AN: I don't own any of the CSI:NY Characters or any of the show's storylines that I may refer to from time to time, but the rest of the plot is mine.

4. New Directive

Later back at the lab, Stella was analysing the chopper which had now been removed from their victim's head. Ben was filming the activity in the lab, but mostly focusing on Stella. Alex was watching from across the table.

"Detective Bonasera, can you explain what you are doing and what you are looking for?" Asked Alex.

Stella rolled her eyes. "This has been determined as the murder weapon. I'm testing to confirm it only has the victim's blood. We'll run a DNA analysis and check for finger prints, see if there is any evidence of anyone else apart from Mr Rostov." Stella answered formally, inwardly cringing at how different she sounded to normal and getting annoyed at having to explain every single process.

x X x

Later, while Stella was writing her report in her office, Ben and Alex were in the break room. Ben closed and pocketed his phone, turning to Alex. "New directive, we should interview them all individually, asking about cases, personal life, you know the stuff." He told her.

"Has your grandfather got a death wish? They already hate us being here following them around, what makes him think they'll sit down and answer questions?" Asked Alex looking up from her notes.

"It's come from Sinclair." Answered Ben.

"And since when does your grandfather listen to the Chief of Police? ... I get the feeling this is turning into a witch hunt!" Moaned Alex. Ben looked at her sympathetically.

"Allie, I'm sorry I dropped you in this, if you want to change your mind I'll get someone else to do it." He offered.

"No, I said I would do this, but I'll do it my way; these guys do a great job. I will not give your grandfather or the Chief ammunition to shut them down." She stated firmly.

"So what are we going to do?" He asked.

"You'd better tell me everything he said first." She countered.

x X x

Flack entered Stella's office casting a wary look around the lab. "They're in the break room." She sighed.

"Too much to hope they're going to leave any time soon?" He responded.

"You got that right. ... What brings you over here?" She asked.

"I've been doing a little digging on Rostov and found out that until a year ago he worked the docks in Brooklyn. Braddock apparently picked him off the street and made him head chef. When I asked why, he said that Rostov had been a chef in the Ukraine before coming here."

"Did he say anything about his personal life?" Questioned Stella.

"Just that he lived like a hermit and spent most of his time at the restaurant, proved himself pretty useful too on occasion, like last night when Braddock had to take off early." Flack answered.

"Why did he have to take off early?"

"A family matter, never went into details but my guys are checking it out." Said Flack, knowing where Stella was heading with the question.

x X x

Mac looked up from his paperwork as Alex entered his office. After a casual exchange on how she was finding things, she came to the point of her visit.

"Detective Taylor, we've been asked to conduct some interviews with your team and Detectives Flack and Angell. We would like an hour with each of them to discuss what made them do this job, how their views may have changed from their rookie days, some cases they have encountered and how in their personal time they deal with the horrors they see. It might help us get what we need quicker and be out of your hair."

"Can I ask you something?" Mac asked. Alex nodded. "What are you hoping to achieve with this?"

"To show New Yorkers that they have the best crime lab and detectives in the country, that they should understand the things you face that they may never see in an entire lifetime. That if it wasn't for people like you that their lives could be a whole lot worse." Alex held Mac's gaze the entire time she was speaking. "That you should be appreciated. ... That's what I want, and what I intend to give to the Commissioner."

"That's a very passionate speech. Do you expect me to agree?" He asked, not quite sure what to make of her. She had some merits to her argument, but he was wary of the press, even more so since Clay Dobson and wondered if the passionate plea was an act to get footage the Chief could use to destroy the lab. He watched her a moment. She stood confidently before him as he mulled over the request.

Alex didn't answer Mac's question figuring it was rhetorical, so she waited patiently for a response. She could guess most of the concerns going through his mind, most of them had gone through hers when Ben told her about the job. Everyone had preconceived ideas about reporters, she couldn't blame them, if she was on the other side of the camera she would too. Now it was her job to get the story the Chief wanted and do a good job. However, she figured the Chief might not get exactly what he was expecting if she had any influence.

Mac finally cleared his throat. "Half hour, no camera, just you talking with them to start with, then if they agree to you using what was discussed, you can film. Of course I can't speak for Detectives Angell and Flack they are not directly part of my team. If anyone does not wish to divulge information I will not compel them to. Understood?"

"Thank you. ... Is there somewhere I can meet with them?" She asked.

"There's a spare office at the end of the hall." He answered dismissing her.

Alex returned to the break room while Mac wearily headed in Stella's direction.

x X x

Alex entered the break room and dropped on the chair next to Ben. "I hope I don't live to regret this." She sighed.

"Go Allie! ... I really expected him to shoot you down." Said Ben, kind of excited as he leaned towards her and brushed her hair from her face.

"Yeah well, its not all a bed of roses. You have to sit out the interviews to start with." She answered.

"It's still a result babe, the Chief will be pleased." He reassured her.

"You think that makes me feel better?" She complained.

"Maybe not, but I know what will. ... Have dinner with me tonight?" He asked as he lowered his voice

"... You're right about that." She answered, smiling at him. "Where are you going to take me?"

Suddenly their quiet moment was shattered by shouting from the office next door. "You did what MAC!? ... No I won't do it! I'm not discussing my personal life with anyone, you should know that!" Stella ranted.

Ben grinned. "Looks like we could have a few decent fireworks for the Chief after all."

AN: Interviews start next chapter... who would you like first? What would you like to ask them?