[Shalom: 1]

...

3rd Person POV:

Ziva was jamming out to some Israeli rock as she swerved through the streets in her cherry red Cooper. She grinned and tapped a rhythm against the steering wheel, paying no attention to the honking of angry cars around her. Claire rode passenger holding onto the sides of the car in a death grip.

"Ziva why there are only 2 lanes…watch!...why are swerving in the middle…he's pulling out!" Claire fretted wincing every time Ziva nearly sideswiped a car as she casually made her way through traffic. Ziva chuckled at her distress, un-phased by Claire's reactions as it wasn't the first time someone disliked her driving. The woman finally skidded to a stop at a red light, Claire breathing a sigh of relief as the car stopped. Why had she agreed to ride in with Ziva this morning? As she enjoyed a few seconds of peace, a motorbike pulled up next to them, both passengers in black suits and dark helmets. The man revved the bike, looking over at Ziva who was still lost in her tunes. After another revving, Ziva turned and froze as she stared at them. Claire watched the two curiously, watching recognition flitted across Ziva's face. Once she had recognized them the bike raced into traffic, causing a collision just in front of them. Ziva instantly gunned the car and raced after them.

"Ziva do you know them?" Claire asked, flitting into agent mode as Ziva engaged in pursuit. She didn't say anything, just focused in on dodging cars as they reached higher speeds. Just as they passed a small café, an explosion erupted from it, reaching out to hit the car. Both girls tried to shield themselves but the fragments ultimately broke through the passenger door window. Ziva quickly brought her car to a stop up on the curb of the explosion site. She shot out and pulled out her gun, but stopped as the bike whipped around the corner out of site. Letting her instincts take over Ziva slowly spun, taking in all the reactions as she tried to point out a possible culprit. One man caught her eye as he casually made his way past the carnage.

"Federal agent, halt." She called, gun at the ready as she made her way towards him. The man stopped with his back to her.

"Hands up in the air now!" she ordered. the man reached up to take off his sunglasses and spun around, staring at her with a slight grin.

"Alil?" Ziva gasped in shock. The man's smirk widened and he continued his walk, disappearing around the corner. Ziva watched the man walk away as she lowered her gun, still reeling from the realization that she knew him. After a moment of surprise, she regained her senses and remembered there was one other person in the car with her.

"Claire?!" she shouted, dashing towards the car. Seeing as the passenger door was not going to open she rushed around towards her open door. Inside Claire sat unconscious, cuts and forming bruises scattered about her face and hands. One profound cut was running across her temple and upper forehead. Ziva reached forward looking for a pulse as a blood from the gash began covering her partner's face. Her shoulders dropped significantly as she found a strong beat under her fingers. Now she was conflicted. On one hand Claire was in the car looking worse for wear near a bomb site, and on the other hand, there was a man from Mossad that she recognized, walking away from said explosion. Rationalizing with her brain rather than emotions she decided to get to the bottom of the whole Mossad agent thing first. Ziva knew paramedics and police would be arriving on scene shortly and Claire wasn't in any immediate danger at the moment. So, with one last look at her bloodied passenger Ziva dashed off towards the Israeli embassy, knowing that she could get some answers there.

...

McGee sat at Tony's…his desk now, playing some kiddie type game on his computer to kill the boredom.

"Is he here yet?!" Abby chanted, racing towards him with a box of powdered donuts and a Caf-pow in her arms.

"Abby, to you think I'd be playing this game if he was?" McGee droned distractedly. Abby grunted in displeasure and sat on his desk, chowing away at one of the donuts.

"I will call you as soon as he gets here ok? I promise." He told her.

"What if his plane was late? Or worse what if he missed his connecting flight?" she fretted, her voice muffled by all the sugar in her mouth. She glanced over at Claire's empty desk. It was odd that she hadn't shown up yet today since Tony was coming back from his trip, but then again maybe they were having their meeting elsewhere.

"Well then he will be here tomorrow." McGee shrugged in disinterest.

"Not good enough McGee! A team needs a leader, he's our glue, he's our spine! Without him we're like phylum…cnidaria." She continued rambling and eating at the same time. McGee frowned as he thought through what she had just said.

