So here's the last lap of Blue Ice. Having finished this, I'm now making Head Casemy priority.

Chapter 6: Alive!

Day 5: 76°31′52″N 068°42′11″W
Greenland - Thule US Airbase

Tim was dozing when Tony circumspectly opened the door to his hospital room, peeking in to check if his friend was awake. Anyway, even if Tim wasn't yet, Tony soon would make sure he was, for he had come with a gift.

Walking over to the hospital bed on which Tim lay, he sat down and stooped to retrieve a box from his bag which he placed on the bed side table, before digging his hands once more into the bag to come out again with two bowls and a pair of spoons.

Then, he sat back in the chair, deciding he would give Tim exactly 5 minutes and not a second longer to wake up on his own.

He wasn't going to be disappointed as Tim, no doubt sensing someone was with him, slowly opened his eyes, at the same time stretching his long legs underneath the covers.

"Hello, sleeping beauty," Tony greeted his friend.

"Heyyyy…." Tim replied, his voice slightly slurred from his nap, and pushed himself up with his good arm.

"Brought you a little something," Tony said, grinning mischievously.

"Oh yeah?" Tim's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" He asked, dipping his head towards the box and the bowls sitting on the side table.

"Close your eyes again," Tony instructed.

Tim, doing as he was told, listened carefully, wondering what Tony was doing. Was he scooping something? What's the scraping noise? It had to be something to eat, why else the bowls?

"Okay," Tony said, his clothes rustling as he shifted in his chair to lean over.

"Tsk, tsk!" He admonished when he caught Tim opening his eyes, "didn't give you permission to open your eyes, yet."

"Now hold out your hand."

Tim's eyes shot open at the feel of something cold being placed in his hand and he stared in disbelief at what was in the bowl.

"Blue ice cream?"

"Yup, buddie. Had a chat with the chef of the Dundas Buffet Restaurant, and, believe it or not, he had some Blue Moon! How do you like it?"

Ping

At the distinct sound of an incoming Skype video call, Tony set aside his bowl of Blue Moon and reached for the notebook to accept the caller. With a grin, he placed it on the bed table across Tim's lap.

"Hey, Timmy!" Abby's head popped in front of the screen to instantly vanish again, a pair of hands taking the place of her head. "Check out my finger nails! They're Arctic Blue! Especially for you!"

A smile tugged at Tim's mouth at the sight of the blue glitter finger nails. Oh yeah, so very Abby.

"Thanks, Abby. Looks gorgeous," he nodded with genuine approval as the image changed again, showing Abby's beaming face.

"I miss you, Timmy."

"Me too, Abs."

Behind Abby, Gibbs, Ducky, Ziva, Palmer and last but not least, Director Vance, huddled together to get into view, all smiling broadly.

There was a knock at the door and it opened, revealing Birger, being wheeled inside by a nurse to be settled beside Tim's bed.

And then, Abby gave the thumbs up.

Tony reached in his pocket and very solemnly slipped a ribbon bearing a medal over Tim's head, while Birger declared in a grave tone: "Determination and courage are keyfactors in surviving arctic conditions. That and the will to live are crucial to make it through. So, congratulations, Agent Timothy McGee: you've passed the test and can call yourself no longer an Arctic newbie."

Tim was speechless and all he could do was nod his thanks, all the while clutching the medal at his chest. It was just a cheap medal like those given on school sports days and not at all official, but it was cool to be surrounded by his friends - now also including Birger.

Epilogue

The US Training Officer, Commander Zeb Tyler, arrested and charged for the attempted murder of a Federal Agent, after the eyewitness account by Agent T. McGee. Later, further evidence proved CDR Tyler's guilt.

After correlating all evidence gathered at the Blue Ice Project Unit, it had been established that the Danish RN Lieutenant Birger Nørsgård, formerly reported missing, was not responsible for USN Lieutenant David Bennett's death, equally reported missing.

An inquest reopened into the circumstances of of Nora Bennett-Tyler's death was found to have been accidental.

THE END

So we've reached the end. It wasn't very long but I hope you've all enjoyed the read.

May I pester you one last time for your feedback? :)

Thank you!