A/N - you all had to wait for this update, I became slightly obsessed with my other NCIS story (Flight). Enjoy this chapter and pls keep up with the awesome reviews – I love you all for taking the time to do that! Sorry if I missed any type-o's or anything in my haste to post this for you.

Quick side note to agentskully: Thx for reviewing! After I replied to your review I thought of something else. You pointed out some things about Diphtheria and immunizations etc, But in my story I purposely mentioned that the illness was most likely intentionally created as a bio-weapon on purpose by Saleem. So I think if you really looked at how I explained the numerous ways that Tony could have still ended up with Diphtheria even with past immunizations and boosters, you will see there are about 3 ways he could have still ended up getting it. There are always many other illnesses to choose from but I felt readers would rather I just picked one with some good symptoms and started writing, rather than waste time researching & deciding on hundreds of possibilities. Thank you!

~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~

Final Scene From Chapter VI; "Good now – can we get you where we need to get you to fight this damn thing and get you all home?" Gibbs asked, still allowing his agent to relish in his rare show of affection and understanding. Also knowing he needed to help the distraught man fight another serious illness – again!

"Yeah." Tony replied, too wiped out from his rampage to say anything more. Though he now sported a smile under his mask unbeknown to his boss, as he realized that the Father like figure in front of him cared about him more than he would come right out and admit, but through whose words, along with the caring look evident in his blue eyes, completely gave him away.

~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~ncis~

Consequences Of The Truth

Chapter VII

McGee and Ziva had been allowed to walk onto the large medical evacuation chopper, but with the guided assistance of two medical aides sporting surgical masks. Once they made sure that the two exhausted and battered agents were situated with their IV's still in tact and hanging on hooks above their seats, the aides then exited the chopper and headed back towards the hangar. McGee was very impressed to see how much nicer and more well equipped this fairly new and hi-tech chopper was, in comparison to the usual cold and barbaric military cargo planes they were forced to fly on. However, his enchantment with their means of transport was short lived when he remembered the reason they were even on this fancier bird.

After pondering that sobering though for a moment, he turned his eyes in the direction of the seat right next to him only to find himself staring directly into the dark and haunted eyes of Ziva. It was obvious she had also been thinking about their new predicament, Tim realized that Ziva hadn't even had a chance to absorb the fact that she was finally free - before they were given the shocking news of the newest development, Tony being sick.

Ziva's mind was filled with a jumbled mixture of emotions and feelings that, 6 months ago she would have been able to push to the back of her mind and ignore. After all, that is how she had been trained while growing up as Mossad - there was no time for feelings, no time for fear. They had been trained that feelings and emotions would only result in injuries or death and that one must not let anything other than the mission with which they had been assigned, cloud their mind and therefore their judgement.

Before today, and after months of captivity and abuse, Ziva had already prepared herself mentally for what was sure to happen. She had already accepted her inescapable fate - to die at the hands of Saleem or one of his large army of men. To say she had not been prepared when the hood had roughly yanked from her head and she found herself staring directly into the sad green eyes of her long time friend and faithful partner Tony, would have been the understatement of the year.

There he was - seated directly across from her and looking just as worse for wear as she felt.

As she sat there next to Timothy, waiting for Tony and Gibbs to arraive, she could not escape from, nor ignore the feelings she was having. She felt ashamed of herself over how badly she had treated Tony inside Saleem's camp. She knew that every word that she had uttered to the hero tied to the chair across from her, had oozed with blatant hostility.

But there had been more behind her inexcusable actions, than anyone could have known - and that was guilt.

Pure, unadulterated guilt.

With each passing week that Ziva had remained captive, her guilt over how she herself had lied to, mistreated, and deeply hurt the man who had nothing more than her best interests at heart, always.

She felt that she did not deserve the forgiveness that she could see glowing deep within his green eyes, and she most certainly did not deserve him to risk his own life to save the woman who did nothing but hurt him. She had hurt him professionally, she had hurt him physically when she confronted him in Tel Aviv, and worst of all, she hurt him emotionally by basically acusing him of lying and of jealousy.

If anyone had the right to confront someone - it was Tony who should have confronted her she realized, it was she who deserved to be punished and knocked down – it was she who deserved to be hurt.

This very guilt, that had been eating away at her for months, is what stood behind her actions as she had tried to get Tony to leave her and escape! She had told him to just take Tim and escape without her, saving themselves and leaving her to the life ending fate she felt she deserved as a punishment for her own abhorable actions.

When Ziva looked up and her eyes landed on Tim's, she almost felt as though he could read every thought that was running through her mind, like he could somehow sense her self hatred and guilt. As both of their thoughts turned to concern for Tony, they just stared at each other, wordlessly expressing their fear for their infected teammate. Within a few minutes Ziva and McGee could hear some voices approaching in the distance, one of them very familiar, as another small group made their way to he chopper. The new sounds caused the two agents to turn towards the open side door where they could see Tony, sitting in a wheelchair which was being pushed by one of the female Nurses. 'Of course', they both thought at the same time, 'of course Tony had charmed his way into being delivered to the awaiting bird in a wheelchair rather than the gurney they both know he should have been on.'

