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Chapter 21 – SGC and moving on.

Walking into the empty Gate room and seeing the majestic Stargate silently standing there, Jethro Gibbs came out of his musings about where his team were at the moment and the changes that would happen at the Navy Yard, and knew things would never be the same again. Slowing to a stop, he shook his head at the memories of his amazing trip to Midway flashing through his mind by looking at the Gate. And found it hard to believe it had really happened, and knew like his job he would never be the same again. Also realised that apart from the Ancient Gene, he and Jack were very similar, fiercely private, loyal to team and work, but in the General's case it was all the men and woman under his command on Earth and in Space, and that took a lot of getting used to. He had known about space because his brief meeting with Thor and getting his boat out of the basement, but he'd never felt the need to think about what it all really meant. Like who was actually the top man etc, and that was how smart and devious his friend could be.

With a sigh and a slight smile, knowing he wouldn't underestimate the man again, Jethro moved further into the Gate room so he wouldn't be in anyone's way should officers need to rush in. Or, be in his team's way when they returned to leave the Mountain with their lives changed forever, and unconsciously settling at parade rest, let their arrival run through his mind. After all, it wasn't everyday you saw your boss and family materialize in front of you, having been picked up briefly, dematerialized, then rematerialize on a spaceship before being gently dropped back here, still not fully knowing what was going on. They had decided that everything would be explained in the Mountain, rather than at his house just before going up to the Odyssey. Let them have the thrill of that bit without the clutter of the Stargate programme in their minds.

True, he had hoped for an orderly, shocked meet and greet from them, with a bemused Taft silently assessing the whole thing then coming out with sharp pointed questions, no doubt. But, had forgotten his team would treat this as a surprise 'holiday' break from the paper work they were catching up on, especially after spotting who was still with him. It had been two seconds of order, then team chaos with even the usually quieter sort of older statesman Doc Mallard, Ducky, joining in, rather than reining the team back so General Landry or himself could explain everything.

He could hear and see it all as he remembered the scene, Abby's excitement and squeals of delight followed by Ellie's quieter ones with Ducky and Jimmy Palmer joining in the hugs, chatter and laughter as Tony, Ziva with the wriggly parcel of Tali, being passed around and loving every second of attention, after the group had broken ranks and bounded over to meet each other half way.

Saw again, the silent serious nod of acknowledgement of Tony to Tim that was their way of passing on the mantle of team leader, as both knew Tony would not be returning to the Navy Yard. Knew their usual banter had taken place later once the meet and greet had finished.

It was accepted, expected that Tim would stay close to his wife Delilah,to give her any support she might need. This was all new to her, she'd been kept out of the loop regarding the true nature of Homeworld Security side of her husband's work, as they hadn't known how deep the infiltration had gone. Also, she had been away on Department of Defence duties at the time of the raids, and only knew of his involvement due to tv coverage of one of the arrests.

True to form, she hadn't needed Tim to be beside her, looking back on it now he hadn't expected her to. She had been permanently confined to a wheelchair after being injured an explosion at a Department of Defence event in her honour, and had not let it hold her back in what she wanted in life. It had taken her a moment from materialisation to check out the area, then with a very excited laugh wheeled herself over to him at full speed head. There was no anger at being kept out of the secret, just bright eyes and a huge smile, she was loving every second of the surprise and experience.

For his part, while he'd been watching the events unfold, he'd been wondering how he could escape and how on Earth the group were going to react to what he had to do… Fearless boss handing out butterflies. Not only that, how he could stop his so called friend Tobias, the man was standing at the end of the line but angled so he could see him, and was doing small butterfly arm movements while smiling at him. As Gibbs wasn't armed he couldn't shoot him, and as General Landry and his daughter the Medical Officer and Emily were between the two of them, and were concentrating on events … he couldn't walk in front of them or behind them, and then kill Tobias with his bare hands… now could he?

His silent plotting had shut down, at her arrival, laugh and delighted exclamation of, "So this is the new meaning to 'going upstairs'!" before taking a breath and adding. "The other day when I visited your office, your team smiled with shakes of their heads, when one of them was told to go upstairs to MTAC, now I know why." Getting his full attention. Knowing she had it, he watched her glance at her husband then back at him before switching to serious mode when she added softly. "He collected me from work and said we were going to see you on business and no one argued with him. Then never said a word till he got to your house and met the others. We all got into your front room and he explained we were going 'upstairs' to get to Cheyenne Mountain and needed to make a call. Abby was nearly exploding with excitement, goodness knows how Ducky managed to keep her quiet, but he did. Then Tim returned and told us to group together to go to the spaceship Odyssey. Before us outsiders realised he had said spaceship, we were gone." Then she gave that delightful chuckle, that had seen her through thick and thin and showed her quick wit, before adding softly, still in awe of what she'd seen. "I shall never forget that trip or sight. ... Thank you." and silently carried on looking at him.

