Title: NCIS – Fallen Hero

Author: D M Harper

Summary: When Naval Criminal Investigative Service's MCRT investigates the death of a decorated Marine, one member finds much more than a motive for murder.

PAIRINGS: Agent Ziva David & Abigail Sciuto; Agent Ziva David & OFC; Abigail Sciuto & OFC.

Rating: MA for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction borrowing characters from a TV series. Other characters are original, but have learnt to play nicely with the others. No profit is gained and no copyright infringement is intended to creators Donald P. Bellisario & Don McGill or Belisarius Productions, Paramount Network Television & CBS Paramount Network Television.

A/N: Please take a dip into the review pool and leave a message. The Muse gets a little hungry!

Chapter 8

Captain Grayson McCall reported to Colonel Flack in the Intelligence section five minutes after arriving at the Pentagon. After formalities, she was issued new security identification and shown to her office.

Once she was settled, she met with her staff and was given an extensive report on the current cases being investigated by the Military Police Unit.

One of her Army subordinates, Corporal Jason White approached her office just before 1700 hours and asked, "The guys are headed for drinks at the Tortoise & Hare Bar, would you like to join us ma'am?"

Grayson studied the buzz cut, dark haired male in his mid-twenties and answered, "Thank you for the invite Corporal, but that's a negative. I have too much paperwork to attend to."

"No worries ma'am."

Grayson had no plans to socialise with her colleagues until she knew them better. She also knew it would take some time to adjust to her new position and adapt to a non-combat environment after eleven years in the field.

She was securing her office when her cell rang thirty minutes later, "Hey Amy, I'm just leaving now and should be there by 1830 hours."

"Good, I'm all packed for the morning."

"See you soon."

"Bye Gray."

Grayson hurried to her Chevrolet and was on the road to Hagerstown with minutes.

-o-

When Grayson knocked on Amy's door, she was greeted with a broad smile and a tight embrace.

"God you look so good in uniform and I am really going to miss undressing you."

Grayson stepped back and cupped her hands on either side of Amy's face, "I'll miss lots about you, especially our talks."

"You know you will be able to call me at night."

"I'm aware of that, but I don't want to keep you from finding a girlfriend."

"Honestly, I won't be looking."

"That's usually when you find one and we did actually end things in Afghanistan."

"True and time will tell, now let's get you into the shower then we can eat."

"That sounds very tempting to me."

-o-

It was a little after five when Grayson kissed Amy goodbye then the younger woman got into the taxi.

"I'll call you tonight after I've settled into my new place," promised Amy.

"Take care and have a good flight."

"I will Gray, see you."

"Bye."

Grayson turned heel and jumped into her truck then headed for home. She pulled into her garage just before six-thirty and entered the house to find the answering machine flashing with three messages. Pressing the play button, she leaned up against the kitchen counter and listened.

"Hey Grayson, Tony DiNozzo here, I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me Friday night? Give me a call, you've got my number."

Grayson erased the message then deleted the following one asking her to purchase the latest in mop technology. The third message startled her.

"Hello Captain McCall, Abby Sciuto. I'm calling to invite you to dinner Friday night, my treat. Call me at work."

Blonde brows arched as Grayson removed the final message. She shook her head with surprise and got ready for duty.

-o-

At 0920 hours Grayson phoned DiNozzo.

"Special Agent DiNozzo," he answered. "How can I help you?"

"Good morning Agent DiNozzo, Captain McCall returning your call."

"Ahh Captain, how is life over at the Pentagon?"

"Productive, how are things at NCIS?"

"Good, can't complain."

"I'm calling to thank you for your dinner invite, but I have to decline."

"Oh okay, perhaps another time?"

"Negative, I don't date and it's only been three weeks since Lieutenant Harris was killed."

"Of course, I apologise for being so insensitive."

"That's fine Agent, have a good day."

Tony disconnected his cell, "Oops, my bad."

"What are you babbling on about Tony?" inquired Ziva from her position behind her desk.

