Senior Field Agent Anthony DiNozzo slung his bag behind his desk as he dropped into the chair. Glancing to his boss' station, he asked his partner, "Where is he?"

Probationary Agent Ziva David responded, "I do not know. He was not here when I arrived although I know he is in the building."

"And Probie?" Tony continued, with a nod towards Special Agent Timothy McGee's assigned spot.

"Also, not at his desk when I arrived, although he, too, is in the building."

"Well, Probationary Agent David, you are not very helpful," DiNozzo responded, a teasing smile.

"I am certain that both men are…"

The ringing of the elevator stopped the Agent mid-sentence as she registered the surprise on Tony's face. Strolling into the bullpen area were FBI Special Agent in Charge Tobias Fornell and his new agent, former Marine Dallas Hunter. The Marine and Ziva shared an acknowledging glance but neither spoke. So, DiNozzo broke the silence. "You didn't bring breakfast, Toby?"

"Sorry to disappoint, DiNutso," Fornell answered, "I thought you were providing the eats. Especially since we were invited here by your Director."

Tony stood warily from his desk, "I don't think I understood you correctly."

But before either could continue, McGee showed up in the work area, "Agent Fornell. Agent Hunter." Tim acknowledged, "Gibbs wants us all in the conference room."

"All?" Ziva clarified, "Including the FBI?"

"Actually," McGee smiled, "It's the FBI including the two of you." He pointed at Ziva and Tony.

Dallas hid a quick smile and then brought up the rear as the others led to the meeting area. Gibbs was waiting inside, already seated at the head of the table. Fornell slid into the seat next to the NCIS agent, Dallas next to her boss. Tony, Ziva and Tim all took seats on the opposite side of the table.

Gibbs sipped at his coffee and then began, "I've been asked to take the lead on an extremely sensitive and highly classified op. You all are here because I would like to have you as part of the team. But, I can't force any of you. This will be strictly voluntary."

He quickly passed out briefing folders. "Two days ago, the commanding officer of the Marine unit based in Fort Bliss, El Paso, and his wife were found murdered; hacked to pieces. Preliminary investigations indicate ties to the Mexican drug cartels actively working across the border in Juarez. Any time these groups are involved, the body count is massive. The risks are great here – life and death and it's a long term op. That's why this will be only voluntary."

Looking pointedly across the table, Tony asked, "And why is the FBI involved?"

"Because, if they volunteer, they're going to be an integral part of this operation," Gibbs answered.

"I'm in," DiNozzo answered quickly.

"As am I," Ziva echoed.

Tim smiled, "All for one and one for all."

"Sounds like the ball's in your court, Toby." DiNozzo smiled insincerely.

Fornell returned the smile, "It's easy for me to volunteer, DiNutso," he replied, "I already know what my role is."

Tony's face registered the surprise of hearing that the FBI had already been briefed. Gibbs gave his FBI counterpart a disapproving glare at the comment which Fornell blatantly ignored.

All eyes were now on Hunter. "So, Dallas," Gibbs leaned in, the challenge evident in tone and body language, "where do you stand? In or out?"

She locked gazes with the NCIS agent, remembering a scene, just a couple of months ago, where the two had squared off in Interrogation. She tried to read his face but the look was inscrutable. Dallas knew Tobias trusted Gibbs. She also remembered how he had quickly come to her aid when she had been injured. Finally breaking eye contact, Hunter looked to her boss. He gave a quick nod of approval and then, the agent replied, "Looks like I'm in."

Gibbs smiled triumphantly. He had the team he wanted.

"Now, here's the rest of the story," the Senior Agent continued, "our Major wasn't just there to command the unit. He was on special assignment for the Secretary of the Navy. It's unclear if he completed his mission. He made a call to the Secretary's office, updating him on his progress – confident that he would have more detail for him soon. Twenty-four hours later, he and his wife were dead."

All the parties around the table (except Fornell) now registered the deeper purpose of this mission. Gibbs continued, "My role will be assuming command of the Unit. As Colonel Jeff Gilbert, I am career Corps, having worked primarily stateside. I will be allowed an adjutant." Looking down the length of the table, Jethro finished, "Tim will take that position."

Both McGee and DiNozzo looked shocked at the boss' decision.

"Wait just a minute," Tony interrupted, "I understand you want to give Probie here a chance to be involved but he's never been undercover before."

Gibbs answered, "Well, then, it's about time he added that to his resume don't you think?"

DiNozzo started to argue but Gibbs cut him off, "Look, DiNozzo, we're doing quite a bit of back-channel work here, using unconventional ways of obtaining information. At no time will we be able to use NCIS databases. You may have the undercover experience but Tim can run circles around you on the computer. That's what the job requires."

Dallas watched the by-play of the three agents. McGee had been furious and then, dejected, but he quickly schooled his features. However, the obvious pleasure at finally being chosen over the Senior Field Agent was evident in his carriage. DiNozzo, too, went from furious to dejected as the details of the job were explained. Still not happy at being slighted, the NCIS agent knew enough to back down and eventually accept his boss' decision.

