'My office - asap' The text message had said. It was from the NCIS Director Leon Vance. Tim groaned as he spied the text message from Vance, while in line for coffee. It was Gibbs' first day back in the office and he was almost grateful for the summons to the Director's office. It wasn't yet 0700 as he made his way through security, bypassing the bullpen completely and getting off the elevator on the Director's level. He had a cup in each hand as he walked passed MTAC, he spied Tony and Ziva bantering as they arrived for work as he walked along the catwalk and into Director Vance's office. He knocked and was immediately granted entry, wordlessly he handed Vance a coffee. "Ready to meet part of your team?" He asked, as he turned Tim towards the young, green rookie sitting at the conference room table. She looked so scared, almost like she was about to pass out. "Meet Probationary Field Agent Jessica Knight." Vance said and Tim offered a handshake hello. "This is your senior Field Agent Timothy McGee."
"Fornell." Tim corrected. "The name change came through this morning. I had an appointment at 0600 for my new NCIS issue ID and credentials. I collect them once we're through with this meeting."
"Congratulations." Vance told him, . "Senior Field Agent Timothy Fornell. He will also be acting SSAIC until we get find the right fit. Agent Knight has some training to do this morning with the REACT team, she can meet you in your new bullpen at 1400 hours this afternoon, if that suits?"
"It suits fine, I'll see you then, Knight." Tim told her politely.
"Please, call me Jess." She said, smiling at him.
"Then, I'm Tim." He said to her as he returned her friendly smile.
"You're going to head up the first in-house BSG team. It's a position that until recently, we have outsourced. The Behavioural Science Group team will support both NCIS HQ and the field offices worldwide, providing a consultations for operations and logistics, investigations and other related projects and matters across the NCIS core mission areas and its directorates. The BSG consultations will provide the teams with insight into relevant behavior, optimizing criminal, counterintelligence and counterterrorism investigations and operations by complimenting other resources such as analytical and technical expertise. The BSG also provides training in support of the strategic goals, mission requirements and unique assignments of the NCIS personnel." Vance let that information settle in and he took a swig of the coffee that McGee had bought for him. "In addition, the BSG will collaborate with the larger community of law enforcement and intelligence agencies with similarly dedicated missions, providing case consultations, training and briefings regarding behavioral science support to law enforcement and national security."
"Question?" Tim asked. "That sounds like a lot of work for a team of two."
"You will have a team of eight people. A SSAIC based in the office, no field work for them, yourself - which will be a team leader position, then two SFA's, two JFA's and two Probie's. Jess Knight is your Probie. The other Probie will be trained by one of the SFA's. Nicholas Torres, most likely , he reports in day after tomorrow from the Orlando Satellite office. I also have SFA Bools, JFA's Sanchez and Peters, as well as Probie's Knight and Bishop, with a SSAIC to be named later. That will complete your team." Vance slid a pile of folders towards him. "Personnel folders, have a read through them this morning. Let me know if you have any concerns about any of them. Now, are you ready to tell your old team the good news?" Vance asked before asking his PA to summon Ducky, Jimmy, Abby and the MCRT team to the conference room A. "Go grab your new ID and meet me in Conference Room A."
It had been surreal for Gibbs walking into the bullpen this morning and seeing Balboa and his team's space being completely transformed. 'It looks like they're going to squeeze two teams in that small space.' Gibbs had thought. But he had been impressed by the size of the plasma and the technological gadgets that they got to use. Impressed, but relieved he didn't have them.
The summons call to the conference room from Vance's PA came earlier than he thought. He was anxious to get it over with. He had noted when he came in that Tim had cleared his desk and prepared his files, ready for the next agent. "Conference Room A, let's go." Gibbs summoned.
"Probie's not here yet." Tony had verbalised, half teasing the man gently and half serious, not wanting him to get into any trouble, especially on Gibbs' first day back.
"He can catch up." Gibbs quipped, knowing that Tim had an early morning meeting with Vance.