"I asked Captain McCall out last night and she just reminded me it's been three weeks since her fiancé was murdered."

Ziva was reminded of her own mistake with the woman and remained silent.

"What no mocking comeback Ziva?" asked Tony with wide eyes.

"No Tony, I do not wish to discuss your private affairs."

"How long should I wait for the Captain to mourn before asking her again?"

"DiNozzo!" said Gibbs in a slightly raised voice. "Get back to work and if I hear you have bothered Captain McCall again, I will shoot you."

"Right, got it Boss."

Ziva smiled slightly and returned to her paperwork.

-o-

Abby felt her phone vibrating in her lab coat pocket and turned down the music on the stereo, "Sciuto here."

"Hello Miss Sciuto, Captain McCall."

"Oh hi."

"I hope I am not interrupting your work?"

"No, I'm just waiting on some results, so am all ears."

"I'm sorry, but I have to decline your invite."

"That's a shame; I wanted to discuss Ziva with you."

"Ziva?"

"Yes, but over the phone is not the best way."

With her interest piqued, Grayson said, "I have to deliver a report to your Director Vance this afternoon. I can drop into your lab afterwards, if that suits you?"

"Sounds perfect to me, see you then."

"Goodbye Miss Sciuto."

Grayson returned her phone to the top of the desk then commenced constructing a strategic plan to infiltrate a suspected Al Qaeda training camp based in Altoona, Pennsylvania and extract information.

Three hours later, she attended a briefing with Colonel Flack and was given the authority to organise a team for surveillance on the property for seventy-two hours.

Afterwards, Grayson drove over to the Navy Yard to meet with Director Vance. He greeted her in the lobby then escorted her to his office once her visitor's pass was organised.

As she climbed the stairs, she noticed four sets of eyes watching her movements.

"Hey Boss," began McGee. "Isn't that Captain McCall?"

"It is," replied Gibbs deadpan.

"I wonder what she is doing here?" inquired DiNozzo.

Gibb's phone trilled, "Looks like I'm about to find out." Placing the cell to his ear, he answered, "Agent Gibbs."

"Jethro, can you attend my office?"

"I'm on my way Director." Gibbs pocketed his phone then announced, "McGee, you're in charge and don't let DiNozzo break anything."

"Right Boss."

-o-

Leon Vance put away his cell and turned to Grayson, "Can I offer you a drink Captain?"

"No thank you sir."

Gibbs opened the door then stepped inside the room, "Nice to see you again Captain McCall."

Grayson nodded, "Agent Gibbs."

"Jethro, Captain McCall and her team are setting up an operation and Colonel Flack has asked we be involved."

"Who or what is the subject?"

Grayson answered, "As of this morning, information gathered during the investigation into Marine Sergeant Oliver Collins, confirms links between Al Qaeda in Kabul and a training camp in Pennsylvania."

"Do you have an exact location on the training camp?"

"Affirmative, four teams consisting of two officers each are presently on their way to Altoona to set up surveillance. The camp is based on a ten acre farming property off of Grandview Road and is owned by an Afghanistan national by the name of Farhad Sahar."

"Where does my team come into the equation?"

Handing Gibbs a file, Grayson continued, "Petty Officer Drew Warren stationed here at the Navy Yard has been identified as a member of Farhad Sahar's training staff."

"Jesus Christ," mumbled Gibbs in astonishment. "How long has this camp been operating?"

"Intel has revealed training has been going on for the past two months with sessions being held at night time or on the weekends. We have also acquired data on a planned attack on the eighth of June, but have been unable to obtain the target."

Vance added, "We have been asked to provide two teams comprising of two Agents to assist with the surveillance."

"Is that all?"

"No," replied Vance. "Your team will also be part of the infiltration once enough information is gathered to secure conviction."

Grayson went on, "If we obtain evidence of a terrorist regime, we will act immediately and breach the compound. I have Federal arrest and search warrants on hand."

"How many hostiles are we expecting?"

"At this stage we are only aware of six, but expect that number to increase during training. We will know more once my team is in position and relaying information back to us."

