Under Covers (episode)

Under Covers is the eighth episode of NCIS Season 3 and the 54th episode of the entire NCIS series.
==Synopsis==
When the bodies of a murdered assassin and his wife are taken to NCIS, an undercover operation when it's discovered the victims had reservations at a hotel where the United States Marine Corps birthday ball is scheduled to be held which means that someone at the ball could be a target with Tony and Ziva going undercover, posing as the two married assassins as they attempt to discover who hired them but it's soon revealed that there's more to the case than meets the eye.
==Prologue==
The scene opens with a man giving a butler some money before the butler departs.
It's soon revealed that the man in question is none other than NCIS Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo Junior and his female companion is Mossad/NCIS Liaison Officer Ziva David.
The two then begin exploring their room with Tony stunned by the big screen TV in the cupboard while Ziva eats a grape from the mini-basket.
Tony unsurprisingly gets distracted by the fact that the TV has 200 channels.
Ziva then intervenes by closing the cupboard door before she leads Tony back to the room, stating that there's only one thing she's interested in right now.
There's a moment of silence before the two begin kissing rather passionately.
It then cuts to the floor where Ziva quickly removes her skirt which drops to the ground as the two continue kissing.
==Act One==
A while later, Tony and Ziva are lying in bed, their clothes having been scattered everywhere.
Ziva grabs the remote and hits a button with music emerging from the speakers. She then asks Tony who's lying on top of her if they think they brought it with Tony remarking that he did.
"That's fairly obvious", Ziva states.
"For your information, that's my knee", Tony replies.
"Whatever", Ziva states before telling Tony that he can get off her.
Tony remarks that it's only been ten minutes and that he has a reputation to protect.
Ziva remarks that they're not even sure if they're under surveillance yet.
Tony states that they can't be too careful when they're undercover before suggesting that they give it another 40 minutes just to be realistic.
"Realistic, huh?", Ziva wonders. "In that case...".
She then gestures so that it's now Tony lying on the bed with Ziva straddling him.
"I'll just ride on top", Ziva finishes.
Tony remarks that he can live with that.
Ziva then punches Tony, causing him to grunt with pain with Tony wondering what that was for. 
Ziva tells him that that is not Tony's knee.
She then kisses him.
In the NCIS morgue, a body bag is unzipped, revealing a young woman with NCIS Medical Examiner Dr. Donald Mallard remarking to his friend, NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs that the woman is very beautiful.
Gibbs states that her name is Sophie Ranier and that she's murdered over twenty-five people.
"And her friend?", Ducky wonders, asking about the other body bag being brought in.
Gibbs then unzips the body bag and announces that it's Sophie's husband, Jean-Paul Ranier and that both were Canadian citizens who were also contract assassins.
As the other NCIS team focus on getting the bag containing Jean Paul's remains onto the table, Ducky remarks that Sophie has suffered extensive injuries and that it may take some time to determine the actual cause of death.
Gibbs reveals that they were killed in a car accident two days ago outside of Kuwait International Airport before giving Ducky the accident report.
"I'm assuming this is urgent", Ducky replies. "I've waited three months to see Giselle".
"Yeah, apologizes about your girlfriend, Duck", Gibbs states.
NCIS Director Jennifer Shepard then arrives in, stating that Giselle is a ballet and that Gibbs should get out of his basement more.
It then shows a flashback of Gibbs and Jenny having dinner together in a foreign city, presumably somewhere in Europe.
Jenny then tells Ducky that they need to know everything about these two with Ducky wondering why NCIS is investigating this.
Jenny reveals that Marine CID found two fake U.S. passports and two first-class tickets for Washington D.C. in their luggage with Gibbs stating that they have reservations at the Barclay through November 10th.
"Marine Corps Birthday", Ducky states.
Gibbs announces that they're holding the Ball, hosted by the Commandment of the Marine Corps.
Jenny reveals that their top military leaders, congressmen and directors will be there including Jenny herself.
Gibbs reveals that Tony and Ziva have taken up their reservations at the Barclay and they're there now, pretending to be these two assassins and that they're working blind.
Jenny remarks that they're counting on Ducky to fill them in on the more personal details of their couple.
