{"id":20492,"date":"2022-12-09T08:00:40","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T16:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/?p=20492"},"modified":"2022-11-30T21:09:08","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T05:09:08","slug":"sylum-advent-2022-december-9th","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/sylum-advent-2022-december-9th\/","title":{"rendered":"Sylum Advent 2022: December 9th"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Title: <\/strong> Magnum Finds His Zen \u2013 Another Day In Paradise
\n<\/span>Characters:<\/strong> Thomas Magnum, Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, Thomas Jefferson, Chang, Oceania Clan Members, Sylum Clan Members, Original Characters
\n<\/span>Rating: <\/strong>PG-13
\n<\/span>Summary:<\/strong> A picture from a collection of World War II photos, found by a former President begins an investigation that takes Magnum deep into his and other Clan members’ old nightmares.
\n<\/span>Sylum Timeline:<\/strong> April 2018 to April 2019<\/span><\/p>\n

Previously \u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Running into the study, Thomas saw Higgins on the couch with a tumbler of whiskey. His complexion was a bit pale, but he looked like he\u2019d had a terrible shock.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo keep me from underfoot or figuring out how to blow something up, Higgins set me to sorting photographs for his next non-fiction book. They\u2019re pictures from the South Pacific during World War II.\u201d Jefferson snarked.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBurma?\u201d Thomas practically whispered.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. These all seemed to go together, and I was to the point where I was building a timeline. Here \u2026 Look here.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember Higgins talking about being captured. He looked at the men lined up as Japanese soldiers pointed guns at them. \u201cHe pulled the picture closer. \u201cHe didn\u2019t say anything about any Americans being taken with the Brits.\u201d He looked at the back of the picture. The names of the prisoners were listed on the back. Next to Jonathan Quayle Higgins III was Lt. Commander Thomas Sullivan Magnum III. Standing behind them was a very familiar face \u2026 Lt. Hiroki Chang. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

He was jerked out of his shock when Jefferson shoved another picture under his nose. It was the same men, but a year later with their positions were reversed. The prisoners had taken the camp and captured the guards. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoly \u2026 Chang isn\u2019t here for Templeton Peck \u2026 He\u2019s here for Jonathan Higgins.\u201d Magnum and Jefferson slumped down on the couch across from the Caretaker as Temp and Murdock came through the door.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s here for Higgins?\u201d Jefferson showed Temp and H.M. the photos. \u201cDamn, you were badass.\u201d Murdock slapped Higgins on the shoulder.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The slap seemed to jolt Higgins out of his stupor. \u201cHe may also be after Magnum. He is the image of his father.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHiggins, why didn\u2019t you ever say you knew my father?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was not the best of times and not the type of stories one tells his son.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know my past.\u201d Magnum was hurt by the secrets one Father kept about another Father.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I chose not to add your father\u2019s nightmares to your own.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas took the pictures back from Murdock. \u201cI\u2019ll get a message to Lady Blossom. Maybe she can find out more about Lt. Hiroki Chang of the Imperial Army of Japan.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut why after all these years would he be after Higgins?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMight have something to do with the new alias he\u2019s establishing. Maybe he\u2019s afraid Higgins knows something he doesn\u2019t know he knows.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHiggins looks like you\u2019ll be traveling with security and staying behind the estate gates until we figure this out.\u201d <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Higgins frowned darkly at his Childe as he stood over him. \u201cI will not hide from the likes of Chang.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I won\u2019t watch another father turn to dust.\u201d Magnum snarled as he grabbed the pictures and left the house.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

June 2018<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLand\u2019s sake, I didn\u2019t realize the boy felt so deeply.\u201d Jefferson watched out the window as Magnum stormed across the yard to the guesthouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStill waters run deep, old friend.\u201d Higgins tried to clear his throat of the lump that had taken up residence. Magnum didn\u2019t often show his emotions publicly, but he knew his Childe held him in high regard, but never dreamed his actions would invoke such emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurt and angry after what had been revealed in the library, Thomas slammed through the guesthouse. There were only a few of his things left in the house \u2026 Lily, Ryan, and the kids would be moving in at the end of the month. Once Thomas moved his remaining things to his new suite in the main house, the contractor would do a few updates before the staff put everything to rights. He threw himself on the couch and spread the pictures out on the coffee table still trying to wrap his head around what he\u2019d been told.<\/span><\/p>\n

He spent several minutes staring at a face a lot like the one he saw in the mirror every day. Counting backward from when his plane was shot down in Vietnam, he figured his father was five minutes out of the Naval Academy when World War II brought the shiny new Navy Lieutenant to the islands. He laid the photo down and rubbed his hands over his face. He shouldn\u2019t have taken his shock out on Higgins, but all the emotions that had crashed through his head when he saw his father standing next to his Sire had just exploded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, years of repression drilled into him by the Navy kicked in, and he limited himself to growling at everyone in the room before snatching the photos and leaving. He should be packing so the contractors could get started in the morning, but the old photos seemed to whisper his name. Grabbing the legal pad lying on the other end of the coffee table, he began scribbling notes about his observations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dogs\u2019 barking brought his attention back to the present. Noticing the time, he threw the rest of his things in his duffels, putting the pictures and notes on top. Thomas spent the remaining time until supper setting his suite to rights and stowing his bags in the walk-in closet. Waking his computer, he composed an email to Lady Blossom with his questions and scans of several pictures. Knowing a little of what the Shogun Clan had suffered during World War II, Magnum hoped she would remember the people who influenced the Emperor.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the pictures on his phone, Thomas went around to the library to drop the originals off on his way to the dining room. Before settling in his chair, he took in the emotions floating around the room. A light blush colored his cheeks as he turned his attention to Higgins.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHiggins \u2026 Jonathan \u2026 I apologize for the way I acted earlier.\u201d He settled into his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfectly understandable. I\u2019m sure the photos gave you quite a shock, so while I accept your apology, there\u2019s no need. Now let\u2019s enjoy this excellent meal Cook has prepared.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Templeton Peck proved why the citizens of New Orleans called him Mayor<\/em>, even when someone else held the office. Between his talent for working the room and Murdock\u2019s questioning of the third president, supper passed pleasantly until Higgins announced after dinner drinks on the lanai.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jefferson grabbed Magnum\u2019s elbow and steered the younger vampire out the French doors with Peck and Murdock trailing behind \u2026 Murdock talking to Billy<\/em>. Before he could protest Magnum found himself shoved into a chair and a tumbler of single malt shoved in one hand, and one of Higgins’s hand-rolled cigars in the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure Higgins won\u2019t begrudge you a treat after the shock you got earlier today.\u201d Jefferson sounded more like a nanny than a president. \u201cAs your Sire, you should give him a chance to explain his reasons \u2026\u201d He trailed off as Magnum stood to his full height gently placing the crystal tumbler on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI realize as the Spymaster that helped birth this country, you are used to being in control of those around you, but you are not my Handler nor my Commander-In-Chief. I appreciate you want to keep peace between us, and for us to not air our laundry in front of the guests \u2026\u201d Magnum waved in Peck and Murdock\u2019s direction. \u201cBut this affects all of us, so there can\u2019t be secrets if we want to either take out or contain Chang. If we have to end the dear General, we\u2019re going to need a damned good reason for the Council.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell \u2026 Yes \u2026 You\u2019re right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jefferson was a bit non-plussed. In the years since Magnum returned to Hawaii, he had forgotten how many years of experience the former SEAL had in the spy game. He probably knew more about what was going on in the Asian theater than anyone except his Handlers. Jefferson didn\u2019t fear the Oceania Hunter, but he could see the flashes of green and gold in his hazel eyes showing his anger was riding close to the surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThomas.\u201d Magnum\u2019s head snapped in the direction of his name. The aura of calm exuding from his Sire seemed to quiet the anger boiling inside. \u201cYou need to be seated if you wish to hear the information I have to impart.\u201d Thomas turned away to pour himself a cup of coffee. Higgins turned on Jefferson. \u201cAnd you, Mr. President, need to stop being such a troll. It will certainly come around to bite you one day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving Higgins a sheepish look, Jefferson settled with his cigar and whiskey. He didn\u2019t know what it was about Clan Caretakers that always made him feel like he was still in short pants. Magnum settled next to Murdock, prompting the pilot to reach over and settle Billy<\/em> in his lap. Murmuring his thanks, his hand landed on something soft and solid when his hand dangled off the chair\u2019s armrest. Eyes wide he looked over at Templeton, who gave a smirk and a wink.<\/span><\/p>\n

