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NCIS Special Agent Timothy "Tim" McGee was pacing back and forth in his apartment, his mind racing at a mile a minute as he tried to process the events of the last few days. The stress and uncertainty had been building up, leaving him with more questions than answers and a growing sense of frustration. His boss, the seasoned and stoic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and his senior field agent, the charming but often infuriating Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo, were being their typical unresponsive selves, and it was driving Tim McGee to the edge of madness.

Earlier that day, Tony had dropped a bombshell, implying that their teammate, the Mossad liaison agent to NCIS Ziva David, had decided to stay in Israel after bringing back Michael Rivkin's body to Mossad. The news had left Tim reeling, and he couldn't understand why neither Tony nor Gibbs had elaborated further on the situation. It was as if they had deliberately chosen to keep him in the dark, leaving him to wonder and worry about Ziva's fate. What made it even more infuriating for Tim was that this was not an isolated incident. His coworkers and teammates had a habit of keeping him out of the field for any operation deemed too dangerous for him to handle. While he understood that their intentions were good, and they were only trying to protect him, it was hard not to feel like he was being treated like a fragile glass vase, too delicate to be trusted with the really tough cases. But to forgo any answers and keep him out of the loop about situations that affected his team was taking it too far. Tim felt like he was being marginalized, left to pick up the pieces and wonder what was going on without any real input or insight. He was a skilled and capable agent, and he deserved to be treated as such. The lack of communication and transparency was not only frustrating but also eroding his trust in his teammates and his faith in the system. As he paced back and forth in his apartment, Tim's mind was filled with questions. What had really happened to Ziva? Was she okay? Had she chosen to stay in Israel, or was there something more to the story? And why were Tony and Gibbs being so secretive about it all? The not knowing was eating away at him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being kept in the dark for a reason, a reason that he couldn't quite put his finger on.

As Tim McGee reflected on the events of the past 60 hours, he couldn't shake off the feeling of confusion and perplexity that had been lingering in his mind. The situation had started to unravel when Michael Rivkin, a member of the elite Kidon Unit of Mossad, failed to leave US soil after his altercation with the NCIS team. Despite Gibbs' explicit warning to depart expeditiously, Rivkin had chosen to disregard it, and his actions had led to a confrontation with Tony at Ziva's apartment. The details of the confrontation were still unclear to McGee, but the outcome was unmistakable: Tony had suffered a broken arm at the hands of Rivkin, and in a surprising turn of events, had managed to accidentally kill the Mossad agent. The incident had left everyone stunned, and the investigation that followed had only added to the complexity of the situation. The next morning, Ziva's apartment, which had been the scene of the confrontation, had blown up, leaving behind a trail of destruction and raising more questions than answers. McGee had been tasked with inspecting the crime scene alongside Gibbs, and together, they had collected a variety of clues, including three cuts in the gas line, an attempt to discard Ziva's laptop, and the trigger to the explosion. As McGee delved deeper into the investigation, he couldn't help but notice that Gibbs was suspicious of Ziva's involvement in the events that had transpired. With both Rivkin and Ziva being members of Mossad, it was natural to assume that she might have been helping him, potentially even working against the NCIS team. Gibbs' request to back-trace Ziva's phone number had been a clear indication of his suspicions, and McGee had begun to investigate, hoping to uncover the truth behind Ziva's actions.

As he started his search, McGee couldn't help but think of Michelle Lee, a former NCIS agent who had found herself stuck between a rock and a hard place, with no clear solutions in sight. He hoped that Ziva's situation might be similar, that she might be caught in a difficult position, rather than being a mole or a spy working against the team. McGee's curiosity had been piqued when he saw Ziva leave a folder on Gibbs' desk, but he knew better than to snoop into his boss's business. As the computer consultant for the MCRT, McGee had access to the NCIS database, and he was confident that he could uncover the truth behind Ziva's actions without having to resort to snooping. He was determined to get to the bottom of the situation, to find out what had really happened, and to clear Ziva's name if she was indeed innocent.

