Ziva confirmed quickly with the director then immediately showered, changed her clothes, brushed her teeth and headed into NCIS. Director Sheppard met her at the door.
Abby was standing in the bullpen of their desk and with a tear streaked face. Upon seeing Ziva she immediately ran towards her and threw herself into Ziva's arms. Ziva grunted with the impact and was glad she had taken a shower. Abby had tears streaming down her face and for a moment Ziva allowed herself the indulgence of smelling Abby's hair.
"Shh Abby I got you."
Abby very aware of her the woman she loved being in her arms cried harder because of the ache within her. Ziva pulled back a little bit and cupped her cheek affectionately.
"its going to be ok Abby, we'll find him."
Director Shepard came out at that moment.
"Dinozzo, David, Mcgee my office now."
The three dutifully followed Director Shepard into her office.
"Here's what we know. Gibbs was out on his boat over the weekend, there's a band of pirates that have been running those waters as of late, I'd like you too investigate on the waterside of things. One the other side of things we also know that Jethro was working on several cold cases, Mcgee I want you to chase down that lead, see what Gibbs was working on and work with Dinozzo and Abby's labs techs to get stuff processed." Mcgee at this point began to ask where Abby would be when the Director held up a hand. "Dinozzo you will be tracking down and investigating the shooting in the harbor you've all been working so hard on. Close the case if you can and give me any leads you have. David you'll lead the waterside team; Abby will go with you. Both of you are master sailors. "
Ziva felt her insides churn when the director said this; an undetermined amount of time on a boat, alone with Abby with pirates involved. This was beginning to sound like the beginning of a cheesy joke. Her adams apple bobbed up and down as she fought to get the dirtier images out of her head as well as the idea of being alone with Abby on a boat when she had just shored her resolution. A small 'oh god' threatened to push past her senses. Utilizing her Massod training and realizing she was at work and letting her face drop to blankness, clasping her hands behind her back and spreading her legs in classic military stance she glanced at the director.
"And the boat?"
" The coast guard impounded a stolen mega yacht pirate , let me be more specific, the favorite boat of the leader a few weeks ago, they sent a high falutened lawyer to un-impound the boat. Obviously he was unsuccessful. We sent him a rather unpleasant message. The lawyer tried to use his connections and was found dead in the harbor two hours ago. We are setting up a cover as we speak of you being the owner of a business that buys impounded yachts, having all the right connections, you'll be having a party on the boat to shore up your cover and attract their attention. Abby will be your captain and assistant. We've made sure to invite all the right people."
Dinozzo cleared his throat.
"Boss lady wouldn't it be easier to send Ziva and I to do this? It sounds rather dangerous."
Ziva cast him a look and scowled, how dare he imply she couldn't take care of Abby.
"No I want the women because it will be easier, trust me on this. Your target is this Auswella Varlesan. She's Puerto Rican, and the leader of this particular band of pirates. They are organized, and strike with incredible precision. They are the most organized band of pirates we've experience in years." Tony raised a finger and Director Shepard once more interrupted him. "No Tony your skills won't be needed she's a notorious lesbian. Ziva will be far more attractive than you. If there's a hope of finding out what happened to Gibbs, she'll be the one who can tell us. Dinozzo, Mcgee, I need you to run all angles from land. The night of the party we've set up surveillance, you'll need to identify the members of the crew as you can. Mcgee make sure that equipment is state of the art, one spook and they are gone or we and others are all dead. Do your job. You two are dismissed. Ziva stay a moment."
Ziva remained in her military stance as the door softly clicked closed.
"Ziva I've never asked your sexual orientation and I'm not asking now. Can you do this?"
Ziva smiled.
"Of course I can director Sheppard. I'll do my job."
"Good. Here's your cover. Take her out tonight spend the night on her. Tomorrow the real work begins. You'll have high boats all coming in to organize and deliver your party guests."
"Director how did you arrange a party and a boat like this on such short notice?"
"I was up all night Ziva and I have connections.. to all parts of the world. Part of tomorrow nights party is the cover façade of a business party. You're a seller of high retail boats, particularly of a stolen nature, off the market under the table. Most rich people in this city would kill for that skill. You're background is one of a fixer, your job is to make high priority problems… go away; for a price. You'll be fine its nothing you can't handle. Abby is there to process evidence and to keep you in check. The owner of the boat was about to sign a third party deal to sell you the yacht, the day the yacht was stolen was the day you were about to come onboard and buy the yacht. There's satellite footage of the boat coming in with you on it. "
"No offense director but Abby has no military training, wouldn't it be better to have a military officer on board?"
