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Chapter Text

//RAYMOND REDDINGTON//

//

Special Agent Elizabeth Keen places her mobile on 'mute' and takes a deep breath before re-establishing contact with her
caller: "What is it, Reddington?"

"I so value your especially warm greetings, Elizabeth. And hello to you, Special Agent. My news is critical and time-sensitive,
therefore I'll get straight to it: a conglomeration of the planet's most powerful and ruthless crime families are en route to
international waters for a summit of sorts; in part, their purpose is planning attacks against international, national, and local
law enforcement agencies. Regrettably, some of those attacks may have already taken place."

"Thank you, Red-I'm on it."

//

The summit Reddington spoke of is between delegations from crime families based in the US, Eastern Europe, Central America,
Mexico and Asia meet in international waters to plan and execute a massive undertaking to cripple national, international, and
local efforts aimed at thwarting their efforts to expand and maximize their criminal activities.

Chechengangsterskiy (gangster) Arkady Milokoff presides over the gathering as the most powerful (and feared) mob boss
second only in influence to Raymond Reddington. Tomas Serrano, leader of Northside Nation and an affiliate of La Zeta Mexican cartel speaks first:
"A certain Captain and his underlings in the Texas Department of Public Safety are proving problematic to our organization's operations... and
therefore the operations of everyone here. Their meddling is why revenues from narcotics and arms have decreased 30%."

Milokoff nodded and said, "Koçi." Albanian Ardian Koçi remained seated and said "Those troubles on the Texas border impact
the entertainment part of our profit. Ports of Chicago...New York...Los Angeles-all"...he waved his hand, searching for the correct
word..."locked down. Chicago Intelligence arrested many of our police associates and those on the port. We should fucking take them
out."

Similar tales of woe from the men and two women from the remaining bosses; and the question arose from Ji-Su Ping of
Taiwan: "And Reddington?"

" Mr. Reddington does not agree that taking up arms against the world's intelligence agencies and the combined federal
law enforcement agencies of the nations or states represented here would be sub-optimal. Thank you." Dembe Zumba said and
stood to leave.

Ardian Koçi said, "What makes you think that you are free to leave?"

Dembe's smile can only be described as feral ...

Koçi's personal 'protector' glances at him, and he answers with the slightest of nods. "Lëreni të shkojë!" [Let him go]. The muscleman,
clearly unhappy, steps aside. "Pse jo më lejoni vrite ate? Mund të kisha." [Why not let me kill him? I could have].

"Me pelqen Valeri. Nuk dua që të lëndohesh." [I like you Valeri. I don't want you hurt].

One of the other protectors hands his boss a satellite phone, mouthing 'Buckner'. "Mr. Mayor. Always nice to speak with you." He listens for
a few moments, then says "We were discussing that very thing moments ago...Yes, yes...of course I will have Oleg contact you daily or until
the matter is concluded. Yes, you also have a nice day." He hands the phone back to Valeri and remarks "Këta budallenj dhe ata kanë një ditë
të bukur." [These assholes and their 'have a nice day bullshit]. His men bark genuine laughter...

An hour later, Seated beside his leader in the rear of the armored SUV Valeri said "босс...почему ты не доверяешь мне убить африканца."
(Noss; let me kill him).

The craggy gangster replies "эн. ты хороший мальчик. как мой собственный сын-вот почему." (No. You are a good boy; like my own
son-that is why). He pats his proctector forearm and adds "Do not worry, Val. It always works out."

"OK, Boss."
//

Chapter Text

CHARACTERS:

Thomas Carter-Deputy Director, CIA (prior to Jake Keaton)-deceased

Allison Knight-Supervisory Deputy US Marshal, NYO-alive

Edgar Reade-Assistant Director, FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

Sofia Varma-Deputy White House Political Director-alive

Natasha "Tasha" Zapata-Special Agent, FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

Jake Keaton-Deputy Director, CIA

Kurt Weller-Supervisory Special Agent, FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

Jane Weller-Agent, FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

William Patterson-Special Agent, FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

Gord Enver/Rich Dot Com-Special Consultant, FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

William Patterson-Supervisor IT FBI/CIRG NYO-alive

Bethany Mayfair-Former Assistant Director, FBI/CIRG NYO-deceased

Matthew Weitz-Director, FBI-alive

***********************

////

(News Conference-Director Matthew Weitz, FBI re the murder of Assistant Director BETHANY MAYFAIR, NYO/CIRG):

'We lost one of our own last evening and it is as significant loss as any the Bureau has ever suffered. AD Mayfair and I
graduated Quantico together and I knew her well-as well as a person can know another. There was no sharper investigative
intellect or keener sense of duty than hers. When I accepted the post of AD the New York Office had recently retired and the
first name that came to my mind as a replacement was Bethany Mayfair's. Her murder was and is a blow to all who knew her or even
briefly crossed her path, no matter how briefly.