"Jellyfish." He realized, remembering what the phylum cnidaria was.

"Exactly." She told him. McGee pursed his lips and paused the game, turning to face her.

"You saying I'm spineless?" he asked, unamused as to what she was insinuating. Abby paused.

"Of course not Timmy." She dismissed quickly, and kicked up her leg to roughly roll his desk chair away. McGee huffed as he was rolled across the bullpen so Abby could take over his computer.

"I'm gonna check his flight." She informed, already typing away. McGee whined nervously as he watched.

"Abby you're getting powder all over my keyboard." He pointed out, reaching to take her hands off but she swatted him away.

"What's your point?" she huffed, not looking away from the screen.

"My point is Abby, that you are really, really overdoing the sugar thing again." He told her calmly, allowing her to do her thing since he wasn't getting anywhere. She bit her lip.

"I'm eating for two." She told him. At this McGee's eyes widened and he quickly leaned in closer. He reached out to still her arm, shooting her a look of concern. Abby smiled warmly, touched by his concern for her welfare.

"Relax, I'm referring to health food freak over there." She assured, nodding her head to the new Probie, Michelle Lee, who was munching on carrots quietly at McGee's old desk.

"Every time I pass her desk, I have this irresistible urge to shove a cheeseburger down her throat." Abby commented, still typing furiously. McGee grinned to himself, glancing at the woman petite Asian woman out of the corner of his eye.

"I think she's kinda hot." He pointed out before fully looking over.

"Oh you think she's hot?" Abby mused.

"Yea, you know…for a Probie." He hummed easily.

"You two do realize I can hear you right?" Michelle pointed out, not looking away from her computer screen. Abby and McGee paused and smiled sheepishly at one another.

"We do now, very Special Agent Lee." Michelle sent them both a tight smile before returning to her work. Abby's attention was brought back to the task at hand by a buzzer going off on McGee computer.

"His flight landed on time where is he?!" she wailed worriedly. As if answering her question, the elevator doors opened and Tony DiNozzo stepped out in a suit, holding a cup of coffee and a large shopping bag in hand. Abby gasped in delight, dashing towards him.

"Oh yay welcome home! I missed you!" she cheered, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck in a hug.

"I missed you too Abby." He whispered as his air had been abruptly cut off. Everyone watched in amusement as he struggled to breath with an excited Abby Scuito on his neck.

"Oh did you have fun? Did you go to that cool bar in Dusseldorf?" Abby continued, still clinging to a red-faced Tony. Meanwhile McGee and Agent Lee were quickly putting their things back in order and clearing their computers of any unnecessary files as he was distracted.

"You know I tried but the security conference kept us pretty busy." Tony explained, his face turning a deeper shade. Abby continued to cling to him contentedly.

"I'm having trouble breathing Abby." he wheezed out.

"Oh sorry!" she gasped, releasing him. Tony sighed in relief and took a moment to stretch out his neck. Once he was back to normal Tony grinned as he spotted his official SFA standing by his desk patiently.

"McGee, look at you…hmmm…all grown up." McGee smiled in amusement at Tony's good natured teasing. He did miss his friend.

"So what did I miss this week?" Tony asked, making his way to his new desk; Gibbs old desk.

"Well nothing I couldn't handle boss." McGee answered proudly.

"Good, and to think the director didn't have any faith in you." Tony mused offhandedly as he unloaded his hands. McGee frowned in confusion.

"What do you…mean…the director?..." McGee muttered but was quickly cut off.

"Gather round people, I come bearing gifts." Tony announced with a grin. Abby bounced on her toes like a little kid while everyone else made their way over.

"For the lovely lady." Tony hummed, displaying the Victorian style black cross necklace with a red jewel in the center to Abby.

"Oh Tony it's beautiful." She grinned, looking at it appreciatively.

"Not to mention incredibly expensive. The Euro is stronger than it used to be." He muttered, looking at the necklace.

"For my senior field agent…." Tony announce and pulled a CD out with a flourish. McGee took it from his hand and frowned down at it.

"The very best of David Hasselhoff." He droned, reading it off. Tony turned around at the tone in McGee's voice, his smile dropping.

"You don't like it?" he asked in a pout. McGee bobbed his head.

