Disclaimer: Tony and Ziva aren't together. Clearly I don't own NCIS.

So, new story. Partially my way of coping after that cliff-hanger, partially because i need something to do over the next six months. Okay, so I'm freaking, and this story is the product of that. Review and tell me if you want this continued. It's a slow start, but will get better once some stuff starts to happen. So, interested in more?

Thanks, and review!

Director Leon Vance sat behind his desk, poring over the various files before him. He was behind on paperwork. Way behind. It was unlike him; usually he completed the tedious forms as soon as they hit his desk. He sighed and leant back in his chair, crossing his hands behind his head. Long day. Long week. It was part of his job as director to keep his agents safe, something he felt he had failed implicitly at. He knew this job wouldn't be easy, but he sure hadn't thought it would be this difficult.

If there was one thing that shocked him the most it was his Major Case Response Team. They were the best in their field, and yet, there were serious underlying issues. Of course, he had known this before everything that had happened, and now, he was one agent short, knee-deep in with foreign affairs, and seriously concerned about a senior field agent's state of mind. He pinched the bridge of his nose as his phone began to ring. After taking a moment to compose himself, he picked up the line.

"Director, there's a call for you on line two. The Director of Mossad." It was his assistant.

Leon Vance groaned inwardly. He considered Director Eli David to be friend, but his trust in the man was wavering. He did not feel up to another chat. Nevertheless, his Director side gave in. "Put him through."

"Yes sir."

There was a short pause, a click, and then David's voice. "Shalom, my friend."

Instead of returning the greeting in Hebrew as he usually did, Vance spoke in English. "Afternoon, Eli. To what do I owe this pleasure?" Today it was all formalities.

There was a heavy sigh. "I am afraid, Leon, that today I feel anything but pleasure."

Vance sat up straighter. "Ziva-"

"-has been compromised."

Vance paused, choosing his words carefully. "I was unaware she was involved in any operations."

"It is not your duty to know, Leon."

"And yet you are telling me this." Vance was already wondering how this would affect his already very screwed up Major Case Response Team. "Why?"

Another heavy sigh. "She worked with your agency for four years, Leon. You deserve to know."

"She's dead?"

"No." His voice was stiff. "Not yet."

"She was undercover?"

"Yes." There was a short pause. Minute, but enough to be of note. "She was finishing Officer Rivkin's job. It was an attempt to take down the training camp in Africa."

"You sent her in?" Incredulity.

"It was a mistake, Leon. Believe me, I am very aware. I rushed her; got impatient. Her cover was thin and flimsy. I should have realised; it was just a matter of time." The man's voice was full of unconcealed regret.

Vance thought for a moment. "How are you so sure she's been compromised? She may not have been able to establish contact. She may be fine."

"She would have found a way. Ziva is nothing if not thorough. She would have found a way."

Vance rubbed a hand over his face, suddenly overcome by exhaustion and frustration. "What can I do?"

There was no hesitation on David's part. "Nothing. You must inform your team. That is all."

"I can't do that."

"I don't understand what you mean." He sounded genuinely confused.

"They'll go after her. I can't have that."

A chuckle; soft, sad. "They will be killed."

"That's why they can't know."

When David spoke again, he had managed to compose himself somewhat. "Tell them what you wish. It's your call."

"Okay, Eli. My sympathies are with you."

"Duly noted, Leon. Shalom."

This time, Leon Vance returned the greeting as usual, "Shalom."

Click. Dial tone.

What a mess.

Vance hung up his phone gingerly and stood, stretching. His mind was scanning through possibilities of how he could handle this. He made his way out of his office and crossed to the centre of the NCIS 'catwalk', leaning on the metal barrier and surveying the team below him. The scene was not one he was accustomed to. McGee wasn't there. More than likely he was off comforting Abby Scuito, their overly emotive forensic scientist. Gibbs was sitting at his desk, actually doing paperwork. Vance figured it was some sort of coping mechanism; finding out he'd been betrayed by one of the few people he truly trusted, and having them taken away from him all in one week was a bit heavy. Vance shifted his gaze to DiNozzo's desk. He was just sitting there, obviously still hampered by the blue sling encasing his arm. He was turned away from his boss, staring at a small piece of paper in his hand. Vance squinted, trying to make out the picture. It wasn't too hard to recognise; the picture was one of a few like it that had made the rounds at NCIS. And as he stared down at the picture of a bikini-clad Liaison Officer, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for the Senior Field Agent.

Sensing eyes on him, Vance turned away from the depressing scene, finding himself staring straight into the eyes of Agent Gibbs. His stare was steely, marking his territory. His intent was clear: Back off. You've done enough. And with that, Director Leon Vance turned away and marched back into his office, aware of the Agent's eyes on his back the whole time.

A/N: Thoughts? Want me to continue? Review!