"Agent DiNozzo," said Stan when he arrived to work and found Gibbs and Tony already there, "Are you OK? Agent Gibbs told me Dr Mallard had made you go to the Emergency Room."
"I'm fine," said Tony, "Or I will be. Just banged up a bit. You did well, Stan. Kept your head. Did what you should have done." Tony turned his head as he heard a rumble from Gibbs. "Good work, Stan."
"Thank you," blushed Stan.
"But," Tony continued, "As, no doubt you're aware, Agent Gibbs has voiced his disapproval that I didn't clue you both in on what was going down."
"Oh no, Sir," stammered Stan, "I'm sure you …"
"And he was right," said Tony cutting into Stan's words, "He wasn't right about me being involved with the operation," he stared at Gibbs, "But he was right that I should have let you both know. It's an important lesson. If we're going to work as a team we need to know we can trust one another; be sure that we've all got all the information available; that there are no hidden agendas. I got that wrong and I apologise."
"Oh," said Stan, "Er … thank you."
"Don't look so surprised, Stan," said Tony, "I learned a long time ago that we all make mistakes. And that's fine, the important thing is that we learn from them and move on. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Sir," said Stan, "I understand. And I'm glad you're OK."
Tony paused for a moment to see if Gibbs was going to say anything but when the older agent remained silent he suppressed a sigh and said, "Let's move on, then. I'm going to step back from PT this morning but I'll watch both of you instead."
"Watch?" asked Gibbs.
"Sure," said Tony, "Phys-ed major, remember? It wasn't all playing sport, you know. I do know something about fitness and stamina."
Tony was sitting watching Gibbs and Stan spar when the Director walked up to him.
"No, don't get up," he said when he saw Tony getting to his feet. "I heard what went down yesterday."
"Agent Fornell was right, Sir," said Tony, "Kinda wish he hadn't been," he added ruefully as he felt the cut on his head.
"You could have taken the day," said Morrow.
"Still got a lot to do," said Tony, "And it's difficult to relax in a hotel room."
"I hear Agent Gibbs looked after you last night," said Morrow. Tony looked at him in surprise. "Dr Mallard is a mine of information," explained the Director.
"Yes, Agent Gibbs stepped up," said Tony.
"That's good," suggested Morrow. "Shows he cares."
"Possibly," said Tony. "Who knows? He's tough to read."
"How's it going?"
"I think Stan will be good."
"And Gibbs?"
"Early days. Obviously he's a good agent. The jury's out on whether he can put up with me as lead."
"You need me to have a word?" asked the Director.
"I don't think that would help, Sir. Do you?"
"You're probably right," admitted the Director.
"We'll be OK," said Tony, "I think he just takes a while to warm up to people."
The Director looked across at Gibbs and Stan just in time to see Gibbs clap the younger man on the shoulder as praise for a good punch. He averted his eyes and remained diplomatically silent. "Let me know if you need more time before going live," he said.
"Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir."
"What the Director want?" asked Gibbs walking up Morrow left the gym.
"Checking up," said Tony. "You finished?"
"Yes," said Gibbs, "Any comments?"
"No," said Tony evenly, "All looking good. Come up to the squad room when you've changed. We'll look at yesterday's reports."
NCISNCIS
It couldn't be said that going through the reports was the most successful session the new MCRT had ever had. As expected, Gibbs had picked up on most of the holes in the case files and spotted what was good. Stan had made as good an attempt as Tony could have hoped for. Perhaps it was because they had both done well or perhaps it was because Tony's head was beginning to throb that the team leader found little to get a discussion going. Tony quailed at the thought of any further sessions like this and decided he'd have to rethink the schedule. Another misstep he thought gloomily.
"I've got to head over to the Hoover Building this afternoon," announced Tony. "You two can come with me."
"I know where the Hoover Building is," said Gibbs.
"And so do I," said Stan helpfully.
"Good to know," said Tony, "But you don't know the people who work there. We'll run into FBI agents when we're working cases – this'll be your chance to get to recognise some faces. Kill two birds with one stone. It will be efficient," he added before Gibbs could add another comment.
Gibbs shrugged and Stan looked excited at the thought of meeting the FBI. Tony let Stan drive and then led his team into the building.
"Agents DiNozzo, Gibbs and Burley," he announced to the security guard, "To see Agent Fornell. He's expecting us."
Stan wondered when Tony had let Fornell know that he was bringing company and then gulped in horror when the security guard spoke.
"Can I see your ID, please?"