Attention was soon diverted from the mystery of Billy the dog<\/em> by Higgins starting his narrative.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the autumn of \u201943. I had been tasked by MI6 to travel with a group of lads drafted into the RAF. I was to act as aide-de-camp to their commanding officer, a Colonel by the name of Alexander Standish. As an aide-de-camp, I would be in the perfect position to overhear conversations of varying degrees of importance. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

We disembarked at New York Harbor then shuffled off to the nearest military airfield and loaded on a transport for Grosse Ile, Michigan. Once we were settled and the lads began their training, I was run over by a tall young man in the process of catching a football. He was immediately apologetic as he helped me to my feet and introduced himself as Leftenant Thomas Sullivan Magnum III, please call me Tom, and he invited me home for dinner to make up for not watching where he was going.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot to interrupt what sounds like a fascinating story, Higgins, but you\u2019re telling us you were absent from your Caretaker duties? Why the British Army and not the Australian?\u201d Magnum quizzed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThough Herbert and I are always loyal to Oceania, I felt the need to serve king and country. Maximilian wrote me a letter of introduction to M. After a brief training period, I was moved where she needed eyes and ears on various military leaders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, that\u2019s how you ended up trailing all the famous Generals.\u201d Jefferson teased.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs you say.\u201d Higgins glared at the Clan\u2019s Legal Counsel. \u201cWhere was I \u2026 Oh yes \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTom introduced me to his heavily pregnant wife, Katherine, who was very gracious to an unexpected guest. That was the beginning of one of the most unusual friendships of my many years. He would search me out to include me in his activities. His explanation was he noticed people in my position seemed isolated. Not included by the lads due to being on call to their leader, but not welcomed by the officer ranks. To this day, I hold dear the memory of Tom opening his home and friendship to a total stranger. The day after you were born, your father\u2019s flight wing and our RAF lads were loaded onto a train headed to San Francisco where we would board a carrier bound for the Philippines with a stop in the Marshall Islands to offload the RAF pilots. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

We had been dropped off on one of the many unnamed islands for survival training. The ship was being sent off on another mission to return at the end of training. We had been told the island was deserted, but on the third day of our training exercises, we found out differently. We weren\u2019t outmanned, but we were outgunned. It didn\u2019t take long before we had been captured and placed in cells that were once storage rooms in the basement of an abandoned temple. The Japanese thought the temple would make a good outpost. With a little work, they had retrofitted the building to make accommodations for the men posted there.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had been the reluctant guests for two weeks and I was beginning to feel the effects of the tender ministrations of the Japanese and not being able to feed.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

A shiver passed through all the Vampires in the room at the thought of the Hunger that drove them when they were in starvation mode.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTom noticed that I was in much worse condition than the others, and much like his son is today, was a constant irritant until he got the outcome he desired. One night after the other men in our cell had gone to sleep, I explained about Vampires. After I finished my recitation, he spent a good while staring at me while ruminating on all that I had told him. After what seemed like an age, he nodded his head as though he had come to a decision. The next thing I knew he shoved his wrist under my nose and said \u2018bite me\u2019.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Higgins risked a glance toward Magnum and caught the sheen of tears in the hazel eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAllied forces tried to take the island several times in the next six months but were repelled. Lt. Chang soon realized that we had no information that would be useful. It caused a loss of face for his family and their position in the emperor\u2019s court. This information brought out the cruelty that he had kept under control in previous interrogations.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe later pictures showed you turned things on the Japanese.\u201d Jefferson pushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe did. Thinking we were too weakened to be a danger they took us all outside while they \u2018cleaned\u2019 the cells. We were able to overcome the guards and arm ourselves. We lost many brave lads, but we took the day. Our captors enjoyed our former accommodations while we radioed any ships in the area. A week later we were steaming our way to the Subic Bay Naval Base. Most of us continued with our missions, there were a few that were returned home unable to recover from the experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Chang?\u201d Murdock asked the question before the others gathered their wits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWas to be sent to Australia with the rest of the soldiers that survived our takeover.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like he didn\u2019t make the trip.\u201d Templeton\u2019s mind was going a mile a minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe did not. The officers were separated from the enlisted troops. I did not see Chang again. I thought to return to Australia with the prisoners of war, but M sent orders that I was to continue my assignment.\u201d He looked at the expectant faces. \u201cWhich you can read about in my previous book.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince story time is over, I need to walk Billy<\/em>.\u201d Murdock looked at the Dobermans laying at Higgins’s feet. \u201cThey won\u2019t chase Billy<\/em>, will they?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI assure you Captain they are very well-behaved and will not bother your companion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGreat.\u201d He snatched Peck\u2019s hand and gave a tug. \u201cCome on, Temp. Time to get the blood circulating.\u201d His smile was wide. \u201cThanks for the story, Mr. Higgins.\u201d He shouted over his shoulder. Templeton gave them a what can you do<\/em> look as he let himself be pulled along.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wrote in your first book on the war that you ran across Chang working for the North Vietnamese numerous times while you worked with the French in Vietnam.\u201d Jefferson\u2019s whole attention was on the Caretaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

Magnum took advantage of the older men\u2019s distraction to slip from the room and head to his suite in the part of the house furthest from their guests. He\u2019d been nursing a whiskey, enjoying the Cuban cigar Jefferson had stuck in his pocket when the click of toenails on the Spanish tile alerted him that Higgins had entered his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMagnum \u2026 Thomas \u2026\u201d Higgins started but was quickly interrupted as he sat in a nearby chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you convince my dad to fly missions for the CIA over southeast Asia?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you arrive at the conclusion?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was shot down close to both the DMZ and the Laotian border.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI admit that I had lost contact with your father in the late 1950s. We were both involved in the Indo-China conflict that became the Vietnam War and had met several times as we were both working with French and American advisors. I believe he was training pilots for South Vietnam and was flying sorties with the pilots he trained when he was shot down.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you never say, Higgins?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere never seemed to be a good time, even after your Turning and we were living in each other\u2019s pocket.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas took a pull from his cigar and his whiskey before he continued. \u201cI suppose in the grand scheme of things it doesn\u2019t matter. The longer we live the more faded the feelings and memories for our Human family will become.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A man of moderation, Higgins felt this evening was perfect for a bit of overindulgence so poured himself another two fingers of scotch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have found over the years I can compartmentalize the bad memories, and the good memories can sometimes become memorialized.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean they seem better than they were?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you go searching for the wreckage of your father\u2019s plane before you went to the Naval Academy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad\u2019s best friend had moved to Naval Intelligence and would talk about rumors of a white man living in the mountains near where he was shot down. No, I didn\u2019t ask all the logical questions. I was 18 and had grown up with stories about my dad being this ace. If there was any chance he was still alive I had to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you find your answers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, turned out to be a ploy by the CIA trying to flush out a rogue agent.\u201d Thomas turned away signaling an end to that line of questioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

