Abby was so busy glaring at the alien and the two men, one of whom she was certain knew way more about this situation than she was happy with, that she didn't immediately notice Sam's reaction to her question, beyond the faint question, "Your mother?".
So she continued, "Yes, Roswell here, the great and mighty Thor, informed me that I was just like my mother and that she had saved his people. I assume he means my birth mother, because my mom never said anything to me about alien abductions or anything like that. But then, how does he know about my birth mother, when I don't even know who she is, and now I find out that Gibbs knows something about it. And I just want to know what is going on with my life."
Only when she came to the end of her mini rant did she notice that Sam had gone white and that she and Gibbs were holding a silent conversation with their eyes. Now she was even more confused and annoyed.
Abby's voice faded into the background for Sam as she processed her words. Feeling adrift, lost in a sea of questions and long hidden emotions, she looked up and blue eyes locked on blue. Her anchor, as ever - his concern and compassion were clear to her, as well as his support. She knew he would stand by her whatever she needed and decided.
Jack, watching the scene, was irresistibly reminded of the first time he had met Gibbs. Their stance, their communication, even the fleeting look of loss and then the strength she drew from him, were a replay of that first meeting he had witnessed. He couldn't help the stab of jealousy that someone else shared that level of closeness with his former 2IC, something he had thought was reserved for him, and that in these instances she turned to this other man for strength and support.
Sam pulled herself together, straightening her shoulders, and looked directly into Abby's eyes.
"I think we need to talk. Maybe we could ..."
"I'm guessing everyone else here knows what's going on, so what's the use of privacy now?"
The anger she was feeling was bubbling up very close to the surface, and though she knew she was being unreasonable she couldn't stop herself. Everything felt so out of control and she hated it.
A glance at Gibbs reassuring her, Sam took a deep breath.
"Abby, I am your mother."
