Chapter 25: When It Rains It Pours

           The next day, Grey and Ritchie watches TV and waits for the news to come on as they eagerly await to find out the latest development on the killing of the young cop inside the bottling factory last night. "Will you try and calm down?!...", says Ritchie, "You've been floating back and forth for hours when you should be in bed right now. You're just wasting more energy, and not to mention more of your JK4 drug by remaining in your armor....". Grey floating upside down as he was leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest nervously grunts then says, "Ahhh!, I just can't seem to find any peace of mind. One of those cops killed that young cop last night and was putting the blame on me. I've been framed Ritch!.....That dirty cop accused me of murder which he himself committed, how would you feel if you were in my shoes?....".

          Ritchie was speechless as he sits and leans on their sofa with a look of worry on his face, when suddenly the news on TV comes on, "Good morning America, thanks for tuning in to USNN News.....And now for our top story of the day......Last night a twenty year old Vallejo police officer was slain inside a bottling factory in the city of Vallejo in California. Police investigators say that Officer Alan Francis, a rookie police officer was shot behind his head at point-blank range by a suspect who is known as the "Mysterious Knight". And who before last night was regarded by the public as a super hero crime fighter, we interviewed Officer Dodge Cheney who was in tears and had refused to go on camera about the details of the murder. In between sobs, Officer Cheney detailed to us how while they were investigating a possible break in inside the"Busche Bottling Factory", he saw the "Mysterious Knight" suddenly appear out of nowhere as he aimed a gun behind his rookie police partner's head, then quickly pulled the trigger, killing his partner execution style. Officer Cheney also says that the sudden ambush shocked him and that by the time he came to his senses, the "Mysterious Knight" had disappeared. Officer Cheney also mentioned that he and another police officer named, Officer Dumbspell searched the whole factory after they called for more backup, but could not find the killer. The Vallejo Police is asking for your help, if you know this suspect and his whereabouts, please contact the number on the bottom of your TV screen.....And now for other news, the....". (click)

        Ritchie turns off the TV as he stares out their living room window, "What are we gonna do?....", asks Ritchie, "We're in deep trouble....That's it for me!....I'm done playing super hero, I got to find a way to burn my Batman costume without leaving any traces of ashes.....What about you, what are you gonna do?!...". Grey floats back upright as he gently settles into a chair, "First thing's first...", says Grey, "I'm down to my last inhaler, I need to get more from Dr. Kane....". Not having the courage to inform Dr. Peters yet about the trouble that they were in, Grey decides to first give Dr. Kane a phone call in order to ask for more JK4 inhalers and to also ask for his advice. And after Grey tells Dr. Kane of everything that had happened the night before. Dr. Kane reassures Grey that everything will be alright and reminds Grey to practice the art of being "Stoic" at all times, no matter how bad the situation was. He also tells Grey to meet him at his Oaknoll Research laboratory in Oakland California before midnight so that they can discuss and assess Grey's situation and hopefully find a solution.

       (Budget Motel, Denver Colorado)

        It was later in the afternoon when Sgt. Nick Holt saw the same news about the assassination of his rookie partner, Alan Francis. With an overwhelming feeling of emotional numbness encompassing him, it became a struggle to enjoy the elegant dinner he shared with his ex-wife and kids in celebrating his son's college graduation the following day. After returning to his motel that night, he stayed up thinking for hours and was trapped in a deep dilemma.

       As he lies in bed and stares at the ceiling, he recalls the news report detailing how Officer Cheney was in tears after the murder of Officer Francis. Having known and worked with both Officers Cheney and Dumbspell for 27 years in the Vallejo Police department, he was well aware that both officers were two of the most notorious, dishonest and corrupt police officers he had ever known in the police force. Hearing that Officer Cheney was in tears while giving an interview infuriates Sgt Holt knowing that Cheney's weeping was nothing more than an act. Officer Cheney was the type of person who did not care about anybody but himself. He loved water boarding innocent civilians and making them confess crimes that they never committed, while Officer Dumbspell was the most distrustful and manipulative person he ever knew, always enjoys torturing innocent civilians because he doesn't think that torture is illegal under the United States Constitution.

        As Sgt Holt's thoughts shift to the "Mysterious Knight", he believes that the chance of the knight killing a police officer was rather improbable if not impossible. Given the fact that with the surveillance photographs he studied showing the mysterious knight battling criminal gangs, not once did he see the knight use his sword or any other type of deadly weapon in delivering lethality to his enemies. "If he refrains from killing criminals even when he was outnumbered ten to one, then it just wouldn't make sense for him to kill a cop, specially a conscientious, diligent and an honest cop like Officer Alan Francis....", he thought to himself. Turning in his bed as he faces the lamp stand, he sadly begins to realize that he'll need to cut his vacation short. Knowing that he needs to get back to work in order to start his own investigation before the police finds and kills the "Mysterious Knight", whom he thinks might be innocent in the murder of his rookie partner. Turning his thoughts to his ex-wife and kids, he starts to feel some heaviness in his heart knowing that leaving them abruptly would once again open deep scars of abandonment which was the original reason for their family's  past break up.

       (Oaknoll Research Laboratory, Oakland California)

      Later that night, it was close to midnight when Grey and Ritchie finally meets up with Dr. Kane in his laboratory. After parking in the building's basement parking garage, Ritchie who was wearing plain clothes,  decides to just stay in the truck in order to hasten their escape if ever the police shows up. As Dr. Kane welcomes Grey inside his laboratory, he quickly asks, "I know what the red cross on your shield stands for, but what's with the red "X" mark on your breastplate?...". Grey rolls his eyes and sigh's deeply as he says, "Don't ask....".

       After entering through the laboratory's main doors, Grey looks around at the total disarray of the facility's appearance. "I'm sorry for the mess...", says Dr. Kane, "I'm in the middle of refurnishing the whole place with new lab equipments and state of the art electronic research computers, not to mention the fresh new coat of paint on the walls....I recently received a large monetary grant, so I decided to do a total renovation of this place, I gave my staff a two week paid vacation while the renovations are ongoing...". Looking around at the clutter, Grey takes off his knight's helmet and says, "So this is why you've been so busy lately....You've been doing some redecorating huh?!....". Dr. Kane glances at Grey's mud stained crimson colored cape that had several bullet holes on it as he asks, "Are those bullet holes?, Are you hurt?....". Grey sigh's then says, "I'm Ok, bullets don't penetrate this titanium armor.....Hey listen, can I have more of your inhalers?....". Dr. Kane starts to walk towards his office while he unbuttons his white lab coat and as he pushes up his eyeglasses to his face quickly says, "Sure, of course.....I'll give you five more, that should last you a couple of weeks at least.....".

       After two minutes had passed, Dr. Kane comes out of his office and hands Grey five JK4 inhalers. And as Grey was putting them inside his back pack, Dr. Kane pulls up two chairs, "Grey, we need to talk....", says Dr. Kane," I know that you said that you were framed by a dirty cop.....What's your plan?....You can't run forever you know....". Grey sits on a wooden chair looking discouraged and hopeless as he replies, "I don't know Doc.....I'll figure something out as I go, I guess....". Dr. Kane stares at Grey, then after a few moments, he closes his eyes, and as he stands erect, he lifts his arms to his sides, parallel to the ground and takes a deep breath. And to Grey's surprise, everything around them starts to levitate in the air, including the chair he was sitting on. Looking around the laboratory, Grey was astonished at the hundreds of objects that were floating in the air, both large and small, heavy and light. "Wow!, that's amazing Doc....I didn't know you had this much power in you?!....". Dr. Kane slowly opens his eyes, and as he gently lowers his arms, it makes all the objects that were floating slowly and gradually return to the ground.

      Looking intently at Grey, Dr. Kane realizes that this was the perfect time to introduce Grey to his super  powers. "That's the secret power of the JK4 serum....", says Dr. Kane, " It has the ability to create a mind over matter effect which you're already aware of....Do you know that us humans only use 7% of our brain's capacity?....What the JK4 serum does is that it taps into the hidden powers that are dormant in the deep recesses of our minds......For you, you're able to suspend titanium metals in midair......It's different for everyone, for me, I have two super powers. The first is Psychokinesis, which is a phenomenon that  contradicts the laws of physics, with the power of my mind, I can control the physical world. As you just witnessed, I'm able to suspend objects in midair, I can also use my mind into bending metals. I can crush you inside that armor of yours if I wanted to....". Dr. Kane quickly smiles as he see's the terrified look on Grey's face as he says, "I'm just joking.....I'm not gonna crush you...".

          And as Dr. Kane paces the floor he continues saying, "The second super power I have is the power of teleportation....Now you see me...". Suddenly Dr. Kane vanishes from Grey's sight and as Grey looks around, he hears Dr. Kane's voice say, "Now you don't....". And after a few seconds, Dr. Kane reemerges behind Grey which startles Grey, "Geez!, don't ever do that to me again!....",shouts Grey as he places his hand over his breastplate, "You're gonna give me a heart attack!....". Dr. Kane sneers as he explains how he can instantaneously dematerialize from one place and reappear at a different place of his choosing. Grey scratches his head asking, "But how come I could hear your voice but not see you, are you able to be invisible too?....". Dr. Kane smiles once more as he explains that when he reappears at a location after teleporting, it takes time for his physical body to materialize even though he has reached his destination which explains his ability to verbally communicate even before his body becomes visible to the human eye.

          Dr. Kane sits back down at a wooden chair facing Grey. "You've heard the cliche that goes "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility".....", says a smiling Dr. Kane, "That's a bunch of bull crap....The truth is that "With Great Super Powers Comes Great Opportunities"....What I'm saying is if we join together as teammates and join forces, and add ten to twenty more members with super powers like ours, we can create a group of super heroes....Nobody will be able to stop us, not even the police, the intelligence community nor the military. Our goal will be to eliminate the scum of society, We will be society's judge, jury and executioner. We will put an end to the senseless crimes that plague our society, and we can start by killing all convicted drunk drivers....". Grey was aghast at what he was hearing as he was witnessing a darker side of Dr. Kane's personality that he never knew existed. "I don't think that we should be taking the law into our own hands....", Grey says, "That's why we have law enforcement in society....".

       Dr. Kane suddenly stands up looking visibly upset as he paces the floor with his hands clenched in fists of rage. "Law enforcement?!.....Then where was the police on the night when a drunk driver took the lives of my wife and daughter huh?!....The man who killed my family had a history of multiple drunk driving convictions!....If the laws in our society were efficient, then my family should still be alive right now!....". Grey starts to feel anxious as he watches Dr. Kane swipe at the tears in his eyes with his forearm and says, "You and I, we have something in common. And it is that we are both victims of drunk drivers!....". Grey looking puzzled by what he just heard shifts uneasily in his seat as Dr. Kane tells him everything he knows about the truth of Grey's accident. For the next twenty minutes, Dr. Kane details the whole deception that police detective Ted Cross did in order to evade a drunk driving conviction and instead made Grey appear to be the one who was driving drunk the night he got paralyzed from the car accident. Dr. Kane also played a secret voice recording that has police detective Ted Cross proudly boasting to a colleague over the phone about how smart he was in evading arrest from drunk driving, how he tampered with the evidence, even fabricating false laboratory reports showing that Grey had a high blood alcohol level, and finally how he made money off Grey by suing him for being the one who was driving drunk.

         Grey looked frantic after he finished listening to the secret tape recording, with his heart rate racing, he started to feel a surge of different types of emotions that started to swirl inside of him. And in a matter of seconds he suddenly realizes that he was already hyperventilating. He was starting to feel as if his world was suddenly turned upside down, with all of the peace, acceptance and rationality in his mind have now came crumbling down. He was now in the eye of an emotional storm, a storm that was ready to destroy without limits nor mercy. And just when his anger was about to surge uncontrollably, Grey suddenly felt Dr. Kane's hand grasp his right gauntlet. "Control yourself Grey!...get a hold of your emotions.....stay stoic.....". Dr. Kane then reminds Grey that he still had much to learn in controlling his emotions which was his weakness. "Join me Grey, and I'll train you on how to control your emotions of anger, fear, excitement, joy, sadness and love....These are the emotions that will drain the strength out of you if you don't learn how to control them....". And as Grey's breathing and pulse rate slowly returns to normal, he was able to clear his mind as he starts focusing more on the basic Christian beliefs and teachings that he treasured most in his inner self. "I'm sorry Dr. Kane, but I don't share the same beliefs that you do...", says Grey, "I don't think I can kill drunk drivers or any other criminals...".

         Dr. Kane feeling dismayed, quickly wraps his right hand around Grey's left titanium arm guard and before Grey knew it, Dr. Kane teleports them both inside the house of police detective Ted Cross. Gasping from fear, Grey suddenly falls to the floor as he looks around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Dr. Kane stands over him saying, "Do you know where we are?....We're in the living room of detective Ted Cross, the drunk driver who caused your paralysis.....". still seated on the floor, Grey looks around in the darkness and see's different furnitures and a wall clock that shows the time which was already 01:35 AM. Dr. Kane places his hands on his hips and says, "I brought you here to hopefully convince you why scums like detective Cross should be punished.....". Dr. Kane gazes at Grey's fearful appearance and says, "Wait here, I'll go wake up the detective and in about a minute or two, you can join us upstairs to hear his final confession....". Grey hears Dr. Kane's sinister laugh and in an instant, Dr. Kane disappears.