They sat in companionable silence until Higgins finished his scotch. Setting his tumbler on the tray, he laid a hand firmly on Magnum\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSleep well, Thomas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNite, Higgins.\u201d Thomas patted the hand on his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning, Thomas had put his memories back in their boxes and headed for his new offices. In amongst the construction and moving, there were still cases to be worked and bureaucratic paperwork to fill out. He grumbled under his breath about meddling old spies that should have stayed out in the cold as he plowed through stacks of files. A low growl escaped when he heard Wyatt flirting with his Executive Assistant, Tangi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you have something to do other than flirt with my EA, Dr. Braxton?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a matter of fact, Kapena,<\/em> I do. I have come to your rescue by taking you to lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Closing the file he was reading, he secured everything on his desk. \u201cWell then, let\u2019s go. I wouldn\u2019t want it said you couldn\u2019t complete an assignment.\u201d Magnum relaxed his shoulders as he followed Wyatt out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood of you to be concerned with my reputation.\u201d The men headed toward the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Someone needs to be.” Thomas teased his Chosen as he riffled through the refrigerator. Pulling out makings for a sandwich, he wasn\u2019t surprised when Wyatt indicated he wanted the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s Lily and her family arriving?\u201d The psychiatrist prodded while pulling chips out of the pantry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSoon. The contractors are doing some updates to the guest house before they get here. The container with their stuff should be here in a couple of weeks and they\u2019ll fly in after.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The men worked in companionable silence until they were settled at the table. Thomas scanned the room with enhanced senses marking where everyone was in the building.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKapena?\u201d <\/em>Wyatt copied his Vampires actions trying to find what had his Captain<\/em> acting like he was in the middle of an undercover op.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s your workload, Wyatt?\u201d Magnum asked like he wasn\u2019t the boss. Wyatt rolled his eyes taking a bite of his sandwich to keep from making a snarky comment about the obvious. \u201cThe reason I\u2019m asking \u2026\u201d He checked the room again. \u201cI need your help. I need your help as my Chosen One. You can say \u2018no\u2019 and I\u2019ll figure out something else. It\u2019ll nominally involve your family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf it was just me, I\u2019d say \u2018yes\u2019 right now, but you\u2019re talking family, so I\u2019m going to need details.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome to the old offices tonight around 8. This is for your ears only. Any computer work we can\u2019t handle will go through the Sneakers<\/em> crew in the city.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDark eyebrows arched toward his hairline. \u201cWe\u2019re going to handle the computer stuff?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m no Martin Bishop, but I have picked up a few skills over the years. Not just a pretty face, Braxton.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am aware, Kapena<\/em>.\u201d Wyatt leered at him from across the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas had a feeling there would be more to their meeting tonight than work.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

When Wyatt couldn\u2019t find his Kapena<\/em> in any of the rooms that were once the NCIS Special Operations Offices, he headed for the lanai closest to the beach. It was the one place he knew to look when he couldn\u2019t find his<\/em> Vampire. When he told his mother about how he\u2019d become a Chosen One to Thomas Magnum, she had patted him on the cheek and said she was glad to see someone in the family carrying on the tradition. That Thomas always turned to the ocean for comfort was something Wyatt hadn\u2019t yet been able to change. He\u2019d constantly urged his boss to turn to him and the Braxton family, but his <\/em>Captain was a stubborn one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKapena.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPull up a beer, Wyatt.\u201d Magnum waved in the direction of the cooler between the chairs. \u201cLet me preface my next question \u2026 You say no and we\u2019ll finish our beer, enjoy a relaxing evening, and I\u2019ll enjoy a pint of my favorite Braxton. You say yes, we\u2019ll make some plans, have a relaxing evening, and I\u2019ll still enjoy a pint of my favorite Braxton, if you\u2019re amenable, of course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m always on for a relaxing evening and a pint with my Kapena.<\/em> Now tell me about the rest of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Explaining how he wanted to use the Braxton family businesses to keep passive surveillance on Chang. There were several around the area of the Vampire\u2019s base of operation that he had frequented while he was getting moved into his penthouse.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll pass the word along.\u201d Wyatt gave Thomas a mischievous smile. \u201cYou know the ohana loves to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh no.\u201d Magnum shook a finger at his Chosen. \u201cThey are not to do anything but give me copies of any security footage IF Chang comes into their business. They are not to engage him outside of normal parts of their business. Hiroaki Inaba Chang is psychotic and I thought a long time about it before asking you here tonight. I do not want anything happening to your family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing how serious Thomas was about Chang, Wyatt nodded his agreement. \u201cI\u2019ll impress upon the cousins that this is Vampire business and not to be taken lightly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. We thought his target was on the Mainland but some evidence has come to light that Higgins fits the profile more than the Mainlanders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHiggins? Chang must as psychotic as you claim if he\u2019s taking on Higgins. No way I\u2019d even think about pissing that man off.\u201d Wyatt took a drink of his beer. \u201cNow, Kapena<\/em>, that we have business out of the way, don\u2019t you think it\u2019s time we got to the relaxing part of the evening?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hazel eyes blazed green and gold as Thomas reached out to remove the bottle from his Chosen One\u2019s hand. Suddenly feeling hunted Wyatt stood and began backing toward the house. After the third step, he turned and ran for the stairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Always a curious man, Thomas Jefferson once again had all of Higgins’s photographs back in their proper order. The revelations of the past few days had him practically itching to find more information about what happened between Higgins, Chang, and Magnum\u2019s father. His lips twitched up into a grin thinking the story would make a good television show. When he finally makes it to Los Angeles he\u2019ll have to track down Bruce and suggest it to him. His fingers tapped the pile of pictures as he got to thinking about where he could find additional records from the time. The Philippines would be the logical place to look, but he figured all those records were moved when the US gave up its bases there.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trying to remember where he left his phone, he finally found it in the workrooms where Higgins allows him to work on his inventions. Figuring the time difference between Hawai\u2019i and Australia he dialed the number for Steve McGarrett. The Oceania Head of Security promised to send him an email with some resources, paper and electronic. While waiting for his email from Steve, he went in search of Templeton Peck. He found the blond reclined on a chaise with a book watching his Mate splash around the lagoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeck.\u201d The former President settled on the chaise next to Templeton.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJefferson. Something I can help you with?\u201d He placed his book on the side table.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow deep have you delved into Chang?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more being aware of where he is as opposed to what he\u2019s doing. One of the Clan set up a web crawler that keeps track of when and where he travels. He\u2019s kept to his side of the Pacific until now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA computer program?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the man is an elitist, xenophobic throwback to the time of the Japanese Imperial Court. Everyone is a means to the end of him rebuilding the face he lost during a couple of wars. Seems like every time he\u2019s trusted with a POW camp, the inmates take over or escape.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thoughts swirling, Jefferson looked out over the lagoon trying to get them into some semblance of order. Murdock\u2019s antics caught his attention. \u201cIs your Mate trying to catch fish with his bare hands?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A fond smile crossed Peck\u2019s face at Jefferson\u2019s reaction. \u201cNo. He\u2019s playing with Billy.<\/em> They\u2019ll both need extensive clean-up to get all the salt and sand off everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBilly?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. You were in Australia when we came to Sylum. Billy<\/em> is Murdock\u2019s service dog. He keeps him level emotionally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEmotional service dog.\u201d He looked back toward the water and what appeared to be Murdock and something else playing in the water. \u201cAnyway,\u201d he stood, \u201cthanks for your help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe talked about Murdock and Billy<\/em>.\u201d Templeton was confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt helped settle some things that were running around my brain.\u201d Jefferson grinned as he headed back to the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spymasters may know who committed the sins, but the researchers and archivists knew where to find the paperwork. Logging into his email, he sent a request to his fellow Legal Counsel. Magnum wasn\u2019t the only one with a network.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking time to check his Clan email, Thomas smiled when he saw an email from the Shogun\u2019s Archivist\/Librarian, Fukuzawa Yukichi. One of the first things he\u2019d learned at the Naval Academy was to make friends with the paper pushers and bean counters. They were the people that could get you the information to fill out an investigation. With Fukuzawa\u2019s Mate being a historian and Researcher for Shogun, he hoped the attached file had the information to help him fill find out more about Chang. Printing out the file, he stuffed it in his case so he didn\u2019t give into temptation and start reading while he was on the government\u2019s dime.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Going from deep sleep to awake Thomas pulled on a pair of pants and his shoulder holster with his service weapon. Slipping on a pair of moccasins, he eased out the French doors onto the lanai and began looking for whatever had drawn him out of a sound sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

