Hello gentlemen and ladies
Originally this idea started off a bit more crack-like as I called out the ridiculousness, of okay I'll just say it how nice and flat everybody seems in NCIS. Like just reading lines off a script.
Never mind poking at where's the harshness to suspects? Like there's not even that anymore.
I was watching some episodes from quite a few seasons earlier of Gibbs or the others had an edge.
These days? I don't see writers letting Timothy McGee do what he did in the Deception episode where McGee got darker and got Geckler spilling.
Well aware of the irony for me having written fan fics calling out Gibbs or others on how they treat people, but at least back then everybody felt like a person.
Fair warning McGee and Jimmy might be a bit OCC depending on your views of how they should behave. Perhaps not exactly the best light for Parker, or Jessica, somewhat.
NCIS Bullpen, Washington DC – early morning
Sitting at his desk McGee knowing Jessica is busy at the computer, and Nick is as well with Parker having a conference in MTAC, hears the main desk phone ringing. Following a moment until it quiets before his cell phone starts going off Timothy pulls it out of his pocket answering.
"McGee here," Timothy says shortly, echoing a different man.
Both Jessica and Nick pause looking over not merely from knowing a case, but concern about their friend's tone given they have rarely ever seen McGee respond to people in such an abrupt manner. Watching as the senior field agent hangs up just as quickly, and gets up.
"Get your gear, dead Navy Officer," Timothy says.
"I thought that was my line" Parker quips heading for his desk.
Looking over "Are you okay McGee?" Jessica inquiries while grabbing her gear, and holstering her weapon.
Frowning "Yeah I'm fine, why?" Timothy asks.
"Because of how brisk from the dispatch, and you are never, ever like that," Jessica says.
"You are a lot nicer Tim. Are you sure you're alright? You know with Ducky's death just a few months back and everything" Parker says.
"I'm fine guys seriously, has nothing to do with Ducky's death or anybody else I've lost. Just a slip-up, won't happen again" Timothy says reassuringly.
"You sure man?" Nick asks.
"I'm good. Let's get going" Timothy says evasively.
Timothy heads for the elevator planning to get the truck while the other three look on in concern.
"Is he okay?" Jessica asks.
"Yeah, McGee's fine," Nick says.
Autopsy room – Nighttime
Hearing the doors open Jimmy Palmer looks up from stitching up a body to see Timothy McGee enter heading for an empty slab, before slamming his hands down on it in pure anger while glaring.
"Problem?" Jimmy inquiries.
"Sending us home while having an active case, all because wants to wait for getting more evidence and not break him. How we have to handle the suspects with kid gloves because they can sue us. Never mind Parker sending us home with an active case just to sleep," Timothy replies unhappily.
"I remember once Dr. Mallard and Gibbs had brought a suspect down here with Ducky proceeding to violently cut up a corpse just to make the guy sweat," Jimmy says walking over.
Letting out a grin "Yeah" Timothy says "Nowadays everybody's more concerned over what we get caught doing, rights, procedures, cellphone videos, social media blogs, and being sensitive. I'm about done on nice, like a bad song stuck in my head."
"Only if Tony could see his tech guy now sadly lamenting on how much society has gone for a tech overload. What's really going on?" Jimmy asks.
"Got called out to a dead petty officer. Long story short, we believe it's a man named Fesman Binder who killed our petty officer. Nobody even wants to be harsh despite the man being our only link to the dealer who stays away from electronics by using dummy phones. I miss Gibbs in the interrogation room. Even Jessica screwed up by deciding to leave an exit, and search after hearing a noise" Timothy says.
"Let me guess unlike how Gibbs chewed Bishop out for that nobody said a word," Jimmy says.
"Yeah, the politeness is suffocating. I don't know maybe, I'm just missing the boss, DiNozzo, Ziva, even Abby and you know what we used to be. Been a long time since I heard Gibbs rules mentioned, like nobody uses them anymore. They were a code," Timothy says sadly "Feels like can't even use what I learned from a marine and Baltimore turned Navy cop these days."
"Makes you feel old and useless in a way?" Jimmy asks knowingly.
"Nobody gets the reason why I was always so civil is because of having Gibbs and Tony around. I could afford that luxury" Timothy says.
"Then to sound like a man we all know and love despite how much of a hard case he could be, get off your backside and get to work. Quit wasting good. Nick knew Gibbs's post even Tony leaving, the new haircut life. Softer way of doing things" Jimmy says, "I'm not sure even Jess could last more than a day or two under the OG Gibbs."
"I'm not leading, Jimmy, and even as senior field agent I've only got so much room," Timothy says.
"You know how you can change that, and you can play that hand. Nobody would blame you" Jimmy says.
"I'd be screwing over my partner and not working as a team on breaking those rules," Timothy says.
"Better to seek forgiveness than ask permission, and besides not if you're honest about your actions," Jimmy says.
Glancing over "You realize if I do what I'm about to, Jessica and you will probably be spending less time together?" Timothy asks.
