The lifeboat reached the Bass Rock, the coxswain cut the motor and looked at Gibbs.
"Got an idea, we could get you to Aberdeen, well not in this, but SAR could do with a call out, they need the exercise," the cox smiled.
"SAR?" Gibbs questioned, "That Search and Rescue?"
"Got it in one Sir, I believe they are at Leuchars just now, for the air-show, want me to give it a go?"
"Would be great, but can the youngsters go for a wander to the lighthouse and the old castle and prison?"
"I would say they got ½ hour, but let me see," as he picked up the radio, "Ocsar Romeo Charlie 826, we could do with some Hotel Echo Lima Puma here, got 7 yanks out of November Charlie India Sierra….DC….some charity escape…oh you know do you….the B52 brought them in, well they want to get to Dyce….will tell them, over and out. You got your half hour or so, helo just scrambled," as the cox and the crew said their farewells. The team, bar Gibbs and Ducky, made their way up the path to the lighthouse and the old castle, Gibbs saw the puffins diving Tony and the others, the noise of the gannets overpowering, "How many usually nest here?" Gibbs asked Ducky.
"You know it is biggest single island gannet colony in the world, some 150,000 have been known to nest here, puffins have declined in the past few years, due to the falling number of sand eels, but there about 8000 strong out on Craigleith," as he pointed North, "You know puffins live in burrows, so the team had better watch their footing, I do not want to treat sprained ankles."
The drone of the helicopter brought the troops hurrying down the path, "Hey watch it," as Tony tried to push away a puffin, as it dive bombed him.
"Gibbs, that was so, so, cool," Abby oozed, "We went up to the old chapel….. St Baldred's, and then down past the Lighthouse, and stopped at the old prison….."
"They are all ruins…except for the lighthouse," Tim added, "But interesting, and it was strange to look back to North Berwick across the sea."
"Agent Gibbs," Jimmy began to say, as he watched the big yellow bird begin to hover overhead, "Where is it going to land?" as all heads looked skyward to a body now dropping out the Sea King.
"It aint…we're going up," as he looked at the face of horror that now spread across Tim and Jimmy, Tony just laughed.
"Looking for Gibbs?" the winch-man said as he landed on the ground.
"That would be me, but I was thinking if you don't mind," he began to shout over the drone of the rotors, "We send Ziva and Dr Mallard up first, Ziva was Mossad, she could help bring in the rest of us," the winch-man nodded, "Then I thought Tony and Abby," as he looked at Tony beginning to grin, "And hands off Abbs' butt or should I say hands of Tony's, Abby."
"Aww shucks Boss, I thought I could have held her tight," Tony replied.
"I'll go with Jimmy…Agent McGee here, doesn't do heights, and I thought with your experience you would know how to deal with someone like that, also with Ziva and myself on board we could assist."
"Sounds good to me Gibbs," the man replied, as Gibbs and the winch-man began to harness Ziva and Ducky together, "See you aboard," as the they watched the two begin to ascend to the yellow machine.
"One thing team, have your passports ready and handy, coming in was easy with the airbase, going out will be harder," Gibbs finished, as he watched Ziva and Ducky, swing into the open door.
Ziva carefully led the wire back down and Gibbs caught the dangling winch, "Ok you two, and behave just hold each other's waists and if I see any hanky panky, "as he looked at Abby and Tony's faces, "Never mind just get going," as the winch-man tightened the support round Tony's crotch, and Tony grimaced slightly, "Nice one," Gibbs added smiling at the man.
They watched as Tony and Abby were pulled on-board and the wire dangled back down for Gibbs and Jimmy, "Tim, it will be alright, just keep your eyes shut and do whatever the winch-man says. You ready to go Jimmy just hold on round my waist and we'll be up in no time," as Gibbs tugged the wire, and Jimmy and he began the ascent to the helicopter.
"Welcome aboard Boss," Tony said, "That was fun," as he watched Gibbs unclasp himself from Jimmy, looking down to McGee he carefully lowered the cable and waited.
What came up was not human, it was green or was it white with tinges of green, it quivered and shook, "You Ok McGee?" Gibbs gently asked.
"Yeesss, noooo," was all the form could stammer as it watched Tony stuff an egg sandwich into his mouth.
"Mmmmm this is so good, I'd forgotten what food was. Crew says there are plenty to go round, they knew we hadn't eaten for hours." Tony grinned chomping.
"Boss….." was all Tim could say, as Ziva handed him a sick bag.
"Almost got your wings eh, McGhostly," Tony continued as he watched Tim turn and empty what was in his stomach into the bag.
"He will be alright," Ducky said, now laying Tim down, just a bit of hyperventilating, deep breaths Timothy, and you will be fine, just a little panic attack."
The helicopter circled the island one last time and headed off for Dyce,"We'll be there in about 40 the winchman said.