The events that unfolded were far more intriguing than the simple fact that Ziva had left her folder on Gibbs' desk. What caught everyone's attention was the sudden trip taken by Director Vance and the majority of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), with the exception of Tim McGee, to Israel at the request of Mossad Director Eli David. This trip was shrouded in mystery, and Tim was only informed of the travel plans when he received a series of four consecutive memos from Pamela Cook, the Administrative Assistant to the Director. The first memo assigned Tim as the Senior Field Agent of the MCRT, a role that typically fell under the supervision of more senior agents. The second memo took this a step further by assigning him as the acting Supervisory Agent of the MCRT, effectively putting him in charge of the team in the absence of Gibbs and Director Vance. The third memo announced that the MCRT was being placed on administrative leave following the completion of any active cases and investigations, which seemed unusual given the team's usual workload. The fourth and final memo was perhaps the most surprising, as it assigned Tim McGee as the Acting Director of NCIS pending the return of Director Leon Vance. This series of memos not only reflected the trust placed in Tim by Director Vance but also highlighted the gravity of the situation that required the director's and Gibbs' presence in Israel. Despite his curiosity about the reasons behind the trip to Israel, Tim's hands were full with the case concerning the explosion of Ziva's apartment, which Gibbs had left him in charge of. With the assistance of Abby, the team's forensic expert, Tim worked diligently to reconstruct Ziva's laptop and uncover her emails with Michael Rivkin, a key figure in the mystery surrounding Ziva's departure. They collected, bagged, and tagged all the evidence from Ziva's apartment, working efficiently to close the case. In the span of just a day, Tim, with Abby's help, had managed to wrap up the investigation, showcasing his capabilities as a leader and an agent. His role as Acting Director of NCIS and Leader of the MCRT, although brief, lasting only 51 hours, was a testament to his growing responsibilities within the team.

However, the return of Director Vance, Gibbs, and Tony from Tel Aviv without Ziva brought a somber mood to the team. Both Gibbs and Tony appeared conflicted about the events that had transpired, their expressions and demeanor hinting at a deeper, unresolved issue. Even Tim McGee and James "Jimmy" Palmer, the assistant Medical Examiner to Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, noticed the tension and the unspoken words between the returning agents. The usual camaraderie and openness within the team seemed strained, with Gibbs and Tony discussing the need to give Ziva time to reach out, but neither was forthcoming with details about what had happened in Israel. Tim found himself in the dark, unsure of what to make of the situation. He knew that something significant had occurred, something that had led to Ziva's decision to stay in Israel, but the specifics were elusive. The lack of information and the evident dissatisfaction of Gibbs and Tony with the outcome only served to heighten Tim's curiosity and concern for Ziva. As he pondered the situation, his eyes fell upon his personal laptop, and a plan began to form in his mind.

Recalling the rules that Gibbs had imparted to the team over the years, Tim decided to appeal to Rule #18, which stated that it's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission. He made the bold decision to track down Ziva, even if it meant hacking into Mossad's systems to uncover the truth. Tim was aware that this action could have repercussions, but he was driven by a need to understand what had happened to his teammate and friend. He rationalized that Gibbs would eventually forgive him for taking this step, especially considering that Tim was also adhering to another of Gibbs' rules: Rule #3, which advised not to believe everything you're told and to always double-check. With a deep breath, Tim embarked on his mission to uncover the truth, navigating the complexities of international espionage and the personal relationships within the team. His actions were a blend of loyalty, curiosity, and a commitment to the principles that Gibbs had taught them, principles that now guided Tim as he ventured into the unknown, seeking answers about Ziva's fate and the events in Israel that had left the team with so many unanswered questions.

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Ziva David was consumed by a mix of emotions - anger, confusion, and frustration. She paced back and forth in her room, muttering to herself in Hebrew as she struggled to process the events of the past 72 hours. The previous day had been particularly difficult, as she had attended the burial of Michael Rivkin, her ex-boyfriend. However, her grief was overshadowed by her anger and resentment towards those she felt were responsible for his death, including her teammate Tony, her boss Gibbs, and even her own father.