"The full resources of federal, state, and local enforcement are being brought to bear; there is no sanctuary for those responsible
for her murder. I've appointed Edgar Reade of the NYO as her replacement; he will lead the investigation into this...this unspeakable
crime. I have full confidence that AD Reade is the right man to find and bring all those involved to justice. I know that the entire law
enforcement fraternity mourns her loss. Thank you.'

CIRG/NYO

Briana Ross, Mayfair's hold-over Executive Assistant announced the arrival of a woman requesting an audience with the AD: "Ms. Sofia
Varma requesting a few minutes, Assistant Director."

"One minute, Bri." To Tasha Zapata Edgar Reade said "Sofia Varma-Mayfair's most recent 'SO' wants a word."

"Should I leave?", Zapata asked, standing up from her seat.

"Stay." He reached for and clutched her small hand briefly in his much bigger one, and offered her an affectionate smile.

" Ms. Varma, Assistant Director." Briana shut the door quietly behind her.

"Ms. Varma...words escape me...I'm lost." She shook both his and Zapata's out-stretched hands. "Will you sit, please?" Reade
offered.

"Thank you, you're both very kind. Please thank everyone for the flowers and cards." She paused and drew a large envelope from the
attache she carried. "I found some papers in our safe, at home. They detail something called Project Daylight, and a man called Oscar.
There's also material on Thomas Carter. I-I...I'd like to leave this with you." Tasha accepts the proferred envelope, smiling her thanks.
"Mayfair was more to Reade and me than a boss. She mentored us, guided and counseled us and many others. She was family and we
won't rest-ANY OF US-until that those responsible reap the maximum penalty."

Reade stood when Sofia did, and the three shook hands once again. "Please let us know if there is anything at all that we can do."

After Varma left Tasha says "Weller is really fucked up about this. I talked with Jane and she says he may need another day; do I tell
tell her yes?"

"That's cool." Reade replies.

"How are you, Amor ?" Tasha says, rubbing his arm. (DAMN you're jacked!" she mutters sotto voce)

"Still processing. You?"

"Same. I should-I should get the Little One from my brother's-I have 'rhythm' with the AD, tu sabes " (you know).

"Do you though?" Reade jokes.

"I have something that he really REALLY wants. Really, though...she needs to see you, Reade. She notices when you aren't there."

"I know that, Tash...Weitz"-

"I KNOW-he expects you here late if not around the clock. Just...she's really aware for a six-month-old: she's threatening to walk, and she
knows you now since you came back to us. I'll handle it; you'll come when you come-don't jack-pot yourself, Eddie."

"I'll be there. This is important to me too. It really is."

"I'll wait up. Besos ." (Kisses)

Ending the kiss Reade jokes "Besos as in JEFF BEZOS?"

"I have a firearm, Reade."

/////

PATTERSON/RICH DOT COM/BOSTON (MENTIONED)

"When did you say that Boston is coming back, Babe?" Patterson asked Rich.

"Two weeks. He's...um..."

"Be careful, Enver!"

"OK, OK! He's tying up the loose ends of his...art restoration business. And...some other things."

Hands on her hips, the IT specialist says sternly "GORD ENVER: he closes down any and all illegal"-

"You mean questionable Rich said, holding up a finger.

"-Quasi-legal, 'extra-legal'; however you slice it he shuts down ALL OF IT before our six months of tying up loose ends on
cases still pending while we were in Eastern Europe. FULLY AND COMPLETELY CLOSED DOWN, Rich!"

"As you say, My Love," Rich recited (then more that Patterson didn't catch).

"Sorry: what?!"

"Nuttin', Honey!"

