None of these characters are mine, this story is for entertainment purposes, I am not responsible for parents who do not monitor their children's internet use.
Chapter One: Don't Ask / Don't Tell
"Agent Booth, this is Phillip Broyles."
He had been prepped for the call, the directive came down from the top and full cooperation was expected. This was considered a national security matter and it was up to Booth to make sure everything ran smoothly. "Agent Broyles, I was expecting your call. I understand you're looking for assistance in identifying a set of human remains, and finding cause of death."
"That's correct, I'm the SAC overseeing a multi-agency task force. You'll be my contact with the Jeffersonian, correct?"
"Yeah, I'll be the liaison between your people and the Medico Legal Lab, I'm partnered with their Forensic Anthropologist. If you need to identify a set of remains, these people are your best resource."
"So I've been told. Your assistance and cooperation is appreciated."
"What's the nature of this investigation? The majority of our cases are homicide, is this terrorist related?"
Broyles hesitated for just a moment, keeping information from fellow agents was something he wasn't fond of but had become quite adept at. "Since 9/11 you've seen the compilation and cooperation of inter-governmental agencies? This is one of those, our focus is identifying, investigating and solving science-related crimes. Our work is highly confidential, the less your people know, the better off they are."
This 'need to know bases' rubbed Booth the wrong way. "Agent Broyles, I've worked with these scientists for five years and they can seem an odd bunch at times, but one thing I've learned, to find the truth they need to ask a lot of questions. They have a right to know what their dealing with. If you think you can drop in and take the place over, it ain't gonna happen."
He could almost hear Broyles smirk. "I too, have first hand knowledge of odd scientists." The irony of the statement didn't escape Broyles, his first hand encounters with Walter Bishop was evidence of this. "We are only looking for an ID and cause of death, the circumstances around it are being handled by us. You should know, if the Jeffersonian can't comply with our protocol, I'll make the request to go into the private sector." He had considered taking the remains to Massive Dynamic, but the conflict of interest brought up too many questions and would raise to many red flags.
Booth chose to give Broyles the benefit of the doubt and ignored the veiled threat. "Okay, I'll deal with them, who all is coming and what can we expect?"
"Beside myself, Special Agent Olivia Dunham, her assistant, Agent Astrid Farnsworth, Dr. Walter Bishop and his son Peter Bishop. The Bishops are consultants to my task force and to be treated with the utmost courtesy. The body, or what's left of it will accompany us. I have meetings to attend and will be in and out, Agent Dunham will stay on-site to answer your questions."
"All right, I'll see you -"
"This afternoon, Agent Booth." Broyles had already gathered his team and arranged for the flight.
"Right." Booth shut his cell phone and stared at it, taking a moment to digest the call. He'd heard of the the team from Boston and all of it was pretty bizarre, not knowing what to expect was unsettling. He'd have to contact the Squints at the Jeffersonian and prepare them, for what he was not sure.
"Peter, will they be serving peanuts in the little packets and cocktails out of those little bottles? It's been a while since I've had the pleasure." Walter's current mode was childlike and harmless as he chattered on. He had spent the last five minutes latching and unlatching his seat belt obsessively.
Peter smirked at his father, patiently. "No Walter, just try and relax, this isn't a commercial flight, we're on a government plane."
"Not someplace you ever imagined, especially under these circumstances." Olivia remarked, her voice was soft, almost musical, a stark contrast to her strong personality.
"I'm pretty sure you guys are better to work with than the private contractors in Kabul, but it's true, this wasn't what I imagined." He chuckled to himself. "By the way, thanks for letting Walter and I tag along, he's excited to take a field trip to the Jeffersonian."
Broyles looked up from the file he had been studying and acknowledged Peter with a nod. He had agreed to let the Bishops accompany them to D.C., but only after Olivia had worked her way with words and reasons.
At the sound of his name, Walter perked up. "The last time I was there, the portrait gallery was just putting the finishing touches on President George H.W. Bush. It was a dismal time, the administration did not look kindly on scientific research, however, I do remember they served delicious cream puffs in their cafeteria." The look in Walters eyes wandered as he tried to follow his own train of thought.
Olivia smiled at Walter, then turned toward Astrid. "I understand you know someone with the Forensics Division?"
"Yes, Clark Edison, he's a PhD candidate in forensic anthropology. We met in high school and went to college together. I haven't had much contact with him since I joined the Bureau and moved to Boston. I am looking forward to seeing him again, at one time, he was an important person in my life."
The look on Olivia's face was thoughtful. The Junior Agent had proven herself to be a huge asset, she had developed a rapport with Walter, which was no easy feat. "I am sure you'll have a chance to catch up. Knowing someone there might be helpful, maybe you can help them feel less threatened by our presence. There's an FBI Agent who works with them, Seeley Booth? Do you know him?"
Astrid shook her head. "Only by reputation. I know he and his consultant have an amazing success rate with the major crimes unit."
"You mean one that rivals our own?" Olivia shrugged, then smiled. "Sorry, I don't know when I became such a cynic."
Peter observed the two women as they talked, he found they were both remarkable in their own way. Astrid, petite with her caramel colored complexion and froth of dark curly hair, was smart and witty, two attributes he valued. She had taken Walter on without resistance and hardly complained when he had mistreated her in return.
On the other hand, Olivia was blond, fair and although small in stature, she could be large in presence when necessary. He knew she was still reeling from her past relationship with John Scott, a rogue FBI agent, and she had thrown up a barrier in an effort to insulate herself from the pain of his betrayal. Peter discovered early on, she had an inner strength and analytical mind and would do whatever necessary to protect her fellow team members. Olivia was selfless and courageous but also had an aura of vulnerability which showed a more humane and compassionate side of her. The women in his life had never been like Olivia and he found himself inexplicably drawn to her. He knew timing was everything, and he would patiently wait for the right moment or opportunity, to make his attraction to her apparent.
