Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't own '24' or its characters.
Setting: This story takes place three weeks after the events of Day 1.
A/N: This is a Michelle-centric story, however, at times it will be written from Tony's perspective. I've endeavoured to make this clear to the reader, but please let me know if I've failed to do so.
Monday: The Interview
7:00am
The newsreader's voice penetrated Michelle's sleep, slowly seeping into her consciousness; her eyes remained firmly closed for the next few minutes as she listened to the news. Monday morning she moaned to herself. Then, as was her morning habitat, she stretched out on her back and stared at the ceiling while focusing her thoughts on the day ahead. She had several software updates, a briefing report, as well as a group meeting today, and this morning was the job interview. The job represented a golden opportunity. The Internet Protocol Manager's position would be interesting and challenging, and at CTU she'd be located right in the middle of the action. It would also mean no longer working under Carrie; the woman seemed to go out of her way to disparage, demean and discourage Michelle, as if ruining Danny's life wasn't enough. At this thought she pushed aside her cover and walked across to her wardrobe. She had made her decision on what to wear the previous evening; a conservative but well tailored navy suit and burgundy shirt. She quickly slipped on the outfit and made her way to the bathroom to fix her hair and make-up. Ten minutes later she was walking into the kitchen.
"Whoa… you're dressed to kill!"
A smiled crossed Michelle's face as she turned towards Andy, her best friend since freshman year at UC Davis, who was sitting at the island bar sipping an enormous mug of tea.
"The job interview is today," Michelle reminded her.
"Of course, the IT-MAN position. Well if you don't woe them with your brains, that look ought to do it," Andy responded.
"IP-MAN… Internet Protocol Manager," Michelle corrected, deliberately ignoring Andy's politically incorrect remark. Far from naïve, Michelle realized that as an attractive woman she would first be judged by her appearance. For that reason, she had carefully selected a neat professional outfit to reflect her outlook towards her job.
"The dream job. Let's see if I can get this right in my current semi-awake state. An IP-MAN is responsible for managing an internal computer network, an 'intranet'. They control the security encryption of data packages sent within the office and between offices," recited Andy, effectively parroting the explanation given to her by Michelle the previous evening.
"Perfectly explained but I'll still have to deduct marks for your earlier mistake," teased Michelle as she set about making herself a coffee and toasted bagel for breakfast.
"Understandable. Now it's your turn, in a hundred words or less, describe the method and application of an invasion assay," Andy replied, punctuating her question by swallowing the final mouthful of her tea, indicating that she was fully caffeinated and ready to rumble.
Settling at the island bar with her breakfast, Michelle took a bite from her bagel using the time to recall last night's discussion. Andy was a PhD student in Microbiology and had been explaining her latest set of experiments over their traditional Sunday cheese and wine night.
"An invasion assay looks at the ability of a bacteria or virus to enter into a cell. Cells are grown in layers in tissue culture and the bacteria or virus are added and allowed to invade; the number within a cell indicates the efficiency of invasion and the potential infectivity," Michelle answered.
"Well, if you can explain your own work with such confidence and clarity, that job is yours," Andy responded.
"I hope so, not only do I really want this job but I just have to get away from Carrie before I throttle her," Michelle confessed.
"You know that you have the skills to do the job, so just make sure that you don't leave the interviewers with any doubt of that fact," advised Andy.
"The problem is that every applicant falls into that category," pointed out Michelle as she rose to clear up her breakfast dishes.
"You're far too logical for 7:30 in the morning. How about we continue this conversation over margaritas and burritos at 'Los Amigos' tonight?" Andy countered.
"I'll meet you there at 7:30. We can celebrate or commiserate as appropriate," Michelle replied and headed out to start her Monday knowing that at least one enjoyable thing would come from the day.
…
10.30am
After showing the CTU guard her Division ID & submitting her bag for X-ray, Michelle was escorted through to the main floor. She took in her surrounding as they crossed the open-plan area. People looked up from their computer screens or files to glance at her as she was led across to a glass enclosed conference room. The guard opened the door, ushering her in. Michelle focused on the two men seated at one side of the table, her interview panel. She immediately recognized George Mason, who had worked at Division before taking over as Director of CTU; he was wearing a grey suit, stripped tie and a disinterested look. The LA Times sat folded to the crossword beside him. The second man, a Latino dressed in a dark shirt with the top buttons undone had an intense, unflinching air of confidence and control. He was Tony Almeida, the chief of staff. Most of the details regarding the events at CTU on the day of the Primary were classified, which only seemed to fuel the abundance and variety of rumours. Stories ranged from him being a mindless pawn under Nina's command to a devious double agent; obviously the latter had been addressed by an internal investigation but, based on first impressions, the former didn't strike Michelle as any more plausible.
