A/N: Here we go, folks. The last chapter. See the first one for the disclaimer. I hope you all have your tissues ready, because you're going to need them... haha. This chapter's rather sad, and I'm sure you all know where it's going... haha. I want to thank all of you who've been reading this all along... especially those who have been reviewing all along, too. I hope you all enjoy this chapter, and please review. :)

Epilogue: I Can't Believe This is Goodbye

Gibbs, Tony, Abby, Ziva, Ducky, McGee, and Palmer all sat together at the memorial service. Each of them were trying to deal with the day in their own way, not sure what else to do. Abby was sitting between Gibbs and Tony, while Ziva held onto Tony's hand. Ducky was holding Ziva's other hand, Palmer was sitting next to Ducky, and McGee was sitting next to Palmer.

As the services started, tears came first to Abby's eyes, following next to Ducky. Palmer followed, having never before seen Ducky cry. McGee was the next to cry, losing it after Palmer did.

Tony kept his head bowed, not wanting to see anything and just listen to the service. Ziva squeezed his hand while Abby leaned away from him, toward Gibbs' shoulder. No one said any words until Ducky finally stood, squeezing past Palmer and McGee to get out of the pew. He walked up to the podium, smoothing out the sheet of paper that had been folded up in his pocket. He took a deep breath before leaning into the podium.

"I met Jennifer many years ago, when she first joined NCIS," he began. "She was working with myself and Special Agent Gibbs as her first assignment out of FLETC. She was a rather intelligent young woman who had her heart set on working her way up through the agency.

"Her deep seeded sense of duty, along with her great communication skills and her caring nature, made her a natural leader. It wasn't long before she was rising through the ranks of NCIS, finally making her way to the top as Director.

"Jennifer was the type of woman who cared deeply for those around her. She had a warm heart and was willing to lend an ear to anyone who needed it. She had a few close friends who knew much about her, and was loyal to everyone she served with.

"One night, Jennifer and I were talking after a long day. She mentioned that the only regret she had was that she had never married nor had kids."

At this point in Ducky's speech, Ziva looked over at Tony, who was looking back at her. Though neither spoke, they both knew they were thinking about the other night in Autopsy.

"Jennifer had always felt there would be time for that later," Ducky said, clearing his throat to keep his emotions at bay. "What she could never predict was that her time would run out before she could get the chance." Ducky's voice choked off slightly, his eyes tearing up. "She would have made an excellent mother and wife if she had the chance, because she was a supremely loyal woman who protected those around her.

"She will be missed by all those lives she's touched along the way," Ducky continued, tears falling down his cheeks. "She will be remembered for her love, her courage, her loyalty, and her patriotism. May she rest in peace."

Ducky stepped off the podium, making his way back to the pew. McGee and Palmer stood to let Ducky pass, both patting the older doctor on the shoulder as he walked to his seat. He sat down and put his head in his hands while Ziva stroked his back gently.

The funeral let out shortly thereafter, and the team made their way back to NCIS headquarters. They reached the floor, watching the TV report that claimed that Jenny simply died in a house fire.

Not shot to death in a diner in the Mojave Desert.

As the day wound down, the team got the news that they were to report to the director's office. They walked in, closing the door behind them.

"Rough few days," Vance began. No one responded, so Vance continued. "Officer David. The liaison position with NCIS is being terminated. You're going home."

Ziva simply glanced at Gibbs, who clearly had no indication this was going to happen.

"McGee," Vance continued. "I'm moving you across to the Cybercrimes Unit. You'll be working with Officer Hollister."

McGee also looked in shock at Gibbs, but said nothing.

"Agent DiNozzo?" Vance said.

"Sir?" Tony replied dismally.

"You're being reassigned. Agent Afloat, USS Ronald Reagan. Pack your bags. You fly out tomorrow."

Tony swallowed the lump in his throat, saying nothing.

"Agent Gibbs," Vance said in summation, taking the folders and walking around his desk. He handed them to Gibbs. "Meet your new team."

Gibbs took the folders regretfully, looking into the forlorn faces of the people that used to be his team with his own sadness mirrored in his eyes. No one said a word as they all filed out of Vance's office, not sure what to say. After everything that the day had been, they got hit with something else.

They all had to say goodbye. Again. Only this time, it was to each other. And it was the last thing they ever wanted to do.

The End.