"Okay, when do you want my team onboard?"

"The first unit of eight will arrive at their destination by 1900 hours. I'd like your team along with myself, and three of my officers to relieve them at 0000 hours. These training sessions wrap up around 0300 hours and Petty Officer Warren returns to his apartment then readies for duty here."

"As you have no active cases," explained Vance. "I suggest you and your team go home for some sleep."

"Sounds good to me Leon. Captain McCall, would you like to join me in briefing my team?"

Grayson smiled, "Rule number thirty-eight, your case your lead."

With a smirk, Gibbs noted, "Nice to see you remembered."

"How could I forget? Let's go talk to your people."

-o-

Ziva glanced over to the staircase and her heart rate increased dramatically. Captain McCall was laughing and Ziva thought the woman was exceedingly beguiling. She huffed when Tony whistled then commented.

"Good lord that is the best looking Marine I have ever seen."

"You never know when to shut up Tony," snapped Ziva.

His reply was stifled when Gibbs and Grayson joined them.

Ten minutes passed and Grayson had outlined the operation and the role MCRT would play.

"Be back here by 1945 hours people, now go home," directed Gibbs.

"Thank you Jethro," said Grayson as Gibbs collected his weapon from his desk.

"Don't thank me yet Gray, the job's not done."

"True."

The four Agents and Captain walked towards the lift in silence. Grayson felt Ziva's gaze on her and ignored her urge to speak to the striking beauty. Instead she chose to remain professional until she reached her truck and escaped the weight of Ziva's questioning glare.

Ziva climbed into her red Mini Cooper and headed home with the feeling she would never share another conversation in private with Grayson again. The blonde had completely avoided any direct eye contact, even when answering the questions she had posed. Ziva had been impressed with the Captain's presentation of facts and suspicions regard Petty Officer Warren and despite the indifference shown by Grayson, she was looking forward to working with her.

When Ziva eased into bed twenty minutes later, her thoughts turned to the night she kissed the enigmatic Captain and she found sleep hiding around the corner.

-o-

Grayson tapped Corporal White on the shoulder and gave instruction, "Let's roll Corporal. The MCRT will rendezvous with us on US-50 West Constitution Avenue."

"Yes ma'am."

Sergeant Christine Blake and Gunnery Sergeant Peter Anderson buckled up in the rear seat of the black GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid and Grayson closed her eyes. She dozed until she felt the SUV pullover.

With a wave to DiNozzo, who was behind the wheel of the black Dodge Charger, the two vehicle convoy started towards Altoona.

Three hours and forty-five minutes later, they pulled into a secluded side road and parked beside two black GMC Yukon Hybrids. The Agents and Officers alighted from their vehicles and quickly split into four teams. Without preamble, they headed through the thickly wooded area to relieve the other teams.

-o-

Ziva and Tim settled into position and monitored the farm house with binoculars. Grayson and White took several images of the twenty men inside the barn then Grayson ran them through the Facial Recognition program on her phone. All twenty were identified and it was clear that Warren and Sahar were instructing the other eighteen in hand to hand combat.

Gibbs and DiNozzo snuck into the farm house and took pictures of any evidence they found, while Blake and Anderson had their backs.

At 0310 hours, Warren jumped into his Ram Dakota truck and Blake and Anderson tailed him back to Washington.

-o-

It was 0810 hours when Grayson, White and the NCIS Agents withdrew after being relieved and returned to their vehicles. The teams drove to the Super 8 Hotel on Fairway Drive where the other officers were staying at and Grayson conducted a quick debrief. There was enough material retrieved from the house to confirm the Pentagon was the intended target.

Gibbs and DiNozzo had located maps, building blue prints and incendiary devices that linked the attack and location.

Grayson made a call to Blake and directed him to instigate a search of Warren's apartment in Columbia Heights once he left for base. "People get some food then some sleep," she directed when she finished the call. "We will raid the compound tonight at 1920 hours. All members onsite will be arrested and transported back to Washington for questioning A-SAP. I will organise Blake and Anderson to return here with two vans and ample sets of handcuffs. Agent Gibbs, I'd like you and your team to assist with the interviews."