        After a few seconds had passed, Grey starts hearing multiple sounds of excessive banging,rumbling, thumping and a few loud thuds on the upper floor of the house. With deep feelings of ambivalence, Grey finally forces himself to follow the source of the loud sounds. Floating upstairs, Grey opens a bedroom door and see's a man pinned to the bedroom wall with his arms outstretched to his sides looking as if he was being crucified. His white sweater had blood stains from the constant dripping of blood from his nostrils and around his lacerated lips. Grey then glances at Dr. Kane who had his right arm outstretched as if he was controlling an invisible force that was keeping the bleeding detective pinned to the wall. With Dr. Kane's face in a controlled rage, he shouts, "This is the man who took your life away Grey!....". Grey slowly floats as he advances closer towards the bed, and as he pushes up his knight's visor, he sees the detective's eyes become bigger. Dr. Kane sneers and says, "You see?!...our detective here still recognizes you, don't you Ted?!....".

       Detective Cross breathing hard suddenly coughs up blood then says, "Hey!, look...we can fix this man!....Let's work something out!....", detective Cross nervously smiles then says, "I can pay you....twenty....thirty grand!....It doesn't have to be this way!...". Grey gasps in surprise, feeling appalled at what he's hearing, as he levitates even closer to a distance of about two feet from the detective. "How could you have done this to me?....", asks Grey as his heart starts to pound harder and faster once again, "You ruined my life, my future, my hope of marrying the only woman that I've ever loved, my chance of being a family man someday is gone forever!...". Detective Cross tries to desperately struggle from the invisible force that was holding  him to the wall as he says, "It's nothing personal man!...I didn't even think that you would survive that crash.....I've got a career and a reputation to protect you know!...I'm a police detective and you both better get out of here before my friends arrive, you're both assaulting a police officer, you know that?!.....".

       Unaware of his escalating emotions, Grey could not control his fists from clenching tightly as his mind starts to wrestle between reason and rage. "What are you waiting for?!....", asks Dr. Kane, "Pull out your sword and cut his head off!....Cut him down to pieces!, you deserve it after everything he had done to you!....". And as Grey floats even more closer to the detective, and feeling as if his blood was boiling over and his anger turning into pure flames of fury, he raises his right fist as he prepares to strike, but before he throws that final blow, he starts to feel a part of his conscience desperately reason out to him, pleading for any traces of mercy that might still be present somewhere in his soul. But suddenly, he ignites, and in an instant, his right fist thrusts forward with such speed and destructive force that it could only be compared to a wrecking ball that blasts through a condemned building. And when detective Cross opens his eyes, he see's a cloud of dust surrounding his face then see's Grey's right arm protruding through his bedroom wall, one inch away from his face. And as the dusts settles, Grey pulls out his arm from the massive hole in the wall.

         Feeling a sudden surge of weakness, Grey backs up and falls on his hands and knees, "I can't do it!....", says Grey as his vision starts to blur and his arms and legs start to quiver from the uncontrolled emotions that were lowering the concentration of the JK4 serum in his blood stream.

      Dr. Kane feeling disgusted at Grey, walks towards him and kicks him on his right hip as Grey rolls over  to his back. "You're nothing but a coward!....spineless and heartless.....You do deserve to be paralyzed....And now since you refused to team up with me, I will make your life even more miserable....". Dr. Kane grabs detective Cross's bedside phone and dials 911 as he places the phone at the detective's ear. "Tell the police that there is a knight inside your house who wants to kill you...", says Dr. Kane, "Say it and I'll let you live!....". And as the 911 operator comes on the other line, "This is detective Cross!....send police units at my address, 450 Tennessee street now!, there's a man dressed as a knight inside my house who wants to kill me!...Hurry! Please!....". And after Dr. Kane hangs up the phone, he stares at the detective's bloody face for the last time then turns around and unsheathes Grey's sword, and after a second, Dr. Kane thrusts Grey's Alemdronite sword through the detective's abdomen killing him instantly. Dr. Kane then pulls Grey's back pack away from him and takes all five of the JK4 inhalers that he earlier gave Grey as he says, "Farewell my friend, looks like you killed another police officer....And with no more JK4 inhalers left, let's see how far you can run from the police....". And as Dr. Kane starts to hear faint sounds of police sirens blaring from a distance, he laughs hard and in an instant vanishes as he teleports himself away from the detective's house leaving Grey in a weakened state at the scene of the crime.

     With feelings of increasing generalized weakness, heaviness and sluggishness, Grey rolls to his stomach and crawls until he reaches his back pack. Searching through it's side pockets, he felt relieved to see that he still had his original JK4 inhaler which he had been using before he arrived to meet with Dr. Kane that night. After taking two inhalations from the half filled inhaler, Grey realizes that unless he starts blocking the fear, nervousness, frustration and anger that continues to permeate through his mind, that he would soon end up in his quadriplegic state. And even though the sounds of police sirens were gradually getting louder by the  second, he starts to tell himself to relax in order to preserve the concentration of the JK4 serum he just inhaled in his system which was his last hope of preventing a total loss of strength and movement below his neck. But then, in a span of two minutes, a police car reaches detective Cross's house as two police officers rushes towards the front door with their guns pulled out. Kicking the door in, the two officers slowly, systematically and carefully make their way through the whole lower level of the house as they try to find the suspect and the victim.

       Making their way upstairs, they quickly see an open bedroom door. And as they go in, they gaze at the lifeless and bloodied police detective that was pinned by a sword to the wall. Shifting their gaze to the floor, they quickly see a knight that was on his hands and knees, and that was struggling to get up. With their guns both pointed at Grey, they call out shouting, "Freeze! don't move, this is the police!....". Seeing that Grey was not paying any attention to them. They open fire, "Bang!...bang!...bang!...", as bullets hits Grey's armor then ricochet's off of it, which makes Grey flinch. Finally getting to his feet, and dreading more of the reverberating loudness of bullets hitting his armor, Grey holds up his shield which deflects more bullets away from him. Not wanting to leave his Alemdronite sword as evidence for the police that might be traced to Dr. Peters, Grey  quickly pulls out the blood soaked stained sword from the dead detective as he heads towards the window.

      And in a matter of seconds, Grey was falling twenty feet in the air with hundreds of window glass fragments following him down to earth. Then after a second, Grey falls on his back with a loud thud. Squirming around from the muscle and bone pain he was feeling, he tells himself to be thankful that he still has some sensory feelings left below his neck. And as more police cars arrive, Grey finally gets enough strength to stand unsteadily on his feet and after another two seconds of trying to establish his balance, he gets to stagger away into the darkness of the night, distancing himself from detective Cross's house which was now overflowing with police officers who were all searching for him inside, around the perimeter of the house and all over the neighborhood.

     (Internal Affairs Bureau, Law Enforcement Division, Vallejo, California)

       Two days later, Sgt Nick Holt pays a visit to the department of Internal Affairs which is a division of the Vallejo Police Department that investigates allegations of misconduct by members of the Vallejo Police Department. After entering the building, Sgt. Holt approaches the information desk and tells the officer in charge that he wants to speak with Captain Noel Panels who is one of the senior police investigators of the bureau. Not having an appointment that day, Sgt. Holt was asked to have a seat at the waiting room while the officer in charge informs Captain Panels of Sgt. Holt's unexpected visit.

      After a five minute wait, Captain Panel's second in command, Lieutenant Jason Sy comes out to meet Sgt. Holt. "It's been a long time...", says Lt. Jason Sy as he extends his hand with a smile, "I just wished that you had an appointment to see the Captain.....Our schedule is loaded for the whole day but Captain Panels says he can give you five minutes of his time....". Sgt Holt shakes Lt. Sy's hand then says, "That's all I need...", as they both proceed towards Captain Panel's office.

     Entering the office, Sgt. Holt walks towards Captain Panels who was seated behind his office desk. Feeling annoyed at Sgt Holt's unexpected visit, Captain Panels quickly asks, "What can we do for you Nick?...I don't have a lot of time. The agency chief is breathing down our necks and we're late for a meeting with the board of civilian police for the upcoming commissioners conference.....". Sgt Holt stands relaxed in front of Captain Panels as he asks, "I just need you to give me any dirt you have on Officers Dodge Cheney and Ronald Dumbspell....I'm surprised that after their 27 years of service that you guys still haven't pinned them down on their on going criminal activities....".

    Lt. Sy leans against the wall feeling nervous at Sgt. Holt's assertion while Captain Panels leans against his leather office chair feeling a certain sense of pressure that was starting to rise with each second that passes. "C'mon Nick, you know we can't divulge any information to you no matter who it's about....You're not authorized, what you're asking for is above your pay grade....".

      Sgt. Holt suddenly feels his temper rising as he points a finger at Captain Panels and says, "You know you and you're sidekick here wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for me!.....I trained you both, damn it!....You were both rookies, fresh out of the academy when I trained you.....And now that you both outrank me, this is the thanks that I get from the both of you?!....". The office was suddenly filled with a tense and eerie silence, and with a look of anger on Sgt Holt's face from not being able to acquire vital information that he desperately needs, he spins around and starts to storm out of the office when he suddenly hears Captain Panels calling out, "Hey Nick!, wait up!....".

      Sgt Holt stops abruptly and turns around as he see's Captain Panels stand up to loosens his neck tie as he says, "We've been investigating the two officers you've mentioned for years now....". Captain Panels glances at Lt Sy then say's, "Nick this is off the record Ok?....Three days before Officer Alan Francis was slain, we discovered that the Sambrolini crime family wired thousands of dollars to two separate offshore accounts at a bank in the Cayman Islands.....That's all I can say....". Sgt Holt shifts his weight unto his right foot as he asks, "Those accounts.... Do they belong to Cheney and Dumbspell?....". Captain Panels grabs his office phone as he blurts out saying, "You figure it out!.....Oh! and if any of what I said gets out of this office, I will deny that we even had this conversation....". Sgt Holt nods feeling satisfied with what he just learned and in a few minutes was back in his car driving in order to gather more clues from a pair of brothers whom he trained to be detectives years ago and who were now both in charge of investigating the "Mysterious Knight", and the two police officers that he allegedly murdered.

      After a few more minutes on the road, Sgt. Holt finds himself stuck in traffic. Pounding his hand on the steering wheel, his thoughts start to drift towards detective Ted Cross's murder. Trying to remember the facts on the report he read a day ago, he couldn't accept the fact that the "Mysterious Knight" was the type to kill. Unfortunately, there was credible visual evidence given by the two officers stating how they saw the knight pull his sword out from the slain detective and then there was the recording of the 911 call by the victim himself who was reporting that the knight was trying to kill him inside his house. "But even if the knight did kill detective Cross, what would be his motive?...", he asks himself," It wasn't theft.....and how could there be no signs of forced entry...The only thing that would make sense is if the Knight happens to be that paralyzed nurse named Grey who for some reason, had found out the injustice that Detective Cross did to him. Which in turn led him to his house to seek revenge.....But that's impossible!, Grey's dead...", Sgt. Holt reminds himself again, "I even saw the death certificate signed by Dr. Peters...Huh!!....".

       Suddenly something turns on inside Nick Holt's head, "Oh! hell!....It was all a ploy....Of all the doctors on earth, it had to be Dr. Peters signature on Grey's death certificate.....You're so damn smart Grey!...You knew I was on to you so you decided to fake your own death and even used your doctor friend to sign your death certificate, complete with a fake burial.....And now that everybody thinks your dead, you finally decide to seek revenge on Detective Cross, killing him for what he did to you!....I got you now Grey!....".

       With Sgt. Holt's pulse rate speeding up, the first thing he did was to contact the Vallejo Police department's Forensic division and to ask their forensic archaeologist to help him through the process of  exhuming the remains of Grey's body in the Holy Cross cemetery, knowing that even if there was a body inside Grey's coffin, Sgt Holt was confident that it would not be Grey's. Still stuck in traffic, he then looses his patience and quickly turns on his police lights and siren as cars in front of him start to part, giving him a clear road towards his next destination.

      It was 01:30 PM when Sgt. Holt reaches the Vallejo Police department, and without any appointment, he decides to charge inside the offices of the Cruz's brothers, the detectives who were the lead criminal investigators on the alleged murder of the two police officers by the "Mysterious Knight". After Sgt Holt enters the building, he quickly makes his way through the lobby and swiftly enters the detectives office without hesitating. Inside the office the Cruz brothers were shocked but not excited to see their former supervisor. "What the hell?!....You just can't come in here unannounced Nick!.., "says Detective Cassidy Cruz, "You have no business being here!....". Detective Cruz's younger brother, Detective Charles Cruz nods in agreement then says, "That's right!....You're not a detective anymore!....".

      Sgt. Nick Holt looking annoyed approaches Detective Cassidy Cruz's desk then slams his hands loudly to get both their attention, "Look, I got no time for your bull shit!....I need you to tell me everything you know about the Knight's case....".The brothers fell silent, feeling intimidated as they glance at each other when finally, Detective Charles start to speak which was abruptly interrupted by his older brother Cassidy, "Don't tell him anything Charles!....", says Detective Cassidy. Sgt. Holt rolls his eyes as he sigh's deeply then says, "May I remind the both of you that I was your training officer during your probationary year as detectives. And even though I think that you were not both qualified, I still passed you!....You wouldn't be here in this position if it wasn't for me!....".