The team trickled in, slowly followed by Abby - who ran to Gibbs, hugging him tightly and squealing in joy at his return, Ducky and Jimmy. Tim had made it to HR and Personnel and back before Gibbs and his team arrived. Vance wondered if that was our coincidence or by design on Tim's part. He had the personnel files stacked in front of him as they entered.
"First off, Tim has some news he'd like to share with you all." Vance announced, letting Tim take the floor for the biggest announcement of the morning.
"I found out recently that my father isn't Admiral McGee." Tim looked at Gibbs and Gibbs gave him an encouraging nod and brief smile. "I had my DNA ran and found my biological father. As a result, I am no longer Agent Timothy McGee. As of last Friday afternoon at 1645, I am now known as Timothy Fornell." The room was silent for a split second before Gibbs abruptly stood up.
"Congratulations, Agent Fornell." Gibbs beamed, shaking Tim's hand, before impulsively hugging the younger man.
Ducky was the next to recover. "Congratulations Timothy, I am truly happy for you and that you have found your family." Shaking Tim's hand also.
"That fee-bee Dumbell is your father, Probie?" Tony asked, in shock. "Agent 'I'm arresting you for murder' Fornell? I think I'd prefer to be an orphan than have that as a father." He commented, thoughtlessly.
"DiNozzo!" Gibbs growled at him, both angry and frustrated at his SFA's reaction.
"Sorry boss, but Fornell really?" Tony continued to argue.
"Your father is Senior." Tim argued, vehemently. "I don't think you're in a position to comment."
"Touché" Tony answered him with a nod of his head.
"This is great news, Tim." Ziva said kissing his cheek. Vance saw the spark there, between the two agents and silently watched as the few clues fell into place. 'She already knew, or at least suspected .' Vance thought as he watched their interactions closely.
Gibbs studied Vance and watched as Ziva kissed Tim's cheek. He saw the blush grace his face lightly and watched as the tips of his ears turned red, he looked over at Vance and saw the amusement in his eyes. 'Huh?!' Gibbs thought. 'That's new.'
"How could you do this to us?!" Abby blurted out, interrupting Gibbs thoughts.
"Abby!" Gibbs warned her. "This is great news for Tim and it has no impact on you other than the name you call him."
"I am very happy for you and your new family." Jimmy Palmer added softly, before lowering his voice so that only Vance, Ducky and Tim could hear him. "As someone who has been where you are, please reach out if you'd like to talk. I am here for you."
"As I am sure you're all aware of what transpired between Agent Gibbs and the former Agent McGee, now Agent Fornell, in the gym last month that resulted in Gibbs suspension. The next announcement is a result of that incident. I am sure you all noticed that Agent McGee's desk was emptied out when you came in this morning. He is no longer a member of the MCRT team." Vance announced, pausing to gauge the reactions to the news. 'There's always a reaction and Abby is usually the most vocal.' He thought as he read the room.
"Yes!" Abby exclaimed triumphantly. "I told you that Gibbs was right and Timmy would be suspended, Tony!" She crowed.
"As I was about to explain, Miss Sciuto, before you jumped the gun … that Agent Timothy Fornell has been promoted to Team Leader of the brand new Behavioral Sciences Team. The SSAIC is yet to be determined, but he will hold the team leader position permanently and act as SSAIC until the role is a fulfilled. I expect you all to be co-operative and welcoming to Tim and his new team. Agent Gibbs, will you have a problem taking advice and working with Fornell and his new team?"
"No Sir." Gibbs answered, automatically. "I look forward to seeing what expertise and perspective that Agent Fornell can bring to the role. Congratulations on your promotion, Tim."
Vance explained the role that Tim and his new team would have both on the case, with in the agency - both at HQ and with all other field and satellite offices and across the broad Law Enforcement Board, before explaining how his team would work with both the forensics and medical examiners. "Questions?"
"I feel that McGee is under qualified for this job." Abby said raising her hand.
"Miss Scuito," Vance began sternly scolding her. "First off his name is Fornell, please use it. It's disrespectful not to, second of all 'Doctor Fornell' is more than qualified for this position. Third and finally, any more disrespect shown to Agent Fornell or any other member of staff by yourself or any one else will be dealt with fast and efficiently. There will be a zero tolerance approach. That includes you, Agents Gibbs and DiNozzo, am I clear?"
