Twenty-one Weeks at Quantico
By: Lesera128
Rated: T
Disclaimer: I own nothing... Obviously. Just playing in someone else's sandbox for a bit.
Summary: When the FBI establishes a pilot program for consultants to receive training at the FBI academy, Brennan and Booth clash over whether she should enroll. AU.
A/N: There has been some question as to what rank structure I am using for the FBI, so here it is with the proviso saying making sense of out what was established by a fictional show about a real organization is more complex than you would think. Booth, in actuality, if the show was translated into the real world, would be working in the Criminal Investigative Division (he refers to it in the Pilot as the Major Crimes Division of the DC office) whose boss is... well, it gets a bit murky here because both divisions and field offices have their own ADs... who in turn report to the Assistant Director for Criminal, Cyber, and Response Services Branch. These ADs are then, in turn, over seen by three to four Deputy Directors of the FBI, who in turn report to the Director of the FBI. Cullen is referred to as a Deputy Director throughout season one. However, his rank is never mentioned again. Hacker refers to himself as an Assistant Director in "A Night at the Bones Museum." However, later in that episode in "A Night at the Bones Museum" Brennan tells Cam that Hacker is "Booth's boss' boss." In "The Predator in the Pool" Hacker refers to himself as Deputy Director. This is where it gets nebulous as we don't know if Brennan was referring to Cullen as Booth's boss and Andrew as Cullen's boss... or someone else. So... who is whose boss? Well, that's just it... there is no clear indication. So, I have chosen to go with the idea that Hacker got promoted (just personally I like to think that maybe he took Robert Kirby's position, but that's just a random thought I've always had). As to why he seems to he higher than Cullen's rank even with this explanation, as that should theoretically put then both as DDs... all I can say is... stay tuned. This is done for a reason... and explained forthwith. For those who wish to know more about the FBI and all its organizational glory, if you Google FBI organizational structure and see a justice dot gov Adobe PDF URL, that's the one that made my life a bit easier.
7. 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1: Orientation, Part I
"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. If you all wouldn't mind settling down and directing your attention to the screen, we can begin the opening presentation," a voice called over the soft thrum pulsing through the audience.
The lights dimmed, people stopped talking, and leaned back into their seats. Brennan watched with curiosity as the projector came to life and the image of Director of the FBI, smiling, began a pre-tapped greeting to the group.
"My name is Robert Moore, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you here to the FBI Academy at Quantico."
"Over the next twenty-one weeks, you will spend most of your time at the Forensic Science and Research Training Center. However, I won't lie... there will also be some painful mornings on the Academy's track, and even more painful weekend days in the Academy's gymnasium. You will also spend a great amount of time being introduced to the residents of Hogan's Alley ,as you are taught the logistics of munitions and tactical training, the Bureau's rules of engagement, and other important skills that will be developed as you work through a multitude of role-playing scenarios."
"Each grouping of weeks, as outlined in your orientation packet's schedule, is dedicated to working with one of the units that reside here at the Academy. Your experience here at Quantico has been especially designed as a part of this pilot program so that you will receive the most thorough, and what we hope will be some of the most beneficial, training available. We hope this experience will help you in your jobs should the goal of our pilot program - creating a new class of reserve agents that can be paired with special agents in FBI field offices through the nation to solve crimes and apprehend criminals - be realized. The idea for this program came about as a result of the success we have had with the FBI National Academy and its reduced 10-week program that state, local, and international enforcement personnel have been competing since 1935."
"You will begin coursework in the areas of law, behavior science, forensic science, leadership development, and communications. This coursework will be supplemented with health and fitness training that will prepare you to receive field training in strategy, tactics, and munitions in Hogan's Alley. The most intense areas of development within those groupings will come with time spent working with experts from the Behavioral Analysis Unit who will work to train you in criminal profiling and suspect interrogation strategies; the Technology Service Unit will familiarize you with audio and visual equipment that the Bureau uses in its daily operations, including a focus in subjects related to audio-visual manipulation and information technology services; and staff at the Forensic Science and Research Training Center will update you on the cutting edge technologies related to crime scene analysis and collection techniques and evidence processing from the perspectives of biochemistry, biomedics, genetics, and physics. By the end of the twenty-first week of training, you will have completed a program extremely similar in nature to that which normal special agents within the FBI receive. We hope that the bonds you form with the FBI agent assigned as your personal liaison will help make this a streamlined and simple process to complete."
"Ladies and gentlemen, you are the best and brightest in your respective fields. You were offered the chance to participate in this program because we here at the FBI believe you have a valuable service you can provide to the law enforcement community... and our nation. On behalf of the entire staff of the FBI, I thank you in advance for your participation and cooperation... and wish you the best of luck. Good day."