He had smiled back and nodded, knowing she believed they were doing all this because of her situation and Tim's unexplained absences and silence about the job in was going to explain that he considered her part of the team, trusted her, but his boss and family got his attention. – Leon Vance, Director of NCIS, who should have known what was going on but had been kept in the dark till now. He was standing to one side of the group with a slightly brooding expression across his dark features as he took in his new surroundings, his arms around his young son Jared, as well as his teenage daughter Kayla. Till she had just broken free with the excited exclamation, "It's Wormhole Extreme film set Dad!" She had just spotted the Stargate and was totally ignoring the line of officials watching them as she walked towards it and gazing round the Gate room mentally ticking off boxes. That had lead to Leon Vance scowling and tightening his grip on his son, so he would not follow his sister.

It had also lead to the immediate heart felt groan "Not another one!" from Tobias Fornell, who'd stopped silently teasing Gibbs, and was accompanied by the chuckle of delight from his daughter Emily, who was already walking towards Kayla to greet her and exclaimed with a smile. "Great! We can have a kids' evening or day in. Watch the episodes while our Dads talk in another room." Then knowing this was all a formality as the cat was certainly out of the bag, she added. "Of course, you'll have to sign lots of papers and not say a word about any of this to any one else, ever."

Gibbs suppressed his own smile as he watched Leon, knowing he was losing a battle with his son, let him go to join his sister and not follow them. Knew the man was adjusting to the amazing situation especially as he turned to Fornell and commented casually. "Last I heard, you'd taken a turn for the worse and were flown out by helicopter to a special nursing home. Don't see any injury or ill health and this certainly is not a nursing home."

That had made Gibbs smile, because Tobias had decided that after their medicals had said they were all 100 percent fit, he didn't need his sling while in the mountain and had been waving his arms around ever since. But then Gibbs lost his smile as Leon turned his attention on him with his so called 'casual gaze' and commented. "So this is where you've been hiding under the cover of Homeland Security needing you and continued 'light duties'. I suppose going 'upstairs' as McGee put it, is how you and the team managed to jump from one state to another to make those arrests the other day. I briefly met a General O'Neill in the office with a team from Homeland Security, he was not in charge as he chatted with the children while the others explained you were likely to be working for them, and gave me a contact number so I would know any call from it was genuine. Never needed it and as he's a Brigadier and the President's lapdog, while learning the ropes he's obviously not in charge. Therefore who is and where exactly are we? The team on the Odyssey were like McGee, tight lipped."

Even in memory, the scene now sent a shiver down Jethro's spine, it was the silence that ensued as tensions grew in the room, while he wondered if he should explain O'Neill was not a lapdog. He hadn't needed to, as Hank, who'd been next to him, stepped forward and in his gruff tone took charge of the situation. "I am Major General Hank Landry and in charge of this base, which is Stargate Command. The Odyssey is one of our fleet of spaceships. We are actually in the basement of Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, above us is the NORAD complex and only the very top brass there know what we do."

Then immediately brought the tension down, with a smile, as he continued. "Jack O'Neill would have been pleased with that statement, knowing that his cover worked with you at least. He is in fact a Lieutenant General. When Colonel, he was the leader of the premier team who went to other planets through that Stargate. It is not a film prop, and there is a grain of truth running through that tv series. He is in charge of Homeworld Security, which covers Stargate Command, our space forces and off world sites, as well as those like Area 51 and others on Earth, too many to list at the moment. He is the officer who spotted the recent trouble, and working covertly with Special Agent Gibbs and his team, as well as our SGC elite security team, tidied it up. I will explain things in detail during your overnight stay. But first I would like to confirm what General O'Neill felt when he was at your office talking to your children."

At those words, Gibbs had felt a tremor run though him, an Ancient ripple rather than one of tension, the other one had been suppressed now things were going to happen. Starting to take the small ball out of his pocket he hoped the butterflies would not appear just yet. He knew they were coming, could feel the energy itch in his hands … and could do so even in memory of it all.

He had had to hold the ball and wait, and watch Hank turn his attention to the other silent person by saying. "Doctor Cyril Taft, Chief Trauma Surgeon at Walter Reed Medical Centre. I know from Gibbs, Jack was hoping to include you in the programme as soon as he could arrange a meeting. Why were you at the Navy Yard today? We can provide you with overnight clothes and any calls you may need to make."

Cyril Taft, slightly built with very close cut balding dark hair, narrow reassuring face and dark rimmed glasses, gave nothing away of his status or the respect he could command. Till in his usual brisk character, that was trained to take in very unusual situations in seconds and react, looked at the man concerned rather than the questioner, then quickly snapped out his answers in his reassuring manner rather than a hostile one. "I'm known as Taft by patients, colleagues and friends. Clothes and a phone call to my wife later will be good. No doubt Gibbs told you he came under my knife and care. My wife and I returned from holiday abroad, were catching up on news and spotted him on tv. Though hiding it I could see his knee was causing him pain and was exhausted. That was a couple days ago. Since he hadn't returned my calls, and I knew he was unlikely to do so, I came looking for him and got caught up in this fun and games."

