Senior Field Agent Timothy McGee stood outside NCIS Headquarters surrounded by his colleagues and friends, all of whom were there to say goodbye to himself and Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Balboa. It surprised Tim how many people thought of him as a friend, considering how little time in the past three and half years he spent working outside of the MCRT.
It had been nearly two weeks since the dog attack which had changed McGees life, as well as the life of numerous other people on the Navy Yard. The investigation into that day had been completed, as well as the murder investigation into Naval Petty Officer Hanson. Paula Cassidy, Jim Nelson and Bryn Fillmore had worked well together on the case, and it showed in the Directors decision when it came to new assignments.
The Inspector Generals investigation shocked many people at NCIS, and left no one in any doubt what happens to those that disregard operational security and directives. Special Agent Gibbs had submitted his report showing all the mistakes he had made, including not calling the ambulance for McGee or the dog handlers for Butch, the German shepherd. The investgation team accepted his resignation as MCRT Leader, and as an active Special Agent.
Due to his experience as an NCIS agent and team leader, both the committee and Director Shepard asked him to be available to give lectures to new and experienced agents in order to help them become better agents. Gibbs agreed, as he did not fancy a retirement in Mexico again, or of just building boats that never sailed. He had already found a volunteer job he liked, which was running a craftwork class for under-privileged children in DC, as well as helping with Habitat for Humanity.
Dr Mallard was also found at fault for not following the medical procedures laid down by NCIS for injured agents in the field. Like Gibbs, Ducky took retirement, and again, agreed to give talks to medical examiners, not just at NCIS, but with other Federal agencies in DC. These talks would have to wait for Ducky, as he was going back to Scotland for a long overdue holiday. Neither of them were there to say goodbye, Ducky had sent Tim a letter, giving him a sincere apology, along with a request to keep in touch. Gibbs had left Tim a bottle of Bookers bourbon on his desk, along with a note, apologising, saying its never weakness when you get it wrong, really wrong.
Tim was glad that the two men he looked up to as surrogate uncles were still part of his life, and there was no bad feelings between them. While Tim could easily be resentful to both of them for that day, he realised that both of them knew their mistakes and took their blame like men. Others such as DiNozzo and Abby, Tim realised, may never grow up and accept they were at fault on that day.
"Do not worry, McGee, neither of them are here today," said Ziva from behind Tim. Ziva was currently on a three month probation with NCIS. The investigation into Zivas actions at the house was convoluted to say the least. As she was not a graduate of FLETC she could not be expected to know all the rules of NCIS and federal procedures. However, as the Mossad Liaison to NCIS, it is expected she knows NCIS procedures. The Inspector Generals office worked overtime to find out which rules Ziva had broken on that day, and Tim was sure they would never know for sure. What was found was that Ziva had no place in the field. She was not a FLETC graduate, and therefore, could not be expected to carry out the procedures they educated on. Ziva had been assigned to the Intelligence Division, Middle East branch. To say she was flourishing was an understatement.
"I know, Ziva, just expecting another showdown like before," Tim said worriedly.
"I would like to see them try. Director Shepard would probably give the shoot to kill order."
"Good joke, Ziva," Tim chuckled.
"Who is joking, McGee?" Ziva deadpanned.
"I never could tell when you're joking." Tim replied with a warm smile.
Ever since Ziva stopped seeing DiNozzo on a daily basis, Tim saw more the same woman who first appeared at NCIS two years ago. Tim had asked Jennys permission to contact Ziva once the investigation was completed. The two of them went for coffee several times. Ziva was upset she had drove Tim away, that her actions or inactions had hurt the man who had become her first friend at NCIS. She didn't count Jenny, as Jenny had always been her boss, in one way or another.
Looking at Ziva now, Tim remembered the day he had to come into the NCIS building for the investigation report. This would be the first time he had seen everyone since the day of the attack.
Flashback.
Entering the largest briefing room in NCIS, Tim felt very self conscious. Walking in with Balboa and the Director meant every eye in the room was on him. Gibbs was standing next to the window, looking outwards, alongside Ducky. McGee knew these two men were here because the report was being issued. There fates had already been decided. It was everyone elses that would be determined today. Apart from the Inspector General, only the Director knew what the report said. Eugene Coyle looked around the room, similar to a teacher taking attendance.
"Please be seated."
Everyone gathered around the table, with Eugene and his two assistants at the top and to his right, Balboa next to them, the McGee, then the director at the end. On her right sat Dr Mallard, then Jimmy. Gibbs sat practically opposite Tim, with Abby on Gibbs right. Tony sat next to her, with Eugene next to Ziva. Tim wondered if this was by design. Should Ziva hear something she did not like in the report, she was in prime position to kill Eugene in one of seventeen ways with the paperclip that binded his report summary together.
