"Territory" for jennukes
Sep. 11th, 2006 01:13 am![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
pixie-on-acid.livejournal.com posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
ncisficathonTitle: Territory
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
pixie_on_acid
Written for:jennukes
Archive: Sure, if you want to.
Rating: PG (maybe not, but subject matter…)
Warnings/Spoilers: None
Genre: Gen
Pairings: None
Word Count:1,200 (approx)
Disclaimer: I own neither NCIS, nor the characters involved. This is for entertainment purposes only, I recognise no financial returns from these works.
Prompt: Ducky centered story... maybe how he first met Gibbs (NOT slash please)
Summary: See above
Credits: Thank yourinkle and kate98 for the beta work… they are marvellous. And Jenn, now you know why you weren't asked.
Author's Note:jennukes lies. Lies, I tell you, lies. She is not the Good Twin. Not ever. (Morally ambivalent, maybe, Jenn… but genetic experiments that lead into were-rabbits is EVIL). Oh, and Jenn... I think you can guess on the icon... It's coming that time again, Ranger-girl. Game on.
Territory
He heard a shout and looked up to see an odd little man approaching, gesticulating madly. Well, perhaps not little, though he wasn't the tallest man Ducky had ever met, no… that would be the gentleman in Mumbai, or Bombay as he really preferred to think of the place, who stood well over seven feet, much taller than the rather perturbed figure making his way past the crime scene tape. Oh well, no matter, they'd said there would be some controversy over jurisdiction of this case, but Ducky wasn't that concerned. Let the various agencies fight over his report, but they would get it after he was done with the body, which was definitely his… it was found in his territory, and if the FBI, or whomever this person claimed to be with… No, Ducky decided, not the FBI, for that agency insisted on full suits even in these hot and humid temperatures. Yes, small wonder he thought of Bombay on days like these, the weather was enough to spark a connection. Not a local, either… not only did Ducky know most of them, but this man didn't walk or stand like a police officer, he had a definite bearing of the military about him. Ah, yes, probably because the FBI were insisting that there was a serial killer at work, which would doubtlessly aid their claim to jurisdiction, however one of their politically less-astute employees mentioned in the profile that there was a possibility of the killer being a sailor, probably in the military, which, of course, brought another agency into the fray. Yes, that must be whom this man represented.
"Gibbs, NIS." The man barked the words out, rather reminiscent of one of Mother's corgis, to tell the truth. No wasted time with titles, either. "What…"
"Special Agent Gibbs," Ducky went with the assumption that NIS would be a Federal agency, and they all seemed to think that their people were special. "If you wouldn't mind moving about three feet to your left, please. As it stands, you're blocking my light, and I am trying to ascertain a preliminary cause of death. I already know the body was moved post-mortem, and I would prefer that none of you people move her again until I am done."
Gibbs moved, but not as far as Ducky asked. He did maintain a respectful silence, however, far more than the young patrolman who had found the body had managed. He was now complaining to his supervisor that the coroner – oh, how he hated being a mere 'coroner', any veterinarian or undertaker could claim that title but he was a medical examiner, with far more expertise than the ability to see if a corpse was still breathing – had just threatened him. Hardly a threat, Ducky mused, more of a warning, an informational comment, really. Men had been executed for far lesser crimes than the destruction of evidence in a murder investigation. Perhaps not here and now, but that was the price you paid for having a merciful and balanced justice system.
"What happened to her hair?" When Agent Gibbs finally spoke again, his voice was softer, respectful of the young lady who had so recently been someone's beloved daughter or sister.
"He cut it off. He used a single edged tool, like a razor or a knife and then…" Ducky moved her arm just slightly so Agent Gibbs could see, "he used it to bind her wrists." Ducky shook his head. "I've never seen anything quite like it. There are no other ligature marks on the bodies, and no signs of drugs, and yet he managed to keep them subdued long enough to braid their hair, cut it off and then use it as a rope."
