"Hey, Gibbs."

Special Agent Jethro Gibbs looked up from the door panel he was sanding and allowed a rare look of surprise to appear on his face.

"DiNozzo?"

"The very same."

"What you doing here?" asked Gibbs as he automatically reached for a mason jar to fill with bourbon.

"Thought I'd come see how you're doing," said Tony. He shook his head at the proffered drink, "Nah. I'm driving."

"Where's Tali?"

"With a sitter," said Tony.

"You back in DC for good?" asked Gibbs.

"Possibly," said Tony, "depends on a few things. How's the team?"

"Good," said Gibbs, "bigger than when you left."

"Hard to replace me," said Tony.

"Things have changed, DiNozzo," said Gibbs as he took a sip of his drink. If Tony didn't know better, he would almost have thought that Gibbs looked uncomfortable.

"So, if I said I wanted to come back …" began Tony.

"You left, DiNozzo," said Gibbs. "You made your decision."

"Seemed like you agreed with it," said Tony mildly, "don't remember you trying to talk me out of it."

"A man should be able to make his own decisions," said Gibbs, "and stick with them."

"What if I've changed my mind?" asked Tony.

"You think you can just swan back in when you feel like it? Doesn't work like that."

"Unless you're Brent Langer," said Tony thoughtfully. "Seem to remember he actually went over to the dark side – FBI, wasn't it? But you let him back."

"Different situation," said Gibbs.

"And Ziva, she came back."

"You brought her back," Gibbs pointed out.

"So that was why you let her back in?" asked Tony.

"You know why I let her back. She was family. I thought you wanted her back too."

"And you came back," said Tony, "but I guess that's different too."

"You know why I left," said Gibbs, "I'd been blown up. I needed a break."

"So that's what it was," said Tony, "a break. Not quitting because you were pissed with everyone?"

"Tony," said Gibbs, "what's this about? You left. You decided field work wasn't for you. What's changed your mind?"

"I didn't say I had," pointed out Tony, "it was a hypothetical question."

"Tony, like I said, things have changed. New structure to the team. New people. It's not the team you left."

"Agent Gibbs, you've changed things? You get blown up again?"

"Different people. Things change naturally. McGee has stepped up. He's done well."

"And you don't want to disrupt him? Wouldn't be fair on him?"

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. I admire the caring attitude. Feels a bit foreign. A little unGibbs-like but, like you say, things change."

"So, what you been doing?" asked Gibbs trying to move off uncomfortable territory. "Thought you were going to be travelling."

"Did some of that but you can't keep moving round with a kid. Can't be tumbleweed for ever."

"Where've you been?"

"Baltimore."

"Baltimore? How long?"

"A few months. Cheaper to live there than DC. And there were … reasons."

"And you didn't let us know?"

"I was busy," said Tony, "settling Tali. Working things out."

"And they're worked out now?" asked Gibbs.

"Good question," said Tony, "work in progress."

"You'll get there," said Gibbs.

"Sure," said Tony.

"We missed you, DiNozzo," said Gibbs.

"You seem to have done all right," commented Tony, "with your enhanced team. And your amazing senior field agent."

"We had to move on," said Gibbs, "crime didn't stop because you walked away."

"Didn't think it would," said Tony.

"You were a good agent," said Gibbs.

"With the emphasis on were," said Tony.

"DiNozzo, what's going on?" asked Gibbs. "You were set on leaving. You had a plan. Things didn't stop while you were away. You can't expect everything to be the same as when you left."

"I don't," said Tony.

"Just so you know," said Gibbs. "You gonna to come to the Yard? See everyone?"

"I guess," said Tony. "And just so you know, I didn't expect things to be the same. I hoped they wouldn't be."

"What?"

"I wanted to see if you'd look me in the eye again. Not look at me as if I was a waste of space."

"We going to do this again, DiNozzo?" sighed Gibbs. "It was time you went. You know that."

"Sure," said Tony agreeably, "but you could've found a different way of making it clear."

"You know I don't do the touchy feely stuff," said Gibbs, "what you see is what you get."