"I repeat….the very best of David Hasselhoff." Tim reiterated pointedly. Tony glared and took a step towards the man before slapping him on the back of the head. McGee pursed his lips in confusion.

"What was that for?" he asked, staring at Tony incredulously.

"You listen to Yanni…and you have an unauthorized game on your computer." Tony supplied lamely, raising a brow challengingly. McGee scoffed.

"Actually its…your game Tony." McGee mumbled.

"Yea well you shouldn't have beaten my high score." Tony pouted in annoyance as he went back to rummaging through the bag.

"And for Ziva…das lederhosen…." Tony grinned, using a horrible German accent while holding up the small shorts.

"One size fits all." He remarked smugly, looking at her empty desk.

"Where's Claire's gift?" Abby inquired, staring at Tony innocently. Tony pursed his lips at her pointed teasing and reached into the bag, pulling out a long velvet box.

"It's here and seeing as she hasn't shown up yet I will just keep this with me." He explained innocently, avoiding the amused and curious looks of his teammates.

"I'm sure that must have cost quite a few Euros too." She quipped. Tony scowled at her and quickly put it away in his desk drawer.

"Where is Claire and the little Israeli?" he asked the team, eager to get Abby's attention off the fact that he bought Claire a very nice piece of jewelry.

"Late sir, the second time this week for Ziva. But this is Claire's first offense." Michelle piped up in a professional manor as she answered.

"Agent Lee…my favorite Probie- slash- hall monitor." Tony smiled tightly at her, eyeing her very uptight stance.

"I bet your wondering what the newest member of team DiNozzo gets." Tony commented, turning his back to her and grimacing. He totally forgot about her.

"Well we saved the best for last, here." He continued, staring down into the empty bag. Tony frantically glanced around his desk for something.

"This was not easy getting through customs but…." he lied easily 'pulling' the last gift out of the bag. Michelle grinned until she saw what was in his hands. She frowned in confusion, taking it from him.

"A stapler?" she asked, looking up at Tony as she was much shorter than everyone else.

"It's a German stapler." Tony defended quietly.

"But it says made in china….sir." she corrected, pointing to the marking on the underside. McGee glanced over in amusement as Tony mumbled an uncomfortable 'oh yea' peering down at it. Like any good teammates, he and Abby watched quietly as Tony tried to recover from his foul-up.

"Well German, Eurasian, china is….it's a global village there." Tony mumbled nonsense, quickly getting out of the conversation.

"She's over and hour late sir, that unusual even for them." Michelle pointed out, noticing Tony was glancing at Claire's desk in thought. He pursed his lips in distaste, at her choice of words. It was clear that she wasn't overly fond of the other two women on the team. Ziva scared her and she just didn't click with Claire.

"What did I tell you about worrying, Probie?" Tony pointed to her in a scolding manor as he whisked past her to his own desk. Michelle followed at his heels.

"That it's..uh…your job." She recited.

"See you're learning." Tony grinned, walking around to his seat.

"But she's not…" Tony quickly redirected her to the front of his desk not the side. Michelle paused and scrambled around to face him once more.

"...I'm sorry sir. Neither one is answering their cellphone either." Michelle continued. Tony stared at her for a moment, that statement worrying him a little.

"Ok there is only one thing you need to know about officer David." Tony began.

"Don't make her angry." Agent Lee nodded.

"Ok technically there's really two things…..the other thing is she can take care of herself. And Claire is perfectly fine on her own too. Nothing to worry about." Tony assured the woman. Michelle sighed but it was obvious she didn't agree with it. She glanced around at the rest of the team, noticing that they weren't too worked up over her disappearance. At least outwardly they weren't.

...

"Ziva just call us as soon as you get this message, we're not worried but just give us a call please." McGee left another message on Ziva's cell from his desk phone.

"Ok now I'm starting to worry." Tony admited from his spot behind McGee. He earlier had called Claire and she wasn't picking up either. It wasn't like her. Ziva he wasn't overly surprised as when she wanted privacy she made it hard to reach her. Claire was always good about letting him know what was going on. It had been hours since any of them had seen the girls. He had wondered if something was off ever since he found his apartment empty after the plans he and Claire had made before he left.

