The guards will grant you access to the palace upon your arrival."

"Thank you, Badan." The Malay native nodded once before severing the connection.

"Why won't he wake up?" Virgil asked.

"Kyrano," Gordon said. "It has to have something to do with him."

"Or with the Hood," John reminded them.

"You have to take the device," Virgil said, rising to his feet. "Scott, you have to take one of the two we have."

"What? I don't know how to work that thing. And why?"

"I just have a bad feeling you might need it," Virgil said. "Brains can show you how to use it, he's got it all figured out."

"What device?" Penny inquired.

"The IDT," Virgil said. "Interdimensional Travel device."

"Oh, good heavens. Are you quite certain it's safe?"

"Well, I got over there and back, and so did the Sultan-" Virgil stopped short, took a deep breath and then continued. "Brains is pretty sure both of them are fully functional. And, like I said, he's got them all figured out now."

"Very well," Penny said as Parker walked into Launch Control. "Parker, put my bags back into the jet. We're headed for Malaysia."

"Coo," Parker swore as he turned right back around and headed into the tunnel. "H'I'll never figure 'er Ladyship ou', that's for sure."

"Scott, be careful," Virgil cautioned as they made their way through the tunnel that led them into a hall on the main floor of Tracy Villa. "You don't know what you're walking into."

"I know, Virg, I know. We'll be careful. You're running things until I return. Got it?"

Virgil nodded. "You know, Scott, we're dwindling. First Kyrano and Tin-Tin, then Alan and Dad...and now you and Penny. Pretty soon there isn't going to be anyone left here to run anything."

Scott gave him a wry smile. "Don't worry. I did special extractions in the Air Force. I'm an old pro."

"I'm trying to decide which part of that to believe. The 'old' or the 'pro.'"

Scott all-out grinned. "I have to go pack. Get Tracy Two revved up for me, will you?"

Virgil nodded as Scott took the steps upstairs two-at-a-time. He had a bad feeling in his gut. A twisting feeling. One that simply wouldn't go away.

He sat alone in the great room of the temple. Before him, a statue of Buddha in meditation carved from pure black onyx. Surrounding him against all walls, vases and plates of incense wafted their hazy smoke into the still air. To his right and left, eternal flames burned steadily, casting their shadows across his face and body.

He had fasted for the first three months, but had become so weak and disoriented the brothers had insisted he stop. He had eaten little and slept less. His face was drawn, his eyes, gaunt. His formerly well-shaped body had wasted away until he was but a shell of the man he had once been. The trouble was, he didn't know the man he'd once been.

For the last six months had seen no change in Kyrano's state of mind. And with his health on the decline, the monks who cared for him prayed endlessly for him to find peace, in whatever manner Buddha felt was best to fulfill the man's destiny. They did not take destiny lightly, nor did they know the name of this man who had come to them in the wee hours of the morning six months prior. But they took in all souls who sought to restore themselves within their walls.

One monk of the order was no greater than another; they were all servants of Buddha, who sought to attain perfection and be granted passage to Buddha's holy city upon leaving their current lives. They sensed within the man they sheltered great secrets were hidden, secrets which might lead them to a higher existence themselves. But he could not speak of them, for his mind seemed to have gone. And so the monks knew much sorrow for their fellow soul's suffering and loss, and worked tirelessly with him in chanting, meditation and prayer in an attempt to help him find that which he had lost so tragically.

Nothing they did worked. One monk had remarked to another that it was as though everything he had once been was gone. Almost like a soul without what made it a soul were wandering the Earth. They were all greatly puzzled and troubled by this observation, and doubled their efforts. But to date, it had all been in vain. Whatever door had been locked and closed within Kyrano's mind was refusing to grant admittance.

And so Kyrano opened his eyes, locking his gaze on Buddha's face. His prayers had gone unanswered. He was still not healed. Indeed, not even started on the road to recovery. The one thing...or rather one person...that he did remember would surely be frantic for his safety after so long. He rose to his feet and made his way to the monks' quarters. Tonight he would tell them of his intentions. Tomorrow, he would leave and return to the palace. For even though he could barely remember his own name, his love for his daughter burned brightly within his heart.

At the very least, his body would be there. With any luck, one day his mind would return. But at least he'd be with one person he knew. At least he had Tin-Tin.

There was a soft knock at the door. Alan, who had not fallen asleep, raised his head and looked toward it as it softly creaked open. He took a look at Tin-Tin, who was sleeping soundly next to him, and decided whatever it was could wait until morning. So he rolled out of the bed slowly. She sighed once and rolled over, but didn't awaken. He breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled his pants on and hurried to the door.

"Yes?" he said to Badan, who was standing there with a look of shock plastered on his face. "What is it?"

"What are you doing in Her Highness's bedroom suite?"

Alan nearly laughed out loud, for the counselor's voice had risen nearly an octave. "I am here at Her Highness's bidding, and I have stayed for the same reason. She is finally asleep and I do not want her awakened. Understand?"

Badan raised his chin defiantly. "I am the Sultana's primary advisor, and I will not be told what to do in her own palace!"

