Gibbs, McGee, Tony and Ziva walked quietly out of Director Vance's office. They were shell shocked, unable to believe what they had just been told. Vance was breaking up the team. Vance was breaking up the family. And there was nothing they could do about it. Tony ran a hand through his hair.
"Well, I guess I should go home and get packing then."
McGee and Gibbs said nothing.
"As should I."
Ziva said without taking her eyes off of her shoes. Gibbs closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Abby and Ducky came up the stairs towards MTAC then.
"Where are you guys going?
Abby asked with a sad smile. The death of Jenny had hit her hard. The goth's eyes widened.
"What's going on?"
She asked tentatively. Afraid to hear the answer.
"Vance is breaking up the team."
Gibbs said simply, breaking away from the circle to look over the edge, his hands gripping the rail so hard that his knuckles turned white. All of the color drained from Abby's face. Ducky's eyes widened.
"What do you mean Jethro?"
"It means what it means Duck!"
Gibbs shouted turning around and glaring at the doctor. Ducky sighed and placed a hand on Abby's shoulder.
"Gibbs will be staying here but Tony is going to be an Agent Afloat, McGee is going to be part of the cyber crime division of NCIS and I-"
Ziva swallowed staring at Abby.
"-I will be returning to Israel"
Abby's eyes filled with tears. Her hands started shaking.
"What!? He can't just break you guys up like that! There's gotta be some sort of law!"
She brushed Ducky's hand off of her shoulder and started pacing the hallway.
"They can't just send Tony away, he's one of our best agents, I mean what am I gonna do without him? And Ziva! If she's in Israel who am I gonna talk about girl stuff to, what if she gets hurt- we won't be able to protect her! And McGee he can't stay in the basement like a broken lawnmower!"
Gibbs took Abby by the shoulders and pulled her into a hug. She choked on sobs as Gibbs held her close.
"I hate to say this Gibbs, but me and Ziva gotta go"
Tony said in a low voice. Abby broke free of Gibbs and threw herself into Tony's arms.
"Please be safe Tony, send me postcards okay?"
Tony nodded solemnly. He turned and said his goodbyes to McGee and Ducky. Tony couldn't bear to look at Gibbs. Ziva took a deep breath before sticking out her hand to Abby.
"Goodbye Abby, it was a pleasure working with you"
She said working hard to control her voice. Abby's face crumpled once again, and she yanked Ziva into a bone crushing hug.
"Please be safe, all I ask is for you to please be safe until Gibbs gets you back again."
"I will try, but I cannot make any promises."
Ziva made her final goodbyes before going downstairs with Tony and disappearing into the elevator. Abby's body shook with the force of her tears and hugged McGee as hard as she could. McGee was still shocked, unable to process what exactly had just happened. Ducky stood by Gibbs, who was staring at the elevators where two of his team members had just disappeared.
"You will get them back Jethro"
The wise doctor said to his friend. Gibbs' jaw was strained tight at Ducky's words.
"It is just a matter of time."
Not entirely sure what compelled me to write this but I hope you liked it! Reviews are appreciated!