"Before we begin, having interviewed all of you recently, including some of you several times, let me be as clear as the windows to my left. Any interruptions, screams, shouts, treats, or speaking of any kind will result in security being called and your person being placed in a holding cell until I decide to see fit. You have been warned."
With this admission, Tim guessed Abby and/or DiNozzo had kicked off at the man whose main job at NCIS was to find out what everyone had done wrong.
"I will now present the conclusions of the investigation, NCIS 631-041508-442-COY. Special Agent Gibbs showed neglect in the positioning of agents at the suspects house. While this may not have prevented the attack on Special Agent McGee, having a second agent present may have resulted in less wounding to Special Agent McGee. Special Agent Gibbs showed further neglect in not sending the injured party for immediate medical treatment. Furthermore, Special Agent Gibbs displayed no concern for his agent by ordering the injured agent to bring the dog back to NCIS Headquarters. At this time, the investigation can show no further wrongdoing on the part of Special Agent Gibbs. We have accepted Special Agent Gibbs letter of culpability, along with his resignation.
"Mr Gibbs, you are free to go, or to remain for the rest of the hearing?"
"I'll stay, thank you."
"Very well. Dr Mallard showed neglect in the treatment of Special Agent McGee. Dr Mallard, as a licensed medical examiner, and previous practitioner, should have insisted, and if ignored, ordered Special Agent McGee to the nearest hospital for proper trauma care with a licensed medical practitioner. His failure to inform the Director regarding the attack on Special Agent McGee has also been noted. Dr Mallard has also presented a letter of culpability and resignation to the committee which has also been accepted.
"Dr. Mallard, I make the same offer to yourself, as I made to Mr Gibbs."
"I will also stay, thank you, Inspector General Coyle."
"Officer Davids actions are the most difficult to define. As she is not an NCIS agent or graduate of FLETC, it is unfair to expect the same behaviour from her as from NCIS agents. However, as the Mossad Liaison Officer, it is expected she knows how to act in situations to those similar to that that has been investigated. While we agree, it is not expected for Officer David to contradict the orders of her team leader, it is expected that she knows the correct procedures in the event of an injured agent and/or teammate. With this, the investigation has found Officer David unsuitable for field assignments, and recommends inhouse roles going forward. Should Officer David be required or wish to join a Case Response Team, she will need to take the FLETC equivalent courses available to all Federal Agency employees. Officer David has offered this investigation a letter of culpability, along with a letter offering her resignation from the post of Mossad Liaison Officer. The letter of culpability has been accepted, and will remain in her NCIS personnel file for the length of her assignment. The letter of resignation has been returned to Officer David. Should she wish to resign, this will need to be placed with the relevant authorities at Mossad, or with Director Shepard.
"Officer David, do you wish to stay?"
"Yes, thank you."
Eugene Coyle took a sip of water at this point, giving McGee a chance to catch his breath and look around the table. He had kept his gaze fixed to a point just above Eugenes head so far. Knowing Ducky and Gibbs had left of their own volition softened the blow for Tim. This way, neither of them were fired from their last jobs, and also, kept the benefits of long service, as well their pensions. McGee knew people could lose their jobs over this, still didn't mean he wanted it to happen. Then again, if they did stay here and didn't learn their lesson, the next attack on someone could be fatal. Gibbs and Ducky were both at ease for the moment, and Ziva looked very relieved. Palmer looked very nervous. Tim knew something like this could put his medical career back years. He hoped Eugene was kind.
"Mr Palmer, we found, has been a victim of the system. Mr Palmer, due to his studies at Georgetown University, only works here at NCIS on a part time, on call basis. Because of this, Mr Palmer has not been offered many of the classes expected of the Medical Technician. This has now been rectified, and Mr Palmer will soon be able to join the new Medical Practitioner in the field within the next 3 months. We do, however, feel that Mr Palmer should have insisted upon proper medical treatment for Special Agent McGee. Mr Palmer has also offered this investigation a letter of culpability, as well as resignation. His letter of culpability will stay in his file for a period of no more than one year, his resignation is rejected. Mr Palmer, you may return to your position of Medical Technician, effective immediately. You may leave should you wish to."
"Thank you sir, but I will stay," Jimmy said smiling. Tim smiled at him, happy the young man had kept his job, as well as his future career.
"Miss Scuito…" began Eugene, and Abby immediately opened her mouth. Gibbs put his hand on hers to stop her.