The scolded trio looked at each other before meekly nodding to the affirmative.
"For the time being, whilst construction is complete on the sixth floor BSG will operate out of Balboa's former bullpen, with exclusive use of Conference Room C for classified conferences with various personnel, or MTAC as the security level of the case dictates."
Tim took his seat at his desk in his bullpen and set up his plasma screens and technologies including his touch screen and swipe function tech that he had fallen in love with when he and Gibbs had been to the LA - OSP office. Once he had that calibrated, he loaded and installed his various apps he head written for the job including a profiling app and a 'Bandium' app for secure and encrypted communication between the team.
He heard Gibbs call lunch from over the divider and was determined to get through at least half of the personnel files before he went to lunch. He started with Agent Bishop.
'Agent Eleanor Bishop, age 28, former NSA analyst. Signed up for FLETC after working a case with the FBI. Graduated 19th out of 147. NCIS fourth choice of agency.
SPOUSE: Jake Malloy, lawyer for NSA.
CHILDREN: nil
Graduated: Magna Cum Laud, Center for Intelligence and National Security at Oklahoma University - Masters Degree
Field Experience: Nil'
'Agent Jessica Marie Knights, age 23
Signed up for FLETC on father's advice. (Father is SSAIC Frank Knight, stationed in Far East Office)
Graduated 9 out of 147. NCIS first choice of agency.
SPOUSE: nil
CHILDREN: nil
Graduated: UCLA BS in Political Science, Minor: track champion Div 1.
Field Experience: REACT team training'
'Agent Michael Sanchez, age 26
JFA agent: 1st year Case Agent.
Stationed: Carolina's Office
SPOUSE: Dr Nicholas Thomas-Sanchez, DDS.
CHILDREN: nil
Graduated: UCLA, Masters of Education
Field: Crime Scene training.'
Agent Ethan Peters, age 29
JFA agent: 3 years at NCIS, formerly FBI JFA 1 year
Stationed: Monterey, California
SPOUSE: Nil
CHILDREN: nil
Graduated: NYU, BS in Literature
Field: Crime Scene training, archivist .'
"Hey," a voice interrupted his concentration as a tall coffee was sat in front of him. "New team?" Gibbs asked, pulling up a seat in front of his desk.
"Yeah," he said, silently thanking his former boss for the coffee with a tip of the tall paper mug. "Some pretty smart and experienced agents, a couple of Probie's too."
"That's good," Gibbs said. "Make sure you give yourself a probie, you'll be a good trainer."
"Vance already assigned me one, she's a REACT agent too."
"That's good." He smiled. "When do they report in?"
"Agent Knight, my Probie at 1400 today. The rest straggle in through the week and into next. We have the usual team bonding exercises mid next week and take rotation from 0700 Monday the following week."
"Got a cold case for you and your probie to take on, if you like, while you wait for your team to fall in. The Skinner Case. You know it well, it's a good toolbox case for you two to tackle. Anything you two could add to help us out, would certainly be appreciated."
"I'll take it, but we won't pick it up until tomorrow. Vance wants me running scenario's in the gym with Knight this afternoon."
"Tomorrow it is." Gibbs confirmed, standing up and pushing the chair back under the desk opposite his. "For what it's worth Tim, I meant it when I said Congratulations, you deserve the promotion. I'm proud of you, no matter what anyone says."
"Thanks Gibbs" Tim offered with a smile.
"Oh, you and Ziva? That was a nice surprise. How long?"
"Not very, it's new, it's casual, most of all, it's private, Gibbs." Tim stated firmly.
"My lips are sealed. But can I just say, I think it's great." Tim gave him a pointed look over his shoulder to where Tony had just entered his bullpen. "Right, private. Good work, Tim. I'll give you that case file before you leave tonight." Gibbs spun on his heel before bellowing at Tony to get back to work.
Tim locked the files up and took his lunch break, before meeting Jess Knight in his bullpen. He showed her around and showed her where her desk would be, taking the desk opposite his.