Ducky states that while it's common knowledge that he talks to his patients, unfortunately to date none of them have ever answered him back.
"Listen harder", Gibbs states.
In the hotel room, Tony asks Ziva if she knows what he could really use right now.
"Some deodorant?", Ziva suggests.
Tony remarks that he was thinking more along the lines of a back massage.
"Good idea", Ziva says before telling Tony why doesn't he roll over like a good boy.
Tony lies on his stomach while Ziva then sits on his back, massaging him with Tony groaning in pleasure and remarking, "To think my mother thought I was too good enough for you".
Ziva then pinches him.
In a hotel room, FBI agent, Maya is keeping an eye on things when her partner, Yussif comes in with Yussif wondering what he missed.
Maya remarks that they had sex.
As Yussif approaches, grabbing a sniper rifle, he wonders if they had contact with anyone.
"Just each other", Maya replies. "Multiple times".
As he keeps the sniper rifle trained on the window, Yussif wonders if it was good for Maya with Maya disgusted. Suddenly, there's a tap and Maya announces that someone's knocking on their door.
Ziva wonders who it is with the voice saying, "Room service".
In the hotel room, Ziva changes the music and lets the bellboy who is none other than NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee in with McGee remarking that it's compliments of the hotel management.
He then gives Ziva something.
As Ziva closes the curtains, Tony, now up and wearing a bath-robe approaches with McGee giving him something.
In a low voice, McGee states that Gibbs wants McGee to sweep the room for bugs and to place some of their own before announcing that Gibbs wants to talk to Tony.
Tony slips a small headpiece into his ear.
Ziva remarks that McGee can put that over there, please.
"Very good, ma'am", McGee replies, grabbing the tray of flowers. He then turns the vase around, revealing that one of the flowers has a camera in it.
Ziva announces to McGee or the Garcon that they'd like some extra bath towels.
As this goes on, it cuts to MTAC where Gibbs and Jenny are.
McGee then grabs a remote and begins scanning the area while stating that he's checking to make sure everything is in order.
He then spots the bed and asks Tony if he would like the maid to make up the bed for him.
Tony remarks that won't be necessary.
In the other hotel room, as the FBI agents keep a track of things, Ziva wonders if the waiter will check the minibar and they'd like it stocked with Red Bull.
"Red Bull", McGee states. "That'll keep you up all night, ma'am".
"Exactly", Ziva replies.
Suddenly, McGee's remote begins glowing green, suggesting that he's found the bugs and he silently gestures at Tony and Ziva to remain quiet with Ziva nodding,.
McGee then states that they should accept this assortment of cheeses compliments of the hotel. He then presses the tray down onto where the bugs are.
In the room, Maya stops and tries to get closer by turning the volume.
Yussif wonders what's wrong with Maya stating that room service put a tray on their microphone.
"You know what that means", Yussif says.
"We're screwed?", Maya says.
"Nope", Yussif states. "You get to dress up as a maid now".
Maya just looks at Yussif, annoyed.
In the main hotel room, McGee tells Tony and Ziva as long as they whisper, it should be okay.
In MTAC, Gibbs wonders if DiNozzo is comfortable.
DiNozzo states that he is and that he's working on it before wondering why they're asking.
"We're looking at you, Agent DiNozzo", Jenny replies. "All of you".
This causes the cork of the wine bottle to pop, startling McGee while DiNozzo covers himself up with DiNozzo quickly apologizing.
Gibbs on the other hand is pissed, stating what the Hell is DiNozzo doing and that they're supposed to be married assassins and that they're not visiting the Playboy Mansion.
Tony states that it was kind of Ziva's idea.
Suddenly, the phone rings with DiNozzo alerting them to it.
Jenny then suggests that Ziva answer it.
Tony then asks Ziva or Sweetcheeks if she thinks she can answer the phone while he pours them some champagne?
Ziva silently gets to her feet and answers the phone with Tony thanking her.
Ziva then grabs the phone and answers, stating, "Yes".
In a room, a man tells her that there's a cell-phone in the Bible next to their bed.
Ziva opens the drawer and finds the Bible before producing it and showing it with Ziva stating that she's got it.