The recording ended, and the lights came up. The voice who had spoken earlier suddenly appeared at the podium that stood in the front of the room. Brennan frowned as she recognized the woman. It had been a long time… but, Brennan *knew* her… and *remembered* her.
"As Director Moore said, we here at the FBI Academy are honored to have you joining us over the next few months in this very special and unique training program. My name is Special Agent Rose Harding, and I'm the agent who will be organizing and coordinating your training. In a minute, we will be meeting with eleven other agents who will be acting as a personal liaison individually assigned to each one of you during the twenty-one weeks of your time here at Quantico. You should think of the agent assigned to you as a mentor and a friend who will be *teaching* you, *helping* you as you complete the program. However, before we do that, I would like to introduce each of you formally in case you haven't had the chance to do so yet yourselves. When I say your name, if you would please stand and raise your hand so we can put a name with a face, that would be most helpful," at this, Harding took a chance to grab a drink of water from a glass that sat on the podium near her microphone.
She then narrowed her eyes, and glanced in Brennan's direction. Although the tone of her voice hadn't changed, Brennan felt a small… a *very* small shiver.
Harding resumed her narration. "If you haven't counted yet, there are twelve of you who will be comprising what we hope is the inaugural class of this training program. In alphabetical order, please welcome Dr. Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist with a focus on osteology from the Jeffersonian Institute, Dr. Neta Cochrane, mathematician from George Washington University, Dr. Thomas Dackins, cultural anthropologist with a focus on rights and rituals from Catholic University, Dr. Casey Ergos, biomedical scientist with a focus on microbial pathogenesis from American University, Dr. Frederick Fawkins, linguist with a focus on Slavic languages from the University of Maryland - College Park, Dr. Sarah Hast, biomedical scientist with a focus on virology from Loyola University, Dr. Jory Kates, biomedical scientist with a focus on epidemiology from American University, Dr. Samuel Xi Jao, linguist with a focus on Oriental languages from George Washington University, Dr. Edgar Mastintson, Geophysicist from the Carnegie Institute of Science, Dr. Sherrie Nurts, zoologist with a focus on primate ethology from the National Zoo, Dr. Liam Raredan, pharmacologist with a focus on poisons and toxins from the University of Virginia, and Dr. Leigha Towsan, historical archaeologist from the University of Maryland - College Park."
Several hours later, after more introductions had been made, and more overviews had been presented by Harding on the nature of what they could expect over the coming months, the group finally retired to a small reception that had been organized to celebrate the completion of the class' first day of the program and an end to the orientation.
Brennan found herself gravitating to the pair of biomedical scientists from American University, Dr. Casey Ergos and Dr. Jory Kates, with whom she had a passing acquaintance from prior research overlaps and a couple of student dissertation committees upon which the three had served. She spent a few moments discussing a recent article on a newly discovered osteological virus that was believed to have originated in a European laboratory accident the previous year when she saw a shadow fall across her path.
"Excuse me, Dr. Brennan. May I speak with you for a moment?"
Brennan looked up, carefully revealed nothing as she nodded and said, "Of course, Agent Harding." She then excused herself from the other doctors and turned to face the woman. "Special Agent Harding, what can I do for you?"
"You don't remember me, do you, Dr. Brennan?" Harding asked with a curious stare.
"Of course I do," Brennan said. "Aside from the fact that I have an excellent memory, I make it a habit never to forget the individuals who have arrested me."
Harding nodded. "It's been seven... almost seven and a half years… I wasn't sure if it had been too long or not… especially considering the last time we met—"
"You were working as a detective for the New Orleans Police Department," Brennan interrupted. "I admit, it did take me a minute to place you when I first saw you this morning, but once you began talking and introduced yourself, I recalled who you were immediately."
Looking at her, Harding said, "I'm not certain if you are aware of this or not… but I am the agent who will be serving as your liaison for the duration of your training."
Brennan frowned. "I was under the impression that your primary task was as the administrator of this program. Why are you being assigned as my liaison?"
"Yes, that was a treat for me as well, Dr. Brennan, I can assure you... although I must admit with my AD informed me that you were still working with Agent Booth... even after all these years, I must admit that I was fairly surprised," Harding stopped when she saw that Brennan hadn't been making small talk, but was waiting for an answer to her earlier question. Harding narrowed her eyes as she said, "Wait, Agent Booth hasn't told you why I'm here and he's not, did he?"
"Tell me what?" Brennan asked.