Olivia caught Peter looking at her and it made her pleasantly uncomfortable. In the beginning she hadn't thought of Peter beyond the means to gain contact with Walter, whose brilliant but chaotic mind, held the key to saving John's life. After a while, she found him to be exceptionally skillful and his sarcasm entertaining. But now, she knew he was to be respected, a trusted ally and a caring friend, who was also bad-boyishly handsome.
Broyles had been quiet and subdued up until now. "I want to make it clear, Agent Booth and the team at the Jeffersonian will be asking a lot of questions, it's important your answers don't lead to more questions." He glared at group, Astrid in particular.
"Sir, are you suggesting we stick to small talk?" Astrid was quite matter of fact.
"I could expound on airborne pathogens and how they have mutated over the last century, it makes for a neutral topic." Walter expressed earnestly.
"Perhaps we could discuss the weather, share recipes or have Walter talk about his acid trips." Peter interjected.
Olivia just stifled her laughter.
"It's coming from the top. We cooperate, and don't ask 'cause they won't tell."
"Booth, that hardly seems an effective way to gain or share information." Brennan arms were crossed, her brow furrowed.
"What exactly are we getting involved with and why the secrecy and attitude? This is another government cover up." Hodgins eyes practically bugged out of his head.
"In this case, I agree with Hodgins. The refusal to tell us what this case is about is a sign they have something to hide." Brennan shared a look with Hodgins.
Cam frowned at them reproachfully "People, we are professionals, if it's a matter of national security, than we'll deal with it. They have their job to do, we have ours." It was times like these that she was less than thrilled at being Head of Forensics.
Angela looked at her colleagues with distaste. "Hello, my name is Angela, we aren't allowed to discuss anything - don't you think that's a little alienating?"
"It is what it is. I don't make the rules here." Booth didn't try to hide the irritation in his voice.
"Dr. Saroyan, Agent Booth, I should inform you, I am acquainted with one of the agents, Astrid Farnsworth." Clark's discomfort was clearly visible.
The group looked surprised. "Is this an old friend?" Cam asked.
"We have known each other since before our college days." He despised having all eyes on him. "We parted ways when I went off to graduate school."
"Thank you, Mr. Edison, for being so forthcoming." Cam looked at the intern with kindness.
"I'd still like to know what they're trying to hide." Hodgins scowled.
Booth walked away from them, waving his hand in dismissal. "They'll be here in a couple of hours, it's enough time for you to get your game face on."
Brennan looked puzzled. "Game face?"
"Agent Booth, Phillip Broyles, as I said, we appreciate your cooperation." He led Olivia, the Bishops and Astrid into the lab.
Olivia, Astrid and Peter looked impressed by the state of the art facility and Walter looked enchanted. Only Broyles looked unaffected by his surroundings, having seen the laboratories and research facilities at Massive Dynamic, his impressions were tempered.
Booth acknowledged Broyles with a handshake "Let me introduce you to Dr. Camille Saroyan, Head of Forensics."
Broyles shook Cam's hand. "We appreciate your help." If he had been unmoved about the lab, he was not about Camille Saroyan, he thought her stunning.
Cam felt a spark when she shook Broyles hand, she was intrigued by his tall lean frame and angular face. "We hope to provide you with answers."
Clark did a double take when he saw Astrid, she was more beautiful than he had remembered. He felt unsure about the situation, their days at Haverford seemed a long time ago. "Astrid, it's good to see you."
Astrid greeted him with a warm smile and a tentative embrace. "Clark, you never call, you never write" she teased.
Broyles shot Astrid a stern look. "This is Special Agent Olivia Dunham, she'll fill you in on details." He nodded toward the Bishops "Dr. Walter Bishop, his scientific research has been extremely helpful to our unit. Peter Bishop...
"Walter's guardian." Peter broke in, wanting to make it clear what role he played. He gave the Jeffersonian team a clear signal... you mess with Walter, you mess with me.
Broyles did not look happy. "... and Agent Astrid Farnsworth, Dunham's assistant. Dr. Saroyan, may I have a word with you?"
"Certainly. Agent Booth, would you mind making introductions." Cam nodded to the others and Broyles followed her into her office.
"You ever see him look at anyone like that before?" Peter whispered to Olivia.
"Never."
Booth took a breath, the interactions in the lab did not go unnoticed, his observational skills were not to be underestimated.
"This here is Dr. Jack Hodgins, bug and dirt expert; Angela Montenegro, forensic artist and our I.T. go to girl; Clark Edison, intern, and Dr. Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist." The squints minus Brennan all nodded.
Brennan looked at Booth, silently scolding him. "Dr. Hodgins has PhD's in entomology, botany and geology. Angela is a gifted artist and programmer and our computer expert, who happens to be a woman, Mr. Edison is a PhD candidate in my chosen field, forensic anthropology, and I consult with the FBI and assist Agent Booth."
"Thanks for making me look so good" Booth said out of the corner of his mouth.
"You should have more respect for your colleagues" Brennan muttered back.
"I respect you squints..."
"Dr. Bishop, would you like to see our lab?" Angela called out interrupting them.
"Oh yes, my dear. Thank you! Aster, Peter, Agent Dunham would you like to come too?" Walter looked like a kid in a candy store.
"Walter, we need to speak to Agent Booth and Dr. Brennan first." Olivia said gently.
"Don't worry, we won't try and squeeze any government secrets out of him" Hodgins quipped.
Booth cringed, Brennan looked critical, Olivia looked concerned and Peter laughed.
"Maybe I should go along with them." Astrid looked at Clark and they followed Angela, Walter and Hodgins to inspect the Mass Spectrometer.