Class Conspiracy
"How long has it been, Mr Deeks?" Hetty asked before taking a sip of her Tea.
"Ah, it's the start of May so it would be, ah, 16 weeks," Deeks calculated. "Why?"
"In the 16 weeks you have been learning Kendo from both James and myself, you have still not learnt to express your fighting spirit when you strike. You have tried in previous lessons but this past week, you have been practically silent. I am curious why you stopped trying," Hetty enquired.
"It was distracting me," Deeks replied. At Hetty's blank look, he continued. "Shouting every time that I performed an attacking strike was causing me to have to think about when to yell and not when to strike or defend next. Once I stopped thinking about it, I felt I was able to better combat my opponent."
"I had noticed you were more 'in tune' with how your opponent moved. I was wondering if you had realized the reason for it," Hetty stated, taking another sip.
"So you're not going to make me go back to trying to 'express my fighting spirit' every time I make a strike?" Deeks asked, sipping his own Tea. "Cause, honestly, I don't think that is going to work for me."
"Mr Deeks, I have seen many things in my time. And I have come to learn, that the way something has been done before, is not the only way to do something, nor is it always the best way it could be done," Hetty revealed. "As I do not see you entering formal competition, I believe we can forgo the kiai for our morning lessons. Though I might suggest that you try every now and again, for James' sake."
"I'll do that. Thanks Hetty," Deeks said. Any further conversation was stalled by the sound of Eric Beale rushing down the stairs and across the main floor to Hetty's office.
"Ah Hetty, sorry to interrupt, but Director Vance is waiting for you up in Ops," Eric announced.
"Thank you Mr Beale," Hetty replied before standing and walking up to Ops. When Eric didn't move to follow, Deeks' curiosity was piqued.
"What's up Eric? You're still here instead of rushing back up there," Deeks observed, his curiosity lacing his tone.
"I have no idea, Deeks. The Director called, asked for Hetty and the ordered me to empty Ops," Eric explained. "Interesting point though, MTAC was also empty."
"Interesting," Deeks said as both he and Eric looked up at a sealed Ops, wondering what this new development would bring.
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"Nice work Deeks," Sam stated. "You've definitely gotten better over the past few months. You lasted longer than 10 seconds."
"Wow, coming from you Sam, I am shocked," Deeks said in a playful tone. Sam just smiled.
"He is right though Deeks. Back at the start of the year, Kensi would take you apart in the first 10 seconds if she wasn't playing around," Callen explained. "Now, she has to work for the hits, and it still isn't easy for her."
"Maybe she is regretting teaching you how to use a knife," Sam chuckled, knowing that Kensi actually enjoyed both teaching Deeks and sparring against him.
"Nah, I've enjoyed myself," Kensi said, confirming Sam's thoughts. "Besides, he is much more energetic and physical than either of you."
"We are still talking about knife fighting here, aren't we," Callen teased, his face splitting into a shit-eating grin. Deeks and Sam laughed as Kensi turned to face Callen, his grin disappearing as she brandished her Taser knife.
"Am I interrupting?" Eric called from the entrance to the gym.
"No!" Callen shouted.
"Yes!" Kensi, Deeks and Sam yelled at the same time. Eric wasn't sure what to do with that response, and just stood there.
"What do you need Eric?" Sam asked, breaking the silence. "We have a case?"
"Ah, I don't know," he answered uncertainly. "Hetty and Granger would like us all up in Ops."
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The doors to Ops opened, allowing the team to enter. They were immediately made uneasy due to the room only containing Hetty, Granger and Nell; none of the usual technicians were at their stations.
"Mr Beale, if you would be so kind," Hetty requested calmly. Beale moved to his station and began typing.
"Buttoning up," Eric announced as the lockdown procedure for Ops initiated. Moments later, they were sealed in Ops, isolated from the rest of the mission. The team focused on Hetty but it was Granger that spoke first.
"The following mission is not to be discussed with anyone outside these walls or at any location that is not secure," he ordered tersely. At nods from everyone, he looked down at Hetty, giving her the floor.
"A little excessive Owen but I think they get the point," Hetty observed, looking at her agents. "This mission, as stated, will require the highest order of discretion from all of you. We are going on a mole hunt."
"One of ours?" Callen asked, immediately on guard.
"Not directly," Hetty replied, her calm demeanor firmly in place. "Miss Jones."
