So sorry for the delays in uploading the chapters…life just gets in the way
Chapter 4
The OSP hub was alight with faces and names, places and surveillance cameras. Eric and Nell were busily typing and conferring, exchanging and verifying data. Sam and Deeks marched upstairs with Kensi trailing behind. They all stood around and started processing all the information that was before them. It was overwhelming. Then Hetty joined them and Eric started, "Intel has brought certain information to light that will blow your minds."
"Months ago Director Vance heard rumours that high ranking naval officers had organized an arms interchange. These are American naval weapons are being used to kill innocent people all around the world. The worst part of the story is that they are being recycled through Mossad. We don't know who the brains behind the operation is and how far up the corruption goes. They buy the weapons and distribute them to the factions that are pro-Israeli creating their own private army throughout the Middle East especially in Palestine," explained Eric, waiting for everyone's jaws to drop.
Then Nell took over, "It's been 6 months and we've finally stumbled on a possible exchange. But we are blind. We have no idea who the players are except this man," she pulls up a photo. "This is Captain Rick Stein stationed on the SS Kingfisher. He has a less-than-stellar career; bit of gambling, selling small black-market stuff, bit of heavy-handed guy. He's been to the brig more times that Eric's been surfing. Not a nice guy. We think he is the American contact but it goes way up further. Anyway we've been monitoring his accounts along other potential suspects…gee you wouldn't believe how many…."
"Yes Miss Jones, we get the idea," said Hetty.
"Right…well, there have been substantial deposits in Stein's account. We've never come this close before. Eric and I think this time they've slipped up giving us a way in. It's going to be a long process but we'll find the source eventually," finished Nell.
"Thank you Miss Jones and Mr. Beale We have no way of knowing who the Mossad contact is. Rumour is that the person who is at the exchange, is the poor sod who is promised large amounts of money, but once the weapons are received by the Mossad, he is disposed of, leaving no traces whatsoever," said Hetty.
There was a pause. This is when Callen would step up and explain his carefully thought out plan. Everyone looked at Sam. He looked taken aback then looked to Hetty, "So what's our next move while Eric and Nell are fighting their own hacking war?"
"NCIS have an agent who worked for Mossad years ago undercover for the CIA. He is already on his way to resume his old post as an officer of the Kidon. A post that will give him high level security and personal interactions with Eli David Director of Mossad," explained Hetty.
"What the Kidon? The secret arm of the Metsada? The unit that specializes in assassinations, paramilitary operations, sabotage, and psychological warfare? How did you manage that?" asked Sam with complete bewilderment.
"Oh Mr. Hanna, the CIA works in mysterious ways and as do I. We've kept his alias alive and operational for many years in case something like this would emerge. Now Mr. Hanna you will be this agent's point man. You'll blend in just fine. Your identity is ready to go," and she gave Sam a yellow A4 envelope. "Agents Blye and Deeks, you will both be undercover as naval officers on the SS Kingfisher keeping tabs on Stein. Anything out of the usual is to be reported. Mr. Deeks I'm counting on your charm to get close to Stein…buddy up so they say," said Hetty smiling.
"Ok…he's not gay is he?" asked Deeks uncomfortably.
"No, Mr. Deeks. He's street smart something you both have in common."
"Thank you children…your back stories are being constructed as we speak. We need to be on our toes with this. The navy is a very loyal and tight knit group. They do not like outsiders. Keep your wits about you all the time and make no mistake, if I see any sign of trouble, I'll pull you all out," said Hetty very firmly, "That's all."
Deeks and Kensi left the OSP hub; they had work to do. Eric and Nell continued their research. That left Sam and Hetty. Sam walked over to Hetty, "So do I know this agent?" asked Sam.
"That's not important. You don't need to know who he is right now. It may compromise the mission. It is someone we trust explicitly and who is very capable in these situations. You get settled in and let our man work his magic. When the time is right, he'll make contact. You might not even meet him so you don't need to worry. Just make sure that you play your role well Mr. Hanna," said Hetty being as sly as ever.
"Hetty you know what they do to spies in the Kidon?" asked Sam
"Yes I do Mr. Hanna. So does our agent. He knows he may not make it out alive. He is fine with that because he really has nothing to lose," explained Hetty. Her gaze lingered on his face, she pursed her lips and walked away.
Sam just watched her walk away unconvinced. This was going to be a dangerous mission. There were too many variables. He felt a bit uneasy going in without Callen. This was Callen's type of mission. He didn't know who the agent was and that left him feeling uneasy. If Callen was back on the team, he'd be spearheading the mission and he'd feel confident. But he trusted his team and he knew they'd get the job done.
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Hetty had just sat down when the phone rang, "Leon," she answered.
"Hello Hetty, how did the brief go?" asked Vance.
"Well. Everybody understood their roles and the complexity of the case. They'll find the link Leon. Have you managed to find him?" asked Hetty.
"Gibbs got a hold of him," said Leon.
"Will he finish what we put in place 6 months ago?" asked Hetty trying not to name names with the walls having ears and all.
"Yes he will. He's heading to Jerusalem as we speak. His backstory is done. The mission is a go Hetty," said Leon.
'I would've like to have spoken to him first," said Hetty angrily, "After all it is a joint operation. If something goes wrong, Leon…"
"Hetty he's been in worse positions before and survived," comforted Leon.
"Barely in Turkey and Sarajevo," rebutted Hetty.
"There is no other way Hetty. He's the only one who can see this through. Communication has ceased. He is on his own. We need to trust him Hetty. After all that's happened, this might be the opportunity he needs to redeem himself in their eyes," argued Leon quite rightly.
"Let's pray that all goes well and we get the traitorous villains," said Hetty.
"Goodbye Hetty. I'll keep you posted from our end," said Leon.
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Sam noticed the phone call and noticed Hetty shoulders slump. Her posture said it all, she was hurting and it was wearing her down. This was all Callen's fault; his absence causing grief again. It was time they cut him loose. This time he was going to speak his mind. Kensi and Deeks had left and there was no one around. He packed his bag and before leaving, walked over to Hetty.
"Hetty?" said Sam.
"Yes Mr Hanna, a problem with the mission?" asked Hetty not making eye contact.
"Was that Director Vance or Callen?" asked Sam.
"It was Director Vance. He wanted an update on the briefing," she explained.
"He hasn't called?" asked Sam angrily.
"No," said Hetty.
"Don't let him get to you Hetty. Can't you see what this is doing to you? I hate seeing you this way. This is what he did last time, left when his team needed him the most…typical Callen. This mission would run more smoothly if Callen was here," said Sam raising his voice.
"STOP! Stop that Mr. Hanna. I will not let you talk about a team member like that. Now go home," ordered Hetty pushing herself out of her chair and standing to her full height against Sam's towering physique. Somehow she looked more intimidating. But Sam hadn't finished.
"He should be here, he should be the one running this op not an unidentified agent from who knows where. But he isn't. He's letting us risk our lives while he mopes around feeling sorry for himself," said Sam trying to get any information on Callen's whereabouts.
Hetty raised her head and her eyes bore into Sam's, "If I recall correctly he was no longer wanted here. Now go home Mr Hanna!"
A shiver ran down Sam's spine and he left. Hetty watched him leave and suddenly she let the anger and the sorrow go. She wanted to tell him that Callen hadn't deserted them and that he did care; that at this very moment he was putting his life on the line making sure his team would be safe. But she couldn't. She removed her glasses placed her face in her hands and quietly prayed.
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