"Maybe he knocked them out," Gibbs suggested.
"I haven't found any indication of that, either." And yet there had to be some explanation as to why these girls were so compliant. Hardly a sex-game gone wrong… while there were many women who were willing to submit to any number of near tortures in the name of ecstasy, there weren't likely to be many willing to allow themselves to be disfigured like this. Oh, the FBI had a number of theories as to why their 'unsub' would do such a thing, but none of them had any clue as to how. No, there had been the one, the brooding man with the fondness for literature, he'd advanced a theory, with a succinctness unfitting your typical profiler. He'd considered the question quietly, then answered simply…
"Fear." Agent Gibbs echoed the other agent's thoughts. "And hope. If they cooperated, they'd live. If they didn't…" His face solidified, as though he was locking in too much sorrow to bear. "He only needed to restrain them when it became clear that he wasn't going to let them live."
Ducky nodded. The opposition dynamic made sense, creating almost a form of brainwashing. But when true desperation set in, then there was the risk of resistance and struggle. Once the victims realised that fighting back was their only hope… no, it didn't quite make sense, not entirely. If it was only their own lives at stake…
"You've only got half the number of victims." Gibbs seemed to read his mind. "If you want complete cooperation from one person, it helps to have a second. Somebody they care about." Again, it seemed as though he knew too much and was trying not to let it show. "One victim, you say maybe he had her too scared to fight, no matter what. Multiples? He's got leverage."
"Then perhaps we do have the rest of the victims." Ducky sat back on his heels and mused. If the second set of victims didn't match the first, which would make sense because in the killer's mind neither set of victims served the same purpose. Yet, there would still be a pattern, less ritual and more habit. The ritual victims would get everybody's attention, but what about the sacrifices? With all the focus here, would anyone even notice?
Gibbs handed him a card. "When you find them, let me know."
Ducky raised his eyebrows, insulted. "Let you know? These are not your victims, Special Agent Gibbs. They are mine."
"Is that a confession?" This time Gibbs didn't back away even an inch. There did seem to be a hint of a smirk there, however. Typical, acting like the old man was less than half a step away from senile, when he knew more about bodies than any eighteen of them put together and given an intensive, two year training program.
"I am the County Medical Examiner. Not some flunky who answers to your whims. The bodies and information will be released when I decide they are to be, and not a moment sooner. Is that clear enough, Special Agent Gibbs?"
The man straightened up and tossed off a small salute. "Very clear, Doctor Mallard." There was a hint of a smile, however.
"Now, kindly don't disturb the rest of the scene on your way out." He dismissed the man, not even watching to see if he left. He hated jurisdictional squabbles; they left people more focussed on the territory lines than the body lying across them. Some days he was surprised that surveyors hadn't assessed the scene first, to decide which ME to call. And while they might have the other bodies linked with these crimes, they certainly had this one, and she deserved his closest care and attention. "Don't you worry, my dear, we're going to get him." Ducky tucked the card in his pocket, intending to forget about it. After all, it wasn't like he was going to be dealing with the man, again.
Author:
pixie_on_acidWritten for:
jennukesArchive: Sure, if you want to.
Rating: PG (maybe not, but subject matter…)
Warnings/Spoilers: None
Genre: Gen
Pairings: None
Word Count:1,200 (approx)
Disclaimer: I own neither NCIS, nor the characters involved. This is for entertainment purposes only, I recognise no financial returns from these works.