Still eyeing his patient come friend, but with a slight smile, he continued. "I can see he is a hundred percent fit and not favouring the bad knee as he should be, even when he is standing still." before immediately turning his full attention to Hank while adding brightly. "So General, what ever he has been taking I would like bottles of it for my patients, and I seriously doubt you need my services. Even so, I would be quite happy to offer them as I assume going 'upstairs' would be part of the job. Can even suggest two other people who would be interested. My wife and Dr Grace Confalone, who is a very good therapist that even Gibbs is willing to talk to, and I'm sure your staff need one."

Listening to his friend's comments, Gibbs knew Taft and his wife, though no longer running away from their son's death as they had been, could do with a total new start and reckoned Taft might have found it.

With a shake of his head and a slight laugh, liking the man and how the situation was panning out, Hank answered. "We are after your services either here or in DC, could even be both. Might take up the last suggestion, especially as a certain Lieutenant General is going to have to talk to someone he trusts when he returns to Earth, and he is worse than Gibbs when it comes to opening up about feelings. But first, Gibbs is going to hand you a ball, which it is not a toy, and keeping it in our sight, please pass it on to Director Vance and you sir, pass it on to your children who can pass it to Emily. We would like to see if it glows or not, it will not harm you if it does. Then I will explain why Gibbs and General O'Neill asked you all to be here."

Hoping the ripples of energy he could feel in his hands would not jump ahead of things, Gibbs walked up to Taft and gave him the small ball golden and silver glowing ball. Taft's smile became one of puzzled disappointment as the ball in his hand had stopped glowing, and was just a dull white colour. As he glanced up at his friend for answers, Gibbs shook his head, stayed silent and stepped back so the others could see what had happened. Noted that his team were now silent and watching as Taft passed the ball to Vance, who'd been watching proceedings very closely. The two men looked at each other with the same curious but disappointed expressions as the ball stayed dull white, not a flicker of a glow. Then Vance glanced at Gibbs for answers, but all Gibbs did was to stay silent and with a slight tilt of his head reminded Vance he had to pass the ball on or, possibly, get it taken from him.

Jared and Kayla were moving closer to their father, with guarded, curious anticipation and kept glancing at each other, as if silently asking who should go first. In typical brother sister rivalry they both reached out to take it, but Kayla being taller, with a longer reach got there first. She grasped it, then opened her hand exclaiming with excitement. "It is glowing gold with a touch of silver! Warm, but not hot. I can feel it buzzing." Looking at her father, who was looking shocked/surprised she quickly turned to her brother adding. "Go on!" Holding the glowing ball in her open hand so he could take it before their father stopped him.

With a mixture of nerves and excitement, Jared naturally glanced at his father for permission. Vance nodded, that is was okay. Rather than taking the ball, Jared cupped his hands so Kayla dropped the ball into them from a slight height. The ball turned dull white while in the air and then glowed on landing in the boy's hands, and making him gasp exclaim excitedly. "It is warm and buzzing, Dad!" Then immediately handed it to Emily, who'd remained beside them. Cupping her hands to receive it and so everyone could see the ball land, they all saw it glowed gold and silver even brighter than before. Making Vance's exclaim worriedly. "What does that mean General?"

Still feeling the strange whisper rippling within him, that was not the energy gifts or nerves, Gibbs immediately took the ball off Emily as she came beside him, and walked over to Delilah. Smiling reassuringly at her, understanding what that whisper rippling meant, he said softly. "Though you work at the Department of Defence and that department had not been cleared, we now know it is clean, and you are part of our NCIS family. The rest of the team did not make it glow, I would like you to hold it and see what happens. If it does, we will have to test your family before explaining anything to them."

He smiled at her bright eyed eagerness and gently dropped the ball into her cupped hands and nodded as it changed to a gentle glow. She had the Ancient Gene, not as strong as his, but it was there enough to be useful and to give her a choice. As he took the ball from her he added softly, so only the three of them could hear as Tim was standing beside her. "I do not believe what may happen next will enable you to walk again, but it will give you the health you need for the future and family, if you have them." He already knew they were thinking of that possibility, had started looking for a new apartment, but no great rush.

Also realising the significance of the action, Hank commented. "To answer your question Director Vance, we go back to General O'Neill and his visit to your office."

Vance butted in. "Where is he?"