Gibbs and DiNozzo promptly got their creds out but Stan realised he'd left his in his desk. Unlike the two more experienced agents it hadn't become automatic for him to carry them at all times.
"Good lesson, Stan," said DiNozzo, "You won't do that again."
The vetting procedure took longer for Stan but finally, with a bright red face, he was allowed through.
"Day for mistakes," said Gibbs to nobody in particular.
"DiNotso," said Fornell affably when they were escorted into his office, "And Jethro! What a pleasure. And this must be your new Probie. The one who was stalking you yesterday."
Tony looked at Stan and noticed that he kept his composure and didn't rise to Fornell's dig.
"Glad he did," said Tony mildly, "He was good backup. Thanks for doing this, Agent Fornell. Be good for Agent Burley to meet some of your team. And for Agent Gibbs to reacquaint himself."
"No problem," said Fornell, "I have Agent Sacks on standby to give them both a tour."
Tony looked at Sacks' sour expression and tried to guess what he'd done to deserve this punishment.
"I'll catch up with you when I've finished giving my statement," he said. He wondered if this was how parents felt when leaving their children at the school gate for the first time.
"You all right, DiNotso?" asked Fornell when they were alone. "You look a bit ragged round the edges. Although I guess that's to be expected with Jethro on your team."
Tony opened his mouth to find out more about what it was like to work with Gibbs but decided that, although he liked Fornell, he should resist the temptation to gossip with the FBI. He contented himself with a smile and began giving his statement. When he caught up with his team he found that the visit was going well. Gibbs was predictably silent but Stan was making up for it with his enthusiastic and intelligent questions. Sacks was mellowing under the flattering attention and Tony thought that he would probably be pleased to see Burley at a joint crime scene.
As they sat in the car ready to return to NCIS, Gibbs said, "You thinking of jumping ship, Stan?"
"What? No! Why?"
"Seemed to be mighty excited about all the gizmos and stuff that the FBI have," said Gibbs, "Thought you might be thinking of a career move."
"No," said Stan, "It was interesting, that's all."
"Don't let him get to you, Stan," said Tony. "Talking to the other agents was what that was all about. Building relationships. You did well." The emphasis on you was subtle but he thought that Gibbs would notice.
"What we doing tomorrow?" asked Gibbs, "Looking at more case files?"
"No," said Tony, "I think we're done with that." He decided there was no need to admit that it been a mistake. "Agent Gibbs, you're going to Abby's lab for a couple of hours. Stan, you're going to Autopsy and then you're both going to MTAC for orientation."
"What you going to be doing?" asked Gibbs.
"I'll go to the MTAC session. Before that I'm going to speak to some other team leads. See if there are any recent crime scenes that we can go practise on." Tony found himself holding his breath in anticipation of another comment but Gibbs simply nodded.
Stan discovered the consequences of leaving his credentials behind when he got back to the Navy Yard. He had half expected that Tony's confirmation of his identity would be enough for him to be waved through so he was surprised that the guard insisted on a lengthy process of verification. Stan hadn't noticed that Tony had nodded to the guard in approval of the lengthy procedure.
Gibbs and Tony left the hapless Stan at the mercy of the zealous security team.
"What was that about?" asked Gibbs. "Henry would have nodded him through."
"You think Stan will ever forget his creds again?" replied Tony. Gibbs replied by snorting in amusement.
Stan arrived in the squad room ten minutes later and went straight to his desk and retrieved his ID. He had barely sat down when Tony said,
"We'll call it a day. No point starting anything else. See you tomorrow."
Stan and Gibbs looked at their watches and were surprised to see that it was only 16.00. It seemed that Stan was about to insist he could stay later but Gibbs noticed that Tony looked pale and heavy-eyed so he shook his head at the junior agent. He got up and went to stand by Tony's desk,
"You leaving too?" he asked almost gently.
Tony looked up wryly. "Still got reports to write. I'll be along later."
"Paperwork can wait," said Gibbs, "You look like crap."
"Thank you for that," said Tony, "Just what I wanted to hear."
Gibbs shrugged, "I've had concussions before. I know what they feel like. I'm guessing you're struggling to keep your eyes from crossing. You won't make a good job of the paperwork if you can't see what you're doing."
Stan came to stand next to Gibbs and peered at Tony anxiously. Tony huffed a laugh. "OK, I give in. Mother hens!"
NCISNCIS
The team went for lunch after their session in MTAC the next day. Tony was grumbling,
"How is it that everyone else does the eye scanning thingy first time?"