Prompt: Ducky centered story... maybe how he first met Gibbs (NOT slash please)
Summary: See above
Credits: Thank you
rinkle and kate98 for the beta work… they are marvellous. And Jenn, now you know why you weren't asked.Author's Note:
jennukes lies. Lies, I tell you, lies. She is not the Good Twin. Not ever. (Morally ambivalent, maybe, Jenn… but genetic experiments that lead into were-rabbits is EVIL). Oh, and Jenn... I think you can guess on the icon... It's coming that time again, Ranger-girl. Game on.He heard a shout and looked up to see an odd little man approaching, gesticulating madly. Well, perhaps not little, though he wasn't the tallest man Ducky had ever met, no… that would be the gentleman in Mumbai, or Bombay as he really preferred to think of the place, who stood well over seven feet, much taller than the rather perturbed figure making his way past the crime scene tape. Oh well, no matter, they'd said there would be some controversy over jurisdiction of this case, but Ducky wasn't that concerned. Let the various agencies fight over his report, but they would get it after he was done with the body, which was definitely his… it was found in his territory, and if the FBI, or whomever this person claimed to be with… No, Ducky decided, not the FBI, for that agency insisted on full suits even in these hot and humid temperatures. Yes, small wonder he thought of Bombay on days like these, the weather was enough to spark a connection. Not a local, either… not only did Ducky know most of them, but this man didn't walk or stand like a police officer, he had a definite bearing of the military about him. Ah, yes, probably because the FBI were insisting that there was a serial killer at work, which would doubtlessly aid their claim to jurisdiction, however one of their politically less-astute employees mentioned in the profile that there was a possibility of the killer being a sailor, probably in the military, which, of course, brought another agency into the fray. Yes, that must be whom this man represented.
"Gibbs, NIS." The man barked the words out, rather reminiscent of one of Mother's corgis, to tell the truth. No wasted time with titles, either. "What…"
"Special Agent Gibbs," Ducky went with the assumption that NIS would be a Federal agency, and they all seemed to think that their people were special. "If you wouldn't mind moving about three feet to your left, please. As it stands, you're blocking my light, and I am trying to ascertain a preliminary cause of death. I already know the body was moved post-mortem, and I would prefer that none of you people move her again until I am done."
Gibbs moved, but not as far as Ducky asked. He did maintain a respectful silence, however, far more than the young patrolman who had found the body had managed. He was now complaining to his supervisor that the coroner – oh, how he hated being a mere 'coroner', any veterinarian or undertaker could claim that title but he was a medical examiner, with far more expertise than the ability to see if a corpse was still breathing – had just threatened him. Hardly a threat, Ducky mused, more of a warning, an informational comment, really. Men had been executed for far lesser crimes than the destruction of evidence in a murder investigation. Perhaps not here and now, but that was the price you paid for having a merciful and balanced justice system.
"What happened to her hair?" When Agent Gibbs finally spoke again, his voice was softer, respectful of the young lady who had so recently been someone's beloved daughter or sister.
"He cut it off. He used a single edged tool, like a razor or a knife and then…" Ducky moved her arm just slightly so Agent Gibbs could see, "he used it to bind her wrists." Ducky shook his head. "I've never seen anything quite like it. There are no other ligature marks on the bodies, and no signs of drugs, and yet he managed to keep them subdued long enough to braid their hair, cut it off and then use it as a rope."
"Maybe he knocked them out," Gibbs suggested.
"I haven't found any indication of that, either." And yet there had to be some explanation as to why these girls were so compliant. Hardly a sex-game gone wrong… while there were many women who were willing to submit to any number of near tortures in the name of ecstasy, there weren't likely to be many willing to allow themselves to be disfigured like this. Oh, the FBI had a number of theories as to why their 'unsub' would do such a thing, but none of them had any clue as to how. No, there had been the one, the brooding man with the fondness for literature, he'd advanced a theory, with a succinctness unfitting your typical profiler. He'd considered the question quietly, then answered simply…
"Fear." Agent Gibbs echoed the other agent's thoughts. "And hope. If they cooperated, they'd live. If they didn't…" His face solidified, as though he was locking in too much sorrow to bear. "He only needed to restrain them when it became clear that he wasn't going to let them live."
