Hi all! Sorry for the long wait. I had a couple of dog agility competitions so training my K9 friends was a priority. Thanks for the reviews really appreciated. For my story, I try to stay 'to the facts' as much as possible but I admit to stretching reality a bit with the snipper scope reading fluorescent writing in the last chapter. It's impossible, I know. I got the idea from a video game my son was playing. Sorry, if I made some readers uncomfortable with impossible facts.

Chapter 8 – AAA: An Ari Alert!

Tony spoke, "I have an idea for a diversion; we'd go clubbing to shake off the effects of our first 101 Terrorist training. It will permit me to get acquainted with Sharon and Eyal. I'll invite Quinn. I know the lady hates the Club I'm going to suggest … she should say no."

Ziva added, "Pretty sure Eyal can't leave the base."

Sharon joined in, "I'm with you Ziva, but think Tony just gave me an in to retrieve your shades."

Tony answered, "MI-6 + 1, NCIS -1!"

Ziva shot Tony a piecing stare.

A proud Tony turned towards Tim, "McClubbing come."

"Why do you need me?"

With a teasing look, Tony said, "Well, you're 'teacher's pet'. She'll say yes if she sees her Timmy is in need of some down time!"

Tim rolled his eyes at Tony, "She's going to smell your ruse a mile away. It's your style!"

"Hadn't thought of it in that way, but since we need to 'act' normal, that's how it must go down. Quinn will say yes or no; we'll plan accordingly."

Sharon stated, "I'll invite Eyal before you talk to Quinn. By now if we're being watched, our Peeping Tom knows I have an interest in the guy."

Tony whistled and added, "Love a woman that can assume and not be rueful about her feelings! Go do your thing, Welby!"

He had noticed by Ziva's reactions that she was closely following Sharon's handling of her interest in Eyal Lavin. He hoped the openness these two demonstrated would rub off on his long-time 'unreachable' love interest. Their 'relationship' had advanced more in these last few days than in the years he'd known Ziva. Maybe it was seeing how out-front and open Eyal and Sharon were about their attraction to one another or that he was no more her colleague but her boss; probably a mix of both. Some gains, yes, but the battle was far from won. He dreamed Ziva would realize he was ready to commit in a meaningful relationship with her. He could only hope that seeing one of her compatriots, who was as guarded and had been hurt as much (maybe more) than herself, take a step in the unknown and unpredictable relationship world, would wake up the cupid in her!

He came out of his reverie at hearing Tim's voice,

"Tony… Tony … are we waiting for Sharon or we head directly to Quinn's?"

"Sorry was lost in my thoughts! We wait. Prefer Sharon ask Eyal if he's joining us."

Sharon, as she was walking towards Eyal's room, was trying to get her heart rate under control, 'Welby, what's with you? The guy is a spy, you've worked with spies all your life; dated some, played some and hated many! Why is Eyal Lavin different? He's been around, he's something to look at and know its … Mossad … you usually despise that kind! Like the song says; he's a man, he's just a man, what's different?'

Lost in her thoughts, a slight brush on her shoulder sent her into protective mode. In a flash, she ducked and sent somebody or something over her shoulder and finished her move by sticking her knife in the nearest mass available.

Hearing Hebrew curses, she cringed, "EYAL….WTF"

Pulling himself against the wall and rubbing his forehead, he said,

"I can see MI-6 are well trained in self-defense. Hell, I'm a foot taller and you succeeded in pinning me to the floor before I said hi!"

Sliding down next to him, she laughed, "I'm always very guarded when in unfamiliar quarters. Plus, Daddy, a martial art master, trained both his girls in more than the basic training MI-6's get at Fort Monckton. This place, Quantico is … well … it's Quantico! Hope I didn't hurt you?"

"Only my ego … and that for a man is worse than a cracked rib!"

"Sorry, can't kiss and make that better. Nevertheless, I do have an offer (Eyal's eyes opened wide as she rolled her eyes at him); what would you say of a night out? We need to let loose after today's training and decided it would be fun to go clubbing. Would you like to join us?"

Pulling her face next to his, he whispered, "I'd prefer you'd kiss me … it WILL make it better, believe me!"

Pulling back, Sharon closed her eyes and carefully worded, "The whisk of another woman's perfume is a bit of a turn off."

The eyes Eyal shot her felt as if he had swung a dagger at her heart. She could feel the pain he was trying to suppress. All she wanted to do was cuddle and whisper 'I'm so sorry' while kissing him.

Shaking herself back to reality she said, "Sorry, didn't mean to hurt your feelings. To make it up, I'll have the first dance with you. Come with us. It'll be fun!"

"Sorry can't. I'm still fighting a migraine and it's winning as we speak."

"Jeeeezzzzzz and I just knocked your head on the floor. Eyal, you must…"

Looking at him getting up and using the wall to steady himself, she decided it was time to take matters into her hands.