Walking back to his place beside Hank, Gibbs returned Hank's smile and nodded, both knew what was going to happen next could blow their minds. Then Hank, in his gruff, no nonsense manner, ready to ignore any gasps from the listeners explained. "He is on the City of Atlantis our off-world outpost in the Pegasus Galaxy. Gibbs and Fornell met him at our Midway station, which is between the Galaxies using the Stargate to get there. He has the Ancient Gene that made the ball glow silver and gold and can control it, along with other like equipment. Your son and daughter also have that Gene through their mother's DNA, rather than your own as the ball did not glow when you held it. Emily has it through her mother's DNA. We will need to test your family as well Delilah, probably play catch with them."

Seeing Delilah's smiling silent nod, Gibbs noted Vance who'd gathered his children to him was smiling as he exclaimed. "What does it mean for their future?" and knew the man was on board, wanting to protect his children, even if he didn't know any of the story.

With a nod, Hank smiled and said. "A future here or even in space travel if they wish. But it will mean they can not ever tell anyone about the Gene or what they learn today. As far as the world is concerned, you are ordinary people. We are the only ones who know about the Gene, so their doctors can remain the same for now, may come under Doctor Palmer's or even Taft's care if he joins us. Being the Director of NCIS you have some security protection, this may be changed so it will cover your children as well, this can be discussed later. We need you in the programme because Gibbs and his team will deal with Stargate issues regarding all members of the services, and will link up with certain members of the other forces as they are brought on board. You, sir will be able to cover for any absences so no one will miss them or know what they are doing. That may mean all ranks right up to and including the President. It will come under the cover of Homeland Security as before, only now you will be in the picture. Your NCIS departments through out the States will be quietly checked out by our security forces and included where necessary, this includes the rest of your staff in DC and those in the future. Agent Gibbs will be our main link and your unofficial deputy." Then Hank had glanced at him by way of warning before returning his attention back to group adding. "Before we give you a tour of the Mountain and a medical, I believe Gibbs needs to deliver the gift that General O'Neill gave to him on Midway."

Even in memory, Gibbs could feel the echoes of the ripples of energy from the gifts, and anticipation that had been growing inside of him knowing that moment had finally arrived. As well as the faint, but real, ripple from the final energy ball that would be delivered later, if everything went to plan. And, now he knew how to, he calmed it, and let the memory carry on. Feeling and knowing the energy gifts needed releasing, he had glanced round the NCIS group, who were silent as they looked expectantly back at him, no doubt wondering and waiting for officers to bring in the gift. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Tobias silently starting to make tiny butterfly movements with his arms while grinning at him.

Sternly eyeing his friend, hopefully into submission, Gibbs commented sharply. "Tobias. I'm sure General Landry and Walter will light up the gate and send you through it without a planet to land on, if you keep that up or carry on moaning about everyone but you has been 'upstairs'." And was rather pleased with Tobias's reaction.

His friend stopped his antics and turned serious.

Mainly because Hank had glanced at Tobias, then with a nod immediately turned his attention to Walter, who was up on the higher level at the computers, and ordered sternly. "If he does it again, activate the Gate. Walter." and got the instant serious reply "Yes Sir." Walter was out of sight but could see everything that was going on in the Gate room. It helped that Tobias couldn't see Hank's smile, as the general had his back to the FBI agent while giving the order. If the order was not intimidating enough, Colonel Louis Ferretti, who'd been silently standing in the background, had immediately walked up beside Tobias and stopped there, either to assist in the matter or to get a better view of what he knew was going to happen next. Gibbs was not sure which one it was.

As Emily stepped in front of him Jethro smiled slightly. She was smiling as she held her open hands in front of her, to receive the glowing ball he had forgotten he was still holding. Her actions had also saved her father from receiving a head slap for his antics...well, that and the fact that General Landry, and his daughter, CMO Dr Carolyn Lam, were standing between himself and Tobias.

Jethro nodded to her his thanks and dropped it gently into her hands. Then stepped clear of her and the group beside him, guessing he would need some extra space for the energy butterflies to fly, believing there would be more than one to cover the group. Feeling the ripples of energy concentrate down his arms, he opened his cupped hands so there was space between them and glancing at the confused expectant group in front of him, calmly announced to them. "These are energy gifts so we can help keep the 'Stargate and Space Forces' safe, or find out why they have died or been injured while on Earth or out in the universe. You can refuse or accept them as you wish, no one will fault you for it. Do not fear them."

Before anyone could react, six small silver energy balls emerged from one hand and six multi coloured balls from the other. As they rose in the air, they intertwined into a colour line and once clear of his hands, the wings appeared and it became one large beautiful translucent butterfly with hints of all the colours in its wings.

The NCIS group watched in surprised, fascinated awe, while the general and the others smiled reassuringly at them, enjoying the amazing scene. Then as the butterfly started to fly round the chosen group, smaller butterflies emerged from it and flew to each of them. As the little butterflies came to their appointed person, each one hovered, ducking slightly as though asking permission to continue. Fascinated, everyone of group nodded back and let the butterflies land on their out stretched hands, then after a brief moment the butterflies disappeared into them. Making each person look at their hand to see if it had been changed… It had not, and they each felt a gentle reassuring ripple through them, even if they didn't understand it. Even little Tali, who'd been wriggling in her mothers arms, had stopped, watched and copied the others actions, and giggled when the very very small colourful butterfly, landed on her hand then disappeared into her.