"You got it," answered Jethro.

"In that case, get out of my room and let me sleep."

The comment was greeted with laughter and DiNozzo suggested they go to the local diner for breakfast. Everyone except Grayson consented.

Ziva hung back as the others departed, "I'll meet you there." She closed the door then turned to face Grayson.

"Is there something I can help you with Agent David?" queried Grayson as she removed her bullet proof vest.

"Yes there is. Have I done or said something to upset you?"

"No, why do you ask?"

"You have steered clear of me and treated me like a leopard."

Grayson held back a laugh, "Agent David, the term is leper and I have done no such thing. I am merely doing my job, I am not here to socialise."

"I am aware of that fact, but you appeared to be interested in me on more than a social level."

"You must have been mistaken Agent David. When we first met, I was hoping we could be friends, but that was a mistake."

"Why is that?"

"You kissed me and invited me to your home then proceeded to flaunt your lover in front of me."

"That is not completely accurate and Abby was going to explain it to you yesterday."

"Unfortunately, the opportunity to converse with Miss Sciuto did not eventuate. So, what part of my statement isn't true? You did kiss me when you left my house last Friday night right?"

"Yes I did."

"And you did make the dinner invite?"

"Yes."

"So are you telling me that you and Miss Sciuto are not lovers?"

"Yes."

"You are a liar Agent David, the left top corner of your mouth just raised slightly."

"We were lovers, but not now," confessed Ziva.

"Tell me you didn't sleep with her that night and let me see if it's true."

"I did."

"Agent David, you had no business kissing me or telling me you weren't seeing anyone."

"That is not really accurate."

"I don't care. I am at the Pentagon for a year and I have no intention of making friends or dating during that time. I have no idea what little perverted game you and your girlfriend had planned for me, but as you can tell, I am not interested. Just get out of my room."

"You don't have all the facts."

"Agent David, if you don't leave of your own free will, I will throw you out."

Before the words of protest were out of Ziva's mouth, she found herself face down on the carpeted floor with her arms pulled behind her back. Grayson's left knee was between her shoulder blades and she snarled, "Do I make myself clear now Agent?"

"Yes, I will leave."

Grayson rose to her feet and pulled Ziva up, "Smart move Miss Mossad Assassin."

"My apologies Captain, I will not bother you further."

Grayson noted the tears in the other woman's eyes and instantly felt terrible for manhandling her, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, I managed to do that on my own," confessed Ziva as she opened the door and disappeared into the sunlight.

Grayson shrugged her shoulders then stripped off her camouflage uniform and dismissed Ziva's last comment. After a hot shower, she slipped into bed with her laptop and sent a report to Colonel Flack before going to sleep. She slept soundly until her cell rang at 1000 hours.

"Captain McCall speaking."

"Captain, Colonel Flack here, I have just finished reading your report."

"Yes sir."

"Good work. I have spoken to NCIS Director Vance and he is happy for you to use his facilities for the interviews. Is there anything else required?"

"Negative sir, everything is organised this end."

"Excellent, keep me appraised."

"Yes sir."

The line went dead and Grayson returned to sleep.

-o-

The breach of the training ground was quick and efficient. Nineteen men were subdued and detained effortlessly, but Warren managed to escape the influx of Agents and Officers.

Ziva observed him fleeing as did Grayson. Both women gave chase and were side by side when Warren's flight was undone by fence wire as he attempted to scale the barrier.

As he tumbled to the ground with broken line wrapped around his left ankle, Ziva pointed her weapon at him and yelled, "FEDERAL AGENT, DON'T MOVE."

"OKAY," shouted Warren. "I'M UNARMED."

"Yeah right," snapped Grayson as she pressed a boot into the prone man's back. "Remove the Bowie knife from the left side of your belt very slowly and place it on the ground to your left."

Warren did as directed while Ziva held cover.