"Come with me Casanova. You're going to get a special massage. MI-6 didn't only teach me to fight!"

"I'm OK. Go, join your friends and have some fun! Quinn told me your simulation is one tough piece of work. Better the team be in good spirits!"

"Not just yet…."

She stretched out a hand and he surprised her by accepting the invitation.

As they entered his room, she asked to call Tony. He handed her a cell.

"Why did you get to keep your phone?"

"Like you just said; I'm sleeping with the teacher and that's getting me special passes. What can I say, some women can appreciate a real man!"

"Being a real man doesn't mean you sleep with 100 girls. It means you fight for one girl even when 99 others are chasing you..."

Her answer came quickly and as soon as it was out, she wanted to take it back. What was it with Eyal Lavin that made her so reactive?!

He pinched his lips, shook his head and added, "Before you give me the rest of the quote, I'll finish it; Being a male is the matter of birth, being a man is the matter of age, but being a gentleman is a matter of choice. Want you to know; I'm always a gentleman, Mrs. Welby."

"Let's put this strange conversation on hold. I need to call Tony. Eyal, you wouldn't, by any chance, have Tony's room extension? I only have his cell!"

"Not proud of you, Officer Welby; that's basic 101 spy work! It's 3598.

He signed that he was going to the bathroom.

Tony answered, "Sharon, what's taking so long? Interesting phone number…"

"Tim is not the only teacher's pet!" She rapidly explained what had happened with Eyal.

Tony in a desperate voice said, "OK, make that 'special TLC' quick. I'm going to Quinn's quarters. Try to get back without killing an FBI agent or a Marine!"

As Eyal came out, she gently pulled him to the bed and asked him to lie down.

With a sly smile, he said, "That's usually my line!"

"Eyal, quit the sexual battering. I'll rephrase: For your massage, would you prefer sitting or lying down?"

Eyal couldn't stop a laughter attack and Sharon joined him. They both rapidly came to their senses.

Eyal spoke, "I'm sorry, really! You have to admit; your words could be interpreted in a very 'special' way!"

"I admit, but I meant and still do; how would you like your neck rub?"

"I know, Love, I know! I would prefer lying down, thanks."

He smiled at noticing her reaction to him calling her 'Love'. He wanted to say; 'Girl, I'd get up close and personal with you in a flash, but I'm presently in one hell of a bind! Counting on Ziva's and your spy skills to help me out. You girls need to pull a miracle! I can only give a couple of pieces of a 5000-piece puzzle. Being watched by one living dead and a very qualified one at that. He's the best spy and trained killer I've encountered. Worst of all, he was trained by a sadistic and has little time to live; the man has nothing to lose and his heart is filled with revenge! Officer Welby hope your deduction and profiling skills are as good as your flirting routines!', but he had to settle for,

"Not that I don't trust you, but what kind of massage do you have in mind?

"Your headache is probably due to muscle spasms or tension. A massage in the neck and shoulder regions will help relax and loosen the sub-occipital. That's the muscles attached to the base of your skull."

She touched the back of his head but he intercepted and guided her hand to his lips and sensually kissed it.

"I know … have more years of medical studies than you have!"

Rolling her eyes at him, she continued, "The tension travels up through the back of the head and into the eye area. The best type of massage for that situation is deep tissue therapy. I'll be applying slow strokes, using deep finger pressure and applying it to specific areas in your neck. I'll concentrate on the muscles where the tension is. Eyal, I'm properly trained, don't worry."

"Massage therapy … always a valuable tool in a spy's arsenal for turning an asset, target or honey trapping!"

Sharon winked, "Lavin, I'm not the honey trapping type and yes, it served me well for turning assets. I use it mostly for making agents comfortable when I'm extracting them. Eyal, you want one or not. You're stalling!"

"Right, my dear, I am! Look, I not only want one, I need it bad. Hell, I'm having a tough time thinking straight! It's just that…"

Smiling, she glided her hand on the side of his face, "Like many spies and men, you can't stand being at the receiving end. Here's what I tell spies who have the same problem; 'instead of holding down a closed door and suffer alone from being tired, bruised, shot or banged up, turn around. You'll see many open windows where helping hands can come through. The help I'm offering is needed and there for you to grab … make it easier for this responder to give it freely.' Eyal, I know it's hard to practice acceptance when you deeply wish things were different. The truth is; sometimes we can't change our reality. I'd prefer stepping into a door than a window."

"You English do have a wonderful way with words. Officer Welby, the door is open!"

To that he lied down and Sharon signaled him to roll on his stomach. She then saddled him. As she expected, he tensed up.

"Relax, I'm not going to rape you!"

"The way you pulled me over your shoulder, you'd probably have me at your mercy in the crack of a finger! Ohhhhh woman, that feels good!"