The situation had been complicated from the start. Michael had been sent to the US by her father, the director of Mossad, on a mission to gather intelligence and eliminate members of Saleem's sleeper cell in Los Angeles. However, his actions had inadvertently interfered with the operations of the NCIS team in Los Angeles, specifically the newly established Office of Special Projects (OSP) and the Major Case Response Team (MCRT). As a result, Michael had found himself at odds with Ziva's teammates, particularly Tony and Gibbs, who were tasked with investigating his movements on US soil. Ziva had tried to navigate the situation carefully, attempting to diffuse the tension and protect Michael, while also safeguarding the interests of Mossad. She had walked a fine line, trying not to cause trouble with NCIS while also fulfilling her loyalty to her father and her country. However, as the situation continued to escalate, Ziva had realized that she needed to take drastic action to prevent further conflict. She had reached out to Amit Hadar, her father's right-hand man, and asked for his assistance in extracting Michael from the US. With Michael's mission already accomplished, Ziva had hoped that his removal from the country would help to alleviate the tension and prevent any further bloodshed.

Despite her efforts, the outcome had been tragic. Michael was dead, and Ziva was left to pick up the pieces and deal with the aftermath. She was too angry and hurt to even observe the traditional Jewish mourning period of Shiva, a time when family and friends would typically come together to pay their respects and offer comfort to the bereaved. Instead, Ziva was alone, struggling to come to terms with her emotions and the events that had led to Michael's death. As she stood amidst the chaos, she couldn't help but think that everything had spiraled out of control, despite her best efforts to keep the situation under wraps. Tony's impulsive decision to confront Michael at her apartment had set off a chain reaction of events that had ultimately led to disaster. She had walked into her own living room to find Michael lying on the floor, his body battered and bruised, with Tony standing over him, a gun still clutched in his hand. The image was forever etched in her mind, a stark reminder of the violence that had erupted in her own home.

The past 24 hours had been a delicate balancing act, as she struggled to navigate her dual loyalties to Mossad, her former employer, and NCIS, her current team. She had found herself walking a tightrope, trying to stay true to both agencies while keeping the peace and preventing the situation from escalating further. It had been a Herculean task, one that had required her to draw upon every ounce of skill and experience she possessed as an intelligence officer and law enforcement agent. She had lied and omitted information to both her NCIS team and her former Mossad partner, all in an effort to keep the situation from spiraling out of control. She had used every trick in the book, every technique and tactic she had learned over the years, to try and defuse the tension and prevent further bloodshed. But despite her best efforts, it had all been for naught. The situation had still managed to degenerate into chaos, and now Michael was dead.

As she looked at Tony, she felt a wave of anger wash over her. She flew at him, her fists clenched and her eyes blazing with fury. "What were you thinking?" she berated him, her voice rising in anger. "Why did you have to fight to kill? Why couldn't you just try to disable him?" The smell of whiskey still lingered in the air, a stark reminder that Michael had been drunk, and yet Tony had still seen fit to use lethal force. She couldn't understand why Tony hadn't been able to see that Michael was intoxicated, why he hadn't been able to recognize the signs and adjust his actions accordingly. It was a mistake that had cost Michael his life, and one that she couldn't forgive. As she looked at Tony, she saw a man who had let his emotions get the better of him, a man who had allowed his anger and aggression to cloud his judgment.

In a desperate bid to save Michael's life, she had performed CPR, trying to keep him alive long enough to get him the medical attention he needed. She had poured all her energy into the effort, willing him to survive, to make it back to Israel and recover from his wounds. But it had been too late, the damage had been done, and Michael had succumbed to his injuries. The knowledge that Michael's death had been at Tony's hands was a bitter pill to swallow. She felt a deep sense of loss and grief, mixed with anger and frustration. She couldn't help but wonder what might have been if Tony had only shown more restraint, if he had only been able to see that Michael was no threat. The what-ifs would haunt her for a long time to come, a reminder of the devastating consequences of Tony's actions. The frustration and disappointment still lingered, a bitter taste that refused to dissipate. Why couldn't Tony have trusted her judgment and expertise? Why couldn't they have left her to handle the situation with Michael, allowing her to utilize her unique blend of skills and experience as a Mossad and NCIS agent? She was, after all, uniquely qualified to navigate the complex web of relationships and protocols between the two agencies. If anyone could have resolved the problems that had arisen, it was her.