"The reason why he was originally given the invitation to join the training as an instructor was because the idea behind the program that if it is successful and you complete the training—"
"Oh, I will," Brennan said, interrupting again. "Considering the fact that I am an excellent student and already possess extensive knowledge in the forensic and tactical areas, I don't foresee how completing the training with anything less than the group's highest rankings should be very difficult for me to achieve."
"God, you are still *so* arrogant," Harding suddenly said, her demeanor changing. "I thought—I thought, maybe, the last time… you were out of your element… young… but… no, you really are that condescending, aren't you?"
"Why do you find my behavior to be arrogant or condescending if the facts I have stated are the simple truth of the matter?" Brennan asked.
Shaking her head, Harding said, "Anyway… to continue with what I was saying… the reason why Agent Booth was invited to join the program is because one of the goals of the program is to match trainees with prospective future partners whom they will work with in the field regularly after the program ends. Since you already have been partnered successfully, according to Deputy Director Hacker, there really isn't a need to find you a new one. However, when Agent Booth declined the offer, we still had to find someone to act as your liaison so you could complete the program during your time here at Quantico. The only viable choice, as finding someone who didn't have to be pulled from his or her regular duties to come out here to Quantico for five months for no reason... since they won't be getting the punishment of you for a partner at the end of this thing, was for me to take double duty and suffer through the next twenty-one weeks with you myself."
Arching an eyebrow, Brennan said, "I infer from your two disparaging comments that you take some issue with being assigned as my liaison, Agent Harding?"
"I do," she said simply.
"Why?" Brennan asked.
"Because," Harding lowered her voice as she said, "Aside from the fact that it adds additional work to my schedule that I don't really need given my overall responsibilities to the program, I personally find your personality grating. I also take issue with the fact that, while it can't be argued that you are a brilliant scientist in a room full of brilliant scientists… you're also the only individual in this room who has been arrested numerous times on felony charges, including murder, Dr. Brennan. I find that distasteful… *very* distasteful ... and not in any way appropriate for the type of image the Bureau is trying to cultivate for this program. I wanted to strike your invitation from the list of invitees when I saw your name, but my decision was overruled."
"Surely, your opinions on my personality aside, which I have duly noted by the way, I can't possibly be the only person in the group who hasn't been arrested for some reason," Brennan said, clasping her hands in consideration.
"You might not think it, but your colleagues really are a wonderfully boring group of people from the law enforcement perspective," Harding said. "There isn't even so much as a recent speeding ticket on record for any of them... any of them, except you."
"And so that is the only reason you find my participation in this program to be inappropriate... my legal history as compared to the rest of the trainees?"
"No," Harding said.
"Then what else?" Brennan pressed. "Why do you continue to take issue with me if your superiors overruled your initial recommendation to exclude me from the program?"
"Because," Harding said. "I find you to be arrogant, hyper rational, and calculating. When necessary, you manipulate any situation you find yourself in for your personal benefit. You have a track record of respecting the law... only as much as it suits your personal needs, Dr. Brennan. And, quite frankly, it doesn't sit well with me, given your track record, that my superiors still decided to overlook that large body of evidence... and invite you to participate in the program. Yet, *another* exception was made for you, and you just aren't worth the special treatment you keep receiving," Harding said.
"I had nothing to do with any such exception being made," Brennan said.
"Maybe," Harding conceded. "But, if we set your personality... issues and own... prior brushes with the law aside, there is still the fact that you come from a long line of criminals whose past records indicate that its only a matter of time before you make good on your *own* set of crime sprees."
"Excuse me?" Brennan said, forcing herself to keep a knot that had just materialized in her stomach from jumping into her throat.
"Surely, you must know as both the program's coordinator, and as your liaison, I would have access to your personnel file?" Harding said in disbelief.
"And?"
"And," Harding said, as she leaned into just a fraction of an inch towards Brennan, and continued in a lowered voice, "The fact that your family is a well-known group of criminals, well, Dr. Brennan... I just see it as yet another strike against you... in a long list of deficit characteristics."
"You don't know anything about me," Brennan said.
Harding smirked. "Sure, I do... Joy." She paused and then nodded. "Dead mother was a bank robber, brother on probation for running a chop shop... and then there's the patriarch of your little clan... your father, Max Keenan. But, he's not your run of the mill average thief or conman. No, it's true that the bank robbery and identity theft cons were impressive... but he was at his best when he was a cop killer... a cold blooded murderer."
"Y-Y-You don't know anything about me... or my-y family," Brennan said, something flashing in her eyes, but she gritted her teeth to keep from losing control.
