The C-17 plane, its massive frame a familiar sight at Andrews Air Force Base, was taxiing slowly towards its designated hangar, the sounds of its engines fading into the distance. On board, an exhausted Timothy McGee was already bracing himself for the familiar pangs of anxiety that coursed through his body whenever he anticipated a confrontation with his teammates. He could almost feel the weight of Gibbs' glare and the sting of Tony's mocking words, a sensation that had become all too familiar over the years. McGee, by nature, was not a confrontational person, but he had a strong sense of self-preservation and would defend his actions, whether Gibbs and Tony approved of them or not. He had shown his stubborn side before, and he was more than willing to put his foot down against any abuse or ridicule he might face from his colleagues.

As the rear ramp of the plane lowered itself, McGee felt a gentle pressure against his side as Ziva shifted her weight, pressing her body against his. He instinctively wrapped his arm around her shoulder, a gesture that had become a comforting habit for both of them. The ramp finally came to rest on the ground, revealing a man in a well-tailored suit, surrounded by dozens of secret service members. The man was standing in front of a sleek motorcade, comprised of black Chevrolet Suburban, and McGee's own car, which had been brought to the airbase for their convenience. Tightening their holds on each other, both agents, still wearing clothes borrowed from Camp Lemonnier, slowly walked out of the plane and headed for their welcoming committee. The bright sunlight was a shock to their systems, and they squinted slightly as they approached the man, who was waiting for them with a warm smile. McGee introduced Ziva to Phillip Davenport, the Secretary of the Navy, who promptly welcomed them back to US soil. His voice was warm and genuine, and McGee felt a sense of relief wash over him as Davenport invited them to join him in his car, which would take them to NCIS headquarters.

As the motorcade left Andrews Air Force Base, McGee and Ziva settled into the comfortable seats of Davenport's car, feeling a sense of relief and exhaustion wash over them. The Secretary of the Navy, Phillip Davenport, initiated the conversation by stating, "Agent McGee, before we begin our conversation, I must first disclaim that you are in no way in trouble. Agent David, what I will be talking about might give you pause. I am counting on your discretion."

Tim McGee responded with a sense of relief, "Thank you, sir. Not even for using the admiral's credential to reach out to you?"

Phillip Davenport clarified, "No, your use of credential was deemed permissible after the fact, given the result of the report you provided to the Navy. Now, is anyone of you familiar with a chess term called Zwischenzug?"

At the NCIS agents' head shakes, Phillip Davenport continued to explain, "It is a chess tactic when a player makes an unexpected move in the middle of a sequence to create a new threat."

Ziva inquired, "A surprise attack then?"

Phillip Davenport broadened the definition, "Broadly speaking, it is a specific type of surprise attack that is different from an established tactic."

Tim McGee sought clarification, "So what was 'the sequence' and 'the unexpected move'?"

Phillip Davenport elaborated, "The sequence, which can be referred by the chess term of Zugzwang, is an ongoing counter-intelligence operation against Mossad. We had found evidence of the Israelis spying on us, and it is in the best interest of the United States that we know what information they are aware of, and control what they can access. The details of the operation are above your pay grades, for now. However, you should know that Michael Rivkin of Mossad had attempted to spy on one of our meetings. ICE Special Agent Thomas Sherman confronted him and died of a stroke while held in a chokehold. Every other bit of information we deem necessary for you to learn will be given after you're sworn in. You will play a limited role in this operation, and play it infrequently. As for 'the unexpected move', the Zwischenzug, it came from you, Agent McGee."

Tim McGee recalled, "When I was investigating what happened to Ziva."

Phillip Davenport confirmed, "Yes. Tell me, Agent McGee, are you aware of the consequences of your successful cyber attack on Mossad?"

Ziva's eyes widened in surprise, "What?! Cyber attack?! Timothy, you hacked Mossad?!"