"Thanks," said Tony, "I guess I'll go now and try to figure out what I've just seen so I can see what I've got. Goodnight, Gibbs."

Gibbs felt a familiar sense of frustration. He wondered why conversations with Tony so often ended with this feeling of miscommunication. Perhaps they had relied too long on their unspoken communication and found, when words were needed too, that they didn't know how to use them.

"You're looking good, Tony," said Gibbs in a bid to show that he was pleased to see his former agent even if their conversation had gone wrong somewhere.

"Thanks, Gibbs," said Tony accepting the olive branch. "See you around."

Gibbs nodded and bent to his work again, deciding that was as good as things would get and that channels were still open.

NCISNCIS

Director Vance smoothed his tie again and, with iron control, refrained from drumming his fingers on his desk. He wished he hadn't given up toothpicks as a tribute to Jackie although he thought she would understand if he indulged today. He was waiting for a visit from the new Secretary of the Navy and he was anxious.

Sarah Porter had stayed in office as Secretary in the months following the presidential election but had just been moved to a new post and Truman Phelps appointed in her place. Vance had done his homework on the new man who had briefly served as an ensign in the navy in his twenties before being invalided out. Phelps had then turned to business, community service and politics. Secretary of the Navy was his first presidential appointment and he was something of an unknown quantity. Leon believed he had done a good job as Director but, remembering his own actions as a new appointee, he was wary of other potential 'new brooms'.

There was a knock at his office door before it opened to reveal his assistant and Truman Phelps. Leon smoothed his tie once more, put a welcoming smile on his face and stood up to welcome his new Boss.

"Mr Secretary. Good morning. May I congratulate you on your new post?"

"Director," acknowledged Phelps.

"Would you like coffee … ice water?" asked Vance.

"No, thank you. I don't have much time. Another matter has come up. Shall we sit?" replied Phelps gesturing towards the conference table.

Vance gave one of his grave Directorial nods and the two moved to the table.

"I believe one of my predecessors appointed you as Director on the understanding that you would sort out various problems which arose during Jennifer Shepard's tenure?"

"That's correct. Secretary Davenport. And I believe I did that to his satisfaction."

"It is my impression," said Phelps, "that he expected you to be a modernising influence on the Agency."

"We have introduced new protocols," said Vance beginning to relax, "our digital capability has been enhanced greatly."

"And yet the NCIS headquarters building was bombed," the Secretary continued, "and I believe the bomb was planted in your car?"

"That's right," said Vance. "The circumstances were exceptional."

"As you say."

The Director decided to stay quiet and wait to see what was going to happen. He suspected that the new Secretary was trying to get a rise out of him and that calm would be the best response.

"You have done some excellent work, Director," said Phelps.

"Thank you, Sir."

"And, as you say, the technological expertise of the Agency has increased most impressively."

Vance nodded graciously.

"So I think a new role would be a good move for you."

"Sir?"

"The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs is minded to set up a body to investigate how the various federal agencies can pool resources and act in a more joined up way to fight the various threats which face our country. I think you would be excellently placed to head it up."

"That's very flattering, Sir," said Vance.

"And when the final report is made I would anticipate that the author of that report would be in a strong position to head up any new organization which was established."

"It sounds … interesting," said Leon, "but I think I would prefer to remain in my current position. I believe I have the experience and insight which is needed. As you say, our country faces many threats and I feel it would be unwise … I mean, more strategically sound to leave me where I am."

"You should take some time to think it over," said Phelps.

"I don't think that will be necessary," said Vance, "I would prefer to continue in my current work."

Phelps smiled a politician's practised smile and, for the first time, Leon felt a chill go down his back.

"You misunderstand me, Director. Or may I call you Leon? You are well suited to this new job. I do not consider you to be well suited to your old one."

Leon's eyes narrowed as he noted the reference to his 'old' job but decided to fight.

"My job is not a political appointment," he pointed out, "you can't just fire me."

Truman smiled again. "Nobody ever does a job perfectly," he said, "there's always room for improvement. Areas subject to criticism. Areas which might not withstand a close scrutiny."

