DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

DEAD DOESN'T MEAN FOREVER

Ch 4

Gibbs sat up straight in the passenger seat, tense with anticipation. Sven observed him from the corner of his eye. He had his reservations regarding this project, but did not want to deny his friend his chance to fulfill a dream. He just wondered if all the possible outcomes had been taken into consideration.

"Jethro?" Sven asked hesitantly.

Turning his head to regard his friend, Gibbs answered, "What is it?"

"Are you sure you've thought this all through?"

"I have everything I need to cover things after," he informed Sven.

"No," Sven shook his head lightly. "That is not what I meant. Have you accepted that things may not be as successful as you hope?"

Gibbs scowled at the implications Sven was referring to. They were not an option. "Not gonna happen," he stated cockily. 'This had been too long a time coming. I can feel it in my gut; this is going to work flawlessly.' Gibbs smiled at his thoughts.

Sven knew there'd be no further discussion. 'I hope this works for you, my friend. I truly hope it does,' he said a silent prayer.

The van entered through the security gate with Sven and Gibbs right behind. The vehicles travelled around a winding drive partially hidden by the overhanging branches of the trees lining both sides. Gibbs' heart beat quickened as he first glimpsed the lights emanating from the lab.

It was the ideal location not being visible by anyone in any direction. Stopping the car Sven put his hand out to stop Gibbs from exiting. Gibbs looked at him with surprise. "I want to introduce you to the others. They will do as you ask, if only for the pure interest in science, but they are wary of who is behind this whole business."

Gibbs nodded. He could appreciate that those who had never met him would want to judge him and know they were using their skills and abilities for a good and righteous cause.

They exited their vehicle slowly. Gibbs waited for Sven to come around to his side then they walked together to meet the trio of specialists Ziva had arranged to perform the miracle of his dreams.

"Lars, Igor and Anya," Sven pointed them each out individually, "this is Leroy Jethro Gibbs." Gibbs shook each of their hands looking them squarely in the eyes as he did so. He felt the strength of their convictions in their grips and smiled a small smile. The feeling of rightness increased in his gut.

It took a few hours for the crew to unload the boxes and assemble the parts correctly. Tim had included very specific instructions that even Gibbs could've followed (at least that's how Tim had described them to his boss). While they were doing all that work Sven, Gibbs and the trio of new friends shared in a light meal.

There were a few questions each of the newcomers to Gibbs' plan had to ask and he supplied them with satisfying answers. The more they learned about his motivations behind the project the more they were determined to make sure they didn't fail him.

The meal finished the men and sole woman of the 'dream team' convened in the lab proper to inspect the assembly. All the pieces were intact and everything appeared to be ready for the final test. Of course the three scientists now in charge insisted on a trial run, to ensure the larger chamber would cause no problems.

Gibbs agreed and watched with pleasure as they were amazed by what his own team had been able to create. After seeing the success the trio was quick to want to run the long awaited procedure. It would be a bit more complicated, the test subject being more fragile than its predecessors.

They estimated it would take a few hours to run the cycle and ensure the success they were now all anticipating. Each set up their part of the procedure, timing to make sure the sequence was done exactly as needed. Gibbs found he was holding his breath and wanted only to speed time ahead to see the final outcome.

Sven touched his arm and pointed into the larger chamber where they placed a bed. "Why don't you go and lie down? Relax. They will do what you asked of them. Already they are working diligently."

Gibbs nodded. Despite the sleep he had gotten on the plane the trip had taken its toll on him. Perhaps if he slept he'd find the final outcome waiting for him when he awoke. He entered the chamber and closed the door. Silence loomed, as the chamber was sound proof. The air was filtered in making it a calming cool and clean atmosphere to surround himself with.

The bed also looked inviting. It was large with several down pillows that almost called out to him to rest his head upon. He sat on the edge of the bed and removed his shoes. He pulled back the comforter and slid underneath enjoying the comfort that enfolded him. As his head laid into the pillow he breathed deeply relishing in the quiet. He held down the excitement that threatened to keep him awake, but he let the thought remain, success was imminent.