A/N: Thank you to everyone that has stuck with this story! I'm sorry about the long gaps between updates- I'm hoping to shorten those with the coming chapters! Thank you for the amazing reviews! :)
Thanks, Shawn1968, for the 'gentle nudge'- which made me smile and laugh, by the way. Yes, I am planning to finish this story, and I have an idea for the rest, I just have to get it written down.
DS2010- Tony has much more than what we've seen hidden up his sleeve! I don't know that I'll put it into this story, but we may see some of his street smarts in action that will put McGee to shame in future chapters. :D
To the guest that reviewed chapter 5 recently, this is not a story that is following the show's storyline. And, since it's my story, I can write it however I like. While I agree that Tony found it funny when a dog went after McGee, it was not Tony's fault. I find it hard to believe that he would ever cause danger to his fellow agents or anyone else if he could help it. And, since Tony is my favourite character, I'm choosing to write him as a good person here- I know he's no angel, but that makes me just want to show his good side more.
Gibbs looked up when he heard Tony's car getting closer. He could see that Tony had his phone in his hand, and could see a look of annoyance on his face. Instinctively, Gibbs knew that Tony had just spoken to Vance, and he immediately felt bad for making the senior agent have to call the director on a Saturday.
As Tony exited the car, Gibbs raised a hand and beckoned his agent over. "Sorry you had to make that call, Tony," said Gibbs softly.
"It's okay, boss. He's going to send us backup, and Abby's double-checking what I found to make sure there's no other surprises. But, we have to be careful anyway. Just in case I'm right," Tony replied.
"We're not going in yet. McGee called the bomb squad in to check out the factory before we go anywhere near it." Gibbs waited until McGee was out of earshot. "Tony, how did you find this? I don't mean the hacking part, either. I want to know how you managed to get this information just off the FBI's database."
"I found it in a case file's notes. It was strange, the way it was just sitting there in front of me. But, it was there," he shrugged. "I covered my tracks, by the way."
Gibbs smirked. "And you told me that, because...?"
"I thought you would want to know."
"Does McGee ever tell me that he covers his tracks when he hacks into something?"
"No, but..."
"No buts, DiNozzo. I trust you, otherwise you wouldn't be on my team. I don't need to be told that you did something that should be automatically done, especially when you hack." Gibbs looked over to see McGee coming closer. "What did Vance say when you told him you were joining me today?"
"He wasn't happy. He said he would talk to you later about my punishment." Tony frowned. "Boss, why am I even being punished? It had nothing to do with me."
"I don't have an answer, Tony. I promised Abby I would speak with Vance later though, and I'll get to the bottom of this, I promise."
"He's not going to let me off the hook, Gibbs."
"He's not going to have a choice in the matter." Gibbs nodded at McGee. "The bomb squad almost here yet?"
"Yeah. They're pulling up in a moment. They want us to wait at the cars while they search the building, just in case there is anything inside. Also, they said that even if there are no explosives in there, we have to wear hazmat suits to enter, just to be safe. The components that Tony found are more than likely still able to hurt us," said McGee.
"Are they supplying them?"
"Yes."
Gibs nodded. "Good."
"Tony? Are you coming to help?"
Tony just nodded, not sure if he would be able to stop himself from getting angry again.
"Tony's off desk duty, McGee," Gibbs said. "With that said, the punishment has not gone away- it will just be transferred to the people that deserve it."
"I'll take anything that comes, boss," said McGee. He was clearly ashamed of his actions.
"The desk work is not yours, but other punishments will be coming to you." Gibbs held his hand up to stop McGee from speaking again. "We'll discuss that later. Right now, we have a potentially explosive situation in front of us that we need to focus on. McGee, when the bomb squad gets here, you can liaise with them since you're the one that spoke to them originally. Tony, you have more knowledge about this case than anyone else- what can you tell me about it?"
Abby smiled as she picked her desk phone up and heard Tony's voice.
"Hi, Tony," she said cheerfully. "How's the field these days?"
"A relief, Abbs. Listen, can you tell me anything else about those nuclear bomb components we found?" asked Tony.
"You found, you mean. Yeah, I can tell you that they contain not only the Sarin gas, but also traces of polyurethane. That's not dangerous by itself when it's cured, but these traces are looking to be uncured. And, mixed with the Sarin, it becomes deadly... Tony... I have to warn you... uncured polyurethane can cause breathing problems if it's inhaled. You won't be able to fight that off. Please be careful..."
"I'll be alright. The bomb squad gave us hazmat suits to use. I'll be completely safe inside it."
"Just make sure that you seal the suit properly. And have Gibbs or the bomb squad people triple check it. I don't want you to go to the hospital."
"I won't be, Abby. I promise you that I won't be needing a hospital trip."
"I hope you're right, Tony."
"Abbs, why would I want to end up in the hospital when I'm supposed to be spending the night bowling with you?"
Abby smiled. "Well, that's a good point... We do have plans tonight."
"So, stop worrying. Help us close this case so you and I can get out of work at a decent hour."
Abby laughed this time. "Good idea. Do you need anything before I hang up?"
"No. You gave me enough information. I'll see you later, Abbs."
"Bye, Tony."
Abby put her phone down on the desk, all traces of cheer gone as she started to worry again about Tony, Gibbs and McGee.