There was one person in the group the little butterflies didn't visit, but those that passed him still ducked slightly in their flight, as though acknowledging his presence, and received a smile back with the gentle down to earth Scottish toned statement. "I think they know I have had my gift, Jethro."

Looking at his friend and returning his smile, Gibbs answered. "I think you are right Ducky. We also knew you wanted to have an update on how Jack is. So we will chat later."

Before Ducky could agree, their attention was taken by Kayla's and Jared's laughter as they held out their hands in anticipation as their butterflies flew towards them, both men noting Leon, their father was also holding out his hand ready to accept his butterfly, so there would not be a problem. Instead of landing immediately the three butterflies flew round the children's heads then one separated and flew to Leon's hand. The other two landed on the children's hands and took a couple of extra seconds, before disappearing into them. The children's laughter had stopped and they stood in silence for another couple of seconds before they both exclaimed softly. "I heard Mummy laughing. She is happy for us Daddy."

Seeing Vance's pained expression and knowing what had happened to the children, and to Leon if the butterfly's gift was strong enough as he didn't have the Ancient Gene, Gibbs kept an eye on his boss while directing his words to the children saying. "It is alright, she will be with you in your mind and help you when you need that extra strength, do not fear her appearance or her words. She is the one who has given you the special Gene and your father loved her so deeply you will always have that connection with her." and saw Leon give a slight nod of acknowledgement realising the last words were for him, and Gibbs knew Leon had seen or heard his dead wife in those seconds, and would feel the energy warmth grow within him and his children had.

Just then memory was interrupted by the soft Scottish toned call. "Jethro! The group will be here shortly to go up to the Odyssey and back to DC." Which was followed by the gentle concerned question. "Are you all right?" As Ducky continued walking into the Gate room, towards his silent friend, ready to give support if needed.

Turning towards him, Jethro was surprised he'd been so deep in memory not to hear his friend's approach, but also knew Ducky, like himself, was a silent walker. Letting the past disappear and the present gather around him, knowing what he needed to do before the others arrived, he silently nodded his answer 'he was fine'.

With his natural reassuring manner and smile, Ducky knew this was not the time for stories or probing his friend for answers, and softly voiced his thoughts. "Remembering their entrance while waiting for their exit, and knowing everything changes from now on." he gave a slight pause not wanting to crowd his friends thoughts, knowing he was in fact doing this for both of them, as there was no going back to the old days, and carried on in a gentle casual reassuring manner. "You know, we will still chat on the days I call in, and there will be many of those never fear, researching and writing my book will take time. Jimmy has been an excellent pupil and matured so much in the last couple of years he can start to fill my shoes with confidence.

"You and I might not have said anything, but we both know Abby has been thinking about space travel ever since she went 'upstairs' the first time and played with that helicopter. It opened her eyes to exciting possibilities and they treat their civilian staff like family. She will like the structured way of life around her as she makes the new start she needs."

Seeing his friend's slight smile as they both pictured Abby in her Goth outfit on the Odyssey marching down the corridors or cuddling her favourite stuffed farting Hippo in the lab there, Ducky added gently. "Seriously, Ellie is still learning, and I doubt Tim and Delilah will move yet. A new home, perhaps, but now he is head of the team, which is changing and his wife has new ideas to contemplate now she knows about the Ancient Gene. They will need time to adjust to their future. They will need your leadership a little longer and there will be new ones for you to help and teach. As for Tony and family, we know they will be safe under the care of SGC and their safe house in France."

Then resting his hand on Jethro's arm, Ducky gently reminded his friend. "You need to make that call to Abigail Borin. It was one of the things Jack wanted you to do, and if I'm not mistaken you have one energy gift left to give. It does not mean it has to be marriage, you know each other's history so the friendship and trust you have built up together is fine, and you can both start to gather in the new teams of Space CSI for Director Vance and Homeworld Security. That is your new beginning, a mixture of paperwork and field work just as before but heading a team that covers all the forces."

While letting his friend's words calm his uncertainties, Jethro chuckled at Ducky's name for their new group. Then nodded his acceptance, before saying quietly. "You stand guard and make sure Tobias is out of range while I see Walter."

Watching Jethro turn and walk quickly and confidently towards the stairs leading up to the computer area, Ducky chuckled and called out. "I believe he is going 'upstairs' for a couple of hours when we leave, and after that Emily will make sure he keeps out of your way, you know that."

"Good point Ducky. She is like her mother in that respect." Jethro answered as he started to walk up the stairs where Walter was waiting for him.

Seeing the Chief Master Sergeant smile as they got within talking distance of each other, Jethro said. "Right then, Walter, let's get this call made."

