"Ladies and gentlemen," said the announcer: "The United States Marine Corps!"
As the band struck up Part III of the Armed Forces Medley, several figures rose out of the crowd gathered around the bandstand, just as their fellows in the Army and Coast Guard had rose when their songs had been played. One in particular was notable – not especially for his appearance (although he was a good-looking man for his age, with a striking crown of silver hair), but for the enthusiasm of the dark-haired young woman sitting on the ground next to him. She cheered wildly as he stood up, and was one of the few people (other than the standing Marines themselves) to sing all the way through the first verse of the Hymn.
From the halls of Montezuma
To the shores of Tripoli
We will fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean,
We are proud to claim the title
Of "United States Marine"!
Then the band segued into its next service song; the man resumed his seat on the park bench, and the woman grinned up at him. "See, Gibbs, that wasn't so bad," she said.
Gibbs (for the man, of course, was he) declined to respond. Had Abby not been present, he probably still would have stood up – it was the Corps, after all – but there was no harm in letting her think that he had waived Rule 19 ("Conspicuous equals vulnerable") solely to avoid disappointing her. He probably would, someday.
"What I don't get," said Abby, her grin turning to a pout, "is why I don't get to stand up during 'Anchors Aweigh'. I mean, NCIS is part of the Navy, right?"
"Civilian service," said Gibbs. "Doesn't make you a sailor."
Abby sighed. "Well, it's not fair, anyway," she said.
Gibbs gave her a sidewise glance. "Think so?" he said. "You'd be happier if Jenny could make you wear dress whites to work?"
Abby didn't seem to have considered this. It was difficult to tell, with the dim light and her naturally pale complexion, but Gibbs thought he saw her blanch slightly. "Oh," she said. "Well, um… no, I guess not."
"Didn't think so," said Gibbs.