Disclaimer: Don't own NCIS or Bob Seger's songs. Just borrowing 'em for a while. Promise I'll give 'em back.

A/N: My first fic. Take it easy on the FNG.

"My hands were steady My eyes were clear and bright

My walk had purpose My steps were quick and light

And I held firmly To what I felt was right

Like a rock"

Saudi/Iraq Border area, 1991

Gunnery Sergeant Leroy Jethro Gibbs was a happy man. There were several reasons for this. One, his "stick"(team) consisting of himself(sniper), his spotter, and two riflemen who acted as security had spent five days behind Iraqi lines, "sneakin' and peakin'". They had picked up valuable intel on enemy positions and troop movements. Also, they had used their laser designator to knock out a number of Iraqi positions in the ongoing air campaign. Two, upon returning to their base camp his stick had been allowed "unrestricted" showers. Meaning they could use as much hot water as they wished. They were in clean desert camo utilities and had their first real food in five days. Three, in the left breast pocket of his shirt were two letters from his wife, Shannon. He was sure that the letters would be full of the exploits of his daughter Kelly and the everyday things that happened while he was deployed. Gibbs lived for these letters.

Currently, he was sitting with his team at a table in the rear of their hootch, polishing off a can of cold beer. The beer was courtesy of their CO, Colonel Ryan as a reward for a job well done. While alcohol was forbidden in the Kingdom due to Islamic law, the colonel figured what the Saudi's didn't know wouldn't hurt them.

"I wish these politicians and generals would quit screwing around and let us go across the berm and kick ass" Gibbs said. This was met with a chorus of "ooh-rah's" from his team. There followed a discussion of what should be happening versus what was happening with the war.

The last cans of beer were being consumed. Gibbs was glad the beer would soon be gone. The team would break up and he could get to his letters.

As the team started to break up, the door to the hootch opened. Col. Ryan and the unit's Sergeant Major walked in.

"Attention on deck!" hollered L/Cpl Jones. "As you were" said Col. Ryan. The two newcomers advanced further into the room and Gibbs noticed the Sgt. Major holding a bottle of Jack Daniels by the neck.

When the two reached the table, Col. Ryan said, "Take a seat Gunny." The Sgt. Major said, "I know this isn't your usual Jeth, but take a slug." He slid the bottle across the table.

Gibbs' mind started to race. He automatically grasped the bottle and took a drink. The Jack burned all the way down.

Col. Ryan said, "Gunny, I'm sorry to say I'm the bearer of some very bad news…."