"In the past 3 months, 7 newly hired agents have all been kidnapped, interrogated and then executed. They have come from NCIS, FBI, DEA and ATF. They were all kidnapped within 2 weeks of assuming their first assignment after graduating from FLETC," Nell explained.
"So they were targeted," Kensi stated. "How?"
"We are not sure but the only common denominators between the 7 agents was that they were all new, and that they had all recently graduated from one of two FLETC locations; Georgia and South Carolina," Nell continued. "Going back. The M.O. can be traced to 2 earlier murders linked to the previous class from the Georgia Center."
"So why us?" Sam asked. "Why not another team from a closer office?"
"Serendipity, Mr Hanna," Hetty answered. "As you know, Miss Jones has been studying to become an agent. She has been accomplishing this by learning what she can without leaving her work here. However, there are a number of classes and examinations that will require her to attend one of the training centers personally. She is scheduled to attend the Georgia Training Center for 4 weeks, starting next Monday. We are going to take advantage of this."
"How?" Deeks wondered. He was also scheduled to attend FLETC but hadn't yet told anyone. He hadn't figured out how he was going to get away for 4 weeks from the team. When he had asked Hetty for help, she had said to leave it with her.
"The current idea is that all the agents were targeted while they were at FLETC. One of the theories we have is that someone is trying to recruit them to gain access to the secure data available to the agencies. We believe the murdered agents all refused to cooperate and were killed to cover up the operation. We don't know how many others were targeted," Nell explained.
"So you want Nell to try and find out who is running all this while she is attending FLETC?" Kensi asked. "No offence Nell, but you're not a trained agent. This op is too dangerous for you."
"None taken. I agree with you," Nell said nervously.
"Miss Jones won't be the lead in this case," Hetty said. "Rather she will be the onsite backup."
"So which of us is going to FLETC?" Sam asked. "We can't all go." Glances and looks were exchanged between everyone in the room before Granger's gaze settled of Deeks.
"Congratulations Detective Deeks, you're going to FLETC," Granger announced. Everyone turned to look at Deeks, whose own face betrayed his surprise.
"Deeks?" Callen exclaimed. "Ah,"
"Indeed Mr Callen," Hetty said. Seeing the confused looks on Kensi's and Sam's faces. She gestured at Callen. "Would you like to explain?"
"Sam and I are too old and too experienced. We would stand out. Kensi, she was there within the last decade. She could and probably would be recognized by some of the staff. She is rather memorable," Callen explained. "Deeks is the only viable option to get in there undetected."
"Correct Agent Callen," Granger agreed. "Deeks is the only member of this team that has the experience, ability and the background that pull this off. Otherwise Director Vance would not have signed off on it."
"The Director Vance has signed off on this himself?" Kensi exclaimed.
"Someone is trying to infiltrate multiple Federal Agencies and isn't shy about eliminating those that don't assist him," Granger pointed out, somewhat sarcastically. "What do you think?"
"I'm sure she just meant that it is surprising to see the Director so involved. It is a little unusual for us," Sam said, trying to mollify Granger. "Normally we get our cases from either Hetty or you."
"Yes, well, I was unreachable for a time during my flight. The Director didn't want to wait and began contacting different teams to find out the current status of their operations and which agents would be best suited for this mission," Granger stated, his frustration at being side tracked starting to show. "When I was briefed upon landing, Director Vance informed me that he and Hetty had already spoken and decided that Detective Deeks would be the best candidate for this operation. Especially given that Jones would also be with him to provide support if needed."
"So that was what he wanted to speak with you about this morning," Eric said, mostly to himself.
"Indeed Mr Beale," Hetty confirmed. "Back to the briefing please."
They went through the remainder of what little information they had before Hetty opened the floor up to questions.
"So when I identify the perp, I just let you guys know?" Deeks asked, slightly puzzled. He was still trying to figure out Hetty's hidden plan. He knew she had one.
"That is correct Mr Deeks. The Director and I feel it would be better to maintain your cover and complete your time at FLETC," Hetty replied. "I'm sure you won't waste the opportunity."
"Yeah Deeks," Sam chimed in. "You should take notes for when your time comes to go to FLETC. Not many people get to go there twice." Deeks was actually a little surprised at Sam's candor. He was also now sure of Hetty's plan. She and the Director had fixed it so that even if he finished the mission, he would get the time necessary at FLETC to complete the work he needed too.