"It's easy," said Stan. "You mean you couldn't do it?"
"It took me a while," admitted Tony with a scowl.
"Did you find us a crime scene?" asked Gibbs deciding to change the subject.
"No," said Tony. "But I had another idea."
"Yeah?" said Gibbs who was beginning to be apprehensive about Tony's ideas.
"Yeah," replied Tony with a happy smile. "I went for a run this morning along the River Trail in Anacostia. It's beautiful. Very peaceful, tranquil. Sort of makes you feel … spiritual. Great start to the morning."
"So we're going for a run?" said Gibbs cautiously.
"What? Oh, no. But it gave me an idea. Or to be more accurate, it reminded me of something Chris Pacci did when I was starting out. He wanted to test my crime scene skills." Tony sighed reminiscently.
"And what was the idea?" asked Stan breaking into what seemed a happy reverie.
"Oh. Yes. People are very untidy you know. They litter," said Tony severely.
"Yes?" said Gibbs.
"So we're going to bag and tag for litter. Crime scene sketches and photos of untidy areas. The whole nine yards. It'll be great. And we'll being doing Park Services a good turn as well." Tony looked at his agents, "You don't seem impressed," he commented.
"I've had lots of practice at crime scene techniques at FLETC," said Stan.
"And I've been a NCIS agent for more than ten years," said Gibbs. "I've had real experience."
"Well," said Tony. "Stan, I haven't seen what you're capable of. Agent Gibbs, you've been in Europe for some months and I'm guessing you didn't do much crime scene investigation there." Gibbs and Stan still looked glum. Tony tried again, "It's a beautiful day. You'll be out in the fresh air. Who knows, you might enjoy it."
"Picking up people's trash," said Stan sadly.
"You'll be wearing gloves," said Tony encouragingly.
"Won't help with the smell," said Gibbs.
Tony stood up, "Suck it up, gentlemen. We're doing this. Come on, grab your gear!"
"What?" said Stan.
Tony had the grace to look sheepish. "I'm trying out catchphrases," he admitted. "What do you think?"
"Hmph," was Gibbs' response as he went to grab his gear.
NCISNCIS
"Any more meet and greet sessions to come?" asked Gibbs as they walked along the river to the spot Tony had chosen.
"Metro PD and ATF," said Tony, "and Legal."
"Legal?" said Gibbs in an appalled tone. "Legal?"
"Sure," said Tony. "We should always work closely with Legal."
"We should?" asked Stan.
"Yes," said Tony as if it was obvious. "No point doing the hard work of solving a case only for it get thrown out because we didn't follow protocol. Can't do without Legal. Isn't that right, Agent Gibbs?"
"Unbelievable," muttered Gibbs, "Unbelievable. Involve Legal?"
"Is there a problem, Agent Gibbs?" asked Tony.
"Yes, there's a problem," said Gibbs heatedly. "Lawyers just get in the way. They stop us doing our job … they …"
"That's not fair," interrupted Tony. "I'm sure NCIS lawyers are on our side and … what's going on?"
Stan had been absorbed in trying to follow the brewing argument between Gibbs and Tony so was taken by surprise when they stopped their quarrelling to look out across the river. The next thing he knew they were running towards the water. Tony shouted, "Stan, call Harbour Patrol. Tell them someone's in trouble in the water!"
Stan ran after Tony and Gibbs and watched from the bank as they plunged into the water. He looked out across the river and saw what looked like a teenaged boy waving desperately for help.
Tony swam fastest and got to the lad but couldn't get close because he was in a panic and his arms were flailing wildly.
"I'm here to help," said Tony calmly. "Quiet down. Let me come closer." He swam a little nearer but the boy continued to swing wildly and landed a blow on Tony's head – it seemed that he didn't seem to notice that assistance had arrived as he was too frightened to see anything but the water. Tony hesitated for a second and dived down. He was aware that Gibbs was just behind him and would see what was happening. Tony broke the surface behind the boy, and remembering his lifeguard training, grabbed the boy under the arms,
"I've got you," he said, "You'll be all right."
"Need any help?" asked Gibbs.
"We're good," said Tony. "Swim with us. Be ready if we get into trouble."
Gibbs nodded and swam up a little closer. The boy calmed down as he realised that he was held securely and that they were moving again.
"Were you on your own?" gasped Tony as he propelled them towards the river bank. He was worried that the boy might have gone in after someone else.