"Anyways...when he finally is back we three should sit down and discuss exactly how all of this will work. I mean-what really IS a 'throuple'?
I've heard of them but I never saw myself as part of one. Did YOU ever?"

"Honestly no. Anything pre-Boston was just me fucking around: the two of us always found our way back to each other. Not only have I
never imagined a polyamorous relationship I never imagined in my wildest imagination did I see a polyamorous situation that included
a woman ,"

Patterson turns off the burners and starts transferring food from the pan and pots onto plates. "How in the world does this have a chance
in hell of working?"

"Not with that fatalistic approach, it won't!", Rich declares. "Why don't we work on locating the Book Of Secrets , square up
travel dates, logistics, etc while we wait. That way we're that much closer to finalizing the details once the ninety days are over."

Plates and utensils on the table Patterson says "Gord."

"William," he responds.

"I'll drop it after this, but...I don't...I'm unsure if I want sex with Boston if we decide to go forward...and I get that or you Boston's inclusion
is a deal-breaker"...

"Ehhh...it's a discussion, Blondie. Not set in stone. NOW...about MAYFAIR"...

/////

THE WELLERS

A despondent Kurt Weller suffers another blow; first Taylor Shaw, then the revelation that his father Bill actually murdered his childhood
friend...and now his mentor Bethany Mayfair has been slain. When he set his empty cocktail glass on the coffee table, Jane immediately grabbed
it and moved it to the bar countertop before returning to his side. Kurt. How can I help you, Baby? Tell me what to do, because I don't know."

"Mayfair's gone...she's gone"...

"I know, my sweet man-I know: come, c'mere" and she embraces him, tears filling her own eyes. "Are you too close to this, do you
think?" she whispers. "Should we ask Reade to excuse us from the task force?"

"Wha-What do you think?" he asks. "Honest opinion-no 'smoke' allowed."

"You know him better than I do. BUT...you'd kick yourself for the rest of both of our lives if you didn't do all that you could. I mean...
I think that we should. It'll be OK, Kurt...promise."

"Yeah; OK. Hey, I'm gonna lie down: call Reade?"

Jane leaned for a gentle kiss. "Sure." She left the room, walked downstairs, and dialed the Assistant Director. "Hey, Reade...sorry to
disturb..."

"You're fine. What's up?"

"Kurt and I want to be brought into the task force if it's not too late. Kurt needs a distraction, and so do I."

"Whatever you want, J. Mayfair would want that, I'm sure. I've scheduled a 'zoom' with state, local, feds, Interpol, etc. If the two of
you can be in the office by 0900 that would be great."

Gratefully, Jane said "Thanks, Boss. We'll be there."

/////

"Reade. Come on, Baby...we'll be late for the funeral."

"Hmmm...huh? Tash?"

"Yes, Cariño. Let's get a shower; I've already laid out your black suit."

"OK. Let's do it."

In the shower, Tasha could see that her man was close to breaking down and took action, initiating sex: first pleasuring him with her mouth,
then riding him as he lay prone. The act drained off some of the oppressive grief and served as a sort of celebration of their beloved mentor and
friend's life and legacy. All of that occurred without a word. Tasha prepared their breakfast, and though neither ate very much, they didn't pick
over the meal, either. "We should get moving, Ma," Reade said. Then he winced and rubbed a hand across his forehead.

"¿*Tienes dolor de cabeza, amor? Manejo yo *. /Do you have a headache, Love? I'll drive/.

"¿*Asi de embarazada ? No Baby"... /Pregnant like you are?/

"It's fine-would you rather have a wreck and CIRG have a second funeral?! Vamos."

Reade relents and they lock up, get into their BMW and drive off.

/TBC/

Chapter Text

Featuring:

CHICAGO MED

Daniel Charles
Natalie Manning

CHICAGO PD

Kevin Atwater
Jay Halstead
Erin Lindsey
Trudy Platt
Vanessa Rojas
Adam Ruzek
Hailey Upton
Hank Voight

STATION 19

[Michael Dixon]

"Dispatch; 5021 Adam...show us rolling to that location. Let's go, everyone."

Vanessa Rojas says, "And me, Boss?"

"EVERYONE, Detective."

Hesitantly, she approaches Kevin Atwater. "Ride with you?"

He spares her a flick of his eyes. "We still partners." He didn't wait for her when he strode out of the room.