And yet, it hadn't played out that way. Tony had inserted himself into the situation, sticking his nose into a place where it didn't belong, and now she was paying the price. His actions had led to her being in this mess, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of resentment towards him. The condolences and platitudes offered by Ducky and Jimmy had felt hollow and condescending, like they were trying to placate her rather than genuinely offer support. Tony's justifications for his actions had been weak and groundless, and Gibbs' demands for an explanation had only served to irritate her further. In fact, Gibbs' behavior had reminded her of her father, Eli David, who had always been able to push her buttons and get under her skin. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time, and it was unsettling to say the least. But amidst all the chaos and tension, there had been one person who had given her the space and time she needed: McGee. He had instinctively known to give her a wide berth, to let her process her emotions and settle her thoughts without interruption or judgment. As much as she appreciated McGee's sensitivity, she couldn't help but wish that he was more experienced, stronger as a field agent. She longed to be able to rely on him more often, to trust him to have her back in the way that she knew she could trust herself. But he was still green, still new to the world of law enforcement, and still too inexperienced and naive to fully understand the shadowy world of Mossad and the Intelligence Community as a whole.

Just as she was starting to get her thoughts together, Director Vance had appeared, informing her that she, Gibbs, and Tony would be accompanying him to Israel at the request of her father. The news had been like a punch to the gut, leaving her feeling winded and disoriented. She had barely had time to process her emotions, to gather her thoughts and compose herself, before being thrust into this new and challenging situation. And now, she was faced with the daunting task of explaining Michael's death to her father, of navigating the complex and treacherous landscape of her family's past and present.

As she sat in her new role at Mossad, she couldn't help but reflect on the events that had led her to this point. The 17-hour flight to Tel Aviv had been a grueling experience, stuck in a C-17 with Director Vance, Gibbs, Tony, and the lifeless body of Michael. The tension had been palpable, and she had felt like she was going to suffocate under the weight of her emotions. But little had she known, the worst was yet to come.

Watching her father, the Director of Mossad, interrogate Tony had been a painful experience. Tony's sarcasm and evasive answers had grated on her nerves, but it was his admission that her relationship with Michael had been a ploy, fabricated by her father's orders, that had truly cut deep. The feeling of discomfort that had settled in her chest had been suffocating, making it hard for her to breathe. Seeing Tony's look of triumph directed at her had only added fuel to the fire. His justification for his actions, after the fact, had done little to diminish her anger towards him. She wasn't mad that he had confronted Michael after his mission had interfered with NCIS, but she was furious at the way he had gone about it. Tony's careless actions had put her in a difficult position, and she couldn't understand why he hadn't considered the potential consequences.

As the Mossad liaison agent to the Major Crime Response Team of NCIS, she had a delicate balancing act to maintain. She needed reassurance that she was valued, that she was cared for, and she had hoped that Gibbs would understand her concerns. But when it came down to it, Gibbs had chosen Tony over her. He had allowed her to stay in Tel Aviv, at Mossad, so she could figure out who to trust, but that was the problem. She felt like she was being forced to choose between her loyalty to NCIS and her loyalty to her father and Mossad. The memory of confronting her father about Tony's allegations still lingered in her mind. He hadn't denied it, and that had been a blow to what remained of her trust in him. And then there was Tony, who had refused to admit his culpability in the way he had handled Michael. It was like she was being pulled in two different directions, with no one to turn to. She couldn't trust anyone at Mossad, and she couldn't trust anyone at NCIS. The feeling of isolation was overwhelming, and she felt like she was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts that had been plaguing her for so long. It was all in the past now, she told herself. She was back at Mossad, and she had taken Michael's place in Kidon. She would finish his mission, perform her Aliyah, in Michael's honor, for Mossad.