Leon resisted the temptation to shift uncomfortably and retained his bland expression.

"NCIS has gained a reputation as something of a maverick organization," said the new Secretary.

"We have got results," defended Vance.

"True. But I find myself wondering if the results could have been obtained in a different way. And with more liaison with other federal agencies."

"I'd be interested to hear your proposals about that," said Vance

"I'm sure you would," said Phelps. "But I feel that someone new at the helm would be in a better position to implement them. Someone I feel more in tune with." He gazed thoughtfully at Leon. "I truly believe you would find the new position suited to your skill set," he said.

"Nevertheless …" began Leon.

"… and," continued Phelps, "it can be difficult to obtain new posts at your level. You have children, I believe?"

"A boy and a girl."

"Delightful. And I understand your wife was killed. At the same time as the father of one of your own agents. A man who had killed someone in this country. And I believe that agent had become one under unusual circumstances?"

"The circumstances were exceptional," said Vance suppressing his anger.

"You seem to attract a lot of exceptional circumstances," mused Phelps. "The bombing of NCIS headquarters. The murder of your wife. Any more that I should know about?"

"You have done some research," said Vance evasively.

"I come from a military background. My father sent me to a military academy and it was always expected that I would go into the navy …"

"Which you did," said Leon, "until you were invalided out."

Phelps smiled. "I'm not the only one who has done research, I see. The point I was going to make is that my early training taught me to scope out the terrain, assess the problems. I try not to go into a situation unprepared. And, in this case, my preparation has suggested to me that NCIS would benefit from being led by a new Director."

"And what do you think this new Director could bring to the job?" asked Vance.

"A more flexible approach to problem solving. A broader range of life experience. Some business expertise."

"NCIS is a criminal investigative service," said Vance, "I would have expected that experience in that field would be a given."

"So would I," agreed Phelps.

Vance remained stubbornly silent.

"Director Vance," said Phelps, "there is much to admire in the way that you have led the agency. I do not believe, however, that your leadership style would take NCIS in the direction I want it to take. I have offered you an alternative. I have tried to be reasonable and fair." He raised a hand to forestall another comment from Leon, "but I am prepared to take other action to remove you from that chair. And you would be well-advised not to test my resolve in this matter."

Leon glared at the Secretary before nodding briefly.

"Good," said Phelps nodding in return, "I think that's a wise choice. I expect that you will do well in your new role."

He stood and extended his hand to Leon. "I thank you for your service, Director. I suggest that you clear your desk within the next week. The chair of the Senate Committee will be contacting you about your future work."

Leon thought about rejecting the handshake but decided not to descend into pettiness. That didn't mean, however, that he would not be doing more research into the reasons why Phelps' navy career had ended so early. He wondered if he could tap into Gibbs' encyclopaedic knowledge of where the bodies were buried. NCIS had cost him dear in many ways and he was determined not to leave unless there was no other choice.

NCISNCIS

"Tony?" said Tim McGee in surprise as he opened the door of his apartment.

"Gotta say," said Tony meditatively, "that you and Gibbs haven't lost your edge."

"What?" asked Tim as he felt the familiar feeling of bewilderment arising from a conversation with DiNozzo.

"Gibbs recognised me when I turned up. Good skills, both of you."

"You've been to see the Boss? He didn't say anything," said Tim.

Tony didn't answer immediately but simply raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, he didn't," Tim corrected himself, "what was I thinking?"

Tony slapped him sympathetically on the shoulder. "Some things don't change, Tim. Can I come in?"

"What? Oh, yeah. Sure. Delilah's at work."

"I didn't come to see Delilah," said Tony, "but how is Wheels?"

"Good. She's good. Where's Tali?"

"She's at work too."

"What?"

"It was fate, Tim. You know we went to France?"

"Yes," said Tim as he followed Tony into his living room. He diverted into the kitchen and retrieved two beers for them.

"We went to the Cannes film festival."

"Of course you did," said Tim.

"René Delacroix was there."