The man tells her to keep with her at all times before announcing that they have dinner reservations in the hotel dining room at 9pm before advising them not to be late.
With that, he hangs up.
Ziva also hangs up and remarks that it was the concierge before remarking to Tony that it looks like they were able to get into the dining room after all.
Tony hands her a glass of champagne with Ziva remarking that it looks like she's getting up dressed up for him tonight.
They then click glasses.
Tony looks at McGee who just rolls his eyes.
In MTAC, Gibbs remarks that wasn't the concierge and that it was their contact.
In the hotel room, Maya announces that they're on the move before telling Yussif that they should go and they've gotta get dressed for dinner.
"I'm coming", Yussif announces.
A while later. NCIS Forensic Scientist Abigail Sciuto, wearing her bowling outfit arrives in while telling Gibbs not to look at her that way and she was at league night when she got the 911 while also revealing that she was two leagues away from a perfect score.
As she and Gibbs enter the morgue, she then states that just for the record, the stupid outfits weren't her idea.
"I like it", Gibbs says.
Abby remarks that it's kind of cute.
Ducky states that there's no sign of his assistant, James Palmer.
"Not since this afternoon, Ducky", Abby says.
Gibbs directs Abby to the dead couples' personal effects and that she should get herself wired so she can tell DiNozzo and Ziva her findings.
"Looking for anything in particular?", Abby wonders.
"Yeah, anything that will help those two act like them", Gibbs announces before leaving the morgue.
In the lab, Abby's computer is busy scanning the people.
In the dining room, it's relatively busy with Gibbs asking Tony for a visual with Tony remarking that there's quite a crowd here tonight before he asks Ziva/Sweetchecks if there's anyone she knows.
"Not yet", Ziva replies. "But the night's just getting started, my little hairy butt".
Tony just looks at her.
Back in the lab, Abby is keeping an eye on things with Gibbs asking for an update. Abby tells him that she's loading the photos into the computer now.
Gibbs then asks Ducky if there's any scoop for their married couple.
Ducky wanders in with his findings, stating that he has the breakdown of the contents of their stomachs and intestines before remarking that if Mr. Reiner had lived, Ducky would have suggested a fiber-rich diet because Reiner's colon was almost completely impacted with fecal material.
This puts Tony off eating his shrimp while Ziva laughs.
"Do you think it's too late to order a salad?", Tony wonders.
At the bar, McGee is in position.
As McGee scans for trouble, Maya and Yussif, the two undercover FBI agents from earlier arrive in.
At the table, Ziva believes that their food is here now.
As a waiter guides Maya and Yussif to their table, Tony and Ziva are being given their food. Meanwhile, Abby is busy working on loading more of the photos.
As Ducky listens in via a headset, Gibbs asks McGee to report.
McGee tells Gibbs that he's got the restaurant covered from the entrance.
At the table, Tony is busy trying to cut into his meat with little success, causing Ziva to look at him.
At her glance, Tony states that he's more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy.
Ducky then states that the calluses from Mr. Rainer's hands suggest that Rainer was left-handed.
Gibbs then tells DiNozzo to switch hands.
As Tony does that, Ziva remarks that it's nice, isn't it?
"Yeah, a quiet little dinner", Tony remarks. "Just the six of us".
Ziva then produces the cell-phone from her purse and states that their friend is calling. She then holds up the phone to Tony's glasses.
In the lab, Abby manages to get a snapshot of the incoming call with Gibbs stating that he wants that number.
"On it", Abby states before stating that she's starting the reverse search dictionary.
In the dining room, Ziva answers, stating that she's glad the man called and that they were getting bored.
Outside at the pay-phones, the man from before states that he thought it would help if they saw their target in person tonight.
"He's here?", Ziva says.
"You don't see him?", the man states.
Ziva tells the man to relax and that she's been flying for over 20 hours.
In the lab, Abby gets a glimpse of where the man may be.
Ziva remarks, "And the restaurant's packed. We will".
In the lab, Gibbs tells Abby to talk to him with Abby stating that it's from the pay phone and that the address is coming.
In the dining room, Ziva states that he didn't mention anything about being surrounded by U.S. Marines with Ziva stating that it's too dangerous for the sums he's paying them.
