AN: So sorry for the long delay in updating. I hope you'll forgive me and continue to enjoy the story! :)
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"Spit it out Tim." Gibbs could always sense whenever one his team was holding back. And this time was definitely one of them.
"If I find her…and she's…"
Gibbs saved him from finishing the statement. "You secure her body…and get yourself out of there safely…"
"That's what you'd do if you found Tony…"
He interrupted him a second time. "What I would do doesn't matter…I'm telling you what you should do…" He gauged Tim's expression. "Look…I cant give you all the answers to the what ifs…this is war McGee…and in war you learn to react."
He swallowed hard; the word war suddenly changing his demeanor. He had a degree from John Hopkins, not the USMC. "I just want to do this right boss…"
"I know," Gibbs nodded towards him. "When you get there, your contact will find you…I called in every favor I had, and even some I didn't have…you'll be alright."
"Thanks," Tim glanced at the airport entrance. "Better get going…"
Gibbs patted him firmly on the arm. "See you back in DC."
McGee almost smiled as he made his way towards the doors; the expression between them speaking volumes. "I'll race ya…"
Tony clenched his eye lids and silently prayed as the knife slid into his skin. Somehow a smart remark at this very moment seemed futile…but just as the blade pierced he saw the door once again fling open, and a group of men storm inside…
Then everything went black.
Ducky arrived in Abby's lab, Caf Pow in hand. He didn't have to search long before finding her pining, in what he now deemed: 'Her worry corner.'
"Here you are my dear," he set down the drink and watched her hesitate, by sniffling and turning away. "Now is that any way to treat your favorite drink? Not to mention your favorite ME?"
She sniffled a second time. "Sorry Ducky…just bummed out. You know me…"
"That I do," he tried to smile. "And I'm quite aware of how incredibly strong you can be…"
"Yeah, when everyone is here…now when they're half way around the world…geez Ducky, there's no guarantee any of them will come back…"
"Abigail…"
"No," she stopped his imminent attempt to comfort her. "Something was different about Gibbs when he left…he was hugging me like he'd never see me again…I could feel it….otherwise he wouldn't have come to see us…his gut was telling him something about their trip…"
"You know he will do all he can to come back to you…"
"I know that in my heart," she pointed to her chest. "But my head wont stop asking questions….like what if he doesn't come back? Or if Tony doesn't? Or McGee? Or Ziva? …Or Tony and Ziva? Or Gibbs and McGee? I just cant take the possible combinations…I want them all back Ducky…all of them…"
"Then your head must see that as the only combination," he reached out to place a hand on her arm. "No sense worrying will do us…we must keep positive. They are quite capable…and strong willed to boot."
"That's what I'm afraid of…I just wish I could be there for once…instead of huddled into a corner ignoring my Caf Pow and getting worry lines…"
"As do I my dear."
"You're ignoring my Caf Pow too?"
He tried to smile. "Never mind."
Minutes seemed like hours as the plane sped through the air. All McGee could think of were the many ways the mission could fail…but not because he believed it would, but so he would be prepared for every possible scenario. Letting Ziva down wasn't an option; and neither was letting down his team…or himself.
He'd been fashioned as a young boy to succeed, and it was times like these he was grateful for his parents pushing him. It was then his mind went to his family and promising himself he would make it back, not only for his team, but for them.
Gibbs heart hadn't stopped pounding as he prepared himself for the possibilities. He'd been trained to focus on the task, not let his emotions override his mission, but right now, for the life of him, he couldn't help but fear the worst. He drove to the facility with one thought on his mind and one thought only…getting Tony back alive.
McGee's contact was more helpful than he thought; supplying him with crucial intel, supplies and weaponry. The team he was leading would not only assault the compound but preferred to retrieve Salim alive. Tim didn't have a preference, all he wanted was Ziva and to get back home where they belonged. The prime time for the assault was in 36 hours, and McGee had no choice but to wait. As soon as he was settled in, he was quick to call Gibbs with an update.
"Assault takes place in 36 hours boss…"
"Good. Keep your head down…they'll be a lot of bullets flying…"
"Will do. Any word on Tony?"
"I'll be arriving at the location in an hour…I'll be in touch."
Tim anticipated an early end to the conversation. "Boss…"
"Yeah?"
"Be careful…we need you back to you know?"
Gibbs almost smiled. "Get some rest McGee, you're gonna need it."
Ducky was sure to tuck Abby in tight before retreating to bed himself. His thoughts were a whirl wind; starting primarily with the look Gibbs had given him just before he'd left. It was similar to the one he'd seen in Jenny's moments after he'd diagnosed her illness…it was an almost certainty in death. He hadn't told Abby what he'd seen in fear of affirming her convictions, but as he closed he eyes he couldn't help but send up a prayer on behalf of his friend…
Tony opened one eye fully and the other partially; expecting to see St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Instead he saw someone, he feared he'd never see again…
"Ziva?"