Prompt: Change One Thing

Summary: What if... Hetty was stopped and not allowed to exit the Congressional Hearings in 6x04 The 3rd Choir? (13:23 to be precise)

"We all make important decisions that affect the lives of others. We use protocol because history has taught us which decisions protect the most lives."

"When you're in the middle of a war, Mr. Thomas, history is being made in the present moment, and protocol can seem a little… outdated."

"Hm. So you believe you have the authority to change protocol whenever you see fit." Hetty's phone buzzes, and she notices a new message. Your Uncle Matthias is back in town.

Hetty stays silent, as she replaces her phone in her pocket and turns back to the panel. "What would you do if a family member of yours was kidnapped?"

"Is that a threat, Miss Lange?" He blusters, appalled. Who the hell does this woman think she is?

"It's hyperbole." She takes a beat. "I'm asking you to humor me for the sake of argument."

"Wha...? I don't see the humor in the question."

"Neither do I." Another pause echoes in the silent room. "How far would you go if a life of a family member was threatened?"

"I would use every resource available to me, within the law, to save them. But this case is not about my family."

"But it is about mine."

"And therein, perhaps, lies the problem. Because the agents and the support personnel that you oversee are NOT your family. They are, in fact, employees of the US Government. They are human assets…" Tired of his ramble, Hetty decides to make a move out and head back to LA.

"Miss Lange! Is there a problem?" Congresswoman Jones questions.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" When Hetty makes a sign to the guard to open the door, he does not budge. She repeats the sign, but the guard stops her.

"Miss Lange, I'm afraid you are going to have to go back to your seat."

"Like hell I am, my family needs me!"

"I'm sure they can survive without you for some time," Thomas says as he stands. Hetty tries to move again but the guard easily catches and restrains her.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Hetty's face turns from determined to shocked.

"Miss Lange, please return to your seat." The man says quietly with a threat lingering behind his voice. The tiny woman's confident stature slumps, and she retreats back to her seat. Once Hetty is seated, Thomas sits down.

"As I was saying, your employees are human assets, not family members. Even if you considered them as your 'family', you still led the life of one of your agents in danger. You used your position in this government for the sake of rescuing a friend, and you disobeyed many policies, namely where the United States does not negotiate with terrorists." Thomas shakes his head. "I think we have seen enough of the evidence. This hearing is adjourned for recess, and will meet back in a few hours to determine the fate of Miss Lange and her position as Operations Manager of the Los Angeles OSP Branch of NCIS."