Hi All! Well here we are - Descent. Thanks as always to Stef and Donna and to all who are still along for this journey.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the CBS characters because if I did there would be NO MOSELEY.

Warning - Deeks may have uttered a naughty word [justified] and there is the whole drill/torture thing [why do they always go after the face. His very pretty face.]

Sidorov Part 5 - Descent

The tension was palpable as the team gathered in OPS. A nuclear bomb had been detonated in the Chihuahuan desert in Mexico. Nell and Eric had started the debrief by showing the satellite photos. Callen, Hetty, Nell and Eric were joined by Deeks and Kensi. A minute later, Sam and Michelle entered and Granger's face popped up on the center screen from his office in DC. It was confirmed. The bomb detonated was one of the three Sidorov was holding.

Nell asked "Why would he detonate it?"

Michelle offered, "It would exponentially increase the value of those two remaining weapons."

"A nuclear bomb is as big as the fear it creates," was Callen's thinking.

Deeks confirmed what everyone was thinking. "Then they just made their bombs bigger."

Granger put up a picture of Michael Zhrov. Michelle told the team that Zhrov ran Sidorov's arms dealing company. While Sidorov was in the wind, Zhrov met with potential buyers for the weapons. The team needed to find a buyer they could control and who Sidorov would deal with. Hetty looked at Callen. There was only one person who fit that bill and he was sitting in a prison in Iran. Marcel Janvier.

The team had spent much of the last year thinking that Janvier was dead. Callen had shot him, it was broadcasted on TV. But what they didn't know was that Granger had loaded Callen's gun with blanks so that Janvier seemed dead when actually he was more stunned. An officer with LAPD, who was actually a NCIS agent from another team, hit Janvier with a tranquilizer when he examined the body in the van. The CIA, without Ira Weiss' knowledge, worked with Rose at the County Coroner's office to put Janvier into deep seclusion while he healed. Granger then turned Janvier over to Vaziri who took him back to Iran. To say Callen was upset with the Assistant Director when he found all of this out was an understatement. He was livid. But Hetty told her team leader that Granger assured her the deception was necessary and now it would be used to their advantage to lure Sidorov out of hiding with his weapons.

Janvier's fake death had ultimately led to Deeks and Kensi's own premature and fictitious demise, as they were needed to help rescue Nate from Iran, a mission that otherwise would have been Callen's. But with Callen in jail for Janvier's supposed murder, Deeks and subsequently Kensi were approached to step in. Deeks thought of all the jostling that had been done behind the scenes, including Callen's prison escape and the explosion that extricated the pair from their lives in Los Angeles, for a prisoner that now may or may not cooperate. He still had nightmares of Kensi lying unconscious in Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. He hoped all the maneuvering would prove worthwhile.

Michelle knew that she had to insert herself back in Sidorov's crew. Sam balked at the idea. He was worried that Quinn was compromised. Granger insisted that they move forward. Agents knew the risk they faced every day. It was a matter of national security. Sam argued with Granger without success. He silently fumed and then Hetty told Deeks he would be in overwatch backing up Sam and Michelle. Sam exploded. "No! Not Deeks! I need Callen on this." The senior agent did not sound the least bit apologetic.

"Wow, that's an ego boost." Deeks was really getting tired of Sam's crap. Kensi saw Michelle's sigh. She knew Sam was upset about sending Quinn back in but that was no reason to treat Deeks the way he did.

Hetty would not back down. "Not possible. Mr. Callen and Ms. Blye will be out of the country."

Kensi looked at Hetty. "Where are we going?"

When Callen answered, "Iran," they all knew who the buyer was going to be.

In the armory Kensi picked up her sniper rifle to pack. Deeks was hovering around her.

"You got sunscreen?"

"Yup."

"Extra ammo?"

"Always."

"You know I can ride a camel, right?"

Kensi turned and faced her husband. Deeks just stared at the floor with his arms tight across his body. He was upset over how Sam disrespected him in front of the team and now they were going to be separated. She was headed to Iran with Callen to get Janvier while he would be here backing up a very unhappy Sam. Kensi saw the worry lines forming on her partner's forehead. She stepped in front of him and wouldn't move until he looked up. "I love you. Sam was wrong for what he said to you. You are just as good as anyone on this team."

She saw his lips curl slightly at her words. She pulled at his arms until he loosened them and she slid into his embrace. "I will be fine. You trust Callen. I trust Callen. I will be back in a few days." Kensi then leaned in and kissed him. Rules be dammed, she wasn't going to see him for a few days and a teammate disrespected her partner. Their personal partnership was always their priority. No matter what.

