Chapter 9 - Patience
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An old friend once told Danny whenever he was feeling frustrated that he took it as a sign that he needed to slow down. It was advice that Danny considered sound but it was hard advice to follow when the bomb in front of him could go off at any moment. Easy, Williams, he thought to himself, this bomb is not going to go off due to disarmer error.
Three days.
That was how long they had to come up with a plan to stop the slavers if they wanted to save this group of girls. And Steve was determined to do just that.
Steve looked at Yi and said, "If we revealed ourselves to the local authorities, we have enough evidence to get a warrant but do we trust them?"
"To search the ship and recover the girls: yes. To properly detain the men and round up the evidence to catch Da Shu: no."
"We need Kaye's presence when we move in to get that," Steve mused, "but then we run the risk of Black finding out and warning Shu's organization before we are in place. I think we'll have a better chance of doing this right if we make our move when the ship docks in Honolulu."
"We will need people in place in Honolulu," Yi stated.
"I trust my men. I'll call Five-O the day the ship leaves."
"You're not going to inform them in person?"
"No," Steve replied, "I'm going to be on that ship."
As Kono walked across the road, he sidestepped a feral chicken that was running across his path. He was definitely not in Honolulu any more. Kauai was different but even though he had only been on the island for a day and a half, Kono was finding that he wasn't hating it.
Aside from feral chickens, the other animal Kono would be spending a lot of his time keeping a lookout for would be tourists. Kauai's major industry was tourism and Kono learned in his first conversation with Chief Alston that a large part of his duties would involve be investigating scams or thieves that targeted this vital industry. Life in the KPD was definitely going to be slower pace than life with Five-O where investigating murder and organized crime was the norm.
Kono hurt whenever he thought of Chin left behind to fend off the wolves by himself but the Hawaiian knew he couldn't have spent another moment in that office even if he was paid triple his regular salary to do so. Kono shook with anger to think that racist impotent detective was still in charge but when his protests were ignored he knew he couldn't stay. Five-O had died when Steve did; it was just easier to think of it that way.
Walking into the station, Kono wondered over to the office that he shared with two detectives that reported to him and a unit secretary. It wasn't the Iolani Palace but the office was comfortable and functional. Kono could see himself enjoying the hours he would spend here.
The secretary, a young Hawaiian woman named Lia, smiled at him as he entered the room and informed him that his detectives were waiting for him. Kono noticed that they were sitting in seats next to his desk and quickly joined them. He had been introduced yesterday and today his detectives would bring him up to date on their current cases and responsibilities so he could get to work.
Derrick Nelson, a haole larger in girth than he was, handed Kono a file and began to briefly summarize the main points. The detective sitting next to him, a slender Korean woman named Mary Seonu, added the occasional detail or clarification. It was different being on the other side of the desk but from what Kono had read in their files and now could see, he believed that Nelson and Seonu were capable and sound detectives.
Yes, life in Kauai would be different but Kono was beginning to think that it might just grow on him.
Five hours from Honolulu to San Francisco. Eleven Hours from San Francisco to Tokyo. Seven and half hours from Tokyo to Singapore. Currently, Danny was halfway through the final leg to Singapore. While Danny dreaded the inevitable jet lag, he couldn't deny that these long flights were turning out to be a blessing in disguise. He had done nothing but catch up on desperately needed sleep during the first two flights and now was using the forced inactivity to give himself time to process and reflect on everything that had happened in his life these past couple of weeks.
Everything had happened so fast. From the moment Danny returned from the mainland to the moment he was fired from Five-O, no one had given any of them time to sit back and actually think about what was going on, to maybe consider the fact that people were manipulating Five-O in places it shouldn't go. And now Steve was dead and that was a pain that would never go away. Danny could live with being fired, but failing to convince Steve that he was walking into a trap was something that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Would bringing the killers to justice bring him peace?
Images of rats invaded his dreams as Danny nodded off again. Waking up, Danny couldn't shake the feeling that his focus needed to be on finding Da Shu but to do that he needed local support. The Governor had given him that letter but the question was could he trust the locals?
Steve had told him what happened with the police when he went to Singapore to escort an important witness back to Hawaii. But was it fair to judge the whole force by the actions of a few?