Somewhat pouting, Tony added, "And the FBI?"

"My job will be to identify all the bodies when this goes to hell in a hand basket, DiNutso," Fornell deadpanned, "so it was easy to say yes when the op was presented to me."

Gibbs shook his head, ignoring the statement, and clarified "What Tobias meant to say was that he will be our contact here in D.C. Any information, files, evidence, whatever we need, we go through him and NOT NCIS. We're not completely sure that the leak wasn't internal."

"So, what do I do?" Tony asked, still not happy with the situation.

"You will be conducting NCIS' investigation into the death of the Marine Corps Major and his wife, dealing directly with the local authorities and drug task force. The fact you've been involved with undercover narcotics operations during your time as a cop & that you speak Spanish makes you an excellent choice," Gibbs explained. "In addition, Ziva will be there to assist you. With her International contacts, you should be able to get some help from across the border."

"Ziva?" Tony queried at the exact same time Ziva responded with, "Me?"

"Yes," Gibbs answered.

Leaning forward and casting a surreptitious glance toward her adversary from the FBI, the Israeli took up Tony's previous line of questioning, "So what does that leave for Agent Hunter?"

Dallas had been content to be a spectator; curious herself as to why she had been brought into this investigation. Upon hearing Fornell's job description, she had figured she would be his backup, shuffling papers back and forth between the two agencies. Now, she had to admit, she was interested in what role the lead NCIS agent had for her.

"Agent Hunter is going to be Mrs. Gilbert – the wife of the new commanding officer." Gibbs said matter-of-fact, his eyes never leaving Dallas'. Hunter's gaze narrowed slightly but she refused to give the agent any real outward sign

Ziva huffed, "But, Gibbs, if this is an NCIS operation, surely it would be better if your wife were another NCIS agent."

On a sigh, he looked to the former Mossad agent, "My alias is more of a paper-pusher, not an infantry grunt, so the expectation of a foreign-born wife doesn't quite play to character. In addition, Dallas is a little older and, as a former Marine, has lived on base. She'll know what's expected in that regard."

She felt the stares from the other agents, her boss included, but she refused to speak. Instead, Dallas simply gave Ziva a very self-satisfied smile that did nothing to diffuse the animosity already established between the two agents.

"As Dallas will spend most of her time in our residence, she'll also be your liaison. Anything the two of you need or need to communicate, you'll relay to her. She'll get it back to Fornell and we'll go from there."

He could tell the three regulars from his team were about to launch into a tirade, so Gibbs raised a hand before anyone else could speak.

"The bottom line is this: It's my operation-my choice of how to use the personnel. If you don't like it, there's the door. This is not open to discussion."

Realizing they had been subtly reprimanded, the agents relaxed their aggressive postures and waited for the commands they knew would be forthcoming.

"Alright, then." Gibbs stood, "DiNozzo. David. Go home. Get packed and get your personal affairs in order. Be at Andrews at 0-530."

The two agents nodded their assent and left the room without further discussion. Gibbs knew, at some point, the two agents would express their continued displeasure. He'd make sure it was the last said.

Fornell also stood as the two NCIS agents departed. "Guess that's my cue, as well?"

Gibbs smiled and shook his friend's hand, "Can't tell you how much I appreciate this, Tobias."

"No problem, Jethro. Just make sure I get her back in one piece." He nodded towards his agent. Smiling shyly, Dallas responded with a quiet thank you to her boss.

Fornell smiled back and then followed in the wake of DiNozzo and David.

The room quieted as Dallas and Tim were left with a still-standing Gibbs. Leaning on the table, he drew their attention.

"Any questions?"

"Boss, you know I grew up on military bases but I've never served," McGee hesitated.

Gibbs smiled, "I know that, McGee. That's another reason Dallas goes in as my spouse. With her, you'll be able to ask any questions or get any clarification you need. It wouldn't be amiss for you to be seen with her as you are my right-hand man; my assistant. When in doubt, go to Dallas."

Nodding his understanding, Tim turned a hesitant smile toward the FBI agent. It was Dallas' turn.

"I do have one question but it's for Special Agent McGee, not you." Dallas responded pointedly to Jethro. Turning back to the agent in question, Hunter continued, "In light of our past encounter, are you alright working with me?"

Tim smiled, remembering Dallas' use of force not once, but twice. His answer was honest, "While I know it was at the expense of my dignity, you were doing the job assigned to you, Special Agent Hunter. And, from what I know now, you were doing it quite well. If that's an example of what you're capable of, then I look forward to working with you."

Dallas smiled, pleased with the answer. Turning back to an expectant Gibbs, she replied, "Alright, then. Let's do this."

Satisfied, Gibbs stood up and headed towards the door, the two agents following his lead. "Then let's go see Abby."