      Detective Charles feeling a massive amount of guilt, turns to his older brother and blurts out saying, "He's right you know, we do owe him a lot!....". Detective Cassidy looking dismayed turns to his younger brother and says, "No!.... We cannot tell him anything, this is an ongoing criminal investigation....And if you ever give him any information behind my back, I will suspend you from the force for two weeks!...I'm not kidding!....". Detective Charles grudgingly answers back saying, "Go ahead and suspend me!...I'll tell mom! and you're gonna be in big trouble!....". Looking exasperated, the older brother answers back saying, "Well I'll tell mom that you're breaking the law!....She won't get mad at me, she'll get mad at you!....".

     Sgt Holt quickly holds up his hands with a look of agitation in his face as he interrupts them saying, "Children!...Please!....Will you two stop what you're doing.....You're in your mid-thirties and you still both sound like you're still in grade school!...Please stop....Just tell me everything you know about the case. I promise to keep it a secret....Cross my heart hope to die, stick a needle in my eye!....". The room was silent for a few seconds as the two detective brothers both felt insulted by Sgt. Holt's sarcasm.

    After a minute had passed, Detective Cassidy takes a deep breath then says, "Ok, we do owe you a lot and you did train us to be good detectives....". Detective Cassidy walks to their filing cabinet and pulls out a brown folder, then after looking through a few pages, he starts giving out information to Sgt. Holt. "Let's start with the killing of your rookie partner, Officer Francis....The Busche bottle factory, which was the scene of the crime....We discovered that the factory is owned by the Sambrolini crime family.....The security surveillance video tape from the Safety Officers room was missing. The security guard that day said that before he left the factory at 05:00 PM, that he was sure that there was a security video that was recording the events inside and outside the factory's perimeter. He also said that he always locks the Safety Officer's room. The weird thing is that when we got there after the murder, we did not find any signs of forced entry in the Safety Officers room, which means that whoever took the video surveillance tape for that day also had a key for that room. And the only other entity who could have had a key to the Safety Officers room besides the security guard would be the management or owners of the factory.

    With Sgt. Holt's eagerness to hear more, he decides to pull up a chair and quickly sits on it. "Ok, what about other surveillance videos from other sources, what I mean is do you have any other videos showing the Knight battling crime around the city?....". Detective Charles takes his turn saying, "We did obtain three videos from three different nights when the "Mysterious Knight " was fighting criminals, one was in front of the shopping mall, another was by a gasoline station and the last one was in front of the city library....". Sgt Holt rubs his chin as he asks, "On any of those videos, does it show the Knight using deadly force, I mean did he ever use a gun or his sword during his battles?.....".

    The two detective brothers glances at each other then Detective Cassidy says, "Not once!....even when he was outnumbered twenty to one and was getting shot at from all directions. Not once did he ever pull out a gun or unsheathe his sword from it's scabbard.....Actually, that's what puzzles us about the death of Detective Cross....The Knight we know just doesn't fit the profile of someone who would torture and fatally stab a police detective...".

       
    Later that evening, it was 08:00 PM when Ritchie was driving Grey's black truck all over the city streets of Vallejo in search for Grey. "Where the hell are you Grey?!...", Ritchie mumbles to himself, "Now you're wanted by the police for killing two cops, what got into you?!....". Ritchie pulls over to the side of a street as he turns on his cell phone and calls Grey's cell phone number for the twentieth time but without success. Feeling deeply frustrated, he slams his hand on the truck's dashboard three times when all of a sudden, he hears a beeping sound coming from the truck's glove compartment. Opening the glove compartment, he see's his underground sewer system's electronic device blinking and beeping. A sudden surge of hope fillls Ritchie's heart knowing that the electronic device was like a GPS that will lead him to Grey. "Why the hell did you wait till now to turn on your electronic homing device Grey...", Ritchie mumbles to himself.

    Ritchie quickly gets back on the road as he follows the directions he was receiving from his electronic homing device. And after 15 minutes of driving, Ritchie arrives at a poorly lighted street in Vallejo's old downtown. Parking the truck near a dark alley, Ritchie continues his search by foot, walking as he holds his electronic  device close to his chest. As the blinking and the beeping begins to quicken, he turns towards the dark dead end alley and as he passes by a large garbage dumpster, he suddenly see's Grey's armored legs sprawled on the ground. Grabbing his flashlight, he approaches Grey who was unconscious beside the large green dumpster. Taking Grey's helmet off, he arouses Grey back to a conscious state, "Hey!, there you are....What the hell happened to you?!....". Grey looking gravely ill, holds up his JK4 inhaler then says, "It's almost empty....".

     Knowing that Grey was being hunted by the police, he was at a quandary on how he could get Grey back to safety. And as Grey falls back into a state of unconsciousness, Ritchie felt tempted to call Dr. Peters. But since he did not want Dr. Peters to be implicated in the mess they were in, he decided to wait until he was totally desperate. Looking around the dark and grimy alley, he takes a few deep breathes, "Think Ritchie!...Think!....", as he mumbles to himself again. Then, remembering that the only way to get Grey's strength back was to provide him with his JK4 drug, he quickly takes Grey's back pack off his back as he quickly searches for any other JK4 inhalers that might be stored inside his back pack. But after rummaging through a few pieces of unused diapers, a half filled water bottle and urinary leg bag, the only thing he found was a calling card that had Sgt. Nick Holt's cell phone number on it.

      Ritchie then remembers the time when Sgt. Holt visited them in their apartment, totally convinced that Grey was the "Mysterious Knight". He also remembers how Sgt. Holt offered Grey his help in clearing his name. Running out of options, Ritchie decides to contact Sgt. Holt. After Ritchie dials Sgt. Holt's cell phone number, Sgt Holt answers his phone saying, "Holt here....". Ritchie then stammers saying "This is oh!, ahmm, Rit..Ritchie Bonifacio...ahmm, Grey's friend.....I..I..We need your help Mr. Holt....". Sgt. Holt drops his  coffee on his office table and says, "Where is he?!....". Ritchie starts to give Sgt. Holt their location and after 20 minutes of waiting. Sgt. Holt arrives at the alley where they were hiding at.

       Standing a few inches from where Grey was lying at, Sgt. Holt stares at Ritchie who was sitting beside Grey when he hears Ritchie plead, "Will you help us?...You said you'd help us....". Sgt Holt stares at Grey's unconscious state as he sigh's deeply while placing his hands on his hips and says, "The both of you together with your doctor friend are all in big trouble, you know that?....". Ritchie looks away from the police sergeant as he rubs his forehead with a feeling of complete surrender. And after a few seconds had passed, Grey slowly wakes up on his own. Sgt Holt takes a step closer to him and kneels on one knee. Knocking his fist three times on Grey's breastplate to get his attention, he asks, "Can you tell me what happened?.....". Still in a weakened state, Grey tries his best to tell the detective everything that had happened to him, starting on the  night he went to meet Dr. Kane at his laboratory in Oakland, and how Dr. Kane used his super powers of, "Psychokinesis", and, "Teleportation", in assassinating Detective Ted Cross and framing him for his murder. Still not totally convinced, Sgt. Holt tells Grey to tell him his version of how his rookie police partner Officer Alan Francis died. With the best of his abilities and with a look of hopelessness on his face, Grey continues to detail the events that led to the murder of Officer Alan Francis and how he was framed for his murder.

      After listening for twenty minutes, Sgt Holt stands up in deep thought and stares at the dark alley's grimy walls. "I totally believe that the murder of my police partner was a set up by the mob, all we need to do is to obtain the video surveillance tape that they took the night Alan was killed.....But it will be harder to clear your name in the killing of Detective Cross....", say's Sgt. Holt, "Hold on!...Did you say that Dr. Kane was the one holding the bedside phone while Detective Cross was asking 911 for help?!.......Was he wearing any gloves at all?!.....". Grey grunts in pain then answers, "No, he wasn't wearing any gloves....". Sgt. Holt quickly takes out his cell phone and calls Detective Cassidy Cruz's cell phone but it was just a voice message, "Hey! Cassidy....when you get this message, give me a call. You forgot to tell me about the fingerprints on Detective Cross's bedside phone....I need a copy of those prints....".

     Hanging up his phone, Sgt. Holt runs to his car and brings back a coffee mug and a plastic bag. Wiping the coffee mug with his handkerchief, "I need your fingerprints on this mug Grey, I think I just found a way to clear you of Detective Cross's murder....". And as Ritchie takes off Grey's left gauntlet, Sgt. Holt carefully wraps Grey's lifeless hand around the coffee mug. And with the use of his handkerchief, he picks up the mug and drops it inside the plastic bag. "Once we find out that the finger prints of Detective Cross's bedside  phone is not yours then we'll be able to get more breathing room....".

     Knowing that Grey's life was now hanging in the balance, Sgt Holt tells Ritchie to contact Dr. Peters. "We can't take him to a hospital, he's a wanted criminal. Tell Dr. Peters will be at his place in one hour.

       (Dr. Peters mansion, Hillsborough, California)

     It was 09:30 PM when Samantha gets a phone call from Chase, "Hey Sam, how's it goin'?....", Chase asks, "Did I catch you in a bad time?....". Samantha turns off her laptop as she snickers and says, "No, I was just finishing up some work to help lessen Betsy's load for tomorrow....How are you?, Is everything Ok?....". Samantha hears Chase chuckle, "I've got some good news Sam.....", says Chase, "I just received word that the President of the United States had decided to introduce me to the whole world as America's first ever, real super hero!....". Samantha gasps with excitement as she proudly says, "That's great Chase!....Tell me more?...". Chase then informs Samantha that he would soon get new military orders to transfer back to Travis Air Force base which was located at Fairfield, California, which was only a two hour drive from where Samantha lives. "I can't believe it!....", says Chase, "The Pentagon and the CEO of Macrostrength industries had made me the official pilot for the "Protector Exoskeletal Suit" and they will hold an official ceremony at the South Lawn of the White House, the same place where our President welcomes foreign heads of state and other world dignitaries. Isn't that cool?....". Samantha laughs with excitement and says, "That's way too cool Chase!....". Then there was a moment of brief silence when suddenly Chase asks, "Later that night, there's gonna be a formal dinner with some dancing that's gonna be held in the White House in honor of my selection....Ahmm...Can you be my date for that dinner and dance party?....". Samantha giggles and says, "Of course, I wouldn't miss that for the world....I'll even be there cheering at your introduction ceremony....".

      Meanwhile, Sgt Holt together with Ritchie and Grey had already reached Dr. Peters mansion. Parking at an inconspicuous area at the east side of the mansion, Dr. Peters meets both Ritchie and Sgt Holt as they carry the frail body of Grey who was still unconscious at this time. "Follow me this way, let's take him to my medical clinic here at the basement..", Dr. Peters says, "I've got everything I need to treat him here....". After a minute, they all enter into a well lighted medical treatment facility at the basement of Dr. Peters mansion. And after laying Grey down in a hospital bed, Dr. Peters begins by taking off Grey's right titanium arm guard as he starts an intravenous line in Grey's forearm in order to re-hydrate him with IV fluids. And while Dr. Peters was examining Grey, Ritchie starts to update Dr. Peters of how Grey was framed for the murder of the two police officers and of how Dr. Kane tried to recruit Grey to be a part of his vigilante army that will be bent in killing all of society's convicted drunk drivers. Then after 20 minutes of explanation, Ritchie concludes by saying, "And because Grey refused to join Dr. Kane, Grey has no other way of acquiring the JK4 drug that he desperately needs in order to move again.....".

         Sgt Holt sits on a chair then asks Dr. Peters, "Is there any way you can replicate the JK4 serum?....". Dr. Peters shakes his head in disappointment as he says, "Believe me I've tried, a few weeks ago, I borrowed one of Grey's JK4 inhalers and had my scientists study it.....Dr. Kane's a smart man.....He used a synthetic enzyme that breaks down the drugs chemical composition and rearranges them too, making it almost impossible to replicate his invention....". Dr. Peters suddenly see's blank stares from Ritchie and Sgt. Holt, "What I mean't to say was, ahmm....It's like placing a five digit pad lock to a gym locker....It's still possible to find the right combination, but it might take a long time to figure it out....And that's the same with the JK4 drug. Actually I already have a whole staff of thirty biochemists at CURE Corp who are researching the correct chemical composition of the JK4....".

         At this time, Grey become's fully awake and was overhearing what Dr. Peters was saying. "I can't stay in a quadriplegic state Doc....", says Grey, "I need the JK4 serum in order to gain my super powers back. I need to obtain that video tape from the mob. It's the only thing that can clear me from this false murder charge that's been thrown at me....". Sgt. Holt stands up and places his hands inside his pockets and says, "Don't keep your hopes too high kid.....For all we know, they probably destroyed that video tape already.....". Grunting in frustration, "Ahhh!, I have to hope!....There's no other choice!...", Grey looks and pleads at Dr. Peters asking, "You've got to help me Doc!....You're my only hope!....".

      Dr. Peters starts to pace the floor as he says, "Suing John Kane for control of the JK4 serum will take years, so that's out of the question. The only other option I have for you has a very grim outcome, it will cost you your life....". A tense and brief silence filled the room, and after a few moments Grey asks, "Tell me, I need to get my super powers back...". Dr. Peters rubs his forehead as he hesitates then starts to say, "I can reproduce the earlier version of the JK4 serum.....After nearly 20 years of research, I was able to create two serums, the "MP1" and the "SP3" which I hoped would have led to the cure of spinal cord paralysis. When the two are combined and administered to a patient, it works just like the JK4 serum. The only thing left to add is the chemical properties that creates the "Psychokinetic effects" that can allow you to move and levitate titanium metals. I can have my scientists focus their research on isolating that one particular property from the JK4 serum we have at the lab, and once we have it, we can add it with the other two serums that I've invented....".