"Price of the job, we keep our personal and professional lives separate. Besides, keeps work from being far too stale. Your Gibbs's legacy like I'm Dr. Mallard's" Jimmy says lightly grinning "Embrace it."
Nodding, Timothy looks off for a moment exhaling quietly before seemingly standing up straighter, adjusting his feet to stand better, and letting his face become closed off. Cheerfulness seemingly drops from McGee's eyes only replaced with eyes that hold the weight of every horror has lived through these past nearly twenty years, Paraguay especially.
Having seemingly decided the conversation is ended, or rather permission granted, McGee begins walking towards the doors.
"Where you headed?" Jimmy asks.
"Getting coffee, got a long night. Vance is next before breaking Binder. Thanks for listening Jimmy" Timothy says.
"Anytime" the ME replies grinning excitedly "Oh, this is going to be fun."
Director's Office
Looking up from his computer finishing up some files, and getting ready for a meeting with the SECNAV tomorrow Vance sees Timothy McGee marching in not even bothering with his usual knocking for years. Second thing Vance notices McGee has a coffee cup in his hand.
"Can I help you Special Agent McGee?" Vance asks.
"Yes, you can. I know the offer has always been unofficially available going all the way up to Sectary Flynn. Effective immediately I'm taking over the MCRT. I need to call in all members of my team given they left early while an active case is still ongoing" Timothy says.
"What's your plan, McGee?" Vance asks lightly smirking, having been waiting for this day to finally happen.
"First let's call up Parker, I'm not screwing him over," Timothy says.
Interrogation room
Fesman Binder a six-foot well-built man simply imposing, and a clear weight user alongside probably steroids is sitting uneasily in a chair. Looking up when Timothy McGee enters carrying a folder Binder smiles.
"Hey, what's this about? You said I was to be released, and you can't prove a thing. Already told you I was just catching up with an old friend, with the knife stolen from my kitchen, clearly. I have rights, you people are supposed to be nice. Besides you're just some pathetic, wasted geek who thinks he's important. You types are always so annoying, hardly a real man" Binder boasts.
Remaining quiet, Timothy grabs the chair suddenly tossing it to the back of the room making a loud crashing sound before McGee throws the folder down on the desk. Opening the folder Timothy removes a picture slamming it right down in front of Binder with the other pictures.
"Look at Murphy. You used a knife to carve his face up, and stabbed him in the stomach so he could bleed out slowly, leaving behind a wife with three kids. Imagine they would love to hear your pathetic excuses for murdering Petty Officer Murphy. All for discovering your old buddy helping you deal drugs, or maybe it's cause he was going to report the sexual harassment or putting spiders inside a fellow officer's drinking cup who suffers from arachnophobia. I mean that's what acting like a real man is all about, right?" Timothy says icily.
Binder looks off seemingly uncaring though starting to sweat given the MCRT leader's actions is so very different from earlier politeness. Especially given the glare Fesman is getting. However, Fesman jumps in terror when McGee slams his hand down on the desk angrily.
"Look at him" Timothy growls.
Having no choice since hoping to get out of this increasingly uncomfortable situation Binder looks down at his victim. A smirk crosses McGee's lips.
Twenty minutes later in a hallway
Nick Torres, and Jessica Knight walk around a corner approaching the interrogation room in obvious unhappiness for being called back in with originally heading to the observation room. Yet they watch as Timothy McGee exits interrogation with Jessica, and Nick sees Binder sitting inside. Yet the large man is crying in tears of fear and looking petrified as the door closes. A certain level of unease settles over Torres and Knight.
"What have you done?" Jessica inquiries in clear concern.
"Got our case solved, rule sixteen. If someone thinks they have the upper hand, break it" Timothy answers.
"Parker wanted us to wait until we had more proof," Jessica says.
"Let a killer get away? All the proof is in his confession alongside the location from where his dealer disappeared to. Agent Burley was watching" Timothy says choosing to leave out Jimmy observing too.
"What is this rule you mentioned?" Jessica asks in confusion.
"Rules, actually," Timothy says.
Frowning "What happened to you, man? Cause you're not anything like the McGee who we left a mere hour ago" Nick says.
"Meet me in the bullpen, afterward. Got a few things to finish up" Timothy says.
"Why are you acting like you're leading the team?" Jessica asks.
"Don't worry everything's fine" Timothy replies.
"Guessing we screwed up somehow?" Nick asks.
"Ya think?" Timothy answers dryly, and privately wonders if might be pushing it just a bit.
"What happened to you, Tim?" Jessica asks in concern.
"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to inform Balboa of arresting a dealer" Timothy says.
Jessica and Nick frown in worry while watching the MCRT leader walk off.
Half an hour later in the bullpen
Nick and Jessica are sitting at their desks unable to have really been doing much, having too many worries, ideas, and emotions running through their minds right now. Seeing Timothy walk over carrying a coffee cup with briefly pausing to tell them to grab their bags, and meet him in the elevator.
The agents proceed to do exactly that with McGee letting them step inside, and after the doors close quickly flips an off switch. The emergency lights come on with Nick uneasily glances around while McGee looks at the agents.
