The ride to the MASH unit was silent. Not even a peep from Tony about the classic TV show. Suddenly a ride that should've been filled with celebration and pats on the back was filled with sadness. Each of them had their own forms of regret. Fornell had lied to her. Tony had disobeyed her direct orders. Tim and Ziva had abandoned the agency. Mann had resented her. Back home regret also filled their air. Abby was ready to inflict physical harm for Jenny's attempt at stopping the team. Ducky had himself lied to her as well. But all of them were less concerned about their own regret; as much as how their leader would respond. And they would all find out soon enough.

Once Gibbs was settled into his room; the team waited patiently in a tiny waiting room. Tony had decided he would be the one to tell Gibbs despite the usual resistance from Ziva. He sat with his team as he awaited the Doctors okay.

"You all did good. Proud of you." He watched them look up and give him trying smiles. "Jenny made a choice. The same choice all of you made. She knew the risks. She knew the odds. We beat them; she didn't." He swallowed hard and folded his hands behind his head. "Ah hell, we kicked those terrorists' bastards to hell. You should be proud of that. So the next time Gibbs scares you to death with a stare, or imparts a little wisdom or inflicts a little headache. Remember this day. Remember you were the hero."

Before any one could respond; a white coat stepped in and with a wave of his hand; Tony stood up and followed. Leaving his team to once again, fall into silence.

Ducky handed her the ice pack and sighed. "How is the bump?"

She managed a smile. "Still there. Guess next time I jump for joy I should remember I'm surrounded by metal compartments."

He smiled as well; before taking a seat beside her. "You're sure you wont come out? I've just spoken with Ziva; he is expected to make a full recovery."

"I know. Just want to see his face that's all. If I get out now I could still jinx it, and the plane's engine could fail or something…"

Ducky stifled a laugh and handed her the Caf Pow in his other hand. "Perhaps you're right." He leaned back. "How are doing with the loss of the Director?"

"Okay." She sighed and held the ice pack down for a few seconds. "Just wish I hadn't gotten so mad, I feel kinda bad."

"Yes. As do I."

She set down the pack and reached out her cold hand for Ducky to take; and he did so without hesitation.

Tony reached out for Gibbs hand and settled himself down into a nearby chair. He felt a squeeze and stood up seconds later. "Boss. It's me Tony."

"Where are we?"

"City Hospital in Kabul. You're gonna be fine."

"Damn right I am." He tried to shift his weight but decided against it. "When we getting out of here?"

"Doc said we should wait a day or two. The pressure of the flight could exacerbate your injuries…be pretty painful."

Gibbs nodded and could see fairly well now; as the swelling had gone down quite a bit. "You hurt?"

"No boss. I'm good. Little tired; backs a little sore. You might want to think of eating a few more salads from now on; you were a tad heavy."

"Salads?"

"Just a thought." Tony shuffled his feet and it wasn't long before Gibbs picked up on his body language.

"What is it? Something's wrong."

"See you haven't lost your touch Gibbs." He let his gaze fall on his bed and cleared his throat. "Back home before we decided to come after you…"

"Which we're gonna have a little talk about by the way…"

"I know." He focused himself with a deep breath. "The Director tried to stop us."

"Smart woman."

"Please boss, let me finish…we came on our own. With a few favors cashed in. Thing is; we thought we were home free until the US convoy came through. The Colonel you served with was called to head off more of Ahmeds men. And well…Jenny had called in that final favor. She saved us boss. All of us."

Gibbs sat himself up; ignoring the pain. "She was killed."

Tony only nodded. "I'm sorry boss. An IED hit the convoy she was in; en route to the compound. There was nothing they could do."

"You...you said she tried to stop you. She had a change of heart did she?"

"Looks that way. Boss, I'm really so—"

"Save it DiNozzo." He threw off his sheets. "Save it."

He watched Gibbs try and move a leg across the bed and cringed. "Whoa, Gibbs you got at least a few busted ribs; you're not going anywhere…" He stepped up and placed his hands on Gibbs chest to stop him. It was then Gibbs used all the strength he had left to shove Tony off him and to the ground. It was seconds before a slue of nurses were able to settle him down. Tony stood up and watched the restraint continue and stepped in. "Leave him alone."

Gibbs head snapped to his Senior Agent as he moved the nurses away. "What do you want boss?"

"To get the hell out of here."

Tony nodded. "Then home it is." He dusted himself off and pointed to one of the nurses. "Get me the Doctor."

"But sir…"

"Get me the Doctor, now!" Tony tried not to shout; and noticed Gibbs eyes burning into him. "This is what you want right?"

Gibbs nodded and examined his Agent's demeanor. "I see you picked up some qualities while I was away."

"Guess you could say that."

He gestured towards the ground beside him. "Listen…about shoving you…"

"You don't have to apologize boss. You just got some bad news."

"I was gonna say. I should've shoved you harder. Don't you ever disobey a direct order again? Clear."

Tony gave him a tired smile. "Clear."

"Now get me home."

Almost an hour later, Tony pushed Gibbs into the small waiting room to find the team standing at attention. He was supposed to stay in the wheel chair but all of them knew he'd be his usual defiant self.

McGee was the first to approach and shook his hand. "Glad you're alright boss."

Fornell then placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and smiled. "Didn't think I'd leave you to fend for yourself now did ya?"

Gibbs managed a smile. "Not for a second Tobias."

Ziva slowly stepped over and was the first to offer a solemn embrace. "You don't look so bad."

He looked her up and down. "Wish I could say the same…you can take my wheel chair if you need it."

She gave him a tired smile. "I am sorry about Jenny. I know you were very fond of her."

He agreed. "Thanks Ziva." He watched her step aside and reveal a surprising face. "Holli?"

"Jethro." She let her hand rest under his chin and placed a small kiss on his swollen lips. "So glad you're safe."

He reached out and wrapped an arm around her. "I was just going to say the same thing."

"About the Director…I'm so sor—"

He nodded. "I know. So am I."

With that Tony slipped the wheelchair underneath his boss and gestured that he sit down. "We're not getting out of these doors without your butt in this chair…pity though, if you had stayed a few more days, Abby would've broken the record."

Gibbs glanced at Tony confused. "Record for what?"

The team piled in behind the two of them as they headed for the exit. "I'll explain on the way …"

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AN: Final chapter coming up. Thank you for reading. :)