      Grey's hopes suddenly comes to life, "That's great Doc!....I knew there was a way!....". Dr. Peters stares at Grey with sadness in his eyes as he says, "Son, the problem is that the "MP1" serum is hepatotoxic, it damages the liver....While the "SP2" serum is nephrotoxic, it damages the kidneys. If you use these drugs, it will eventually kill you in a matter of weeks, a couple of months at the most.....". The room was silent once again when everybody hears Grey say, "You know, I'd rather die an innocent man than to live condemned as a criminal....". Everybody glances at each other as Dr. Peters concludes and says, "Very well, I'll give the order to start the development of the drugs that you'll need. I'll start looking for a liver donor for you and also have a dialysis machine installed at the mausoleum....". Sgt. Holt looking puzzled asks, "Mausoleum?.....". Dr. Peters explains to the former police detective how he had his wife's mausoleum transformed into Grey and Ritchie's secret hideout. Dr. Peters also tells Ritchie that he'll have him train with a dialysis nurse on how to safely operate a dialysis machine. "Once Grey goes into kidney failure, he'll need you to dialyze him every other day.....", says Dr. Peters. Then for the last time, Dr. Peters turns to Grey and says, "Son....I hope you understand what you're getting into.....There's no cure for liver failure and finding a liver transplant donor takes time, I want you to know that once you head this direction that there's no turning back....".  

        Grey just stares at the ceiling and does not answer, when suddenly Sgt Holt decides to leave telling everyone that he still has to work on comparing Grey's fingerprints with the fingerprints taken at Detective Cross's bedside phone. Then a few minutes after Sgt Holt had left, Ritchie starts to clean up Grey when they suddenly hear someone knocking at the door of the basement clinic. "Who is it?...", Dr. Peters asks. After a second, Grey and Ritchie suddenly shudders when they hear Samantha's voice say, "It's me Dad...Can I come in?....".

        The three men suddenly feels panic-stricken as Dr. Peters shouts, "Hold on honey, just a minute....". Dr. Peters quickly pulls the hospital curtain around the bed to hide the two men, as Ritchie sits motionless on the side of the bed while Grey starts to pant rapidly. And once Grey and Ritchie was totally hidden by the curtain, Dr. Peters clears his throat and nervously calls out to his daughter as he tells her to come in. As Samantha enters the room, "What's going on in here?...", asks Samantha, "Who's behind the curtain?....". With a wry smile, Dr. Peters nonchalantly walks towards his medical supply cabinet and pretends to look for instruments when suddenly Samantha hears a familiar voice say, "Oh, ahmm...It's me...Ritchie....And I'm naked!...". Samantha looking exasperated, grimaces as she asks, "What's he doing here, Dad?!....". Dr. Peters fumbles with a few instruments in his hands and says, "I'm treating him for....Ahmmm....It's..Oh,.. Ahhh...". Ritchie suddenly blurts out saying, "Gonorrhea!....". Dr. Peters drops a few syringes on the floor as he says, "That's right....He has an infection!...".

        Samantha feeling distraught, places her hands on her hips as she grunts then says, "Ahhh!....Again?!....When will you ever learn to use condoms?!....". Behind the curtain, Samantha hears Ritchie unassumingly say, "I do want to....It's just that I still haven't found one that fits....". Samantha looking annoyed, takes her attention away from Ritchie and asks, "Dad, can we talk?, I need to ask your opinion about something personal....". Dr. Peters grabs an incision and drainage tray as he walks and slips behind the curtain then quickly gestures to Grey to be quiet. "Well as you can see, I'm quite busy honey. What about Maria, have you tried talking to her at all?.....". Samantha sits on a chair as she sigh's deeply and says, "Dad, she went on vacation to see her kids and grand kids, and she wont be back for another week....I even tried talking to Betsy but she's so wired up and stressed out at work that the only thing she's interested in talking about is how I could help her lessen her workload....".

      There was a brief silence as the three men behind the curtain were thinking of how to get rid of Samantha. "I can wait Dad...", Samantha says, "I just really need someone to talk to right now....". Dr. Peters, Grey and Ritchie starts to glance at each other anxiously when Dr. Peters says, "Actually, this might take awhile honey....Why don't you just go upstairs and wait for me....". Samantha looking puzzled asks, "All Ritchie needs is a shot of Penicillin right?....Why would that take so much time?....". Once again Samantha hears her father from the other side of the curtain nervously say, "Oh..Ahmm...He's got an abscess on his penis.....It's rather large....". Ritchie suddenly chuckles then blurts out saying, "The shaft!....". Dr. Peters quickly counters saying, "No the abscess....The abscess is rather large and deep. I'll have to excise it, drain it and pack it. This will probably take at least 40 minutes....". Ritchie suddenly gets nervous as he see's Grey's agitated look, whispering and warning him to stop his disgusting comments.

    After another brief silence,  the three men hiding behind the curtain hears Samantha say, "Well in that case, I don't care if Ritchie hears what I have to say, "Dad, I still miss Grey...", says Samantha as her eyes turn red while she bites down on her lower lip, trying not to cry, "I miss him very much Dad....". And as the three men remain silent and frozen behind the curtain, they start to hear Samantha's voice turn hoarse as she clears her throat then sniffles. "There are times when I still feel that he's still with me, just like right now....It's like as if I can still feel his presence....".  Samantha cries as her eyes fill with tears, her hands trembling. Meanwhile, behind the curtain, Ritche and Dr. Peters see's the appearance of tears around Grey's eyes as he desperately controls himself from crying.

     Ritchie realizing that he needs to create a distraction to shift the mood, quickly grabs the TV remote control and turns on the television hoping that the sound on the television would distract and drown out Samantha's voice thereby lessening Grey's emotional suffering. But as the TV turns on, they all start to hear a music video of Leann Rimes romantic song entitled, "How Do I Live?". And as the lyrics of the song creates an even more depressing mood. Ritchie violently presses the, "Off", button on the remote control but to no avail. The batteries inside the remote control were almost totally drained.

     Samantha shifts in her chair uneasily as the song continues to play on the television, "About an hour ago, I received a phone call from Chase....", Samantha says, "He told me that he has been selected by the Pentagon to be the pilot of a high tech suit, and that the President of the United States will be introducing him to the world as America's first ever real super hero.....They were even gonna do the ceremony at the White House lawn. I was so happy and excited for him.....And when he asked me if I would be his date for the dinner and dance party at the White House, I quickly said "Yes" ....It was only after I hanged up the phone that I remembered Grey....I feel guilty Dad!...I'm now confused if I should call Chase back to cancel our date and to let him know that I'm still in mourning and that I won't be able to make it to his ceremony in the White House.....".

     There was no response for half a minute, then Ritchie blurts out saying, "Well...You should feel guilty, and besides, a man like Chase will only use you for sex!...Believe me, I know!....". Samantha swipes tears from  her face then glances sideways as she wonders why Ritchie was even in the conversation. "Will you please tell me what to do Dad?....", asks Samantha. Dr. Peters stares sadly at Grey's facial expression as he see's tears flowing down his face then says, "Honey, If Grey was alive right now, I'm sure he'll tell you that It's time for you to move on....I'm sure that he loves you too much that he'd want you to be happy....". Silently, Grey turns his head as his eyes meets Dr. Peters eyes as he smiles and nods with approval at what the doctor just told his daughter.

     And as Samantha's sobbing continues on, Dr. Peters finally slips out of the curtain misty eyed as he walks over to his daughter as he folds her into his arms. After a minute, Dr. Peters walks his daughter back upstairs to their living room, leaving Ritchie and Grey alone. Hearing Samantha suffer emotionally brought tremendous sadness in Grey's heart as tears kept flowing down his face. Ritchie, realizing the suffering and sacrifice Grey had to endure in order to give Samantha a new beginning in life and love, starts to feel a heaviness in his heart. And as Grey continues to weep silently, he suddenly hears Ritchie wailing. Staring at Ritchie and looking surprised, "What the hell is wrong with you?...", Grey asks, "Why are you crying?.....". Ritchie swipes at the tears in his eyes and the mucus running down his nose as he replies, "I don't know.....Maybe it's that damn Leann Rimes song!..."

    After an hour had passed, Ritchie was done giving Grey a bed bath and was also done spoon feeding him. And as Grey goes to sleep, Ritchie goes upstairs to look for Dr. Peters. Seeing both Samantha and Dr. Peters by the living room watching TV, "Hey! Doc....Thanks for the treatment and the antibiotic, I locked up the basement door and here's the key...". Handing the key to Dr. Peters, suddenly the news on TV comes on. "Good evening America, welcome to the eleven o'clock news.....And now for our top story. Today at San Francisco, a man with a history of multiple drunk driving convictions was found dead in his home. Police investigators says that the man was tortured and was burned alive. Police say that the person responsible for this killing left a note beside the charred corpse with a message that reads, "From this day on, society will be cleansed of drunk drivers. So beware, If you drink and drive, you'll be burned alive....". The note was signed by Dr. John Kane aka Dr. Kinesis who's wife and daughter died from a car crash that was caused by a drunk driver years ago. Police investigators also say that they've searched the laboratory where he works at and found the whole place decimated, even newly purchased, expensive lab equipments were all shattered  and destroyed....".

     Samantha with her eyes still red looks at her father and asks, "Isn't that guy your former research associate....". Dr. Peters, looking deeply concerned stands to his feet and says, "I have to go to my study to make a few phone calls....Good night to you both.....". Dr. Peters gives his daughter a tight hug and gestures to Ritchie not to worry and that he'll take care of Grey. And as Ritchie takes a seat, Samantha increases the volume on the television as the news continues on, "And now on other news...", says the TV newscaster, "Vallejo Police are now requesting for the public's help in finding the whereabouts of the "Mysterious Knight" and his sidekick "Cobra".... The "Mysterious Knight" who began as a crime fighter but turned into a criminal, is wanted for the killing of two Vallejo police officers. And as you can see from some pictures on your TV screen, the "Mysterious Knight" has a red "X" mark on his breastplate and a red cross on his shield, he also carries a sword and is believed to be extremely dangerous. Meanwhile, his quirky sidekick who wears a worn down Batman costume with a luminous green colored picture of a cobra on his chest as his logo uses a Tazer gun as his weapon. Police officers says that the Batman Cobra person is not that dangerous as long as you stay more than 20 feet away from him. The wired electric probe on his tazer can only reach a distance of 15 feet....".

    Samantha suddenly snickers as she unknowingly stares at the TV photo of Ritchie who was in disguise, hiding behind his Batman costume. "What's so funny?...", Ritchie asks feeling insulted. Samantha giggles once more as she turns to Ritchie saying, "Whoever that person wearing that old Batman costume with a logo of a green cobra on his chest is so tacky!.....I mean just look at his black Batman mask's pointed ears....They're drooping to the sides....". Ritchie feeling emotionally hurt suddenly stands up and reasons out, "Well whoever that person is, that's wearing that Batman suit may not be as rich as you are!....Maybe that's the only costume that he could afford to buy, maybe he only works as a nursing assistant and only gets paid minimum wage. Have you ever thought of that?!....". Samantha was suddenly surprised at Ritchie's behavior, oblivious to the fact that it was Ritchie who was the masked man with the droopy pointed ears that was being shown on the TV screen.

    "What's gotten into you?....", Samantha asks calmly, still with a grin on her face, "Why are you so upset?...". Ritchie still simmering emotionally, answers, "I just don't appreciate your condescending attitude!...And for your information, the real name of that Batman looking guy on TV is not "Cobra"....It's "Python"....". Samantha looking confused pauses then asks, "Why would he be named "Python" when the TV newscaster just labelled him as "Cobra", I mean the green logo on his chest even clearly shows a picture of a "Cobra"....". Ritchie still feeling upset pumps his chest out and points a finger at Samantha as he proudly says, "His real name is "Python" because python symbolizes size....strength and.....". Suddenly Ritchie remembers Grey's warning about not saying anything disgusting towards Samantha as he quickly back tracks his last statement then says, "Oh!, What I mean't to say was that the word "Python" symbolizes peace, justice and freedom for all!....". Samantha was completely motionless looking totally perplexed at what Ritchie just said. And before Samantha could say anything else. Ritchie quickly says, "It's late, I got to go!....", as he hurries and walks out the door. (End Of Chapter)

(Author's Note: Please consider donating $1.00 for every chapter you've enjoyed reading or whatever you can afford to help the poor and the hungry in your respective country. Thank you so much for your patronage and generosity.)


   

   

   

   

   

           

Chapter 24: The Fugitive

   (Two Days Later at San Francisco International Airport)


            It was 10:00 AM as Samantha and Chase were sitting at the departure terminal, "You didn't have to see me off...", says Chase, "You should be at home resting....". Samantha who was still wearing an all black attire glances with a smile at Chase's blue eyes and says, "Oh, It's ok....Actually I really need to be out of the house, it helps lessen the sadness I feel...". Chase looks around and see's Samantha's four secret service agents surrounding them for security reasons as he says, "The most important thing is that you're safe, I wish I was not stationed so far away, so I can protect you....You're a very popular person now, you know...". Samantha remembering that Chase was currently stationed in Germany asks,"So how long will you be staying in Germany?...", as she stares at Chase's handsome facial features with a slight sense of longing. Chase sigh's while looking off at a distance answers, "I really have no idea, that's the problem with being in the military, they can send you anywhere in the world, whether you like it or not..."