"Relax! If you manage to do only that, I'm guessing half of your pain will disappear! Never seen a person with such tense muscles!"

It took a couple of minutes for him to relax. That, for Sharon, was a victory; the man trusted her.

Finishing up, she realized Eyal was truly zoned out. Sharon preferred he'd be conscious before she left.

She whispered, "Officer Eyal Lavin, I'll now be going for the kill!"

Easily finding his sub-occipital group (it lies underneath the back of the skull, in a line from ear to ear) and applying the right pressure, she knew it would bring on a delicious soporific sensation.

He hadn't made a sound in fifteen minutes or so but suddenly groaned with relief as he said, "Oh, that's a good spot."

"And that's the end. Hope you're feeling a bit better."

"Sharon, thanks. Tension and headache are all but gone!"

"Eyal, it's late and we might not go clubbing, could I … well 'borrow' my book. Don't feel like sleeping…"

"No problem, I won't be reading tonight. The fact that I will be able to get some sleep is a miracle!"

He went to his bedside and returned with the book and glasses.

"Here, since you 'cured' my migraine, won't be needing your shades. Thanks again!"

As she reached for the book, the man caught her hand, pulled her to him and engaged in a kiss, she responded. He was the first to break it off.

"Sharon, I usually finish what I start, but … look ….I'm sorry…."

"Hey, don't fret. I know; not the time or place. We were tasked with a training mission and it has to come first."

"A rain check?"

"Why not"

With his fingers, he lingered on the contour of her face and whispered,

"On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur, l'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux."

"Le Petit Prince … one of my favorite books."

"You read a lot?

"As much as I can… I stay away from spy novels… Can't stand reading how most writers imagine our way of living!"

Giving her a mocking smile, he venture, "I have read all of John le Carré's novels and he has the Circus's work habits pretty much nailed!"

"David Cornwell was not MI-6 but MI-5. His work for MI-5 was reflected in his first novel, Call for the Dead, published under a pseudonym to protect his identity. One of Cornwell's tasks was to "vet" individuals to ensure that they posed no security risk. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold was a hit and le Carré (Cornwell) had to resign from the secret service. He was and still is an angry man. In the decades since his first novel, his politics have become more overt and more leftwing. What he writes about is British intelligence in the 1950s and 60s, the cold war years. Eyal, we've moved on … he stayed in the past."

He stepped closer and added, "I don't believe everything I read, don't worry!"

Smiling she added, "I can get you an autographed copy of his next book. You'll be happy; the Circus is back!"

Eyal shot her a puzzled look, "Didn't you just give him the thumbs down?"

"No, gave you the straight facts. I'm his proofreader for his last book. Another of my father's creative punishments! Did you think British Intelligence would leave him write the truth?!"

"Well, well… I'd like that. Could you also arrange for a meeting with the guy? Sharon, I admit; I like his way of writing and admire the man he personifies … well if it's his real persona!"

"It is … take my word for it! A meeting can be arranged. He'll be thrilled … but be careful, you might end up in his next book! Eyal, I'll have to clear this with Daddy dearest, would it be a problem?"

"Sharon, this would be strictly personal. You have my word, I will not be acting as a Mossad officer … just forget I asked, way too complicated! Don't want to put you in any kind of…"

"No, I can see you are sincere. When our mission is done, I'll arrange a meeting. He's a rich but lonely man, you're a handsome but lonely man; you two will have many conversion starters!"

Eyal perked up, "You find me handsome?"

"As if you hadn't noticed!"

Again, he stepped closer, "Lady, you need to get out of here if you want a chance at hitting the dance floor. Have one for me, OK?"

"What would you like, Mr. Lavin?"

"A romantic waltz, a cheeky cha-cha or a sexy salsa … as long as you're thinking of me while dancing!"

He shot her a sly smile. She wanted to pull his very attractive face to her and passionately kiss him!

She came up very close and breathed down the opening of his V-neck t-shirt,

"That's a promise."

"Get out now … please!"

As she stepped out, Ziva was about to knock on the door.

"Sharon, it's a go. Quinn thanked us, but won't be joining our group. Think she's going to pay our man a visit. I'm guessing he isn't coming … making the coast clear for Quinn!"

Ziva sensed Sharon tensing up at her words.

"Sharon, did something go down between you and Eyal?"

"Damn! Ziva, I can't help feeling something for him. I allowed myself to give into those feelings, even though my mind was screaming to get out—and fast…."

"You guys didn't…"

"No, he put a stop to our kiss. Ziva, I can't, no won't, don't … hell, I can't fall for a spy…. He's one attractive man and as I often do, thought I'd kill some downtime with having a hit-and-run relationship with him, but…."

