Thirty minutes later, the core members of the Major Crime Unit were gathered at the loft. Jim had ordered pizza and subs for everyone. Simon brought beer and soda. The television was not turned on. For a few hours, no one wanted to remember the hassles of the past few days. Blair was standing in the kitchen, collecting a round a drinks for everyone, smiling at the tall tales being told in the living room. Megan, Rhonda, Henri and Rafe were all sharing the sofa. Simon and Joel were sitting opposite each other in chairs. Jim was sharing the loveseat with Blair on the rare occasion he wasn't playing host to the party.
Blair watched them from behind the island in the kitchen, his tribe and, more importantly, his family. As he stared, he noticed a familiar jungle scene overlaying the loft. The appearance of the men and women of Major Crime were shifting to fit that of a tribe sitting around a campfire. Sitting either beside or beneath each person was an animal, their spirit guide. Blair recognized Jim's panther immediately. He gasped as he saw Incacha reflected within the glass on the balcony doors. Blair heard him whisper, "You have found your place."
Jim was the only one to hear Blair gasp. He moved quickly to his partner's side, observing the glazed expression on Blair's face. Jim turned his partner to face him. "Chief, what's wrong?"
The image faded away as Blair heard Jim's question. "Nothing's wrong. In fact, everything's right. For the first time in days, everything's perfect." Noting the doubtful look on Jim's face, he added, "I'll explain later. Since you're here, you can carry these drinks out to everyone since my hands are still out of commission."
The two men returned to the group, refilling the refreshments. Blair launched one of his own tall tales of another of his famous expeditions. It was several hours before everyone went home. Jim was doing the dishes when he recalled his partner's promise of an explanation. "Time to explain your zone-out, Chief."
Blair carried the last of the dishes from the living room into the kitchen. "My what?"
"You promised to explain why everything is 'perfect'."
"Did I?" Blair answered with a smirk.
"Sandburg!"
"I had a dream last night. My spirit guide took me to see Incacha..." Blair started to explain.
"I need to sit down before I hear the rest of this." Jim wiped his hands on a dishtowel and headed for the sofa. Blair sat on the chair next to the sofa so that he was facing Jim.
"Incacha provided the next lesson in what it means to be a Shaman. I always believed my place was at your side, as your Guide, your Shaman, but I was only half right. I was closer a few years ago when I said I was Shaman of the Great City. I'm not only your Guide and Shaman, but also the Shaman to my tribe."
"And your tribe is?" Jim asked, waving his hands.
"All of Cascade, but mostly it is my job to provide guidance to the tribe's warriors, not just you. When I was watching you all from the kitchen, I saw the bullpen gang as tribal warriors each with a spirit guide. I saw your panther."
"What did the rest of them have?"
"Simon's spirit animal is the horse. The horse represents power, faithfulness, awareness of power achieved with true cooperation, guide to overcoming obstacles."
"That's a pretty good description of both Simon Banks and Captain Banks," Jim said with a smile. "What about Joel?"
"Joel had a hawk perched on his shoulder. Megan had a badger lying on her feet. The badger represents bold self-expression, single-mindedness, persistence in service of the mission, cunning and creative action in a crisis."
"Bold self-expression, huh? I guess that explains the pink dingo jacket," Jim said laughing as he recalled their first meeting with the Aussie detective.
"And her croc hunting abilities. Henri's lion was lying across his feet. A buffalo was following Rhonda when she left. The characteristics of the buffalo are feminine courage, generosity, sharing the work and giving for the greater good. That is so fitting for Rhonda."
"So far everyone sounds right on the money. What about Rafe?"
Blair starting laughing, unable to speak for a minute.
"This should be good, what does Rafe have?"
"Rafe has a peacock, representing all aspects of beauty, dignity and self confidence."
"I don't want to be the one to explain that to him."
"I wasn't planning on it. I'm not sure that any of them would believe me. I also saw Incacha again, briefly. I know my place now, Jim. Growing up, I never imagined that I would find a place where I truly felt I belonged, but I have."
"I'm glad to hear you say that, buddy, because I can't see you anyplace but here. Cascade is our territory to protect and I can't do it without you."
"Thanks, Jim. It's nice to know how you feel." Blair yawned. "I feel like I could sleep for a week."
"Then go to bed early tonight."
"I think I will. Night, Jim."
"Night, buddy."
Jim watched as his Guide headed for the bedroom. Simon had passed along some other news before he left. Agent Whitney's body had been found floating in the bay, one bullet to the back of the head. There was no sign of AD Black, but somehow Jim believed they hadn't seen the last of him.
Like this episode? Email the writer: trishbsc@aol.com
Want to comment on production? Contact Black Panther Productions: bpproductions@wildmail.com
Author's note: Thanks to all who have edited and reviewed this one for me. Especially to Kim and EagleEye for editing, Rona and Cindy for advising and to my Mom for her beta job.
Stay tuned next week when a reality-tv crew comes to film at Cascade General, but unbeknownst to them, there's more trouble behind the scenes than they might be prepared to handle in "Lead Pipe Cinch" an all new The Sentinel.
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