Tim McGee explained, "Short answer is yes. I will explain everything to the entire team, I don't want to tell the story twice. To answer your question, Mr. Secretary, I don't know for sure. My educated guess is that they isolated the virus, destroyed it, made new security protocols, and strengthened their firewall."

Phillip Davenport validated Tim's assumption, "Correct. What you didn't know is that, by bringing down Mossad's cyber defenses, we've had multiple analysts from the DOD, the NSA, and the CIA infiltrate Mossad's network and servers. Our hope is that one of those spyware remains undetected, thereby giving us an in into Mossad."

Ziva expressed her concern, "My father is not a complacent man. He also has a heavy dose of paranoia. I hope you have a better long-term solution than this."

Phillip Davenport reassured her, "We do."

Ziva acknowledged, "Good."

Phillip Davenport continued, "Your actions, Agent McGee, had benefited our counter-intelligence operation against Mossad, and it just might give us an advantage. Is there anything that you have collected that could interest us?"

Tim McGee shared, "I have the files on the three assistant directors of Mossad and a bit of info on Director David. The files relating to Eli David were extensive and I was not willing to be caught while Mossad's cybersecurity unit scoured their network."

Phillip Davenport was pleased, "Perfect. Director Vance will guide you on how to proceed. Those files could contain a goldmine of information. Agent David, is there anything you would like to say?"

Ziva stated her position, "I am loyal to Tim, and to NCIS. I am willing to share information about Mossad for the sake of counter-intelligence. I also ask that I am not sent on the field to spy on Mossad officers. This could create complications."

Phillip Davenport inquired, "Are you fearing you could experience a conflict of interest?"

Ziva clarified, "No. I fear what my father will do to get me back to Mossad should I be recognized."

Phillip Davenport understood, "Understood. Thank you for your loyalty and your cooperation, Agent David. Now that we are near the Navy Yard, you both should know that Director Vance is probably informing his agents of the cause of your absence. We wouldn't want them to accidentally cause an incident, especially given what happened to you, Agent David."

Tim McGee suggested, "Ziva, what should we do about your dad? Give you an alias? Maybe put you under Witness Protection?"

Phillip Davenport proposed, "I can restrict her information to a very high-security clearance. An alias can work since it doesn't remove the possibility of changing her information and, essentially, fake her death."

Ziva added, "I can also subtly change my appearance to make it more difficult for Mossad to find me."

Phillip Davenport concluded, "The MCRT will be on administrative leave for however long it is required. That gives us some time to iron out the details."

As the motorcade slowly made its way into the NCIS parking lot, the excitement and anticipation were palpable. Shortly after their conversation, the vehicles came to a stop, and Tim and Ziva were greeted by the familiar face of NCIS security guard Henery, who was beaming with a warm smile. The two agents, still digesting the conversation they've just had, exchanged a brief glance before stepping out of the vehicle, smiling back at Agent Henery and taking the elevator with Phillip Davenport, the Secretary of the Navy, and two imposing secret service members. As the elevator doors slid open, Phillip Davenport and his guards took a few steps forward, barely clearing the threshold before the Secretary's voice boomed out across the bullpen. "Ladies and Gentlemen, they're home," he announced, his simple sentence speaking volumes about the significance of the moment. The room erupted into a frenzy of cheers and applause as the agents, who had been anxiously waiting for the return of their colleagues, welcomed Tim and Ziva back with open arms.

Stepping to the side, Phillip Davenport joined in on the roaring applause, a broad smile spreading across his face as he clapped his hands together in celebration. Meanwhile, a red-eyed Timothy McGee and a bruised and battered Ziva David made their way into the room, looking a little worse for wear but grateful to be back among their friends and colleagues. The warm reception was a stark contrast to the dangers and hardships Ziva had faced, and as they made their way through the crowd, they were met with warm hugs, pats on the back, and words of welcome.