As Walter started dialling the number needed, Jethro checked. "Any details I need to know?"

"On the page, Sir." Walter answered pointing to the sheet of paper on the table.

Reading it and smiling, Gibbs commented. "The quick route. So she'll go 'upstairs' first. I trust the driver will warn her what to expect." and took the phone from Walter, saying into it. "NCIS Special Agent Gibbs to speak to Coast Guard Special Agent Abigail Borin. … ... I'll wait."

The wait was not long … then he heard Abigail's breathless, from rushing to get there, but still strong, almost commanding. "Gibbs! I know you are not at home, and you never return my calls about our meet up. So, I hope you are not giving me another rain cheque."

Considering that they had both often found it necessary, over the past year, to ask for rain cheques when work pre-empted plans, he said firmly, but casually, "No, I was hoping you might be free this evening and for the next couple of days. I'm out of the office on Homeland business at the moment, so this will need to be a short call."

Abigail laughed, then added. "Still jumping around all over the place then. You are in luck, I've just come off an assignment. Need to finish the paperwork, deal with my team, then round to my apartment to pack a bag and be free for the next few days. How does that sound?" she paused but not long enough for him to answer, before asking firmly. "So, where are you, and what do I pack?"

Jethro chuckled before adding seriously. "Warm, smart, casual and your walking boots. Extra outdoor clothing can be provided so don't bother with that. It will be business and pleasure. So ID tags and documents will be needed. I'll give you a number to ring for a driver to come and pick you up when you have packed. It is totally confidential, but you'll need a contact name in case something comes up at work. That is NORAD, Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs." and smiled.

Abigail gasped and exclaimed in shock. "What are you doing there?! That's hours and a flight away!"

Gibbs chuckled and said. "Don't worry, you'll be here before you know it. Arranged transport will be ready when you are." then turning serious again, and before she could butt in with any questions, added. "Pen, paper? I need to go."

With a sigh knowing she wouldn't prise more information out of the man, he was worse than a clam, Abigail grabbed what she needed and said. "Okay. Only the Boss will know and it is a Homeland security assignment. Paper and pen at the ready." then added with a huff. "It had better be a good hotel and break."

"The best, and you will love the experience. It is out of this world." Gibbs said before giving her the details she needed, and that the cover would be good enough for her boss. Jethro knew any phone call would go straight to SGC, though they never announced it as such. Then finished the call by adding. "My team are calling, and so is your paper work."

Abigail chuckled. "Good one, Gibbs." and put the phone down, shaking her head at the man's words before saying softly "It had better be out of this world or I want a refund."

Gibbs looked at Walter, who was smiling, and said softly. "Not a word to anyone."

Not at all threatened by the tone as others might have been, Walter nodded and added. "Lips are sealed, Sir." then he turned serious and added. "If you do go off base a driver will be with you all the time, in case we need you back in seconds." Seeing Gibbs start to shake his head, Walter continued. "If you wish, I can check with General Landry to see if General O'Neill's house is free. It has immediate connection to base and 'upstairs', but a guard will still be needed and will be discreet. As he is when General O'Neill visits or goes off base."

As Gibbs huffed and nodded his acceptance of the rules, while Walter checked the computer screen then added. "The team will be here any moment as they've just left the elevator. I believe General Landry will be joining us shortly, but definitely before they go."

"Thank you Walter." Gibbs said as he made his way to the stairs, and then back down to the landing area where Ducky was waiting for him. Coming up beside his friend, Jethro confirmed. "All done." Realizing the man was empty handed asked. "Where is your bag Ducky?"

Ducky smiled knowing better than to press for any information, and answered. "Jimmy said he would look after it. Then left it with the other luggage outside our rooms when everyone else went up to the top of the mountain to see the view." Having heard the chatter outside, he added. "If I'm not mistaken our bags are arriving first."

Seconds later they both watched two officers walk through the doorway with two trolleys. One loaded with the familiar NCIS 'go' bags the team had arrived with. The other had a packed up pushchair and child related things, as well as cases of clothes and things Tony and Ziva had acquired in their short stay there, and would need as soon as they arrived in Paris.

After them, wandered in the group who were making the noise, and with silent nods they acknowledged Gibbs and Ducky as they carried on milling around and chatting in groups, knowing directions about what to do would come later. Though they'd only known each other over the short period of time, Leon Vance and Cyril Taft were chatting like old friends. Kayla, Jared and Emily were laughing and making promises for that Video day date, as well as future internet and phone contacts, as their friendship would last a life time and so many adventures to come. The NCIS team were making the most of their usual friendly banter with promises and how to keep in 'undercover' touch with Tony and family. As well as swapping the usual memories, good wishes, knowing they would be leaving them when aboard the Odyssey.

With the noise of friendship going on around him and feeling the odd one out, Tobias split away from them, and approaching Gibbs commented. "You going to miss me?"

