Sting like a bee while looking like a butterfly
Summary:
G.Callen might have met his match, introducing Special warfare Officer Raellea Lang. Shes connected by blood, sweat and tears to many high up people.
But her team is the real mystery of the world.
When she and Callen meet their connections immediately seen by all but can two people who's job is it to pretend to be someone else, really let any one in to see the people behind the masks.
Sting like a bee whilst looking like a butterfly
I'm a freak
I'm an outcast
I'm a shadow
I stand with the lost souls
Lookin for a hustle
Got a pulse on the streets
I'm the one you won't look in the eye, no
Yeah well I can see whats headed for you down that road
And soon its coming to take everything you know
When that monster crawls out of the sea
You gonna need somebody like me
When your brother's got blood in the streets
You better call somebody like me
I was made in the shadows
Where the light aint allowed to go
When the line gets a little blurry
You gonna need somebody like me
Through the smoke
Through the fog
Tphrough the bone yards
When your white knight's in his grave
I'm your last call
Cause you're about to walk through places they don't know you
If they don't know you, It aint safe y'all
Better call somebody like me
Cause you want somebody like me
When the line gets a little blurry
Gonna need somebody like me
Chapter One
Alpha, Tangpo, Hotel , Echo, Novemebr ,Alpha ,
March 8th .2016 Los Angeles
Callen smiled as his partner Sam sat down, Rasing his eyebrow wondering if he'd make a comment on the new table layout Hetty had made . He typed his password silently as Kensi and Deeks appeared from the training room.
Suddenly a whistle alerted them all, making them look up Eric was stood in the middle of the stairs case .
' weird one guys. Hetty is in a strange mood fair warning " he called out, as he turned and walked back to the tech room,
Callen and Sam shared a look as they all started up the stairs.
They knew today was going to be a long day just from
Erica's reaction alone.
Callen looked to Hettys
Office, seeing it empty he guessed she was in the Tech operation room (Ops Room) with the others, he shook his head preparing himself for a case of mystery, since with Hetty involved the glass was always half full.
"Nice of you to join us Mr Callen " Hettys voice called out before he's even crossed the threshold .
He stopped short just as he entered and looked from her to Sam raising his eyebrow since he knew he wasn't even sixty seconds behind Sam.
"You know me Hetty I like to make a grand entrances " he smirked.
"G" Sam warned.
Callen held Hettys eyes as he spoke.
"What we got Eric"
They watched as Nell pressed some buttons on her tablet.
" Hotel parking lot, recording this , it happened 45 minutes ago"
The room was silent enough to hear a pin drop, as a video played on the screen.
It was the parking lot, and the screen shown the main elevator dpors open, as they did a women stepped out.
She was dressed in Cargo pants and a t-shirt her hair was in a ponytail, she looked calm and relaxed but something seemed off about her. When she got to the middle of the cars parked her aim seemingly on a black Suv , she suddenly stopped and turned her head ftom left to right, looking around, when suddenly both elevator doors shot open and ever
entrance and door had two figures stood there twelve in total .
They moved in pairs and the women ducked behind a structure post. Two suddenly appeared Behind her, attaching but she turned grabbing one by the arm twisting it at, an odd angle as her leg kicked out hitting the second man knocking his hand causing him to drio his weapon.
Callen actually saw the mans arm break the man dropped down. The women didbt stop , Grabbing his arm pulling him up she kneed his face seemingly knocking him out she turned to the other man and they exchanged blows she seemed to take multiple blows that would knock a man twice his size out but she was still fighting.
six of the remaining twelve men moved in gun fire randomly being used as a system tactic. The nearest man got his arm around her but The women suddenly flipped him by his neck.
Six others arrived surrounding her.
She seemed to duck before standing with a weapon she'd somehow acquired from her pants as two moved in. She flicked out her wrist as, one grabbed her and she booted the other one in front as he went down. She headbutted the one holding her he dropped her but she seemed to use it as she grabbed one of his legs wraping her arms around it she pulled her arms suddenly and you could see the leg dislocated from the joint .
.
She stood and suddenly the men remaining around her, moved in on the attack as she seemex to take the remaining men down.