"Ms Dessler," George began, indicating the seat directly in front of himself and Tony. Michelle quickly reined her thoughts back to the moment, and responded with a smile as she sat down, carefully smoothing her skirt.
"I'm George Mason, and this is Tony Almeida," he continued.
"Pleased to meet you," Michelle responded, and noting that George's crossword had two clues remaining, she added, "Ten down was rather tricky today."
"You're a crossword fan?" George enquired, a spark of interest flickering in his eyes.
"Especially the cryptics," replied Michelle.
In short order, the conversation progressed to the standard questions covering her previous positions and duties, leading up to her current post at Division. Her reason for wishing to transfer was easily explained by the opportunity the job presented. And her latest performance evaluation had been highly favourable despite being arbitrated by the austere Ryan Chappelle.
"Your results in the basic field ops course are quite impressive for someone lacking a military or law enforcement background," George commented dryly.
"I enjoyed the course; I've been studying martial arts since my freshman year at college," Michelle replied.
"That certainly explains your excellent hand-to-hand combat marks, although I noticed that your firearm skills were not at the same level," Tony coolly stated.
"I've never had any formal firearm training, nor have I had any occasion to need such skills. However, if it's important for the job I'm sure it would be a simple matter to remedy," Michelle responded, while wondering what exactly she was signing herself up for. "Yet, in my personal experience computers don't tend to respond well to threats or intimidation," she added with a slight smile. While George looked slightly amused at her joke, Tony's aloof air only seemed to become more apparent.
Rubbing his face, Tony enquired, "So you think it's fairly simple to master firearm skills?"
The question was confrontational, as well as a highly coloured, and incorrect, interpretation of her last statement. Michelle certainly wasn't going to let Tony get away with such a remark, nor was she going to lower herself to petty detractors. Keeping her poised countenance and speaking in a calm voice, she clarified, "The decision to learn a weapon is simple, although having studied several as part of my martial arts training; I certainly agree that their mastery is a difficult task".
Tony's impassive gaze remained fixed on Michelle and she felt, not for the first time, that he really didn't trust her. George on the other hand, appeared quite amused by the whole situation.
"Tony would be a perfect teacher for you, he's an ex-Marine sniper," George commented, effectively explaining Tony's response and ending their debate.
Several harmless questions later, the interview ended and Michelle was once again being escorted through CTU by a security guard. Replaying the interview in her head as she walked to her car, Michelle was unable to conclude whether it had gone well or not. George seemed to like her despite being reputed as difficult to get along with, but Tony was a cipher. Never having met him prior to the saga with Nina, Michelle was unsure how much of his guarded behaviour was due to this as opposed to his reaction to her.
Still musing over the interview as she reached her car, Michelle plugged her cell phone into its hands-free and dialled Andy's number as she drove away from CTU. She proceeded to give Andy a concise briefing of the interview, stressing Tony's unreceptive behaviour.
"You're overanalysing the situation. You'll know if you have the job in the next couple of days, although if this guy is really so terrible you might be better off with the devil you know," Andy counselled.
"I don't think Tony's ruthless like Carrie. He's hard to read but I think he is just really reserved, which is understandable given his history," Michelle mused.
"So he's the strong and silent type," Andy surmised, "Is he good looking?"
"He's the last person on earth who would date a co-worker and I'm quite content being single," Michelle countered.
"Therefore he is handsome," Andy teased. A timer sounded in the background, "My bacteria are waiting for me. We'll continue this discussion tonight over a couple of margaritas," she added ominously.
Laughing Michelle said goodbye and taking Andy's earlier advice, stopped stressing over events she couldn't change and focused on the pile of work awaiting her at Division.
…
3:05pm
Finishing their eighth and final interview for the day, George and Tony began the discussion over the merits of the various candidates. George favoured Michelle while Tony thought the last of the interviewees, Jason, would be the best for the job.
"Jason was too acquiescent," George commented bluntly, "Now Michelle had real character; she certainly didn't stand for your insinuations".
"I was just clarifying an ambiguous response, George," Tony retaliated, struggling unsuccessfully to suppress his irritated tone. "And I'm not sure why you want assertive staff when you rarely take the trouble to listen to us."
"I'm not interested in your sarcasm, Tony. Michelle has the right experience, as well as a positive attitude and pleasant personality; not to mention that she's a hell of a lot more pleasant to look at. I thought you liked brunettes?" George stated calmly, turning in his chair to look straight at Tony.
