Woah, it's been waaaay too long since I updated, and I could probably give you a list of excuses but I don't really think it would help. So instead I'm just going to get on with the story. It's short and definitely not my best work but I would hate to keep you waiting any longer.

I own nothing.

Reality Is Madness

It all happened so fast. He was vaguely aware of the voice chattering away on the other line, telling him his friends were in danger and the place he spent the majority of his time had been destroyed. His mind was working quickly, trying to comprehend everything when a crushing pain erupted in his chest. It was like someone was pressing on his chest, each breath restricted and painful. After many years of medical school and more practice than anyone really needed, Doctor Donald Mallard knew a heart attack was in progress.

His mind told him to keep calm, maybe even call for help but without warning his legs gave out and he fell to his knees, saltwater lapping against his dark trousers. The cellphone fell from his shaking hand, and after a few seconds of trying to fight away the pain he fell too, face down in the sand and water. Slowly his breathing became shallow, and each breath was spaced out. Ducky let his eyes flutter shut as a wave of exhaustion washed over him and soon he was swallowed into black nothingness.

It seemed like an eternity later, but even in the blackness he could make out the noises around him. Heavy footsteps pounded into the ground and a frantic voice called his name followed by someone rolling him over and placing two trembling fingers on his neck. He knew it was Jimmy.

"Doctor Mallard? Doctor can you hear me?" He wanted to tell him he was ok, but right now he wasn't too sure. All he could do was slightly squeeze the hand that had wrapped itself around his own and listen as Jimmy called for an ambulance.

It was less than ten minutes before more footsteps were heard and kind voices and gentle hands took the place of Jimmy's before he was lifted off the ground and placed on a stretcher. He was able to open his eyes by then and he blinked several times as he attempted to get a better look at his surroundings. Without his glasses most things appeared as a blurs with colors and shaped melted together but he was able to make out Jimmy, sitting next to him and clutching his hand. At the sight of his mentor and friend now awake Jimmy quickly straightened up and spoke in a soothing voice.

"Doctor Mallard, it's good to see you awake. You really had me scared." Jimmy let out a nervous chuckle, a habit his young assistant often showcased when under pressure, normally at the hands of Gibbs. As much as Ducky appreciated the concern, the only thing he could focus on were his friends back home.

"Mr. Palmer," he said in a hoarse voice, coughing slightly to clear his aching throat. Jimmy scooted closer, inclining his head and squeezing his fingers lightly.

"I need a phone. I must try and contact Gibbs." Jimmy looked doubtful, but was unwilling to refuse the doctors wishes, and after a quick glance to make sure no paramedics were around to object, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed the number.

He held it close to Ducky and hit speaker so he could hear the conversation too, if there was one. After a few seconds of listening to the monotone sound of the dial tone, a familiar gruff voice greeted them.

"Hello?"

"Jethro? Jethro what is going on?"

"It's bad Duck. There was a bomb, McGee's been transported to Bethesda and Tony and Ziva are stuck in the elevator…" His friend's normally calm voice was shaking, with both grief and rage and for a moment Ducky had to stop and swallow the lump building up in his throat. After a moment Gibbs spoke again.

"Are you alright Duck? I don't need anyone else going out on me." While the words sounded a bit harsh, Ducky knew it was only his friend's way of voicing his concerns without tearing down the wall of dark glares and blunt responses he had built up over the years.

"Jethro I'm fine. I only called to make sure you and the team was alright. Mr. Palmer and I will be back as soon as we can find a way there." Jimmy's eyes widened and he sent a stern look in the doctor's direction as his thoughts were voiced by Gibbs.

"No Duck. You're going to stay there until a doctor sees you and tells you you're alright to fly." Ducky glared at the phone in Jimmy's hand, but was too tired and worried to argue.

"Alright Jethro, but as soon as I am given the all clear, I will be there with you. Mr. Palmer too," he added with a smile, looking at his young assistant you had should be eternally grateful too.

"Well I guess I'll talk to the two of you soon, I need to see what the rescue teams can do about Tony and Ziva." There was an audible click and the line went dead, leaving the two sitting in the ambulance and wondering exactly what was going to happen next. Ducky looked at jimmy and shook his hand lightly when he noticed the tears that were misting in the younger mans eyes.

"Now don't you worry Mr. Palmer, you know that Gibbs and his team are not one to be knocked down without getting back up for a second round. And as soon as I see a doctor you and I will go home and do what we were trained to do." Jimmy smiled and rubbed a hand over his mouth, nodding at the words.

"Of course, Doctor Mallard."