It was brutal .
The four left spread out joining the two remaning in the shadows as they shot out at her, she moved slowly low against the well but as they boxed her in two was moving closer she turned and seemed to throw something at one as she made her way towards the other, she took him down chocking hun.
The four left moved in. She took two more down snapping the neck of one and seemingly stabbing an other.
The two left went to open fire when suddenly a black van appeared there was a driver and the side Door slid open. Two men jumped out, and noved in blicking the exit, suddenly the men seemed to group together and threw two flash bangs, two smoke grenades and the two new men moved in her direction. They moved in and when the smoke cleared she seemed to be down as they zip tied her feet and hands before placing a black bag over her head.
One dragged her to the van, whikst the others are seemingly grabbing the injured men.
The video ended as the van, sped off .
Callens eyes met Sam seeing the same look in his partners eyes.
Confusion … a little awe and a lot of worry and wonder.
"Looks like a hit squad, I saw a few in Kosovo , these guys look Delta force two teams." Sam said eyes going back to the main black screen.
Sam turned to the others looking at then.
" the women"
"The female isn't our issue. Another team, will bring her home. Our job is to identify the dead and find out why they've taken her, what there mission was and who ordered it." Hetty saud, cutting Sam off.
Callen turned to Hetry tilting his head.
"Another team" he questioned
Hetty raised an eyebrow staring Callen down.
"Did I stutter Mr. Callen"
Callen hid his smirk as he nodded at the very usual Hetty comment.
"No, but would you please explain why were investigating half a case"
Hetty sighed looking back to the screen before her eyes met Callans.
' because I'm asking you to Mr Callen" she replied.
Callen Locked
eyes with Hetty once and nods. He saw some thing in her eyes. Worry but he would play ball for now.
Turning to his team he nodded to himself .
"Sam and I will go to the crime scene see what we can find out from there, and then see what the staff say somone had to see these guys. Deeks, kensi you go to the morgue see if there's anything on the body's, depending on what unit they work for there files could be classified, so look for tattoos , birthmarks , anything, that stands out.
Eric I need you and Nell, to run through the footage for signs of identification or were and how they appeared and got in their . Well send through any pictures from the scene " Callen ordered
Sam nodded as they all made there way out.
In the car Sam was quite for the first ten minutes before he finally spoken
"I don't like this G. It's like were working in the dark , why does she have to do this stuff. I mean why not let us help in getting her back, how does Hetty even know this women did you see how she took them guys out she took down ten delta force death squad mercenary. She's seriously trained G. Whom ever she is, I hope this other team works fast since in the hands of a delta force hit squad, after killing half their team and taking them down, they won't be treating her like anything but an enemy and I saw how they
deal with enemies, they tortured then killed their target as soon as they got the information they was sent for." Sam sounded resigned.
Callen groaned but nodded ad they pulled up to the crime scene . He looked out at the disruption and shook his head, he knew today was going to be a long day.
"Let's just do our jobs, our way, well follow the leads if they lead us to the guys great. I doubt it though a squad like this covers their tracks. I have a feeling were being used to look like were investigating while another team gets her some how. Our best bet is to follow their foot steps without hetty knowing have Eric track the van find out it's current location they most likely are new to the area. Hopefully they dumped it in an area with cameras. They will have dropped her and the rest of the guys off in an untraceable place most likely changed vehicles but my guess one guys moving the van,we need to follow that guy" G relied exciting the car coming with his gloves doubting he'll need them.
Sam smirked as he pressed his com link in his ear to connect to Eric "always knew you was more than a pretty face G"
"Yeah, yeah big guy this pays out, I'll take you on that cruise " Callen teased back
"Michelle will get jealous G"
Callen smirked and shrugged.
"I guess her, and the kids cam cone"
"Appreciate that G" Sam laughed
Sam put his gloves on as. They both walked under the yellow tape looking around at the blood, markers and bullet holes.
"Hard to believe anyone survived this " a new voice called out
.
Both men turned to see a man approach holding his hand out.