Things between Kensi and Deeks had been a tad strained after the Monica Davis case. Kensi was not happy about the way the hostess had tried to discredit Deeks in front of the team - more fuel for Sam. She was also a bit upset that her husband felt it more important to stay in cover instead of reaching out for help. Deeks was frustrated because he knew Kensi had limited deep cover experience and sometimes just didn't seem to grasp all that was involved. Her last deep cover was with him, rescuing Nate. But they were together then. Before when he was under, he was off the grid for days. It was necessary and he did not have a team that he could turn to. But it also seemed like she didn't trust him. Add on Sam's lack of trust in his skills and Deeks was feeling like a misfit.

Callen stuck his head in the armory. "Wheels up in thirty." Kensi stepped out of his embrace and went to pick up her gear. Deeks didn't move or make eye contact. She didn't have time for his pouting. She gathered up her gear and turned toward the entrance and called over her shoulder. "I will see you in a few days." Deeks watched her leave. No goodbye kiss. No I love you. Nothing. He sighed. This day just kept getting better.

Granger walked into OPS to join Deeks, Sam, Michelle, Eric and Nell. Nell had located the van that transported the bomb into Mexico. The same van was now back in LA near the Biltmore Hotel. Several of Sidorov's henchmen were seen coming and going but no sign of Isaak. Michelle knew he was there. He never used elevators or front stairs. Granger sent the three to stakeout the hotel and wait for Sidorov.

While Michelle was in a nearby car out of sight, Sam and Deeks set themselves up at a small park picnic table playing chess. Deeks could feel the tension radiating off of Sam. But he was going to do his job, the best he could. Right now that meant playing chess. "Fourth move, Bobby Fisher style. Wait for it. Boom, check, partner."

"We're not playing for real Bob. And we're not partners."

"We are right now."

"Not really."

"We're in the midst of this nice little three-way. You and I and - - that is a terrible choice of words."

Sam was about to explode. "You talk to Kensi this much during a stakeout?"

"Usually more. Sometimes we text even though we're right next to each other. It's pretty adorable." God he missed his partner.

"That's cute. I'm not texting with you." Sam snarled back.

Deeks had had about enough. "You know what, man? I've done this job for a few years now. Some would say, Hetty, for example, exemplary. And then there was that whole CIA undercover thing, where Kensi and I rescued Nate. Always had everybody's back."

Sam's irritation with Deeks was growing. "What's your point?"

"I can take the crap you dish out ten times over. I'm just curious about the why?" Deeks looked Sam dead in the eye.

Sam, for a moment, was surprised that Deeks would speak back to him in that manner. "I'm Navy straight up. Everything you do is different. The way you dress, your jokes, your hair. I will never understand what the CIA saw in you. Even Kensi surprised me when you two got married. She came from a military family. I wouldn't have thought your look would be something she'd be attracted to. But you . . . ."

"If this is about my haircut, it needs to end. Did it ever occur to you that this team had no one who looked like they were from this area? You could never slip in and out of the places I have. You have one undercover look. And let me tell you Sam, one look does not get you far in this job. Hetty chose me because I can adjust my look and Kensi and I make a strong team. It was how we were successful getting Nate home." By now Deeks was yelling at Sam.

Sam tried to backpedal. "It's not about the hair. It's what it says about you as a person."

"So you're saying it's about my character?"

"Yeah. Something like that." Sam felt he had put Deeks in his place. There was a smugness about him that enraged Deeks.

"Fuck you Sam! I've met a few SEALS throughout my LAPD career. Met several more when we were away. You are a disgrace to the men I know. I was never judged for my looks, but on my skills. I've always had your back because I believed in this mission and our team. Callen can have you. I would never partner with someone as shallow as you." With that Deeks got up and walked away from the table. He found a place to sit where he could watch the hotel and keep an eye on Michelle. Sam just sat fuming over the impertence of the detective.

Michelle confirmed Sidorov's presence in the hotel. While Deeks kept watch outside. Sam and Michelle went to the underground parking garage to ambush the Russian arms dealer. By setting up 15 mini laser pods, they were able to simulate a small squad of snipers. Sidorov and his men were fooled into thinking they were surrounded. Michelle took Isaak while Sam sent Sidorov's guards away. Before they left Sam tossed one of the "crew" to Sidorov to show how he was duped.