Ducky nodded. The opposition dynamic made sense, creating almost a form of brainwashing. But when true desperation set in, then there was the risk of resistance and struggle. Once the victims realised that fighting back was their only hope… no, it didn't quite make sense, not entirely. If it was only their own lives at stake…
"You've only got half the number of victims." Gibbs seemed to read his mind. "If you want complete cooperation from one person, it helps to have a second. Somebody they care about." Again, it seemed as though he knew too much and was trying not to let it show. "One victim, you say maybe he had her too scared to fight, no matter what. Multiples? He's got leverage."
"Then perhaps we do have the rest of the victims." Ducky sat back on his heels and mused. If the second set of victims didn't match the first, which would make sense because in the killer's mind neither set of victims served the same purpose. Yet, there would still be a pattern, less ritual and more habit. The ritual victims would get everybody's attention, but what about the sacrifices? With all the focus here, would anyone even notice?
Gibbs handed him a card. "When you find them, let me know."
Ducky raised his eyebrows, insulted. "Let you know? These are not your victims, Special Agent Gibbs. They are mine."
"Is that a confession?" This time Gibbs didn't back away even an inch. There did seem to be a hint of a smirk there, however. Typical, acting like the old man was less than half a step away from senile, when he knew more about bodies than any eighteen of them put together and given an intensive, two year training program.
"I am the County Medical Examiner. Not some flunky who answers to your whims. The bodies and information will be released when I decide they are to be, and not a moment sooner. Is that clear enough, Special Agent Gibbs?"
The man straightened up and tossed off a small salute. "Very clear, Doctor Mallard." There was a hint of a smile, however.
"Now, kindly don't disturb the rest of the scene on your way out." He dismissed the man, not even watching to see if he left. He hated jurisdictional squabbles; they left people more focussed on the territory lines than the body lying across them. Some days he was surprised that surveyors hadn't assessed the scene first, to decide which ME to call. And while they might have the other bodies linked with these crimes, they certainly had this one, and she deserved his closest care and attention. "Don't you worry, my dear, we're going to get him." Ducky tucked the card in his pocket, intending to forget about it. After all, it wasn't like he was going to be dealing with the man, again.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 09:56 am (UTC)You know that I loved it.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 07:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 11:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 12:49 pm (UTC)But Damn! I need to upload my ranger Icons again! I told twin to plan a Calgary game if she can... but I don't think she will.
As for being Good... I TOLD YOU! Good is Relative!
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 07:57 pm (UTC)In your case, very.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:04 pm (UTC)Well, DUH! The Evil Twin gave me the title. :)
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 01:02 pm (UTC)This rocks, Pixie! It's so perfectly Ducky, I can see him in my mind retelling this story to someone... Ziva most likely.
See now, now, I am going to have to start prompting Ducky stories as well as WAT stories. Your muse is going to strangle me in March!
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 07:58 pm (UTC)I'm glad you loved it (now did you get the inside joke? Rinne and Kate did).
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:08 pm (UTC)I know. I feel bad, but I actually haven't had time to give it proper consideration. And I can't just give it half or less of my attention. It's the WR. It needs 100%!
now did you get the inside joke?
Do you mean your mention of Gideon in there as the FBI profiler? I forgot to mention that in my intial review. :)
That rocked!!! :)
no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-11 08:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 05:12 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 06:25 am (UTC)I loved that line, myself. It still makes me grin.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 10:46 am (UTC)The last line was superb.
This really does call for a sequel :-)
Great story.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-12 08:17 pm (UTC)I'm not sure about a sequel... I think we kind of know what happens. *g* We'll have to see... I've got a lot of other things lined up, as well.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-15 10:30 pm (UTC)In case you wonder, Jenn was my billboard this time.
no subject
Date: 2006-09-20 08:05 am (UTC)Ducky went with the assumption that NIS would be a Federal agency, and they all seemed to think that their people were special.
And the whole coroner v. medical examiner thing? Nicely done!
no subject
Date: 2006-09-22 09:16 pm (UTC)I think that's one of my favourite lines, too.