The more Danny thought about it the more he realized he had to involve the local police. Steve had ignored them and still gotten killed. How far could he go alone before the same thing happened to him? No, Danny would attempt to connect with one or two detectives and convince them of the need to keep the word of what they were doing from spreading to the whole force. He suspected that if the detectives knew they were trying to stop a human smuggling operation they would be more likely to agree with his plan than if they just thought they were investigating a death of an American police officer. As much as he wanted justice for Steve's death, Danny knew that if he had to choose between stopping the human smuggling trade from moving into Hawaii or bringing Steve's killers to justice there was no choice.
Danny had to focus on the lives of those he could save; it was what Steve would have wanted.
Chin checked that the safety was off on his .38 as he leaned against the side door to the house and waited for the signal to enter. Beside him stood Scott Miller, a tall, muscular detective with a shaved head and green eyes. Miller had worked with Zar on the mainland and was hired to be Five-O's new second-in-command. Chin was skeptical of anyone Zar trusted but considering he had only met the man a couple hours ago, he was trying to withhold judgment.
Zar's other hire, Parker Clausen, was on the other side of the building with their boss. Clausen was shorter then Chin, skinny with mousy brown hair and glasses. Chin wasn't sure where Zar found him but Clausen was also from somewhere on the mainland.
Danny and Kono had only been gone for two days but Zar had wasted no time in finding replacements.
Chin watched as Miller listened to the walkie-talkie held up to his ear and when Miller gave the signal, Chin quickly busted down the door. The four Five-O detectives entered the room where a group of men were playing an illegal craps game.
The men put up no resistance and Chin handed off the guy he cuffed to the Officer David Ward standing by.
"Where's Pika?" Chin asked.
"Outside."
"He was ordered to support us," Chin responded.
David shrugged. "No harm done. And before you say a word, know that Five-O shouldn't even be here."
Chin looked to make sure Zar and his men were out of earshot before answered the officer's charge. "I don't like this any more than you do. But you will still follow orders. I will not have someone get shot or killed because they thought protesting was more important than their job. Understand?"
"Yes, Sir," David replied, looking a little guilty.
Chin patted the officer on the back. "Let's get his guy booked."
Chin's heartfelt defense of obeying orders was sorely tested when he stepped outside and saw the cameras flashing; their raid would be headline on the evening news. Holding back a groan, the detective couldn't deny the fact that for as unpopular as Zar was making himself among HPD personnel he was making himself very popular with the general public. The series of raids were convincing the people that Five-O was busier and more effective than it had ever been while the truth was that their raids were catching nothing but people low on the totem poles who were easily replaced. The men they really wanted were perfectly safe and Zar's actions were only putting them further out of reach. Chin knew that, all of HPD knew that, and Zar apparently didn't care.
"Kelly!"
Chin turned as he heard Alexander Zar call out his name. Zar gestured him over and the sullen detective obeyed.
Zar pointed to twenty-something Hawaiian male who was refusing to speak English and ordered, "Tell me what he's saying."
"Sorry, Boss, but I don't speak Hawaiian, just English and Chinese." Chin didn't add that this wouldn't have been a problem if boss's attitude hadn't caused Kono to quit.
Zar grunted and hollered for one of the Hawaiian officers to come over. Chin cringed as the officers pretended to not hear Zar.
When Zar looked to Chin for an explanation the detective was stumped. How could he explain to his boss that the reason the officers refused to do anything but guard the perimeter was because they were reacting to Kono's transfer to Kauai? Kono hadn't been quiet about the reason he had quit Five-O and the news had not been received well by HPD's Hawaiian officers.
Chin looked over at Pika and another Hawaiian officer who both shook their heads. Deciding not to press the issue, he told Zar that he would radio central and asked for a translator to be sent to the palace.
Once back at the Iolani Palace, Chin disappeared into his cubicle knowing that Zar wouldn't care if he missed the interrogation. Jenny shot him a questioning look and he gave her a signal that the morning was not going well.
Just as that thought crossed Chin's mind, Zar stormed out of his office and demanded that Chin tell him where his translator was.
"I don't know, Boss. Central told me they would send someone."
"Well he's not here. Get on the horn and find out what's taking him so long!"
Once Zar was out of sight, Chin gave a Jenny a-what-can-you-do look and she responded with a weak smile. Things had not gotten better since Danny and Kono left and Chin was starting to seriously doubt his resolve to stay with Five-O for his family's sake.
Picking up the phone, Chin dialed HPD. "Central, Kelly. What's status on the translator Five-O requested?"