"Now take out the flick-knife from your left boot the same way."

Again Warren followed instruction and Ziva radioed Gibbs to inform him they had Warren in custody.

Grayson slammed her knees into Warren's back then handcuffed him. "You are a god damn traitor," she seethed as she grabbed the cuffs and pulled Warren to his feet then dragged him towards the barn.

Ziva looked at her briefly before picking up the weapons and following closely behind.

-o-

Four and a half hours later, Warren and Sahar were being interviewed. Both men were abusive and threatening to their interviewers and Grayson brought Warren's tirade of excuses to an abrupt halt by saying, "You will be executed for committing treason again the United States of America and for planning a terrorist attack. I hope you enjoy your solitary confinement until then. You are a disgrace to every man and woman who has every fought for this country."

Standing, Grayson left the room and marched down the hallway to the restroom. Leaning over the wash basin, she turned on the faucet and splashed cold water onto her face.

Seconds later Ziva entered the room and stood behind her, "Are you all right?"

"I will be."

Reaching out, Ziva laid her left hand on the small of Grayson's back, "It is never easy when one of you own betrays your homeland."

Straightening up, the blonde turned off the water and reached for some paper towel. After patting her face, she faced Ziva, "No, it's not. It stabs deeply when people like Warren find a cushy position away from combat and plot their evil plans while men and women fight on a daily basis in war torn areas."

"War rarely makes sense."

"No it doesn't and we better get back to the interviews Agent David."

"Yes ma'am."

-o-

Grayson crawled into bed at 1115 hours after a long debrief with Colonel Flack, Director Vance, MCRT and her team. She had been too exhausted to accept her team's invite to lunch and went home on auto-pilot.

Upon waking, she spent four hours at her office and completed all outstanding paperwork. She arrived home a little after 1900 hours and commenced preparing dinner. Her meal was interrupted by a knock on the front door.

Looking through the peephole, she was surprised to see Abby. Grayson opened the door and asked, "Miss Sciuto is something wrong with the evidence we collected?"

"No, not at all," replied the black jeans and black tee shirt attired woman. She handed Grayson a bottle of white wine, "I was hoping we could have that talk now."

"Come on in, but I doubt we have anything to discuss." She led Abby into the kitchen and stated, "I'm sure Agent David disclosed our conversation in Altoona."

"She did and then promptly cried herself to sleep."

Devoid of reaction, Grayson poured a glass of wine and handed it to Abby, "Take a seat in the living room; I'll be with you in a minute."

"Sure and I appreciate you not kicking me out."

"I have a feeling you would have persisted if I had."

With a sly smile, Abby entered the next room.

Grayson swiftly tidied up her kitchen then sat opposite her guest, "I'm sorry your girlfriend was upset."

"Ziva is not my girlfriend. I mean, she is a girl and is my best friend, but we are not lovers."

"But you were?"

"Yes, we have been on and off for the past three years."

"So when did your relationship end?"

"Last weekend, but ours wasn't your normal girl loves girl affair."

"Really?"

"I love Ziva dearly, but my heart belongs to someone else."

"I beg your pardon?"

Green eyes brimmed with unshed tears, "I feel in love with another NCIS Agent seven years ago and had my heart broken."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"We were so happy for two years until she was killed in the line of duty."

"Caitlin Todd?"

"You knew her?"

"I met her once at Jethro's. He was shattered when she was murdered."

"We all were."

"Wait a minute she was assassinated by Ari Haswari, Agent David's half-brother."

"It's a really long and complicated story. Ziva shot him after he wounded Gibbs in the shoulder, but then we discovered her father Eli David, who is now the Director of Mossad ordered her to kill Ari to gain trust with Gibbs. That wasn't the reason Ziva shot Ari, but it took a while before Gibbs found out it was because she cared for him. Then Gibbs had to tell Ziva her father had sent a Mossad Agent to kill her."

"I remember David telling me part of that story, but that is unbelievable. It must have been very hard on you when David joined the team."

"It was at first, but then we became best friends then lovers."