The guesthouse was dark and quiet. Lily, Ryan, and the boys had arrived a week ago right after Peck and Murdock returned to New Orleans, and quickly settled into the routine of the estate. Thomas\u2019 patrol ended at the fence leading to the lagoon. Two scents didn\u2019t belong, and he\u2019d found two sets of footprints that showed they had entered and left by the beach gate. As soon as it was daylight they would be going over everything with a fine-toothed comb to check for sabotage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMagnum?\u201d Higgins’s soft voice came from the shadows along with the panting of Atlas and Kratos.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey entered and left through the beach gate. The guesthouse is secure. I couldn\u2019t find any signs of entry into the garage, the visible alarm sensors may have put them off, but I want the cars checked over before any of them are used. Since it\u2019s Saturday, no one should have to go anywhere until we finish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve talked about securing that gate before. I suppose it\u2019s time.\u201d The Caretaker\u2019s shoulders slumped at the thought of limiting access to the lagoon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBefore you go sealing off the castle walls,\u201d Thomas flashed him a toothy grin, \u201cmaybe we should leave that open. It\u2019s an access point we can control. We can install a few more cameras, and put security on three shifts instead of two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAtlas \u2026 Kratos \u2026 Patrol.\u201d Higgins sent the Dobermans out after warning security they were loose on the grounds. \u201cAre you returning to your suite?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Higgins’s question jarred his senses back to normal as he\u2019d been straining to hear or smell anything out of place. \u201cI won\u2019t go back to sleep, so I think I\u2019ll enjoy the sunrise. I don\u2019t take the time to enjoy it as much as I should. Maybe get my swim in before the rest of the house is up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Several hours later, Magnum rolled the mechanic\u2019s creeper from under Higgins\u2019 Audi. Atlas and Kratos were looking toward the house. \u201cI guess that means Higgins is up.\u201d He chuckled giving each dog an affection pat. \u201cMight as well make a raid on the kitchen for some coffee.\u201d Giving the man\u2019s hand a lick, both dogs took off for the house with Thomas following at a more sedate pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnything?\u201d Higgins handed Magnum a mug of coffee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey couldn\u2019t find the main box for the alarms, so there wasn\u2019t much they could do other than dodge the gate guard and the dogs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI shall be contacting the security company this morning. Are you going into the office?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLily and Ryan need to go to the office, so I told them I\u2019d watch Jackson and Chance. They change so much at this age. I\u2019m glad I\u2019m going to get to share their formative years.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The silence between the men was telling. He knew how many years he\u2019d been on O\u2019ahu and would soon need to make plans for what was next. He knew Tom and Hetty would be full of suggestions, but he needed to decide what he wanted. \u201cI\u2019m going for my swim before the boys are pointed in my direction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching Magnum stride across the yard, Higgins sighed as he refilled his cup. A hand reached down to take the extra cup he had filled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBoy sets his roots deep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou would know.\u201d Higgins prodded. \u201cEfford said they nearly had to use a blasting cap to get you away from that musty mausoleum they turned into a museum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jefferson chuckled into his coffee cup. \u201cTruth. But once I let go it was glorious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think Magnum will soon be leaving the nest.\u201d Higgins’s voice was soft.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid our visitor last night do any damage?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, he thought we would be an easy target.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe that\u2019s what he was supposed to do. Find the estate\u2019s weaknesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHmmm, yes. Thomas and I discussed that in the small hours of the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMust have been before Magnum and the dogs hid out in the garage.\u201d Jefferson teased the Caretaker.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rolling his eyes at the former President, Higgins headed for the kitchen. \u201cLily\u2019s family will soon descend upon us, so I should check on breakfast.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The chaos of breakfast with two pre-teens reminded Jefferson of breakfast at the winery. It made him a little homesick for Adelaide, but he was also excited to see what Lady Rogue was setting up for him in Los Angeles. He\u2019d forgotten how a good hunt of any kind got the blood flowing. He was going to have to stop trying to compete with Magnum. Maybe digging through the rest of Jonathan\u2019s hoard of history would pull together all the pieces of information.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiding in a seldom-used parlor, Thomas groaned as he stretched out on the couch. He didn\u2019t remember Lily having that much energy when she was the age of Jackson and Chance, but maybe boys were different than girls. They swam until they were waterlogged, gone out on the surf skis, and wandered up and down the beach within a mile of the estate. It gave him a chance to watch for signs of where their nocturnal visitors had accessed the beach from the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