There was a moment of awkward silence before the officer answered, "We're having trouble finding one that is free."
Frustrated, Chin wasn't about to let this go. "Five-O gets priority over any non-emergency request."
The officer on the other end of the line confessed, "Kelly, I'm sorry but they all refuse to come. I begged, I pleaded, I ordered but none of them want to be in the same room as Zar and to be honest, I don't blame them."
Knowing there was no point in arguing any further, Chin ordered, "Patch me through to Chief Dann."
"Chief Dann, here."
"Mike, its Chin. We have a problem."
"I can't do anything about the one sitting in McGarrett's chair."
Unable to help himself, Chin laughed. "Trust me I wish you could but that's not why I called. Five-O is having issues working with HPD. In particular, none of your men want to and a few are refusing direct orders to. Now, I'm asking that they start liking Zar but this insubordination is causing major problems."
"I'll deal with it," Dann promised. "Do you need anything pronto?"
"A Hawaiian translator."
"You couldn't have started with something easier?" Dann asked. "All of HPD heard what the Boss called Kalakaua." Dann paused for a moment then continued, "I tell you what it's below his pay grade but Sergeant Lukela will do it if I explain the situation."
"Thanks, Mike. Tell Duke to make it fast."
Fifteen minutes passed as Chin waited. He told Zar that Lukela was on his way and he then hoped the trustworthy Hawaiian wouldn't let him down. Chin's faith was rewarded when he saw Duke walk through the doors. As Chin gestured for Duke to go inside the main office, the Sergeant leaned down and whispered, "When you can get away, Ben Kokua wants to see you."
Chin gave Duke a smile and then prepared to call Lin and tell her that he would be late tonight. If Ben had news on those dead girls no one was stopping him from finding out what is was, not even Alexander Zar.
Insubordination was truly in the eye of the beholder.
Sitting in a bar popular with Da Shu's men, Steve looked up from the table where he sat with mug of beer in front of him. He was only pretending to drink, knowing that he would need a clear head if he was going to pull off what he needed to. Luckily, there was a conveniently located plant next to his chair.
Part of the detective couldn't believe what he was about to do but he and Yi had decided this was the only way to get what they needed. That this was only way that Steve could think of to join the crew of Morning's Light without arousing suspicion of her officers.
The dozen crewman settled around a table, drinking and playing poker should do the trick, Steve thought.
Pretending to take a sip of his beer, Steve watched the crewman closely. He recognized them all from his time on the docks but needed to time this exactly if he wanted his plan to work. He needed the men drunk enough to not be thinking clearly but not so inebriated that they were passing out. After twenty minutes passed, Steve figured that he wouldn't have a better opportunity.
After checking that his wig and fake beard were still in place, Steve rose from the table, half-full mug of beer in hand. Swaying to appear drunk, Steve walked over to the table where his targets were sitting and then walked to close to the crewman that Steve perceived to be their leader and tripped, slipping his beer all over the man and then falling face first unto the table sending the poker chips flying.
The result was immediate. The beer covered crewman grabbed Steve and threw him on the floor. "What do you think you're doing!" the man roared.
Heads turned Steve's way, as people anticipated a fight. Steve rose lowly to his feet and responded, slurring his speech, "S…S…Sorry. Must have tr…tripped."
"You're going to be sorry," the crewman declared, cracking his knuckles.
Steve held out his hands in defeat. "Barkeep, drinks! Drinks for these…these fine men."
The head crewman kicked Steve and then took his seat yelling, "Make it good beer. None of your cheap stuff."
Steve nodded and hurried off to the bar where the bartender readied a pitcher of beer. Grabbing the pitcher in a manner that he hoped showed that he was desperate to make amends, Steve walked carefully back to the crewman's table. As he walked, he discreetly opened a packet and mixed the contents into the beer.
Placing the pitcher on the table, Steve offered up another round of apologies and then left the bar as the men were already ignoring him and helping themselves to the free drink. Steve didn't know exactly what he had put into the crew members' drinks; Tang Yi had procured it and had not shared the means he used. That discussion had caused Steve to remember that Yi was more than just his contact; he was one of Kaye's trained agents and a good one at that. He had to trust Yi when he said that the powder was a modified virus that would make the next forty-eight hours most unpleasant for these crewmen. They would suffer develop diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and cramps but Yi had assured him that no lasting damage would be done, but these men would be in no shape to report to work tomorrow. The hope was that the sudden loss of crewman would cause some of Da Shu's men to go looking around the docks for replacements.
