"Enough! Do you hear me?" The older man had a prominent vein on the side of his head that was actually pulsating. It was a strong signal for Tony not to tell him that he was sure that people in the next building heard Gibbs' bellow.

"Boss." Movement on the mezzanine had gotten Tim's attention. Vance had exited his office and was standing watching.

"Not another word." Gibbs glared at McGee before going back to glaring at both of his agents. "I have no idea what has gotten in to the both of you but it… ends… now! If you two cannot do your jobs and keep your mouths shut, I will be using the superglue and it will not involve keyboards. Do I make myself clear?"

It was a testament to both the sound level of Gibbs' rant and the anger in his tone that the entire bullpen was silent. This was a side of Gibbs usually reserved for his office. He never reprimanded his team this way in public. Of course, the last few weeks had taken a toll on the other agents as well. They were used to the normal bickering, pranks involving super glue, drag insinuations. This was different, the tone had changed. The barbs were less brotherly, more vitriolic. It was increasing in occurrences and ripples spread throughout the floor. In an effort to ease the tension, other agents had started leaving coffee on Gibbs' desk. At times, the leader's desk looked like a coffee buffet.

They did not include the dueling agents in their generosity. No one wanted caught between the two men or accused of siding with one over the other. Case in point? Mitch Balboa. He had innocently dropped off a pizza on Tony's desk not realizing the team hadn't "earned" their lunch according to Gibbs. When there had been no glare forbidding Tony from grabbing a slice, the SFA had dug in. That had started a round. Of course, Mitch brought him a pizza, the other agents always sucked up to SFA. Tony was always above the rules and a big goof-off. Poor Mitch looked like a deer in a spotlight. Of course, with hunting laws, no one knew what that looked like. Cough, cough.

"I am going to MTAC. You will sit at your desks and work. If I hear one more thing from either of you or I have to leave MTAC to deal with you two…" The agents in the bullpen cringed as they were dragged back to childhood. It was the same tone that usually accompanied, "If I have to stop this car…" Human resources didn't understand why they had so many calls asking if Delores was sure that they weren't missing an in service that day, even one on sexual harassment. No one was waiting to be told to keep an eye on their "siblings."

When Gibbs got to the top of the stairs, he was met with a two-word command. "My office" was usually Gibbs' go to. But this wasn't a typical day. Without another word, Vance crossed to his desk and pulled out a glass and his post-Gibbs medication. He poured a finger paused and looked at the MCRT lead before doubling it.

Usually, Gibbs had a respect for bourbon. It was a long-term relationship and he treated it with respect. However, this time he slammed it like a shot and motioned for a refill.

"Do I want to know what set them off this time?" Vance asked as he poured. "Tony in a sequined bikini?"

Gibbs shook his head. "Day before yesterday."

"Elf lord?"

"Tuesday."

"Superglue?"

"I confiscated it last week and told supply not to reorder it."

"Authors who are one-shot book wonders?"

"Yesterday."

"Sports injuries used as a cover for quitting due to poor performance."

Gibbs winced. "I think Pitt was ready to come beat McGee down for that one when Tony called to rant at him for breaking his leg."

"Ah… Sport cars like Ferraris as compensation for inadequacies in manhood." Vance said triumphantly.

Gibbs tossed back his drink. "Don't give McGee any ideas, Leon. If I hear the word "manhood," I will hunt you down."

Vance held his hand up in surrender. "Then what? Who ate the last cookie?"

"Shaving."

"Shaving?" Vance shook his head. How could that start an argument?

"McGee recommended that Tony concentrate on shaving his face and not come to work scruffy rather than shaving his legs and…" Motioning for the bottle, Gibbs quivered. Some things could not be unheard. "…other areas."

Vance's butt hit the chair rather hard as he collapsed. He grabbed another glass and snatched the bottle from Gibbs. Vance glared at his MCRT lead. That was simply wrong, and he did not need Gibbs giving him the mental image. Some things could not be unimagined.

Chicago. He'd been informed by Gibbs and Vance that he was taking an envelope to a contact at the Hilton Chicago Michigan Ave Cultural Mile. He had flown from Reagan earlier this afternoon and checked into the room that had been reserved for him. It had been nice to have a couple hours this afternoon to just chill. He was to lay low and then meet his contact in the morning in the lobby. He'd been told to pack for a week; casual, swim trunks, couple suits and one formal. No electronics, credentials, or service revolver. He was told that when it was over, there'd be a ticket back to DC. It wasn't often he had the opportunity to enjoy a four-star hotel, mini-bar, and a non-military flight while on assignment. He turned on the television and grabbed a juice.