They spent the majority of the after, in the gym running scenarios before they changed and headed upstairs. "Home Jess. 0700 tomorrow morning. We have our first case waiting for us. Get some sleep." He told her gently.
Gibbs looked over the partition on his return from his coffee run to see Tim still working at his desk. He had dismissed his Probie agent already and was filling out an IPTR, also known as Initial Physical Training Report.
"How's she measure up?" Gibbs asked over the divider, breaking his concentration as he realised that their desk areas backed on to one another's.
"Not too bad. Better than me when I joined MCRT." He told Gibbs. She lacks hand to hand, but she's a trained REACT agent, so that makes sense. Both Probie's could probably benefit from some tutelage."
"I can ask Ziva to take them under her wing. She did wonders for you." Gibbs offered.
"It wasn't just Ziva, I had a grumpy, hard-ass former marine and former jock turned ex detective help out a little, but most of my training was Sacks, O'Grady, O'Halloran and Fornell running drills and scenarios. Balboa, Jaxon and Sampras working on building my stamina too. I was a team effort."
"I didn't realise Tobias and the FBI guys helped you out that much." Gibbs said, raising his eyebrows in surprise.
"Yeah, after my peritonitis recovery, they helped hone my skills. Dad was worried, he'd noticed a reluctance to train me from Tony and …"
"From me, Tim." Gibbs finished for him. "I am sorry, I know it can't change what happened back then and I don't need your forgiveness yet, I'm not ready for it, but do know how sorry I am."
"Apology accepted." Tim said, giving Gibbs the look that clearly said 'I accept your apology, but I don't forgive your actions, nor condone them.'
"Just promise me, you'll train your Probie, better than we trained you?" Tim nodded at that, then pointed to his stack of personnel folders still needing his attention. "I'll let you get back to it, here's the Skinner case."
'Agent Nicholas Torres, age 33
Senior Field Agent: 1st year/assignment
Stationed: Orlando Satellite Office, Florida
SPOUSE: nil
CHILDREN: Nil
Graduated: BS in International Studies, from Texas A
Field: crime scene, interrogation, OSP Florida, organised crime, undercover'
'Agent Greg Bools, age 38
Senior Field Agent: 5 years
Stationed: Sydney Satellite Office,
Australasian office
SPOUSE: Prof. Rick Kennedy, Internal Medicine at Georgetown Med.
CHILDREN: 1 - adopted 2 year old boy - Sam
Graduated: BS in applied Science- Psychology - La Trobe University, Australia at 22, Masters of Education, University of Virginia, 29
Field: international postings, case agent, crime scene, counter terrorism, profiling'
"Hello Timothy," Ducky interrupted. "I hope I am not disturbing you."
"Just finishing up on reading the personnel files of my new team members." Tim told him.
"Congratulations again on your new team. If I might have a moment of your time, I thought you and I could discuss how to make this work between our departments." Ducky asked him.
"Only if you share a pizza with me for dinner, Ducky." Tim offered with a smile. "It's going to be a late night for me, otherwise."
"It'd be my pleasure, Agent Timothy Fornell." Ducky accepted, winking as he used the young man, formerly known as McGee's, new name.
A pizza to share was promptly ordered from the pizzeria, just outside the main gate and Ducky darted off to grab a personnel file from his desk. On his way back upstairs, he detoured via security to retrieve the hot pizza.
"A working dinner, my lad." Ducky announced and Tim looked up from his computer. "Just what the doctor ordered." Tim smiled at Ducky's lame joke.
"I was thinking that I'd like to remotely attach Dr Palmer to your team as a medical consultant, in addition to his ME assistant duties." Ducky finally announced, once they'd each consumed a slice of the roast beef and vegetable pizza.
"That's a great idea, Ducky. I had a similar idea for the forensics team too, but I haven't approached Abby yet." Tim agreed. "I'd like to have the option to have you as an expert consult on a case by case basis too, if possible. Your background in psychological profiling and psychological autopsy tools will be invaluable to us."
"Soon Dr Palmer will be qualified too." Ducky reminded him.