Understanding his friend's feelings of being in free fall due to the recent events and the choices he had to make about his and his daughter's futures, Gibbs chuckled, then with a slight smile added seriously. "No. And, you are only going for a few hours. Emily will keep you safe up there. Just don't let that curiosity of yours get the better of you and start fiddling with any buttons, or you might join the stars instead of seeing them."

Not raising to the bait or being side tracked by it, Tobias nodded then getting his own back on his friend asked with an innocent smile. "Made that call?"

Jethro shook his head knowing his friend wouldn't leave 'it' alone, and said softly but with an edge. "None of your business." Then spotting Tali was cuddling a large soft toy purple cat and Ziva was carrying both of them, he asked her. "How did you find that?"

Laughing as she came over, Ziva then explained. "One of the staff heard her calling out for purple pussy yesterday, and came in with it this morning. Tali will not let it out of her sight nor go of it."

As if to emphasize the point, Tali shifted round in Ziva's arms and holding the purple cat in a death grip, glared at Gibbs saying. "My pussy!" Then promptly wriggled out of her mother's arms and reaching the floor, sat down with the cat on her lap, now in a cuddle death grip so it was looking at her rather than the floor. And everyone in group knew she would not be moved without a fight … not yet anyway.

Seeing Tony join them, Gibbs nodded and asked. "You ready for this roller coaster ride."

Tony laughed and nodded, then looking over at Ziva knowing how close he had come to losing her and his daughter, nodded again, saw her reassuring smile, and turned back to Gibbs saying truthfully. "Never have liked goodbyes in films or real life. Boss." then knowing how much they respected each other, had become close as they had watched each other's backs as friends and team mates over the years, Tony added softly. "Thank you, for everything and the contacts you know that allowed this to happen."

Trying to stop his emotions getting the better of him, Tony changed tack saying."General Landry has arranged for their special removal people to clear, then store everything from the apartment for us till we have found our new home. Director Vance has officially accepted my resignation, so mourning the loss of my family will be put through the appropriate channels. NCIS can look after the apartment and put another agent in it if Tim and Delilah decide they don't want it. I think Ellie is still looking. We've decided to keep the off world option open should it be too dangerous in Paris or the cover does not work. Neither of us want to go down the total physical change routine."

Gibbs nodded, knowing Tony needed the diversion on to solid ground, and he did as well, if he was honest with himself, so asked. "Senior alright with it all?"

Remembering the phone call, knowing Gibbs knew their history, Tony chucked, before adding seriously. "Surprisingly yes, and no questions asked. Then again, he should understand, after all he did the same all those years ago when his wife died, but left me behind and never really put down roots again, till now, if you believe what he says." Seeing Jethro's understanding smile he added. "I know, give a few more months. I'll keep in contact, special phone, visit when necessary so he does not realise I… we have changed identities in Paris or gone off world. If he decides to join me … us we will explain everything once he is with us in Paris. Or here, it will be a shock but he will survive, probably think of it as a new adventure."

Then giving a gentle huff of closing that subject, his mentor and friend's worries, he went on to confirm. "My work plans have not been decided yet. Ziva and Tali need to recover from their ordeal, as well as us being a family together, so I'm taking a break from work for a while. We have enough money to do it comfortably. You know, these people are really good at this relocating business, and they will be keeping an eye on us and out for us. So, we will be safe. Boss." then giving another soft laugh, knowing this was really a big good bye, added with true feeling. "You will keep in touch?"

Knowing he would be spending time in the basement of the Mountain with the boat after they had gone, to help him tuck his own emotions and memories in their right boxes, Jethro nodded his silent final goodbye to his deputy and close friend, before confirming. "Yes, through the right channels." Knowing full well he'd go through any that Tim would rig up if the need arose. Then glancing at the milling group and officers, he sighed and stated. "It looks as though they are getting ready to leave."

Then Jethro carefully hugged Ziva knowing she was still feeling the bruises and slight burns from the explosions and said softly. "Those nightmares will go, you know that."

Knowing how much she owed to him, Ziva broke away from Jethro with a smile, and confirmed. "I know. But Tali does not know and she has them and she is too young to understand." then added. "Tony can you take her?"

Tony bent down to start to persuade his daughter she needed to be picked up and purple pussy was coming with them, just as General Landry came in with his daughter behind him. Both now in full uniforms, and Hank immediately announced to the group who were gathering in the centre of the gate room. "Everyone move back from the centre. We will be delayed. We have a visitor coming in from the Odyssey. She is being picked up from DC now and needs to see you all before you go."

With that the officers started to push the trolleys to the side, and the group who'd started to gather around them moved back asking and wondering who it could be, and not getting any answers.

Satisfied with the action, Hank turned his attention to Walter, who was in the Control Room and dealing with the situation and the mass of information, and called out to him. "Walter. Inform Odyssey the area is clear and we are ready."