"Agent DiNozzo, how about you focus on getting better first and then we can discuss whether or not you will be getting my phone number. Okay?" The cute Nurse could be heard commenting, with a shy smile spreading across her face. Tim knew that Tony was merely putting on his usual act to keep everyone's attention and focus on his superficial flirting so that everything would see like business as usual so to speak, and no one would be thinking of his declining health and what lay ahead. Tim also knew at this point, after lying on the floor at the compound and hearing the truth serum infused Tony admit to some pretty deeo secrets. Admitting that he could not live without one Ms. Ziva David, how irreplaceable she was and -how his life had lost all meaning once he believed that she was dead. This made Tim more certain than ever, that Tony's flirting with the Nurse was nothing more than an act, another one of his many covers. Tim was sure that Tony had not even considered the fact that Tim had heard every admission he had made in the camp - and he wasn't about to remind him!

Ziva had also realized what Tony was doing, time and time again she had tried to get him to admit his own tendency to crack jokes or change the subject, whenever the conversation turned to anything personal. Only Tony would just joke even more. She knew there would be a time soon enough where he would no longer be able to pretend to be fine and he would be too ill to keep up his comedic cover. She could only hope to be able to have a chance to at least try to apologize to him - before he became too incoherent from fever and sickness.

Ziva looked through the open chopper door, looking to see if Gibbs was also with Tony, she didn't see any sign of him anywhere near Tony, or even anywhere in the distance behind him.

Tony started to stand up from the wheelchair planning to walk up into the chopper just like everyone else had, he was still embarrassed that he had been the only one forced to ride a damn wheelchair when he was not that sick yet. He was perfectly capable of walking, after all he had been doing it since he was 11 months old! Before he had even stood all the way up, his head started throbbing with each beat of his heart and spinning. He had felt dizzy off an on since he was first injected with Saleem's cocktail, so he assumed this too would pass just as the other bouts had. But it didn't pass as quickly this time, suddenly his legs felt like jello and combined with his sudden lack of equilibrium he feared he may fall, something that he couldn't fathom doing again in front of his peers.

But before he pitched any further forward, a strong hand grabbed him just under his arm supplying the extra strength to keep him upright that his legs were lacking. He looked up, he was shocked to see his boss – the same boss whom had just stayed back in the hangar to finish some forms that required his signature before they could all leave. But just as he always did, Gibbs just seemed to materialize out of no where, this time showing up next to Tony just when he needed him.

"Whoa boss, where did you come from?"

"I told you I would be here to help you get through this didn't I? Biggs said in his usual gruff manner, "What'd ya think DiNozzo?! D'ya think that was just talk?! Well it wasn't." Gibbs said to Tony still gruff but speaking right next to his ear so no one else would hear. After all, Gibbs knew that both men had an image to protect.

Gibbs thought about that and all of the other ways in which he and Tony were similar to each other. Some of the similar traits were a result of working together for so many years, sometimes spending a good 70 hours a week working a case - and others were a result of just similar likes and dislikes such as their tendancy to attract and become involved with, multiple good looking women. Or the almost identical way they both kept their true feelings and emotions well hidden. Or the way they both hated hospitals and tended to down play major injuries and were almost embarrased when anyone tried to nurture them. It made them feel weak and neither one of the strong men, could ever allow themselves to look weak or vulnerable - to anyone!

Gibbs often wondered why more people didn't pick up on all of the similarities between he and his Senior Agent, Gibbs had noticed years ago and deep in his heart be believed that even his own biological son if he had one, would even have been as clone-like as Tony was. Anyone who only knew Gibbs as he was now, might not believe that at one time he himself had been a girl crazy, partying athlete with a lively and outgoing personality – when in fact he had been exactly that, at least until the day he met Shannon.

After that, his eyes didn't stray towards another woman again. But when she was tragically ripped from his life along with their daughter, gone along with them was the talkative, fun spirited and always smiling Marine – left in it's place was a shell of Gibbs former self and that is how he remained even to this very day. Gibbs had been worried about Tony not too long ago, worried he was heading towards the same messed up fate after the whole mess with Jeanne had exploded in his face. Gibbs had watched at Tony's usual contagious personality and energy began to wane and disappear. No one knew that Jethro had taken the young man aside back then and forced him into a man to man talkiin his basement.

Gibbs merely confessed to Tony that he could not just stand by and watch Tony throw away his very essence and love for life - over a relationship that was most likley not meant to be from the start. He had been able to get his Senior Agent to agree to be strong and not to let Jeanne and her criminal family take anything more away from him than they had already taken! Including Tony's beloved car since that had been blown to smithereens as a warning.

But if anyone could occasionally get the old smilingand lighthearted Gibbs to come back out now and then – it was definitely Tony, with Abby coming in a close second. These straying thoughts as they flashed through his mind, made him smile for a moment before he turned to finish helping Tony up into the plane by keeping him steady - planning to stay by his side until he was situated inside the chopper.