"Officer Bradford sir west Midland division , our watch commander sergeant Grey got a phone call from an old friend Hetty Lang I believe he said. Asked us to secure the crime scene, security tapes and staff . My Rookie officer Chen has been interview the few guest who seemed to witness any thing. Chen said from what two witness said, a bell boy and the women on the desk gave two different groups of men access Chan's got the ball boy in the dining room, she told him we need his statement on the victim. From their she has eyes on the women at the desk. Didn't want to spook either of them and since this isn't our case we didn't want to do any thing that could loose them, were here if you need the back up but on record we just secured the scene. Chen officily didn't interview anyone we just thought it would save you time and honesty she was driving me mad out here. "
Callan smiled looking to Sam laughing
" Bradford we appreciate it. Honestly were not people people big guy here intimates them"
"Shut up G
Sam held out his hand "Agent Sam Hannah, this is my partner G Callen "
"Tim Bradford. My Boot is Lucy Chen , the other two roaming around are Rookies Officers John Nolan and Jackson West . The other officer on scene is Angela Lopez she's securing the tapes. "
Callen smiled " I don't suppose you know how Hetty knows your watch commander "
"No sir, SGT Grey just called us to his office told us we was officialy to just secure the scene but not write any reports, all findings are to be passed over to the NCIS agents, said it was a personal favour to an old friend"
"Just call me Callen , and Hetty isn't the friend type she's more murder she wrotetm than Nancy drew"
Tim's radio rang as Sam was inspecting the scene. Callen put his gloves on as Thm approached him"
""Callen , Hannah. Boot says the desk girl received a text and is on the move Chen said she is heading towards the entrance do you want me to have office Nolan stop her. Llucy had our tech look into then both , and found a large sun paid to Both accounts this morning"
Sam looked to Callen who had took pictures and sent them all to Eric.
"Bradford have her stopped please , our college Kensi and Deeks are going to cone pick up both of then, and Bradford your Boots got good instincts can you have her send the information to Eric our tech guy"
"Done. I'll finish the scene and get the information sent over to you aswell"
Callen handed Tim his card, with Erica information on the back.
"Thanks. Keep us updated and well do the same I'll be sure to pass on the good job to Hett"
Sam smirked "Your boss will owe yoh one, trust me a Hetty happy is a favour owed "
San and G shortly left, there want much they could get from the scene.
They both made their way too their car shaking their
heads at how little they had,
hopefully deeks and kensi get something out of the two suspects.
"Eric just called they found the van abandoned but, he went back through the camera feed and thinks he's found the car the guy had waiting.
Kensi and dekks just arrived they give their findings to Eric. Each man had military tattoos , at least four the same symbol meaning they most likely are in the same platoon, they won't be traceable though, but rose found a scar on one from shrapnel most likely a helicopter crash she thinks, but two of the guys have surgical scars one is less than a year Erica running through hospital records hopefully we'll get a lead that way." Sam said as he leaned on the hood.
Callen nodded along to the update as he got in amd started the car as soon as Sam was in, as he drove to ops, he was seeing the fight repeated In his mind. He wanting to see the footage from the car exchange.
As they entered he noticed Hetty office was vacant,but Sam nudging him up the stairs drew his attention away.
Callen stood in the ops room watching the screen
"There, he switched from the van into that black Suv.
Get me the plate and trace it's last known location Eric"
Eric nodded "ill
Send the details to your and Sam phones"
Both men left the mission building Callen let Sam drive as he read through the information they had, Callen had a thought but wasn't sure how Sam would feel before he could ask Sam called him out.
"what is it G, I can feel your brain over working spit it out"
Callen laughed shaking his head
"Ok, ok, you got me ,since I saw the footage and how tight lipped Hetty has been I was thinking of contacting a friend from the agency, they must have something on her, and what's going on"
Sam sat and thought about it his fingers clicked tapping away on the steering wheel he parked up outside a petrol station, and sighed as he weighed the cons against the pros, and nodded.
"Yeah man, put the call in see if your contact can get us any thing on what were dealing with"
Callen nodded and made the call. While Sam decided to fill the car up, by the time he got back in to the car, Callen was of the phone.