"Ziva it's a 400ft luxury yacht, much like the Eclipse you'll have over 35 crew onboard, all are naval officers hand picked by me, all are women and all of them know and respect Abby." She held up a hand at the line of inquiry Ziva was about to burst out on. "That is all Officer David and for heavens sake be careful."
Ziva nodded and due to her training did not pursue her line of inquiry. Questions swirled around in her head as she headed home to pack her bags.
Abby smiled as she ran her fingers over the veneer of her baby. Within Temptation was a luxury mega yacht not unlike the Eclipse. She only sported one helicopter pad making her 100ft shorter than the Eclipse. Her great uncle had purchased the boat and had never sadly had the chance to take her out. He died before she was done. Abby loved her boat, it was her home away from home. When the news had been delivered she'd asked for the best crew and Jenny had set her up with retired naval officers, whom she paid a pretty penny too. There was a lot to being an heiress, something Abby enjoyed greatly. The boat itself sported a hidden lab in the basement, an escape system and all the other things she needed and she had not been pleased at revealing her secret to Gibbs in order to get her boat back.
A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts and Abby bid the person enter.
"Captain." Abby raised her eyebrow and shook her head at her first officer. Lana immediately noticed and shook her head at the private joke. "Abby, we are ready to go."
"Thank you Lana."
"You're welcome Abby."
Abby sighed and glanced around her cabin her scowl deepening as she saw the red stains across the cabin wall. The bitch pirate had also spilled what appeared to be bloody marry on her perfectly white and black veneer in the captains cabin, the cabin she would be relinquishing to Ziva. A single eyebrow raised as an image of her taking Ziva against the windows of the cabin filled her mind. She didn't like relinquishing her suite. Needless to say Abby was not happy about this mission, but it was the only way to get Gibbs back. If she was honest part of her was incredibly excited about having Ziva all to herself for an undetermined amount of time. It was an exciting thought, her mind drifted back to the night they had danced and her body clenched in anticipation of the memory, and her heart ached causing her to quickly dispel the image. She sighed as her hands clenched the railing, remembering the feeling of Ziva's body in her hands, remembered the moan that had left her lips when her body moved against Abby's. A sigh escaped her lips as she turned from the balcony and back into her ensuite. She closed the door and grabbed her bag off the floor. Only to turn around at the sound of a motorcycle. Her jaw dropped at the sight before her. God, could the woman get any hotter? Ziva had just stepped off her 2013 Kawasaki Ninja, her helmet revealing her face as her hair cascaded down over her shoulder and Abby gulped. Setting down her bag she went ino the living room area and immediately poured herself a shot of Tequila. She gulped it down the smooth taste burning all the way down her throat. She quickly poured herself another and downed it, then took a secret hatchway before heading out on deck. Ziva was walking her motorcycle up the ramp making Abby crave another shot of tequila when they ran into one another.
"Abigail."
"Ziva."
"Wow some boat. Amazed the owner let us use it. Shes a beauty an what a hell of a name. Can't wait to run this baby."
Two of the crew appeared next to Ziva. Lana being one of them.
"Officer David, I am first officer Lana Ramos, welcome aboard Within Temptation. If you would like Halle here will take your motorcycle to the cargo bay for safe storage. I'll show you and Captain Scuto to your quarters and then give you a tour."
"That would be nice, thank you Commander."
"Lana please, we are your crew maam."
Ziva nodded, and Lana took them on a tour of several of the decks, leading her to the deck below the command tower.
"This is the captains or owners ensuite."
Ziva explored the suite, it was huge and had a dynamic 360 degree view. It had four bedrooms, a wide open living area with a large flatscreen tv and a fully stocked bar. It was decorated in a perfect combination of classical black and white, and it was a gorgeous cabin. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lana leading Abby away to show her her quarters. Thinking fast she immediately grabbed Abby's wrist.
"Abby this suite is huge. There's four bedrooms, why don't you just stay with me, then we can keep a closer eye on each other." Abby looked into the pleading brown eyes and relinquished.
"I think that's a great idea."