"Sharon, I had warned you! Eyal is a special, very special person. For personal reasons, he closed his heart to love a long time ago. If you, in any way, awoke that dormant side, you are in for one roller-coaster ride. I can say this; with him, you're in or you're out, do not play with his heart. You have feelings, true feelings, for the guy, go for it. He's worth it, I can vouch for that. You only want sex, get out of his life. I will claw your eyes out if you hurt him in any way. We clear?"

Sharon swallowed hard, "Heard you loud and clear! Ziva, he's not the only one that put up a wall between himself and love!"

Ziva eyes shifted to the floor as she replied, "Tell me about it…. hate those imaginary walls!"

Sharon put her hand on Ziva's shoulder, "Girl, the more I know of you, the more I realize you and I, in many aspects, are like two peas in a pod. My turn for some relationship advice; If you don't give Tony a fighting chance, I'll claw your eyes out!"

"I love your tuff love style; we watch each other's back OK?"

"That's a better solution than eye clawing … but I would have loved to witness a chick fight; Ninja versus Forensic. Should be something to watch!"

Ziva and Sharon turned to see a very proud Tony with the most annoying smile plastered on his face.

Sharon approached while Ziva stayed back, "Tony, you do realize if ever we fight, it's going to be till death do us apart. Boss, it's your job to see that it never happens … you are not dealing with playful teenagers … remember! You need to think as a boss now, not a teasing colleague! By the way, well done! You just stepped up, spy style, without being noticed by two well-trained spies!"

Tony's face changed color as he stuttered, "Compliment and point taken, Officer Welby, thanks. OK, back to the present; girls, let's move. Clubs are not all-nighters in Washington. If we want to have some fun&talk, it's time to get out!"

As they were returning to their rooms Ziva asked Tony, "How much did you hear?"

"Enough to give me hope…."

"Tony, I'm about to be pulled into another one of my family's death spirals… I might not get out sound of mind and body!"

"Ziva, I've told you many times that I'd take you and ALL your special packages. I realize you need to come to terms with many things in your life before the 'commitment' part, but Ziva, did you ever think that you might never come to terms with your past and miss a damn good and bright future. Not going to pressure you in any way … just think about what I said, please?"

Ziva was surprised at Tony's tone of voice and seriousness. He didn't, as she expected, at the end, throw in a smart Alec joke to lighten the atmosphere. 'What's with Tony? Did Sharon share what was said between us. Damn, if she did, I'll do some eye clawing before she gets to share another secret…. Or maybe it's Tony realizing I prefer a straight shooter than a joker… I need to talk with Sharon!"

Tony brought Ziva back to reality, "Ziva … did she speak the truth about the 'fighting'?"

"If we both have reasons to lose our composure and fight … yes, she spoke the truth. Spies do not fight against each other, it's an unwritten rule … you fight - you die! You should know… Tony."

Tony winced at Ziva bringing back the memory of him killing, in self-defense, Michel Rivkin, her then Mossad Israeli boyfriend.

"Sadly… I get it"

He rapidly changed the subject by bringing up their agenda for the night,

"Sharon wait up, is there a particular club you would like to revisit?"

"Tony, the clubs I visit while in Washington are not the places where we can…"

Tony rapidly grabbed her hand and simulated dancing while whispering to her ears, "Welby, look where you are before you speak … not the time to mention MI-6's 'dead drop' places!"

She joked at Tony being an impatient 'Clubber' so to explain their actions to whoever could be watching or listening in.

Again, Tony Dinozzo had succeeded in stopping her from committing another of her 'oops'. She was a trained assassin, a very capable forensic operative and a level-headed extreme extraction specialist, but could not handle the simple task of being covert in a one on one conversation!

Tony swung Sharon around and she had to duck to avoid bumping into a surprised Quinn.

"You guys didn't leave yet or did you decide to take the 'clubbing' to Quantico? My advice; get out while you can and have a fun night!"

Sharon, while brushing herself off, said,

"You want to score with our Israeli spy? He's candy for the eyes, isn't he?"

Tony grabbed Sharon's shoulder and pointed her to march towards her room,

"Officer Welby, why don't you go pamper yourself for our night out then join us at the gate? Ziva and I are ready. While you're at it, pull Tim out of his room… My guess; he's having a wardrobe meltdown."

From the pressure, he was putting on her arm, Sharon opted not to argue.

Quinn shot Tony a shy smile and instead of going towards Eyal's room she retreated to her own.

Tony rolled his eyes as he spoke to Ziva,

"Damn, 101 terrorist training is a walk in the park compared to keeping Sharon Welby under control. I'm starting to understand her father a whole lot better! She can sometimes be…"

"Tony, I should not be telling you this, but she has feelings for Eyal … real feelings, not just the hit-and-run kind. And knowing Eyal, she's the type that can get under his skin…"

"Don't worry, WE ALL noticed! Hell, they barely know each other…. Though Mossad officers were the 'no strings attached sex' kind of guys while on missions ... well, that's what I was told from one of your own!"

