Chapter 1: Every Day I Get A Little Closer
Time: 6AM
Time to Attack: 42 Hours
NCIS Headquarters
Even after his late night, McGee went back to NCIS early. He had an uneasy feeling, a dark cloud hanging over him. Perhaps it had been a bad cup of coffee, but in McGee's opinion, it was much more likely related to the fight he had with Ziva just 24 hours earlier.
/24 Hours Ago/
The case was driving the team crazy. Two murdered marines, both with a wife and kids that depended on them. Seeing the families shattering into tears had unnerved the whole team, save for Gibbs, who had feelings made of steel, as Tony said often. The MCRT was used to seeing sad families, but the whole thing disturbed them. Both marines had been in trouble financially, and had been absent from home many times without excuse. Something smelled fishy. Tim was snapped out of his thoughts by Ziva bumping into his desk, giving a shout of surprise and dropping a case onto the desk.
"Tony! What was that for?" The ex-Mossad agent demanded, glaring at him. Tony snickered, then turned away innocently. After one more withering glance, she turned back. Tim was pale, looking horrified at the magnets that had fallen next to his computer.
"No, no, no!" He whispered, sweat gleaning on his brow.
"What?" Ziva asked, confused, picking up the heavy-duty magnets from the desk. She rubbed her side, and began to walk away.
"Everything's gone." He said, still in a hoarse whisper. Tony joined the conversation abruptly.
"What's gone Probie?" He interceded, earning another glare from Ziva. Tim's voice rose a half-octave.
"Case notes, research, pics, everything!" He despaired. Ziva smiled sadly.
"It's just computer work McGee. We can solve the case fine without it." Tim's anger and stress snapped.
"What do you mean just computer work? He demanded. He stood to full height. "I am a vital member of this team, remember that." His temper cooled, and he shrank down. On the verge of apologizing, he was pushed over the edge.
"So what Probie?" Tony sneered. "You ever been shot? Tortured? Gibbs-slapped daily?" he ribbed. Tim lost control.
"Quiet Tony! This lowly computer work takes alot out of me. Without computer resources, our work would take three times as long! And all you do is make fun of me!" he nearly screamed. Gibbs, coming out of Vance's office, stopped at the ledge above, unnoticed by the three MCRT members.
"Don't you agree Ziva?" McGee asked. The Israeli was quiet, looking back and forth between the two men. Tim's harsh gaze turned on her.
"You agree with him?!" He snapped, half in disbelief and half in astonished anger.
"Well..." Ziva began quietly, then stopped. Gibbs could feel waves of tension rising from below. His junior agent put up with alot, especially from Tony. He was about to step in and deescalate the situation when Tony made yet another bonehead remark.
"Hey, the computer nerds can get angry!" Ziva made the mistake of chuckling, then quickly stopped. It was too late.
"Well, at least I know how you really stand! This member of the team is done for the afternoon. I'll be back when you are all gone!" He yelled, and stormed to the elevator, leaving all his stuff behind. Tony and Ziva looked on in stunned silence. Gibbs shook his head, frowning, and turned away.
Tim had kept his word; he had not reentered NCIS until 8 at night. The next 3 hours were spent heavily working regaining his notes and work, then finishing paperwork from an earlier case that hadn't been completed due to the new murders.
-10 Miles West of Silver Springs, on a shooting range-
On the outskirts of DC, the sniper team trickled in to the shooting range to practice. They came daily, under the alias of a bunch of friends.
Alpha Team consisted of 9 people, plus the leader. They were top-line snipers, some of the best in the world. They're training deadline was approaching. It was the last morning they would ever see the shooting range.
Back at NCIS, a young man daydreamed about the woman he loved, not aware of the trials ahead.