This is a long chapter, and most of it is very solemn. The Ramp Ceremony or "Dignified Transfer" is really what happens for a fallen hero over there. I wanted to convey that here. I have been involved in a few.
There is a huge respect over there when someone is lost. Its tough on all.
Also Kensi gets two new people that she can trust over there, something she is missing with the team she currently works with. This will help further down the road into future chapters.
To all that read this story, thank you. Again to JET1967 for proofing, you are the best.
Please Read and Review. It means a lot and keeps me going.
DISCLAIMER: I dont own NCIS LA, its storylines, or characters, Just my OC.
AFOSI Detachment 2413 HQ Kandahar Air Base
2330hrs Local Time (1100hrs Pacific)
Kensi had spent the last few hours debriefing Andy and Gareth, Matt's Air Force Office of Special Investigations team members, on their failed recon mission, while trying to respect the fact that a member of their team had been killed. There was already an impromptu memorial- his boots, rifle, dog tags, and helmet- to Captain Joe McClellan outside the trailer.
Gareth and Andy had been hesitant at first to share what had happened out there on the mission. But after awhile, some of which was very tense, they both realized that Kensi was not the enemy; she was there as an equal. Matt had told them that Kensi could be trusted and Kensi was grateful for that. She wasn't as close to Matt as Deeks was but she knew Matt trusted her because he trusted Deeks and she was Deeks' partner.
After Kensi finished asking what she needed to ask to appease Granger, the conversation changed to a friendly one. It had been a rough long day. They were sitting around the table drinking coffee and sharing took awhile to get them to open up but her pesistance paid off. The current topic of choice was Matt. She reminded Gareth that he had promised an embarrassing story or two.
Kensi was in a fit of giggles, either due to the fact she was tired or the story was really funny. "So, you are saying he played an entire 18 holes of golf dressed in a pink skirt, golf polo, and a pink, black, and white sweater?"
Gareth was chuckling a little as well. "He lost a bet with the guys in his squadron. There was a charity golf tournament benefiting military families at a course near Edwards. Paula Creamer from the LPGA was there, and he was paired up with her for the event. There were a few hundred people there and a local news crew. It gave everyone a laugh."
Andy was laughing hard as well remembering that day. Her thick Texas accent got more pronounced when she was relaxed. "I had just joined the team and this was the first ever experience I had with him since he brought me onto his team. He met up with me in the parking lot in his getup. Bless his heart, I couldn't take him seriously."
Between laughs, Gareth continued, "Funny part is, he shot his best score for that course that day. I never let a moment go by that I don't remind him. He definitely has the legs for it."
Kensi was holding her stomach because she was laughing so hard. She couldn't wait to tell Deeks. She realized she hadn't laughed that hard or had this good of a time since she had gotten here. It was nice having people around who were friendly. The group of people she worked with back at her base were uptight and not very friendly. Then there was Sabatino and Granger. She frowned and shook her head at the thought of that.
They spent the rest of the evening talking about themselves. Andy talked about growing up as a General's daughter and all the issues that came from that. Gareth spoke of his time as an Air Force Security Force officer in Thule, Greenland. Kensi opened up about being a Marine brat and how that made her who she was today.
She looked down at her watch and realized it was way past midnight. She couldn't force these guys to close up their operation here and drive back three hours to her base, so she made a decision.
"Well, guys, it's late, and I have been up since 0500. Do you mind if I stay here for the night and we can head out in the morning?"
The one person who, hours ago, Kensi thought would be her biggest headache answered her with a smile. "No problem, Agent Blye. There is plenty of room. You can take Matt's bunk in the room he shared with …. Joe." Her words caught in her throat when she said 'Joe', and she pointed to a door in the back.
Gareth noticed Andy's slight break down and stood up. "My apologies, Agent Blye. We never gave you the 'nickel tour'. Here let me show you where everything is." He put a hand out in front of him like he was a tour guide.
Kensi stood up and looked at Andy, placing a hand on her shoulder in comfort. "Thanks, Andy, and you can call me Kensi, ok?" Andy nodded. "I promise not to mess up any of their stuff."
Kensi then turned to Gareth, removed a coin from her pocket and flicked it at him. "Give me the tour, Sergeant."