"Yes," came the reply, "I was trying to take a photo. For a nature project. But I fell in."
"You're OK now," said Tony, "Be back on dry land soon."
"Guess it means I failed the project,"
"Guess so," said Gibbs. "What's your name, Son?"
"Gully, Sir."
"Don't call him Sir," warned Tony. "He doesn't like it."
"He doesn't?" asked Gully. "Why not?"
"Not sure," said Tony. "I think it's one of his rules."
By this time, they had come close enough to the bank that they could touch the bottom so Tony and Gibbs were able to walk in towing Gully. Stan was waiting for them.
"Ambulance is on its way," he said as he leant down to help.
Gibbs and Tony sat down a little breathlessly.
"Guess bagging and tagging is out for today," said Gibbs.
Tony and Gibbs were watching Gully being loaded on to the ambulance when Ducky arrived.
"Ducky?" said Tony. "What are you doing here?" Even as he asked the question he turned towards Stan who tried to look innocent.
"I am coming," said Ducky severely, "To make sure you and Jethro are going to hospital."
"We don't need to do that," said Gibbs immediately. "We weren't in any trouble."
"For heaven's sake!" said Ducky. "You do realise, do you not, that swimming in the Anacostia is not recommended. The water is polluted. You need to go to hospital for blood tests and for the appropriate antibiotics to be administered."
"I'm sure we'll be fine," said Tony determined not to have another visit to the hospital.
"Agent DiNozzo had to dive down, Dr Mallard," said Stan helpfully. "He may have swallowed some water."
Tony glared at Stan.
"And there was a lot of splashing," continued Stan undeterred, "I wouldn't be surprised if Agent Gibbs swallowed some water as well."
Gibbs took his turn at glaring at Stan.
"That settles it," said Ducky, "I'm taking you to the hospital myself. Come on."
"We won't all get into your Morgan," said Gibbs.
"You finished the restoration?" said Tony with interest.
"Yes," said Ducky with pride. "She runs perfectly now."
"How did you get the frame sorted?" asked Gibbs.
"Gentlemen, I find your interest in my car most gratifying but I have to say I also find it a touch suspicious. Especially your interest, Jethro. You are not usually so ready to allow me to talk. I suspect that you are both employing delaying tactics. I can assure you that they will not work. Come along."
"But, Ducky," said Tony solicitously, "We're wet through. We don't want to get your car wet. We'll ruin the upholstery."
Gibbs nodded in agreement.
"Thank you for your consideration, Anthony," said Ducky. "I have brought a NCIS car. And I also brought your go-bags with me so you have something to change into. Come. Now!"
Gibbs and Tony admitted defeat and trailed along behind Ducky.
At the hospital, they found that the ER doctor was of one mind with Ducky.
"You will both need to have an immediate injection of antibiotics," decreed Dr Wilder. "And I will then prescribe a course of tablets."
"But," began the agents.
"Believe me, gentlemen," said the doctor. "If you knew what was in the waters of the Anacostia you would be begging me for the injections."
"All right, Doc," said Tony caving first. "Do your worst." He encountered twin medical glares from the doctors and hastened to correct himself. "I mean, do your best. Please. And thank you."
Gibbs submitted too and then watched as Drs Wilder and Mallard went into consultation.
"Agent DiNozzo," said Dr Wilder, "Dr Mallard tells me you had a concussion recently." Tony tried to look as if he had forgotten. "I would not have recommended you diving into the Anacostia until you had fully recovered but I think, as you have done so, that it would be best if you were not on your own tonight. In case the concussion has been aggravated in any way."
Tony opened his mouth to protest but Gibbs got there first.
"Give it up," he advised. "We won't win. Come back to mine again."
"All right," said Tony grumpily. "The hotel's doing well out of me. Paying for a room and not using it."
"A wise decision," said Ducky restored to good humour now he had won. "I will drive you back to your house, Jethro. And collect you in the morning," he added. "Now wait here while I go and collect your prescriptions."
Tony and Gibbs nodded glumly as the two doctors left.
"Thank you, Dr Wilder," said Ducky when they were out of earshot. "For agreeing to that subterfuge but I fear you are correct. The noxious elements in the Anacostia will take revenge. Anthony and Jethro will probably be throwing up all night and experiencing other forms of … gastric upheaval. I surmise that it will be more comfortable for Anthony not to be in a hotel tonight if what we fear comes to pass."
"And I don't expect that you will be driving them into work tomorrow either," said the ER doctor.
"Oh dear," said Ducky.