Walter announced back. "Sir. The Nox ship has re-entered our area and will communicate with us, then link us with Lady Lya in City of Atlantis, once we are free." then added. "Informing Odyssey the area is clear, now."

Coming beside Hank, who'd obviously put his uniform jacket on to receive this guest, Vance asked. "Who is it and is it always like this?"

Hank gave a short gruff laugh, then added. "Our visitor is General Roberta Green, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and on the command of the President. It is regarding the medals the President wishes to award Gibbs and his team. Hopefully Lady Lya of the Nox will give us good information regarding General O'Neill. As in your job Director, sometimes it is very quiet and other times all hell breaks loose, so you plan for the unexpected. Especially where General O'Neill and SG1 are concerned. I suspect it is similar regarding Gibbs and his team."

With a slight smile knowing that was very true, Vance asked. "General Green been 'upstairs' before?"

"First time over, with minutes to prepare, apparently." Hank said with a smile.

Walter's announcement, "General Green. In coming, Sir." cut across any chatter.

Hank smiled at that remark, knowing it was said with full respect and the best way to express what was going to happen, and said quietly to his daughter. "Everything ready?"

Carolyn Lam smiled knowing the infirmary was ready, in case an inspection was sprung on them, and confirmed. "As soon as your word came over the intercom, Sir."

And with that, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Roberta Green, appeared. Full uniform, standing at attention while carrying a brief case and head cover. Tall, medium build, blonde hair tied in a bun, good looking and carrying her sixty years well. Steadying her breathing and emotions without it being obvious to anyone, she took in the group facing her, the strange surroundings, as well as the whole weird experience she'd just been put through.

Recognizing the familiar officer in charge, she addressed him. "General Landry, I'm sorry to butt in like this." then ended with a warm smile saying. "Have to admit it is some way to do it."

"Ma'am" Hank acknowledged with a smile and some relief she had taken it well, and was not going to pull rank on everyone, and stepped forward to meet her.

Wanting to get her land legs back, and know she wasn't dreaming all this, Roberta also stepped forward saying. "I'll come to you. Hank." Then with a slight huff added. "Trouble with all this is, I will not be able to say a word about it to my husband tonight. I only saw the landing area on Odyssey so I have been promised 'the' view on the way back, what ever time that is." and ended with a smile.

Now level with Hank and Carolyn, she stopped and continued seriously. "Relax. This is not a surprise inspection of any kind. It was decided amongst the group, just after you left the video meeting, that the top brass should all have experience of going 'upstairs' as you call it. Hence the short phone call to you and order for this visit to happen.

"I was picked as I was free of 'important' meetings for the rest of the day, so my so called unimportant ones and paper work got put off for another day. The President has also given me the powers to finalize and if necessary announce certain details put forward at that meeting. I have the papers with me. He also decided as NCIS Special Agent Antony DiNozzo is with you and is mourning the loss of his family, his medal should be handed over now and in private. The others will of course attend the special ceremony at the White House as discussed."

Roberta stopped, and with a smile turning to Tony, who was holding Tali and was standing beside Ziva, added. "I am glad to see your family are alive and well. I am guessing that something very special saved them, and this is one thing I will not be reporting back to the President." Seeing nods of agreement from all concerned she added. "Before you leave, I will hand you the medal with the President's thanks and wishes for good luck for the future, where ever that may be."

Turning back to Hank, and in a lighter tone that showed respect and friendship for the president, she added. "He's been listening to ex-president Hayes's Stargate tales, now they are talking to each other and leaving politics to one side, and wants to know what you have been leaving out of your reports regarding General O'Neill and SG1."

Seeing Hank's look of horror, she chuckled, then added seriously. "I of course will be guided by you as to what I actually report back to him. I expect he will guess that, and knows I will stick to my statement once it has been given."

Before Hank could say anything, Walter announced. "Sir, Ma'am. We now have total security black out regarding this meeting and have audio link with the Nox in space."

"Thank you, Walter. Link it through." Hank replied, before adding quietly to Roberta. "Ma'am you may see and hear why we've kept and still want to keep certain things totally off all records. These are on General O'Neill's orders as Head of Homeworld Security and Space Forces, all of which I fully agree with. I will fill you in on the details later if the need arises. The Nox are an intelligent, advanced, friendly race, so don't be fooled by their appearance." Remembering who else might be with them and all possibilities, added quickly. "Or anyone else's appearance, come to that." and was stopped from explaining further by the announcement over the speakers.

"Master Walter of Stargate Command. This is Lady Lya of the Nox family in Atlantis City, requesting a visual and audio audience via our Nox travelling Gate with General Landry, regarding the update on General O'Neill as promised when he was on Midway."

oxoxo

There we will leave them for now.

Thank you everyone who has got this far, hope you enjoyed it.

As always comment and reviews are welcome. Will be back, as usual when muse and real life match up again.

Till then take care, stay well and enjoy yourselves.