Quinn took "David" and Sidorov to the bank where Sidorov had his funds for the transfer. Sidorov's men also arrived. Quinn had Isaak tell his men to stay put. David then took Isaak inside so he could make the wire transfer. Once completed, David walked out to join Quinn. Sidorov was heading towards his car when five LAPD patrol cars surrounded the car holding Sidorov's men. The police had guns drawn, led by Deeks. Sidorov had turned to return to Quinn. A barrage of gunfire opened up behind him. Quinn locked her car doors and was about to pull out when Isaak banged on the window and begged her to take him with. She relented, unlocked the door and they fled the scene.

Granger came out of the shadows and went to Deeks who assured the Assistant Director that where he was sending the henchmen they would be lucky to be able to make a call by Christmas. Granger just shrugged. "Nobody will miss them. They're already dead." Deeks just nodded and wondered how and where his wife was.

Once Callen and Kensi had the meet set up between Vaziri and Sidorov, Deeks was told to leave Granger downtown and head out to the desert to meet Callen. Kensi was already in overwatch supplying camera feed to OPS. David and Quinn were part of the entourage at the center of the meet. Everything seemed to go smoothly. Janvier had to not just sell the capabilities of the weapons but the credibility owning such weapons would bring to Iran to justify the price but he seemed to succeed. Details were finalized and the parties went their separate ways. Callen felt that it went down too easy but had nothing to pin his concerns on.

Sidorov had a house not far from the desert location where he met with Vaziri. Deeks was in overwatch in the hills behind the house with a view to the pool and back patio. He watched as the down payment that was requested was delivered in two cases. A gold bar from each case was then tested for authenticity. Sam and Michelle stood nervously to the side watching. Deeks heard the motorcycle that pulled up behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know it was his partner back from Iran.

Kensi joined him behind the hedge. Deeks kept looking through the binoculars and didn't acknowledge her. She could feel the tension radiating off him. Fortunately Nell had filled her in on the argument Sam and Deeks had in the park. She also told Kensi that Hetty was livid with Sam and had planned to share her displeasure with the senior agent when the OP was over. But Deeks not speaking to her was something she only experienced once before and it was during the Clarence Fisk job. Then he was keeping things from her as part of his cover. This was hurt and upset and she was partially responsible.

Kensi reached over and touched Deeks' shoulder. He lowered the binoculars and looked at her.

"Hi."

"Hi."

It would seem they were back to awkward communications. Kensi knew she needed to make the first move. "I missed you. I heard you had a tough couple of days." Kensi slid closer hoping to get him to relax.

Deeks looked at her. "You heard? You heard what?" He thought that this day could not get any worse.

Kensi saw that he was upset that she knew about what happened in the park. Her first reaction would normally be upset that he didn't tell her. But she knew her husband. He never wanted to look weak in front of her, in front of anyone. He prided himself on his abilities. The undercover job with the CIA had earned him several commendations. Ira Weiss wrote a glowing report about them. They were basically on their own with Major Morales when Ira was injured until they met Matthews Consulting who helped get them into Iran and rescued Nate. So for Sam to just dismiss him over his hairstyle, dress and his perceived lack of character, was humiliating. Especially when it was recorded and heard by everyone. Hell, she wanted to kick Sam's ass herself.

"Deeks. Sweetheart, look at me please?" Kensi reached for his chin and lifted his eyes to hers. She saw the hurt and embarrassment. She also saw the anger he was trying to hide from her.

Deeks took a breath. He needed to get his head back on straight and he missed his wife. Besides, he knew he couldn't stay angry with his her for long. He leaned in and kissed Kensi's cheek. "I missed you too." But he would not talk about his exchange with Sam.

They settled in to watch the proceedings on the patio. Kensi could see Deeks was still chewing on the events from earlier with Sam. She also was still feeling a tad guilty about the way she left him in the armory. The team were all under a lot of pressure to get the nukes from Sidorov and everyone was on edge.

Movement on the patio caught Deeks and Kensi's attention. They watched as Sidorov motioned to the two "Bond" girls, as Granger called them, and then to Quinn. As they left the patio, Sidorov turned and followed them down the driveway. What happened next caused Deeks to gasp. Quinn walked up to Isaak and gave him a full on level-three lip lock.

"Wow. We should not mention that to Sam, like, ever."

Kensi looked at her partner. "It's not like she had a choice. She's protecting her cover."

