They arrived in England in the typical British weather, cold, grey and wet.
"I see nothing changes," Ducky sighed.
"If we may continue, we have no time to waste. Did you read the file?" Trent asked.
"I did and it was everything and more, I just have one thing to ask?" Ducky offered, "I see I am still Dr Mallard."
"Yes of course, but Doctor, you are a Doctor of Ornithology, well you have a degree in Zoology, but you specialise in birds." Kort replied.
"Why, I was going to ask, but I see now it would be a perfect cover."
"Dr Mallard, if I may say…you are eccentric enough to pull this off," Trent now answered with a sly smile.
After a brief visit to GCHQ, the pair now armed with more files and information, and an armed Police Officer, made their way to London.
"I was going to suggest the Savoy, but then Dr Mallard you are a retired twitcher, so we managed to get a hotel, still in the West End but cheaper, it is still in walking distance of MI6 HQ…"
"You said clothing, Kort," Ducky now interrupted.
"Of course Dr Mallard, but I am afraid Saville Row is out, we were thinking more M&S or the markets. You are, as we said on a pension."
"Quite." Ducky replied now looking disheartened.
They arrived at the City of London; Ducky had given Trent the real area detail saying that the MI6 building was just outside the City, at Vauxhall, "Oh yes Trent, the site was previously the location of the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, but they were swept away in the 1850s and to be replaced by a glass factory, a vinegar works and a gin distillery."
"Very interesting Doctor, I assure you."
They entered the building and were shown to a conference room. As the secretary showed them in, Ducky saw that it was going to be no holiday, the Suits were already there, sharpening their claws on the furniture.
"Kort, nice to see you again, I won't mention the fact we could get you pantomime this year." One of the Suits replied.
"Thank you Sir." Trent replied, "But may I introd….."
"Dr Mallard…..Medical Examiner of NCIS, Washington DC…..you come very highly recommended, as well as being extremely respected," one of the Suits said, not standing, just looking like a vulture that was ready to spring.
"Do I take that as a compliment Gentlemen, Ma'am," he replied looking at the woman, who smiled.
"Dr Mallard may I introduce myself, Hilary Jebson," as she stood and offered Ducky her hand, "Please Donald sit, we have a lot to discuss, so please Mr Kort, if you would excuse us, we wish to talk to Dr Mallard in private," she concluded, smiling.
Ducky sat and watched as Hilary opened the brown file in front of her, "Dr Mallard, your Director speaks very highly of you, as does a certain Special Agent Gibbs…we have however…..from our records and reports, found that you and Agent Gibbs, and the late Director Shepard have what could be described as a criminal record." as she smiled and raised an eyebrow, as well as giving a sly smile, "Would you care to give your side of the incident?"
"Ahhhh," as Ducky looked at Hilary, "Of Course…..where would you like me to begin…before or after I shoved the French Gendarme off the cliff?"
-oOo-
Two hours later Ducky left the room and went to find Kort, who was in the Jugged Hare, sipping a pint looking out over the Thames.
"Dr Mallard you return." Kort smiled.
"Of course, a really interesting chitty chat with the guys,….told them a few things," as Ducky looked about for service, Kort raised his finger and watched as the barman poured a Macallan, one lump of ice and a small milk jug full of water. Kort watched as the man approached, and placed in front of the good Doctor, "Enjoy Dr Mallard you have much to do tomorrow," as he watched Ducky sip.
-oOo-