Tony forced himself to hold both his temper and his tongue, as he silently met George's gaze. George disliked Tony about as much as his job, although the reason for this hatred was a mystery to Tony. For the most part, George stayed in his office and out of Tony's way, leaving Tony with most of the workload but also the autonomy to run CTU. He would be thankful to have someone competent and dedicated like Michelle in the IP-MAN position. He knew that George was right, both about his selection as well as Tony's reason for disagreeing with it. He was aware how stupid it was not to trust Michelle simply because she shared a gender with Nina, but the last three weeks had been the worst of Tony's life.
"I'm going to call Ryan and clear the appointment with him," George stated, bringing Tony back to the reality of work.
"Fine. I'm going to catch up on the daily reports," Tony replied. He walked back to his workstation to commence something more productive, and less depressing, than his current train of thoughts.
Fifteen minutes later, Tony was engrossed in evaluating the latest intelligence chatter when his phone rang.
"Almeida," he responded automatically, still focused on reading the data in front of him.
"Tony, it's George. Ryan's in agreement; he'll arrange a replacement for Michelle over at Division so she can start immediately. Can you inform her that she starts tomorrow at 8am? You'll also need to organize her security clearance and other HR paperwork."
"George, I'm right in the middle of assessing a possible threat. Why don't you call Michelle and I'll arrange the details once I finish here," Tony responded.
"I have almost a hundred e-mails and half a dozen reports that I need to deal with. The phone call will only take a couple of minutes," George countered, ended the argument by hanging up.
"Then it should be easy enough for you to do George, especially since you're going to forward most of those e-mails and reports to me anyway," Tony groused to the dead line. Quickly pulling up the Division phone listing, he located Michelle's extension and dialled.
The ringing phone interrupted Michelle's concentration; this was the forth call in that many minutes. "Carrie as I've already told you three times, the search is still running. You'll have a full report the minute I have the data," Michelle answered the phone, her tone firm and unyielding.
"Ms Dessler?" Tony enquired.
"Speaking," Michelle responded, quickly recovering and trying to determine exactly whom she had just dressed down.
"This is Tony Almeida, CTU."
"Yes, Mr Almeida," Michelle responded, mentally kicking herself for her ability to put her foot in her mouth whenever she spoke with him.
"Congratulations, the IP-MAN position is yours. We're going to need you to start immediately. So we'll see you tomorrow morning 8am."
"Thank you," Michelle replied, attempting to assimilate the news, "But I'm not sure I'll be available to start immediately. As you must have deduced by my curt, and rather inappropriate, manner of answering the phone, I'm in the middle of a high priority protocol search."
Inadvertently a smile crept across Tony's face at Michelle's last words, which were almost identical to his earlier response to George.
"Ryan Chappelle has cleared your transfer and is making the necessary arrangements for your replacement," Tony replied.
"OK. I'll see you tomorrow," Michelle answered.
"See you tomorrow," Tony responded. As he hung up, the thought that he was actually looking forward to working with Michelle briefly passed through his mind before he wrestled his thoughts back to the task at hand.
…
7:40pm
Michelle quickly walked into the restaurant; she was late, no thanks to Carrie, who had been determined to obtain her pound of flesh from Michelle before her transfer. A smile crossed Michelle's face at the thought of never having to work with Carrie again. The smile deepened at the recollection of Carrie's reaction to her transfer. It was hard to know what had galled her more, the fact that she wouldn't be able to indulge in her daily vindictive torments or that Michelle's promotion now made her a superior.
"Michelle," Andy called out, waving Michelle over.
"You look like the cat that got the cream. What's his name?"
"You're incorrigible. The job's mine, starting tomorrow," Michelle replied excitement evident in her voice as she settled into the seat across from Andy.
"That's brilliant!" Andy exclaimed. "So obviously your little faux pas at the interview wasn't such a big deal."
Michelle groaned slightly and quickly filled Andy in on the subsequent phone call and her second error for the day.
Laughing Andy stated, "That's why you got the job, because now you have to work with Tony and face your mistakes. Hey, if you were the poised professional at the time, you'll be fine by tomorrow when it's all in the past."
"I hope so. I have a feeling that there is more to this job than I initially anticipated," Michelle replied. At this point, their margaritas arrived and both the atmosphere and conversation lightened up.
A/N: I realize that this chapter isn't really 'action/adventure' as advertised; I promise this was just an introductory chapter and Michelle's intuition will prove to be correct!