Author's Notes : This is it, gentle readers...the conclusion of "Control Limits". I thank you for your patience as this story has developed and am humbled by your reviews. Your feedback and comments have provided much inspiration as this story progressed. - Rahainia
Chapter 26
"So, it was sort of technical espionage and sort of a lust issue." Tim smirked at Tony and Ziva, while they finished up their reports in the bullpen. "Guess no one wins your silly bet."
"Guess not." Ziva said simply.
"Nope." Tony replied in a plain voice.
Tim frowned. This was not what he expected. He had expected them to argue over whom's theory was the majority of the reason behind Captain Reed's death. But this plain vanilla acceptance was disconcerting to him.
Gnawing on the inside corner of his mouth, he plotted a way to stir the plot.
"Of course, we could also say that you both won…in which case you would each be obligated to fulfill the terms of the bet."
Ziva and Tony glanced across their desks at each other.
"What do you say?" Tony asked, a smile dancing across his face.
"I'd say, he has a point." Ziva acknowledged, her grin making her eyes dance in amusement.
"How about your place?" Tony questioned.
"And you'll cook?" Ziva countered.
"We could skip the movie." Tony offered.
"Sounds like fun." Ziva admitted, as she stood up. She gathered the papers on her desk. Tony did the same on his.
Tim watched the byplay between the two agents in silence. He was getting a tad nervous. When these two were on the same wavelength, the output was bound to not be in his favour.
"Here, Probie, finish our reports. We're going to have supper." Tony dropped their bundles of papers on Tim's desk.
"And don't call Tony's cell phone." Ziva called out over her shoulder as they entered the elevator.
"So where are you off to now?" Gibbs asked, eyeing the suitcase on the bed.
"I need to report back to my Board of Directors…there are going to be a lot of questions asked about our two Captains and the merits of this project are going to be seriously questioned."
"Will you be okay?" Gibbs couldn't ask the question he really wanted to voice.
"I'm a survivor, Jethro."
"So I've been told."
"My plane's tomorrow morning. Got plans for supper?" Roxane ran a finger up Gibbs' chest.
"Already ate." Gibbs replied as he gently grabbed Roxane's hand. "But I could use some dessert."
"What about next week?" Roxane asked.
Gibbs frowned.
"My meetings with the Board will be over and I'll be back with the new officers."
"But I thought you said…"
"I said the merits would be questioned…but this project could save lives, Jethro. Military and civilian. The benefits are too great for us to simply stop. Someone else will try this project. We won't be the first to try…but we will be the first to succeed. I'll see to that." Roxane leaned into Gibbs. "So dessert, huh?"
Gibbs smiled and pulled Roxane in for his first of several helpings of dessert that night.