Chicago. He'd been informed by Gibbs and Vance that he was taking an envelope to a contact at the Hilton Chicago Michigan Ave Cultural Mile. He had flown from Reagan earlier this afternoon and checked into the room that had been reserved for him. It had been nice to have a couple hours this afternoon to just chill. He was to lay low and then meet his contact in the morning in the lobby. He'd been told to pack for a week; casual, swim trunks, and one formal. No electronics, credentials, or service revolver. He was told that when it was over, there'd be a ticket back to DC. It wasn't often he had the opportunity to enjoy a four-star hotel, mini-bar, and a non-military flight while on assignment. He turned on the radio, grabbed a soda and sat down to enjoy the lake view.

Morning came early. The mission was on. Envelope in hand, he headed for the lobby.

Morning came early. The mission was on. Picking up the envelope, he took a deep breath and headed for the lobby.

Back in DC. "Morning, Leon." Gibbs handed off a coffee. "Peaceful day yesterday."

"I wish I was as sure of this op and that we'd have an MCRT when it's over."

"Without it, we might not have an MCRT." Gibbs said flatly. "I do not have the patience to hide the bodies."

"T-minus five minutes." The assigned tech told the two men and they got into position.

Show-time. The elevator doors opened, and he strode forward casually. Hazel eyes swept the lobby checking for exits and his contact. Standing just a bit away, it couldn't be. His eyes narrowed. Changing direction, he moved to intercept. "What are you doing here?"

Show-time. The elevator doors opened, and he strode forward confidently. His green eyes scanned the lobby for his contact. Standing just a bit away, it couldn't be. His eyes narrowed. Changing direction, he moved to intercept. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm on an op." The two men glared at one another.

"DiNozzo. McGee." Their favorite despised agent stepped up to them wearing dark sunglasses. "This way."

"Kort. What is this?" McGee confronted him while the Tony glared at him.

"Not here." Kort hissed. "This way." He opened a door off the lobby with a key card and led them into a small meeting room where a familiar sight greeted them.

"Agent Kort."

"Director."

"I appreciate your assistance. Sit down, gentlemen…"

"Director, how can I perform my mission if…"

"He's going to blow my cover."

"Sit down." Leon repeated tersely.

"Blow your cover?"

"This is my op."

"Sit down and shut up." Gibbs bellowed from the video screen.

Both agents sat although they not so subtly slid their chairs further apart.

"I'm certain this is not the op you were both expecting. Open your envelopes." Vance continued while they did. "Your behavior the last few weeks has been unprofessional and detrimental to ..."

"Director…" The two men started together.

"I have not asked either of you a question." Leon stared at them sterned by spoke evenly.

"Zip it, both of you." Gibbs was in no mood for further shenanigans. "Director Vance is addressing you, you will both shut up and listen. Am I clear?" When mouths started to open, a Gibbs glare closed them, and they nodded.

"As I was saying, detrimental to the MCRT and to NCIS as a whole. Rumors of your behavior have managed to infiltrate other agencies. I will NOT have my agency turned into a laughingstock." Leon tried to hold his temper down. "You have drawn the other agents into this little war, and I will not have it. What you are holding is a formal reprimand…" He held up a hand forestalling a barrage of protests before they started.

"A formal reprimand for behavior unbecoming to an agent. You will sign it and you WILL agree to the conditions attached which I will allow your supervisor to explain in a minute. Over the next week, you will meet these conditions, or I will take further action; up to and including recreating the MCRT and transferring both of you."

"I'm the SFA…"

"My skills…"

"SHUT UP. You haven't been acting like a SFA and your skills are not worth the aggravation. We have other agents such as Agent Dorneget who would love to join the MCRT." Gibbs informed them. "Now, I don't know what caused this war, but consider me your UN. This not a ceasefire to negotiate, but a total cessation of hostile action immediately. You have BOTH lost the war. Further enemy action will not be tolerated." Gibbs sneered; this was former marine Gunny Gibbs in full command.

"You will be provided and necessary equipment." Kort stepped forth and handed each a thick envelope, as Gibbs continued. "You have a cell phone and an Ipad. Agent Dorneget will be monitoring communications; these will be your only electronic equipment. Period. You will assume the cover of two friends taking a road trip together."

"This is bull…"

"DiNozzo, when I want your opinion, I will ask for it."

Leon placed a hand on Gibbs' arm to calm the agent. "Perhaps, I didn't make myself clear earlier. This is not a suggestion. If either of you does not wish to submit to the disciplinary plan outlaid, the back page is a copy of your resignation. Sign it and spare us all the trouble."

McGee and DiNozzo exchanged shocked glances. They flipped to the last page and found their resignations pre-printed and dated.

"Agent Gibbs, I believe that these gentlemen are beginning to understand their position. Please continue."

