A/N: For the sake of a little clarity in this story I would ask that you check out the job description of a Marine Gunnery Sergeant and a Master Gunnery Sergeant. I looked at different sites, including USMC, but Wikpedia says it all in simple easy to understand terms. Most of all you will see how and why Jethro is in on all those M-TAC missions. Makes sense indeed. This will be a long one, dark but full of hope and other things.
Also again I ask you to suspend your reality checks and just enjoy the story. I have indeed rearranged the Marine Corps ( as well as the Second Gulf War) to suit me. Ok? And why not I say! ;o di
Chapter 1
Gibbs moved through the ID sallyport of the Admiralty easily. He checked his gun and badge, emptied his pockets and removed his belt. He was used to it. The big problem was he didn't want to be here. Every time he came over here something negative happened.
Abby had tried to calm him before he left NCIS today. He ran down the stairs to her lab to let her know he was leaving and groused about having to go. Abby wrapped her arms around his neck and while threading her fingers in his hair. She kissed him while on tip toe and he responded viscerally to her as he always did. His arms slid around her holding her as close as possible and he made the kiss deep and sensual. When they parted Abby smiled at him and her emerald eyes glowed with her love. She touched his lower lip and thought how handsome he was.
"Gibbs, just because the Sec/Nav wants to see you doesn't mean he's going to make you or someone on the team an Agent Afloat or move to Dubai."
"He knows my name Abb's. I don't want him to know my name. He and I were on equal footing after I ousted the CIA director. No more favors asked or given. I've done enough. Enough. I want you, I want Jackson, I want my family, my friends, my life. Is that wrong after all these years? I put in for my retirement from the Corps months ago. He's gotta be the one holding it up."
Abby kissed him again and then lightly kissed his chin. She knew he had expressed his true feelings. This wonderful and complicated man had indeed served his country well. Over and over. She could feel his nervousness through their bond. She looked at him thoughtfully.
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Gibbs shook his head with a crooked smile. He kissed her lips lightly.
She gave and gave to him. He felt bad for voicing his complaints, but he was uneasy.
"Nah, I'll be right back. I'll be home on time. I'm lookin' forward to your Blackened Fish. I love you Babe. Sorry for bein' a jerk."
"Jethro I love you more than anything. If someone wants to call you a jerk it's gonna be very bad for them. So don't you do it either. And you're not fooling me I know you're uneasy. I can feel what you feel, remember? I want to help. Will you call me as soon as you get out of there?"
"Abb's… Ok promise. I love you Abby. You're my life, you and Jackson."
"You're ours mon Amour. Toujours."
She held him close to her and they kissed lightly at first then deeply. Everything was deep and sensual with them. She remembered being surprised at how tactile and sensitive he was as a lover. Even a glance from him was enough to make Abby shiver.
XXXX
Gibbs collected his weapon, badge and belongings from the Marine running the security area and headed upstairs. He was exactly on time as he strode through the double doors of Sec/Nav's office. Sec/Nav's long time executive Secretary Rose smiled at him.
"Welcome Agent Gibbs. He'll be right out."
Rose had a very pronounced deep Southern accent. She was very proud of being from Alabama.
"Thanks Rose. I'll just sit down over here."
"How are Abby and that gorgeous baby boy of yours?"
"They're good Rose, they're pretty close to perfect really." He smiled at her.
"I just bet. She's wonderful people Agent Gibbs. I enjoyed myself so much at the baby shower and the christening. Thanks for including me. I will be there for his birthday party again this year. 3 years old is a big deal! Being an honorary Aunt is important to me. I promise."
"Good, real good. I'll tell Abb's." Gibbs grinned at her.
The double doors opened and Gibbs straightened automatically as a group of officers left. He counted a Marine Captain, a Major and a full Colonel. Gibbs nodded respectfully to the Colonel but he snapped to instinctively as a Brigadier General strode through the door.
He stopped dead in front of Gibbs. Sharp amber eyes looked up and into azure and focused ones. The General lost his frown and preoccupied look. He straightened and put his hands behind him an assumed an 'at ease' stance.
"Do you remember me Gunny?"
Gibbs tipped his head then brought it down in a forceful nod.
'Yes Sir. I do."
"Good. At ease Gunny. I want you to think long and carefully about what the old man has to tell you. I told Sec/Nav you would do the right thing. I know you. But I worry about you doing that Gunny. I surely do. You've given so much already. But it's necessary. Will you try to remember that?"
"Yes Sir… I'll do that. Sir?"
"Yes Gunny." The General continued to stand easy in front of Gibbs.
"What exactly am I doing here?"
"You're here to listen to your superior officer give you your orders Gibbs."
"Sir, I'm just a reservist now, assigned to NCIS. The Corps asked me to stay in so I could help with training and vacation relief down at Quantico. I would've been out a long time ago. I'm 51 years old next month. I put in my retirement paperwork months ago and I was waiting for it to be finalized in a matter of weeks!"
"I know Gunny, I know. I'm sorry. You're not alone here. Give him a chance to talk."
"Yes Sir. I will. Because you ask me too."
"Thanks Gunny. If I can help, I will. Just ask."
A white uniform appeared in the doorway and both Gibbs and Brigadier General Andros turned.
"Sec/Nav will see you now Master Gunnery Sergeant Gibbs."
