A week later, the operations center took on a completely different atmosphere. Gone was the usual tension and busyness, replaced by colorful streamers and balloons. Computers and desks had been temporarily moved to other offices, clearing out ample space for the occasion.
Thanksgiving is an important holiday in the USA. Its origins need not be elaborated here, but it's worth noting that the true original inhabitants of this land, the Native Americans, generally don't celebrate this holiday.
Not long ago, the FBI's New York office successfully rescued 26 elementary school children in the school bus kidnapping case. Coinciding with Thanksgiving just a week later, a lively Thanksgiving party was naturally held within the Federal Building.
This was perhaps the first time in FBI New York's history that so many children had gathered there. Of the 26 children rescued from the kidnapping, 25 attended the event, along with many agents who brought their own children to the party.
A typical Thanksgiving celebration revolves around three Fs: food, family, and football. Families gather to hold hands in prayer, enjoy a turkey feast, and then crowd around the TV to watch the annual NFL Thanksgiving games.
Since this event was primarily for children, the party was scheduled for the afternoon. Just as Americans watch the NBA on Christmas, watching NFL games on Thanksgiving is a long-standing tradition. At this moment, the large screen was broadcasting the first of three Thanksgiving games for the day: the Detroit Lions versus the Minnesota Vikings.
Jack wasn't particularly interested in football. He sat on a couch with a smile, holding a glass of orange juice and watching as Hannah, the older sister figure, played with the kids.
The food at the party was all brought by the parents. Apart from a massive turkey that hardly anyone touched, most of the offerings were desserts like pumpkin pies and apple pies, laden with staggering amounts of sugar.
The sugar content had an effect on the children's nervous systems akin to how strong alcohol affects adults. Soon, the initially shy little devils, who had been reserved due to being in an FBI office, revealed their true chaotic selves.
Perhaps due to the absence of alcoholic beverages, few adults crowded around the screen. But with the noise of a gang of rowdy children, the party was anything but dull.
Members of the "Most Wanted Unit" were also present. However, Lacroix didn't bring his daughter. After all, Tali's mother was Native American, and naturally, they didn't celebrate Thanksgiving.
Lacroix only made a brief appearance before disappearing. At first, Jack didn't think much of it, but soon Dana Mosier called him to her office over the phone.
In the office were his female boss, a smiling Lacroix, and an equally delighted Jubal. That's when Jack received news that left him utterly stunned.
"You're leaving the FBI?" Jack, of course, wasn't asking his female boss. He directed the question at Lacroix, who sat across from Mosier at her desk.
"Yes, as you just heard. ICE is undergoing restructuring and urgently needs personnel, so they've extended an olive branch to me," Lacroix replied with a faint smile.
"The bureau approved my early retirement under special provisions, allowing me to take a position at ICE akin to an internal affairs role."
"Uh, should I congratulate you?" Jack extended his hand for a handshake. It sounded like good news, after all.
"Of course. It's one of the ways DHS is showing its sincerity," Dana Mosier interjected, her words revealing just how much ICE had been shaken up. Even its parent agency, DHS, seemed to be feeling the pressure.
"So?" Jack sat down in one of the chairs, waiting to hear what this had to do with him.
"Well, with Lacroix leaving, his task force will be restructured. CID (Criminal Investigative Division) has approved the creation of a new task force modeled after the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit), focused on apprehending most-wanted fugitives nationwide."
Dana Mosier's words made Jack's heart skip a beat. Could it be...
"Congratulations, Jack. You're about to become a Supervisory Special Agent," Mosier announced. "I proposed that you and Jubal take the lead in forming and running this task force."
Now it was Lacroix and Jubal's turn to congratulate Jack. The suddenness of this good news left him momentarily speechless, his mouth slightly open as his eyes darted between the three faces.
"Are we sure it's Thanksgiving and not April Fools' Day?"
The promotion seemed almost surreal. At this pace, Jack jokingly thought he might actually make FBI Director and retire gloriously before the age of 30.
Of course, he knew this was just wishful thinking. Jack had no interest in venturing into politics. And this unusual promotion was likely linked to that medal he received earlier. Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit giddy. With this kind of trajectory, he might one day find himself on equal footing with Hotchner in his early 30s.
The trio shared a hearty laugh before Mosier explained their vision to Jack. This new task force wouldn't have the same exceptional status as Rossi's BAU team, nor the same high level of authority.
The BAU, after all, was directly under NCAVC (National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime) and treated like a prized child.
As for this upcoming task force, it would officially fall under CID but would be administratively tied to the New York office for the time being.
In practical terms, their assignments would come from CID, but they'd also be obligated to assist the New York office when needed. They would even have the freedom to choose cases from the long list of fugitives, provided they had leads or reasonable justification.
However, luxuries like a 24/7 Gulfstream jet were out of the question. On the upside, they'd have an independent office, located between JFK Airport and Long Beach. The facility was a confiscated FBI asset—a two-story building with a massive underground garage.
Even with his promotion, Jack wasn't yet high-ranking enough to take on an administrative role for the task force. As a result, Jubal was also getting a promotion.
Jubal's "Assistant Special Agent-in-Charge" title would lose the "Assistant," making him the official Special Agent-in-Charge.
In essence, the task force's structure would mirror the BAU's, with Jubal in Hotchner's role and Jack acting as the field commander.
Of course, Lacroix wasn't leaving immediately. He still had at least six months before his official retirement. Mosier gave Jack and Jubal an eight-month window to fully establish the task force.
"So, even if I pick non-FBI personnel, there's enough time for them to complete training at Quantico and join the team, right?" Jack asked. Truthfully, this aspect genuinely excited him.
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I Am Zeus, KING OF GODS (Chapter 79)
Fairy Tail: Igneel's Eldest Son (Chapter 391)
I Am Thalos, Odin's Older Brother (Chapter 471)
Reborn in America's Anti-Terror Unit (Chapter 677)
Solomon in Marvel (Chapter 1059)
Becoming the Wealthiest Tycoon on the Planet (Chapter 1418)
Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe (Chapter 1422)
American Detective: From TV Rookie to Seasoned Cop (Chapter 1452)
American TV Writer (Chapter 1504)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld!(Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 703)
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