The ride to the scene is silent until Ness says, "I should have done better than a note. I'm...I'm sorry, Kev. I really am."

"Hmm. You had orders to 'dip' without telling anyone, so I can't hold that against you. But see V - I don't hear from you for
for you for 86 days and then you just POP UP at unit como sin nada " (as if nothing happened).

"Yeah. Things were moving fast, Kev-you know how it is in deep cover. And I did text you that one time to say that I'm OK and
that I love you and can't wait to see you"-

"Riiiiight...one time in damn near 90 days. That makes it better."

"I just can't win with you," Vanessa states sadly. "I apologize every day for how things went down, and that isn't enough. You
acknowledge that I had orders to keep my assignment quiet and that you don't hold it against me, but you continue to punish me
every. single. day...I can't take this, Atwater. If you can't get past this, just say so and I'll...move out...I'm gonna stay with..with
Hailey tonight..."

At that moment, they arrived at the scene. Atwater's shoulders heaved, and he sighed deeply. When he turned to Vanessa again,
he made his expression and his voice softer than previously. "After shift, let's talk. At home."

"Really? OK."

She allowed herself a small smile as she slid out of the passenger seat. Together, they join the group already gathered outside
of the building. Twenty steps away, she whispered, "I love you."

"I know, Baby. I love you back."

"Aliright: the vic is Michael Dixon ...Seattle resident. Dixon got kicked from the FD there, then the PD - both times for RICO
and corruption. He turned 'state's' against The Oath Keepers, Washington Militia, and the Albanians. His aka was Kelton Byars-FBI had
WITSEC since his testimony. At this time, how they found him is unknown; they also don't know who hit him."

"Any affiliations in this area, Boss?" asked Hailey Upton.

"No fuckin' idea. Dig into that, yeah?"

"Rojas-we need a deep dive on his wife; she's at Gaffney with GSWS. Give'em some time before you head over. Meanwhile, you and Kev get
into his escapades in Seattle."

Vanessa and Kev say 'A'ight' at the same instant.

"Erin's on her way from New York: she's our FBI contact." (Jay sneaked a glance at Hailey to gauge her reaction to Voight's news about
ERIN. Her expression didn't change, but he knows from experience that that in itself doesn't mean much. Jay with me."

PD HQ, SEATTLE WA

-------------------------------------

LEON HENDRICKS WANTS ANSWERS: answers to HOW and WHY a fucking assasin was able to not just find out Pedo Face Dixon's
safehouse location ...they know his name and how to get to him. "Chief Jacobson?"

Deputy Chief Mike Jacobsen stands to say, "Unknown, Sir. I have a call in to the Feds. In the meantime, Tom Hackett and Damien Asante
will run our part of the task force. Sheriffs are on board, and the State Police. We have a conference call with Dep Sup Miller, Chicago PD in
thirty minutes. Also, the Marshals Service and WITSEC are digging deep into how the shooter or shooters got to Dixon and where the leak
came from."

Hendricks asked, "CPD Intelligence is leading the CPD Task Force, I imagine?"

"Correct, Sir. Voight." Everyone in the conference room groans aloud. Voight's reputation is well known-even in Seattle.

Jules Karr sticks her head into the room: "Excuse me, Chief Hendricks: Michael Dixon's wife was shot as well, and her condition is serious
not life-threatening."

"Thanks, Jules. Everyone, let's meet back here at 1600. Jules, bring the requisition lists into my office, please."

Filing out of the large room, Watch Commander Nick Cantu nudges his counterpart from the neighbouring district to whisper, "Chief has
a requisition for that sphincter muscle!"

He and WC Callie Jones snigger quietly as they head down the hallway...

-------------------------------------

"Not that I give a fuck, but Dick-face getting blasted might not be the 'boon' we thought it was," Lucas said, handing his best friend
another beer. "I don't think Hendricks will let it lie, except he answers to the PD Commission."

Sullivan snorted. "Nuh. Those fucks only interests are in what dirt might come out about THEM. Most of those pricks came up with 'Dick'
back in the day before our time. Buckle up, Rip - that Gruppe von ScheiBe who went after Kev may target US next."

"PLEASE let them come!"

Touching his beer bottle against his best friend's, remarking, "Copy that."

TRANSLATION(S)

Gruppe von ScheiBe-Gang Of Turds (German)

(continued)