Monday, December 13, 2004.

The C-130 touched down at Pax River Naval Air Station at about 1200 hours, Eastern Standard Time. Gibbs & Ari were waiting wit a team of Agents to escort Cruz back to the Navy Yard.

"Welcome back, DiNozzo," Gibbs said.

"Hey, boss," Tony replied. He was only half-listening because Ziva caught his attention when she bent down to tie her boot. This earned him a double head-slap from Gibbs and Ari.

"Where is Cruz?" Ari asked.

"He was just loaded into the van," Tony replied.

"Then let's get going," Gibbs said. "Eli David showed up at the Navy Yard at 0500 wanting to know if you had landed yet and when he could take Cruz back to Israel."

Gibbs tossed Tony the keys for the sedan and took the keys to the van from Ari. Tony and Ziva walked to the sedan as Gibbs started the van and peeled out of Pax River. Tony followed, glad to be back in the U.S. of A.

...-_-...

Director Vance and Eli David were sitting in the conference room when Tony, Westen and Sam entered. (Tony managed to convince Ziva to wait outside to build up Vance's inner guilt.)

"Special Agent DiNozzo, welcome back," Vance said.

"It's good to be back," Tony replied.

"I believe you know Eli David, the Director of Mossad?"

"Only by reputation and a few interesting video-conferences." Tony extended his hand and shook Eli's.

"Let's get this debriefing started," Vance said.

"Just one second, Director," Tony said. "You may notice we're one short. Excuse me."

Tony walked over to the conference room door and opened it. Ziva was staring off into space until Tony muttered "sweetcheeks." She walked into the conference room with a look of indifference on her face, despite the overwhelming urge to strangle Vance for Burning her. Vance looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

"Now we can get started," Tony said. "On 20 September of this year, former CIA Agent Ray Cruz murdered NCIS Special Agent Adam Davis in Tel Aviv, Israel. Unfortunately for Cruz, he murdered Davis in front of Eli David, the Director of Mossad. A team consisting of an NCIS Agent, a Mossad Officer, a CIA Agent, and a United States Navy SEAL was dispatched to Italy, where Cruz was rumored to be hiding. Initially searching for Cruz in Rome, the team hit multiple dead ends. On 8 December, new information came to light that Cruz was in Naples. On 9 December, a Burn Notice was issued for Mossad Officer Ziva David. On the same day, a CIA Informant revealed that Cruz was hiding in an old KGB safe house on the outskirts of town. This intel was confirmed by a stakeout. Cruz hired ex-Mossad officers Ilan Bodnar and Michael Rivkin in an attempt to help him escape. Rivkin compromised our safe house and was killed while attempting to kill Ms. David on the night of 9 December at about 2030 hours. The team tasked with apprehending Cruz did at 0800 hours on the morning of 10 December. Also apprehended was Ilan Bodnar. He was killed in-flight from the Seahawk to Ramstein Air Base in Germany after attempting to escape."

"All things considered, this op was a success," Vance said.

"I'm not done, Leon," Tony said. "I promised Director David that I would hand over the bastard that Burned his daughter."

"You did?" Vance started sweating and shaking like a nervous wreck.

Busted.

"Yes, I did. Director David, Leon Vance issued the Burn Notice."

Eli looked betrayed and slightly murderous. "Leon, our bond was forged in fire and blood. I would trust you with my life, and now I hear that you are the one responsible for Burning my daughter?!"

"Director David, you'll enjoy this then," Tony said. "Leon was Burned in retaliation. Agent Westen, would you like to tell Leon what he has won?"

Westen stood up and Vance's blood pressure shot up.

"You see, Vance," Westen said, "You've been Burned. Now, it's very simple. When you're Burned, you've got nothing. No cash. No credit. No job history. You're stuck in whatever city they decide to dump you in. You do whatever work comes your way. You rely on anyone who's still talking to you. Bottom line: As long as you're Burned, you're not going anywhere."

"Who Burned me?" Vance demanded.

"That would have been me," Tony answered. "And a one-way ticket has been arranged for you to Greentown, Indiana. Agent Westen, would you mind?"

"Not at all." Westen stuck a sedative in Vance's six and dragged him out of the conference room.

"Can the rest of you give me a moment with my daughter?" Eli asked.

"Tony stays," Ziva said quickly.

"If you wish," Eli replied. After everyone else left, he faced Tony. "Thank you for saving my daughter's life, Agent DiNozzo."

"Nothing I wouldn't have done for anyone else," Tony replied. "Director David, may I be frank?"

"You may."

"I would be lying if I said that I didn't have personal feelings for Ziva-"

Eli held up his hand. "I know."

"Uhh?" Tony said, doing his best Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor impression.

"I see things, Agent Meatball. I see the way that Ziva looks at you, and vise-versa. You have my blessing, but understand this: If you hurt her, your head will hang like a trophy in my office."

"Duly noted."

"Good." Eli turned from Tony to Ziva. "Ziva, I would like you to return to Mossad. I will even station you at our Embassy in Washington."

The grip that Ziva had on Tony's hand tightened when Eli mentioned returning to Mossad. She didn't want to go back, and she would not. And she told Eli as much.

"Abba, as much as I respect your opinion, Mossad is in my past," she said. "I want the chance to start over without worrying about being killed everyday."

"Mossad is your 'past,' Ziva?"

"Yes. And the thing about the past is just that: It's the past. TODAY is what's important."

"And what is today for you, Ziva?"

"I believe you know the answer to that." Ziva allowed Tony to wrap an arm around her shoulders as she stared at Eli.

Eli nodded. "I understand. I must be going. Where is Cruz?"

"He's in the holding cell," Tony answered. "Agent McGee can escort you there. He'll be the one looking to impress."

Eli stood up, hugged Ziva, and shook Tony's hand again before leaving the conference room.

...-_-...

Ari held Eli up in the bullpen to tender his "resignation."

"Eli, I have something for you," Ari said.

"And what would that be, Officer Haswari?" Eli asked.

"My resignation. Ari drew back and punched Eli as hard as he could, sending a few teeth flying. "And this is for killing my mother, you bastard."

Ari punched Eli again and broke his nose before leaving the bullpen and heading down to Abby's lab to cool off, mainly because Gibbs said that Kate would be working down there for awhile. McGee nodded at Gibbs' silent order and escorted a swearing Eli to the holding cell in order to transfer Cruz into Mossad Custody.

Again, reviews appreciated. Toda.