***A week later***
Ellie and Tony were once again accompanying Kade at the fighting ring. They quickly learned that the Silver Fox was not slated to fight that night, but Phoenix was definitely around to watch the others go. It was a quieter night, and not everyone was watching every fight. It seemed to be more newbies that were on deck, and the more seasoned veterans were enjoying a night off.
Once again, Bishop found herself next to Phoenix, and struck up a conversation with her. Phoenix was watching the current fight, as she had a slave competing. He didn't win, but Phoenix didn't seem too angry. She told Bishop that he'd only been fighting a few times, and needed more training. "It was time to see him in a real fight to see where his weaknesses lie. Then I can improve on them later." "Tammy" agreed that that was a good plan, and Tony had been working out so he might try a fight later on. Phoenix looked hard at Tony, who wanted to melt on the spot. She said perhaps the next time they came, she could set up a fight with another relative newcomer and see where he was at. Bishop smiled charmingly at Phoenix, "That might be an idea! Of course, he'll never be anything like your Silver Fox, but one can dream, no?"
Phoenix laughed, "I got lucky with that one. Man, he's tough! I still haven't got him broke. But I'm thinking I won't have to. If I can keep some of that fire for the ring, I think he'll keep winning. Sometimes he's too quick though…he can't just punch in a blind rage. Just something we have to work on. Hey, do you want to see him?"
Whoa, she's actually offering to let us see Gibbs! Finally we get to see if he's ok! She did just say she hadn't broken him yet. Ellie tamped down her excitement, and said, "Really? That might be useful, to see a well trained slave so I know what to do with Dean." Phoenix gestured towards a door and led the pair there. She turned down a corridor, then another. Unlocking a door, she invited them through.
"This is where I live part of the time. I train the slaves here, and they live here unless I decide to do something else with them or sell them off." Ellie looked about a pleasant looking room, and complemented Phoenix on the room. "In here is where I keep the slaves. Come this way." So saying, she unlocked another door, a heavy looking one this time. Ellie and Tony stepped through and the temperature dropped by a few degrees. The floor was cement, and they saw a row of cells, not unlike jail cells, line one side of a corridor, and a few more doors on the other side. They walked down, and saw several slaves sitting on the floor of the cells. Each cell was empty of furnishings, save for a blanket and toilet. A few looked up when they passed, then looked away again. Phoenix stood by the third cell at the end. "Here he is!" she said, proudly. Dinozzo looked through the bars, and saw his boss. Gibbs wore only a pair of worn pants. His feet were shackled so close that he would not have been able to even take a medium step. His hands were cuffed behind him, and he wore a metal collar. His eyes smoldered when he saw Phoenix. Then he saw his two agents beside her. He was startled for a second, then noted Tony was also wearing a collar and leash. Then Gibbs looked away, hoping he had not given anything away, for he knew then that they were undercover.
Bishop felt her heart drop when she saw Gibbs look away. He had this stare that could freeze one's blood and yet he would not look anyone in the eye. Phoenix unlocked his door, and went in and clipped a leash on him. With a yank, she signaled him to get to his feet, which he stumblingly did. She led him out of the cell, to give her guests a close look at her prize slave. Gibbs shuffled forward as best he could with his shackles, and kept his eyes on the floor. Phoenix told the Silver Fox to turn slowly around, to best present himself to his guests. He complied instantly, and as he turned, the agents saw the crisscross marks of a whip on his back. Phoenix tied the leash to a tie on the wall. "Look all you like, don't touch him. I'm just going to open that door over there." She walked off to the farther door and walked inside the room. As soon as she was out of sight, Bishop whispered to Gibbs, "Gibbs! We've been looking for you for so long! We'll get you out of here, don't worry." Gibbs gave her a good long look, and whispered, "Thanks. Glad to see you guys. I know I look like crap but I'm still alive. Get me out when you can." Tony chimed in, "Yeah, Boss, we'll rescue you. The whole team is behind you." Gibbs started to say something else, then stopped and looked behind them. Phoenix was coming.
"Fox, did I see you speaking?" Gibbs instantly looked at the floor and didn't answer. "Silver Fox, I'm talking to you. Look at me." Gibbs looked up and glared into another pair of steely eyes. "So what?" He spat out at her. He gained a slap across the face. Phoenix turned to the pair, and apologized, "I'm sorry about this disrespect. Jared!" She called into the next room. A handsome blonde man hurried into the corridor. He wore a collar as well, so they knew he was a slave too. "My lord?" he queried. Phoenix nodded to the Fox, "This one is in need of learning respect. He has also spoken out of turn. You know what to do." The slave sighed, and nodded. He went up to Gibbs, untied the leash, and quietly ordered him to kneel. Gibbs looked hard at Phoenix, then obeyed. He knelt facing her and his eyes never left hers. Jared stepped behind him, and put a foot on the shackle. He then undid the cuffs on Gibbs' wrists. Gibbs instantly put his hands behind his head, where Jared redid the cuffs. Jared then gently tugged the leash to ask him to stand up. All this time, Gibbs kept his eyes locked on Phoenix's. Then he was led away to the room and Jared closed the door. He didn't close it all the way, but left it ajar.
Phoenix sighed, and said to Bishop, "Tammy, I'm sorry you had to hear that. Like I said, he isn't broke all the way yet, and we're still ironing out rough patches. Let me bring you back to Kade, for I know he brought you here." Ellie and Tony walked back down the corridor after Phoenix, and were horrifed to hear the noises coming out of the room they passed. It was the sound of a whistling rope cracking on bare flesh. They just had time to hear muted grunts before they were out of earshot.
Reunited with Kade, both agents were subdued. Kade took this to mean they were ready to go home. He gently linked arms with Ellie, and saying good night to the woman he had been speaking to, went out into the night with them.
