Mac met Gibbs in the parking lot. As they were driving to Thorn's sister, they discussed the case further on.

"Stella found a sock in that boot." Mac informed Gibbs as they stepped in to Mac's SUV. "And she found a piece of straw on the sock."

"What kind?" Gibbs clicked his seatbelt.

"Platanus occidentalis". Mac's grinned in science terms.

"In English, Mac. Botany was my weakest subject." Gibbs smirked.

"A sycamore tree." Mac laughed.

"You're pretty cheerful with Stella being pregnant, huh?" Gibbs commented on Mac's good mood.

Mac smiled at that. "Yeah, although we didn't plan it. But I'd better not be too overprotected with her. She's more dangerous than Jordan when it comes to that." Mac expressed his amusement. "Which reminds me, how did it go with Jordan after I left?"

"Well, she's a fury alright. Attacked me with a pen and accused me of not wanting her in the field." Gibbs knew he had to be careful here. "Told her to think of her baby first. So should Stella. And that we watch their sixes."

"That's what we do, thanks for looking out for her, Jethro." Mac said grateful.

Mac pulled up Karin Thorn's drive way. When they got out of the car, he observed the perimeter.

"You know what tree this is?" Mac asked Gibbs. Gibbs glared at that question. "Sycamore."

Mac put on a glove and secured a straw so that it could be tested later to see if it was a match with the ones from the vic's socks. They walked up towards the house and interviewed Thorn's sister.

***

Back at the New York crime lab Sid and Ducky were swapping stories from glory days to Sheldon and Abby. Sid was telling a particular one where he had delivery a baby in a train. Abby winked at Sheldon as Stella and Jordan walked in, followed by Tony.

"What's up, guys?" Stella asked at the comfy four.

"Sid and Ducky have some amazing stories." Sheldon explained.

"And the similarity is so creepy." Abby piped in.

"Yes." Ducky pondered. "One would believe that we worked together in a former life. Oh dear, mother would have a fit." The whole gang laughed at the latter comment.

"And what brings you in here, my beautiful ladies?" Sid charmed Stella and Jordan.

"Tea, Dr. Sid. Stella's feeling a little dizzy and to be honest, I really could use a cup of tea myself."

"Yup." Jordan sat down as Ducky heated up the water kettle. "I promised Mac that I would take it slow."

"Well, help yourselves my dears. Everything is set; you just have to pour the water when it boils." Ducky said as Sid gave Stella an aspirin.

"Where are you going?" Stella asked them as they got in to their coats.

"I'm taking Ducky to this museum." Sid informed them. "Nothing much to do with no body." Sid waved when they walked out.

While Tony poured the tea for the ladies Jordan winked at Stella. Sheldon who had been hanging around Abby way too much signed 'show time'. Abby grinned at her newest student.

***

"You sure you're ok, Stella?" Jordan started the act as she felt Stella's head.

"Yeah, but I could really use some pointers for the first trimester." Stella told Jordan.

Tony jumped in front of Stella. "First trimester?" He asked while biting his knuckles. Stella ignored Tony's reaction.

"Loads of crackers and tea, and stay away from the coffee." Jordan advised as she handed out a cracker to Stella. "I learned that from Mac. Did you tell him?" Jordan went on.

"This afternoon. I think he was shocked at first." Stella giggled. "But I think now he's happy." She got up and drank some tea.

"C'mon, we'd better get back to work." Jordan said as she picked up her tea. "Thanks for the tea, Tony." Jordan sing-songed and she and Stella left for Stella's office.

Tony turned to Sheldon and Abby. "See… I'm right." He pointed to the door. "Oh boy, this is way too good." Tony grinned. "Gibbs and Stella, Mac and Jordan. Babies, eww! I can't wait to tell McDiaper. Where is our Probie btw?" Tony questioned Abby.

"Tony, you're speculating here." Abby warned him. Stella never named Gibbs."

Sheldon came up next to Abby. "And for Tim, Gibbs gave him some time off, we're overstaffed."

"Well that's not fair." Tony whined. "Why does the Probie get time off while I'm stuck here?"

Abby's crossed arms popped up as she poked Tony. "Because DiNozzo, it was the only chance for McGee to see his lady friend before she flies overseas."

"I think Gibbs' favourite stack is growing too quickly these days." Tony complained. "But I do like the Stella stack." Abby and Sheldon kept quiet. "What?" Tony asked. Abby squinted over Tony's shoulder. "He's standing behind me, right?" Tony carefully asked.

"Yup!" Gibbs head slapped Tony. "And keep your hands off Stella or I will kick your ass. Now back to work!" Gibbs yelled. "Back to work, boss." Tony disappeared and kept his hands on his behind.

"Abbs, we want you!" Gibbs walked in front of Abby and handed her a caf-pow.

"Oh, Gibbs, Mac! I never never knew!" Abby took the caf-pow from Gibbs and took a sip.

"Abby, try matching these to the seed we found in Thorn's boot." Mac gave her the evidence bag.
Gibbs turned. "How long before you have something the samples?"

"Depends on whether or not you want it fast or you want it right." Abby smirked.

"Both." Gibbs told her.

"Both. Hmm… four… seven… divided by… six hours." Abby blinked to Sheldon.

"Clock's ticking, Abbs." Gibbs yelled as he and Mac left autopsy.

***