"Who?"

"Greatest French Canadian movie producer of all time," said Tony, "he was casting for a new film. A remake of Maigret."

"Maigret?"

"One of the most celebrated of French detectives. Fictional, of course. Very polite and proper. Not at all like Gibbs. Anyway, I digress. The remake is set in Quebec. Centres around Maigret's granddaughter who is a prodigy. Less than four years old but already solving crimes which baffle everyone else. René took one look at Tali and hired her."

"For what?"

"For the part of Claudette Simone Maigret, of course," said Tony in an offended tone.

"Really?" asked Tim.

"No, not really," said Tony with a return to reality. "She's with a sitter."

"Idiot," said Tim without rancour.

"I've missed you, McGullible," said Tony.

"You mean you've missed being able to give out the nicknames," said Tim.

"True," said Tony, "but I have missed you as well."

"What you been doing?" asked Tim.

"This and that. You know. Hither and thither. Upstairs, downstairs, in my lady's chamber."

"What?"

"Hey," said Tony defensively, "I live in a world of nursery rhymes now."

"Whereas before, you lived in the real world," said Tim sarcastically.

Tony grinned in acknowledgement. "You may be right," he agreed.

"So," said Tim, "fatherhood. How's that going?"

"It's enhanced both my skills of negotiation and my strength of will."

"How so?"

"I can talk my daughter down from unreasonable demands, ignore tantrums and stand my ground. I'm sure it makes me ideally qualified for … something. I'm just not sure what."

"Any plans?" asked McGee.

"This and that. You know …"

"Hither and thither," supplied Tim.

"You catch on quick, McSpeedygonzalez," said Tony.

"I've spent a year as Gibbs' senior field agent," said Tim wryly, "it speeds up the responses."

"How's that going? Gibbs said the team's grown."

"Yeah. Had to bring in a couple more desks to the squad room."

"Bet that messed with your eye-lines," said Tony.

"What?"

"Remember that lecture you gave the interns about your desk being precisely placed to give the best eye-lines. So that you always knew what was going on. And that stealthBoss couldn't creep up on you."

"Oh, yeah," said Tim, "not that there's any protection against stealthBoss."

"Didn't like to burst your bubble," said Tony, "but until Abby makes him wear bells you don't stand a chance."

"Do you think she would?"

"What?" asked Tony.

"Abby. Could she get Gibbs to wear bells? She's the only one who could."

"I don't know," said Tony honestly, "but can I be there when she does the asking?"

Tim and Tony sat silent for a moment, nursing their beers and considering the likely outcome of Abby presenting Gibbs with a set of bells. Tony was the first to emerge from the reverie.

"So," he said, "senior field agent? What's that like?"

"Well," said McGee judiciously, "it's a heady experience."

"It is?"

"Gibbs delegates a lot of things to me. Consults me, asks my advice before making decisions."

"He does?"

"He's respectful. Insists we work as a team. My seniority is acknowledged. Lots of responsibility. It's been amazing."

"Is that as true as my daughter being cast as an infant prodigy detective?" asked Tony after a moment of silence.

"Yeah," said Tim gloomily, "he's still living up to the second B. More so if anything."

Tony found himself releasing a breath in relief. "Had me going there for a minute, McTease," he said. "Although he said you'd done well," he added.

"He did?" said Tim.

"Yeah. And that one is true."

"Would it kill him to tell me that to my face?" asked Tim plaintively.

"Good question," said Tony, "but probably one for Ducky … or for Palmer. They're the medical experts. But he definitely stuck up for you."

"Why did he need to do that?" asked Tim suspiciously.

"He thought I was angling to come back on the team."

"And were you?" asked Tim.

"It was a hypothetical question," said Tony, "I wanted to see his reaction."

"Why?"

"Not sure. You know what he was like with me before I left. I guess I wanted to see if that was still how he felt."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Is it still how he feels?"

"Don't know, McTim. You know the Boss. Enigmatic, keeps his own counsel."

"Taciturn."

"Reticent."

"Tight-lipped."