Lana raised an eyebrow, her mind quickly connecting the dots, this was the elusive woman that Abby was haunted by. Shit, not that Lana blamed her, the Isreali was stunning. Lana could only imagine how she'd look in a nightdress. Shit. A sad small smile covered Lana's features. Though she had known that her fling with her boss would only be temporary there was still a deep care that Lana had developed for her. All of her crew would be loyal to Abby, they had all loved her as their boss. She often let the crew bring their families on long cruises when they went out for more than a week and had a specific deck outfitted just for the kids. Lana and Abby had bonded over the boat, as well as over fighting, as Lana had become one of Abby's sparing partners and from there had developed a sexual relationship. Just pure sex between two friends, nothing more. Lana knew it would never be more from the night Abby had cried when she had come, tears streaming down her face for this woman. Lana knew only part of the story, but it surprised her that she was meeting the one nad only Ziva David. Abby often whimpered her name in her sleep.
"Lana, Earth to Lana." Abby's green eyes brought her out of her thoughts. " You ok?"
"I'm fine Scuto, just thinking that's all."
Abby's eyes searched hers, she mouthed a later and then turned her attention back to the Isreali whom had emerged from dropping her stuff in the bedroom.
Seeing the tense moment between the two women Ziva cocked her head to the side.
"everything ok? "
Abby snapped the spell with a smile.
"Just fine Ziva. Just having a disagreement about whether the engine is at the right pitch or not."
Ziva cocked her head and listened to the roar of the motor.
"Oil it on the left cylinder and the whine will be gone. Might have a bit of a salt buildup."
Lana nodded.
"I'll have it done immediately maam. Come shall I show you the rest of the ship? We push off in about 35 minutes. We'll be in open water in about an hour."
Lana spent the next hour showing the two women the main areas of the rest of the ship, then gently excused herself an Abby to check the route and confirm it before they hit open water. Ziva went back to ensuite and hung up her evening gowns and then making herself a drink she sat out on the expansive balcony and watched the sun set, desperately trying to keep her mind off of Abby. Abby followed Lana to the command center. Heading into the private office of the captain Lana pulled out the charts.
"These were the plans given by Director Shepard, all of our girls are packing in case something happens. This is dangerous Abby, the last time they caught us by surprise but I think between all of our technical training we'll be able to chart their approach this time."
Abby nodded. "Good we don't want o be taken by surprise."
They confirmed plans and Lana glanced at Abby softly.
"She's beautiful."
Abby's head whipped around so fast she wondered why she didn't get whiplash.
"How did you?"
"You talk in your sleep and you've said her name."
"Lana.." Lana held up her hand to stop her. "It won't be a problem, I know that what we had was only a substitute. I'll always be here Abby. "
"Until you find the right one."
"Yeah, but that hasn't happened yet, so.. I'm here."
"Thanks Lana."
"You're welcome, Dinner will be served on the wrap around from the ensuite."
"Lana.. don't push it."
"I'm not pushing anything, just helping."
"She's not interested.. stop helping."
"You don't know that."
"Do too."
"Do not."
"do too."
The two proceeded to argue as the other crew just shook their heads and laughed.
Ziva sat in the living room of the ensuite tequila on the rocks to her immediate left and all her documents and background information for her cover splayed out in front of her, her Massod training kicked in as she began memorizing the information. It processed quickly through her brain and she began forming a plan and a character. Knowing she needed a workout she stood up and asked a passing by crew member if there was a training center. The crewmember smirked and pointed her in the right direction. When Ziva entered the training room she was surprised to find Abby in the middle of a sparring ring, three of the crew surrounding her. Ziva went to intervene until one of the crew struck out and in two moves Abby had knocked two of them over and was facing it off with the third. Surprise sparked into Ziva's eyes as she watched Abby fight. Leaning against the doorway watching she realized the officers were working with Abby on her kill point moves, and Ziva watching Abby's footwork would guess that Abby had been fighting now for a good amount of time. She had a very good command of her hands and feet and was quick, Ziva noted a few things she could work on. Abby took out all three without taking a blow and then smirked at Ziva.
"Care to take a gander at it?"
Ziva smirked back and nodded. Lana quickly dismissed the other two girls who nodded and took a seat on the mat watching Ziva stride over. She was incredibly beautiful and Lana quickly stifled the arousal that spread through her body. Ziva had the look of a predator on her face as she approached Abby.
"Kill moves Abigail? See if you can land one."
Abby smirked back and grabbing her remote she turned on some music, then turned her gaze on David.
"Don't get cocky Officer David, you have no idea what I am capable of."
