Chapter three

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Tim drank the final swig of his coffee and looked around the conference room. He and Kelly had arrived an hour earlier to NCIS to attend the Alpha Team briefing for their upcoming mission.

Director Vance stood at the head of the table, a monitor behind him showing the image of their target Michael Kilian and the undercover FBI agent

He looked around the room and at his other teammates in attendance. Across from him was Kelly, who was taking ample notes in the paper work in front of her. Being the main voice in their ear, with Vance being second, she felt it important that she has all the information and be able to relay it to the team right away while they were on the field. She got the codename Charlie from a joke one of them made saying she was Charlie and they were her angels. While they all found it silly and humorous, the name stuck when there was not one official name to use when talking to her.

Behind her was Vanessa Gutierrez, aka Valkyrie. She was the pilot for their helicopter Guardian, as well as the driver if they had to use an automobile or boat. A small feisty Latina with short dark wavy hair, she was the only one of the team that was in the military. Officially with NCIS as a liaison, she was brought in by Vance for her valuable skills as a pilot.

As well as at the table was Marcus Thomwell, a member of Balboa's team. Tim has interacted with him plenty of times before Alpha Team, so they were pretty familiar with each other. He was listening intently to Vance, and didn't seem to be affected by the early morning.

There was Rick, who on the other hand, seemed to have needed something stronger than coffee when Tim first saw him when they came in. He was plenty awake now but it was obvious he was not a morning person.

And finally there was Paul. Tim knew he was with one of the other teams in the building but other than that, he didn't actually know anything about Paul.

"You all have your assignment," Vance stated with finality, "Agent McGee will join you all after the briefing with the MCRT. Any questions or comments?"

"Does it have to be DiNozzo," Marcus asked."

"He knows how to be professional, Marcus," Tim responded, "He won't do anything to compromise the mission."

"I know, that's not what I'm worried about. I just rather not have to listen to 25 movie references in a row."

"If he does, I expect you all to remain professional," Vance interjected, "he's not Alpha Team, you are. Is that understood? Dismissed."

Vance left the room as the team gathered their things and stood up.

"Is this DiNozzo guy that bad," Paul asked.

"He takes getting use to but he's not so bad," Tim answered.

"Yeah you just have to get used to non-stop movie quotes, details on his dates, and high school pranks."

"Just be glad you're not a beautiful woman," Kelly added, "Nessa, he would flirt heavily with you if he ever meets you."

"He sounds like a frat boy," Vanessa replied, "how old is he?"

"Old enough to make senior field agent," Tim answered, "He's reliable and Director Vance is right. We are Alpha Team. Got it?"

"Yes boss," the other three replied.

Everyone shuffled out of the conference room and went in separate directions with Tim and Kelly walking together

When they were sure they were alone, the couple turned to each other and held hands.

"Be careful out there, ok?" Kelly said softly.

"You know I always do my best to make sure I am," Tim replied.

"I know, but you know I have to make sure. I won't get another chance to say it."

"I'll see you again tonight, ok? I promise."

"You better. I love you."

"I love you too, Kelly."

The couple leaned into each other and gave each other a quick kiss followed by an extended lip lock. Kelly wrapped her around Tim's neck and pulled him down to deepen the kiss.

"Ahem."

The young couple both jumped and moved away from each other in surprise and looked at the person that interrupted them.

So I'm guessing he's the lucky secret boyfriend you mentioned," said the smirking figure.

"Vanessa," Tim exclaimed, not knowing what else to say.

"Nessa, what are you doing here," Kelly asked.

Vanessa held up a black lipstick tube.

"Fell out your purse, I'm guessing," she explained, "I was coming to find you to give it back."

"Oh, thank you," Kelly replied, grabbing the lipstick and putting it in her purse, "Listen, Nessa, about what you saw."

"Your secret's safe with me. Don't worry about it."

"We really appreciate it, we don't want certain people to know just yet."

"I understand. I'll let you both get back to it, but be more careful when you're at work. See you both later."

Vanessa waved and left the way she came, the amused smile never leaving her face.

"You told her you had a secret boyfriend," Tim asked.

"She asked me out on a date once and I didn't want to lie to her," Kelly explained, "so I just said I had a boyfriend but it has to be kept a secret."