Eli David was pacing back and forth in his office, his forehead furrowed in a deep frown. He couldn't shake off the feeling of worry and restlessness that had been building up inside him since he received the message from Malachi Ben-Gidon, the Head of Kidon. The news had come from Somalia, where a team of Kidon officers had assembled to gather intelligence on Ziva's mission. They had finally found her camp, expertly hidden in a saddle of two hills and cleverly disguised with bushes.

As Eli David walked, his mind was racing with the details of the report. The Kidon officers had conducted a thorough examination of the camp and found the remains of a week's worth of resources, mostly consumed. They had also discovered Ziva's binoculars, notes, and charts, which suggested that she had been gathering intelligence on the terrorist camp led by Saleem Ulman. The camp was nestled in the ruins of El Ayum, and the terrorists were also known to dwell in the nearby town of Ceelaayo. However, despite the thorough search, the Kidon officers had been unable to find Ziva herself. They had scoured the ruins and the nearby town, but all they found were signs of a fierce battle: plenty of bullet holes and bullet casings, dried stains of blood, but no bodies. It was as if the terrorists had been taken away to be buried elsewhere, leaving behind no clues about Ziva's fate. The lack of evidence was frustrating, and Eli David couldn't help but wonder what had happened to his agent.

It was clear that another force had arrived in the area while Ziva was on her mission. But what was not clear was the nature of this force and their intentions. Had they interrupted Ziva's mission? Had she been mistaken for one of Saleem's terrorists? Had she managed to leave the area before they located her? And, most importantly, was she still alive? The questions swirled in Eli David's mind, refusing to be silenced. As the Director of Mossad and a seasoned Intelligence Officer, he hated being without answers. He was a man who thrived on control and precision, and the uncertainty surrounding Ziva's disappearance was eating away at him. A pang of guilt began to pulse in his heart as he realized, in hindsight, how he could have handled the mission to kill Saleem Ulman differently. He had sent Ziva in alone, without adequate backup, and now she was lost and unaccounted for. The thought of his agent, whom he had trained to be strong and resilient, being in danger was unbearable. He refused to believe that Ziva was dead, knowing how capable she was. He just had to find her and make up for his mistakes.

With a newfound sense of determination, Eli David made a decision. He would send Kidon Agent Liat Tuvia and her team to investigate Ziva's whereabouts and bring her back to Mossad. He would leave no stone unturned, spare no resource, until he found his agent and brought her home safely. He quickly picked up the phone and dialed Commander Malachi Ben-Gidon's number, his voice firm and resolute as he relayed his mission orders. "I want Ziva back," he said, his words laced with a sense of urgency and desperation. "I want her back as soon as possible. Spare no effort, leave no stone unturned. I want my agent back, and I want her back alive."

Anthony DiNozzo was feeling deeply conflicted, his emotions a tangled web of emotions that he couldn't quite unravel. On one hand, he was overjoyed that his probie, Tim McGee, had managed to bring Ziva back to him, reuniting him with the person he cared about. However, this happiness was overshadowed by a growing sense of anger and resentment towards McGee for achieving this feat on his own, without seeking help from either Tony or their team leader, Gibbs.

The seeds of this turmoil had been sown when Director Vance had sworn them to secrecy about McGee's departure for Djibouti. Since then, Tony had been grappling with a myriad of emotions, none of which were positive. He felt apprehensive about McGee's growing capabilities and the fact that he seemed to be surpassing him in many areas. This feeling of being left behind was a bitter pill for Tony to swallow, especially since he had always considered himself to be a skilled and capable agent. Tony's unease stemmed from the fact that McGee, who had started out as a green Base Agent, had quickly proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team. McGee's expertise in computer skills had been instrumental in solving several cases, including the one involving Joshua Fox, an eco-terrorist, and the plot to release Sarin gas on a submarine. These successes had highlighted the many ways in which a crime could be solved, and Tony couldn't help but feel that he was lacking in these areas.