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Timothy McGee, the budding polymath of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and a skilled computer consultant for the Major Case Response Team (MCRT), was well aware that the best place to initiate an investigation was at the very beginning. This fundamental principle applied to every story, whether it was a fictional tale he had penned in his spare time or a real-life case in the realm of law enforcement. As he delved into the complex situation, McGee felt a sense of gratitude that the MCRT was still on administrative leave, primarily due to being a member short and Tony DiNozzo nursing a broken arm. With no pressing cases to take precedence, McGee decided to start by gathering every relevant document that outlined the "alliance" between NCIS and the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. He spent hours poring over documents and contracts signed by the deceased NCIS Director Jenny Shepard and Mossad Director David, which were later followed by Ziva David's employment contract and her specified duties regarding NCIS.

As McGee meticulously read through the contracts, he began to understand the scope of Ziva's responsibilities and the limitations of her role within NCIS. On paper, it seemed that Ziva was expected to walk a fine line between her loyalty to Mossad and her professional obligations to NCIS. With this newfound understanding, McGee proceeded to examine the Internal Affairs reports of Tony and Ziva regarding Tony's confrontation with Michael Rivkin, a rogue Mossad operative. While reading both versions of the story, McGee started to realize the first problem his team was experiencing. Ziva's actions appeared to be driven by a desire to protect Mossad's interests, while also maintaining the integrity and professional integration of NCIS, a delicate balancing act that seemed to be weighing heavily on her. Meanwhile, Tony's version of events suggested that he had attempted to shield Ziva from being attached to the Rivkin situation in the first place, an effort to recreate the same circumstances that had prevented Ziva's involvement in the confrontation that ultimately led to the death of Ari Haswari, another rogue member of Kidon. As McGee analyzed both Tony's and Ziva's accounts, he became increasingly aware that he needed a third, more objective version of events: the truth. And the truth, he suspected, could only be found in one location: Ziva's home Wi-Fi network. McGee's instincts told him that the key to unraveling the mystery lay in the digital trail that Ziva may have left behind, and he was determined to follow it, no matter where it might lead.

With a silent prayer of forgiveness to Ziva, Tim McGee began the painstaking process of retrieving every bit of information that had left digital traces on her home Wi-Fi network over the last 72 hours. He knew that the key to unraveling the mystery lay in the data that had been transmitted through the network, and he was determined to leave no stone unturned. Using both the Wi-Fi assigned IP Addresses and the IP Addresses from the devices found in Ziva's apartment, Tim McGee meticulously reconstructed the list of various online activities that had taken place. As he delved deeper into the data, he found proof that Tabal's laptop had been connected to Ziva's network, with a multitude of sensitive documents uploaded and sent to various IP addresses located in Tel Aviv. The revelation sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't help but wonder what kind of information had been shared. He also found proof that confirmed the various conversations between Michael and Ziva, completing some of the messages found on her laptop.

Furthermore, he discovered the IP Address assigned to Michael Rivkin's phone, with logs of calls, texts, and internet-based messaging connecting him to various people of Mossad, including the Director himself, Eli David. The sheer volume of data was overwhelming, but Tim McGee was undeterred, sifting through the evidence with a fine-tooth comb. He spent hours reading messages, listening to Hebraic conversations, and slowly painting a picture of what had occurred in Ziva's apartment before the fight between Tony and Michael. As he continued to analyze the data, Tim McGee became increasingly convinced that Michael Rivkin was the key to solving what was currently happening with Ziva David. Using the information from Michael's device, Tim McGee decided to take a bold step, hacking into the devices by their IP address and breaching firewalls through stolen authorized accesses. He employed relatively benign spyware to gain access to the devices, and soon found himself inside the insidious world of Mossad through the profile of Michael Aaron Rivkin.

As tempted as Tim McGee might have been to delve deeper into the secrets of Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, he remained focused on his mission. With a sense of determination, he adjusted the time and date on Michael Rivkin's profile to a few days in the past, allowing him to access the information about the mission he was undertaking. As he scrolled through the messages, he discovered that Mossad Director Eli David was leading the charge to find and eliminate Saleem Ulman, a notorious Al-Shabaab terrorist responsible for the brutal murder of a Mossad Intelligence Officer. The messages revealed that Director David was not only frustrated but also furious at Saleem Ulman's ability to detect and trap his Mossad officer, suggesting that Ulman had a sophisticated network of informants and operatives at his disposal. McGee found that the information had been gathered from various sources, including Mossad Intelligence Officers who were legally and illegally planted in the United States, as well as civilian helpers from all walks of life. The sheer scope of the operation was impressive, with Mossad analysts working tirelessly to gather and filter information, ultimately leading Michael Rivkin to his targets in Los Angeles and later Washington D.C.