"I'm sure Mr Deeks will pay attention in all his classes and not waste this opportunity," Hetty said, staring at Deeks. That was all the confirmation Deeks needed.
"You can count on it," Deeks confirmed resolutely.
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Friday had snuck up on the team due to a last minute case and before anyone knew it Hetty was calling everyone into the bullpen.
"I know we have all been very busy in the last few days but with two of our number leaving for an extended period of time, I felt we should have this last moment together before they depart," Hetty said. "Miss Jones, Mr Deeks. I trust you have both packed what you will need and have your bags here."
"We do," Nell replied cheerfully yet full of nervousness. She and Deeks had conversed multiple times about the case since they had received it. Even though Nell didn't have an active role to play, she would be onsite and needed to know details in case she had to step in. "All packed."
"Mr Deeks, you have your legend's papers?" Hetty asked, knowing he did but unable to resist asking.
"I do. I will be leaving my ID here with you and walk out the door as James Dawson, LAPD Detective," Deeks confirmed.
"Excellent. With that settled, to my office," Hetty announced. "I have a bottle of 25 year old Talisker I have been saving for this occasion."
"Wow Hetty. That is one way to congratulate Nell," Sam said as they all moved to Hetty's office where a tray already sat waiting with glasses and the bottle of Whiskey.
"I like to try and celebrate all my agents when they achieve their goals," Hetty said as she opened the bottle and started to pour continuing until she had done all 8 glasses before her. "Perfect. Half the bottle now and half when your official status as an agent comes through."
"I hope you have a second bottle of this for when Detective Deeks eventually decides to quit being stubborn and become an agent," Granger said as he walked up. "I think we have all been about as subtle as we can be about how what we think of that."
"Oh, I am sure I can come up with something," Hetty said with one of her mischievous smiles. "To goals achieved."
"To goals achieved!" everyone toasted before knocking back their drinks.
"Now, you two," Hetty said, looking at Deeks and Nell. "Off you go, your transportation is waiting outside."
"Our transportation?" Nell asked.
"I thought we'd be getting dropped at the airport and then flying coach," Deeks commented.
"Why do that?" Hetty wondered. "Assistant Director Granger is flying to Washington this afternoon. He has kindly offered to drop you both off in Jacksonville. From there you can make your own way."
"Ah, thank you Assistant Director," Nell said graciously. "That's very kind of you."
"Yeah, thanks," Deeks chimed in.
"It was on the way," Granger replied dismissively, turning to walk away. "Mostly anyway. Car leaves in 10 minutes."
"Off you go," Hetty said as she sat down at her desk. "And good luck to the both of you."
"Thanks Hetty," Nell and Deeks said together before turning and walking away to grab their bags. Nell disappeared up the steps to ops while Deeks entered the bullpen, the others following behind.
"Sam, weren't you saying something about checking the tire pressure on the Challenger this morning?" Callen asked, wanting to give the two junior members a moment to themselves.
"I was yes," Sam acknowledged. He knew what G was doing and agreed. "Feel like assisting?"
"Don't mind if I do," Callen said. "We can check my car while we are at it."
"Good luck Deeks," Sam said as he offered his hand.
"Thanks Sam," Deeks replied, shaking the big man's hand.
"You'll do fine," Callen observed, offering his own hand. "I don't have to tell ya to keep an eye out for Nell though, just in case."
"No, you don't," Deeks agreed, shaking the team leader's hand. The two walked out of the Mission, leaving Kensi and Deeks behind. Deeks glanced at Kensi, wondering if they should talk here or go somewhere more private.
"I need to clean my gun," Kensi hinted, before she stood and headed towards the range. Deeks took the hint and followed. They entered the range and Deeks closed the door behind them, isolating them.
"It's going to be a long four weeks," Deeks drawled, running his hand through his hair.
"We'll get through it," Kensi assured, both him and herself. "We knew that cases would come up that would separate us for days or possibly weeks at a time. This is just the first."
"The hardest too," Deeks admitted. "I haven't even left yet and I already want to be back."
"I know. But it's what we do. Even if I don't like us being separated," Kensi said. "You going to be ok?"
"Yeah. Just have to focus on the case," Deeks conceded. "You going to be ok?"
"I think I will be. I'll have Monty and my mum. Sam, Callen and the others," Kensi reckoned. "And you'll have Nell to keep you company."
"Velma, she'll be there but I don't want to involve her unless I have too. This is too important to her," Deeks said. "But you're right. It will make it easier to cope."