"I had Eric email the video feed over, my contact saud to meet in half an hour under the beach bridge."
Sam nodded it's a ten minute drive what you say we stop of have an actual lunch break then drive over kensi and deeks are still at the boatshed, Eric messaging then over all the Intel, Nells checking the Suv trying yo see if she can track it on any camera, it's seriouly just a waiting game man"
Callen nodded " Yeah I could eat" he smirked.
….. Alpha ….. Tango….. Hotel ….. Echo …. November….. Alpha …..
As the pair set together having lunch, Sam looked out at the people milling around his eyes taking everything in.
"I don't like this G. This whole situation it's a mess man, were working half a case in the dark. Who ever the other team is I hope there having better luck than us."
Callen sighed scrounging his rubbish up and throwing it in the bin behind Sam.
"Im presuming Hetty being out the office means she's involved with, or at least in contact with the other team. So I'm guessing the fact she's radio silent means there at least on task."
Sam nodded before standing "come on G let's go see your guy".
As they walked along the beach Sam inquired about the guy they was meeting.
"So who is you're contact G, is he trustworthy".
Callen nodded "yeah I met Levi during my time with the agency, we had the same handler and often found ourselves in the same countries we was good back up for each other, when I first joined i was just four out the marines after two years levi was the first person I trusted to have my back".
Sam nodded "hoorah then. You know G you never mention your time in the sandbox I'm guessing you was connected to the agency then aswell"
Callen smiled sadly "Yeah after Hetty took me in. I was still so angry at the world world she thought the Army would help discipline me, I was in about seven month when a joint task force was formed. Before I knew it I was working for them, when I got out they contracted me, I was approached by the dea about three years after and moved over their, then I jumped around the alphabet soup till Gibbs recommended me to Ncis".
Sam nodded knowing that was the most Callen hsd shares with anyone in a long time.
As they reached the bridge "Callen nodded his head too Sam to join him.
As they reached the middle of the underway a figure appeared from one of the posts.
"Cal it's been a while".
The low voice, said
Sam took on as a tanned skinned blonde hair and grey eyes man appeared the suit was the only thing making the guy look like he wasn't an average surfer.
Callen smiled shaking Levi hand
"Good to see you aswel man , and thanks for looking into this".
Levi nodded "if I didn't owe you like I do. you'd owe me, your girls connected … too everyone".
Levi looked around before sstepping closer "have you heard of Athena before".
Callen frowned shaking his head but Sam nodded. He l0ooked shocked for s minute before he shook it off.
"Yeah it's a myth supposedly Athena is an elite seal team"
Callen lookes to Sam "I thought tier one was the elite teams ".
Levi looked to Sam to answer aware of his background.
"Athena is said to be the elite of tier one, they specialise in black bag operations, they work with other military units and the agency no one has ever found proof but many said they worked with them, but like I said its believed ti be a myth".
Levi nodded "I can attest to how secretive Athena is said to be many in the agency say the team leaders a grey man works in the shadows but can literally be anyone and do any job"
Callen raised his eyebrow understanding why so many believed it was a myth.
"So how does the mystery girl connect and do you. Have her identity" .
Levi sighed "her photo came up, but it was sealed I used my clearance But it cane back redacted and what is there just makes you ask more questions.
It doesn't make sense there's four names ny guess there all alias, her rank and even position changed it's got marks from ranger school, seal buds, nsvy intelligence even master at arms and air force. The scores all look legit there's aground fifteen pages all signed by the president the only words not blacked out is athena, and master Cheif and comnander, that's it I tried everything even asked a friend whom works in head office he said the clearance levels marked above what he's saw, he said only a handler could even attempt to retract them, I spoke to Owen as soon as he saw her photo, he told me to drop whatever I was looking into, that she was under Sofias protection".
Callen raised his eyes
"Sofia your shitting me right".
"Afraid not" Levi said handing the file over.
Sam looked confused
"Sofia". He asked.
Levi laughed "Director Sofia Wrang She's directof of the central intelligence special operations task force"
Callen smirked, "her father is the agency's director roughly fifteen years ago she was a agent her brother was being fenced to be the next director eventually he quite he had meet a guy , a witness he feel in love with he came out as bisexual his father disowned him, it was ugly. Sofia took her brothers side and spilt the agency her and her father are basically rivals".