The passenger area of the chopper housed two rows of regular airplane type seats with two seats on each side of a wide than usual aisle. Behind that was a third row but with two gurneys, one on each side of the aisle – these were currently affixed to the chopper walls for stability during flight, but they could also be detached for mobility so the more critical patients the MedEvac transported, could be moved with ease and without having to disturb the patient by having to transfer them to a portable gurney. Currently they were in an upright position so they looked like more of a recliner type of seat rather than a flat bed, this was good for patients who were not critical at the moment, but who could take a turn and need to lay flat.

Tony couldn't help but chuckle as he entered the plane, the sight of seeing everyone with their surgical masks on, sitting in a massive chopper just struck his funny bone for some reason. He thought they all looked silly, including he himself and - especially their tough as nails boss. Once he was all the way inside, he of course headed straight for one of the few remaining regular seats until Dr. Keenan's voice could be heard coming into the plane behind them. "Umm, Agent DiNozzo, while I'm sure you would prefer to sit over there with your team I am afraid I need you to proceed further toward the rear of the plane." said as he pointed out the half reclined gurneys in the rear of the large bird. Seeing the look of frustration that crossed the Agent's face he added, "Trust me, you will still more comfortable than all of us Agent DiNozzo – and you will still be close enough to speak with your team."

The compassionate Doctor didn't miss the dejected body language that his patient was now exhibiting and decided further explanation may be in order. He knew Tony didn't feel sick enough yet, to be forced to be bedridden so to speak. "I apologize for my request Tony, but it's just that it would make our jobs easier since we need to monitor you a little more closely and most of the equipment for that is also located in the rear of the plane."

Tony, being more stubborn than anyone on the team, opened his mouth to try to plead his own case and use his charm to try to outwit the kind Doctor. One look back towards his boss though, taking in the scowling frown and squinted eyes that were just daring him to keep arguing and suffer the consequences, caused Tony to quickly shut his mouth and silently proceed to one of the partially reclined seats.

"Consider this our 'first class' section if you will." The Doctor said with a grin, "Oh and Ms. David my dear, I am afraid I must ask that you also move back here as well if you could be so kind." He said as he pointed to the other seat directly across from the one Tony was now getting situated in.

"I'm afraid your attempts to hide the fact that you are also not feeling well have not been as successful as you thought. The results of the most recent check of your vital signs, have warranted closer observation for you as well. We prefer to err' on the side of caution here, considering the fact that we are in a foreign Country with the sometimes less than sanitary conditions and limited medical technology at our disposal, we have to be more stringent in our use of the old fashioned methods of maintaining one's health and well being. Just like I said to Agent DiNozzo, the items we need to use to keep tabs on your vitals signs and such, are much more accessible in this tail section."

Ziva felt very apprehensive about being in such close proximity to the man with whom she had so many unresolved issues with and whom also was unknowingly a constant reminder of her own guilty conscience. Deep down she knew she had wronged him, hurt him. She knew that she had betrayed him just as much if not more so, than he had her. The thought of sitting only a matter of feet away from him, stirred up so many different emotions that she was rendered speechless and lost in her thoughts. It wasn't until the voice of her former boss resounded in her ears and forced her attention back to the Doctor's request – or demand rather. "Ziva?" Gibbs said her name with a subtle force that was somehow also laced with concern and understanding.

She didn't know how he did it, but somehow she felt as though he could read her mind and knew every thought and feeling she was experiencing, sometimes even before she did!

"Yes Gibbs, I – " she paused, looking flushed and dazed, "I do not feel that my health is anywhere near in jeopardy, nor do I feel that I need to be babysat like a – like a lit-tle schoolgirl!" she blurted out, feeling she had to at least try to get out of this somehow, too tired to deal with the added stress of sitting so close to the man who still took her breath away, though she had never admitted that to anyone, not even Abby.

Not wanting to be close enough to smell his scent which usually smelled like a sexy combination of expensive cologne and just the very essence that was Tony. Not that he would be wearing any cologne after two days in captivity, in fact she realized that she would probably not have to worry about dealing with his usually very arousing scent – she herself probably didn't smell like a Spring flower herself at this point. She couldn't help but wonder if they would sit there in awkward silence for the entire, albeit short flight, or if they would both force themselves to maintain a shallow and meaningless banter.

"Ziva!" Gibbs repeated, making it even more clear that he was in no mood to mess around and waste time.

Leave it to Gibbs to be able to convey so much - by simply uttering her name. His tone spoke volumes in that Ziva knew she had no choice whatsoever and that she had best get moving and get back there before he had to say her name once more, with enough of an increase in volume to let her know he meant business and would not allow her to delay them any further. She contemplated pointing out that technically he was not her boss anymore – then quickly decided against it, realizing she had brought that little development on herself when she had forced Gibbs to choose between she and the person whom had been the longest lasting Senior Agent he had ever had working under him – and even more importantly, the man who had become more like a Son to him, than simply his second in command.

With that thought, she unlatched her seat restraint and proceeded to walk towards the back, towards her former partner.

To Be Continued . . .

Gosh I hope you all liked this update and how the story is tracking! I know it's slow in getting to the illness and drama – but I can't ignore the Tiva factor now can I? haha Pls review even if you think it's a pain – it really only takes a few seconds!