"Thank-you, Director. The road trip will be to drive Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. We are aware that this trip could be completed in slightly over a day if you chose to drive straight through and take a few shortcuts. Therefore, an itinerary has been loaded on to your tablets and a paper copy is provided. You are expected to follow that itinerary. At times, you will receive additional instructions. To ensure that you comply with this disciplinary action, there will be certain checkpoints along the way. There will also be observers who will monitor your behavior compliance. If at any time, you fail to meet these standards, your tenure on MCRT will be terminated. I hope I have made myself clear."

"For the remainder of your "OP", you will be Tony and Tim. You are not agents and there is no seniority. You will behave as two regular citizens spending some brotherly bonding time. You WILL use this time to work out your issues. When you return, I fully expect to have a functioning team again. Is that understood? I said, is that understood?"

"Yes, boss." They both confirmed.

Director Vance took over bringing the meeting to a close. "Consider this a team building workshop. Expenses for your assignments will be covered and any reasonable inclusions. Agent Kort?" Kort handed them each an envelope and let Vance continue. He then laid their service revolvers and credential wallet on the table. "We are allowing you to take your weapons as there are contracts for you both. Don't use them on each other. In the envelope you each have a debit card and some cash for your assignments. Your reservation confirmations are on your phones and IPads. If your run into an emergency, such as car trouble and not including bail, call Gibbs who will handle the issue."

"If there any no questions," both men understood that was rhetorical. "Your transportation is waiting outside. Your first assignment is to visit the Art Institute of Chicago where you will spend at least three hours. Proof of completion of your assignments will be required. The requested proof is listed on your itinerary. Enjoy your trip, gentlemen." The screen went gray.

Vance sighed. "Drink?"

Gibbs looked at his watch. It wasn't even ten in the morning. "Hell, yes."

Kort turned to leave but paused and lowered his sunglasses. "I don't know what's going on, but I suggest you fix it. When Gibbs voluntarily has me and the FBI involved…" He put his glasses back and walked away shaking his head.

"Shit, DiNozzo."

"Tony…" The older man whispered. "We can't talk here. Let's get out of here." They hurriedly donned their holsters and guns and gathered their envelopes.

"Mr. DiNozzo, Mr. McGee. The concierge met them as they exited the room. We hope you enjoyed your stay. Your luggage has been loaded for you and the valet has brought your car up front. If you're ever in Chicago again, please come back."

"Your keys."

The two men exchanged a glance. Tony accepted gracefully when Tim's rock smashed his scissors, and the valet handed the keys to McGee.

Road Trip Day 1

Tony felt faint. Their rental was a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette as driven by Tod Stiles and Buzz Murdock on the hit tv show Route 66. The only discrepancy was color. For some reason they had chosen solid Horizon Blue, Cascade Green and Fawn Beige cars for filming the black and white series. In 1963, they had changed to the corvette sting ray in tan for some reason. This… this was perfect. Their rental was red with white wheels and white on the side. The convertible roof wasn't down so they could see it was white. Tony made up his mind that once they were out of the city, that roof was gone.

The two men got in the corvette and McGee started the car. Tony navigated based on the detailed directions provided on the tablet. By mutual consent neither man started their needed conversation. A rental car shouldn't have surveillance equipment but Kort had been at the motel.

After parking outside the museum, the two men strolled towards the museum. "Hey, Tim," Tony gestured at a beverage cart and motioned. "Let's get a coffee and walk a bit before we go in."

"Sounds good."

With coffee cups in hand, they walked along the sidewalk. "So, we're in deep."

"Ya think?" Tony sighed. "Sorry, Mc… Tim. Instinct."

"What do we do?"

"I think we have to play along. They've got Dorney monitoring communications. We can't just drive; they've already planned for that."

"Yeah." Tim sighed. "I never expected anything like this."

"Me, neither. I know we've had a few spats recently but they're really over-reacting."

"And they got Kort involved. What's up with that? I thought disciplinary actions were privileged."

"Not to people assisting in the disciplinary correction plan." An older woman walking by with a young boy smiled at them. "Kate would have whapped both of you by now. You need to get back to the time after her. By the way, your car and your hotel rooms aren't bugged. You must have somewhere to talk out your issues. Enjoy the museum."

"Who?" Tim was weirded out by being accosted on the street.

"Temporary peace treaty under the Gibbs' convention conditions, Tim?"

"Sounds wonderful, Tony."

"I was going to suggest we meet at the car in three hours, but I don't think splitting up is a good idea so let's go enjoy our…" Tony looked at the itinerary, "…three hours at the museum."

"So, what's our assignment?" Tim cocked his head. "I wonder who came up with the assignments."

"We need to have a picture taken in front of a carved wooden model of a river boat from the Ancient Egyptian Middle Kingdom, Dynasty." Tony snickered and they shared a glance.