That was how Steve was going to get on the ship. He was going to be asked.
Three days.
That was how long they had to come up with a plan to stop the slavers if they wanted to save this group of girls. And Steve was determined to do just that.
Steve looked at Yi and said, "If we revealed ourselves to the local authorities, we have enough evidence to get a warrant but do we trust them?"
"To search the ship and recover the girls: yes. To properly detain the men and round up the evidence to catch Da Shu: no."
"We need Kaye's presence when we move in to get that," Steve mused, "but then we run the risk of Black finding out and warning Shu's organization before we are in place. I think we'll have a better chance of doing this right if we make our move when the ship docks in Honolulu."
"We will need people in place in Honolulu," Yi stated.
"I trust my men. I'll call Five-O the day the ship leaves."
"You're not going to inform them in person?"
"No," Steve replied, "I'm going to be on that ship."
As Kono walked across the road, he sidestepped a feral chicken that was running across his path. He was definitely not in Honolulu any more. Kauai was different but even though he had only been on the island for a day and a half, Kono was finding that he wasn't hating it.
Aside from feral chickens, the other animal Kono would be spending a lot of his time keeping a lookout for would be tourists. Kauai's major industry was tourism and Kono learned in his first conversation with Chief Alston that a large part of his duties would involve be investigating scams or thieves that targeted this vital industry. Life in the KPD was definitely going to be slower pace than life with Five-O where investigating murder and organized crime was the norm.
Kono hurt whenever he thought of Chin left behind to fend off the wolves by himself but the Hawaiian knew he couldn't have spent another moment in that office even if he was paid triple his regular salary to do so. Kono shook with anger to think that racist impotent detective was still in charge but when his protests were ignored he knew he couldn't stay. Five-O had died when Steve did; it was just easier to think of it that way.
Walking into the station, Kono wondered over to the office that he shared with two detectives that reported to him and a unit secretary. It wasn't the Iolani Palace but the office was comfortable and functional. Kono could see himself enjoying the hours he would spend here.
The secretary, a young Hawaiian woman named Lia, smiled at him as he entered the room and informed him that his detectives were waiting for him. Kono noticed that they were sitting in seats next to his desk and quickly joined them. He had been introduced yesterday and today his detectives would bring him up to date on their current cases and responsibilities so he could get to work.
Derrick Nelson, a haole larger in girth than he was, handed Kono a file and began to briefly summarize the main points. The detective sitting next to him, a slender Korean woman named Mary Seonu, added the occasional detail or clarification. It was different being on the other side of the desk but from what Kono had read in their files and now could see, he believed that Nelson and Seonu were capable and sound detectives.
Yes, life in Kauai would be different but Kono was beginning to think that it might just grow on him.
Five hours from Honolulu to San Francisco. Eleven Hours from San Francisco to Tokyo. Seven and half hours from Tokyo to Singapore. Currently, Danny was halfway through the final leg to Singapore. While Danny dreaded the inevitable jet lag, he couldn't deny that these long flights were turning out to be a blessing in disguise. He had done nothing but catch up on desperately needed sleep during the first two flights and now was using the forced inactivity to give himself time to process and reflect on everything that had happened in his life these past couple of weeks.
Everything had happened so fast. From the moment Danny returned from the mainland to the moment he was fired from Five-O, no one had given any of them time to sit back and actually think about what was going on, to maybe consider the fact that people were manipulating Five-O in places it shouldn't go. And now Steve was dead and that was a pain that would never go away. Danny could live with being fired, but failing to convince Steve that he was walking into a trap was something that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Would bringing the killers to justice bring him peace?
Images of rats invaded his dreams as Danny nodded off again. Waking up, Danny couldn't shake the feeling that his focus needed to be on finding Da Shu but to do that he needed local support. The Governor had given him that letter but the question was could he trust the locals?
Steve had told him what happened with the police when he went to Singapore to escort an important witness back to Hawaii. But was it fair to judge the whole force by the actions of a few?
The more Danny thought about it the more he realized he had to involve the local police. Steve had ignored them and still gotten killed. How far could he go alone before the same thing happened to him? No, Danny would attempt to connect with one or two detectives and convince them of the need to keep the word of what they were doing from spreading to the whole force. He suspected that if the detectives knew they were trying to stop a human smuggling operation they would be more likely to agree with his plan than if they just thought they were investigating a death of an American police officer. As much as he wanted justice for Steve's death, Danny knew that if he had to choose between stopping the human smuggling trade from moving into Hawaii or bringing Steve's killers to justice there was no choice.