Gareth smiled and took her around, showing her where the bathroom/showers were, where she could send emails if she had to, and, most importantly, where the food was stored. Kensi raided the fridge for some fruit. Lastly, Gareth took her to where she would bunk for the night.
"I don't think the Major would mind you sleeping in his bunk. His is the bottom one. Light switch is over here." He pointed to the switch and made to leave the room and shut the door.
Kensi stopped him. "Sergeant, thanks for understanding and putting up with me. I know it was hard, and I am sorry for your loss."
Gareth smiled. "No worries, ma'am. What time were you planning on heading out in the morning? Reason I ask is that Captain McClellan's body is being flown out of here tomorrow and a small memorial service is being planned at 0800 on the tarmac. Lt. Holtzman and I would like to be there, and you, too, if you want."
"I don't think that would be a problem, Sergeant. I'll be there." Kensi smiled.
"Good night, ma'am." Gareth shut the doors and headed to his room.
Kensi made a quick call to Assistant Director Granger and updated him. He understood and told her to finish what she needed to and get back as soon as she could. After she hung up the phone, she took a look around the room.
She could tell that Matt left in a hurry. Most of his stuff was still in the room. It was all neat and organized, typical military man. His clothes in the small foot locker were folded neatly. A watch was on a small nightstand next to a few empty Sig Sauer magazines for his M11-A1; a small alarm clock and a silver set of pilot wings were also there sitting on top of a paperback book. She took a seat on his bunk and looked at the pictures that hung on the wall.
There was one of him and his dog Fletcher in the snow somewhere. She never got to meet Matt's dog but could tell they were very close. That got her thinking about Monty and how much she missed him and his owner.
There was another photo of him with what looked like a team of Airmen. They were all bearded, wearing Afghan Scarfs, sunglasses, and baseball caps and not in uniform. This must have been his Tactical Air Control Party team (TACP) from a previous deployment. She could tell some of the guys he was with were Special Forces types.
She smiled huge when she saw the next photo. It was a picture of Matt and Deeks standing next to an F-16 after Deeks went for a ride with Matt over a year ago. Deeks was clean shaven and in a flight suit, big smile on his face. They both looked good in their green flightsuits, g-suits and harnesses, holding their flight helmets. She'd have to ask Matt for a copy.
The last photo on the wall was a team photo of Matt, Joe, Neal, Andy and Gareth. Matt and Joe were standing in the back with Neal, Andy and Gareth kneeling inf ront. It looked like it was taken along a ridgeline somewhere here in Afghanistan. They were all geared up in vests, thigh holtsters and M4's strapped across their chests, all with bright smiles on their faces.
She laid back on his bunk and saw one more picture. It was taped to the bottom of Joe's bunk so that it was right above Matt's head when he slept and laminated to keep it safe. It was a photo of Matt with a stunning grey eyed, long haired brunette. She had a white headband thru her hair up in a ponytail. They were standing on top of what looked like a mountain peak at a snow resort just before sunset. He was standing behind her with his arms around her, both looking totally in love. That must have been Mallory.
The photo was the last thing he saw before he went to sleep and the first thing he saw when he woke up. That showed how much he loved her and missed her. She kinda understood. He didn't talk about her much. She let that thought go.
Kensi got up to change. She noticed that Joe's personal effects were already boxed up and laying on his bed to leave with his body tomorrow. Her mind went back Mike Renko's and Dom's funerals. Those were tough times for her. She knew what Andy and Gareth would be going through tomorrow. She would be there for them.
Kensi laid back down under the sheets, took out her phone and scrolled through her own photos stored there. Her eyes looked at one final picture before she turned out the light and went to sleep.
NEXT MORNING
Kensi awoke early the next day and walked out into the common area. Gareth and Andy were already up, drinking coffee. Gareth was the first to see her. Standing by the coffee maker, he grabbed a mug, filled it and walked over to Kensi.
"Morning, ma'am." He handed her the mug. "Sugar and cream are over on the table if you need it."
"Thank you. Gareth, you know you can call me Kensi, right?"