Abby struck out going for Ziva's throat. Ziva backpedaled and caught Abby's wrist, twisting her around and pulling her against her frame. Leaning down she whispered.
"It's true Abigail, but I look forward to finding out."
Abby elbowed Ziva in the ribs, causing Ziva to grunt and twist her back out. Abby used this to her advantage and reversed the wrist hold, tripping Ziva and in one move had a knee at her throat. Ziva smirked and raised an eyebrow offering a soft well done before going on the offensive. Abby blocked every blow directed at her. Ziva aimed for a kill move on Abbys throat, abby moving to block it only to find an elbow come up and stop a centimeter short of her nose. Abby groaned and relinquished. Neither noticed that Lana had slipped out of the room an announcement coming through the speakers. The two women continued sparring, trading blow for blow, breath for breath neither caring to keep track of who was dead more a this point, both enjoying the physical contact. After a good 30 minutes Abby had Ziva pinned up against the wall her arm at Ziva's throat and Abby looked deep into the brown eyes seeing the fire and the lust within them she felt the tension building between them and the fire pooling in her own body. Ziva's breath came in shorter gasps due to the exertion and due to the arousal pooling in her lower regions. The brown clashed with the green and Abby removed her arm, placing her hands on either side of Ziva's head, neither saying a word moving her body close to Ziva, wanting, needing to feel the closeness. Ziva moving slowly placing a hand on Abby's hip pulling her close and cupping her chin with the other. Her hand and thumb explored Abby's facial features as her eyes searched Abby's finding the sadness that she saw in her eyes, watching the emotions play across the green orbs and finally saw the lust settle in her eyes. Ziva cupped her hand around the back of Abby's neck giving her the ability to resist at any point. Abby's breath hitched and she allowed herself the condolence, just one kiss. The door was opened and the two women sprung apart. Lana raised an eyebrow.
"Captain we have a blip on the radar, I'd like you and Ziva to come look at it."
Abby nodded and stepped farther away from Ziva. As she walked out the door her eye dropped closed. She didn't deserve Ziva and she just about kissed her. What had she gotten herself into? Lana noticed that Ziva hadn't really moved from the wall. She looked flushed. She smirked at her.
"She has that affect."
Ziva groaned softly and followed Lana out. They met Abby up in command center and Abby smiled.
"looks like our Puerto Rican pirate is falling for our trap, this boat has the same schematics of the one she raided us with before. Hate it when bitches fuck with my boat. She'll be within range by the morning. Keep a close 24 hr watch on that blip Lana."
"Yes Maam. Your dinner was served by the way."
"Fantastic, make sure all the pre-party preparations are being made under way, as well as the pregame distractions being here in the morning. We need to show our guests a good time."
Ziva raised an eyebrow at this new piece of information, this was Abby's boat. She glanced at Lana who just smirked again. Abby flitted out of the room and headed towards their quarters and Ziva dutifully followed.
"Abby wait, Abigail, this is your boat?"
"Yes, this is my baby."
"Well that explains the décor, which is perfect by the way."
"The pirate stole my ship a few weeks ago on a routine run, obviously the coast guard got it back, but I had to reveal my secret to Gibbs and that's not my style. Then people start fawning and asking for money and favors and oh it's a drag."
They had reached their quarters and Abby headed towards her room stripping off her t-shirt as she went. Ziva felt her eyes grow as big as saucers as she watched. Abby had a perfect six pack and a perfect body, she had obviously been fighting for awhile as her body showed its contours off. Abby turned to her with no shirt on and saw the lust pooled in Ziva's eyes for just a minute and then the cockiness fell back into place as Ziva hedged her bets and walked towards her. Abby hadn't quite expected Ziva to be that bold. Ziva walked over and turned Abby around with no shirt on. Her eyes hungrily raked the perfect body and her hand went from Abby's shoulder down her arm and finally flattened against her abs.
" Nice Abs, you'll have to catch me up on all the fighting experience apparently I didn't know you had. " Her hand went slowly dangerously lower, Abby's eyes closing briefly as she tried to concentrate at Ziva's display. Ziva stepped closer trapping her hand in-between their two bodies. "Two can play at this game Abby, be careful.. fire burns."
Abby closed her eyes briefly at the breath on her ear, then preparing herself she cockily rolled her hips daring Ziva's hand to go lower and stepped away.
"Just getting you ready for your role Ziva, now to food before it gets cold."
