Disclaimer: I own Tonya, and Stella, and James Sr. Other than that, I got nothing. Nothing, zip, zilch, nada.
Chapter 7: Desert Storm
Gibbs approached the trio from behind.
"Boss," Tony acknowledged.
"Mrs Palmer?" Gibbs asked, his voice soft.
Stella nodded. "You must be Agent Gibbs, Jimmy speaks so highly of you," She told him with a small smile.
Gibbs looked taken aback. "He does? I was under the impression he's terrified of me."
"Have you arrested Jimmy's father yet?" She asked.
Gibbs nodded, "Yes ma'am, we have."
She nodded her understanding. "Before I go see Jimmy, I'd like to meet Dr Mallard."
"Ducky is with Jimmy at the hospital, ma'am," Gibbs said. There was something about this woman that reminded him of his own mother, as well as many other Marine mothers. "Do you have any other children, ma'am?"
"Yes, one. Jimmy doesn't know that, though. He has an older brother, Steven, who was killed in the line of duty, during Operation Desert Storm. He was a Marine," Stella told him.
Gibbs nodded. "I served in Desert Storm," He said quietly.
She nodded slowly. "I know, Gunnery Sergeant," Stella replied simply.
This caused Gibbs to look up, "How?"
"Steven was caught in the same explosion that put you in a coma. I made a point of finding everyone wounded or killed in that explosion."
"I'm sorry," Gibbs said softly. DiNozzo and David glanced at one another before their eyes came to rest on Gibbs. He apologized.
Stella Palmer turned to leave. "Semper Fi, Agent Gibbs," With those departing words, the elevator closed.
--
With Ducky's assurance, Jimmy had allowed the doctors to examine and treat him. They wanted to keep him overnight for observation, but would release him the following morning.
Stella watched her son, and the older man, who she guessed was Dr Mallard. Jimmy seemed at ease with him, which was very different than most men. After his father, Jimmy had a hard time trusting older men.
Jimmy noticed her after a few minutes, "Mom."
"Hey, Sweetie," She said, stepping in.
"This is Dr Mallard, Dr, this is my mother," He introduced.
"A pleasure, Mrs Palmer," Ducky said, standing.
"Hello, Dr," Stella greeted politely.
A/N: What do you think? Where should I take this? Anything at all, let me know!