Sam shook his head.
"Messed up right there".
Levi and Callen nodded.
Levi's phone rang, causing him to sigh , "my cue guys, look , Callen I'm sorry it's not more".
Callen shook his head.
"Nah, thank you, anything is better than nothing".
….. Alpha ….. Tango….. Hotel….. Echo …..….. November ….. Alpha …..
As Callen sat in the passenger seat while Sam drove he went through the file.
"Levi wasn't lying, it's got four different names and birthdays all a year apart but the military history has all different divisions , ranks and scores"
"Is there a connection with any of them".
Callen sighed reading aloud
"Annabelle Ruth Bridge
Date of birth
November 20th 1987
Alexandre
Stella Renfifx
Date of birth February 17th 1993
Aloife
Evelyn Kingston
Date of birth July 2nd 1989
Lauren Kelly Winston
Dste of birth August 30th 1991"
Sam shook his head, "so she or whom ever wrote her file is thorough and good at covering their tracks
What do the military records say".
Callen nodded but didn't comment his eyes already taking in the records.
He had a feeling Sofia had been the writer of these files, He worked with her once she was fair but determined unlike her father who was ruthless.
His eyes reread over the words again .
"It's all a mess dates and different scores since over lap " he said almost confused
"Classified mission 2003
Submarine engineer 2006
Master at arms 2012
Buds 2010
The farm 2009
Special operations 2014
Ranger 2015
Delta force 2010
Night stalkers 2008
Operation over water 2015.
24th special tactics squadron 2007
Intelligence support 2009
DevGru 2013
Army Ranger Regimental Recon Company 2012
Air Force 2014" he read ou loud shaking his head.
Sam parked outside the office, and Callen handed him the file.
"Look at the sscores most are genetic but odd ones are more than impressive".
"Swimming 500 yards time 10 minutes
2 mins if push ups
98
2 mins of sit ups 87
16 pull ups
1.5 Mile run, time 8 minutes
1000 meter swim with fins
14 minutes
Sniper range 4 yards
Badges received for
RIFLE
PISTOL
AA ARTILLERY
AUTO RIFLE
MACHINEGUN
FIELD ARTILLERY
TANK WEAPONS
FLAMETHROWER
SUBMACHINE GUN
ROCKET LAUNCHER
GRENADE CARBINE
RECOILLESS RIFLE
MORTAR
BAYONET
SMALL BORE RIFLE
!SMALL BORE PISTOL MISSILE AEROWEAPONS
All scores above 25/30 with a 99% pass.
Other badges
navy parachute basic insignia
navy and marine corps parachute insignia
seal Tridrnt
the command at sea
warfare and other qualifications
nuclear weapons security
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warfare
submarine patrol
Petty officdf in charge
Integrated Undersea Surveillance
underwater
Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist
information warfare
Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist
information operations"
Sam nodded "my guess some off the Intel is true, but most is a smoke screen,".
Callen nodded in agreement, the file was good work and if if was only a retracted version he wondered what the real file held.
"Deployments
Afghanistan
2006
Yemen 2014
Syria
2015
Uganda
2012
Indian Ocean
2013
Kenya
2010
Iraq
2007
Libya
2011 Somalia
2016"
Sam shook his head "if this is correct. She's served at least nine years but the dates are mixed up"
Just as Callen was going to reply his phone rang He saw Nells name and answered pulling it on speaker.
"Callen the Suv is on the move I've sent you and Sam the location it looks like he's heading in your direction".
Sam pulled out as Callen thanked Nell. And then turned the tracker on his phone and directed Sam . Within ten minutes they could see the car, Sam looked over at Calen an told him to hold on.
Callen grabbed the handle, and nodded to Sam.
The car swerved as Sam pulled up , sliding sideways as they stopped right In front of the SUV blocking it in.
They both got, out guns raised and approached the vehicle slowly.
Sam called out the cars occupants telling them to open the door and slowly get out when their arms raised high.