"I am very aware of that, however sometimes we need to draw on your life experience, too." Tim explained, delicately. Not wanting to offend Ducky with implying he is old.
"I'd be honoured, at least until Dr Palmer is up to snuff." Ducky conceded.
"Thank you Ducky." Tim said, as he tidied up the rubbish and packing the leftover pizza for the cyber crime techs to snack on. He wondered if he would need to have a dedicated cyber analyst tech too. With his added responsibilities, he wouldn't always have time to be the one carrying all the burden of the cyber work. He wrote himself a post it note before locking it in his top desk drawer. Securing his files, backing them up, as he called it a night. Just as he shouldered his go bag and holstered his weapon, he switched off his lamp, just in time to hear Gibbs call "grab your gear, dead Marine at Quantico."
Tim pushed the call button and waited for the lift to arrive before holding it open for the MCRT to join him and he rode down to the garage with the team. He bid them a good night, as they headed out on scene and he headed home.
"You're home." Tobias called out, greeting him from the kitchen. "Had dinner?"
"Yeah, working dinner with Ducky." Tim explained.
"Dessert?" His Dad offered, as he and Emily were just sitting down to eat their late dinner.
"Give me thirty to shower and change. I'll scoop." Tim told them, kissing his sister on the crown of her head as he headed for the shower.
After a hot, cleansing shower that washed away the days residue, Tim rejoined his father and sister in the living room. "Ready for dessert?" He asked them as he padded through to the kitchen in search of ice cream.
"There's a self saucing pudding in the oven." His Dad called out. Tim pulled out the said pudding.
'Yum' he thought. 'Blueberry, my favourite'
Making light work of dishing it up and adding two scoops of vanilla bean and buttermilk ice cream to it, he delivered the dessert as he joined his family on the sofa.
"Busy day?" Tobias asked his son.
"Yeah, new name, new credentials and a new team." He told his father with a huge grin on his face.
"That's huge Tim." Emily told him. "So you're officially a Fornell now."
"Yep!" Tim told her with a huge grin. "Timothy Fornell, NCIS agent at your service." He saluted her and she laughed at him, calling him an idiot a long the way.
"Gibbs caught a case as I was leaving. How's that for karma?" Tim mused at his father and Tobias laughed.
"Must have felt good to wave bye to them and go home. Leaving them to do all the work for a change." He mused out loud.
"The new team has a couple of a Probie's though. Ones a REACT Probie, that's mine and the other one is former NSA analyst.Going to assign her to either Torres or Bools. I need to get their IPTP done first before I assign her a SFA. Vance must have already completed Knight's Initial Personality Traits Profile (IPTP) and matched her to me."
"Sounds like you're going to be very busy soon."
"Let's just say a team of eight agents, including a SSAIC that isn't assigned yet and Vance has no idea who to give that role to. I've got both the team lead and SSAIC role at the moment, going to be running cold cases until the team arrives and bonds though."
"Thought NCIS liked the smaller teams." Fornell asked, noting his son's new team was almost double the usual size he had dealt with in the past.
"For the field, sure. MCRT, MTAC, satellite teams and case agents sure. We're not any of them. We are a BSG team."
"Good, stop stealing ours!" His Dad jested and Tim laughed out loud at him.
"What's BSG?" Emily asked her brother. She was pretty well versed with most of the acronyms her Dad and Tim used, even a few her mum and Victor used , but that acronym was new one for her.
"Behavioural Science Group, we do profiling and consultation on cases and ops, across the entire agency and we're outsourced to various law enforcement agencies for some of our work too."
"That's so cool, Tim. Way more interesting than MCRT." Emily added, beaming at her big brother.
"Safer too." His father beamed at him. Secretly, that made Fornell proud. Gibbs might have apologised and Tim might have accepted it, but could he really trust them to watch his son's back.
"Much better pay too, Gone from a AG5 pay to AG 12, plus a doctorate DS3 pay grade." Tim explained.
"Shit, that's almost as much as I make. You're earning more than Gibbs." His father told him, in a proud yet twisted way.
"Money isn't everything." Tim replied in earnest to his father, reminding Emily of that fact.