He found the boot prints that had entered and left through the beach gate three houses down the beach. The Harrisons were on the mainland for a month visiting their new granddaughter. He\u2019d check out their house after he took a nap. That was his last thought until Atlas licked his face to wake him for supper. Stopping to wash the dog spit off his face, Thomas decided to take an after-dinner stroll and check out the Harrisons house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding no sign that the intruder had done anything other than run through the Harrisons\u2019 yard, Magnum almost jumped in the car to troll some of the Braxton family bars before remembering he promised his grandsons he\u2019d join them for family movie night. There was a smile on his face as he strolled back toward the estate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cursing the 14-hour time difference between Hawai\u2019i and Japan, Jefferson wanted to talk to someone about a theory that had smacked him in the head while he was arguing Japanese culture with Higgins. In truth, the Caretaker was probably right since most of Jefferson\u2019s knowledge was from books, many written by people looking for ways to exploit the \u2018new\u2019 country they discovered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finishing his email to Shogun Clan Researcher, Sima Qian, he went in search of Magnum while wondering if Hetty Lange would poison his tea if he called her this late in the evening. Thankfully, he didn\u2019t have to test Hetty\u2019s patience when Magnum stepped quietly through the French doors of the library.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust the man I was thinking about.\u201d Jefferson proclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously? I thought you were a bit put out with me for being cross with you earlier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBah.\u201d Jefferson waved off the backhanded apology. \u201cI was a bit out of my lane. I just sent an email to Sima Qian, but I wanted to run the questions I asked him by someone with more knowledge of the Japanese culture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m listening.\u201d Seeing the pot of coffee the staff had provided, he poured a cup and got comfortable. Jefferson was a hell of a speaker once he got wound up, and Magnum intended on enjoying a brief look at what made the man an American Founding Father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the big things in Asian culture is \u2026 Or was \u2026 Honor \u2026 Saving face.\u201d At Magnum\u2019s nod, he continued. \u201cNow, we don\u2019t know Chang\u2019s Sire or when he was Turned. We do know that his \u2018family\u2019 was a part of the Imperial Court for many generations. We know from history and experience how hard it is to remain in royal favor for that long. You have to be smart and resilient, and not squeamish about cutting away the parts of the family that can\u2019t carry their weight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom my conversation with Lady Blossom and Katsumoto, Asian culture was particularly ruthless. It\u2019s could be why seppuku was used even by people who were not Samurai. Family honor was everything, and those in Court would be seen as weak if the dishonorable were not dealt with. It\u2019s not like Europeans where they sent their women to the convent, and their men out as part of exploration parties where they would either be a success or die.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight. Let\u2019s speculate a bit, and this is what I asked Sima to research for me. What if Chang is old. We know how easy it was before computers and paper records to be whoever you wanted to be. Chang builds a family and ingratiates himself to the Emperor, coming in every 40 or 50 years as his own descendant. Right now, he has adopted twin girls. Very cultured, educated, traditional but modern. Very sought after on the marriage market because along with building a family, there\u2019s some business he\u2019s built run by the family we don\u2019t know about. He appears and re-appears with an ease that only comes from long experience, power, and money.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJapan is an ancient culture and we don\u2019t know how all the Vampires moved across the world after Viduus. So many of the elder members of Shogun don\u2019t know their Sires like Zi Juan. She only knows \u2018demons\u2019 came through their valley killing most but Turning her. Wars are the perfect hiding places for Vampires \u2026 Rogues and good guys.\u201d Magnum shrugged at the look Jefferson gave him. \u201cWhat? I only play a charming bad boy, I am very good at what I do.\u201d He gave the charming smile that had many spilling their secrets to him over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can see why you\u2019re good at what you do.\u201d Jefferson chuckled feeling like he was getting to know the real Thomas Magnum behind the handsome face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good theory you\u2019ve got. Think we should pass it on to Peck?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Right now it\u2019s just a theory. We don\u2019t have any evidence to substantiate it. Though seems Peck has dropped down Chang\u2019s pecking order. Perhaps we should do our best to erase him from the list. If we\u2019re right, I think we can give him more important things to worry about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed. So, we know he\u2019s used the name Chang and Inaba a lot and developed a reputation as a fixer. So where does a fixer get their information? In our case, we have Sneakers<\/em> and Frankie. We put Chang in Frankie\u2019s place \u2026 Who is his equivalent of Sneakers?<\/em>\u201d Unable to sit still, the Hunter roamed a path through the library collecting his thoughts. \u201cYamaYuki Cyber!\u201d<\/em> He grabbed his phone and dialed. \u201cIt\u2019s Sullivan. You know that project you\u2019re working on for Braxton \u2026 I need you to add YamaYuki Cyber<\/em> to the mix \u2026 Thanks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jefferson watches the tall man prowl the room while his brain worked on his idea. When he started thinking out loud confusion set in when he shouted a name and pulls his phone out of his pocket. Once the call finished, he demanded the Hunter\u2019s attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMagnum!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat!?\u201d He stops his pacing like he\u2019s forgotten anyone else was in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCare to share?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat \u2026 Oh \u2026 Yeah.\u201d He sits across from Jefferson and works to gather his thoughts. Running his hands through his hair pulls it from the ponytail he\u2019s taken to wearing. \u201cOceania\u2019s A-1 fixer is Frankie. Spy, scary SOB, putty in the hands of his Mate. So, we have Chang, who shows up as a fixer for the Yakuza. Freelance, since he still has all his digits. Has all the big boys for the local Yakuza scraping and bowing and hoping he isn\u2019t looking at them \u2026 Just like Frankie.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere does YamaYuki Cyber<\/em> fit into the picture?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was retiring Captain Thomas Magnum and becoming Thomas Sullivan, I worked for Sneakers<\/em>. I remember everyone going gaga over this new cyber security company in Kyoto \u2026 YamaYuki Cyber<\/em>. Sneakers<\/em> competed with them on several contracts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think Chang\u2019s behind the company?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re in Kyoto, Chang flies out of Kyoto on a Yakuza private jet \u2026 Yeah, I think he\u2019s the man behind the curtain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They sat in companionable silence with their thoughts for several minutes. \u201cIt\u2019s time for me to think about sleep and winding down my brain. Higgins keeps the good brandy in his office. Join me for a nightcap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a sly grin, Magnum signals for the former President to precede him out the door. \u201cExcellent idea, Mr. President.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

The next morning both men had an answer from different members of Shogun. Sima was intrigued and would send them information as he found it. Jefferson heard Magnum laughing at something on his phone. He didn\u2019t understand the language he heard from a female voice but he understood the emotion he heard and the male laughter other than Magnum\u2019s coming out of the phone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFind out anything new?\u201d Jefferson asked as they settled at the breakfast table with Lily, Ryan, and the boys.<\/span><\/p>\n

Only that there was something that got by Lady Blossom, and her Mate was having a moment of humor at her expense, which she will make him pay dearly for as soon as she fills the gap in her knowledge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a formidable woman.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no idea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The estate was quiet after Lily and Ryan took the boys with them to make some last-minute checks of equipment for the soft opening they would be leading out to Ka\u2019ala Natural Reserve for a week. It meant they could concentrate on Chang without worrying about Humans getting caught in the crossfire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Searching through the estate, Magnum couldn\u2019t find Higgins. Locating the head housekeeper, he asked if she knew Higgins’s schedule for the day. She gave him the name of one of the many clubs and charities of which Higgins was a member or patron, and that he should be arriving home at any time. After checking with the gate guard, he pulled out his phone and hit number two on the speed dial. When the call went to voicemail, he had the guard watching the cameras to pull up the GPS on Higgins\u2019 Audi. The Hunter was relieved when he realized his Sire was merely running behind schedule. He was irritated that the man had not asked him to ride along with him to his meeting. He knew Higgins could take care of himself and was stubborn as a Missouri mule, but that didn\u2019t mean he shouldn\u2019t take precautions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since Higgins was close, Magnum checked his weapon and took off down the beach. He would check the Harrisons\u2019 house and then wait for Higgins to pass on his way to the estate. Hearing the familiar sound of the Audi, Magnum began scanning the hillside. As Higgins slowed to turn in the gate, Thomas caught the sun flashing off glass. The road was clear of traffic, so he gave a burst of Vampire speed up the hill toward the flash. He was halfway to his target when a shot rang out. Purposely cracking the brush as a distraction, caused the first shot to embed in the stones of the gatepost. He heard the shooter eject the shell casing as they set up another shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking his eye away from where he saw the flash, Magnum saw the panic on the shooter\u2019s face as he saw Magnum bearing down on his position. Letting his hunting instincts reach out to his prey, the man froze like a rabbit under the eyes of a wolf.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time the police arrived, the panicked man had told Magnum everything he knew, which wasn\u2019t much. Everything had been done anonymously over the Internet, and the would-be sniper seemed almost happy to be put in the back of Duke\u2019s police cruiser.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure this guy is a sniper, Brah?\u201d Duke grinned at Magnum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a very short career. Luckily, he only hit the gate post. I\u2019ll make sure your forensic guys find it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake care of Higgins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely. Thanks for everything, Duke. Make sure to put Australia on your vacation plans. Your dad\u2019s friends would be happy to see you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t retire. Who would take care of your people.\u201d Duke gave him a big grin as he settled behind the wheel. Come sign your statement before work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLeave them with the desk Sargeant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Heading for the house to check on Higgins, he paused long enough to check on Mike, the gate guard, and to make sure everything was being collected by the forensic techs. Satisfied, he jogged up to where Higgins was giving his statement. Once the officer had left, Magnum grabbed his Sire up in a hug that lifted the man off his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMAGNUM! You great oaf, unhand me this instant!\u201d Higgins squawked at his Childe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not supposed to be out by yourself.\u201d Magnum growled. As he set his Sire back on his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am quite capable of defending myself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a sniper. If he\u2019d have been a better shot it could have been real ugly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still hearing the growl in Magnum\u2019s voice, and realizing how badly he scared his Childe, Higgins took a breath to settle himself. \u201cI was being mindful and am armed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s time I put a stop to this. Chang \u2026 Inaba \u2026 Whatever he wants to call himself is not making his new home in Hawai\u2019i. Not with my family here. He can pick somewhere else in the Pacific.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He stalked across the yard with his phone in his ear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI say \u2026 Someone is about to have a bad day.\u201d Higgins’s smile was all teeth as he gathered his things from the car.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Staring at his phone, Wyatt wondered what crawled up his boss\u2019 ass and died. Since he was close to the top of the pile and shit rolls downhill, he pulled up his contacts for the team and called the IT tech Thomas approved for their Chang problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLinc \u2026 It\u2019s Wyatt. The Boss is on the warpath, so I need to put a match to the fuse … Thanks, Linc.\u201d Wyatt hoped whatever happened didn\u2019t have Thomas going to war. He didn\u2019t know if O\u2019ahu could survive.<\/span><\/p>\n