Andy spoke up, her eyes not leaving her laptop screen, "Kensi, don't even bother. Sarge here is enlisted through and through. It's all Ma'am and Sir with him. Matt has been trying for over a year to get him to relax. It won't take."
Kensi sat down at the table, her coffee full of sugar now. She wondered how she became so comfortable around these two people. She didn't even know who they were 18 hours ago. She guessed she missed the team atmosphere that she had back in LA. The people she worked with now weren't the friendliest bunch; all were serious and very guarded. But around Gareth and Andy she was able to relax.
Andy looked up from her laptop. "Did you sleep ok?"
"Yeah, quite well actually."
"Good. We actually have hot water today so I'd get a shower in now before it's gone. I'll let you borrow a set of clothes if you want."
Kensi laughed a little.
Andy looked confused. "What's so funny?"
Kensi couldn't lie to her. "I'm sorry. It's that Texas accent. I've never heard one that thick before. It must drive the guys crazy."
Andy let out a chuckle as well. "What's worse is my husband is from Wisconsin. When we talk, we throw everyone off."
Gareth decided to step into the conversation. "Just be careful when she starts saying 'bless his heart', or when she starts a conversation with 'I'm fixin to…..' "
Andy just rolled her eyes.
"Matt says hello, by the way. He sent me an email this morning asking for some information and notes. He told me your partner has been using his balcony as a storage locker for one of his surfboards."
"Deeks is like a squirrel hiding nuts for the winter with his surfboards. He has them stashed everywhere!" Kensi smiled, looking forward to getting back and watching Deeks surf on weekends.
After a few more minutes Kensi took Andy's recommendation of a shower and borrowed some clothes. They were almost the same height and body type so everything fit fine. Gareth and Andy took her to the DFAC (Dining Facility) for breakfast and then headed back to get ready for Captain McClellan's Ramp Ceremony before his body left to go home.
Kandahar Airbase Tarmac
A Ramp Ceremony is a very solemn event. A C-17 awaited with its rear ramp down. Lined up on either side of the aircraft , forming a lane leading to the ramp, soldiers were standing at attention- Airmen, Marines, Army soldiers, and a few Sailors. There were even members from the Armed Forces of Canada, Great Britain, Australia and Poland, all showing their respect for a fallen hero.
Standing in front of the soldiers was a line of about ten AFOSI Special Agents. All were wearing desert tan pants, boots and blue OSI fleece pullovers. Their badges hung around their necks, each with a black band across the middle. Kensi stood in the back, off to the side, so that she could see everything.
A four person flag-bearing Honor Guard marched slowly from around a corner. The flags fluttered in the early morning breeze. Two of the members carried M-16's while the two in the middle each carried a flag. One was the US flag, the other was the blue Air Force standard. Walking behind the honor guard, two Chaplains, one Air Force the other Army, and an Air Force Brigadier General slowly followed.
Behind the group was a Humvee with a rear that looked like it was a pickup truck. It creeped along the edge of the tarmac. Protective railings lined each side of the bed. Inside the bed was a silver metal casket, draped with the American Flag.
The Humvee stopped at the end of the man made lane. The driver got out and stood next to the door at attention. An eight man team of Airmen appeared and marched over to the rear of the Humvee. They formed into a four by four formation behind the casket. Looking across at one another they did a slow and purposeful salute, and then lowered their hands just as slow.
On the command of an officer, the first two Airmen slowly removed the casket from the back of the Humvee and slid it on its rails. As the casket made its way out of the back of the Humvee the Airman standing on either side of the casket grabbed it until its weight was now held by them. Each took his time, making his movements precise and deliberate. On another command the eight starting marching in place and then turned to the right with the casket and stopped.
The honor guard then marched down the lane toward the C-17. The march was not fast, with high steps, it took awhile to walk down the lane. When they got just before the ramp they split off to the side and did an about face.
After a few moments the two Chaplains walked in front of the casket. In the back a bagpiper from a Canadian Army unit can be heard getting ready. As soon as the bag is full, the beginning of "Amazing Grace" flutters across the tarmac. Its solemn tones set the mood for what is happening. After the first chorus, two other bagpipers, one from the RAF, the other from Australia, each standing at opposite ends of the lane, join in making the song echo across the base. Some of the soldiers can be seen breaking attention to wipe their eyes, Kensi herself caught herself wiping a tear. On command the eight Airmen start marching in place, and when the Chaplains get a few steps ahead, they start maching very slowly towards the C-17. Their steps in tune with the notes of the bagpiper.
