You step out of the NCIS van, the brisk morning air biting at your skin as you nervously glance around. This isn’t just your first day in the field; it’s your first chance to prove you belong here. Beside you, Special Agent Timothy McGee adjusts his gear, giving you a reassuring nod.

“Don’t worry,” he says, pulling a tablet from his bag. “This is just a simple walkthrough. I’ll show you how we handle crime scenes, and you’ll be fine.”

You try to smile, but your stomach churns with nerves. McGee seems calm, maybe even a little distracted, as he starts pointing out various protocols. You’re halfway through jotting notes on proper evidence collection when a shout echoes from the building nearby.

“NCIS! Everyone down!” another agent yells from inside.

McGee freezes mid-sentence. His hand moves instinctively to his holstered weapon. You barely have time to react before he turns to you, eyes wide. “Stay here,” he orders, but the commotion inside has already sparked your adrenaline.

“Wait!” you call after him, but he’s already rushing toward the scene.

You follow, because of course you do. The training manual didn’t prepare you for the sight of chaos erupting as masked figures in sleek black suits dart through the building, armed with cutting-edge tech. One of them wields a device that emits a blinding flash of blue light, shorting out every screen in sight. Sparks rain down like fireworks.

McGee’s voice crackles in your ear. “What are you doing? I said stay outside!”

“I thought you might need backup!” you reply, ducking behind a desk as a stray shot whizzes past.

“Backup? You’re supposed to be my trainee!” His exasperation is obvious, but there’s no time for argument.

As you peek around the corner, you spot one of the thieves slipping a small, high-tech device into their bag. Your heart pounds. Do you risk intervening? What’s the protocol for a situation like this? Your hand hovers over your comms.

“McGee, I think I found the leader,” you whisper.

“Do not engage!” he hisses.

But it’s too late.