The quiet of a Sunday in the Special Projects office was soothing to the anger still coursing through Magnum\u2019s veins. Chang had caused enough pain and trauma to his Vampire family, and the man would either crawl back under his rock or lose his head. Wyatt and Linc had come through for him by cutting down the amount of video he had to scroll through for a look into the life of Hiroaki Inaba Chang.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was close to the end when he saw what he needed. One of the Braxton cousins had inherited a bar in one of Honolulu\u2019s oldest neighborhoods. The locals knew to keep their business outside, but there was Chang big as life trading envelopes with some kid who looked like he should be riding skateboards instead of sitting in a bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

He paused the video wondering how he could use this to get Chang to pack his tent and go back to Kyoto. If the Rogue was as old as they\u2019d speculated, Thomas wasn\u2019t sure he could take on a Vampire that powerful, so he had to be smart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not seeming the type to give up his plans easily, Thomas needed to come up with something that would be effective in the here and now as opposed to whatever happened over 70 years ago. He looked at the picture again and wondered what it was that made Chang make such a blatant move. Could be it was to see who would take the bait. If Thomas confronted him with the video, Chang would probably go after the Cousins for being informants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another question was what was going on with the Overlord<\/em> drug. He didn\u2019t think they had distributed enough to get a good sampling of the market. Maybe the test failed. With so many other street drugs out there that were cheap and easy to make on the Island, there was no reason to go to the expense and hazards of shipping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doodling ideas as he finished watching the rest of the video, Magnum thought he had the beginnings of an idea. Peck and Murdock were safely in New Orleans, having left with the promise of all the information they had gathered on Chang. Now, if he could keep two crotchety Vampires out of the middle of things he might be able to push Chang out of Hawai\u2019I without anyone losing their head. Making a list of things he needed to put in place, Thomas made phone calls to several of the Braxtons to make a few arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n

After supper, Magnum retired to his suite to pack a few things he didn\u2019t keep at his apartment in Honolulu. He\u2019d bought the building off Stephen and Danny while he was transitioning from Thomas Magnum to Thomas Sullivan. It helped with establishing his new identity. Grabbing his duffle and computer bag, he loaded his SUV. After that, he went in search of Higgins to let him know he was going to stay in the city for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMagnum \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need him gone. I don\u2019t want us spending the time he\u2019s in the country looking over our shoulders. This is our home, and Chang is like an invasive weed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI should call Matthew \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need \u2026\u201d Magnum rolled his eyes when keen ears picked up the sound of crotchety Vampire number two trying to sneak up to the door of Higgins’s office. \u201cYou to make any phone calls.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would we need to call the Lead Hunter?\u201d Jefferson poked his head around the corner. \u201cI was just \u2026\u201d He came into the room looking sheepish.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t. I was simply letting Higgins know I\u2019m going to be staying in the city for a few days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Did you find out something about Chang? We can help \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo \u2026 I refuse to have Herbert make the rest of my life miserable because something happened to you.\u201d He shook his finger at Higgins. \u201cAnd Lady Rogue would help him if I ruin her plans.\u201d Magnum chastised the two older men. \u201cYou\u2019re working on a book. Don\u2019t you have things to write, edit, pictures to organize, facts to check?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yes, but \u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do realize this is what I do for a living? That I was a SEAL and a Captain in the Navy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, Thomas, we were not trying to say you\u2019re not perfectly capable.\u201d Jefferson tried to placate the Hunter. His comment was met with raised eyebrows. \u201cWe just worry. We\u2019ve just found out how little we know about Chang.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no intention of crossing swords with the man in the middle of King Street. It\u2019s a psychological, not physical thing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou hope.\u201d Higgins scowled. \u201cI know how ruthless the man can be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah \u2026 Well \u2026 You had Chang, I had Ivan. All soldiers have someone like that in their lives.” Magnum headed for the door. \u201cI\u2019ll be working my day job while I\u2019m tweaking Chang\u2019s pigtails, so I\u2019ll keep you posted.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The drive into Honolulu was spent considering how he wanted to proceed. He wanted Chang\u2019s attention \u2026 subtly. He\u2019d relax tonight, get settled back into his apartment then start spending time in various Braxton family establishments until his fishing expedition caught something.<\/span><\/p>\n

~*~*~*~<\/span><\/p>\n

Monday morning found Magnum reading a file that was going to tie up most of the team investigating some new player in the human smuggling business. This wasn\u2019t the usual groups of Chinese escaping the CCP. Many of the people were coming out of the Middle East, including several on the terrorist watch list.<\/span><\/p>\n

He wrote down a few suggestions for his two Senior Supervisory Agents, Wyatt and Megan before putting it back in the file for his assistant to get to the agents. He was reading through the list of remaining renovations on the armory and gun range when Megan and Wyatt descended on his office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did you hand this off?\u201d Megan had barely settled in the visitor\u2019s chair. Wyatt sprawled in his usual spot with a smirk that told Thomas the psychiatrist\/agent already knew his superior\u2019s reasoning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince Hetty announced her retirement, I have been taking over more of her day-to-day responsibilities. So \u2026 since I\u2019m the new Director, Wyatt will be taking over as Agent In Charge, which means more of the investigative and undercover will fall on your shoulders. Lani with back-up from Wyatt will still be responsible for keeping everyone mostly sane and on an even keel along with Wyatt being AIC.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to need some new agents.\u201d Megan frowned as she mentally rearranged her team\u2019s workload. \u201cPromote Jaxson to a Team Lead, I\u2019ll make Rangi my SFA since she steps in for Jax when he\u2019s out of the office. Then we\u2019ll need a SFA and two agents to fill out Jax\u2019s team.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you get your candidates narrowed down, Wyatt can bring me their files, and we\u2019ll start the process. Let\u2019s locally source our agents if possible. If we can\u2019t find anyone, I\u2019ll cast a bigger net.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it Kapena.<\/em>\u201d Wyatt gave Magnum a two-fingered salute as he pushed up out of his chair and sauntered out of the office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI swear that man gets any more laid back and he\u2019ll slip into a coma.\u201d Megan groused as she gathered her files.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat trait will come in handy now that he\u2019s AIC.\u201d Thomas pointed out. \u201cSend me Jaxson and Rangi and I\u2019ll pass along the news to them, and Jaxson can get started on a more detailed training with Rangi.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill do.\u201d The smile was mischievous as she headed back to her desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