"Speaking of which, I think we may have to tell your dad soon. That's the second person to catch us and find out. It's better we tell him then if he finds out from someone else, or worse catches us himself."

"I know, but I just know it's gonna be a big thing with him."

"We got your mom on our side. She'll be able to help us break it to him."

"Good idea. We'll do it soon. But after we do, we should talk again about moving in together."

"Deal," Tim replied with a smile.

Kelly smiled back as the two held hands again. Not wanting to get caught again, Tim settled for lifting her hand and kissing it instead.

The two exchanged goodbyes and went their separate ways. Tim made his way to the bullpen to act as if he just arrived and await the rest of his team.

Gibbs was already at his desk as he expected and not long after Ziva then Tony arrived. They were just starting their day when Gibbs' phone rang, informing him that the director was calling them all up to the conference room.

Once they were in and settled, Vance started on the MCRT version of his presentation. He told them about Michael Kilian and the FBI agent they had deep undercover and how later today they will go in to assist in arresting Kilian and extracting the agent and Tony will be going undercover as a buyer with the goal of isolating them as much as possible. He told them how it will all be happening at Kilian's mountain home and how Kilian will be transferred to the CIA. That last detail had the expected protest by Gibbs and Tony but they were quickly shut down.

"Now, this next part," Vance said as he placed the remote for the monitor down, "is classified and is to never leave this room. NCIS has formed and has been utilizing a covert task force for operations that either can not be done through normal channels or require the utmost discretion.

Named Alpha Team, they will be doing the actual extraction of the suspect and the FBI agent. As Tony facilitates the deal, they will breach the upper floors and perform the operation while NCIS and the FBI will clear and secure the outdoors and bottom floors. Once they are out, we will go up and secure the top floor and pull Tony out. That's why it's important you isolate Kilian and the agent as best as possible, to avoid as many obstacles as possible and make this run smoothly. We want Kilian alive."

"So roll out the red carpet and have the bad guy served up on a platter for them, got it," Tony commented.

"What I'm about to say is very important, so listen up, " Vance said, ignoring Tony, "For Alpha Team to be most effective in all their missions, they must remain anonymous and kept secret. This goes especially for you DiNozzo since you will be interacting with them. When they breach, you must maintain your cover and resist and surrender as if you were really being arrested. You must not in any way act or imply that you know them, that also includes holding back any reaction to their actions or dialog that doesn't fit your cover. Is this understood DiNozzo?"

"Yes director," Tony replied.

"Good. You all have your assignment. Get prepared and be ready for this afternoon. Dismissed."

The agents shuffled out of the room and made their way back to the bullpen except for Gibbs who went a different direction.

"So who do you think are in this Alpha Team," Tony asked sitting at his desk.

"I don't know Tony, they're a secret team, remember," Tim replied, "their identities are a secret."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it but there's nothing wrong with speculating. We can figure this out. Is there anyone at NCIS who's been acting differently or whose schedule has been erratic?"

"How do you know that they even work in this building or are even NCIS at all?" Ziva chimed in.

"You think they are outside hires?" Tony asked.

"It is just as likely."

"Hmm, I don't think so. NCIS would want to keep it in house and if Vance was doing the choosing, he would go with people who are nearby so he can give them their orders quickly. What do you think probie?"

"Again Tony, they are meant to be a secret," Tim replied, "so I would have no way of knowing."

"You gotta put your investigating skills to use probie. Vance had you do all those assignments for him, did you catch wind of any secret teams?"

"Afraid not. Vance is careful."

"Well, once I get recruited, I'll let you both know who's on the team, but you both have to swear to secrecy."

"What makes you think you would be recruited by them, Tony?" Ziva asked, amused.

"Come on. Once they see me in action, their curiosity will be peaked," Tony replied, leaning confidently back in his chair, "that'll lead them to look me up, then they'll be begging Vance to have me join them. They need the best after all."

"Well, good luck Tony," Tim said, not looking up from his computer.

"I'll make sure to put the good word in for you with Gibbs so you can fill in my spot."

At the mention of his name, Tim looked up and spotted Gibbs on top of the stairs, engrossed in conversation with his daughter.

