FLASHBACK ISREAL:
"I need you to infiltrate his camp in Somalia and gain his trust. I need someone on the inside to see who is supplying him weapons."
"I know my duty Ba-MAHY (Director). I will stay as long as it takes to protect our country and stop our enemies."
"I will send others to stop him once we have enough evidence. I want him stopped at all cost; whatever it takes."
"Then you are sending our top people. This is good, I welcome the support."
"They will get the job done. Nothing will stop them until the mission is complete. They will not fail me or Israel."
"I will not fail our people Ba-MAHY."
"See that you do not Harim; Shalohm."
PRESENT:
"I understand Director. I was not privileged to be in the same room with Director Vance. Whatever meeting the Ambassador had was meant to be private."
"I expected more from you than that Mustoff. I am disappointed that you had not had him bugged. This does not fare well in my eyes as becoming a Mossad agent. This should have been Childs play to observing his every move."
"I understand that Ziva had a gun to his head; Why?"
"How…?"
"I have watchers, watching the watchers Mustoff. You should already know I have eyes and ears everywhere."
"Yes Director; but Ziva did not fire. Agent Gibbs spoke to her and she passed out after handing her weapon to him. After the incident Harim refused to press charges of assassination. I do not know why?"
"That is for you to find out. I expect better Intel that what you've given me. As far as Ziva is concerned she is damaged goods. But I need you to find out what Harim is up to. Keep a sharp eye Mustoff. I will be watching." The cell phone disconnected. Mustoff would not fail again. He knows what is at stake.
The Morgue:
"Ziva for right now, I'm going to suggest some rest. Let someone drive you home."
"But Ducky I am fine. I do not need ….
"It's an order Ziva. Director Vance was there and witnessed the whole situation. I don't think he wants you to return until we know what's wrong with you."
Ziva was becoming angry. "There is nothing, wrong with me Gibbs. I….I just need to figure this out."
"No…we will figure it out together. No one is left behind. Something triggered some kind of memory that you want to kill this Ambassador. Right now you need to start fresh in the morning. Go get some sleep Ziver. We'll talk in the morning…ok."
Hoping down from the table, she nodded at Ducky. "Thanks Ducky and yes Gibbs, I will go home and rest." Ziva felt uncertain about herself. She felt like a child being sent home because of doing something terrible. She had no idea, at least now, why she pulled a weapon on a complete stranger.
As she walked out of the Morgue, Gibbs and Ducky couldn't help worry about how this would affect Ziva.
"Is it wise Jethro to send Ziva home alone after what happened?"
"Don't worry Ducky; I'm going to have someone babysit." Gibbs phone rang.
"In my office Gibbs; NOW." His line hung up.
He looked at Ducky. "Well this is where it gets interesting Ducky. Director wants to see me." Gibbs left, while Ducky knew this was not looking to good for Ziva.
As Ziva returned to the bullpen, she looked a little dazed. She packed up her few items and slung her backpack over her shoulder. Tony wondered what was going on with his partner.
"Hey, Ziva you alright?"
"I am fine Tony, I've been sent home to rest. I will see you later." Ziva didn't stay to chit chat with Tony. She felt tired and just wanted some air.
Tony was about to follow her, when Gibbs arrived on the other elevators. He saw Ziva stare at him and her elevator doors to the lobby closed.
"Boss…?"
"DiNozzo, follow her from a distance and keep an eye out for her. Let me know if she needs anything."
"Yes Boss." As he was leaving, he gave McGee a nod, and watched Gibbs climb the stairs to Vance's office.
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE:
Gibbs closed the door to Vance's office. Already knowing what Vance was going to do.
"Yes Director?"
"How is Ziva and where is she?"
"Ducky released her to go home."
"Well then she's fine. I'm suspending her until she has a psyche evaluation. Then I'll make a decision on whether she stays at NCIS."
"WHAT?" Gibbs did not expect this.
"You understood me Gibbs. What happened out there could have been an international incident. She's lucky the Ambassador didn't press charges or his protection detail didn't kill her."
"I take full responsibility for my team Leon. If she needs time and help I'll give her some leave to straighten this out. But she stays at NCIS."
Vance interjected angrily. "You don't make that decision Gibbs, I do. There are witnesses on the floor that saw everything. She's dangerous right now and I want to know why. And if she does not pass the evaluation then I have no choice but to dismiss her from NCIS."
Gibbs tried a different approach, though he wanted to be angry at Vance. "Look Leon, I'm sure there is some rational explanation. Even after Somalia Ziva has been more than a valued Agent. I have a feeling that there is more than just, this incident. There's a connection somehow with this Ambassador and all I'm asking is just give her some time to figure it out."
Vance couldn't help but understand that Gibbs is close to his team. He knew Ziva was an excellent Agent and a asset to NCIS. He decided to trust his instincts. Vance pushed his security button and the room was sealed.
"What I say to you Gibbs remains in this room. The Ambassador was here unannounced and without the Sanction of Director David."
TBC
A/N: Thank you everyone for your comments and reviews. The following is enormous. I'm on a run and can't stop on this one. As usual comments and reviews are welcomed.