The "blue flu" was a term used when a bunch of cops would call in sick since they were not allowed to go on strike leaving the precinct short staffed. No one at NCIS is striking, they really are sick' but the end result is the same; the agency is short staffed.

Deeks takes Monty back to his apartment to pack for their trip to DC. It has been one hell of a day. He doesn't mind too much that Callen is his foster brother; they are both loners due to not having any family. Things may have been better if Missy had not been in that stupid car accident and the foster home would not have been broken up. But, now it is too late to be dealing with "what ifs" only "what is".

Callen takes advantage of Marty not being there to call Gibbs and find out what is going on, and why are they being called to DC.

"Gibbs"

"It is G, what is going on?"

"A blue flu, so to speak has hit DC and a lot of teams are out sick. We need help."

Callen is surprised by this; Gibbs is actually asking for help. He never asks for help. "You are actually asking for help and from us."

"Vance was the one who decided on your team; not me. My team is exhausted and we need a break and help to stay afloat until some of the other teams can return."

"My team flies out at 8 our time so we should be arriving around 4 your time; we will check into a hotel and start the following day."

"No need for the hotel, you can stay with me and Ducky has offered to house the rest of your team."

Callen doesn't want Marty to be separated from him apart from work. He doesn't need another excuse to fall deeper into withdrawal. However, having him staying at Gibbs' may not be such a bright idea either. They don't know each other, so Marty doesn't know that his bark is worse than his bite. But if he wants Gibbs' help; they should stay with him.

"Sam and Kensi can stay with Ducky, Marty and I can stay with you. Oh and Marty's dog Monty who is also coming."

Gibbs did not respond.

"It is important that Marty stays with me; I will tell you the reason why later. But wherever he stays, I will too."

"Fine you both can stay with me and the dog too. Tony is also currently staying with me as well."

"Why is Tony with you, is he one of the agents got sick?"

"No, Not yet. But he is more exhausted then the rest of us and I want to keep an eye on him in case he does catch whatever is going on around here."

Callen and Gibbs spent a few more minutes ironing out the details of work, partners and assignments for when they arrive. Since his team does not know their way around DC; he and Sam will pair up with Gibbs and Bishop while Marty and Kensi will pair up with Tony and Tim. Marty works the best with Kensi and Tony can keep an eye on Marty for him.

The flight to DC was a long one, they had no problems getting their tickets and getting Monty through security. Being Federal Agents on a mission goes a long way with airport Security. The problem came was one of the passengers had complained about the dog being on the flight and had purposely picked a fight with Marty over Monty. Without saying anything to anybody Marty took Monty to the far end of the waiting area to get away from that jerk of a passenger. To make matters worse, he was seated near them on the flight and complained to the stewardess that the mangy mutt should be in the back of the plane. The stewardess did not like this passenger and she was an animal lover herself so she decided to move the dog and the four he was traveling with up to first class free of charge.

Callen really just wanted to shoot that guy from the moment he started to make trouble. The fact that Marty did not stand up to him says a lot about his withdrawal; making Callen wonder if Marty will ever truly be better or will the withdrawal fade again just to be replaced with the jokester. Will Marty ever find a happy medium between the two?

Gibbs and his team met the flight; they had worked for most of the day. Tony sat in a chair looking very pale, Ducky and Gibbs were on each side of him. Ducky had insisted on a wheelchair so Tony would not have much to do much walking, Tony hated the idea and Gibbs sided with Tony for now. Gibbs got up when the people started coming, He saw Kensi and Sam at first but not Callen or this Marty. Marty is the only one on that team he has not met; but he knows that Marty's dog will be with him.

Marty and Callen stayed behind until all the other passengers had left, it would be easier to get Monty off the plane if it was not so crowded. Callen sent Kensi and Sam ahead with the promise to catch up to them and Gibbs team at the baggage claim.

As Marty and Callen approached their friends in the baggage claim they heard a voice.

"Wow, Martin Brandell; is that you."

Who does the mysterious voice belong to? Gibbs, Fornell, Ducky or maybe someone else entirely; please review and let me know who you want it to be.

I had a neighbor at my old apartment complex that was a lot like that jerk on the plane.