He looked at Kelly and thought about what he said to her earlier, about telling her dad about them. He knew once Gibbs knew, they would have to let Vance know officially. He figured they wouldn't have to tell anyone else but knew that any slip up from anyone could lead to the team finding out. They agreed that Ducky and Palmer knowing wouldn't be an issue, and they were confident but hopeful that Ziva would be supportive but they were not looking forward to Tony's constant teasing and jokes. Abby was an unknown factor but with how her attitude and reactions are when it comes to Tim possibly dating and with Kelly in general, they preferred she never knew.

The idea of Kelly and him moving in made him have to hold back a smile. They talked about it sometime after their one year of dating, when she brought up the possibility. Both were receptive to the idea but agreed to hold off on it until they can tell both their parents about their relationship. Something they both have been putting off.

"I'd be careful you don't stare for too long there McDreamy."

Tim was snapped out of his reverie by Tony's voice suddenly next to him.

"W-what?"

"Nothing wrong with a little hopeful daydreaming," Tony said as he looked up at the father daughter duo, "but it's not healthy to keep fantasizing about the impossible. Especially with a mind reader like boss man."

"Impossible? What are you talking about?"

"I mean getting with THE Kelly Gibbs. You have to be someone Gibbs REALLY likes to even approach his daughter with romantic intent. You think Gibbs will allow just anyone to date his daughter? You gotta prove it to him and earn his trust and respect. Then when you do get his permission, there's Kelly herself you gotta watch out for."

"Kelly is a very sweet girl, Tony," Ziva interrupted, "What on earth are you talking about?"

"She may be sweet and professional on the outside but don't forget, she's Gibbs daughter," Tony said as they watched Gibbs kiss Kelly's cheek and say goodbye to her, "Eat you up and spit you out if you're not up to her standards."

"Let me guess, you are just the right type of guy to match up to those standards?"

"I wouldn't say that. I may be highly experienced with women but I'm still just a humble, simple man."

"Hopefully not so simple you forgot how to make your way to Abby's lab," Gibbs' voice suddenly cut in, causing Tony to sit up straight, "go down and get your undercover persona ready."

"Yes boss," Tony replied as he got up and made his way to the elevators.

Sometime later, Tim stepped into Abby's lab holding a small folder. He could hear the two discussing Tony's persona as Abby worked on her computer building his fake background.

"Hey McGee, which you think is better," Tony asked when he noticed Tim, "DiNardo or DiMozzio."

"I'd go with DiNardo," Tim replied, "it sounds closest to your real name so it'll be easy to pass off as a mistake if there's a slip up."

"DiNardo it is," Abby said, typing some things into her computer, "You are now Antonio DiNardo, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A close associate to a kingpin hoping to expand his empire."

"Perfect, I think this may be fun," Tony said.

"So what do ya need from Abby's labby, Timmy?"

"Gibbs wanted me to check up on your progress," Tim told them, "and Kelly wanted me to drop off these reports on Kilian to help you fabricate Tony's persona."

"McGee, she has you doing her work now? You better nip this in the bud and stand up for yourself before she walks all over you."

"It's not like that Abby. I volunteered to deliver it for her since I was coming down here anyways."

"Though I'm sure McGee wouldn't mind having her walk all over him if you catch my drift, from the way he was checking her out earlier," Tony chimed in.

"Tony," Tim started but was interrupted by Abby.

"You need to keep your distance from her before she gets her claws dug into you and uses you for own needs," she said, "and besides, you don't want Gibbs' wrath, do you? He'd murder you then have me cover it up and I'm sorry McGee but I am not going against Gibbs. Nope, never. No sir."

"Guys listen. I don't know what you have against her Abby but Kelly is not a bad person. She's really kind and is in no way manipulative or anything. And I am not trying to get with her Tony, okay? I only see her as just a friend."

"If you say so McLover boy," Tony replied.

"I'm just looking out for you Timmy," Abby said, "as your friend."

"Sure thing Abby."

Xxx

"In position," Tim said softly into his comms.

He and his team each stood behind a large tree, clad in their black gear and wielding automatic rifles, ready to move in. They arrived in their chopper Guardian and were dropped off a mile away. They made the trek and now stood a few yards away from the back porch stairs that led to the second floor.

While Tim wouldn't call it a mansion, it was still a large building on a large property that has two other small buildings on it.

"Copy that," came the voice of Vance in his ear, "Intel is still accurate. Objectives are in the second floor bedrooms."

"Copy. Awaiting confirmation."