After work, Thomas showered and picked one of his better suits out of his closet with a moue of distaste. He knew he looked good, but he always felt like a Ken doll when he wore a suit.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019d paid a visit to each of the Braxton cousins over the weekend, sans Wyatt, to make a plan of how to contact him should Chang make a reservation or appearance. A text earlier from Emica Braxton Chisaka informed him that Chang had a reservation for three at 9 pm. Emica had taken over the running of her parents\u2019 high-end Japanese restaurant after their retirement. She had remodeled making it look like something out of Tokyo and revamped the menu to match. Many language students from the university used the restaurant as a training ground to improve their Japanese. The restaurant had become a required stop for many Japanese business people visiting O\u2019ahu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling out a black suit,black shirt, and emerald green tie, Thomas checked the time. He could dress, drive to the restaurant, and be established at his table before Chang and his party arrived. He tucked several files on various pieces of real estate he owned and was in the process of deciding the best way to utilize them. He was thinking of corporate rentals. It would provide a stable income, and his property manager could take care of the daily minutia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emica had stopped by his table with a pot of his favorite tea, to let him know she\u2019d already placed his order, and that there would be an email with a video file before he got home. Thanking her for her help and admonishing her to be safe, he settled back to read his file and enjoy his tea. The time he and Hetty had spent at Shogun and her introduction to Takez\u014d Kensei, the Shogun Caretaker had given him a new appreciation of the beverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Savoring his meal, Emica\u2019s familiar scent alerted Thomas she was leading Chang, one of his adopted daughters, and an Asian man who appeared to be in his fifties to a table nearby. Magnum continued his reading as he finished his meal. A fresh pot of tea appeared with dessert, which gave him a reason to linger a while longer. He\u2019d felt Chang\u2019s eyes on him as he\u2019d seated his daughter before taking a seat that was in profile to his booth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas felt Chang\u2019s attention again when he stood, gathering his files to leave. Knowing it would annoy the Vampire to be ignored, he continued as though he was unaware of how close he was to the Rogue.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pattern continued for the next two weeks. Magnum would already be in place when Chang would appear at a place of business, usually a bar or restaurant. He was having a beer at Cousin Cory\u2019s dive bar near the naval base when Wyatt slid his fine ass on the barstool next to him. Chang had left ten minutes earlier after meeting with three men he remembered as being local muscle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cImagine meeting you here, Kapena<\/em>.\u201d Wyatt\u2019s tone was sarcastic. \u201cIf you wanted to bar crawl you should have called me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot bar crawling, smart ass. I\u2019m fishing.\u201d He took a sip of his non-alcoholic beer Cory had served him, giving a wink as he set it down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFishing. You have your hunting grounds. No need to be trolling strange waters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot that kind of fishing. Possessive much, Wyatt?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t step out with other Vampires, Kapena \u2026<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Wyatt\u2019s anger over the possibility that Thomas might be feeding elsewhere sparked his Vampire, and soon Wyatt Braxton found himself practically shoved in Magnum\u2019s SUV. When he woke the next morning in Thomas\u2019 apartment, there was a very smug expression on his handsome face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProud of yourself?\u201d Thomas offered a cup of coffee to his Chosen One.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery. Imagine my surprise when I questioned your security detail and found out that you haven\u2019t been using them for the past two weeks. When I went to the estate to talk to you, I got a second surprise when Higgins said you were playing Bait the Rogue<\/em> with Chang.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and I don\u2019t need my favorite Chosen One in the line of fire if my plan goes sideways.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is your plan?\u201d He sat cross-legged in the middle of the California king bed scowling at his boss.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTease, irritate, and piss off Chang until he initiates a conversation. Convince him that the Rogue to Hunter ratio of the Islands is not in his favor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like that?\u201d Wyatt scoffed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can be very persuasive, he he\u2019s supposed to be somewhat intelligen.\u201d Magnum took the coffee cup out of Wyatt\u2019s hands as he crawled up the bed to persuade his Chosen One of his persuasiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was six weeks into his ghosting of Chang. He settled into his booth at Emica\u2019s restaurant when all his plans went poof. He glared darkly at his Sire who had plopped his pompous ass in the seat across from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to leave now.\u201d Thomas demanded through clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to come home and see your family.\u201d Emica seeing his predicament brought a pot of Higgins’s preferred tea.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is good to see you again, Mr. Higgins.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t encourage him, Emica. He\u2019s not supposed to be here. He\u2019s supposed to be safe at home \u2026 Behind locked gates.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally, Thomas. One needs to stretch their legs a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTake the Lads for a run down the beach.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bring you the Chef\u2019s Special.\u201d Emica chose to retreat rather than stand between the Sire and Childe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLily asked me to remind you of Jackson\u2019s birthday on Sunday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have called or texted but I don\u2019t need a reminder of my grandson\u2019s birthday. Stop being obtuse and answer my question.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Higgins could answer, Magnum looked up to see Jefferson headed their way. Dropping his chin to his chest in exasperation, he closed his eyes and prayed to anyone listening for patience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou just can\u2019t help yourselves, can you?\u201d Hazel eyes blazed green as he fought to rein in his anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat. We wanted some excellent Japanese food, and the Internet says this place is the best.\u201d Jefferson smirked at the younger Vampire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTaking care of Rogues is literally my job both as an occupation and a Vampire. Now, either I\u2019m qualified for that job, or Matthew and all my other mentors were negligent in allowing me out of Australia.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Both men started talking at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got this all wrong, my boy.\u201d Came from Jefferson.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know better, Thomas.\u201d Higgins insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

The whole fiasco was compounded when Chang chose that moment to walk in the door. Thomas was armed with his service weapon, but his sword was in his car. He had his weapon drawn and hidden under the table as Chang approached.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGentlemen. While it is not a surprise to see Mr. Magnum here, I am surprised to see the Sergeant Major and friend.\u201d The three men kept their expressions bland. \u201cGive me a moment to speak with the proprietress to secure us a private room where we might speak freely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAgreed.\u201d Magnum spoke up glaring at the older men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe we have much to discuss.\u201d Higgins glared right back at his Childe.<\/span><\/p>\n

