Chapter 2
The day after tomorrow came round quickly; the Aussies were staying in the Hotel Rouge, at 1315 16th Street Northwest, a stone's throw from the Australian Embassy at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest. What with the time difference and everything, the day after tomorrow became yesterday to some and also did that not make it April Fool's Day Tony had wondered.
Gibbs had briefed the team as much as he could, and Tobias had asked if he could join them as he wasn't really doing much, and anyway, and he didn't like foreigners working his patch.
"We got a Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Owen, arriving, and he is bringing a Detective by the name of Sima Bollinger, with him."
"What Steve Owen from Eastenders?" Dr Mallard asked, "Always was interested in the East End gangs, I was going to tell you about the gang wars in Melbourne, very reminiscent of the gang wars of London and Glasgow back in the 60's and 70's. Oh and has some idiot tried to smuggle a koala on a submarine, again? But I digress slightly, I always liked the Australian tongue and language, it always reminded me of London Cockney speech…when I was a Police Officer with the metropolitan force, and of course some Scots words in there, it all comes about, because the British Government sent their convicts to Botany Bay."
"Has that got any reference to the case Doctor?" Gibbs enquired.
"Not in the slightest, I just like to hear the sound of my own voice," Ducky answered smiling, before walking away.
"Good, so as I was saying…"
"Gibbs," as the team turned to see Vance standing with Steve, and an Indian Asian beauty, just slightly behind.
"G'day, I'm Steve Owen, and may I introduce Detective Sima Bollinger," as he stood aside and let Sima into the bullpen.
"G'day," Sima smiled.
"Gibbs, I have told Detective Sergeant Owen you will cooperate fully with his team as they will cooperate fully with us. I want this to be wrapped up with efficiency. And Tobias, any help you can give would be appreciated," Vance added before leaving the group for his office.
"May I introduce Tony DiNozzo, Senior Agent, Tim McGee, Senior Agent and Cyber geek, and finally Ellie Bishop, Ellie came to us from NSA, so knows her way about and has still got contacts. And this," as Gibbs indicated, "Is Tobias Fornell, FBI, he's just here to pass the time."
"Pleased to meet you all, and call me Steve, I hate being too formal," the Australian replied, "But do you have a room for this investigation?"
"Nope, we use campfire tactics here," Tony added, "But I'm sure we can desk share," leering at Sima.
"Personally, I would like to do a recce to see Fort Meade, and the surrounding area," Owen asked.
"As you know Fort Meade is located about 30 minutes outside Washington, the facility houses the US Cyber Command, the US Defence Information School and other agencies, in addition to the NSA. The NSA is a clandestine intelligence agency, charged with collecting and analysing electronic signals for US intelligence and counterintelligence purposes," Ellie added.
"I have done my research. But what I want to know is how a network could be played out, and to see the surrounding area," Steve again asked, "Maybe even a trip to Norfolk or Suffolk."
"Sure thing Steve, you OK to ride with Fornell and me?" Gibbs asked.
"DiNozzo, you and Sima and I think just for safety….that would be Sima's, McGee and Bishop can join you," Gibbs smiled, the Gibbs smile.
"Aww shucks Boss, you know me too well."
-oOo-
The small talk over, the seven, the magnificent seven, Tony had mentioned, in the passing, and had got a head slap from Gibbs, piled into two pool cars in the parking lot.
"See you at Fort Meade," Gibbs had ordered.
Tony had volunteered himself to drive, so starting the engine, drove off in pursuit of Gibbs.
"Sima, with your beauty and surname I have to ask, have you ever tried acting?" Tony enquired in all seriousness, but smiling.
"Pardon?"
"Bollinger, Bollywood?" Tony laughed.
"For your drum, I have done actin'. I have been undercova'. I worked as a mole in Melbourne, what you would call a hooka'" Sima replied in her Australian accent.
"Hooka' ? Nope got me on that, and drum, you play them?" Tony replied shaking his head slightly.
"I think, Sima is saying, she was role playing a prostitute, and drum is information," Tim added from the rear.
"Oh, right, a hooker…a moll, when you said mole I thought for one minute you were talking about espionage…which I suppose you were…..in a way," Tony continued, "And I suppose you would "drum" your buddies with your findings. And being a prostitute you were definitely undercover," he continued, now laughing.
"Could we possibly talk about what we are going to do when we get to Fort Meade," Ellie asked," And are you wanting to see round the building or just look, as you wanted to go to Norfolk."
"Betta' wait and see what our bosses want," Sima concluded, as they now drove in silence, she just admired the countryside.
-oOo-
On the way to NSA, Gibbs had asked if Steve had wanted a conducted tour of the building or round Fort Meade. Steve declined, saying he had really wanted to get the feel of the land, the layout, and also could they proceed to Suffolk and Norfolk.
Gibbs mentioned it would take about 4hrs to get there and then 3 back to D.C. Did he really want to do all that travelling or would tomorrow do? Steve agreed that the next day would probably be better, it would give him time to check out some information from back home, but the drive up had been interesting, so yes if a tour could be arranged it could be of interest.
Gibbs called Sofia Martinez, who said she would be delighted, and was that idiot Tony with him? Gibbs had laughed, and replied, "Not as yet, but he is on his way," as he saw the pool car turn through the gate of the NSA building, off Route 32, the trio alighted the car and waited for Tony to stop beside them.
"Eventful journey?" Steve had enquired, as Sima set foot on the ground.
"Nope, but the drongo's a pain," pointing to Tony.
"See she's doing it again," Tony replied.
Steve just smiled and looked at Sima, "Try not to wind them up too much."
"No wuckers Steve," smiling at her boss, as Tony gave her a Paddington Bear stare.
The group then made their way to the reception door and a quick tour of the NSA building, everyone was on edge watching, as Gibbs always said, rule #35, "Always watch the watchers," and of course, the vehicles, in the area. What they didn't see was a car strategically parked so the occupants could see the comings or goings from the building. That would be all, but Sima who noticed them from an upstairs window.