The man then states that they should accomplish their mission and that they'll talk more.
"But you won't pay us more", Ziva states.
In the lab, Abby states that she's got it and that it's from 2205 M. Street before revealing that he's calling from a pay phone inside the restaurant.
Gibbs calls on DiNozzo and McGee.
"Already moving", McGee states.
DiNozzo announces that he has to go to the little boys room before leaving the table.
Outside the man states that he has to talk to his boss.
"Do that", Ziva states. "We'll wait for you to-".
She stops upon hearing a click on the end before remarking that he hung up.
In the lab, Gibbs silently watches on.
McGee makes his way through the dining area and upon seeing a figure at the phone, draws his gun with McGee announcing himself as a federal agent.
The figure turns around to reveal that it's none other than DiNozzo with DiNozzo announcing that the man's gone.
McGee just lowers his gun.
It then cuts to DiNozzo who's busy putting his gloves on.
==Act Two==
As DiNozzo heads back into the dining room, he remarks that the man must have slipped out through the kitchen and that he didn't even get a look.
As this goes on, Gibbs sits at his desk, wearing the headset.
DiNozzo then asks Gibbs if Gibbs wants them back in the squad-room.
Gibbs states that he wants DiNozzo and Ziva back in their hotel room, maintaining their cover.
"All night?", DiNozzo wonders before he takes a sip of his drink.
Gibbs then asks DiNozzo if Gibbs stutters or something.
Ziva then leans over and rubs DiNozzo's lower face with her left hand while wondering if he's afraid she'll bite.
Still in undercover mode, DiNozzo corrects her by stating that his name is Jean-Paul and refers to Ziva as "Sophie".
"Jean Paul", Ziva remarks.
In the bullpen, Gibbs is busy working when he asks Abby what she's got.
Abby tells him that she has a whoopee and a but.
"Abby", Gibbs states.
Abby states that she has a photo of the man Tony and Ziva are going to assassinate.
"But?", Gibbs wonders.
"But", Abby remarks, heading over to the monitor and bringing up a series of photos. "I have no idea which of these 32 photos is him".
In MTAC, as photos continue being scrolled through the monitor, Jenny wonders what makes Gibbs think that the target's a man and has he forgotten that Jenny herself will be there?
Gibbs tells her that he hasn't and that whoever set up the hit referred to the collar as a man.
Jenny realizes that they've made contact.
Gibbs states that Ziva got a pay phone call.
Jenny wonders if Gibbs has traced it.
Gibbs heads down to join Jenny while sarcastically wondering why didn't he think of that?
As Gibbs sits down, Jenny states that she's sorry and that she's a little tired.
Gibbs then remarks that Jenny could never pace herself very well.
It then cuts to a series of flashbacks showing the two of them having sex in a hotel room in Rome.
As it snaps back to the present, Jenny tells Gibbs that she's got one word for him: Positano.
Gibbs tells her to come on and that was a week after he took a bullet.
Jenny just nods and wonders where the call originated from with Gibbs telling her that it came from a pay phone in the hotel and when they got there, the guy was gone.
Jenny then remarks that at least, they know that the guy is keeping tabs on the operation.
Gesturing to the main screen in MTAC, Gibbs tells Jenny that Abby's matching those photos with reservations in the restaurant and that she'll also check the names against invites to the ball before Gibbs states that it'll narrow the target.
Jenny wonders what if the hit has nothing to do with the Ball but has something with someone who's a guest at the hotel.
Gibbs remarks that Ziva told the caller that she didn't know that the target would be surrounded by Marines.
"And he wasn't surprised?", Jenny asks.
"No", Gibbs replies.
After a minute of silence, Gibbs tells Jenny that nothing's gonna happen tonight and that Tony and Ziva are hitting the rack before revealing that all the back-up teams are in place around the hotel.
He then suggests why doesn't Jenny go grab 40 in the couch in her office?
Jenny refuses, stating that she just needs a little coffee.
"Yeah?", Gibbs wonders. "And when the caffeine jolt ends?".
Jenny tells Gibbs that she'll do what Gibbs does: get a refill.
Gibbs simply remarks that Jenny isn't him.
