"Special Agent Gibbs," Director Vance said as he approached Gibbs' desk. "I need to see you in my office now."
"On what grounds?" Gibbs replied.
"Suddenly I need a reason to talk to agents in the agency that I run? My office, Special Agent Gibbs, and that's an order!"
"OK Jethro, here is the situation. A couple of sailors have gone UA at NAS Brunswick, and foul play is suspected."
"What does this have to do with me, Vance? Isn't there a field office in Newport or Brunswick?"
"There is, but I want you on this one. I'm sure you're aware of the BRAC verdict on NAS Brunswick, correct?"
"Yes, they decided to close the base in 2011. That was announced in 2005. You still haven't explained what this has to do with me or my team."
"SecNav has asked NCIS to speedily solve this incident. Tensions are already high in the Brunswick area before the base closing, and murder is the last thing the Navy needs to deal with during this transition."
"I'm not going to be your PR cleanup crew, Leon," Gibbs said bluntly as he stood up and walked toward the door.
"That's what I thought you would say, Gibbs. I guess I knew that you wouldn't do it for me. At least do it for the families of those sailors. They at least deserve having our 'best'," Vance shuddered while saying that last part. "agents on the case."
Gibbs smirked, slightly gleeful at the discomfort he was causing the director.
"Fine, we'll do it," Gibbs said finally. "How are we getting there? Is SecNav letting us use the Jetstream again?"
Now it was the Director's turn to smile. "I don't think there is any need for that, Gibbs. You and your team can take your company car up. I'm sure that if you leave now, you'll get there by tonight."
"Have you ever been stuck in a car with DiNozzo and David for more than an hour?"
"Personally, I haven't. But enjoy that, Gibbs," the Director said with a smirk, his trademark toothpick hanging in his tight-lipped smile.
"Jeez," McGee said, looking up at the clock, and then at floor above, where the director's office was located. "They've been in there a while."
"I wonder what the boss did this time to get on the nerves of 'Director Vance'," Tony said, the tension visible in his face as he said the director's name.
"What makes you think I did anything wrong, DiNozzo?" Gibbs asked, as he strode towards his desk, pulling out his SIG Sauer and his badge. "OK everybody, gear up. DiNozzo, get the car."
"Where are we going, Boss? Pax River? Quantico?" McGee asked, cautiously.
"Brunswick Naval Air Station, Maine." Gibbs said, bluntly. "Let Ziva drive, it may make the ride go by faster."