It had been a few weeks since Brody's injury, and the NCIS team had settled back into their routine. Brody was recovering well, though she still had some time before she could return to active duty. During her downtime, she spent a lot of time at the office, helping with research and supporting the team from behind the scenes.

The day started like any other, with the team gathered in the squadroom, discussing their current cases. Pride looked up from his desk, noticing Brody engrossed in her work. "How's it going, Brody?" he asked, his voice carrying across the room.

Brody looked up, a smile tugging at her lips. "Just fine, Pride. Getting a lot of paperwork done, thanks to you guys keeping me on desk duty."

Lasalle chuckled from his desk. "Don't worry, Brody. We're just saving all the fun stuff for when you're back on your feet."

Before Brody could respond, Pride's phone rang, cutting through the light-hearted banter. He picked it up, listening intently for a moment before his expression turned serious. "Alright, we're on it," he said, hanging up the phone. "Team, we've got a new case. Arms dealer spotted in Belle Chasse. Let's gear up."

Brody's eyes lit up with determination. "Pride, let me come with you. I can handle it."

Pride shook his head, his tone firm but understanding. "Not yet, Brody. You're still recovering. We need you here."

She frowned but nodded, understanding the reasoning behind his decision. "Alright. Be careful out there."

The team moved out quickly, arriving at the location in Belle Chasse where the arms dealer was last seen. The atmosphere was tense as they moved through the industrial area, weapons at the ready.

Lasalle and Gregorio took the lead, while Pride and Sebastian covered the rear. They moved with practiced precision, their training and experience guiding their every step.

Suddenly, gunfire erupted from a nearby warehouse. The team took cover, returning fire as they assessed the situation. "We need to get inside and flush them out," Pride called out over the comms. "Lasalle, Gregorio, you're with me. Sebastian, cover our six."

As they moved in, the firefight intensified. The sound of bullets ricocheting off metal and concrete filled the air. Lasalle's sharp eyes spotted movement to his left and he signaled to Pride. "Over there!"

The team advanced, methodically clearing each room. The tension was palpable, every corner a potential threat. Finally, they reached the central room where the arms dealer, Marcus Steele, was holed up with his men.

"NCIS! Drop your weapons!" Pride shouted, his voice echoing through the cavernous space.

Steele, a burly ex-Marine with a menacing glare, smirked. "You think you can just walk in here and take me down?"

"We don't think," Lasalle replied, his grip tightening on his weapon. "We know."

Steele opened fire, forcing the team to take cover. The gunfight was intense, each side exchanging heavy fire. Suddenly, a grenade rolled into their cover spot. Lasalle's eyes widened in alarm. "Grenade!"

The team scrambled, diving for cover as the grenade exploded, sending shrapnel flying. Amidst the chaos, Lasalle saw an opportunity. He emerged from cover, firing at Steele and his men with deadly accuracy.

Gregorio and Sebastian followed suit, providing cover fire as they advanced. The gunfire slowed as Steele's men were taken down one by one. Steele, realizing he was outgunned, attempted to flee.

"He's trying to run!" Gregorio shouted, chasing after him.

Pride and Lasalle pursued, their focus unwavering. Steele darted through the maze of machinery and crates, but the NCIS agents were relentless. Lasalle's determination fueled his every step, his thoughts briefly flashing to Brody and her sacrifice.

Finally, they cornered Steele near the back exit. Pride raised his weapon, his voice firm. "It's over, Steele. Surrender now."

Steele, panting and out of options, glared at them. "You may have won this round, but this isn't over."

"Actually, it is," Lasalle replied, stepping forward. "Cuff him, Pride."

With Steele secured, the team let out a collective breath of relief. The adrenaline slowly ebbed away, replaced by the satisfaction of a job well done.

Back at the office, Brody was waiting anxiously for news. When the team returned, she stood up, her eyes scanning their faces. "What happened? Are you all okay?"

Pride smiled, nodding. "We got him. Steele's in custody. It was a tough fight, but we pulled through."

Lasalle approached Brody, his expression softening. "You should've seen it, Brody. We nailed them."

Brody smiled, a mixture of pride and relief washing over her. "I knew you would. I wish I could have been there."

"You will be," Pride assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But for now, you need to focus on getting better. We need you at full strength."

Brody nodded, her determination renewed. "I will. And next time, I'll be right there with you."