They all followed Emica into a private dining room the wait staff had prepared with meals and drinks for the four men.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will personally see to your needs this evening. I will return shortly with refills and dessert.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, Emica. Please assure your cousin I\u2019ll be late but everything is under control.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI will, Thomas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould that be one of your colleagues, Mr. Magnum?\u201d Chang asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s one of my Chosen Ones that I made plans to meet after my meal. I simply wanted to let him know of my change in plans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you always give your food such consideration?\u201d The former General\u2019s tone was snide.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich do you prefer these days \u2026 Chang or Inaba?\u201d It was Thomas\u2019 turn to be snotty.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTouche, Mr. Magnum. At the present, I am Hiroaki Inaba. I am well acquainted with Sargeant Major Higgins and Lt. Magnum, but I do not know you, Sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Actually, I\u2019m Thomas Sullivan, and this is Thomas Jefferson.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t one of your Presidents named Jefferson?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt your service, Good Sir.\u201d Jefferson pulled out his best gentlemen farmer manners.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that we know each other\u2019s names, why are you in Hawai\u2019i?\u201d Magnum went straight to the point.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Looking for a new home.\u201d Inaba\u2019s answer was innocent but his expression was sly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs a fixer for the Yakuza?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a slight paling on Inaba\u2019s face, but he kept his cool. \u201cI help businesses that are having problems find solutions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd why would a man try to shoot me as I entered my home?\u201d Higgins leaned back in his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA man lives long enough, he collects enemies. A problem to be fixed.\u201d Chang\u2019s smile was all teeth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am a simple Caretaker.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd once you passed yourself off as a simple aide-de-camp, and I paid the price.\u201d Chang practically hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a time of war. It was our duty to escape. It didn\u2019t seem to slow your progress since you reappeared in the same situation as a General during Vietnam. Also torturing our brethren. Perhaps you should consider professional help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn underappreciated art. One that takes years of practice. You, Mr. Higgins, have been the cause of many setbacks in my career.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what are your intentions, Chang?\u201d Jefferson pushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIdeally, I kill Misters Higgins, Magnum, Peck, and his companions the escaped my camps. Thus my honor would be restored, but there is no one left alive who remembers when I lost face. So, I would be attempting to kill several fine upstanding members of the Clans, and have all the Clans\u2019 Hunters after my head \u2026 Or I can live my life, build my fortune, and let you all wonder if and when I will come for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s that psychological warfare worked for you so far? There was a report on the news today about a human trafficking ring put out of business yesterday. They didn\u2019t catch the top of the food chain, but these things take time.\u201d Jefferson pushed back his teacup ignoring the look outrage on Chang\u2019s face. \u201cI think I could do with a nice brandy. Maybe a cigar. Thomas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like a wonderful idea, Thomas. I think that the psych game works both ways, Mr. Inaba. Good choice on the name. Chang is so \u2026 Plebian. You made a mistake crawling out from under your rock. Now we have a hook, we can ping your ass like a prize poodle.\u201d Magnum stood to his full 6 foot 4 inches. \u201cIn the modern world, you have to work smarter. Gentlemen, going my way?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are.\u201d Higgins directed Jefferson out the door in front of him. Knowing the former President, he\u2019d want to interview Chang for Higgins’s book if they didn\u2019t push him out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once the two men were out the door of the private room, Magnum turned back to Chang. \u201cYou should think about moving your family back to Japan. I don\u2019t think the Islands are big enough for your family and mine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you threatening me, Mr. Sullivan?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo threats, Mr. Inaba, simple friendly advice from one father to another. Children are so important to the future. Something you just can\u2019t put a price on. Aloha, Mr. Inaba.\u201d Thomas began to walk away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Sullivan.\u201d Thomas looked back over his shoulder. \u201cIs that your birth name for you truly look like Mr. Higgins’s fellow prisoner, Lt. Magnum.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe name my parents gave me is Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV.\u201d With a boyish smile and a waggle of his eyebrows, Thomas walked out of the restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

The monster under the bed had been reduced to a dust bunny \u2026 For now.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Magnum Finds His Zen \u2013 Another Day In Paradise Characters: Thomas Magnum, Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, Thomas Jefferson, Chang, Oceania Clan Members, Sylum Clan Members, Original Characters Rating: PG-13 Summary: A picture from a collection of World War II photos, found by a former President begins an investigation that …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[184,1049,137,66],"tags":[1045,1050,591],"class_list":["post-20492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-side-stories","category-sylum-advent-2022","category-sylum-events","category-sylum-stories","tag-story-another-day-in-paradise","tag-sylum-advent-2022","tag-writer-yanzadracan"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2Da1M-5kw","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":19845,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/seven-days-of-summer-2022-day-two\/","url_meta":{"origin":20492,"position":0},"title":"Seven Days of Summer 2022: Day Two","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 2, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: Another Day In Paradise Author: Paula Cas | Characters: Thomas Magnum, Henrietta Lange, Jonathan Quayle Higgins III\/Herbert Westminster, Thomas Jefferson, Members of Oceania Clan, Original Background Characters Rating: PG-13 Summary: A picture from a collection of World War II photos, found by a former President begins an investigation that\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Seven Days of Summer: 2022"","block_context":{"text":"Seven Days of Summer: 2022","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/category\/sylum-events\/seven-days-of-summer-2022\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/banner-AnotherDayInParadise.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":19340,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/sylum-inspiration-thomas-magnum\/","url_meta":{"origin":20492,"position":1},"title":"Sylum Inspiration: Thomas Magnum","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"February 7, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Oceania: Hunter \u00a0 Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV was born 1944. Both his father and grandfather were naval officers. He was born in Detroit, but raised in the region of Tidewater, Virginia. In high school, his football team won a Virginia State football championship. Some members of his family, including his\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Character Introduction"","block_context":{"text":"Character Introduction","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/category\/character-introduction\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sylum_magnum-without-name-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":19851,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/sylum-inspiration-thomas-magnum-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":20492,"position":2},"title":"Sylum Inspiration: Thomas Magnum","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 4, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Oceania: Hunter \u00a0 Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV was born 1944. Both his father and grandfather were naval officers. He was born in Detroit, but raised in the region of Tidewater, Virginia. In high school, his football team won a Virginia State football championship. Some members of his family, including his\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Character Introduction"","block_context":{"text":"Character Introduction","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/category\/character-introduction\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sylum_magnum-without-name.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":9585,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/sylum-advent-2017-december-19th\/","url_meta":{"origin":20492,"position":3},"title":"Sylum Advent 2017: December 19th","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"December 19, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"*** Title: A Scribe\u2019s Tale \u2013 Queen Moussette Author: Paula Cas Rating: PG Characters\/Pairings: Queen Moussette; Dilios\/Robert Muldoon; Nicolaus Meridius\/Warrick Calhoun; Shepsit Hemet Amun-Ra\/Nefertiri; Clarissa Barton; Original Characters; Members of Sylum Clan, Tallikut and Vampire Council Summary: With so many new Vampires in the Clans, it\u2019s almost impossible for a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sylum Advent: 2017"","block_context":{"text":"Sylum Advent: 2017","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/category\/sylum-events\/sylum-advent-2017\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bar-banner_advent2017.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15415,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/sylum-advent-2019-day-eleven\/","url_meta":{"origin":20492,"position":4},"title":"Sylum Advent 2019: Day Eleven","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"December 11, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: As he lay dying on the floor of the Triad warehouse, Peter\u2019s only regret that he never told his partner of his feelings. Maybe in his next life. His next life came sooner than he thought, so he holds tight to the only calm in a sea of chaos.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sylum Advent: 2019"","block_context":{"text":"Sylum Advent: 2019","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/category\/sylum-events\/sylum-advent-2019\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/taibhrigh-TranquilityAmongChaos-final.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6185,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/sylum-advent-2016-december-11th\/","url_meta":{"origin":20492,"position":5},"title":"Sylum Advent 2016: December 11th","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"December 11, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: A Place For Those Not Seen and Voices Unheard Author: Paula Cas Characters: Jeremiah Parks, Ray Kowalski, Javier Esposito, Eric \u2018Blade\u2019 Brooks, Lady Heather, Evelyn Callahan, Benton Fraser, Ray Vecchio, Peter Parker, Alexandra Eames, Robert Goren, Tallikut Clan members, Sylum Clan members, Original Characters Rating: PG-13 Summary: When Jeremiah\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Sylum Advent: 2016"","block_context":{"text":"Sylum Advent: 2016","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/category\/sylum-events\/sylum-advent-2016\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"bar-banner_advent2016","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/bar-banner_advent2016.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20492","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20492"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20492\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}