Ziva winced and had to hold herself from outright laughing!

"Eyal Lavin is special, he's not your typical Kidon or Mossad."

"Great … could you explain, at this time, where you stand; typical, exceptional or plain non-explainable!"

"Let's say: The harder you'll work at it, the luckier you could get!"

Tony closed his eyes and shook his head, "That one you'd get right! Come on my untamable Shew, we have a night of carnal delights ahead of us!"

They finally decided for 'Poppa's Club'. The bar was close to the base, offered live entertainment, dancing and pool tables. The noisy 'sport and chicken wings' kind of bar was perfect for them being able to discuss their 'what to do next' plans. Sharon and Ziva had lectured Tony and Tim on techniques to adopt to stop a trained observer from reading their lips.

As they settled at a table, Tim asked, "Ziva, what was Ari's role at the Mossad, his specialty? We all know he was a snipper and maybe a mole."

"For most of his career, he was deep undercover in the Hamas ranks. There, he was their sniper extraordinaire and doctor. Guys, he's a very capable operative."

Tim nodded and added, "A sniper … it's a very lucrative career … well … way of living. We encountered some in our investigations and they all had very lavish lifestyles."

Sharon shared, "Yes, but they live in the shadows; not to be seen or heard. Their life expectancy is short, don't know of any who stayed active past their forties. The ones who live finish their career by selling off their clients lists and retire incognito. It's a voluntary witness protection program. Yes, they have money, but can't share it with many!"

Tony was twirling a pretzel and it was annoying Ziva. She delicately put her hand on his and squeezed. He immediately stopped. Sharon and Tim laughed at seeing Tony's reaction.

Sharon dared, "See somebody is a good boy when mama gets annoyed!"

"Not a good boy, I need that hand! People, the case…. Ari 2, what could be his motive?"

Sharon added, "His motives … there are surely many, not the first avenue we should take. The 'why now' question should give us more answers. Maybe there's a VIP he needs to take down … as you said Ziva; he's a snipper. We can easily get the 'guest list' at Quantico for the next days or weeks."

Tim spoke, "Sharon … that's it! He's a 'dead' snipper, he can kill and nobody will be looking for him. Imagine the money he can make! He can pretty much guaranty his clients' perfect 'murders' and in the end, retire in a safe place."

Ziva's face fell and Tony bowed to Tim as he said, "Think our little Timmy just stumble upon a very plausible avenue!"

Tony continued, "OK, let's put it all together; Gibbs killed Ari1 but the guy had a twin; Ari2; Ari2 could have framed Gibbs to kill Ari1 (we don't have a motive for that killing), Ari2 was 'reborn' as a covert high class killer for hire and is currently holding Eyal Lavin and his son as hostages. A dead killer for hire, I can see many people wanting that kind of service."

Sharon interrupted, "No, he could not risk offering his services to all. The man needs to stay underground (dead), that's his Ace of Spade! My guess; he was offered a very lucrative deal, Ari1 didn't want anything to do with the deal and Ari2 had Ari1 killed. He's been executing contracts ever since. Ziva, I'm going to write a possible client, you do the same."

Tim asked, "Can I play?"

Sharon laughed, "Sure, the more the merrier!"

Tony preferred being the master of ceremony. He read the three notes; Russia, Russia and Israel

The three smiled as Tony asked, "OK people, care to share? I'm clueless!"

Ziva got close to Tony and said, "Think; who died on November 23, 2006, just a few months after Ari1 was killed?"

Tony rolled his eyes at Ziva, "How should I know?"

Sharon answered, "One ex-FSB and Poutine opponent; Alexander Litvinenko'. He went down 'Kidon' style."

Tony was fast to reply, "Yes, I recall, but he was poisoned not shot!"

Ziva explained, "A killer for hire is just that; a killer! His orders are to get the job done. Ari is a doctor, he'd know how to properly poison a person and leave no evidence. Alexandre Litvinenko's death is still not resolved. Many leads and many accusations were put forward but all were dead ends!"

Sharon added, "Maybe because it was just that; a dead end … a dead person, a ghost, committed the crime! Think we just stumble upon one major killing streak and I could be solving some as I speak! Ziva, if we are on the right track, your brother is one talented assassin and his boss is one of the best poker face of all times!"

Tony calmed all and looked at Tim, "OK, I know why the girls voted for Russia, that means you're the one who wrote Israel. Why?"

Tim joined in, "Not sure of my logic so please don't laugh. Just a couple of days ago, I was looking at an Al-Jazeera documentary 'What Killed Arafat'. Maybe Ari Haswari wanted vengeance, not only from Mossad, but Israeli's government in general. The dates also fit well–it would have been his first hit! Ari1 was still alive and as Sharon just said, maybe brothers didn't see eye to eye on becoming 'paid assassins'. It would give us a motive for Ari2 arranging for Ari1 to die."