"Close-mouthed."

"Mute."

"Dumb."

"Dour."

"D'you think it's worrying that we know so many words for silent?" asked Tony.

"If I had time for my novel writing it would be useful," said Tim.

"There you go, Mclemonadeoutoflemons," said Tony.

"You really have missed me, haven't you," said Tim.

"You have no idea," said Tony. "So, how long are you going to stick it?"

"Don't say those words," begged Tim.

"What? What did I say?"

"Stick it," said Tim, "brings back memories of when I told the Deputy Secretary of State to … well, stick it."

"Oh yeah," said Tony, "I heard about that. Dangerous things happen when Gibbs leaves you in charge. So, what's it really like?"

"Nothing's changed," said McGee, "team's got bigger but Gibbs carries on the same. I think he works on the basis of divide and rule."

"He likes the competitive vibe," said Tony, "which is weird considering rule 15."

"Always work as a team," said Tim. "But I've figured out there's another rule."

"Another rule?" asked Tony, "which is?"

"It's the rule that rules the others."

"Isn't that a movie quote?" asked Tony.

"What?"

"You know, 'one rule to bind them all'?"

"'One ring to rule them all'," corrected Tim, "Lord of the Rings."

"You may be right," conceded Tony. "Where were we?"

"Getting off the track," said Tim, "it's what happens when you start thinking of movies."

"You're welcome," said Tony, "so what rule are you talking about?"

"Gibbs' rule. Do as I say not as I do."

"I'm impressed, Tim," said Tony raising his beer in salute. So, are you going to sti … stay with the job?"

"What else can I do?" asked Tim.

"There's heaps of things you could do," admonished Tony, "you're not telling me that you're not fending off the head-hunters in every mail?"

"I get offers," agreed Tim, "but I like working for NCIS."

"Just not for Gibbs?" suggested Tony.

"I turned down the job in Okinawa," remembered Tim.

"That was in Japan," said Tony.

"I know," said Tim.

"Was that why you turned it down? I mean, Okinawa being in Japan which is, you know, not in America … and not near."

Tim paused to untangle this is in his mind, "not completely. I didn't want to stop being a field agent."

"And now?"

"I wouldn't go to Okinawa now. Delilah and I have only just got used to being on the same continent, I don't want to be away from her again."

"OK," said Tony, "not Okinawa. But another NCIS job somewhere else."

"What's this about, Tony?" asked Tim. "You trying to get me off the team so you can come back?"

"I'm concerned about my former co-worker's well-being," said Tony piously, "I mean, I managed the burden of senior field agent but that was due to my excellent physique, strong will and incredible detective skills … but you, I wasn't sure how you would have coped."

"Gee, thanks," said McGee, "you're all heart."

"I was just saying, McGee. You've been on the team for years …"

"Not as long as you," said Tim.

"As Gibbs pointed out, it was time for me to leave. And since when did you see me as a role model?"

"All the time," said McGee.

"What?" said Tony in honest surprise.

"Of course you were," said Tim, "you were more approachable than Gibbs. You didn't terrify me … well, not in the same way that Gibbs did. You were good at your job. And who else was going to be my role model? Kate? Who also terrified me although, to be fair, she did improve my awareness of sexual inequalities and political correctness."

"I'm touched," said Tony.

"I know," said Tim, "and I think you should go into therapy to see if that can be cured."

"I mean," said Tony stiffly, "that I'm touched that you held me in such high regard."

"Not that high," said Tim thoughtfully. He looked at Tony's face and saw a strange mix of emotions and decided to be kind. "You made the job bearable, Tony. Which is odd because there were times when I hated you but once you were gone … I guess I appreciated you more."

"I see," said Tony, "or, at least, I think I do. But returning to you … look what being on the job for so long did to me. Think about what you want to do. There must be other jobs you could do."

"There's a rumour that a Senate committee is going to set up an enquiry into pooling of computer resources," said McGee, "that sounds kind of interesting …"

AN: this was intended to be a single chapter story but, as ever, it went on longer than I'd expected so I split it into two.