Danny had to focus on the lives of those he could save; it was what Steve would have wanted.
Chin checked that the safety was off on his .38 as he leaned against the side door to the house and waited for the signal to enter. Beside him stood Scott Miller, a tall, muscular detective with a shaved head and green eyes. Miller had worked with Zar on the mainland and was hired to be Five-O's new second-in-command. Chin was skeptical of anyone Zar trusted but considering he had only met the man a couple hours ago, he was trying to withhold judgment.
Zar's other hire, Parker Clausen, was on the other side of the building with their boss. Clausen was shorter then Chin, skinny with mousy brown hair and glasses. Chin wasn't sure where Zar found him but Clausen was also from somewhere on the mainland.
Danny and Kono had only been gone for two days but Zar had wasted no time in finding replacements.
Chin watched as Miller listened to the walkie-talkie held up to his ear and when Miller gave the signal, Chin quickly busted down the door. The four Five-O detectives entered the room where a group of men were playing an illegal craps game.
The men put up no resistance and Chin handed off the guy he cuffed to the Officer David Ward standing by.
"Where's Pika?" Chin asked.
"Outside."
"He was ordered to support us," Chin responded.
David shrugged. "No harm done. And before you say a word, know that Five-O shouldn't even be here."
Chin looked to make sure Zar and his men were out of earshot before answered the officer's charge. "I don't like this any more than you do. But you will still follow orders. I will not have someone get shot or killed because they thought protesting was more important than their job. Understand?"
"Yes, Sir," David replied, looking a little guilty.
Chin patted the officer on the back. "Let's get his guy booked."
Chin's heartfelt defense of obeying orders was sorely tested when he stepped outside and saw the cameras flashing; their raid would be headline on the evening news. Holding back a groan, the detective couldn't deny the fact that for as unpopular as Zar was making himself among HPD personnel he was making himself very popular with the general public. The series of raids were convincing the people that Five-O was busier and more effective than it had ever been while the truth was that their raids were catching nothing but people low on the totem poles who were easily replaced. The men they really wanted were perfectly safe and Zar's actions were only putting them further out of reach. Chin knew that, all of HPD knew that, and Zar apparently didn't care.
"Kelly!"
Chin turned as he heard Alexander Zar call out his name. Zar gestured him over and the sullen detective obeyed.
Zar pointed to twenty-something Hawaiian male who was refusing to speak English and ordered, "Tell me what he's saying."
"Sorry, Boss, but I don't speak Hawaiian, just English and Chinese." Chin didn't add that this wouldn't have been a problem if boss's attitude hadn't caused Kono to quit.
Zar grunted and hollered for one of the Hawaiian officers to come over. Chin cringed as the officers pretended to not hear Zar.
When Zar looked to Chin for an explanation the detective was stumped. How could he explain to his boss that the reason the officers refused to do anything but guard the perimeter was because they were reacting to Kono's transfer to Kauai? Kono hadn't been quiet about the reason he had quit Five-O and the news had not been received well by HPD's Hawaiian officers.
Chin looked over at Pika and another Hawaiian officer who both shook their heads. Deciding not to press the issue, he told Zar that he would radio central and asked for a translator to be sent to the palace.
Once back at the Iolani Palace, Chin disappeared into his cubicle knowing that Zar wouldn't care if he missed the interrogation. Jenny shot him a questioning look and he gave her a signal that the morning was not going well.
Just as that thought crossed Chin's mind, Zar stormed out of his office and demanded that Chin tell him where his translator was.
"I don't know, Boss. Central told me they would send someone."
"Well he's not here. Get on the horn and find out what's taking him so long!"
Once Zar was out of sight, Chin gave a Jenny a-what-can-you-do look and she responded with a weak smile. Things had not gotten better since Danny and Kono left and Chin was starting to seriously doubt his resolve to stay with Five-O for his family's sake.
Picking up the phone, Chin dialed HPD. "Central, Kelly. What's status on the translator Five-O requested?"
There was a moment of awkward silence before the officer answered, "We're having trouble finding one that is free."
Frustrated, Chin wasn't about to let this go. "Five-O gets priority over any non-emergency request."