Behind the casket holding their fallen comrade, Lt. Andrea Holtzman and Sergeant Gareth Tompkins walked side by side with the Brigadier General, he was the highest ranking Air Force officer on the base. As they marched past, the gathered men and women on the tarmac came to attention and slowly saluted the casket as it passed by them in a slow wave. The Honor Guard member holding the Air Force flag dipped it low.
The procession made it to the C-17 and then gently made its way up the ramp. Inside, an Air Force loadmaster was standing at attention. The pilots and other crew were there as well. Once the casket made it to the front of the plane, the eight pallbearers slowly turned the casket 180 degrees so that the blue and white star portion of the flag was facing forward.
At another command the airmen slowly lowered the casket onto the deck of the cargo plane. They held it in the down position, some smoothing the flag. The officer barked again. The men stood up slowly, then did another deliberate salute to the casket. Then they were ordered to march out the front door of the plane, leaving the two Chaplains, Andy, Gareth, and the Brigadier General behind.
The three of them walked forward, toward the Chaplains and stood to the side. Each Chaplain took a few moments to speak some kind words and bible verses as a memorial to Joe. Gareth and Andy had their heads down the entire time. When the Chaplains finished they slowly turned, said some comforting words to Gareth and Andy and left. Then the General said some words to Andy and Gareth, knelt down to the casket, placed a hand on it, then stood, saluted and left.
Andy and Gareth were the only ones left on the plane. Both knelt, placed a hand on the casket, and said their final goodbyes to Joe. Before she stood, Andy reached into her pocket, removed Joe's AFOSI badge, rubbed it with her fingers, and placed it on top of the casket. She put her hand to her mouth, placed a kiss on it, then touched the flag, and stood.
Gareth placed the AFOSI Detachments Challenge Coin next to Joe's badge. Gareth then tapped the casket twice with his hand and silently said , "C-ya, Joe." It was the only time Gareth ever said his first name. He stood and saluted the casket with Andy. They both turned and walked off the plane. Once they were on the tarmac and out of sight of everyone Andy turned and hugged Gareth as tears fell down her face.
The rest of the AFOSI Agents and close friends formed a procession to walk into the plane and say their final goodbyes to Captain Joseph McClellan. Kensi was one of the last people to walk aboard. When she got there the casket was covered in Challenge Coins and patches from different units and countries. She even noticed a Challenge Coin from the local NCIS detachment that worked in Kandahar. She walked through, paid her respects to the fallen fellow Federal Law Enforcement officer, and left. Behind her the Chaplains reentered the plane and knelt next the casket in prayer.
Kensi went and stood with Andy and Gareth as the Ceremony wound down. They watched as the doors were closed on the C-17. The engines lit up, and it taxied down to the runway. In an act of finality they followed the aircraft with their eyes as it took off and climbed into the sky on Joe's final journey home.
Andy was the first to snap out of the somberness, she wiped her eyes for the last time. She turned and faced the NCIS Agent. "Alright, Kensi, what's the plan now?"
"Well, we have to pack up everything important to the task force, being careful to not leave anything behind. Also, grab all your gear. We will head to where the rest of the task force is based and you guys will be working with us for the time being."
"Will we get to work with you?" Andy asked, hoping to get the answer she wanted to hear. She really wanted Matt and Neal back.
"I don't know, probably. The group up there kinda keeps to themselves but I'd rather work with you two when I can. You're probably the only two I can trust right now."
Gareth heard the final part of what she said and it concerned him a little. "What do you mean by that, ma'am?"
Kensi realized her little slip up. "Oh, nothing, Sergeant. It's just I don't work with them that much up there, mostly stuck with Assistant Director Granger or this CIA guy."
Gareth knew there was more to it but didn't push. "Ok, well let's go get squared away and get outta here."
Kensi smiled. "Great. Let me get the Marine detail that drove me down here and we'll get loaded up. It's a nice three and half hour drive if the roads cooperate."
