Independence Day

"If you're not down here in the next three minutes, I'm leaving you!" Jethro Gibbs crossed to the ground floor landing to add, calling upstairs, "Make sure that you bring everything that you need for the entire day. We're not returning for something you forgot."

There was a racket of running feet in the bedrooms above, the sounds of drawers being pushed in and out, doors opening and closing, and even a curse word blurted by Tony. An apology was called down the steps. "Sorry, Boss, but I ran into the corner of the bed."

Gibbs shook his head and made his way to the car, which was standing at ready in the driveway with all four doors wide open and the trunk top raised. There was little space left in the trunk, but Jethro moved some of the items around and managed to slightly open some areas. Abby burst through the front door and down the drive running, a bag overflowing with jump ropes, bean bags, and stopwatches hanging from her shoulder. In honour of Independence Day she was clothed in solid blue capris and a red and white striped blouse covered in gold stars. She handed the bag to Gibbs and he squeezed it into the trunk before slamming it.

"Get back in there and tell Tony to get out here now," he ordered. "Tell him I said it. Otherwise, he'll be in there changing clothes or something."

Abby pivoted and raced back into the house calling out, "Tony, get down here right now! Gibbs is getting fierce!"

Tony jogged down the steps laden with a bag of sports equipment. Like Abby, he had on patriotic colours, but his white pants were baseball uniform pants, and his tee shirt was blue and red.

"I'm good," he greeted her, and they both headed out doors. Abby stopped to shut the door, and Gibbs cranked the car at Tony's approach.

Abby and Tony were so excited on the drive that they talked non stop. Gibbs pinched the bridge of his nose and willed himself to be patient with them. Sometimes it was difficult to remember that the two were adults, and not pre-schoolers. Today they were headed to the NCIS Fourth of July employee celebration, an all day event, and his team had volunteered and signed up for every activity the day offered. He was part of the grilling crew, and along with Vance, the Agency's head, would assist in preparing the hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken to be consumed by all of those in attendance. The job suited him.

Ducky, the team's medical examiner, was tasked as a food judge, and he would travel from one judging table to another with the rest of the dessert assessment team. It promised to be an exhausting job- last year, forty seven cakes and eighty four pies had been submitted, but one with delicious fringe benefits.

Jimmy Palmer, Ducky's assistant, was in charge of the entertainment division. It amazed everyone that shy, unsure Jimmy could not only pull together several incredible performances, but could also act as a humorous, knowledgeable, emcee, as he had done at last year's event. The young man had an eye for talent and a flair for introducing it.

McGee, technological genius that he was, had been assigned to providing the lighting and sound systems to surround the proceedings. He had already devoted several hours to marking out areas for a laser light show to precede the fireworks that the city provided at Rock Creek Park, their destination. All he had left was to position speakers and then make sure that the lighting and sound worked on his command.

Ziva had claimed the position of top chef, and she had relegated and supervised in all areas of the food to be served. As it stood, there was so much food to be available that it resembled a Thanksgiving bounty. No one had been allowed to come without an offering of food, and Gibbs had already sent his contribution of condiments to her before they left work yesterday.

Abby was to manage the competition and games amongst the many children of NCIS employees. She was, without a doubt, perfect for the job, and much beloved by the kiddie set. She had scheduled races, egg tosses, laser battles, and assorted activities to amuse them throughout the day. The children adored her, but the parents were devoted to her because she kept their offspring busy having fun so that the parents could relax.

Tony, once again, had organized the fiercely competitive baseball showdown between NCIS and a team provided by the FBI. He, natural athlete that he was, served two capacities. He coached his team colleagues, but also served as the lead NCIS ballplayer. He was a formidable opponent, and his participation always resulted in some down to the wire, nerve wracking games.

As they approached the entrance to the Park the cars were directed to the parking area. Before they got out Gibbs turned to Abby and Tony and ordered, "Make sure you are ready to go after the fireworks finish. I'm not going to look for you. I'll just leave you and make you walk home."

Tony and Abby exchanged amused glances, but both nodded agreeably. The three agents loaded themselves down with the trunk's contents and went to join their fellow workers.

McGee and Ziva saw them approach and ran up to help carry the supplies. Within a couple of minutes, everyone had scattered to address various responsibilities.