Alan slipped out into the corridor, closing the doors behind him. "Badan, I understand that Tin-Tin is a queen here, and that you have a certain way you do things around this place. But I also know that she's sick, and she needs her rest. Now what is it?"

Badan nodded and retreated a step. "Actually, it concerns you more than her," he replied.

"What? How so?"

"It is your father, Mr. Tracy. Your brother, I believe named Scott, contacted us and wished to speak with him. When the guards went to his room, they found him asleep in bed."

"So? He's tired, too."

"No," Badan shook his head. "We cannot awaken him."

"What? What do you mean, you can't awaken him?"

"It is as I said, sir. Your father has been moved to the hospital infirmary. If you would be so kind as to accompany my guards, they will show you the way."

"Where are you going to be?"

"Attending to affairs in Her Highness's absence, of course," Badan replied, bowing and turning to walk the other way down the corridor. He stopped and looked back at Alan. "I do hope your father is all right."

Alan gulped and followed the four guards. His father wouldn't wake up? What the hell did that mean? What was he, unconscious? Sleeping soundly? Or was something more sinister at play? He knew his dad had gone out in a plane to get a bird's eye view of Sarawak and the rest of Malaysia, but he hadn't talked to him since he'd come and told him and Tin-Tin of his plans.

But then what could it be? His heart raced as they took a modern-looking elevator down one level and exited into a long corridor lined with rooms. It sure smelled like a hospital, he thought, as his nose crinkled. The guards stopped outside the third door down on the right, and Alan peeked through the window. There lay his father in a hospital bed, seemingly asleep, with a nurse taking his pulse. A doctor appeared to Alan's left, and he walked up to him.

"What's wrong with my father? What happened?"

"We do not know, sir, I am sorry," the doctor replied with a thick accent. "I have sent some scans to be processed."

"I think he should go to a real hospital."

"This is a real hospital, sir. We are fully staffed and house the latest in medical technology. The Sultana utilizes our facilities exclusively."

"Not entirely," Alan mumbled, remembering that Tin-Tin had told them Kyrano's brain scans had been done in Kuala Lumpur. "I want to see my father."

The doctor nodded and opened the door, granting Alan access. The nurse looked up and smiled as she finished tapping her latest readings into a hand-held computer database. A few seconds later, she left the room. Alan and the doctor looked on as Jeff's chest rose and fell.

"So he was just found like this? No evidence of any trauma or other strange cirumstances?"

"None at all. He seems to simply be asleep. Even the electromagnetic scans we did on his brain are showing no signs of untoward activity."

"Let me have a try," Alan said, pulling a chair over to his dad's bedside.

"Whatever you say, sir."

"Dad?" Alan said, taking his father's hand. "Dad, it's Alan. Can you hear me?" There was no response. "What happened to you? Come on, Father, wake up."

But Jeff didn't move a muscle except to breathe. Alan had no idea what was going on, but he knew he had to let Base know immediately. He asked to be taken back to his assigned suite, and the guards stood out in the corridor waiting.

"I'll find out what's going on, Dad," Alan said as he replaced Jeff's hand and arm on the bed next to him. "I promise I will."

As soon as Alan and the four guards had disappeared in the opposite direction, Badan slithered back into the hall. Eyes darting to and fro, he approached Tin-Tin's door. Within moments, he had gained access and shut it quietly behind him. He crept nearer her bed, grateful for the light cast throughout the suite by the blue candle Tin-Tin always insisted upon keeping lit. For her father, she always said.

He approached her bed cautiously, for if the Sultana was awake, she would certainly berate him for being that far into her suite without her permission. But, as it was, Badan's luck held as he discovered she was still sound asleep. Good, he thought. He reached inside his robe and pulled out a syringe. Looking closely at her face once more, he decided it was now or never. After all, she might feel the stick of the needle. It was nothing short of a miracle that she hadn't felt it any of the times before, but Badan chalked it up to his expertise in such matters.

He pulled the sheets and blankets back enough to expose the side of her body. Badan tipped the syringe up and pushed the air out of it, then felt down the side of her until he reached her hip. Slowly he pushed the needle through the fabric of her underwear right into the soft flesh just behind her hip bone. And then, just as slowly, he used the plunger to push the entire contents of the syringe into her body. In less than a minute it was done, and Tin-Tin hadn't even stirred. He withdrew the needle and replaced it in the pocket inside his robe.

Her father, indeed. Badan didn't know for sure what had happened to Meor, but at this point it didn't matter. Once Tin-Tin was gone, there would be nothing stopping him. He would obtain that which he had been promised, and could retire in peace on the shores of some distant island. After all, even a top advisor didn't make that much money. What with the impending changes to Sarawak and Malaysia, and the forces who were hell-bent on destroying this palace and all who associated with the sultana, Badan wanted to get out before he lost his life. Loyalty? Not if it cost him his head. Besides, to be part of such a grand scheme as this was titillating, to say the least. He scurried from the room, checked the corridor for people, and entered it, closing the doors behind him.

A few more doses of this, Sultana, and your father will have no one to come back to.

Now all he had to do was get rid of those Tracys.