"Two objectives, Kilian and FBI agent Murphy, both are to be extracted alive. NCIS agent DiNozzo is to be kept alive, everyone else is at your discretion."

"Copy. Starting operation."

"Copy. I'll inform the other team."

Tim made a hand signal to his teammates and started walking quickly towards the staircase, his team close behind. Looking around as they passed a small playground set, they saw no one else which relieved him.

Once they reached the top of the stairs and gathered around the door. Tim took a deep breath then nodded to Marcus. Marcus went up to the door and with a swift kick, broke open the door.

Once he stepped back, Tim swarmed in with his rifle raised. Across the hallway, he saw a man at a stairwell who spotted them and quickly jumped down stairs. Before he could process that, a door ahead of him opened and another man stepped out. Upon spotting Tim and the team, he fumbled with the gun on his belt. Before he could fully raise it, Tim raised his rifle and shot off three rounds that struck the man in the chest, causing him to collapse against the door and fall to the floor in a heap.

"CONTACT!" Tim exclaimed.

There was a scream from the doorway the man came out of. Quickly rushing to it, Tim raised his gun and scanned the small bedroom only to find a topless woman, looking at him in horror and fear.

Seeing no threat, he decided to leave the woman alone and move on.

In the distance, he heard a door being broken down and shouts of what he assumed were his NCIS team and the FBI agents. Behind he heard footsteps and looked back to see the woman from before, holding a shirt to her chest and running to the stairs, with the teammate in the rear holding his rifle up to her in case she tried something. Tim internally thanked God she didn't.

Upon reaching what he knew was the main bedroom door, it opened and a short man was stepping out but froze when he saw Alpha Team. Taking advantage, Tim gave him a hard shove and made him fall backwards into the room.

"Federal agent! On the ground!" he ordered as he stepped into the room and scanned it. His team followed suit, shouting similar things.

The room had five people in it from what he spotted. Three men and two women. One of the men reached for a handgun on a dresser but Tim spotted him and raised his rifle.

"DON'T MOVE! Hands in the air!" He shouted.

The man wisely did as he was told and slowly raised his hands and made his way to the ground.

At that moment, a closet door opened and Tim saw Kilian step out with a concerned look on his face. Behind him he could see Tony and Murphy.

Tim raised his gun and pointed at him.

"Hands in the air, all of you," he ordered, "Turn around and get on your knees with your hands on your head."

The three men did as they were told, as best they could in a narrow space.

Tim squeezed past them and looked into the closet to find only guns, a couple suitcases filled with different drugs and a small laptop sitting on a chair. Looking at the laptop, he saw multiple pictures on display of more guns and drugs at a different location and a chat application open.

"Command, we found the objectives and have them secured,"

"Good work Alpha Leader," Vance replied in his ear, "prepare the extraction, I'll have Valkyrie mobilize."

"I also found a laptop with what looks like some useful information. I'm bringing it with us."

"Copy. Good work."

"Probie?"

A chill ran up Tim's spine as he heard Tony's nickname said behind him in Tony's voice. He slowly turned around and looked at the confused face of Tony looking up at him from his knees.

"McGee, wha-?"

"Stop talking," Tim ordered, hoping Tony would wise up.

"What's going on," Tony kept going.

"STOP TALKING!" Tim repeated louder.

"This doesn't make any sense."

"SHUT UP," shouted Murphy, behind Tony.

He then stepped forward and kicked Tony in the back, causing Tony to fall forward with a hard thud.

"Hey," Tony exclaimed, "What's your problem? Wait… Murphy?"

Tim looked at Kilian's face which started as scared but then became confused and was slowly moving as if, to Tim, he was starting to put the pieces together.

On the other end of their comm, in MTAC, stood Vance glaring at the screen and hearing everything. The toothpick in his mouth had already snapped in half in his mouth and laid on the floor. Kelly could swear she heard it snap from where she sat. Anyone who could see his face would become afraid that the screen would explode at any moment the way he was staring at it.

"Purge the room," he said softly but firmly, "Purge the room and extract the objective."

"Copy."

Vance took off his headset and stepped away from the monitor to collect himself.

Kelly looked at him then back to her screen, looking at nothing in particular. She couldn't hide the shock in her face nor the small gasp as the sounds of gunfire filled the radio.