Garth and Andy started laughing.
"What's so funny, you two?" Kensi demanded.
"Nothing, ma'am. I think we have a better way to get to your post." He winked at Kensi.
"Yeah, Kensi, we Air Force folks always travel in style rather than in a cramped MRAP." Andy and Gareth started walking back to the AFOSI trailer with Kensi trailing behind, perplexed at what they meant.
FEW HOURS LATER
Gareth and Andy spent a few hours transferring files to thumbdrives. Unbeknownst to Kensi though, a few files they kept on another thumbdrive that wouldn't get turned over to NCIS. They didn't completely trust the new situation, and Matt had told them what to do if a situation like this happened. These files were important only to the Air Force and OSI and didn't need to be in the hands of the Navy. Interservice rivalry was still prevalent.
Kensi volunteered to pack up Matt's stuff while Gareth and Andy packed theirs. Soon there were three duffel bags packed and ready to go. They each shouldered a bag and walked out of the Units office space. Other OSI Agents in the trailer watched them leave. They didn't know why. Gareth told them they were going out on a long term recon mission with DEA, on some suspected opium farms and factories. Everyone thought this small unit was there fighting the warlords and Taliban that dealt with drugs, so they bought it.
They walked up to a parked Humvee and threw their stuff in the back and got in. A Senior Airman was their driver. Kensi was getting impatient wondering how they were going to get back to her base. She hoped it wasn't in the back of this Humvee. It offered no protection. Finally she had enough.
"So, where is this ride in style you talked about? Hoping this Humvee isn't it cause this ain't stylish."
Gareth then suddenly stopped the Humvee. "Don't worry, ma'am. This isn't our ride." Gareth looked out the windshield as a shadow flew overhead. "Our ride is right here."
Just then an Air Force MH-60G Pavehawk helicopter pivoted and hovered in the air in front of the Humvee, kicking up sand and dust. It landed and kept its rotors turning. The helicopter's crew chief stepped out, keeping his head down, and walked toward the Humvee. He was wearing a helmet with a dust guard that covered his mouth and made him look like Darth Vader "Let's go, ma'am. They hate waiting."
Kensi just smiled a wide smile and stepped out of the Humvee, grabbed a duffel bag and walked towards the waiting chopper, careful to keep her head down. The crew chief helped throw their bags inside and they climbed in. As soon as they were settled, the Pavehawk leaped into the air and flew off to the northeast.
Kensi put on a set of headphones with a microphone and talked to Gareth and Andy over the intercom. "So, this is the Air Force idea of traveling in style, huh? I could get used to this." The two OSI agents laughed.
TASK FORCE HQ - Northeast Afghanistan
The Pavehawk flared and landed outside the FOB where Kensi was based. As soon as the three of them departed the helicopter it took off and headed back south. Gareth and Andy took a moment, as they followed Kensi, to look around and get a feeling for their surroundings. It seemed they were up in the mountains- the air was thinner and it was harder to breathe, plus a little colder.
They walked up the stairs into the trailer and then took the duffel bags off their shoulders and looked around. The trailer was exactly like the one they left in Kandahar but smaller and colder. Andy and Gareth rubbed their hands together.
Kensi noticed the movement. "Yeah, the generators are kinda spotty up here so it gets kinda cold. Come on, I'll show you where you can store your stuff. Andy, you get to bunk with me. Sergeant, looks like you're stuck with NCIS Tech Operator John Booker." She turned to whisper to Gareth, "He's a little squirrely." Gareth rolled his eyes and shook his head.
Before they could get comfortable Assistant Director Granger walked out of his office. "Ah, welcome back, Agent Blye. Lt. Holtzman, Sergeant Tompkins, hurry up and store your things. We have work to do." As quickly as he came in, he left.
"Oh, this is just going to be a hoot and a half," Andy said in her thick Texas accent.
Hope I didn't force any of you to tear up. But I really wanted to add it to this story. Next chapter there will be a "big problem"
To hear what Amazing Grace sounds like on bagpipes at the ceremony go to YouTube and type Amazing Grace Basel Tattoo 2009. It still gives me chills and tears to this day
Night.
-ItKeepsMeBusy