Hey ho, everyone. Glad to be here. Consider this my intro
to the list. I always think experiencing how someone writes
tells you more about them than a boring set of facts ever
could. This contains a very, very slight spoiler for the S 5
finale. You have been warned.

Hope you enjoy my fix to that piece of !@&^%* last ten
minutes of the episode...
Title: Family Dynamics

Author: BuffyAngel68

Rating: FRT -- FRAO will vary section to section. Each individual
section will be properly labeled, promise.

Summary: The team is given a unique opportunity while the regime
change takes place. What they learn about each other will powerfully
change them as well...

AN: The end of this year's finale absolutely sucked. The plot twist
was recycled, for heaven's sake! I had to fix it. I simply had to.
What is fanfic for if not times like this? Hopefully you'll like my
idea better. The base premise is illogical and improbable, yes... but
fanfic has stretched credulity much further than this, believe you
me. Enjoy...

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PROLOGUE:

As they stood side by side in Jenny's former office, all with
different scenarios running through their heads concerning what they
were about to hear, Jethro felt something building in his core that
he almost didn't recognize and thought he'd wiped completely from his
physical memory: fear. He didn't trust the man now seated behind the
desk as far as he could throw the Washington Monument and his gut was
bellowing that whatever they'd been called in for, it couldn't
possibly be good for any member of his team. When Leon began to
speak, however, Gibbs felt relief wash over him, but he hid his
reaction, knowing all too well that what looked and felt like hope
could vanish in an instant.

"This hasn't been easy on any of you, I'm well aware of that. I
suppose I should start by letting you know that none of you failed,
no matter what you may be thinking right now. Jenny was stubborn and
determined and what she wanted she achieved, regardless of what it
took. I know you were all close to her... some more than others." He
tossed out, glancing momentarily in Gibbs' direction. "I've spoken
with the Sec-Nav and a few friends... asked advice on what I should
do for you, if I chose to do anything at all. In my opinion the
Secretary had the best idea and I'm implementing it as of an hour
from now. At that point you will all officially be on three weeks
leave. You will be taking this time off together. That includes Miss
Sciuto, Dr. Mallard and his assistant. Temporary replacements for
them are already in the works."

Tim blinked and gaped for a moment or two before he found his voice.

"Sir, we can't... I don't think we..."

"It's not a suggestion. Secretary Sheffield and I both agree that
this is necessary. You all need time to properly grieve... and I need
time to look over your files and get familiar with what is arguably
the strongest, most talented team NCIS has ever seen. Sec-Nav's
words, not mine, though I think he just may be right."

"But sir... why together?" Ziva asked quietly.

"This group has been through a hell of a lot over the past few years.
You've had to survive losses and struggle with issues nobody could've
anticipated, with little to no down-time. Gibbs being the exception,
of course. I'm giving you a fair shot at some rest and recuperation.
Take it and be grateful. The chance won't come again."

"Do we get any details?" Jethro questioned, his tone low, his
expression wary.

"Your plane leaves in three days from Dulles. Everything's been
arranged and paid for. You just show up."

"Where are we going, Leon?"

The new director merely smiled and remained silent. Acknowledging
they'd been summarily dismissed, Gibbs turned and led the way out of
the office and back down the long staircase. Tim, rushing to keep up,
started in the minute his feet hit the floor.

"Boss? Is he serious? Can he really do that?"

"Can and has, McGee. All a'you go through your stations. Anything
embarrassing, anything valuable or sentimental you plan on seeing
again, anything you want with you on the trip... pack it up."

Instead of immediately complying, Tony stepped closer and began to
speak, but the older man gave him no opening.

"Gibbs..."

"Soon as you're done, you hit the morgue, Tony. Tim, you get to tell
Abby."

"Boss, he can't just send us off on some trip into the Twilight
Zone." Tony tried again. "He has to tell us *something*..."

"Forty-seven minutes, DiNozzo. You packin' or am I doin' it for you?"

"God forbid. I'd end up with nothing but a spare pair of boxers, my
gun and a hundred extra rounds of ammo."

"Close. I checked the filing cabinet yesterday. You're out of clean
shorts."

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TBC.......