...

Before Trip to Germany:

Tony plopped his suitcases by the door with a tired sigh. After weeks of being team leader, now Jenny was sending him to Germany to attend conferences and whatever else she wanted done. Lately she had been asking him for some favors under the table and it had been bothering him for a while.

"Well you look so excited for this trip." She piped up from behind him. Tony grinned turning to face her. She made her way over and pulled him in for a hug. Tony wrapped his arms tightly around her and sighed, laying his cheek atop her head.

"Are you gonna be alright all by yourself?" She inquired cheekily. Tony shrugged, still holding onto her.

"I think I'll manage." He assured jokingly. Claire chuckled and pulled away from him to straighten his tie.

"Send me a text when you arrive, just to make me feel better." She requested. Tony grinned wryly.

"Are you worried about me Ms. Conners?" he hummed in glee. Claire rolled her eyes.

"Yes, I think I'm entitled to feel that way when my boyfriend goes overseas." she retorted with a mock glare.

"I would be a bit concerned if you didn't worry." He agreed with a laugh. Claire reached up for a quick kiss on his lips. As she pulled away Tony tugged her right back for a few more longer ones.

"Now I think that will tide me over until I come back." He grinned. Claire looked down at her watch before picking up one of his bags to hand to him.

"You need to go or you'll miss your flight." She pointed out. Tony frowned, taking the case from her.

"Alright I can take the hint. Look after McGee while I'm gone. Keep him in line." He requested semi-seriously. It was McGee's first time as team leader and while the director had little faith in him, Tony was ready to see him rise to the occasion.

"He'll be fine. I'll see you back here when you return." She reminded, walking out to the door with him.

"Will you be wearing something sexy?" he quipped. Claire smacked him lightly in amusement.

...

Tony's POV:

"You think they're alright?" McGee asked, bringing me back to the problem at hand.

"Well if they were alright they would be here mcgee." I pointed out before sighing thoughtfully.

"The question is what would Gibbs do in a situation like this?" I muttered aloud.

"He'd find them, Tony." Director Shepherd piped in from where she was leaning over the cubicle wall behind me. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her prying. Gibbs wouldn't have her hovering over his shoulder like she does to me.

"I'm working on it director." I replied tensely, not bothering turning around.

"Work harder." She coolly suggested. I held back a retort, remaining silent as she walked around to enter the bullpen area.

"The police just found Ziva's car on a sidewalk in Georgetown." She informed.

"Actually, that's not unusual with Ziva's driving." McGee commented honestly.

"Yes, I rode all the way through eastern Europe with her, I should know McGee." She grinned in agreement.

"The other odd thing was Claire was in the car but no Ziva." She elaborated. I frowned and stared at the director curiously.

"What do you mean she was in the car?" I inquired. If she was left there on the curb then that implied that something happened to her. If Ziva is responsible for it I'll kill her. As if answering my question the elevator chimed, and a couple of FBI agents stepped out, trying to pacify a very angry Claire who was shouting at them. I perked up worriedly, taking in the multiple bloodied bandages and bruises that adorned her face and arms. Jenny sighed and pointed her thumb the commotion.

"I believe we are about to find out, in my experience, the FBI doesn't handle traffic violations." She explained tiredly. My eyes narrowed at an unfriendly face that was currently losing the battle against Claire.

"Tony isn't that the guy that tried to put you away for murder?" McGee leaned back to whisper.

"Yes he is, thank you for bringing up a painful memory mcgee." I growled bitterly. Now the man was trying to grab my girlfriend's arm and she was having none of it.

"You knew they were coming Director?" I asked accusingly, turning my attention to my boss. If something happened to my team I should be the first to know about it.

"Calm down Tony, I only just got the call 10 minutes ago." She soothed.

"What do they want with Ziva?" I asked tensely, watching as Agent Sacks made his way towards us, following behind Claire.

"We're about to find out, together." She whispered, turning just as the man made his way over.

"Agent Sacks, Director Shepherd." Jenny greeted in her polite way. I chewed on my cheek nervously, standing up as Claire stormed her way towards me.