Again, Ziva's face went blank. Sharon and Tony had to steady her!

Sharon was also shaking.

Tony pleaded, "Please girls, I only have two hands. Won't be able to hold up if you both faint on me. What did Tim's words conjure in those spy mind of yours!"

Ziva answered, "Conjured ... nothing, proved plenty! In July 2012, the University of Lausanne in Switzerland found traces of polonium. A rare, highly radioactive element, on Arafat's personal belongings. This can't be happening… SHARON!"

Sharon added for Tony and Tim who were not following, "Polonium…. the same poison that killed Alexander Litvinenko. For Litvinenko, MI-6 was named as a possible suspect. For Arafat, it was said that the Mossad used polonium when ordering murders. Ziva, do you realize the importance of what we might have stumbled upon. Ari2 is in payback mode, getting revenged on spy agencies who 'used' him while he's making tons of money!"

Ziva turned towards Tony, "Tony, this needs to go vertical. NCIS alone cannot handle the situation. All spy agencies must be notified…"

"Wait! Girls, breathe in, breathe out. Know those little minds of yours are inventoring all non-solved political or public figure deaths and solving them. But you both need to realize that we have absolutely no proof of what we are conjuring up. We can't go to CIA or MI-6 with the line 'Hey, think we just solved at least two political 'murders'. It's a dead ex-Mossad-Kidon-Hamas terrorist, half-brother of one of us and he's working for the Russian president since 2005.' We do that and I can safely say Eyal's kid is dead as soon as we speak. You are both spies … now would be the time to do your job. Tim and I will help as much as we can, but girls, we are on your turf!"

Ziva took Sharon's hand, "Tony's right. Sharon, we need to work this as a mission … a real DDD with no agency backing!"

Sharon's voice quivered as she answered,

"I'm with you but this is one hell of a situation. I can safely say MI-6 would never appoint me to this kind of mission!"

"Sharon … he's my brother! If I can do it, you surely can!"

Tim asked, "DDD?"

Both Sharon and Ziva replied, "Dark, Dangerous and Deadly!"

Tony stood up for his teammates to look at who was approaching.

Ziva and Sharon both said in a cooing voice, "Eyal?"

Tony's shoulders went down as he said, "What do Mossad officers have that I don't?"

Eyal smiled and replied, "It's a need to know thing!"

Sharon asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Well, darling (all heads and eyes turned towards Sharon) that TLC you graced me with made my migraine disappear. I promised you a beer and a dance. I try to honor my promises rapidly. People like us can't afford a bucket list!"

At those words a very slow music started and he held out his hand to Sharon. She shyly accepted.

Tony and Ziva joined them.

Eyal winked at Tony as a woman approached Tim and asked him to dance. He shyly but happily accepted.

All eyes turned towards Eyal as he said, "Sharon said I could only court 1 woman and should get rid of the 99 others… I'm joking, the lady is a friend and a computer geek. They should get along just fine. I heard Timothy talk and thought of Katia. She's a night owl, a gamer, knew she'd be awake at this time!"

Tony's eyes opened wide, "Katia … what a lovely name! Eyal, not that I don't trust you but Tim…"

Eyal chuckled, "Katia is as green as Timothy is. Tony don't worry, Katia is not a call girl or a spy."

Ziva whispered to Sharon, "See, told you he was a special guy. You keep him on a short leash if you can. Girl, he's worth it!"

As Eyal isolated Sharon from the crowd, he asked, "Ziva, is she still refusing Tony's advances?"

"Not been with them long, but it seems so. How can't she not realize the guy is perfect for her. Not going to happen often that a man accepts a girl like Ziva for what she is and the packages she's carrying! Look at them dancing, they're perfect together and their eyes are so in love. Why can't Ziva's brain give Tony a fighting chance!?"

Eyal answered, "I've been trying for years to convince her that the guy should be hers to grab. What can I say; the lady has very complicated issues. Sharon, don't give up on her. Asking you, to push her in the right direction. Maybe a woman's touch is what she needs. She's only had men to guide her. Her mother and sister were dead before she started dating. Ziva has opened up to you faster than I've ever seen her do…."

"I'm on it Eyal, was from the get go. You're as guarded as she is, what happened to you?"

"Not guarded, I'm careful!"

"Bull, you've been hurt bad, very bad. But unlike Ziva, you didn't shut down. She thinks she deserves to finish her life alone, you dream of finding someone who will love and accept you as you are … no questions asked. She's flagellating herself to keep her love flame dead and you're partying with women searching for one to light up your love flame.

"You damn English … your way of painting a situation is nerve-wracking! Sharon, you pretty much hit a bull's eye but there is more to me than a hurt and hopeful man."