"Gibbs…" Abby begged. Gibbs shook his head.
"Just listen to him, Abby." Gibbs said.
"Thank you, Mr Gibbs. Remember, Miss Scuito, my warning is still in effect." Eugene looked at her as if she came from another planet, he had never been fond of an all black outfit, not even for funerals.
"Miss Scuito was not present for the attack on Special Agent McGee, this part of the investigation focused on her actions afterwards. Miss Scuito should not have removed the animal from the cage it was transported in. Removing the muzzle placed upon the animal was neglectful to say the least. It was placed for her safety, along with all other NCIS personnel. The placement of the animal into her laboratory put the lives of herself and other personnel at risk. The taking of Special Agent McGees jacket, this investigation found, was tantamount to theft. The failure to report his injury, which she was aware of, to her immediate superiors was neglectful. During this investigation, Miss Scuitos report, which she was asked to produce on three separate occasions, was found to be inaccurate in many places. When questioned verbally, Miss Scuito was rude, aggressive and at times, her behaviour verged on volatile. Miss Scuito has at no time to this committee showed any kind of remorse for her behaviour. Her treatment of Special Agent McGee can only be described as callous to the extreme. It is the finding of this investigation that Miss Scuitos employment with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service be terminated with immediate effect."
"You can't do that to me, I'm the best Forensics Specialist NCIS has ever had," Abby screamed. Gibbs went to say something but was stopped by Eugene.
"Miss Scuito," Eugene bellowed, shutting Abby up and causing everyone to look at the normally mild mannered man in a different light. "In case you have not noticed, your former colleagues all offered apologies to this committee, as well as written letters to Special Agent McGee, which are to be handed over today, as in accordance with procedure. You, however, have not done so. You have acted as if you have been the injured party at all times, and you, at no time, have shown any kind of thought for your colleagues. Your employment has been terminated, you can appeal, should you wish to. However, this decision stands."
"You can't…" Abby started,
"Yes I can, Miss Scuito. When it comes to Inspector General investigations, my word is law. Even the Director is powerless to stop me. Should you wish to continue this discussion, I will have you escorted to a holding cell to await for myself to finish here. Or, you can leave this building of your own free will but under escort, naturally. Your choice, choose, quickly."
"Yes, indeed. Warning taken, do not mess with Eugene Coyle." McGee thought.
"I'll leave for now, Gene, but this isn't over," Abby warned.
"I look forward to it, Miss Scuito," Eugene responded, with a look on his face that he would love her to appeal his decision, just so he could this again to her.
They had to wait a few minutes for Security to get Abby and escort her out. Tony looked livid at this, thinking if this was what happened to Abby, what would happen to him. It was the same thought that went through the minds of everyone present.
"Special Agent DiNozzo," Eugene began, as if reading out his death sentence, which, in Tonys mind, it probably was, "was found to be in breach of several NCIS procedures during this investigation. Special Agent DiNozzo did not countermand the order given for Special Agent McGee to proceed to the rear of the property alone. He did not call for an ambulance for Special Agent McGee, or escort him to hospital for treatment. He did not advise the Director of the incident or of the injuries sustained by Special Agent McGee. His actions, upon returning to NCIS Headquarters, this investigation has found, were ill thought out, juvenile and callous. The placement of CD/DVD of "When Dogs Attack" into Special Agent McGees computer was tantamount to harassment and bullying. His cooperation with this investigation, along with his letter of culpability, has been noted and accepted. This investigation has not received a letter from resignation from Special Agent DiNozzo."
McGee was not surprised. He knew Tony was banking on a demotion that he can work back from, rather than getting fired. Fired, he had no job to go to. Demoted, he still had a job.
"Special Agent DiNozzo, this investigation has decided upon the following. Your letter of culpability will be placed into your personnel file for a duration of five years. You will be removed from your position as Senior Field Agent, and your Field Agent status is hereby revoked. Should you wish to become a field agent again, you will have to comply with the following. No application can be made for placement for a term of no less than two years. You must re-qualify as a field agent, meeting all requirements at the time of reapplication. This means that even if you meet current requirements, these may not be sufficient. You may appeal this decision, as is your right, Agent DiNozzo." Eugene stressed the word agent, as if reminding everyone, that as he was no longer a field agent, allowed to carry a federally issued weapon, he was no longer a special agent.
"Yes, Inspector General Coyle. I do." Tony looked like his world had ended, McGee thought.
"This concludes investigation NCIS 631-041508-442-COY."
End Flashback
Chapter 11 is in progress. Hope everyone is ok with the outcome