          Samantha smiles as she teases Chase saying, "Can't you just put on your "Protector suit" and just fly over here every weekend?....". Chase grins as he replies, "I wish I could, but a flight from Germany to the U.S. is a long flight, I won't have enough fuel to make it all the way, the Pentagon had discontinued the use of nuclear energy in powering the "Protector suit"...but, who knows.....I know that the Pentagon is now directly overseeing research in the future use of  "Thorium" in someday providing a safe, and limitless amount of nuclear energy to power the suit....". Samantha teases again saying, "Don't hold your breath....". Chase snickers then replies, "Believe me I won't....".

         After a long silence, Chase asks, "What about you?...What are your plans for the future?.....". Samantha looks back at the ground with a feeling of uncertainty as she replies, "Long term?, I'm not sure....Short term?, Well,...I want to try to improve the lives of people in Africa, then when I've done all I can do there, then the next mission for me might be in South America, I really want to try and put an end to human trafficking over there.....". Samantha pauses, then after a few moments sigh's deeply as she says, "But for now, I'll probably stay here in San Francisco at least until after my birthday.....It will give me and my dad a chance to re-connect once again, hopefully....".

          Chase pretends to think deeply then says, "Your birthday, It's on, Ahmm...November fourth, correct?...". Samantha grins as she elbows Chase as she says, "Don't even pretend that you forgot my birth date, because I know that you're always at my birthday parties almost every year....". They both snicker as Samantha asks, "So will you be able to attend my birthday party this year?....". Chase teasingly answers, "Well, I don't know....Are you gonna make me dance with you again?, You know I don't dance at all, that is one skill I wished I learned early on....". Samantha waves off Chase's pessimistic attitude as she replies, "Don't be too hard on yourself, all you need is some free time to take some dance lessons, and don't worry, If you're able to attend my birthday party this year, we'll stick to slow dancing, that's it....I promise....". Chase let's out a sigh of relief as he say's, "It's a deal!....".

           Suddenly, a flight attendant announces that within five minutes, they will start boarding all passengers for their flight to Germany. Samantha's smile vanishes as she looks down at the carpet knowing that she'll be missing her best friend's protective, supportive and understanding nature which she admires so much of. And as the silence between them lengthens, Chase realizes that since Samantha was still in mourning that it was not proper for him to express even the slightest hint of his feelings for her. And as they both walk towards the boarding entrance, Samantha asks once again, "Are you sure, you don't want to fly in my learjet?...You'll be much more comfortable...". Chase shakes his head, smiling as he faces her, "Thanks, but no thanks....I think I'll be ok flying coach....". And as they both stare at each other's eyes, Chase starts feeling tempted to once again tell Samantha how much he loves her, but then decides not to. Instead, they hug each other tightly not knowing when they'll see each other again, and after another minute had passed, Chase walks away as Samantha watches him disappear into the boarding tunnel that leads to the plane.

         Meanwhile, at Grey and Ritchie's apartment, Grey was excited that Ritchie bought two "In Ear" blue tooth headsets. Grey agree's that in order to fight crime more efficiently that it would be better that they were using the head sets in order to communicate with each other. After a few minutes, Grey wonders why Ritchie needs to use an "In Ear" headset since he won't be fighting crime at all, knowing that using a cell phone should be good enough for Ritchie. Asking Ritchie about his motives, Ritchie finally takes the opportunity to inform Grey about his decision to also fight crime, telling Grey that he had been thinking of wanting to become a crime fighter like Grey, complete with  his own costume and mask.

          Grey vehemently disagrees telling Ritchie that fighting crime was too dangerous. Ritchie then reasons out that there are hundreds of real superheroes without real super powers who were wearing their own super hero costumes and who are patrolling the streets of every city in the United States. "But Ritchie, you don't have any super powers...", says Grey, "You won't last a minute out there!....". Richie grumbles like a little child saying, "I don't care, I want to be your side kick and I'll wear a bullet proof vest and use a tazer as my weapon.....". Grey feeling distraught, starts breathing hard as he lies in bed motionless, once again as he tries to reason out to his best friend, but without any effect as Ritchie argues, "I don't care what you say, I want a piece of the action...", says Ritchie, "Otherwise if you don't include me,  then just go find someone else to drive you around town....". Grey just keeps quiet after their heated debate, then after a few minutes of thinking things through, Grey realizes that he has no other choice, he needs Ritchie to drive him around.

         Knowing that Ritchie's participation was essential in his success in fighting crime, Grey finally agrees to accept Ritchie as his crime fighting partner, but with limits. Ritchie had to agree that his role was more as a back up, that he can only join in the actual crime fighting if Grey was in trouble. After they both agreed on the terms and conditions of their crime fighting partnership, Ritchie quickly leaves to go buy himself a super hero costume and all the things he needed in fighting crime.

         Then later that night, Ritchie returns home carrying shopping bags full of items in each hand. Waking up from a nap, Grey asks Ritchie to check his diaper to check if it was soiled. Ritchie ignores Grey as he excitedly starts bragging about the things he bought for crime fighting. The first thing Ritchie shows Grey was his bullet proof vest, proudly showing a sticker that shows that the bullet proof vest was police certified. He then pulls out a flashlight which he says will come in handy for lighting up those dark alleys, Ritchie then pulls out a whistle from a bag, saying that it is to alert the neighbors or the public just in case they were out numbered and without their cell phones, next was a laser pen, to be used to blind the eyes of thugs, though he wasn't absolutely sure if it would work. Ritchie then excitedly pulls out a brand new tazer which resembles a firearm. He tells Grey that the tazer can shoot a probe up to 15 feet away as it sends a powerful electrical current that temporarily incapacitates a target.

          Grey not sharing in Ritchie's excitement reminds him again that he probably needs his diaper changed now and his urine bag emptied. Ritchie holds up his index finger telling Grey to wait, and that he still has one last thing that he wanted to show him, Ritchie then quickly runs out of Grey's room in order to put on the costume that he bought. After five minutes had passed, Ritchie suddenly barges into Grey's room wearing a used, black "Batman" costume, including the mask with the pointy ears. With his hands on his hips, he proudly announces that his super hero name will be known as "Python". Grey was suddenly shocked to see the logo on Ritchie's chest that shows a bright pink luminous blow up picture of a penis stuck on his chest with the use of a velcro strap.

       Looking horrified at Ritchie's appearance, Grey quickly asks, "What the hell is that on your chest Ritch?!....". Ritchie glances down at his chest then says, "That's my logo, it's a blow up photo of my male enhanced penis.....That's why I chose the name "Python",  get it?....". Grey suddenly grunts as he feels a sudden headache starting. "Have you lost your mind?!....", Grey asks, "You can't run around in the streets with a picture of your genitals stuck on your chest like that. Do you know how disgusting that looks?!...". Ritchie quickly feels deflated as his shoulders drops down with his hands hanging by his side as he reasons out, "What's wrong?....You told me that super heroes have super powers, I have super powers too, It's just that my super powers are sexual in nature. Ever since I had my male enhancement procedure, I gained a feeling of confidence, purpose and pride. Even my girlfriend tells me that I'm now "Super" in bed....".

      Grey grimaces as he looks away telling himself how much he'd like to have a cerebral vascular accident at that moment. After a few seconds had passed, Grey looks back at Ritchie who was admiring the logo on his chest. "No! Ritchie!, you can't fight crime looking like that.....What if kids see you?....", Grey asks with a distressed tone to his voice, "Don't you think that's just too detestable?!....obscene?!....". Ritchie was suddenly speechless, as he realizes Grey's point of view,  as he says, "You're right, this logo on my chest would be inappropriate for all children under eighteen.....". Then after a minute of silence, Ritchie dejectedly retreats to his own bedroom feeling sad as he realizes that his logo was not entirely acceptable to all of society. Grey feeling a sense of relief, whispers a prayer of thanks to the heavens that for once, Ritchie was finally listening to reason.

       But after a few minutes, Ritchie suddenly kicks Grey's bedroom door open as he jumps in this time wearing a black leather jacket over his used "Batman" costume. Grey stares at Ritchie's ridiculous appearance as he asks, " What's with the leather jacket?....".  Ritchie quickly explains that he found the perfect solution to his problem, and that was to wear a black leather jacket to cover the logo on his chest. Ritchie explains that if there were kids present that he'll keep his jacket on and zipped up to his neck, in order to hide his logo, but if there were no kids around, then he can take off his leather jacket to show and boast to all the criminals his logo as he introduces his super hero name, "Python", he then further explains that  this was to instill dread and fear to all the criminals they will battle against. Unable to change Ritchie's mind, Grey just looks away and closes his eyes wishing that everything that was happening was just a bad dream.

       The next night, it was close to midnight when Ritchie and Grey wearing both their costumes, resumes their crime fighting mission. Reaching the city of Vallejo at around 12:45 AM, Ritchie starts driving at a slower speed of about 25 mph through the crime ridden streets of the city. After patrolling for ten minutes, Grey see's an old lady with a walker, walking slowly by the sidewalk. Grey quickly tells Ritchie to stop the truck, telling Ritchie that he just wants to find out if the old lady needed some assistance. Stopping the truck 20 feet behind the old lady, Grey get's out of the back and starts to levitate towards the old lady. After a few seconds, Grey gently touches down just behind the old woman.

      Walking behind the short old woman, Grey pushes up his knight's helmet's visor as he watches her push her walker slowly. While she was humped over, he could hear her grunt from time to time as she mumbles words to herself. "Excuse me ma'am, are you in need of some assistance?...". The short old lady stops pushing her walker and turns her head around as she squints to see where the voice was coming from. Grey wanting to be more visible, walks in front of her as she asks, "What's with the shiny armor sonny?....". Grey blushes and smiles as he pretends and explains to her that he just came from a costume party and didn't have the time to take off his knight's armor, The old lady tries to extend her head forward in order to hear him better, "I'm sorry young man but you have to speak up, I'm 93 years old you know, my hearing is bad and I forgot to bring my hearing aids, my eyesight is awful, got cataracts on both eyes and my doctor says that I've got "Dementia"....To hell with him, my mind is as clear as a whistle....". Grey raises his voice in order for her to hear him better as he says, "By the way, my name is Grey.....And if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing, walking out this late at night?.....". The old lady looking confused thinks for a moment then says, "Well....I'm not sure.....All I remember is that I got out of bed to go get some cookies from the fridge......".

        The old lady then squints and looks around at her surroundings appearing to be lost. "Where do you live?..", Grey asks, "...Is there anyone I can call to notify them that you're here with me?.....". Looking more confused, the old lady thinks for a minute then says, "I know that I live in a care home for seniors.....The address is....is...I don't remember....". Grey suddenly notices an armband around her left wrist as he looks at it. The armband shows her name and address as he says, "You must be Sally Lewis, are you not?...". The old lady feeling offended replies, "Of course I am, don't you think I know that?!....I've had that name since I was born!....". Grey smiles as he says, "I'm sorry, I was just making sure you had the right armband on....There's also an address on your armband, It say's #64 3rd Street, Vallejo, California.....". The old lady starts to push her walker forward as she says, "That's right, and I'm heading home...I want some cookies before I go to bed...".

        Grey starts walking slightly in front of her as he says, "Sally, you're heading the wrong way, 3rd street is on the opposite way.....". Being frail and slightly exhausted, Sally did not have the energy to argue. Without saying a word, she let's Grey assist her in turning herself around as they start to walk towards the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Ritchie was so bored watching Grey and the old lady walk so slow that Ritchie decides to turn off his cell phone and his blue tooth headset. Taking off his "Batman" mask, he quickly dozes off in a deep sleep.

       As Grey and Sally were walking at a snail's pace, Sally asks, "Why are you out so late at this time of night, don't you have a wife and kids to go home too?....". Grey looks ahead as he speaks loudly saying, "I'm not yet married....". Sally stops pushing her walker once again as she stares up at Grey asking him, "Are you gay?...", Grey chuckles as he shakes his head then says, "No I'm not gay, I'm actually in love with a beautiful woman who used to be my girlfriend, but the relationship just didn't work out.....". Not wanting to continue on, Sally curiously pries at Grey's love life as she asks, "What happened?....". Grey feeling a bit flustered says, "Oh, It's really a long story....We had a big fight and she broke up with me....". Sally looking a little concerned at Grey's fate asks, "Do you want her back in your life?....". Grey looking uneasy scans around at their environment as he replies, "Thing's are just too complicated right now between us, but "Yes" I would like to have her back, only if I could do things all over again.....".

       Sally looks forward and down at the sidewalk as she starts to slowly push her walker once again, and after a brief moment of silence, "I've got the perfect solution to your problem sonny...", Sally says, "You need to make her laugh, you see women loves men who has a great sense of humor. Are you able to make her laugh?....". Grey shrugs his shoulders as he hesitatingly says, "Well, I think so....When we're together, we fight all the time, and the times that I try to make her laugh, she always says that I'm "Corny"....". Sally not correctly hearing what Grey just said stops walking and looks up at Grey as she asks, "Did you just say that you're always "Horny"?.....". Grey shudders as he tries to quickly correct her as he shouts,"No!...I said "Corny", not "Horny".....".

