Back at NCIS headquarters Ducky stopped Director Vance before he entered MTAC.
"Ah, Director, I need to talk to you about Agent Gibbs and Officer David," he began.
"Can this wait, Doctor? I'm expecting an important communication," Vance explained trying to avoid the conversation.
"Well, actually Leon it can't. I've received some very disturbing news regarding Jethro's condition," Ducky told him.
"I heard the surgery went well," Vance said coldly.
"So did I. However it has come to light that there may be quite a serious complication. Gibbs has developed symptoms that could point to a more significant spinal injury. I need your authorisation to have him transferred to the nearest spinal unit," Ducky explained.
Vance looked at him emotionlessly. For a moment, Ducky thought he was going to refuse his request but was pleasantly surprised when he said "Do whatever you think is necessary." Then he turned and entered MTAC without another word.
Ducky was on his way back to autopsy to make some calls when he bumped into Abby. She was surprisingly chipper considering the circumstances.
"Hey, Ducky. Have you heard from Tony or McGee yet?" she asked with a wide smile.
"Abby, as a matter of fact I got a call from Tony about an hour ago," Ducky told her.
"And you didn't call me. Shame on you," she scolded him theatrically. "So, how are they?"
Ducky felt awkward. He wasn't sure how to tell Abby that Gibbs may be more seriously injured than they were led to believe. Abby noticed his hesitation.
"What is it, Ducky?" she asked her mood changing instantly.
"They need to be airlifted to Tel Aviv," he informed her tentatively.
"Why? What's wrong?" Abby asked knowing this was highly irregular.
"There are some concerns over Gibbs injury. He may need to see a specialist," he explained.
"What kind of a specialist?" Abby asked, not letting him get away with anything.
"A spinal specialist. According to Tony he's putting on a brave face and not admitting that there is a problem. You know Jethro," Ducky explains trying to make light of his concerns.
"How serious is it Ducky?" Abby asks, seeing right through him.
"I don't have any details, my dear. All I know is that Tony sounded worried," Ducky told her.
"I have to go. My passport's at home. I can be there in thirty minutes and it'll only take me a few minutes to pack. So I could make a flight in the next two hours," Abby said rapidly getting herself in to a tizzy and running towards the elevator.
"Where are you going?" Ducky asked trying to keep up with her.
"Israel of course. I've always wanted to go to Israel. Well now I have to go. Gibbs needs me. I'll get the first flight to Tel Aviv that's available," she told him enthusiastically. Ducky was a little taken aback but despite what his head told him, his heart felt exactly as hers did. His good friend was ill. He had to be there for him. He smiled at Abby.
"Make that two seats," he said putting his arm around her shoulder pressing the up button on the elevator. Abby reach around him and hugged him tightly.
------------------------
Meanwhile, back on board the USS Ronald Reagan, Tony continued to play out Gibbs plan. He informed the Senior Medical Officer that Gibbs personal physician had requested that he and Officer David be flown to Tel Aviv for further treatment. Although a little surprised, the SMO had no objection and went about making the necessary arrangements with the Ships Captain.
Tony and McGee headed back down to sickbay later in the day. When they got there Gibbs was sitting up but lying back on the pillows dozing. Ziva was awake and chatting to Fornell who appeared to be doing much better.
"Hey DiNozzo, McGee, are you guys okay?" Fornell asked seeing them for the first time since they returned to the ship after the mission.
"Not a scratch," DiNozzo remarked. "Although Probie here is carrying an injury he picked up falling out of his bunk," Tony teased.
"Which was entirely your fault Tony," McGee retorted in his defence.
"What did I do?" Tony asked defensively.
Before McGee had a chance to answer a voice called from the other side of the room.
"DiNozzo," Gibbs called sleepily.
"Boss, sorry. Did we wake you?" Tony asked, ambling over towards him.
Gibbs whispered in a low voice. It was barely audible. Tony leaned in closer to him to try and hear him. As he did he received a sudden fleeting slap on the back of his head. He stood up straight away, a shocked look in his eyes.
"What was that for?" he asked rubbing his head.
"Just checking I still could," Gibbs smirked over towards McGee.
"Yeah, well everything seems to be working just fine. In fact a little too fine," he said dramatically feeling his head. "Aren't you supposed to be suffering complications? I've been lying my ass off about you so you'd better act the part and not let me down," he said seriously.
"So, you got hold of Ducky then?" Gibbs asked.
"Of course. He had no hesitation in recommending your transfer once he heard how you were trying to cover up your symptoms," Tony smiled in admiration of his own guile.
"Good boy," Gibbs replied patting Tony on the head like a puppy. "So do you know yet when it's going to happen?"
"The Captain is trying to arrange it for the morning. So until then try not to blow our cover," Tony said seriously.
"Don't worry, DiNozzo. Have I ever let you down?" Gibbs replied with a hint of a smile.
TBC
