KENSI

"Well, that answers one question, at least," said Hetty. "Director Vance made the connection himself, although I'm sure he will want fingerprint matches and the like to confirm it."

Eric frowned. "Caitlin Todd. She was Secret Service, and then she was with NCIS for a couple of years. But how did you guys know? I only just got a hit on facial rec, this database has millions of people, thousands of agents..."

McGee recovered first, although his eyes didn't budge from the screen and he looked pale even considering the effect of the subdued lighting in Ops. "She... She was part of our team. She went missing, was abducted. They... the people who took her... They told us she was dead. We never found her- her-" He obviously couldn't bring himself to say her body. "But eventually..." He trailed off.

Kensi glanced over at Deeks, who was actually speechless for once. Only the second time she could remember seeing that, and the last time was when he'd found out about how her fiancé had disappeared. Her partner could find something to talk about in pretty much any situation, but apparently heavy emotions were his kryptonite.

"Wow."

Tony mustered some kind of smile. "Yeah. That about sums it up."

Kensi got the impression he was reaching for a joke, but then he just let out a long sigh and made an eloquent gesture with his hands.

"She's on her way here?" Tim sounded as though he was afraid to believe it, and Kensi could understand that. She wondered how she'd feel if Dom had simply disappeared - if they would eventually have given up hope. What if the Talib al Jihadi had faked his death, spirited him away for years...

"Yes," said Hetty, firmly. "She's with Sam and Callen, on a military transport. They'll be here some time in the morning."

There was yet another silence. Kensi almost wanted to hold her breath.

Hetty finally spoke again. "I know this is rather a shock for you all-"

The DC agents burst out laughing at that. It was tinged with relief and disbelief and something like wonder, and Hetty smiled. "I imagine you feel that is a gross understatement."

"You think?" asked Gibbs, but his tone was mild.

Hetty chuckled. "Well. We don't yet have the full picture ourselves, but I'm sure my agents will have plenty of stories to tell when they return." Her face and voice softened. "As will your agent."

Nell stepped forward. "I have copies of all the documents we have, if you want to get up to speed on the little that we know."

Gibbs took the file from her, holding it in both hands as if he wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to open it.

"I'm sorry there's not very much to go on." She spoke rapidly, obviously unnerved by his reaction. "Eric and I did the best we could, but-"

"It's okay." He smiled a little, and looked up at her. "Thank you...?"

"Nell," she supplied.

"Thanks, Nell. Appreciate it."

She bobbed her head, then grinned. "You're welcome."

Tony stifled a yawn. "Y'know, I don't wanna worry anyone or anything, but d'you think you could tell me what time zone I'm in over here?"

"Yes. It is getting a little late, especially for our East Coast friends, and there isn't much more we can do until our colleagues return." Hetty was using that voice that sounded like a suggestion but was really an order. "Maybe we should all head home to bed."

"Bitch of a commute for you guys," said Deeks, deadpan. Hetty merely stared, and he paled. "Uh, sorry, I..."

Kensi decided she'd have mercy for once, instead of letting him dig himself a hole. "So, where are you guys staying?"

The three DC agents looked at each other. "That's a really good question," said Tony, "to which I have no answer."

"Ah, yes." Hetty nodded. "The Director did not give us much warning of your arrival either, or I should have made arrangements for your accommodation."

"I'm sure we could book you into a hotel-" Nell piped up.

"Nah, it's late. We can bunk down on the couches here, if that's okay," said Gibbs.

Tony looked nonplussed. "Uh, boss, I had a whole different answer ready-"

Hetty sighed. "Mr Deeks and Mr Callen assure me the furniture here is comfortable enough to sleep on, even though I've told them both many times that this isn't a dorm room."

Everyone laughed again at her expression.

"We'll be fine, Hetty," Gibbs assured her.

She smiled, her usual twinkle returning. "Yes. Yes, I'm sure you will."