      Still unable to fully comprehend what Grey said, Sally continues saying, "Well no wonder your girlfriend broke up with you....You're too horny!, not all women appreciates a man with a strong libido you know. Now in my case, I like men who are always horny....". Grey suddenly cringes from what she's telling him as she continues saying, "You know, when I was young, I used to do it everyday, with different men, all the time...". Grey anxiously tries to correct Sally's misperception but to no avail as she continues to say, "Hey!, If you don't have a girlfriend right now and you're horny, we can surely do something about that....It's been 50 years since my last sexual intercourse and I might be as dry as the "Sahara" but if you get some lube, I'll be as good as a refurbished piece of machinery, If you know what I mean?!....". Grey drastically shakes his head as he says, "No!..No!...No!...I said "Corny" not "Horny"....". Then after yelling loudly into Sally's ear, she finally understood what Grey initially had mean't to say.

    Turning a corner, they finally arrive at 3rd street. As Grey checks the numbers on each house he informs Sally saying, "We're getting close, maybe two more blocks and you're home....". Sally not clearly hearing what Grey had said, stays silent as she focuses on her every step that she was taking. And just as they were about to approach a street intersection, Grey suddenly hears and see's a commotion at the other side of the street. Thirty feet away from them at the opposite sidewalk was a man being robbed by two thugs at gun point. Because of Sally's poor eyesight and frail condition, Grey feared that if he leaves her alone to help the man being robbed that Sally might veer away from the sidewalk and fall into the street, due to the uneven pavement. He also knew that she was so fragile that she could easily break her hips from a fall. Taking off his helmet momentarily, he turns on his "In Ear" blue tooth as he calls out to Ritchie for help. Unfortunately, Ritchie was fast asleep in the truck. And as they slowly walk along the sidewalk, Grey was starting to feel a surge of anxiety, anger and helplessness from his inability to help the struggling man who was being robbed. Grey could only watch as one of the thugs swings the butt of his gun hitting his victim on the face while the other thug was grabbing the man's wallet, wrist watch and even his wedding ring out of the man's finger.

    But before Grey had the chance to yell at the two thugs, he suddenly see's Ritchie running on the other side of the street. With his full "Batman" suit and black leather jacket on, Grey hears Ritchie yelling at the two thugs to leave their victim alone. Hearing Ritchie yell, the two thugs release their victim as he falls to the ground in pain. Standing twenty feet from the two thugs, Ritchie yells again, telling the thugs to stop assaulting their victim and to give him back all of his belongings. One of the thugs laughs and says, "Look who we have here, It's Batman wearing a leather jacket. What's wrong Batman, is the weather too cold for you?!...", as they both chuckle. Ritchie quickly places his fists on his waists as he pumps out his chest, raises his chin up and proudly introduces himself saying, "I'm not Batman, but "Yes", I am a super hero, and my name is "Python"....". The two thugs glances at each other with a quizzical look on their faces as one of the thugs quickly asks, "And why the hell do you call yourself Python?!....". Ritchie quickly scans around making sure their were no children present as he quickly unzips his black leather jacket and takes it off, showing the bright pink luminous blow up photo of his surgically enhanced penis as he says, "This is why they call me "Python"....". The two thugs looks at each other as they suddenly bursts laughing. They kept laughing so hard that one of them even accidentally dropped his gun on the ground while the other thug blurts out saying, "Look Henry, It's "Super Dildo Man"....What is he gonna do?, Vibrate us to death?!....", as they both kept laughing even louder.

        Across the street, while watching the whole scene unfold, Grey was starting to feel so distressed and embarrassed at Ritchie's behavior that he starts rubbing his forehead as he tries to minimize the headache that was coming on. Grey knowing that both thugs were carrying guns, he quickly yells at Ritchie, telling him to run for his life. But Ritchie just glances at Grey as he ignores his warnings, and as Ritchie stood at a distance of 20 feet from the closest thug, he suddenly pulls out his Tazer gun and shoots it's electrically charged wired probe towards one of the two thugs, but due to the 15 feet limit of the wire's length, the wired probe falls short as it drops to the ground. One of the thugs snickers then says, "If you plan to use that on us, you need to come closer dummy!....".

       And as Grey watches across the street, one of the thugs points his gun at Ritchie and opens fire. Two slugs hits Ritchie on his chest as he violently falls backwards, landing on his back. Squirming in pain, he tries to breath but couldn't, due to the sharp stabbing pain he was feeling on his rib cage. Feeling around his chest, he remembers that he was wearing a bullet proof vest. And as he looks down at his chest, he was relieved not to see any blood spurting out of him. Seeing that Ritchie was still moving around on the ground, the two thugs start to walk towards him in order to finish him off. But before they could aim their guns at Ritchie's head, Grey suddenly levitates across the street and lands in between Ritchie and the two thugs who were surprised but no deterred.

          Shielding Ritchie from getting shot at, Grey glances across the street at Sally who continues to slowly push her walker forward, oblivious of the dangers around her. Meanwhile, one of the thugs says, "Look Henry, it's the "Tin Man" from the "Wizard of Oz"...". Looking across the street, the other thug blurts out saying, "And there's Dorothy pushing her walker!...", as they both start laughing loudly. Grey fearing that Sally might fall off the street, quickly walks towards the two thugs in order to subdue them quickly. "Bang!...bang!.....bang!", three shots were quickly fired by the thugs which just makes Grey flinch momentarily as the bullets ricochet's off his knight's titanium breastplate. Feeling annoyed from bullets hitting his titanium armor, Grey suddenly levitates and after a couple of seconds, lands directly in front of the two thugs.

         Grey grabs the wrists of both the thugs as he squeezes and crushes them tightly, which makes them yell  in pain, making them drop the guns they were holding. Surprised by Grey's strength, the two thugs just stares in amazement as they clutch their injured wrists. Grey quickly grabs them both by their necks as he yanks them off their feet, looking behind him, he yells, "Ritchie!, go assist that old lady with the walker, she's close to the edge of the sidewalk, she's gonna have a fall.....". Ritchie gingerly gets up off the ground, then staggers towards the old lady. Reaching the old lady, Ritchie guides her back to the middle of the sidewalk. Sally looking surprised at Ritchie's sudden appearance, squints and stares hard at the bright pink luminous logo at Ritchie's chest as she asks, "What is that on your chest, sonny?....".

      Ritchie feeling embarrassed, covers the logo on his chest with his right hand as he guides Sally's walker with his left hand. Sally abruptly stops pushing her walker as she grabs Richie's right hand, pulling it away from his chest as she once again squints hard, in order to clearly see the blurry figure attached to Ritchie's chest as she asks, "Is that a picture of a snake?....". Ritchie smiles feeling relieved that the old lady had very bad eyesight.

       Meanwhile, across the street, Grey was still holding up the thugs with their feet dangling inches off the ground. Grey then instructs the thugs to empty their pockets of their victim's belongings. But instead of cooperating, the two thugs decide to struggle violently as they start kicking Grey. Loosing his patience, Grey takes a deep breath then throws both thugs 60 feet up in the air, and after a couple of seconds, they fall back to the ground with a loud thud. Rolling around the ground in excruciating pain as they clutch their respective injured body parts, Grey approaches them one after the other as he takes back their victim's wallet and jewelry from their pockets.

       In the meantime, as the victim was helplessly watching the whole event, staying seated by the sidewalk, Grey floats towards him as he shudders in fear. Landing gently in front of the seated victim, Grey hands him back his wallet and his jewelry. Feeling frightened from seeing a knight levitate like a ghost, the man quickly grabs his belongings and starts to ran away, not fully realizing that Grey had just saved his life from the two thugs.

      After another half hour had passed, Grey and Ritchie binds the two thugs together with plastic restraints, and after they walked Sally back to her care home, they called 911 using one of the thugs cell phone in order  to inform the police about the two thugs and the crime they had done. They also gave the name and the address of the man they victimized in order that criminal charges can be pressed. And as they were heading back home, they knew that this night was just the beginning of a new era of crime fighting.

        (Vallejo Police Department)

     The next day, rookie cop Alan Francis arrives at work and see's Sgt. Holt sitting by his desk in deep thought. "Are you Ok Sergeant?....Is something bothering you?...". Sgt. Holt leans forward and grabs a brown folder as he tosses it towards Officer Alan Francis. "He's back!....", says Sgt. Holt, "That mysterious knight who's been fighting crime, he's back!....". Officer Francis grabs the folder and starts to read it's contents. "So this vigilante knight rescued a man being robbed by two thugs last night?....", asks Officer Francis, "But I thought you said he might be dead, we haven't seen him for a week or so....". Sgt. Holt stands up, sips coffee from his mug then massages his temples as he says, "I really thought it was that paralyzed guy named Grey.....The reports show that they had the same height, build and the police sketch of the knight's face looked identical to Grey......The only problem is that Grey died a few days ago. Looks like were back to square one....".

    Meanwhile, It was late afternoon when Grey and Ritchie wakes up from the sound of their door bell ringing. Ritchie in his pajamas, slowly gets up and answers the door. Opening the door, Ritchie rubs his eyes and yawns as he greets Dr. Peters, "Oh!, Good morning Dr. Peters....What brings you here today?...". Dr. Peters enters their apartment while carrying two big rectangular brown boxes. "What's in those boxes?...", asks Ritchie as he yawns once more. "I'll explain in a minute, Is Grey awake yet?....". Ritchie sits on their living room sofa as he says, "I'm not sure, we were out late, fighting crime last night....But maybe he is, It's past two in the afternoon....". Dr. Peter heads for Grey's bedroom as he knocks on his door then hears Grey's voice say, "Come in...". Dr. Peters opens the door with Ritchie behind him as he see's Grey widely awake. "Good afternoon Doc....What's with the boxes?....".

          Dr. Peters excitedly sits on a chair beside Grey's bed as he opens one of the boxes. "I've got a gift for you..", says Dr. Peters as he pulls out a shiny metallic diamond shape knight's shield, "Every knight should be equipt with a shield and a sword....", says Dr. Peters as he opens the second box and pulls out a shiny metallic knight's sword. Grey looking curious asks, "Are they made from titanium?...", Dr. Peters shakes his head smiling as he excitedly whispers, "Son, this shield and sword that I'm giving you is made from something better than titanium...". Grey stares at the doctor with a puzzled expression thinking, "What could be better for me than weapons made from titanium?....".

        For a moment, Dr. Peters wished that Grey was not a quadriplegic so that he could be able to hold and feel the sword and shield. "This sword and shield is made of a metal called "Alemdronite" which is not of this world...", says Dr. Peters as he hands the sword over to Ritchie. "Oh my, oh my!...", says Ritchie as he holds up the sword with his right hand. Grey looking concerned asks, "What's wrong?, Is it hot?...cold?...", Ritchie excitedly smiles as he starts slashing the air with the sword and says, "No!, it's not that, It's super light. It's as light as a piece of paper!...". Dr. Peters chuckles as he says, "That's right, It's actually weightless but super strong. It's a thousand times stronger than titanium. Ritchie grabs the weightless Alemdronite shield with his left hand and started shadow sword fighting as he asks, "Where did you get this Dr. Peters?....".

        Dr. Peters leans on his seat as he crosses his legs and proudly explains, "You guys know that I'm a collector of rare and expensive artifacts, right?....That Alemdronite sword and shield came from the outer hull of a UFO which crashed on a ranch northwest of Roswell, New Mexico way back on July 1947. The man who owned the ranch kept large metal debris that were scattered at the crash site before informing the police and the military.....And five years ago, his descendants sold me those alien metal debris which was a part of the outer layer of the alien spacecraft....". Grey looking amazed asks, "Are you saying that the sword and shield is made from the wreckage of an alien spacecraft?!...". Dr. Peters nods excitedly as he explains, "Yes, Indeed!....And that's why they're weightless....For an alien spaceship to travel trillions of miles across the universe, It has to have a super light type of outer covering....It also has to be extremely strong in order to protect the spaceship's inner compartments from extreme amounts of radiation in space. This shield I'm giving you is so strong that it could withstand and protect you from a nuclear detonation that's a hundred times stronger than the "Hiroshima" and "Nagasaki" atomic blasts combined. And that Alemdronite sword is so strong that it could cut on anything, a tank, an iron vault or it could even cut "Captain America's" shield in half. Unfortunately, Captain America is nothing but a fictional character though....".

        And as Ritchie further examines the shield and sword, he was astounded to see that they were not only as light as a piece of paper but also had the thickness of a thin foil. As Grey starts feeling uneasy about Dr. Peters selfless act of giving, he quickly asks, "So how much did you buy this alien "Alemdronite" metal for?...". Dr. Peters reaches forward to gently squeeze Grey's right shoulder as he smiles and says, "You don't even want to know, anyway just like I said before, that If you're serious in fighting crime, you'll need all the help you can get. And that's what I'm here for....". And after a brief silence, Dr. Peters looks at his wrist watch and tells Grey and Ritchie that he has to return back to the hospital to check on his young cancer patients.

        Later that night, It was 11:15 pm when Ritchie was finally able to assist Grey into his knight's armor. And after Ritchie puts on his "Batman" outfit, Grey annoyingly glances at Ritchie's crime fighting logo. "Are you really gonna be wearing that disgusting logo on your chest every time we go out to fight crime...", asks Grey, "Why can't you just use a picture of a real python, that way if the police ever catches you, they won't have to charge you with "Indecent Exposure"....". Ritchie turns to look at the mirror as feelings of ambivalence starts to creep inside his conscience as he responds, "Well....you might be right, this blow up photo of my surgically enhanced penis might be too offensive for both seniors and minors. But all the photos of snakes in the internet are all copyright protected, I don't want to display a picture on my chest of a real snake that legally belongs to someone else. That would be copyright theft, I would not be any better than the thieves and other criminals we battle against.....".