"Gibbs." Both laughed.

Picture successfully acquired. The two men debated how to fill the remaining time. They agree Gothic America was a must and even voluntarily had a picture made. They both agreed to pony up the extra seven dollars to enter the Monet exhibit agreeing it was a good opportunity.

The day had turned slightly overcast so the roof did not come off. Neither wanted to try to get it up during the rain along the road. Deciding that they weren't required to go in, Tony took pictures while Tim drove by Willis tower.

"Too bad we had to lay low last night" Tony mused.

"Why?"

"We could have had real Chicago pizza at Pie-in-the-sky in Chicago. How cool would that have been? Just sitting there; a couple of bros on the town with a big pizza, couple cokes, looking out from the 103rd floor."

Tim looked quickly at his partner. "Cokes? Couple beers."

"Not sure we're supposed to drink on the disciplinary plan."

"Right…."

Both men fell silent, remembering their current situation. They considered stopping to eat a meal but since they were only about an hour out of Dwight decided to grab a sandwich from a cart and have dessert there. The ice cream was well worth it and after eating they fulfilled their assignment. They took a few pictures of Old Juliet Prison from the distance then drove down to redeem the tour tickets they had received. Although they were only required to provide the ticket receipt and a brochure, they decided to walk through and take some pictures. Tim took several of Tony in mock poses from some of the many films made there such as Point Break and Natural Born Killers. Tim was convinced to join in a Blues Brothers pose taken by another tourist.

The short at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site Visitor Center was short due to them closing at 5pm but they accomplished their assignment and took off. Shortly afterwards, it began to rain. They decided not to stop for dinner but to push on to St. Louis and eat at the hotel. A quick stop along the highway netted their final assignment of the day, a picture of the Missouri welcome sign. It was shortly after seven when they arrived at their hotel. True to their peace treaty they kept the conversation light and discussed the things they had seen.

Unlike the previous night, Tim and Tony were shown to a room with double queen beds overlooking the courtyard. Tim tipped the bellhop and the two men put their cases on the luggage racks. "Want to eat here or go to the Station Grille? If you're not to tired, we could take a walk around after dinner and look at the courtyard and architecture."

"That sounds great, Tim. This place is beyond imagination. I wonder if it's too late to ride the St Louis Wheel?" Tony referred huge gondola Ferris or observation wheel.

"We could ask the desk. If it is, we could do it in the morning before we leave or we could do it both times. We might even have time to hit the aquarium. Tomorrow is a short day. Only about three hours driving. Six flags closes at 6. We could spend time here at the motel and then go to then go to Six Flags."

"SNAFU." Tony pulled up the itinerary. "Wax museum closes at 5pm." Tony said and shuddered.

Tim noted the shudder. "Not a fan."

"I think wax museums are creepy. I hate the thought. I bet they have one of his dead body."

"So, we skip it and stay at Six Flags."

"We can't. Remember, they could terminate us for missing the step."

"For not wanting to look at the wax figures that give you the creeps?"

"We can't risk it."

"Yes, we can. They want us to work on our relationship. Part of that is having our partner's back. I'm sending them an email. This itinerary is not reasonable for tomorrow and I will not force my partner into an uncomfortable."

"If they fire us…"

"We've had offers from other agencies. We go where we're respected." Tim stated firmly and Tony smiled at this Tim. There was no jellyfish here. "Let's go eat."

As the two headed off for their evening meal, both considered their first day of discipline. It had been nice; no sniping, no stress. Both were hopeful. Maybe the pressure of the job had gotten to them and some time to relax and share time doing other things was what they needed to get back on track. Of course, each man still felt Gibbs and Vance had over-reacted.

Tim and Tony had got lucky. They had been able to ride the St. Louis Wheel at night. After the Wheel, they had stopped to watch the Fire and Light Show and then had a nice, leisurely meal at Landry's next to the lake. Their table overlooked the water. On the way to their room, they had toured part of the hotel, marveling at the architecture. They took pictures of each other in the Grand Hall where the trains had arrived and departed; and under the Allegorical Picture of three women/goddesses representing the cities of San Francisco, St. Louis and New York. They both marveled at the Tiffany glasswork.

It had been a bit late when they returned to their room and Tony whooped when they got a text shortly thereafter confirming an amended change to the itinerary and notice that tickets for the Aquarium Fantastic Five would be waiting at the front desk. While walking to and from the Wheel, they had noted the other attractions on the way. The ticket package provide access to all the attractions (Aquarium, The St. Louis Wheel, Carousel, Mirror Maze, and Mini Golf), except the Ropes Course Sky Tykes Web. Neither man was that interested in zip-lining so that suited them fine.