Disclaimer: You know it, I know it, so I won't say it.

Author's Note: Nothing occurs in a vacuum. This story is no exception. I have some people to thank. The biggest goes to elflordsmistress, who read every chapter, gave great advice and didn't get mad when I ignored it. Thanks a bunch elm. Next up is M E Wofford, who in her own inimitable style, encouraged me to finish this story so I could get back to writing Mike Franks stories! There are some in the pipeline M E. Finally to finlaure, BAMACRUSH, zivaslave, ninjagirl,lost-in-fanfic and reader, thanks for your reviews. Hope you like this final chapter as much as the first three.

Dedication: This entire story is dedicated to the 23 NYPD & 37 PAPD officers who died on 9/11/01, so others might live. NEVER FORGET.

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it- Tori Amos

Djibouti-Ambouli International, General Aviation Area, Tuesday 1700 Hrs.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs and William "Billy Goat" Crawford stood side by side watching the Gulfstream G550 taxi away from the flight line.

Aboard the jet were Ziva David, a doctor, a nurse, Shawn "Pete" Peters, and Diego "Doc" Valle.

Bill Danforth had come through in spades. Not only did he send the jet, but a doctor and nurse. Both specializing in the care and treatment of torture victims.

The jets destination?

Somewhere USA. Gibbs didn't know the location of the clinic Danforth had used for his son's transplant. During the case he hadn't asked. Danforth hadn't told. Now if he was asked, Gibbs could truthfully say he had no idea where Ziva David was.

"So", said Crawford "How pissed off is 'Matt the Knife'?"

"I don't think I'll be gettin' a Christmas card this year." Gibbs said.

Crawford chuckled.

"He's got no kick. We brought back enough intel to keep his analysts busy for a year."

"I know, Goat, but his bosses wanted a live body to play with."

"People in Hell want ice water."

Gibbs raised his hands palms out.

"No argument from me. I'm glad the bastards dead too."

"All right then." said Crawford "I guess you won't be getting help from him again though. Sorry."

"He's not the only fish in my ocean. I'll just put his name at the bottom of my list. Besides once he cools off a little, he'll come around."

During their conversation, the Gulfstream had reached takeoff position and started rolling. As it lifted off, both men breathed a sigh of relief.

Mission accomplished.

"So, what's the rest of the plan?" asked Billy.

"Since Danforth sent a doctor, Diego is going to get off at the first refueling stop. Peters is staying as long as he feels he's needed."

Crawford raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I know. It seems he's become attached" said Gibbs.

It was true. On the two day trip back to Djibouti, when it wasn't Gibbs sitting with Ziva it was 'Pete' Peters. Pete had even managed to get Ziva to laugh. Something even Gibbs had been unable to do.

" 'Kay, Gibbs, I'm gonna go do some duty free shopping before my flight. If I don't bring Mary Ellen

back something, she'll kill me."

"Thank you, Billy." said Gibbs, sticking out his hand. The two men shook warmly.

"Easy day, Jeth"

As the Billy Goat walked away he started whistling. He was almost out of earshot before Gibbs recognized the tune.

It was "the Minstrel Boy."

Carlos' Cantina, Baja, Mexico Saturday 1720 hrs.

Happy Hour was in full swing.

Gibbs and Mike Franks sat side by side at the bar drinking Dos Equis beer.

"What time is your flight tomorrow, Probie?"

"Two PM, Mike" said Gibbs "Plenty of time for you to recover from what you're going to do to yourself tonight."

"Hell, I'm entitled. I put up with you for the last couple of days"

"Real hardship, Boss, we fished and drank beer."

"That's hard work" said Mike, lighting a cigarette.

Jose the bartender came over with the phone.

"You have a telefono call, Senor Gibbs."

Franks raised an eyebrow. Gibbs shrugged a 'got me' shrug.

"Yeah, Gibbs."

"I hope you're enjoying your time off Agent Gibbs." said the Secretary of the Navy.

Gibbs sat up like he'd been booted in the ass.

"Yes Sir, beer's cold, sun's warm and the fishing's been great."

"Good to hear. I'm calling because I have some news that I'm sure you'd be interested in." said SecNav.

"Sir?…"

It seems Ms. David had been captured by terrorists while on a mission. However it appears she has escaped."

"That is interesting news, Sir. I hadn't realized she'd been captured. Not surprised she escaped, she's very resourceful."

"Well it appears she had help escaping" said SecNav.

"Mossad?" asked Gibbs.

"No, we're not entirely sure who helped. Just that one of them spoke Italian."

'Fuckin' pirate' thought Gibbs 'Pete shoulda killed him.'

"Italian, Sir?" Said Gibbs aloud.

"Yes. After her rescue Ms. David seems to have dropped off the face of the earth."

"You haven't heard from her have you Agent Gibbs?"

"No Sir" said Gibbs truthfully.

"Well when you get back to DC, I'd like to have a talk. Informally."

"My door is always unlocked, Sir"

"Yes, it is. Good Evening, Gibbs."

The line went dead.

"Think he knows, Probie?" asked Franks after Gibbs recounted SecNav's end of the conversation.

"No, but he suspects, I'm sure."

"What are you going to do?" asked Mike.

"Go back to work. Try not to strangle my Director. He and Daddy David have a lot to answer for. I hope I can find out enough to jack 'em both up."

Mike could see his Probie getting worked up. Time to change gears.

"Have you heard from Peters?"

"Yeah, yesterday. He said the docs at the clinic think Ziva could be discharged in about three weeks.

"What then, Jethro?"

"Got me, Mike. That will be up to her"

On the dhow Gibbs had told Ziva if she wanted to stay with NCIS, he would call in whatever markers it would take to make that happen.

She had not given him an answer.

"Well, Probie, if all else fails we could just get drunk."

Gibbs raised his beer bottle in salute.

"Sounds like a plan, Boss."

A/N: That's my take on how Ziva gets rescued. The team wouldn't go and get her. They don't have the skill set. SEALS or Marine Recon would probably do the actual assault. The team would come in after the area was secure. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did please hit that green button below.