"Tell these monkeys that if they even think of taking me to the hospital that I will sue their asses right after I kick them to kingdom come!" she growled, directing her fury at the two FBI agents. I gently reached out for her, taking pulling her closer towards me.

"Sir, she needs to be checked for a concussion and other possible injuries." The man behind Sacks pressed, looked to me for help. I smiled internally at his ragged expression. Leave it to Claire to give the FBI a run for their money.

"No! No hospitals." She instantly protested, crossing her arms across her chest.

"What happened to you?" I asked, making sure to stand by her protectively. I reached up to tilt her chin side to side, examining the cuts along her face along with the faint stain of blood still on her skin. I was a bit wary of her heath if just looking at her was anything go by, but I wasn't about to force her to do anything.

"Why don't we discuss it in a more secure place, Agent DiNozzo." Sack suggested, his displeasure with working with me evident in his tone. I glared at the man before nodding. Just before I followed after the director and….him…I turned to Claire worriedly.

"You really should get checked out." I insisted lowly. Claire bit her lip, looking up at me with a pleading expression.

"Please don't make me go." She whispered urgently. I sighed, well aware of how much she despised hospitals. But for my peace of mind I needed her to be fully cleared medically.

"Why don't you go down and see Ducky? I need to know you're completely fine." I requested. She nodded quietly. Satisfied, I touched her shoulder and squeezed it comfortingly before making my way up the stairs towards the director's office.

...

3rd Person POV:

"Very professional." Tony quipped, walking out of the office with Sacks by his side.

"Your director kicked us both out, DiNozzo." Sacks pointed out just as cranky at Tony was.

"Only because you couldn't keep your soup cooler shut." Tony shot back angrily.

"Well your Mossad liaison officer killed two FBI agents today, leaving one of your own left for dead. Sorry if that pisses me off." Sacks shouted, turning to face Tony with a glare.

"Where's your proof?" Tony countered calmly.

"The car abandoned at the crime scene, Agent Connors bleeding out as she was placed in the blast zone, the Syrian was on their most wanted list, she's disappeared. And oh yea, her brother was a Hamas terrorist." Sacks listed off sassily. Tony pursed his lips, nodding along as he listed the evidence off. It did seem pretty convincing but he knew that wasn't what happened. Ziva wouldn't take part in that.

"From where I come from that's called circumstantial." Tony retorted with a wry grin.

"Really? Where's that then Narnia?" Sacks shot back sarcastically. Tony said nothing.

"It's a fantasy world, the Chronicles of Narnia." Sack explained with an eye roll.

"I know what it is!" Tony shouted in offense as Sacks walked down a few more stairs.

"Ok story. Excellent special effects." He muttered additionally.

"They were definitely kicking." Sacks agreed quickly, not looking at him or acknowledging their common interest.

"But that's not my point. Six months ago, you were convinced I killed a woman and chopped off her legs." Tony reminded, walking down to meet him.

"I'm still not convinced you didn't." Sacks retorted childishly.

"Exactly." Tony muttered.

"So Ziva David is being framed…by who?" the FBI man went along skeptically.

"That's what I intend to find out." Tony whispered assuredly. Sacks chuckled humorlessly.

"Good luck with that." He quipped. Before he could leave another voice interrupted their squabble.

"You two, up here now." Director Shepherd called, sounding like a mother scolding her children.

"Director will you please tell Agent Slacks..."

"Sacks, its Sacks." The man agent growled.

"Will you tell Agent Slacks that we will be handling this one in house." Tony continued regardless. Jenny sighed and turned to Agent Sacks.

"I just assured your director that the FBI will be getting NCIS complete cooperation on this matter." She explained. Sacks shot Tony a smug grin.

"Thank you ma'am." He thanked her with a nod.

"If Ziva David tries to contact you or anyone on your team, I want you to notify myself and Agent Sacks. Immediately." She explained to Tony who refused to look at her. He clenched his jaw.

"This is complete bul…"

"This is an order from your Director, Agent DiNozzo. Is that clear enough for you?" she challenged, unwavering from Tony's glare.

"Almost crystal ma'am." He grounded out. Jenny nodded giving each of them a pointed look before returning to her office. Sacks grinned as Tony silently seethed.