"Chauvinist", Jenny remarks.
Gibbs just laughs and the two share a chuckle.
As he gets up, Gibbs tells Jenny that he guesses so before wishing her a good night.
As he prepares to leave, Jenny calls him back, stating that she needs to bounce something off him.
Gibbs comes back down the stairway and tells her to shoot.
Jenny states that her director side is telling her to flood that hotel with security and notify the FBI of a potential terrorist attack but her agent side is afraid that if she does, then they'll ultimately lose any chance to take down an enemy cell operating inside the Capitol and that the cell will scatter.
She then realizes that Gibbs would say the course: he'd trust his people to get the job done.
Gibbs wonders if Jenny is telling him what he'd do?
"Asking", Jenny replies.
Gibbs remarks that if he was Director, he'd give his people another 24 and that if they can't get the job done, then he'd notify the FBI.
Jenny wonders if Gibbs would really do that.
"Nah", Gibbs replies. "But then that's why I'll never be Director".
With that, Gibbs heads back up the ramp and leaves MTAC, leaving Jenny alone.
In the hotel room, Ziva and Tony are in bed, sleeping.
In the hotel room opposite them, Yussif is monitoring things when Maya arrives in, carrying two cups of coffee in a plastic container.
As she heads in, Yussif remarks that the man (Tony or Jean Paul) snores like a drunken sailor.
As she takes off her jacket, Maya states that they won't have to listen much longer and that they saw their target at the restaurant which means that they're on plan.
Yussif remarks to Maya that he saw the videotape of their session this afternoon and that it's pretty hot stuff before telling Maya that those two really know how to live their lives.
He then wonders if Maya ever thinks about.. but Maya interrupts him, telling him to forget it and that they're here on a mission, period and that Yussif wants something more than coffee, then he should call room service.
As she says that, she holds the coffee cup in front of him with Yussif taking it.
Back in the hotel room, it's revealed that it's actually Ziva who's the one who's snoring like a drunken sailor which has kept Tony awake to such an extent that he's muttering "Oh, my God" in disbelief.
He calls Ziva but there's no response.
This has Tony smiling.
But when Ziva begins snoring again, Tony tries to cover his ears with his pillow, telling Ziva that she's killing him here. He then calls Ziva Sophie and in a flash, Ziva reacts, turning over to him while placing her gun against Tony's lower jaw.
"What?", Ziva wonders sleepily.
Tony remarks that it's nothing and that he thought he'd heard something.
Ziva then relents and turns back to her side of the bed while also placing the gun under her pillow. As they both turn over, Tony grumbles that Ziva's a crazy chick.
In MTAC, as Ziva sleepily tells Tony or her little hairy butt that she heard that, Jenny smiles, amused before taking a sip from her coffee cup.
The next morning, Gibbs arrives in, carrying two cups of coffee.
At his desk, McGee is slipping his undercover waiter jacket back on and as he looks up, he greets Gibbs with a good morning and as Gibbs places a coffee cup on his desk, McGee thanks him.
Once McGee has attached the holster with his SIG-Sauer, he grabs a package and the coffee cup before heading to Gibbs's desk with McGee telling Gibbs that this package was sitting on McGee's front porch this morning.
Gibbs wants to know what it is.
McGee tells him that it's a package addressed to Ziva.
Gibbs sarcastically remarks that he can see that before wondering what it is in it.
As Gibbs turns back to his computer, McGee remarks that he wasn't sure if he should open it.
Grabbing the package, Gibbs produces his knife while stating that that's probably why Ziva is using McGee as her mule. Gibbs then rips open the package and produces glasses from a black pouch.
"Sunglasses?", McGee says. "With different lenses?".
"Why?", Gibbs wonders.
McGee wonders if it's to protect Ziva's eyes which has Gibbs glaring at him.
McGee then states that he'll ask her and that he'll find out.
"Yeah", Gibbs states, dumping the glasses onto the table. "Good idea, McGee".
With that, Gibbs leaves before telling McGee to send them their wake-up call.
As Gibbs leaves the bullpen, McGee heads over to the desk.
In the hotel room, DiNozzo is lying on the bed, sleeping, with McGee calling him or rather trying to call him via the earbud but DiNozzo, still asleep simply mumbles.
