A/N: One thing I left out. I know that NCIS has had several name changes over the years. In the interest of simplicity, I have referred to the organization only as NCIS during the story, although I presume that the characters would know of the correct ID initials of the organization at any given time.

Upon passing through the smoked glass doors of the building, Gibbs finally broke his silence. Abby first, then Autopsy. The silvered head led the way to the elevators as the partners hefted the evidence boxes and trailed after their boss.

Abby's lab was alive with a pulsating rhythm carried by a driving bass. Tony saw a slight frown cross Gibbs' face as they entered, but he gave the talented tech only a simple greeting.

Hey Gibbs! Wow, Tony, Kate! Whatcha guys got? The dark haired girl spied the evidence boxes and her eyes widened in excitement.

Trace from a dump site. Two bodies, Tony huffed as he set his box on the lab table.

Just trace? That looks like an awful lot for just trace, Abby commented as Kate's box joined Tony's.

Kate eyed her partner and was about to answer, but Gibbs was already speaking. It's more than trace, Abbs. Second body we know was naval, first body we're not sure about. According to police, both bodies were found in exactly the same place and position.

Anticipating his words, Abby spoke. So, you brought me the floor covering as well, didn't you?Carpet and carpet pad, Abbs. Go over em and see what you can find out. Gibbs turned to Kate and Tony. Autopsy. Let's go, he barked and strode out of the lab.

Bye, Abby. Kate waved to her friend as she lingered slightly after the two men had moved through the doors. She received a halfhearted wave in return; the girl was already happily fishing through the boxes of evidence.

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The Autopsy doors swished open to allow the procession of agents entrance. They stopped near the table that held the naked prone body of the unfortunate petty officer.

Whaddya got, Duck? Gibbs tried to keep his voice from sounding impatient.

The only thing I can tell you definitively at the present time is that the poor fellow was rather brutally sodomized prior to his death. I have some suspicions, but I need to complete the autopsy and get the blood tests back from Abby before I can be sure. The coroner looked up at his spectators.

Okay, so tell me what you suspect, Gibbs pressed the man.

Actually, Jethro, I'd rather not. Given what I've observed so far, I think it's best if you wait for my official results. Ducky sighed.

Tony looked at the body laying face down on the table. Do we know what was used to ah... violate him?Exactly? No, I'm afraid not. But the tearing of the tissue indicates it was at least four inches in diameter, probably larger. Also, from what I can tell from my external exam, the surface of the object would have been quite rough.And this was done while he was still alive? Kate spoke with a note of disbelief and horror.

Yes, I'm afraid so, Caitlin. Oh, Jethro, before I forget, I talked to Curtis. He's quite backed up and hasn't even touched the body from this morning. He said he's more than willing to let us have the gentleman ASAP, provided we go over and ID him as military. Ducky turned back to his examination of the body. Now, if you don't mind, I'll continue with Petty Officer Willard and let you get on with your work.

Gibbs took Ducky's dismissal in stride, although he knew his expression betrayed his unhappiness. He rubbed his brow in a futile gesture to stem the incipient headache as he headed for the bullpen.

He had just settled at his desk when McGee walked in. Before the young agent could even begin to report, however, the phone on Gibbs' desk warbled. Irritated, he snatched up the handset and listened to the familiar voice of his director's assistant request his presence immediately.

Standing, he looked over at the recent arrival. McGee, share what you've found out with Kate and Tony and the three of you get to work on it. I'll be in with the Director. The three agents stared with open curiosity after their departing leader, before turning to each other.

Does that happen often? McGee was unused to Gibbs walking away without demanding a full report from him.

Nope. Report, McGee. Tony fixed the other man with a steely gaze.

McGee ignored Tony, moved to his desk and began extracting files from his backpack. He took two of them and handed them over to Kate.

Tony began warningly.

Next time, ask nicely and you can have first look, McGee replied easily and then turned to Kate, who was trying not to laugh at the expression on Tony's face.

C'mon, DiNozzo, she said in amusement. Get your butt over here and let's go over these files.