"Why did it end?"

"I had to let Ziva go. She needs someone who will fall in love with her and settle down into a real relationship."

"Is that what she wants?"

"Yes. Our relationship was about sex, not love and Ziva deserves and wants more."

"I can understand that, I've been there myself."

Abby tilted her head to the left, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go right ahead."

"Your engagement was a ruse, right?"

"It was."

"It was that whole no gays allowed in the military thing?"

"Affirmative, it was a means of protection for both of us."

"That sucks."

"It does, but unfortunately that's just the way it is."

"Ziva really likes you."

"It's a waste of time for her. I've nothing to offer her."

"So does that mean you like her too?"

Grayson giggled, "How old are you?"

"Twenty-nine, why?"

"I feel like I'm having a conversation at high school during lunch break."

"Oh sorry about that, I just like the idea of romance."

"Abby, I am only here for twelve months then I'm back to Afghanistan or Iraq, so I have no plans to become romantically involved with anyone."

"But what if Ziva is meant to be with you?"

"If that's true, then I guess she will be, but it won't be now."

Abby switched the topic, "You and Gibbs are close hey."

"Affirmative, he is like a father to me."

"He's the same way with Ziva and me."

"Does he know about you two?"

"No way, none of the team does."

"I'm sure Jethro knows; he knows everything."

"So he knows about you?"

"He does."

"That's way cool."

Grayson smiled warmly, "You are very charming Abby."

"Yeah, yeah, what are you going to do about Ziva?"

"Absolutely nothing."

"Are you sure about that?"

"I am."

"That's too bad." Abby glanced at her wristwatch, "I better go, I'm taking McGee to a night club."

Both women stood and walked to the door. They embraced and Abby said, "Thanks for listening."

"That's okay, have a good night."

"You too, see ya."

Grayson opened the door and watched Abby drive off in her red 1931 Ford Model "A" Coupe hot rod. She secured the house and readied for bed. Reaching for her phone, she called Amy and smiled when her friend answered.

"Good evening Gray."

"Hello, how's it all going?"

"Really good and you?"

Grayson told Amy all about her week and her conversation with Ziva and Abby. The pair discussed the topic for over an hour before Amy started to yawn and the pair said goodnight.

Grayson was half asleep when Ziva called fifteen minutes later. "Yes Agent David," she answered.

"I am just calling to check you are okay."

"Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine."

"I am glad to hear this."

"Abby visited me this evening."

"She did? I was not aware of her intentions to do so."

"She spoke about you and explained your relationship."

"Oh."

"Agent David, let's call a truce?"

"I would like that."

"Solely for professional reasons of course."

With disappointment, Ziva agreed, "Yes that would make sense."

"I'll tell you the exact same thing I told Abby. I don't have anything to offer you. I live a life that doesn't include a romantic relationship."

"Don't you get lonely?"

"I don't have time to contemplate loneliness."

"Won't that change now you are stateside?"

"I have been home a month and look how busy I've been."

"You cannot find time to relax?"

"I tried that and it didn't work out too well."

"For that, I am truly sorry."

"There is no need to apologise."

"I am not one who easily trusts another and I believe you are similar."

"I am and I admit I was attracted to you when we first met, but the situation changed."

"You do not find me attractive any longer?"

Grayson tittered, "Of course I do. I think you are one of the most exotically beautiful women I have ever seen."

"Thank you and you are extremely good looking."

"On that note, it's time I said goodnight."

"Am I making you nervous?"

"Nervous isn't quite the word I'd use to describe how I feel."

Ziva chuckled softly, "Then I am getting to you?"

"Yes and it is frustrating. I don't want to have feelings for you, I can't afford to and I should go."

"Then go, I will not bother you further."

"Goodnight Agent David."

"Goodnight Grayson."

A soft moan escaped Grayson's lips as she put down her cell. She pushed aside her need to continue the conversation with Ziva and punched her spare pillow. She tossed and turned for several minutes before blanking her mind and finding sleep.

-o-