Moreover, McGee's personal life seemed to be flourishing as well. He had managed to score a date with Abby, a woman who had taken close to a year to speak to Tony on friendly terms, after just a single conversation over Skype. This had shaken Tony, making him realize that McGee was a force to be reckoned with, not just in the professional arena but also in the personal one. The fact that McGee could effortlessly charm women and make them take notice of him was a daunting prospect for Tony, who had always relied on his charm and good looks to get by.

When McGee had first joined the MCRT, Tony had seen him as a threat, a competitor who would expose his weaknesses and shortcomings. In an attempt to undermine McGee's credibility, Tony had spread rumors about him being gay, hoping to distract from his own limitations. However, as time went on, Tony found it increasingly difficult to hate McGee, despite his many reasons for doing so. McGee's kind and generous nature, his lack of malicious intent, and his willingness to learn and grow had all combined to make him a lovable and admirable person. In fact, during Gibbs' hiatus, McGee had forced Tony to confront his own limitations and biases. He had made Tony realize that he didn't have to emulate Gibbs in order to be a good leader, that he could forge his own path and develop his own leadership style. This had been a revelatory experience for Tony, one that had made him aware of his own shortcomings and the need for personal growth.

The opportunity to further develop himself as a team leader, which had been offered to him by former Director Jenny Shepard, had been declined by Tony. However, this decision had not been made out of a desire to remain under Gibbs' wing, but rather out of a recognition of his own limitations and the need for self-improvement. Tony had come to realize that he needed the help and support of others to become a better agent, and that he couldn't do it alone. As he watched McGee basking in the attention of the bullpen, with his arm wrapped around Ziva's waist, Tony couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger and resentment. He knew that McGee would never intentionally slight him, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that McGee was somehow stealing the glory, leaving him in the shadows. The smile on his face was a thin veneer, hiding the turmoil that was brewing in his eyes. Despite his efforts to appear calm and collected, Tony was struggling to come to terms with his own emotions, and the realization that he needed to confront his own weaknesses and limitations in order to move forward.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs sat in contemplative silence, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before him in the bustling NCIS bullpen. The return of his two agents, Timothy McGee and Ziva David, was a welcome relief, but it was tainted by a sense of betrayal. Gibbs couldn't shake the feeling that McGee had deliberately kept him in the dark about his plans, and the revelation still stung. Ever since Director Leon Vance had pointed out the lack of knowledge about McGee's mission, Gibbs had been replaying every interaction with his agent in his mind, searching for any hint or clue that might have explained McGee's secrecy.

His thoughts drifted back to their mission to assist the Office of Special Projects in NCIS: Los Angeles, and he scrutinized every conversation, every gesture, and every decision McGee had made. But no matter how hard he tried, Gibbs couldn't pinpoint a single instance that would have warned him about McGee's intentions. The more he thought about it, the more he felt a growing sense of unease and frustration. As he gazed out at the cheering agents, Gibbs's eyes landed on McGee and Ziva, standing together in the center of the room. The Secretary of the Navy, Phillip Davenport, caught his eye, exchanging a meaningful glance with Director Vance. The look spoke of a prior conversation, and Davenport's expression seemed to convey a sense of satisfaction, like a soldier who had successfully completed a difficult mission.

Gibbs's attention shifted to McGee, who was accepting the praise of his colleagues with a mixture of gratitude and humility. But Gibbs knew his agent well enough to recognize the tells – the rigid posture, the guarded eyes, and the faintly defensive tone. McGee was waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting a stern lecture from his boss about his actions. The fact that he had his arm wrapped around Ziva's waist, a subtle display of support and protection, didn't go unnoticed by Gibbs. Ziva, on the other hand, seemed to be drawing comfort from McGee's presence, her body pressed closely against his side. The trauma she had endured was still etched on her face, and Gibbs could sense the depth of her emotional pain. McGee's support was a lifeline for her, and Gibbs made a mental note to keep a close eye on both of them in the coming days.

