DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!
DEAD DOESN'T MEAN FOREVER
Ch 5
As Gibbs drifted into a deeper state of sleep, Sven handed the videos and CD's to Lars. When it came to the crucial stage of the procedure Lars handed the CD's to Anya and they both inserted the audio and video materials into their perspective slots.
They watched with amazed interest at the progress taking place before their eyes. Never in their lifetimes had they expected to bear witness to something so incredible.
"It really is a miracle, isn't it?" Igor marveled.
"I certainly have never seen anything quite like this," Lars agreed. He smiled knowing Jethro would be pleased when he awoke. His focus turned toward Gibbs, still sleeping. Lars noticed the smile that crept onto his friend's restful face. 'Happy dreams,' he pondered.
Indeed Gibbs was blissfully in the midst of his most vivid dream in years. Shannon was often shimmering in and out of focus in his dreams, but in this one she was as clear as he ever remembered seeing her in life. Her smile was brighter, so much so he was mesmerized.
"Shannon," he spoke quietly in his slumber. She reached out to him and he stretched out to meet her hand. They touched and he entwined his fingers with hers solidifying the connection.
Lars saw Gibbs mumbling without any sound escaping from the sound-proof chamber. He watched as he reached out for something no else could see. He studied the face of the man he called friend and realized he must be seeing Shannon somehow. Could the effects of the procedure be projected into his mind? He would have to ask him afterwards. For now it looked as if the final stages were about to take place.
As Gibbs enjoyed the closeness he truly felt with Shannon and imagined Kelly joining them. Her laughter reached his ears before he saw her running towards them. Soon the small family was wrapped in a hug that none wanted to end.
"Gibbs," Shannon's voice whispered in his ear. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you both so much," Gibbs choked holding them both tighter.
"Daddy," Kelly giggled, "Not so tight."
"I'm never letting you go again," he gave them each a kiss.
This scene was observed by the scientists who could only see the man now sitting up on the bed, but apparently still asleep.
"I wish we could hear what he's saying," Igor whispered.
"No, it's probably better we don't," Lars told him. "Whatever it is, we don't want it to influence the process."
All the steps had been taken and now all they could do was wait to see if the end they hoped to produce would take place.
"Do we know how long it may take?" Anya asked.
"Not really. The largest test subject took about an hour. Let's go and have something to eat and come back to check. There's really nothing else any of us can do at this point," Sven suggested.
They left the lab together wondering what they might find upon their return.