As McGee delved deeper into Rivkin's profile, he was severely impressed with the resources and organizational structure of Mossad, which seemed to rival those of the FBI and the CIA. The agency's ability to coordinate complex operations and gather intelligence from a wide range of sources was a testament to its sophistication and effectiveness. McGee's curiosity was piqued, and he found himself wondering about the inner workings of the agency and the extent of its capabilities. As he continued to explore Rivkin's profile, McGee stumbled upon information uploaded from Tabal's computer, which revealed the location of Saleem Ulman and his terrorist training camp. The discovery was a significant breakthrough, and McGee realized that Saleem Ulman was not only a threat to Israeli interests but also to the United States. The information suggested that Ulman had been involved in several skirmishes with the US Navy, employing Somalian Pirates to attack or harass American ships. Furthermore, the information from Tabal's computer indicated that Saleem Ulman was aware of the partnership between Mossad and NCIS, the law enforcement agency of the Navy. This revelation raised concerns about the potential consequences of Ulman's knowledge, and McGee knew that he had to act quickly to prevent any further damage. With a sense of urgency, he scanned the information to his computer, knowing that he would have to view and print it later. Time was of the essence, and McGee was aware that Mossad's firewall could kick him out at any moment, cutting off his access to the valuable information.

With his heart racing, McGee worked swiftly to gather as much information as possible, knowing that every minute counted. He was determined to uncover the truth about Saleem Ulman and his terrorist network, and he was willing to risk everything to achieve his goal. Michael Rivkin had incurred the wrath of Gibbs to get this information out to Mossad, and had even died in a confrontation with Tony. Ziva's well-being could very well depend on this information and Tim would make sure to be fully knowledgeable on Saleem Ulman, even if it came at the expense of Mossad.

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Ziva David sat in the dimly lit hull of the ship swaying with the motions, the sound of the engines humming in the distance as it made its way to Somalia. She was surrounded by Michael's Kidon squad, a group of highly trained operatives who had welcomed her with open arms and offered her the leadership position left vacant by their deceased teammate. It had been a day of intense preparation, and now they were finally underway, departing from Haifa, Israel on a 17-hour journey by boat to Port Sa'id, Egypt. As the ship navigated through the choppy waters, Ziva's mind began to wander. She thought about the mission ahead, reviewing the steps they would take before reaching their destinations. They would leave their ship shortly after docking and head in the middle of town to pick up their supplies. A Sayan, a Mossad helper, had volunteered to house them and feed them until the arrival of Damocles, the Jordanian freighter heading to eastern Africa. The intel they had received from Mossad indicating that their upcoming ship would stop at Berbera, Somalia, where a few containers would be transported to Bosaso and eventually make their way to Saleem's terrorist training camp. It was a complex operation, and Ziva knew that they had to be careful if they were going to succeed.

But as she sat in silence, reviewing the maps of the terrorist camp, Ziva's thoughts turned to her past. She felt a surge of anger and frustration, remembering how she had been pulled back into the world of Mossad by her father. She had tried to leave it all behind, to start a new life in America, but it seemed that she was destined to be a part of this world forever. The memories of her time at NCIS flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but feel bitter about the lies and pretenses of care that she had received from some of her colleagues. Tony, Gibbs, and Vance - they had all pretended to care about her, but in the end, they had just been using her for their own purposes. The thought of them filled her with a deep sense of resentment. But as she thought of Abby, she couldn't help but smile. Abby's exuberance and warmth had been a breath of fresh air, and Ziva had grown to appreciate her quirks and hugs. Jimmy, on the other hand, represented the innocence and optimism that still existed in the world. He was a reminder that there were still good people out there, people who genuinely cared about others. And when she thought of Ducky, she was transported back to her childhood, remembering the wise and smiling face of her elder, the warm greetings and the comforting cups of hot tea. But as she delved deeper into her mind, Ziva's thoughts turned to Timothy McGee. Thinking of him reminded her of simpler and happier time with her family. She remembered her mother, Rivka, and her sister, Tali, and the happy times they had shared. She thought of Ari and her Abba singing Shavat, of Hannukah and the laughter and smiles that had filled their home. She remembered the concern and care that had once been a part of her life, the sense of belonging that she had lost when she joined Mossad.

