Notes: CSI is the property of CBS, Alliance, and Jerry Bruckheimer. I own nothing but 'Rachel Elliott' is an original character. Feedback is appreciated!

"Convergence"

Prelude

Rachel Elliott was glad to be taking a different route within the Bureau. It would be a welcome change. Though there were many fine agents within the FBI, she had also found an equal number of assholes just like Culpepper. To her, their kind seemed never ending.

She was tired of standing witness to glory seeking and butt kissing. After 6 years of service, she was finding that they were beginning to make her life a living hell. She certainly didn't mind the hard work or long hours or not even having a life. But dealing with characters like him had nearly driven her to resign and find work elsewhere a number of times. Everything about him was repugnant.

So, when the opportunity for a new position opened up, she made her application in record time. It was a liaison position, part of a test program designed to build rapport and increase information exchange between local and federal law enforcement. She knew she would still have to deal with Culpepper as a supervising agent. But she wouldn't have to endure his false sincerity and underhanded motives on a daily basis—all of which were made to ensure his advancement within the Bureau.

She had recognized that her varied professional background would make her a competitive candidate, but with only 5 nationwide positions she didn't rate her chances very high. It just seemed like when she really wanted something, that it would never go her way.

She knew if she were lucky enough to land one of the positions that she wouldn't get a choice in the assignment location. The open slots were going to be in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston, Atlanta or New York City. But she allowed herself a little wishful thinking. Going back East would be ideal… closer to where she had grown up in Asheville, North Carolina, closer to what little family she had. But, on the other hand, that could be asking for trouble. She knew being closer to home had the real possibility of rubbing salt in the wounds of old memories. She shrugged the thought away. What did it matter? It seemed no matter where she went, it seemed they always managed to ensnare her anyway, even in the most benign moments of life.

She got the call she had hoped for the following week. Culpepper asked her to meet him the following morning at 7 a.m. He had paused dramatically at that point in the conversation, as if silently anticipating her to begin frenzied and excited queries on what was going on.

He went on to say that they were going to fly together to her new assignment. After advising her of the details, he had again waited for her to speak, probably wanting to her gush her thanks and her indebtedness to him for this news. She could just hear it in his voice. 'Screw you,' she thought, and chose instead to deny him any pleasure of the sort. She responded calmly and with complete professionalism. "I'm so pleased to hear the committee's decision. I look forward to this new opportunity." She refused to give him one damn ounce of credit.

He didn't deserve any.