        Grey thinks as he twists his trunk around and rotates and stretches his arms and legs while trying to loosen the different parts of his armor then says, "Why don't you search the internet for free copyright images of snakes, I'm sure sooner or later you can find one which you can use as your logo....". Ritchie feeling resigned to change his logo agrees to search for a new logo but asks, "You're pushing me to change my logo but what about you?....You don't even have one. If we're gonna be super heroes we should both have logos on our chest, like the "S" for Superman and the "B" for Batman....". Grey rolls his eyes as he counters saying, "First of all, the "S" on Superman's chest stands for "Hope", not the word "Superman"....Secondly, "Batman's logo is a picture of a bat, not the letter "B"......".

       Ritchie ignores Grey as he continues to argue saying, "That's not the point...The point is that we both should have a logo. And if you expect me to change my logo into a snake then you have to have a logo on your chest and on your shield.....". Grey sigh's deeply, not wanting to prolong their argument as he finally agrees to have a logo on his chest's breastplate armor and on his "Alemdronite" shield. Ritchie, not wanting to waste time looks around in their apartment until he finds a red spray paint. "You mean to say you're gonna do it yourself and spray a logo on my chest?....", asks Grey, "Don't you think it's better to have Dr. Peters order me a professionally made logo, after all "Superman" and "Batman's" logos were professionally made....". Ritchie shakes his head looking irritated as he says, "Oh please!....Don't be so vain! will ya!....It's not like you're saving the planet from total destruction you know!....".

      Grey finally decides to stop arguing, knowing that if he agrees to have Ritchie spray paint a logo on his armor's breastplate and shield, then this would compel Ritchie to change his logo into a picture of a real snake instead of a blow up picture of his genital area, "Ok, ok....Go ahead and spray paint a picture of a cross on my titanium armor's breastplate...I always wanted to look like a Knight's Templar anyway...", says Grey, "But make sure to make the lines straight OK!....Just two straight lines of equal length, one vertical and one horizontal. Do you think you can handle that correctly?...". Ritchie frowns from Grey's cynicism as he vigorously shakes the red spray paint then, "Fsssst...fsssst....". The scent of paint suddenly fills the air as Grey steps back to evade the paint's noxious fumes. Grey walks towards the mirror and as he stares at his reflection, he suddenly grumbles and shouts, "Ritchie!, what the hell did you do?!...Why is there an "X" mark on my breastplate?!...I clearly said that I wanted a cross!...". Ritchie looking puzzled asks, "Isn't that what you wanted?...You said "Cross", so I crossed out your breastplate....You know, like when a teacher crosses out a wrong answer after an exam....".

      Grey groans as he stares at Ritchie's half suppressed smile, "I never said, "Cross it out!....",says Grey,"What I said was for you to paint a cross, like a crucifix, that big wooden symbol you see every time you go inside a catholic church dummy!...". Ritchie feeling embarassed says, "Ohhhh! that cross!....". Grey loosing his patience suddenly grabs the red spray paint from Ritchie's hand and sprays a straight horizontal line then a red vertical line over his shield then points his finger on it saying, "That's what I wanted you to spray paint on my breastplate....". Ritchie covers his mouth feeling mildly shocked at his error as he says, "Don't worry, when I get some free time, I'm gonna run to the hardware store and buy some chemical paint remover so we can erase that "X" mark on your breastplate....". Grey's lower jaw quickly drops as he grudgingly asks, "Are you telling me we don't have anything to erase this "X" mark on my chest right now?!....".

     Ritchie starts fidgeting nervously as he says, "Well I'm sorry, we just don't have any chemical paint remover around the house....If you want, I can spray a couple of more lines and make it look like an "Asterick"...". Grey quickly grumbles at Ritchie's ridiculous suggestion as he says, "I don't want an asterick on my chest, I want a cross!....How do you expect the public to recognize me as a super hero if the logo on my breastplate is not the same as the logo on my shield.....It's confusing!....". After a few minutes of feeling dismayed, Grey grudgingly decides to continue fighting crime with Ritchie that night, even though he was still angry at Ritchie's incompetence.

       (Mob's Headquarters: Black Lake Ranch, Vallejo California)

     Two weeks later, Mob boss Richard Sambrolini, his uncle Dr. Luigi Courtess and their head of operations Dice Claw were all watching the news on television. "Good Morning America...Thanks for tuning in to USNN news...And now for our top story, the Vallejo Police department has been reporting that for the last two weeks, a mysterious crime fighting duo has been battling with the city's numerous organized criminal  gangs. This crime fighting duo, one dressed as a knight and one dressed as Batman wearing a black leather jacket, had been the reason for the drastic decrease in the number of violent gangs in the city of Vallejo. The number of crime gangs had decreased from fifty, a month ago, and now is down to fifteen gangs left. Some citizens from other cities are expressing their hope that these two super heroes, whoever they may be could reach out to other communities and cities to fight and eliminate crime in order to make peoples lives more safer and peaceful. The city of Vallejo now has the lowest number of violent gangs at 15, while San Francisco has 52 organized violent gangs, Oakland has 59, San Mateo with 18, San Jose has 36 gangs, Hayward with twenty, Concord with 22 and the rest of the Bay Area cities with an average of thirty gangs....In other news...".

    Dr. Courtess quickly turns off the T.V. as he stares at his nephew then says, "This mysterious knight and his sidekick are starting to get into my nerves....". Mob boss Richard sits on their sofa as he pulls out a small bottle filled with cocaine then hears his uncle shout, "Not now Richard!...I need you with a clear mind, we need to think of a way to eliminate this crime fighting duo before they eliminate more of our gangs.....As long as that knight lives, he's always going to be a major disruption to our criminal organization....". Dice Claw, clears his throat as he speaks, "Pardon me Dr. Courtess, I would like to suggest a way to eliminate that knight and his sidekick....". Dr. Courtess stares at his operational manager while Richard opens the bottle and takes a small amount of cocaine and quickly sniffs it before his uncle see's him. "Go ahead!...", says Dr. Courtess, "Tell us what you have in mind....".

  Dice Claw loosens his black neck tie, and unbuttons his black blazer before speaking, "Well, what if we frame the knight for murder....I've spoken to two Vallejo police officers who works for us, Officer Ronald Dumbspell who loves to torture innocent civilians, and his partner Officer Dodge Cheney who's an expert in water boarding innocent people. The both of them suggests that we set up a fake 911 call to your Vallejo bottle factory, I believe that the knight has a police radio that he uses which gives him the ability to arrive at crime scenes to battle criminals before the police arrives. Once the knight enters your bottle factory, Officer Dumbspell and Officer Cheney will be waiting for him with an unsuspecting victim, and once they come face to face with the knight, Officer Dumbspell will shoot the victim dead and will blame it on the knight....Once both officers gives their false report that it was the knight that shot the victim dead,  then that knight will become a fugitive....".

    Richard Sambrolini who was now feeling high from his continuous use of cocaine blurts out saying, "That's right uncle.....That knight won't be able to fight crime if he himself is running from the law....wanted as a criminal...". Dr. Courtess glances with displeasure at his cocaine addicted nephew then turns toward Dice Claw as he says, "Ok then, make it so....You'll head this operation and I want it to be done as soon as possible!....". Dice Claw nods as he says, "Yes Dr. Courtess, I'll contact Officers Ronald Dumbspell and Dodge Cheney right away in order to implement our plan....".

         ( Vallejo Police Department)

       The next morning, it was around 09:00 AM when rookie cop Alan Francis arrives to work with two freshly brewed cups of coffee. Reaching their office, he see's Sgt Holt sitting by his desk examining a bunch of photographs. Placing a cup at Sgt Holt's desk, Officer Alan Francis asks, "What are you looking at boss?...". Without taking his focus away from the photographs, Sgt Holt answers, "I got some surveillance photos that were taken from a convenience store's security cameras two nights ago.....These are photos of the mysterious knight and his new sidekick, the Batman who wears a leather jacket....It was taken while they were fighting crime.....Just can't figure them out....". Sgt Holt looking confused hands the photos to Officer Francis and says, "Check it out....These latest photos of the knight shows that he now uses a diamond shape shield and has a sword fastened to his waist which he never unsheathes during battle. Then there's an insignia of a red cross on his shield and a red "X" mark on his breastplate....Oh!, and on the last photograph, you'll see that the Batman person had taken off his leather jacket and you'll see a picture of a cobra on his chest, I believe that it's his logo...You know, like the "S" in Superman's chest....".

     Officer Francis examines the photographs carefully and after a minute asks, "So what's so odd about them?....". Sgt Holt sigh's then says, "How can you become a detective someday if you can't even decipher the clues in those photographs...". Officer Francis looking puzzled places the photographs on Sgt Holt's desk then says, "Show me the clues you're talking about, you're the former detective here....". And as Sgt Holt spreads all the photos on his desk, he starts to point out the oddity of some of the photographs. "Here, look at this photo, you can see the knight fighting against three thugs who all have their guns pointed at him. He holds his shield up in front of him with his left hand in order to deflect the bullets but look at his sword, it's still unsheathe by his waist. His right hand is rolled into a tight fist, as if he's getting ready to throw a punch.....". Officer Francis just looks at Sgt Holt with a blank stare which makes the former detective roll his eyes as he further explains, "What I'm implying is, if your life is in danger, wouldn't you use your weapon to protect yourself?....In this photo, it clearly shows that the knight's life is in danger but instead of using his sword to dispose of his enemy, he decides to use a less lethal force which is his fist!.....This knight does not have the guts to take a life!...His motive is just to temporarily incapacitate his enemies and not kill them....".

       Officer Francis sits across Sgt Holt's desk and asks, "Ok, so what else do you see in those photographs?...". Sgt Holt points to another photo then says, "What puzzles me first of all is why does this knight have an insignia on his shield that's different from the insignia on his breastplate?....If you look at pictures of Templar knights during the 12th century, you'll clearly see that the symbol on their shield and their chest are identical, a red cross.....It just doesn't make sense why this mysterious knight has a red cross on his shield and an "X" mark on his breastplate....". Sgt Holt shifts his focus and points to another picture as he says, "Look at this one.....In this picture, you can see that this Batman person had taken off his black leather jacket and seems to proudly expose a logo of a cobra on his chest, but in the police reports that I've read, the victims all say that after the knight and the Batman person had defeated the whole gang of criminals, the Batman person approaches them and introduces himself as "Python" instead of "Cobra",.....It just doesn't make sense...".

     Officer Francis sips from his cup and stares at Sgt Holt intensely as he asks, "So what's your conclusion boss?....". Sgt Holt leans back in his seat as he rubs his forehead with his eyes closed and says, "I don't know.....For all we know they both could be insane.....deranged....Loonies.....Their costumes says it all....". Sgt Holt suddenly changes the subject and informs rookie cop Alan Francis that he'll be taking a vacation for five days in order to visit his kids and his ex-wife in Colorado. "My oldest son is graduating from college and this will give me a chance to re-connect with him and my other children....". Officer Francis nods in silence as Sgt Holt verbally warns Officer Francis saying, "I want you to be careful, watch your back. There have been rumors that a lot more Vallejo Police Officers now are secretly working for the mob, if anyone tries to recruit you into doing illegal stuff or into joining the mob, don't hesitate to call me right away, you got that?!....". Officer Francis, feeling a surge of uncertainty, decides to hide any signs of apprehension as he pretends to show an attitude of confidence and says, "Don't worry sarge, I'll be Ok and I'll stay clear of any trouble....". And after another hour of doing some paperwork, Sgt Holt starts to clear his desk as he leaves the police department to start his five day vacation.

           The next evening, It was 10:10 pm when Officer Ronald Dumbspell gets a phone call from the mob's operational manager Dice Claw, "Is everything set at your end?...", asks Dice Claw, "Remember, this plan needs to be done perfectly...". Officer Dumbspell getting his equipment ready answers, "Don't worry Mr. Claw, you guys pay us really well and you can be rest assured that our plan will succeed....". Dice Claw, still not convinced that their plan will work decides to repeat their strategy, "So like we talked about, at 02:15 am, one of our men will break into the factory....", says Dice Claw, " This should activate the factory's security alarm system, my guy who will be wearing an all black outfit will be hiding inside the factory waiting for the knight to show up, and when he does, he'll text you and Cheney. Now where will you guys be at?....".

          Officer Ronald Dumbspell feeling bored answers, "I'll be inside my police car parked one block away from the factory, that way I can be the first responder, once the 911 report comes in. Officer Dodge Cheney said he'll be patrolling around the neighborhood within a few blocks from the factory, that way he can respond as my backup. And he'll be riding with a rookie cop who we'll be using as our sacrificial lamb. Just tell your goon inside the factory to make his get away before other police units arrive, that way we don't leave any loose ends....". Dice Claw then reminds Officer Dumbspell that the factory's security cameras will be on the whole time since Dr. Courtess wanted to watch the events that will lead to the knight being framed as a murderer. "Talk about tying up loose ends, make sure you grab the security tapes from the "Safety Officers" room before the police investigators arrive at the factory, we left the door unlocked....". Officer Dumbspell snickers and replies, "Sure will...". And after a few more minor details were ironed out, Officer Dumbspell hangs up the phone as he gets ready for his graveyard shift.