"Okay whoa man, been a long while since I've seen that move by well you know Gibbs," Nick says.
"I know, comes in handy," Timothy says briefly smiling before sobering "Tomorrow morning I'll be sure to get the email sent out to both of you containing the rules."
"Don't we already have the NCIS handbook rules? We've had them for years? Where is Parker?" Jessica asks.
"These are not NCIS rules, but Gibbs. The very fact you don't know them Knight is my fault. Like rule forty I'm cleaning up my mess. Parker's no longer in charge" Timothy says firmly.
"You are?" Nick asks.
Timothy merely nods in response.
"What did you do? Parker was our friend" Jessica says unhappily.
"Yes, and I called to explain what I wanted. Parker told me it should have been my team anyway, from Gibbs to me. He merely replied was just filling in" Timothy says.
"Why did you do this now?" Nick asks.
"Had to be done. This is supposed to be the best MCRT operating out of this building, and I am not having something I've put just over two decades of my life into collapse. Families don't have that luxury either. Before I continue, I'm offering you one chance" Timothy says.
"For doing what?" Jessica asks.
"Leaving. Because I'm taking the gloves off, I'm the only one left" Timothy says.
Nick and Jessica look at each other for a few long minutes before glancing back at McGee.
"We are not leaving," Jessica says.
"Okay. The rules are what I've spent years using and are just as important. You will learn all of them. However, I'm being nice enough to send you a copy, and consider making up for lost time. Even you Nick for knowing some, but not all. Next what happened earlier will be the last time" Timothy says.
"I'm a little confused," Nick says.
"Leaving early with an active case ongoing will never happen like it did. There will be more often than not you put in overtime, and stay here during the night. Start keeping to-go bags updated" Timothy says.
"You are going to send us home, right?" Jessica asks.
"I will, but on active cases, it will be based off the ongoing situation. Next Agent Knight, what in the hell did you do earlier? You never leave an unguarded door, if you are assigned that spot" Timothy says firmly.
Looking up Jessica can't help but flinch when seeing McGee's eyes "Crystal boss."
Nodding "Good, and good job to the both of you otherwise. What I did tonight with Binder, you'll learn how to do the same" Timothy says.
"That seemed to be rather excessive in reducing him to that wreckage. Binder may be a drug dealer and murderer, yet remains a person nonetheless" Jessica says.
For a brief second McGee thought about replying, but merely glares at Knight until the woman flinches. Privately McGee knows that will be something they will need to work on, learning how to not break when being on the other side of a Gibbs glare.
"Both of you go home. You've had a long day" Timothy says flipping the switch on, restoring power.
"Aren't you headed home? What about your family?" Nick inquires.
"I'll be on my way. First, I need to be sure Balboa made the arrest. Night" Timothy says.
"Night boss," Nick and Jessica both say like it's already a habit then catch themselves.
The elevator doors open Timothy has a light smile stepping off while the doors shut behind him. Exhaling heavily the newest MCRT leader feels the burden of everything now on his shoulders. No longer able to be a probie or even a more responsible yet carefree SFA, those days are forever gone. Has to have an unbreakable persona.
Autopsy room
Walking into the now darkened room seeing that Jimmy has thankfully gone home to get sleep, Timothy heads over towards a chair. Pulling out his cell phone waiting a moment until McGee hears a familiar voice.
"Hey Tim, is everything okay?" Gibbs asks in concern.
"Yeah, everything's fine boss. I'm uh… leading the MCRT officially tonight. I wish it was under happier conditions" Timothy says heavily.
"Talk to me," Gibbs says.
"Parker was going to send us home with an active case and refused to break a suspect. I just… couldn't do that, couldn't leave the victim's family like that. You taught us better" Timothy says.
"You did good McGee. How about your confession?" Gibbs asks.
"Not quite like you for time, boss but I used everything I ever watched you perform. Felt scared how easily I could slip into that role and overwhelming. Just how did you do this?" Timothy replies.
"Let me tell you about when I was put in charge after Mike left in 96," Gibbs begins reassuringly.
Hope you all enjoyed this and let me know what you think.
I find it very ironic in how I write this fic, at least, for Timothy McGee being the nicer person between Gibbs, and DiNozzo with the computer expert. Only now has to step into the roles both men left behind and ditch being the nice guy when leading MCRT.
Something that possibly seems far more exciting than what we have gotten recently.
I had fun putting in various stuff we've seen Gibbs do over the seasons now being used by McGee who has come very from the green-faced case agent we met twenty-one years ago. Even if that potential will only ever be properly fulfilled in fan fiction.
Yes, I'm aware actor wise Sean Murray will never be Mark Harmon, that's fine.
My villain for one Fesman Binder is pulled from Steven D. Binder on some of the episodes he wrote is Bloodbath, Twisted Sister, Check episode responsible for killing off Diane, and Face the Strange where McGee did not become MCRT lead.
Fesman is from Dan E Fesman who wrote Dog Tags one of the worst McGee-treated episodes needing no explanation.
Until next time.