"I know your daddy was the man who murdered one of this agency's own Deputy Directors... did it in your own apartment... before he gutted and set fire to Jack Kirby like he was some sacrifice to the Gods... Oh, I know you... and your family, Dr. Brennan... and so that's why I have a *lot* of problems with you being here... not the least of which is because you have a father who murdered someone… but also because you are also a daughter of a murder who was accused of murdering someone in her own right. The accusation, to me, means it's only a matter of time before you make good on your family's lineage. And *that* is the biggest reason that I am uncomfortable that someone like you is here. In my opinion, regardless of how smart and talented you are… you just *don't* belong here. Frankly, you don't deserve the privilege."
Brennan forced herself to take a breath. She was almost too shocked to respond. However, the look of disgust Harding gave her spurred her own. "My… my personal life… including who my father is… is none of your concern, Agent Harding… particularly as my father was acquitted of Deputy Director Kirby's murder. As for your reference to me murdering someone, I assume you are referring to the death of Graham Legiere?" Brennan asked.
Nodding, Harding said, "I am."
"We both know that I was not guilty of Graham's murder," Brennan said.
"Yes," Harding admitted. "But you were still there when he was killed… and… I would be lying if I said… even though I can't prove it… but I've spent many a night wondering if… Richard Benoit would have actually gone through with murdering and crucifying Graham if you hadn't been involved that night."
"Dr. Legiere's murder at the hands of Richard Benoit, as I testified at Benoit's trial, was connected to Graham's interest in the herbs he bought at Benoit's shop and Graham's attempts to dispose of Rene Mouton's body," Brennan said. "I… I had nothing to do with Benoit… or Graham… or their relationship, prior to the night Benoit showed up at Graham's house... I just happened to be there sharing an after-dinner glass of wine after a long day identifying Hurricane Katrina victims." She paused and said, "*I* was the victim that night, Agent Harding. I was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and *I* was the victim... not the guilty party."
"Maybe," Harding said. "Like I said, I can't prove it… but my gut has always told me that… that Graham wouldn't have necessarily died that night if you hadn't been involved in things."
Suddenly, Brennan's head snapped up as she realized something. Her demeanor changed, as did her tone, when she said, "Your continued use of Dr. Legiere's first name indicates that you have some kind of attachment to him," Brennan said.
Flushing, Harding said, "The man has been dead for almost eight years, Dr. Brennan. Any attachment I had to him is long, long over."
"Nevertheless—"
"Nevertheless," Harding said, "My personal life has no bearing on this conversation, unlike yours. Now, I have been ordered by my superiors to act as your liaison for the duration of this program. I will do that task to the best of my abilities. However, that does not mean that I have to like it… or like you."
"I don't particularly care if you like or dislike me, Agent Harding, as long as you do not impede my ability to complete the program," Brennan said evenly.
Harding sighed. "You know what? I used to think… I've talked to other agents, other people you and Booth have worked with over the years…. And I thought…maybe the guy's just a glutton-for-punishment. Maybe he ticked off the wrong person among the higher ups ,and getting stuck with you was just what he had to deal with as retribution for as long as he's been stuck with you. But, now… just one day into having to work with you on a close basis… I've come to a new conclusion about Agent Booth."
"Setting aside you know almost as much about Agent Booth as you know about me... what is that?" Brennan asked.
"He's either a masochist or mentally ill… because no… no sane, logical, rational, *normal* human being would have the patience, tolerance, or desire to deal with you if they don't have to, Dr. Brennan, for any amount of time... let alone a prolonged period," Harding said.
"I find your assessment to be meaningless," Brennan said. "You are in no way qualified to make any judgments about me or Agent Booth that have any accuracy or validity."
Shrugging, Harding said, "Take it for what you will, Dr. Brennan. Good evening." She then turned and walked away, leaving Brennan, for once, speechless.
Brennan was sitting in the rocking chair when Booth found her. Chrissy was crying… the baby's cry, Booth recognized… it was the cry caused by her teething pain. Brennan's cry, however, hers he didn't recognize. She was holding the baby, trying to comfort Chrissy as her own body was shaking in sobs. When she looked up at Booth, and saw him staring at her with concern, she began to cry even louder. The baby began to match her wails.
"Bones… what's wrong? Are you okay?"
Her face was tear streaked, her eyes red and puffy, and her shirt damp from her crying for so long. Booth… he was uncertain what had happened, but he knew it wasn't good.
Brennan nodded to answer his first question, and then vehemently shook her head, confusing him in the process. "I-I- I…" She began crying again, not even able to get a word out.
Frowning, Booth reached for the baby. He took Chrissy in one arm, and then pulled Brennan up so she was standing in front of him... and soon enveloped herself in his embrace. Booth stood there for a long time, holding both sobbing females and doing the only thing he knew right at that moment he could do to comfort them.
-TBC-