Mission 101

Chapter 16- Every Accomplishment Starts With The Decision To Try

Callen's POV

It had been about two days since Eric and Nell got back from Puerto Rico for Nell's mothers funeral. I feel so bad for her. Nobody deserves to loose a family member. I out of everyone should know that. It's incredibly hard not knowing who your family are. Along the years, I have found out that my mother was killed and I never knew my father. I honestly don't even know if he's alive. He could be dead, for all I know. When I found out my mother was dead, I was heart broken. I had been moved between thirty-seven foster family's, and was only young when my mother was killed.

I can't even begin to imagine what Nell is going through. Throughout the years, ever since Nell was born, she has had a very strong bond with her mother, and losing her would be a nightmare. Not that I really know much about Nell and we don't talk that much, but I just get that feeling.

On a lighter note, things with Deeks seem to have died down a bit. His father having a life sentence, Gina getting two years, but Max unfortunately still in a coma. I'm still not completely sure of his 'thing' with Kensi, we all know they are going to end up being together, even with the amount of denial and teasing they are currently filling their lives with.

It was about ten-past-nine, in the morning and I was walking into the bullpen, suddenly being questioned by a worked out, annoyed Sam. "You're ten minutes late." I looked at him. Seriously? He's gonna go there? "So? I had car trouble." I lied. "Mhmm..car trouble. In other words, You had a hot date." I laughed. "Ohh yeah Sam. I had a hot date at eight o'clock in the morning." I joked. He looked at me weirdly. "Come on man, I've been your partner for five years, I think by now I would know when you're lying. Who's the lucky girl?" He argued. I smiled at him and nodded my head a little bit, as if to say 'remember?', he finally took the hint. "No! Joelle? Aww, man! I thought you scared that one off! I thought the minute you mentioned you were a 'security's trader' as your cover story, she was out! Isn't she a little too good for you though?" Sam teased. I shook my head and chuckled as Kensi and Deeks walked into the bullpen.

"Who's not good enough for Callen?" Deeks asked, not bothering to say hi. "Ahh, good morning to you too, Deeks!" I joked. He nodded in my direction, while Kensi greeted us. "Morning."

"Joelle. Callen's still going out with Joelle." Sam stated. Kensi laughed. "Which ones Joelle?" Deeks asked, I didn't reply, instead Sam pulled out his phone and showed Deeks a photo. "Ohhh, that one! What did you rate her again? An eight? Or was it a nine? I'm surprised you've been together for that long. I thought the minute you told her you were a 'security's trader', you were gone." Deeks commented. "That's what I said!" Sam added, before being cut off by a very familiar sound coming from the top of the stairs.

"It may be thanksgiving, but sadly we're going to be spending ours catching criminals. We have a case! Let's go!" Eric commanded.

We all ran upstairs after Eric and stood around the island, waiting for Eric to start briefing us.

"Nate?" Kensi called, as Nate walked into ops. "Hey!" He replied, giving her a hug, shaking mine, Sam and Deeks' hands. "What's up man?" Sam asked. "Ahh, just here to check on little Nell. Where is she by the way?" He continued. Everyone looked at each other, none of us knew where Nell was. "Umm, I don't know. We haven't seen her all morning." I answered. "Is she okay?" Kensi asked. "Given the current circumstances, its only natural that she may be feeling depressed and grieving. But even this isn't like Nell. I guess that's what I'll have to find out. Maybe Hetty knows where she is. I'll see you guys later." Nate stated, walking out of ops to talk to Hetty.

"Okay, so what are the worlds Gremlins getting up to today?" Deeks asked. Really, Deeks? "What?" I asked. Deeks looked at me in shock. "Are you serious? Come on guys!" He yelled. Everyone was looking at him like 'what the hell are you on about?'

"Come on! The Gremlins? You know? Gizmo?" Deeks continued, starring at our confused faces, in shock. "You guys have no knowledge on good movies!" He yelled, walking towards Eric. "Don't let me down here, Beale." He whispered to Eric. Eric nodded and Deeks held out his hand, allowing Eric to give him a high five. "I knew it! See,this guy has good taste!" Deeks yelled, excited that Eric had actually watched 'Gremlins'.

"What have you got for us Eric?" Sam asked, ignoring the immature Deeks, dancing around in the circle, screaming "Bright light! Bright light!" Well, at least until Kensi interrupted him. "Deeks? Shut the hell up before I pin you up against the wall and shine a bright light in your brightly ugly face!" Deeks instantly stopped dancing and stood there, looking at her.

"Okay, well. Three hours ago, Navy lieutenant Alec Holthbert was murdered. Ling chi style." Eric started. "Ahh, one of the old Chinese ways of executing someone." I finished, the team looking at me, intrigued. "They cut the victim slowly and then a sudden stab to the heart or chest." I continued, hopefully filling in blanks.

"Right. Well, Lieutenent Holthbert was found outside of a night club, in downtown LA." Eric finished. "Okay. Kensi, Deeks? You two go talk to his family, Sam and I will go to the crime scene." I instructed. "Addresses are already on your phones." Eric added. "Thanks, Eric." Sam replied, as we all walked out ops.