Author's Note:

This was one of the first multi-chapter stories I ever wrote – back in March of 2008 - and I remember writing it because the whole Junior Director vibe annoyed the hell out of me.

This would be a Season Four storyline.

"Are you familiar with the etymology of the word autopsy, Mr Palmer?" Ducky asked, as he weighed the liver of their most recent guest before returning it to the body.

"Etymology, Dr Mallard?"

"Yes. The etymology of a word refers to its origin. Much like us, an etymologist traces developments, analyzes component parts, identifies - "

"Whatcha got for me Ducky?"

The doors of the autopsy suite swished open and Leroy Jethro Gibbs walked in. Ducky signalled to Jimmy to carry on, and drew Gibbs' attention to the body.

"Look at his left hand, Jethro," he said as he held it up for Gibbs to inspect.

"Note the palmar surface. Particularly here." He indicated an abrasion at the bottom of the smallest finger. "I'll know more when I get results on the material lifted from the area back from Abby, of course, but such an injury, while slight, is not consis ... "

"Breaking a fall?" Gibbs speculated. Cutting him off in the process.

Ducky nodded gravely.

"I believe so, Jethro. On an asphalt road."

"In which case he didn't shoot himself while sitting in his car ..."

"No. I'll know more in a few hours."

"Thanks, Duck."

"Jethro, would you be so kind as to let the Dire ..."

But Gibbs was already gone.

A few minutes later he was sitting at his desk, about to bark out an order to the team, when he caught sight of McGee's expression.

"There a valid reason your mouth is hanging open, McGee?"

"Eh .. no boss."

"Does anybody else think they're getting bigger every time?" asked Tony from his station.

Ziva hazarded a quick look.

"They are definitely getting bigger."

"Are you three done analysing the Director's orchids?" Gibbs asked without looking up.

"We are, boss," replied Tony.

"Then get back to work!" Gibbs thundered.

"On it, Boss," the agent said. Sneaking another glance at the impressive arrangement making its way up the stairs.

Nobody was expecting the explosion that came from the direction of Jenny Shepard's office a few minutes later.