Deeks huffed. "Oh that's interesting. Kind of like me when I was undercover with Monica?" Deeks knew Kensi was pissed that he hadn't contacted her. He tried to explain that deep cover even for a short period of time didn't always allow for the niceties of calling home to your wife. And he knew, she understood that he had to "charm" Monica to get her to cooperate. And while it bothered him to kiss the hostess, he was able to stay faithful to his marriage vows. But sometimes his partner could be very stubborn. "Why couldn't you just trust me?"

Kensi growled. "You are very good at what you do, but you forget you have a partner, a team, to back you up. You did not have to go rogue. All you had to do was communicate with us. With me." Kensi got her gear together to go follow after Michelle. Deeks did not want Kensi to leave angry at him, nor him with her. So he got up and marched over to her.

He took her face in his hands and kissed her. Soundly. "How's that for communication? We made a deal when we got married to never leave each other angry and we kinda broke that one the other day. Please don't do that again."

Kensi was breathless when Deeks stepped back. "That had always been my favorite kind of communication. I'm so sorry. I do trust you. I love you. And you're right. I left you without a proper good-bye. I promise I won't do that again." With that she leaned up and kissed him good-bye and left after Michelle. Little did they know their world was about to be turned upside down.

Deeks went back to his spot as Kensi left. Sidorov had returned to the patio and motioned to David to pick up one of the black cases. He then handcuffed David's wrist to the case. Just as David made to leave, one of Sidorov's men, Andros, stopped David. Sidorov came up behind David and hit him on on the back of the head with his pistol. David fell into the pool and sank quickly because of the heavy case attached to his wrist.

OPS saw Sam go underwater and then lost his signal. Deeks told Hetty he was going after Sam. When he pulled in the driveway, he saw Zhrov keeping Sam underwater with a long pole. Deeks ran up to the pool edge with his gun drawn. Zhrov had a gun pointed back at him. Deeks then felt the presence of Andros come up behind him. Sidorov yelled at Deeks, "The keys to the handcuffs for your gun. Or I could tell him to shoot you and you both die." Zhrov dangled the keys in the air. Deeks reluctantly surrendered his weapon.

Deeks yelled. "Give me the keys. Give me the keys!" The keys were then tossed into the pool. Deeks dove in and swam to the bottom. He frantically worked to get Sam free. He then dragged Sam to the surface and out of the pool. He worked feverishly to revive Sam while Sidorov and his men watched. Sam started to come around. Deeks sat back on his heels but his relief was short lived. Andros grabbed Deeks and punched him several times. The detective tried to fight back but a punch to his jaw knocked him out. The group of men then picked up both Sam and Deeks and put them in a SUV with the two cases of gold and left.

Deeks heard a buzzing sound as he tried to wake up. He thought it was in his head but then realized that the sound was coming from a room across from him. He looked down and saw his hands bound to the chair arms and his ankles to the chair legs. His head hurt from the beating he took. When he was finally able to focus he saw the room where Sam was. He wasn't sure how, but it seemed like the buzzing was coming from Sam? Deeks watched in horror as Sam endured several rounds of electrical shocks. He couldn't make out what Sidorov was saying. Suddenly the doors opened and Sidorov and Andros approached him. Andros showed Deeks some sort of device.

"That doesn't look very fun." Deeks couldn't imagine what was coming next.

Sidorov crossed in front of him. "Is it safe to sell the bombs or are there other undercover agents?"

Deeks laughed. "Man, I already told you. I am an LAPD narcotics officer. We were casing the house - -" Sidorov grabbed Deeks head. He put one hand on his chin, the other on his forehead. Deeks tried again. "I don't even know him, man."

Andros forced the appliance into Deeks mouth. He then turned a knob that painfully forced Deeks mouth open. Deeks felt his the corners of his mouth tear as Andros forced his mouth to open wider. Sidorov asked again. "Is Quinn an undercover agent? Yes or No."

Deeks could see Sam looking at him. Pleading with his eyes not to give up his wife. Deeks then saw Andros move in front of him with what looked like a power drill. Deeks eyes went wild. "What are you doing? What are you doing?"

Sam watched and then heard the sound of a power drill. The next sounds he heard were Deeks' blood curdling screams as Andros took the drill and systematically went along the inside of the detective's mouth. Sam knew that Deeks could never stand up to that form of torture. He was just a cop. Sam dropped his head to his chest resigned to both their fates.

The sound of Deeks screams echoed off the walls around him.