"I give you my word that I will…try to keep an open mind on this." Sacks told him.

"Yea?" Tony asked skeptically.

"Yea." He nodded.

"Listen about what happened a second ago.."

"Oh no hard feelings….I got it." Sacks clapped him on the shoulder.

"No I was gonna say that I still pretty much hate your guts sacks." Tony snarled.

"Me too DiNozzo, me too." Sacks shot him a nod before heading back downstairs.

"Tony." Director Shepherd quietly called once the FBI man had left. Tony turned to her just waiting to see what other scolding he was gonna get.

"That question you asked me earlier? What would Gibbs do? Gibbs isn't here, you are." She pointed out. Tony stared at her thoughtfully, his mind reeling with plans. So, what would Tony DiNozzo do?"

...

Claire's POV:

Abby sat in her dark lab staring at a surveillance picture of Gibbs that was put up on every computer in the room. Turns out a I had a slight concussion but not bad enough where I would take myself off work for the day. Ziva was in hot water and even though I don't quite remember all of what happened, due to my head being knocked around, I know she wasn't behind this. So after getting checked and mothered by Ducky I decided to sit with Abby. She kept the room dark for my sake and I was there to try and help curb her sugar addiction today.

"Gibbs…this is really really bad." She muttered to the picture, digging into her jar of M&Ms. I reached over and closed the jar before holding it to my chest so she couldn't grab it. Abby frowned but went back to looking at her monitors.

"Ziva has disappeared and everyone is saying that she's just like her brother. I really really need you to calm me. Please" She ranted, still filling her mouth full of the candy she had snagged. Suddenly her phone rang and we stared at it in bewilderment.

"Gibbs?!" she asked, yanking the phone to her ear.

"Abby its Ziva."

"Ziva? Are you alright?" Abby asked, quickly swallowing her sugar.

"No and don't say my name so loud."

"Sorry…where are you?" she continued worriedly.

"At a safe place at the moment."

"The FBI was here and Tony was freaking out."

"Was Claire ok?"

"Yea she's fine, just a bit shaken up." Abby assured.

"Abby I need you to do a favor for me."

"You name it."

"First, you can't tell anyone I've spoken to you."

"Except Tony, right?" Abby corrected.

"No, not even Tony. If I talk to him he'll get in trouble with the FBI."

"Well what about Claire?...cause she's kinda here already listening in." Abby chuckled nervously.

"That is fine I suppose, but don't let it get any further."

"What do you need?" Abby asked.

"A phone number." Abby nodded and began jotting down the information.

"Alright, I'll call you back at this number." she told her unaware of the new audience we had acquired. I quickly nudged Abby on her arm.

"Abby?" Tony called from the doorway. She quickly hung up the phone and rushed over to meet them.

"Who was that?" he asked curiously. Abby stared at him wide eyed for a moment.

"Where?" she asked. Tony furrowed his brows.

"On the phone." He told her slowly.

"Oh um..the..it..it was the nuns." She gestured back to the phone as she fumbled for an excuse. They both stared at her blankly before looking to me questioningly.

"Yup, that's who it was." I nodded, inwardly cringing at how bad this lie was.

"The..nuns?" McGee reiterated.

"You know nuns with the big white hats and the um.."

"The abbots, you know they're called abbots….the white hats." McGee muttered to Tony who was running a hand up and down his head in frustration.

"Yup they called to say that bowling practice is cancelled." She quickly added, waving her hands around as she spoke. I groaned quietly, reaching up to pinch the bridge of my nose. Thankfully it will look like I just have a headache. McGee narrowed his eyes at her.

"Bowling nuns.." he trailed off skeptically.

"Geez mcgee what, I mean area you on some anti-nun crusade here?" Abby asked flustered and still on a sugar high. McGee jerked his head back and scrunched his face up in confusion.

"What?"

"Ok alright, lay off the nuns." Tony shook his head dismissively, indicating for McGee to just drop it.

"Abby I need a way to contact Gibbs, If we're going to get Ziva out of this I'm gonna need his advice." Tony requested.

"Well last I heard he was still in Mexico." Abby explained

"Well there must be some way to contact him." Tony continued. Abby shrugged innocently.