Eyal, I know! What you did for Tim was classy and thoughtful, thanks!"

"Hey, the guy deserves a nice night out. Today was not easy for him; he's tech, a very good one mixed with action people."

"You cared. That is a big plus in my book!"

Eyal smiled as he squeezed her hand, "Remember that when you meet up with my minuses…"

Sharon concluded, "Abby told me that it's OK to make mistakes or take wrong decisions, as long as the goods are greater than the bads."

"Would Abby be of English parents?"

Funny Eyal/Sharon were observing Ziva/Tony and vice-versa.

Tony stated,

"Ziva, you were right; Eyal Lavin is not your typical Mossad. Could even say and do not repeat this; I like the guy!"

"Yes, he is special, always was."

Tony hesitated but asked, "Did you and him … well him and you...?"

Ziva smiled, "Tony … already answered that...are you jealous?"

"No, just checking. From experience, with Mossad, it's better to know than to guess!"

"Eyal is and always has been more of a brother to me. He picked me up when I was down and stepped in for me when I thought I was at my last breath."

Tony put his head down and whispered, "We did pretty much the same for you … does that mean I'm a second brother…."

"Tony, you are more than a brother. Just be patient, please."

"I am and will be, but Ziva, I can't put my life on hold forever. Your eyes are giving me more and more hope every day. Something is changing, I can see that …."

"Hang in there please. I can't explain what is happening, but you are right … something is shaking me in many directions. You've giving me more time than I deserve, but…"

Tony decided that it was now or never. He approached and pulled her face to his. When she didn't refuse him, he kissed her … and she replied.

Sharon pinched Eyal's shoulder and they both smiled.

Dancing with Eyal was like dancing on clouds. Sharon, after quitting medical school, had entered the Julliard school of the Arts, she could see the man was one hell of a dancer!

She whispered, "You're a trained dancer. Mossad give you a mission to cultivate a dancer as an asset?"

"No, I was a competitive dancer as a boy, but hated the judging of competitions. You?"

"I'm a Julliard graduate."

"Julliard graduate … that wasn't in your file."

"None of MI-6's business. It's my personal life! My agency respects that!"

"Lucky for you… Mossad not so much! Sorry, I know this is short and I hope sweet, but I can't stay much longer…."

With a sad look, Sharon said, "You just arrived! Quinn, has you on that short of a leech!?"

Eyal winced as he said, "Tomorrow be careful, she didn't like being turned down by yours truly!"

Sharon lifted her head from his shoulder and slowly lifted her eyes as Eyal whispered, "She's one of the 99…."

"It was just an idiom, you didn't need to take me at my words. If you and Quinn…. well …."

"The answer was and still is; Quinn and I aren't a 'thing'. Come, I really need to get out of here, I've disobeyed orders enough as is!"

Sharon realized he was trying to get to her and carefully worded her next phrase.

"Whose orders? If Quinn and you aren't, well, …."

"My ex. is calling me at 10 am Israeli time… I can't miss one of her calls. I'm fighting for proper visiting rights for my son and I need to be on my best behavior!"

"Your ex. should realize that it's 3 am Washington time…"

"Sharon, I'm a spy…. She doesn't know where I am when she calls. Today, it's Washington, tomorrow … it may be Australia! I'm the one who needs to adapt."

"Oh…. how stupid of me!"

"Come … hope you will permit me to finish what I started…"

He took her hand and made for her to be able to feel the microchip that was implanted in his right hand.

This was his first attempt at directly communicating with the team. Experience made her conclude that what was going down would come to a conclusion in the very short term.

'Welby, don't blow this. The man is risking big, keep your head and don't blow his cover. Damn, of all people, why in the hell did he choose me to be his go-between!'

Touching his face, she whispered, "I know how hard it is for a spy to finish what he started … relationship-wise. Eyal, I can only say I look forward to getting to know you better but I will understand if you pull a disappearing act. Hey, I'm Catholic! I know that sometimes it is best to 'disappear': We, the people, live and die; Christ died and lived!"

She was purposely holding her hand where her fingers could feel his pulse, she knew she had gotten to him big times. It also proved to her that Eyal Lavin was one well-trained Mossad operative. His face did not, in any way, give away the important communication that had just went down between them. By his manners, she also could conclude that he was aware of her deceptive tactic.

He delicately took her hand and guided her to the table where he apologized for his hit-and-run visit.

As he left, Ziva warned, "People, be careful now is not the time to blow our cover. If we are being watched, our reactions can speak a thousand words. Sharon, I know by your eyes that you and Eyal communicated. We need to get back to our quarters. Somebody has a plan for us to stay together once we return."

Ziva had spoken but her physical features made as if she was teasing Sharon for being attracted to her colleague. Tony and Tim followed suit.