Thirty five seconds ticked by slowly before they saw the door swing open a tall muscle man got out his hands raised Sam walked behind him as Callen made sure he didn't waver his aim, only lowering his weapon once Sam had the guy
cuffed and in the back seat.
Sam and callen was stood leaning over the car.
"Well we have a lead",Callen muttered
getting in the passenger seat .
Sam didn't reply as he got in the drivers seat.
Both men had notice the man was injuried.
They took him to the boat house, Sam tied him to the chair, as Callen stood reading a file shaking his head.
,Callen knew this was their only chance to get answers and find out what was going on.
Sam was sat in the chair looking at the unconscious man. He had passed out in thr car, not even waking during transfer.
Sam looked up, raising his eye brow at Callen as he walked out returning a minute later h0lding a first aid kit Sam looked from Callen to the box .
Callen shrugged
"He's our only lead,. Need to get him fixed up so he can actually talk".
"Just never saw you as a nurse maid G" he teased.
"Yeah yesh like you i learnt medic training in the sandbox".
Callen winced seeing the bruises on the guy , a stab wound shallow but still bleeding . Callen cleaned the wounds and the antisemitic cream seemed to jerk tbe guy awake, after Callen closed the gash with paper stitches covering it with a badge.
Callen stood abd turned to Sam
"See what he'll give you while I clean up".
Sam nodded eyeing the man.
It took Sam a while but talk he did…
Sam walked out to see Callen, kensj and Deeks watching the screen.
"G hes ready come on your turn at mean cop".
Callen smirked .
As tbey entered the room, he noticed the guy was slouched as if defeated.
Eric came over the com, requesting Kensi and Deeks to return to Ops he had found something on tbe hotel tapes, showing their faces and entrance "
Callen heard them confirm they was on their way.
Sam sat as did Callen
"Sergent Mathew Kiro , meet soecial Agent G Callen".
Callen sat back , lioking at the man.
"So Sgt kiro would you like to exolain why you, and over a dozen others aided in kidnapping a woven this morning".
Kiro shook his head, looking up.
"You have have no idea what's happening do you."
He laughed but it seemed more hysterical than anything else.
"She's a polyglot … her Hyperthymesia
memory
Helps I suppose. No one knows for sure how many languages she speaks the file we was given confirmed over thirty so we know for sure, she speaks more. Look at my phone the files on there. It's a pretty inoresdivd file. We got it from some contact at the NSA. Apparently only something like ten people knows who and what she is".
He sat back wincing, shaking his head as he continues to ramble.
Callen could feel both himself and Sam wondering if the NSA file was accurate .
"What happened, how and why did this morning happen" Sam questioned.
He shook his head, "I didn't connect the name not even the Athena name".
"Connect" Callen asked.
"Athena one" he rocked back and fotce but seemed to carry on rambling.
Sam looked to Callen. "Ill get the phone and transfer the file to us both
Callen nodded watching as the soldier looked around he seemed to be calming dowm. Callen thought that he was coming down off adrenaline and pain he seemed to be clming with breathing exercises just as his phone beeped and Sam returned he seemed much calmer now.
Sam snd callen both looked through the file.
Sam looked up "This file shows her as declared dead"
"Yeah the nsa contact stated she was a prisoner of was, a nd after six month presumed dead
After a twar declared dead and a funeral service happened" Mathew said looking calm finally.
Callen shook his head , why her though and were is she now"
Mathew looked from Sam to Callen.
"Her te am rescued her, she…. She got me out told me go run. I cut her ties when I saw who it really was , and what they was doing to her I couldn't be part of that I owe her my life a debt from years ago but I couldn't watch them torture her, they had her hooked up to Barbiturates and Lsd and gods knows what
was in the drups "
"Truth serum " Sam whispered
Callen nodded but something bothered him what Mathew saud but it hit him she was safe but how.
'Her team" he asked
Mathew shook his head.
"You don't get it do you Athena, she … they their Athena that's what this was all about"
Sam and Callen shared a look, they first thoyght this was over . But now, if what Mathew said was true , this might be the end of the day, but it was just rhe Begining of this nystery .