"I'm going to miss you," Kensi announced after neither of them said anything for what seemed like forever but was probably only a minute or two. Deeks didn't say anything, just stepped up to Kensi and wrapped her in one of the biggest hugs he had ever given her.
"I'm going to miss you too," Deeks replied, squeezing her tighter. He pulled back a little but only enough so he could lower his face to Kensi's. They had agreed no PDAs at work but every now and then they had both broken that agreement. At this point in time, Deeks didn't care as he kissed Kensi for all he was worth. Kensi, initially surprised, quickly returned the kiss.
"I love you," Kensi declared once they broke for air.
"I love you," Deeks stated. They stared at each other before separating. "I should go before Granger comes looking for me."
"Yeah," Kensi agreed, following Deeks out of the range and back to the bullpen. Deeks grabbed a large duffle bag from beneath his desk before turning to face Kensi one more time. He took his wallet and LAPD ID from his pocket and looked at them before looking at Kensi. "Could you do me a favor, Fern?"
"Anything," Kensi replied, smiling at the memories it brought back about a certain shirt. She never had gotten around to burning it.
"Could you give these to Hetty for me," Deeks asked.
"Sure," Kensi replied. They looked at each other, wanting to say more but knowing they didn't have the time. "You take care of yourself, ok?"
"I will," Deeks said, smiling at Kensi. "You too. And Monty, he might get depressed a little." Kensi chuckled at Deeks' comment but could say more as Nell appeared from Ops, descending the stairs.
"Ready Deeks?" Nell queried, seeing Deeks and Kensi together. She had her suspicions on whether they were together yet or not, as did the rest of the Mission. "And like them, she had no proof. And Hetty hadn't said anything.
"Right with you Velma," Deeks called, shouldering his bag. "I'll be seeing you, Kensalina."
"I'll be waiting," Kensi proclaimed, watching as Deeks and Nell walked out of the mission. She stood there, watching the closed door, not wanting to take her eyes off it incase Deeks stuck his head back in.
"They gone?" Sam asked as he and Callen sat at their desks. They weren't quite sure how their little sister was going to react over Deeks leaving.
"Yeah," Kensi replied monosyllabically. Sam glanced at Callen, who was looking back at him.
"You going to be alright?" Callen asked, his concern for her showing in his voice.
"Yeah," Kensi said again. She looked down at Deeks' badge in her hands before looking up at the doors again. "I have to talk to Hetty."
"You think she will be alright, Sam?" Callen asked his partner.
"She'll be fine," Sam declared as he watched Kensi approach Hetty's desk. "This is just the first time they have been apart for more than a few days since Afghanistan."
"We'll keep an eye on her then?" Callen wondered conspiratorially. "Just in case."
"We always do," Sam stated.
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"Ah, Hetty," Kensi called as she stepped up to the Operations Manager's desk. "Do you have a minute?"
"Of course my dear. Please sit," Hetty indicated as she waved at the empty seat before her desk. Once Kensi had sat, she continued. "What can I do for you?"
"Deeks asked me to give these to you," Kensi said as she held up her partner's things.
"Thank you Miss Blye," Hetty intoned, smiling softly. "However, I think I can trust you to hold onto them for him, can't I?"
"You can Hetty," Kensi declared, happy to be able to hold onto them. "Thank you."
"Is there something else, Miss Blye?" Hetty asked when her agent didn't stand to leave.
"Actually, there is," Kensi said, looking across the desk at Hetty. "I need your help to contact someone."
"And who might this be that you need my help," Hetty pondered, slightly astonished.
"Tuhon."
Author's Note
Apologies for the delay in the arrival of this. I had some trouble with parts of this story and getting it to flow right. Also, it seems to have grown from a one-shot to potentially a multi-chapter work. Unfortunately, I did not plan for this and have no clue on how to proceed. So for now it will remain at a single chapter and I will continue on with #04 Dynamic Deeks. I may in the future revisit this and add to it, but no promises.
I do not have the first clue on how FLETC works. I'm Australian. I'm just guessing that Nell would have to attend, even if only for a brief period of time. If anyone is insulted or offended by my work, I'm sorry.
I hope to have the first chapter of Dynamic Deeks out by mid next week, if not, definitely by Sunday night. That's right, first chapter.
Also, some may or may not have noted the titles on my profile. Those are working titles but so far seem to fit my plans. What my plans are, feel free to guess at.