A/N: In this story, Kate is alive. Essentially, it's pre-Twilight, since I accept the changes that have been made in the show… so far. Time will tell how I feel about the new characters. Many thanks to Rinne, for fixing the punctuation and giving me suggestions when the action wasn't clear. Yes, this is a really short one. I may take a break after this. :)

Chapter Seven

Jimmy Palmer had once again volunteered to keep an eye out for any unusual medical activity around Tony DiNozzo. Unfortunately, he didn't know that Gibbs would be there, too, which was why Palmer was sitting, stiff as a board, on a chair in the corner of the room, trying not to attract the senior agent's attention.

Taking pity on the younger man, Gibbs turned to him and asked, "Palmer, does it look like Tony's getting stronger?"

Jimmy got up and walked over to the monitors. Clearing his throat he said, "Yes, Agent Gibbs. Agent DiNozzo's vital signs seem to be improving. His blood pressure is nearly normal, and his heart rate is a bit stronger as well."

Gibbs nodded. "He seems to be moving a little, too, shifting around."

"Coma patients will regain consciousness slowly, sir. So it's entirely possible that he's starting to move. He could also start reacting to voices. Patients who are agitated can be calmed by a familiar voice." Jimmy was gaining more confidence.

"I guess my voice would scare him," sighed Gibbs.

"Oh no, sir," exclaimed Jimmy, earnestly. "I'm sure Agent DiNozzo would be comforted to know you were near, looking after him. He thinks the world of you, sir."

"Don't call me, sir," growled Gibbs, softening the words with a smile. "I'm not an officer."

"I'm sorry, sir… I mean Agent Gibbs," stammered Jimmy.

"Relax, Palmer," Gibbs gave him smile. "I'm not going to bite you. I appreciate what you're doing for Tony."

"I'm happy to help, s.. Agent Gibbs."

Gibbs chuckled. He looked thoughtfully at the younger man. "How do you like working at NCIS, Palmer?"

Jimmy lit up. "Very much. It's very exciting work, going to the crime scenes. And working with Doctor Mallard is a pleasure. He has the most amazing stories. Doctor Mallard knows so much, he's seen so much and been to so many exotic places. I feel like I'm in school all over again."

Gibbs smiled at the young man's enthusiasm. "We're glad to have you, Jimmy. You're a good addition to the team."

Palmer practically glowed with pleasure. "Thank you, sir." Gibbs decided to let that 'sir' go by without comment. It was obvious that Jimmy had been taught to respect his elders and authority figures, it would take time to break him of that 'sir' habit. Maybe Gibbs could get him to start calling him 'Boss'.

The two spent the next few hours reading or talking to Tony, including him in on their conversations as if he were awake and talking. Shortly after midnight, Jimmy excused himself for a few minutes. He offered to pick up some coffee for Gibbs on his way back, which raised him a few notches in Gibbs' estimation.

Sitting quietly, Gibbs didn't notice someone enter the room. He looked up to see Deputy Robbins standing there, an enigmatic smile on his face.

"Hello Agent Gibbs," drawled the big man.

"Deputy Robbins." Gibbs nodded in acknowledgment. "What brings you here? I'm not cleared to leave the hospital yet, so you can't take me in."

Robbins laughed. "That'll come soon enough. I just came to see how your agent was doing. I heard there was some excitement yesterday."

"He's doing much better, thank you." Gibbs watched suspiciously, as Robbins closed the door behind him. He walked to the large window facing the nursing station and started drawing the curtains closed.

"May I ask what you're doing?"

Robbins smiled. "Just getting us a little privacy, Agent Gibbs."

Before Gibbs could react, the big man rushed over and pulled him out of the wheelchair, holding a beefy hand over his mouth.

"You just couldn't let well enough alone, could you, Gibbs?" snarled Robbins, holding his hand over Gibbs' mouth and nose. Gibbs struggled to free himself, but was still weak from his injuries.

"I'm just going to have to make sure Agent DiNozzo here has a fatal relapse. And you're going to have another accident trying to help him." Gibbs could feel himself starting to black out, Robbins' hot breath brushing his cheek.

"When this is all over, there'll be two dead agents in here," hissed Robbins, squeezing his arm around Gibbs' chest harder. Gibbs was aware of the painful cracking of his ribs and then everything went dark.