        One hour later, at Grey and Ritchie's apartment. "Hurry up and get your costume on, It's close to midnight. We have to be on our way...", says Grey, "Oh! by the way, were you able to buy the chemical  paint remover from the hardware store?...". Ritchie grabbing his used Batman suit from their closet answers, "Oh gosh!...I forgot, I'll buy it tomorrow after I wake up....". Grey feeling frustrated groans in anger saying, "Ahhh!....I can't believe you...You've been telling me everyday for the last two weeks that you'll buy that stupid chemical paint remover but you never do!....". Ritchie feeling unappreciated answers back saying, "Geez!...Give me a break!...We've been out fighting crime everyday for the last two weeks, and when we're at home, I'm so busy cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, paying the bills, spoon feeding you, giving you your medications,  emptying your urinary leg bag and changing your dirty diaper all the time. I'm tired of your shit!, and I mean that literally!....".

      Grey who was fully suited in his titanium knight's armor, levitates towards the mirror and stares at the red "X" mark on his reflection. Then after a minute, he turns towards Ritchie who was putting on his used Batman outfit. "Look, I'm sorry for loosing my patience.....", says Grey, "It's just that maybe I'm just stressed out....Maybe we're both tired....Do you think we should take a few days off from fighting crime in order to decompress?....". Ritchie still feeling upset from Grey's demanding and bossy attitude says, "Crime doesn't take a day off, why should we!?....". Then after Ritchie buckles his gold plated utility belt on, he puts on his black Batman mask over his head as he pinches and straightens out his mask's two pointed ears making sure they were not sagging to the side. He then faces Grey as he places his hands on his hips and pumps his chest out as he asks, "How do I look?....".

       Grey stares at the new logo showing a picture of a luminous green cobra on his chest as he asks,"Why do you have a picture of a "Cobra" on your chest and yet you still call yourself "Python", It doesn't make any sense....". Ritchie's lungs suddenly deflates together with his ego as he explains, "The only copyright free picture of a snake that I can find in the internet is a picture of this "Cobra", there are no copyright free pictures of "Pythons" that I can find....". Grey gasps in frustration as he says, "Then why don't you just change your super hero name to "Cobra" that way people won't get confused.

      Ritchie feeling defensive argues saying, "But I like my super hero name to be known as "Python", It symbolizes size....strength and most of all.....length!...". Grey had finally heard enough and did not want to further argue with his best friend's senseless reasoning.

      Two hours later, while Officer Dodge Cheney was patrolling the city streets of Vallejo together with rookie cop Alan Francis in a Vallejo police car, Officer Francis yawns and says, "I don't think I can ever get used to working the graveyard shift, I'm just a morning person you know....". Officer Cheney snickers and says, "Don't worry rookie, you're in good hands, In a few hours it'll be all over and you'll be resting in peace....Well, that's if you're able to sleep during the day....". Officer Francis sigh's deeply and says, "I'll probably need to take some sleeping pills later, otherwise I'll probably be awake all day long.....Oh! by the way, have you ever worked with Sgt. Holt at all?....". Officer Cheney sneers and says, "I.... Officer Dumbspell and Sgt Holt go a long way, the three of us were all together at the Police Academy. We became Vallejo police officers at the same time, though I never really enjoyed Holt's company, he's too serious....No fun to be with, I like a partner who knows how to break the law from time to time you know, just to shake things up a bit.....I always used to tell him that life is short, and that in this kind of profession, you can never be assured of a long career.....You never know if or when someone just approaches you and shoots you on the head.....You know what I mean?...". Rookie cop Alan Francis nods then sighs one more time and says, "You're right...Playing "Cop" is a dangerous job....".

     

     Meanwhile, one hour later, It was around 02:00 am when Grey and Ritchie were already patrolling the dark and quiet streets of Vallejo. Driving the truck for the past two hours at a slow speed, while they listen to their police radio. They were both starting to get sleepy from the lack of action, "This is what happens when the crime rate drops...", says Grey, "It gets harder to find any criminal activity...". Ritchie yawns while holding the steering wheel with one hand as he asks, "Do you think we should move to a different city where the crime rate is higher?....". And before Grey could answer, they suddenly hear a voice come on from the police radio informing Vallejo police units about a possible break in at the "Busche Bottle Factory", which was only a few blocks from where they were at. Stepping on the accelerator and going full speed, Ritchie aggressively turns the steering wheel left and right as they made haste towards the bottle factory.

    Three minutes later, Ritchie steps hard on the brakes as their truck comes to a complete stop. Two blocks away from the factory, Grey instructs Ritchie to keep the truck's engine running. "Since the Police were alerted, they could arrive anytime. And if they're already at the factory, I'll return here soon and we can just patrol somewhere else. Do you have your "In Ear" blue tooth on?....". Ritchie looks behind the truck and gives Grey a "Thumb's up" sign. And in an instant Grey was gone, just like a ghost that vanishes in silence and stealth.

           Reaching the main entrance which was at the east side of the factory, Grey observes that it was still fully locked without any signs of a break in. Knowing that a thief would probably enter through a window or a back door, he levitates towards the south side of the factory as he checks for any broken windows. Seeing that everything was in order, Grey floats towards the end of the factory and turns right towards the west side were he see's a back door that was forcefully pried open. Looking around at his dark surroundings, Grey pauses to listen for sounds of Police sirens blaring, but he only hears silence. He then takes a deep breath as he decides to enter the bottling factory to do some investigating.

          After entering the factory, Grey floats a few inches off the ground, as he tries to blink a few times in order to readjust his sight around the dark surroundings. And as he goes in further, he notices the different types of mechanical equipments scattered all around the place. There were several conveyor machines, pneumatic elevators, mechanical sorters and shrink wrapping equipments. There were also piles of cases filled with glass bottles and wooden pallets that were stacked together so high that some of them even reached up between 30 to 40 feet in height. The factory was the largest bottling factory in the state, covering a total area of 1.30 acres in size."This place looks like a dark confusing maze...", Grey thought to himself. And as he keeps turning from corner to corner, he suddenly gets a surge of anxiety as he realizes that he was now lost and did not know how to get back to the factory's back entrance.

     Meanwhile, Officer Ronald Dumbspell had already received a text message on his cell phone informing him that the mysterious knight was already inside the factory. Not wanting to scare away the knight, he decides to drive his police car without turning on it's lights and siren. Then after parking his police car at the north side of the factory, he calls for police backup then makes his way towards the back of the factory were he knew that the west side's back door would be open. He puts on his black leather gloves, and night vision goggles in order to provide him with extremely clear and crisp images of his surroundings under the darkest conditions. And after he had his goggles perfectly set, he pulls out his gun from it's holster and quickly goes in.

   After another five minutes had passed, another police car quietly arrives at the factory. Officer Cheney and rookie cop Alan Francis gets out of their police car and visually inspects the factory. Officer Cheney orders Officer Francis to check around the south side of the building, Officer Cheney did this in order to give himself  a chance to contact Officer Dumbspell informing him that they had arrived and would soon be entering the factory through the back side. After a minute, Officer Francis returns and informs Officer Cheney that everything was in order on the south side without any signs of a break-in. Then, they both made their way to the back of the building. Seeing the back door open with signs of forcible entry, rookie cop Francis pulls out his gun while Officer Cheney takes out his personal night vision goggles. Looking impressed, Officer Francis asks, "You got another one of those?....". Officer Cheney sneers as he puts on his goggles and says, "Next time, you should remind yourself to get one of these....". Then after a minute, they both went in.

       Grey was now slowly feeling his way through the deep and dark bowels of the factory's maze like configuration.  Looking up at the high windows, he stares at the moonlight that was penetrating transparently through the high windows which was giving him a sense of direction and guidance through the unending maze of corners. "Thank God, tonight's a full moon...", Grey tells himself. He then speaks into his "In Ear" blue tooth saying, "Ritchie, are you there?....". Ritchie responds quickly asking him if everything was Ok. "I think I'm lost, It's too dark in here...I'm gonna try to find an exit before the cops arrive. But before Grey could head back, all of the factory's lights suddenly turns on as Grey hears a voice behind him shout, "Freeze, don't move!....". Grey instinctively turns around and see's two police officers pointing their guns at him. Grey raises his Alemdronite shield to give him added protection from possible gunshots as he yells, "I'm not a thief, I'm just checking out the place due to reports of someone breaking in...". And while Officer Francis had his gun aimed at Grey, Officer Cheney takes a few steps behind the rookie cop and quickly puts on a pair of black leather gloves. He then pulls out a different handgun from his back pocket as he yells at Grey saying, "I don't know who your are, but what I do know is that you're a cop killer?!...".

      Grey gasps in shock at the police officer's sudden accusation when suddenly he see's Officer Cheney point the unregistered gun he was holding towards the back of Officer Francis's head, then, "Bang!....". He fires a bullet that goes through the rookie cop's occipital lobe as it explodes out of the young cop's forehead, sending pieces of brain matter and bright blood spraying into different directions, and instantly, Officer Alan Francis falls lifelessly to the ground. Officer Cheney tosses the unregistered gun he used to kill the rookie cop with towards Grey shouting,"Catch!....You just killed a cop!....". Grey feeling panic-stricken, refuses to catch the gun, then unknowingly levitates two inches off the ground which astonishes Officer Cheney.

     And as Grey's pulse rate starts to increase, Officer Dumbspell suddenly appears out of nowhere, pointing a gun towards Grey's right side, then,  "Bang!..bang!...", two shots are fired by Officer Dumbspell
  with one bullet hitting Grey on the right side of his knight's helmet as it ricochet's away while the other bullet hits him harmlessly on his right pauldron which was the titanium armor that protects his right shoulder. And before Grey could realize what was happening, the two police officer starts spraying him with bullets coming from different directions.

    Feeling wildly distraught, Grey holds his shield up as he starts to make his escape as several more gun shots hits him on his back creating several bullet holes on his crimson colored cape. "Ritchie!, they killed him!....The police, they're after me!.....Get ready to go!, just need to find the exit!....". And as a surge of  adrenaline rushes through Grey's blood stream, the concentration of the Jk4 serum in his blood starts to wane making his movements uncoordinated. Crashing through stacks of crates and pallets, Grey could still hear gunfire as the two police officers continue their chase. Without looking back, Grey struggles to get up from a sea of broken cartons, bottles, cases, pallets and broken containers. Then getting to his feet,  he staggers like a severely drunken man as he tries to find his way out of the factory. But still lost in a maze, Grey looks around and suddenly see's a window twenty feet away from him, on the south side of the building. Desperate in making his escape, he heads straight towards the window and jumps through it as glass shatters into hundreds of pieces.

       Falling awkwardly on  muddy ground, Grey struggles to get up from a sitting position, knowing that at any second, more cops will be showing up. But as the concentration of the JK4 serum in his blood stream continues to dissipate, he starts to feel even more sluggish and heavy. And as precious seconds pass by, Grey tries to stand up but was unable to, due to an increasing generalized weakness.

     Realizing that his heightened emotional state of fear was adversely affecting the concentration of the Jk4 drug in his blood stream, which in turn was causing a rapid deterioration of his strength as he was slowly reverting back to his quadriplegic state, Grey quickly takes off his back pack, unzips it and starts to search for his JK4 inhaler. Looking at both sides of the street for any possible signs of a threat, he finds his inhaler and takes two quick inhalations, each time holding his breath for a few seconds. Still not hearing any police sirens blaring, Grey closes his eyes and starts to meditate knowing that unless he calms down, the drug he just inhaled would be useless. "Relax Grey, relax....", he mumbles to himself.

     Meanwhile, back inside the factory, Officer Dumbspell unzips a black duffle bag as he and Officer Cheney both dump their black leather gloves and personal night vision goggles into it. "Are you sure the rookie's dead?...", asks Officer Dumbspell, "Maybe we should put another bullet through him.....". Officer Cheney looking annoyed replies, "The kid's dead, just get rid of this bag while I go and grab the security tapes from the Safety Officer's room, then we can call this in!....".

   After a few minutes, the two officers were already able to hide their equipment together with the factory's security video surveillance tapes as they finally decide that it was time to call in the shooting. Officer Cheney grabs his personal police radio and reports, "Officer down, I repeat! Officer down....We need an ambulance right now....All  available units,  please proceed to #550 Santa Clara street.....We have a shooter on the loose....Suspect is male, standing five feet-four, weighing between 140 to 160 pounds, wearing a knight's shining armor with a crimson colored cape draped over his back, he has a red "X" mark on his chest and a sign of a cross on his shield. Be advised, suspect is armed and dangerous, I repeat, the suspect is armed and dangerous...".

     Meanwhile, outside the factory, Grey was still in a sitting position as he continues to meditate with his eyes closed. As his pulse rate starts to drop below 100 beats per minute, he starts to gradually feel his strength coming back. But before he had enough energy to stand up, he suddenly hears a screeching sound coming from a vehicle that suddenly turns sharply through a street corner, and sounding as if it was heading towards him. And as the sound of an approaching vehicle starts to get louder by the second, he knew that his super powers could only return if he could repress his emotions and stay stoic. Ignoring the approaching vehicle, Grey takes a few more deep breaths when suddenly, he hears the vehicle's breaks scream.

    Opening his eyes, he see's his black truck right in front of him with it's passenger door open. "Hurry up!, get in!...", shouts Ritchie, "This is the wrong time and place to be doing yoga you know!....". Getting his full strength back, Grey quickly gets in the truck, and as they were driving away, they could hear faint sounds of several police cars sirens blaring from a distance. (End Of Chapter)