As the ship continued on its journey, Ziva rolled up her maps and took out her knife sharpener. She needed to focus, to concentrate on the mission ahead. She couldn't afford to lose her edge, not now, not when she was so close to justifying Michael's death. The saying in Mossad echoed in her mind - "Knives don't run out of bullets, but they can lose their edge." Ziva was determined not to let that happen, not when she had come so far and sacrificed so much. With a newfound sense of determination, Ziva began to sharpen her knife, the sound of the blade scraping against the sharpener filling the air. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, to use her skills and training to complete the mission.

Back in the bustling city of Tel Aviv, Mossad Director Eli David sat in his office, surrounded by the trappings of power and the weight of responsibility. His eyes scanned the reports of intelligence collected by his Katsas in Tzomet, the elite Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence operatives who worked tirelessly to gather information and carry out missions. However, his mind kept wandering back to the last few days and his first personal interaction with the NCIS team. Eli had severely underestimated the Major Crime Response Team, which frustrated him to no end. He couldn't believe that he had been outmaneuvered by a group of agents who were supposed to be inferior to his own highly trained operatives.

Anthony DiNozzo, the cocky and sarcastic agent, was a particular thorn in Eli's side. The young man was incredibly intuitive, able to guess with a high degree of certainty Eli's motives and intentions. For DiNozzo to be able to force the truth out of him in regards to Michael's missions in the U.S., pertaining to both Saleem's terrorist cell and his daughter, had been unexpected. Eli was tempted to kill him right there, in the interrogation room, but he couldn't afford a war with NCIS, especially not with Leon Vance, one of the few men in the world who knew him intimately.

Meeting Ziva's team leader, Marine Sniper turned Federal Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, had filled Eli with a sense of cold unease. Gibbs and he were extremely similar, in demeanor and in skills. He had immediately recognized Gibbs' ability to influence and manipulate others with words, and Gibbs had easily discerned the shrewdness of his mind. They were both men driven by duty and revenge, both respected and hated, having lost enough to kill a lesser man, and yet striving for a future, a destiny only they could see. In his mind, Leroy Jethro Gibbs was the only man alive whose threats he would take seriously. He could not afford to underestimate the veteran marine, who had seen and experienced things that would break a lesser man. There was a saying about being wary of old men in professions where the young die, and Eli couldn't help but think that it applied to Gibbs. Anthony DiNozzo and Leroy Gibbs' proficiencies with words had forced Eli at a disadvantage, making him more honest than he would have cared to be when talking to his once partner Leon Vance. He spoke of Saleem Ulman and his plans to kill him, and he spoke of the information collected by Michael Rivkin and the personal nature of his mission. After the men of NCIS left, Eli could think, he could understand how they were able to draw his daughter away from him, how they could get her to question her loyalty to him.

As he glanced at the picture on his desk, pictures of his three older children, Eli David was glad that he still had Ziva, that she was heading to Somalia to perform her Aliyah. Eli David didn't lose his daughter and never will, he thought to himself, trying to reassure himself that he still had control over the situation. Perhaps he would have lost her had he faced all the men of NCIS, including the youngest member of the MCRT, who was depicted in the Mossad profile as a full-fledged polymath, highly gifted and, trained by the right people, potentially more dangerous than even DiNozzo or Gibbs. Eli David returned to his report, thanking Yahweh for small mercies. He knew that he had to be careful, that he had to stay one step ahead of the NCIS team if he wanted to keep his daughter and protect his interests. He couldn't afford to underestimate them again, not when they had already proven themselves to be a formidable opponent. As he delved back into his work, Eli couldn't shake the feeling that he any fight against the Major Crime Response Team would be a long and difficult fight, one that would test his skills and his resolve to the limit.