Tim outed, "Tony, never thought I'd suggest this, but I, personally need a good campfire before our second terrorist 101. I need to get out my frustration about not being up to par in the first simulation."

Ziva and Sharon played their part well … they complained and asked to be 'opted out' of this 'campfire! Tony put on a very offended pout and said,

"Well, campfire it is and … girls … it's mandatory for all … well Officer Lavin excluded … really don't want to get on his 'bad' side. The guy, even if I know he's not Ilan, gives me the creep! Tim badly needs to debrief... he's not in the habit of 'landing' a girl!"

Tim rolled his eyes at Tony!

Ziva and Sharon complained and Tony could see they were having fun and overly playing their roles. Tim was also impressing Tony. He didn't know if it was being paired with the spy side of Ziva, being single out at not being 'up to the others' in their first 101 training or observing Sharon's way of analyzing facts, but Tim was coming up with very good ideas and solutions.

"Campfire now! No more drinks and clubbing, we have a debrief to help a team member realize he's more than qualified to be on this team. Girls, I'm disappointed in your reaction. Gibbs rule # 15; Always work as a team. Think, I'm going to make rule 15 my # 1 rule!"

Sharon and Ziva both put on an angelic/devilish face. It almost made Tony break his very fragile poker face.

He whispered, "Hey you two, I'm barely holding it together, give me some leeway, please!"

Back to their quarter, they rapidly formed a circle as to simulate a typical campfire. They had limited the duration of their campfire to 25-30 minutes.

Sharon rapidly explained how Eyal had purposely made her hand brush up against the microchip.

Tony concluded, "It looks like we hit the nail on the head … damn I was hoping this was our imagination going wild!"

Ziva clarified, "Tony, it's real … dangerous and real!"

Sharon iPod vibrated. Ziva placed herself in front of Sharon and made as if she was speaking up and personal with Tim.

Sharon spoke, "Help from the cavalry. Abby sent me a binary message. Tim can you decode it?"

Tim smiled, "Open it up with the application she sent with it. Just change the PDF extension to EXE."

Sharon whistled, "Brillant", but her next words were "Shit, were in the eye of a tornado!"

She shot Ziva an 'if looks could kill' eyes

"You forgot to tell us that those Mossad microchips can open secure elevators and doors, print from secure printers, unlock mobile phones, the microchip implant can be infected with a computer virus and then be transmitted on to other systems. Abby added for Tim; the implant is an identifying integrated circuit device or RFID transponder encased in silicate glass made to be implanted in the body of a human being. A subdermal implant typically containing a unique ID number that can be linked to information contained in an external database, such as personal identification, medical history, medications, allergies, and contact information."

Sharon let out a couple of French, English and Hebrew swears and added,

"Do you realize we have an elephant in a china shop? Hell…. We are at Quantico; FBI, CIA and NCIS's # 1 safe-house! This base is the White House of National security."

Ziva grabbed Sharon's arm, "No I didn't know how powerful that damn glass bullet was! Sharon, how many times did Eyal mentioned Quinn's name?"

Sharon seemed to catch Ziva's line of thinking, "13! You have a code of some sort?"

Tony asked, "Hey, keep us investigators in the loop?"

Ziva explained, "Most spies have secret codes between themselves. For Eyal and I, it's the number of times we say a proper name. With that number, I'll use the right 'code' to 'decode' the message the name "Quinn" is carrying. Tonight he mentionned I key word and by what I saw between him and Sharon, I knew he was telling me to be on the lookout for a proper name... Quinn it's the only one he mentionned a lot!"

Sharon's face lit up, "That's why he kept saying that him and Quinn were not … well … he was using the 'name' to send us a message. Eyal played up to Quinn for appearances and the 5 letters in her name!"

Tony smiled, "Well, that must make a happy camper out of you, Sharon?!"

Redness crept up in Sharon's face as the others laughed.

Tony regrouped his people, "OK, this is getting serious and dangerous. Sharon, no Tim, can you send the same kind of message to Gibbs as Abby did for us?"

"Yes"

Tony's eyes rolled, "See, you are an important member of this team. Tim, I'm serious. Your logic and IQ are helping us solve this three-dimension puzzle. You may not be first-class spy 'material' but 'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn'! Tim, you're the writer of the group. Need you to 'write' a binary text for Abby to decode to Gibbs. Give him a brief resume of what's going on."

While Ziva and Sharon were hovering over letters, Tim was coding his message.

It was Ziva's turn to swear in French, English, Hebrew and she added Russian!

Tony forcefully exhaled "OK, we know you are both very naughty linguists, care to share?"

They both said, "F_ck, Ari2 is on base … in Quantico!"

Tony stopped breathing and wrapped Tim's fingers with his hand, "Stop the presses, we have an Emergency Ari Alert to add!"

To be continued!