The officer on the other end of the line confessed, "Kelly, I'm sorry but they all refuse to come. I begged, I pleaded, I ordered but none of them want to be in the same room as Zar and to be honest, I don't blame them."
Knowing there was no point in arguing any further, Chin ordered, "Patch me through to Chief Dann."
"Chief Dann, here."
"Mike, its Chin. We have a problem."
"I can't do anything about the one sitting in McGarrett's chair."
Unable to help himself, Chin laughed. "Trust me I wish you could but that's not why I called. Five-O is having issues working with HPD. In particular, none of your men want to and a few are refusing direct orders to. Now, I'm asking that they start liking Zar but this insubordination is causing major problems."
"I'll deal with it," Dann promised. "Do you need anything pronto?"
"A Hawaiian translator."
"You couldn't have started with something easier?" Dann asked. "All of HPD heard what the Boss called Kalakaua." Dann paused for a moment then continued, "I tell you what it's below his pay grade but Sergeant Lukela will do it if I explain the situation."
"Thanks, Mike. Tell Duke to make it fast."
Fifteen minutes passed as Chin waited. He told Zar that Lukela was on his way and he then hoped the trustworthy Hawaiian wouldn't let him down. Chin's faith was rewarded when he saw Duke walk through the doors. As Chin gestured for Duke to go inside the main office, the Sergeant leaned down and whispered, "When you can get away, Ben Kokua wants to see you."
Chin gave Duke a smile and then prepared to call Lin and tell her that he would be late tonight. If Ben had news on those dead girls no one was stopping him from finding out what is was, not even Alexander Zar.
Insubordination was truly in the eye of the beholder.
Sitting in a bar popular with Da Shu's men, Steve looked up from the table where he sat with mug of beer in front of him. He was only pretending to drink, knowing that he would need a clear head if he was going to pull off what he needed to. Luckily, there was a conveniently located plant next to his chair.
Part of the detective couldn't believe what he was about to do but he and Yi had decided this was the only way to get what they needed. That this was only way that Steve could think of to join the crew of Morning's Light without arousing suspicion of her officers.
The dozen crewman settled around a table, drinking and playing poker should do the trick, Steve thought.
Pretending to take a sip of his beer, Steve watched the crewman closely. He recognized them all from his time on the docks but needed to time this exactly if he wanted his plan to work. He needed the men drunk enough to not be thinking clearly but not so inebriated that they were passing out. After twenty minutes passed, Steve figured that he wouldn't have a better opportunity.
After checking that his wig and fake beard were still in place, Steve rose from the table, half-full mug of beer in hand. Swaying to appear drunk, Steve walked over to the table where his targets were sitting and then walked to close to the crewman that Steve perceived to be their leader and tripped, slipping his beer all over the man and then falling face first unto the table sending the poker chips flying.
The result was immediate. The beer covered crewman grabbed Steve and threw him on the floor. "What do you think you're doing!" the man roared.
Heads turned Steve's way, as people anticipated a fight. Steve rose lowly to his feet and responded, slurring his speech, "S…S…Sorry. Must have tr…tripped."
"You're going to be sorry," the crewman declared, cracking his knuckles.
Steve held out his hands in defeat. "Barkeep, drinks! Drinks for these…these fine men."
The head crewman kicked Steve and then took his seat yelling, "Make it good beer. None of your cheap stuff."
Steve nodded and hurried off to the bar where the bartender readied a pitcher of beer. Grabbing the pitcher in a manner that he hoped showed that he was desperate to make amends, Steve walked carefully back to the crewman's table. As he walked, he discreetly opened a packet and mixed the contents into the beer.
Placing the pitcher on the table, Steve offered up another round of apologies and then left the bar as the men were already ignoring him and helping themselves to the free drink. Steve didn't know exactly what he had put into the crew members' drinks; Tang Yi had procured it and had not shared the means he used. That discussion had caused Steve to remember that Yi was more than just his contact; he was one of Kaye's trained agents and a good one at that. He had to trust Yi when he said that the powder was a modified virus that would make the next forty-eight hours most unpleasant for these crewmen. They would suffer develop diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and cramps but Yi had assured him that no lasting damage would be done, but these men would be in no shape to report to work tomorrow. The hope was that the sudden loss of crewman would cause some of Da Shu's men to go looking around the docks for replacements.
That was how Steve was going to get on the ship. He was going to be asked.