As their eyes met across the room, Gibbs and McGee shared a brief, weighted moment. McGee's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, and he nodded almost imperceptibly, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between them. Gibbs responded with a fleeting smirk, a nod of approval that McGee had brought Ziva home safely, but also a warning that their conversation was far from over. Gibbs's gaze drifted to Director Vance, who was watching him with an intensity that suggested a serious conversation was looming. The presence of Phillip Davenport and the gravity of Vance's expression hinted that there was more to the story than Gibbs currently knew. He nodded at Vance, deferring to his director's authority, and wondered what the upcoming meeting would bring.

Finally, Gibbs turned his attention to Tony DiNozzo, who was standing a short distance away, his eyes clouded with a mixture of emotions. Gibbs could sense the turmoil brewing inside his agent, the conflict between relief and concern, and he knew that the meeting to come would be a long and difficult one. The silence between them was palpable, heavy with unspoken questions and unresolved tensions, and Gibbs steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead.

As the small reception came to a close, Timothy McGee and Ziva David took a moment to bid farewell to their fellow agents, the sense of relief and happiness palpable in the air. They expressed their gratitude to the Secretary of the Navy, who had kindly driven them back to the NCIS headquarters, for his thoughtfulness and hospitality. With the formalities out of the way, they made their way out of the building. The exhaustion of their long and arduous journey was beginning to catch up with them, but Tim was determined to take care of a few essential tasks before they could finally rest. As they drove home, Tim made a mental note of the things they needed to pick up, and he decided to stop at a few stores to stock up on essentials, necessities, and some much-needed clothes for Ziva. As they walked through the stores, clad in their full NCIS sweats, they couldn't help but turn heads. Ziva, in particular, was fidgeting with discomfort, aware of the curious glances and stares they were receiving from the other shoppers. Tim, sensing her unease, took her hand in his, offering a reassuring smile as they navigated the aisles.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at Tim's apartment, exhausted from the long day. The process of unloading the car and unpacking their belongings was a tedious one, but eventually, they made their way inside, collapsing onto the sofa with a collective sigh of relief. As they sat there, surrounded by the familiar comforts of Tim's home, they both felt their bodies begin to relax, letting go of the tension and fatigue that had been building up over the past few days. Tim, ever the thoughtful host, decided to order some food from one of the few Kosher restaurants in D.C., knowing how much Ziva would appreciate the taste of home. He opted for a selection of traditional Israeli dishes, including Israeli salad, Matzo Ball Soup, Shawarma wrapped in Laffa, Pargiyot, and Sufganiyah and Hamentashen for dessert. The aroma of the food wafting through the apartment was incredible, and Ziva's eyes lit up as she saw the spread before her. Tim poured himself a glass of wine from one of his favorite bottles, a small gesture to celebrate Ziva's return to the States and to NCIS.

As they sat down to enjoy their meal together, the atmosphere in the apartment was warm and intimate. They savored each bite, relishing the flavors and textures of the food, and the company of each other. The wine flowed freely, and Tim couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and happiness as he watched Ziva enjoy her meal. After they finished eating, Tim got up to clear the table, and then began to make room in his closet, dresser, and bathroom for Ziva's belongings. It was a small gesture, but one that spoke volumes about his commitment to their new life together.

As the evening drew to a close, Tim drew Ziva a warm bath, complete with scented oils and soft music. Following Ziva's bath, he took a shower of his own, feeling the warm water wash away the fatigue and stress of the past few days. When he emerged from the bathroom, he found Ziva already in bed, her eyes closed, a peaceful smile on her face. He slipped in beside her, wrapping his arms around her as they both drifted off to sleep. In that moment, as he held her close, Tim finally felt a sense of closure and completion. His mission was accomplished, and Ziva was back home, where she belonged. The world outside receded, and all that mattered was the two of them, together, safe, and sound.