In the bullpen, McGee who is now wearing a headset is trying to call DiNozzo again but with no success, causing McGee to mutter, "This is great. They're sleeping in a five-star hotel. I'm a waiter".
Ziva then asks McGee if he wants to trade places.
McGee realizes that Ziva's awake.
As she gets up and heads over to the bed, Ziva remarks that she's been up since '05 and that DiNozzo snores. McGee tells Ziva that he's got a package here for her.
Ziva turns back to the camera, remarking that they're her shades before wondering if McGee can bring them up with breakfast.
McGee agrees and states that Gibbs wants Tony up too.
"My pleasure", Ziva remarks.
Then, heading over to the bed, she tells Tony or Jean Paul, her little furry bear or her Cheri that it's time to wake up.
She then tilts the bottle of water of one side, causing Tony to wake up and yell, "Name and position, boss" with Tony jumping onto the bed.
Ziva just shudders, startled before she heads off.
In the morgue, Palmer is being punished for not being there when Ducky needs him with Ducky ordering Palmer to make the stitches precise.
"Yes, doctor", Palmer states.
Ducky then states that when Palmer's done, Ducky wants the supply locker inventoried and cleaned with Palmer stating that he did it already.
Ducky orders Palmer to do it again.
As Ducky grabs some wipes, Gibbs arrives in, wondering what they've found out.
Still pissed, Ducky states that his assistant, Mr. Palmer should keep his cell phone with him and turned on at all times. 
Gibbs really wants to know about the assassins.
Ducky reveals that Mr. Rainer had his appendix removed and that Mrs. Rainer had her left wrist broken as a child before Ducky states that they found some rather curious markings.
"Markings?", Gibbs wonders.
Ducky then believes that tattoos might be more appropriate.
Gesturing to Palmer who hands him a magnifying glass, Ducky remarks that it's almost invisible to the naked eye and that it's on the inside of the fourth digit of both the Reiners' respective left hands.
The glass then reveals some kind of strange mark.
Gibbs believes that it's an eight while Ducky states that it could be a sign for infinity.
"Some kind of terrorist cell ID?", Gibbs wonders.
Ducky states that on their ring fingers, it could mean "love forever".
With an idea forming, Ducky states that he wants to take another look at the x-rays and make sure that he didn't miss anything else.
Gibbs tells him to do it.
As Ducky heads off, Gibbs tells Palmer that he missed a stitch which leaves Palmer confused.
In the hotel room, as Ziva looks out the window, Tony who's sitting down and sipping some coffee or tea tells Ziva or "Sweetchecks" that they should really take her to the doctor.
Ziva who's at the window is examining things via her spyglasses.
Turning away from the window, Ziva wonders why that is.
"Because", Tony replies. "You snore like a drunken sailor with emphysema".
At the table, Ziva is busy putting new lenses into the spyglasses and remarks look who's calling the pot black. Tony corrects her that it's the kettle and that the kettle is calling the pot black.
Ziva just looks away and puts her spyglasses back on.
She moves them quickly before turning back to Tony and announcing that she'd like some music, something with a little beat.
"Sorry", Tony states, placing his cup on the table.
He then grabs the remote and hits a button.
As soon as some R&B music emerges, Ziva puts her spyglasses back on with Tony wondering what they've got.
"Sneaky people", Ziva remarks.
On the outside, through her spyglasses, it's revealed that there's a laser aimed at them.
In the lab, via speakerphone, Ziva tells Gibbs that it's the top floor of the northwest corner and they've got a laser trained on their room.
As this goes on, McGee, Gibbs and Abby have gathered in the lab.
McGee's greatly impressed, stating that he can't believe that Ziva's sunglasses can detect different light spectrums and that that's amazing.
Gibbs tells DiNozzo that they're going to need a diversion.
DiNozzo remarks that he thinks that they can manage something.
Gibbs then tells McGee that they should roll.
As they leave, Abby sarcastically remarks that Ziva is amazing before she states that it's a big whoop as Ziva has spyglasses. She then reveals that anyone can do that and that it's not amazing.
As this happens, Abby's assistant, Charles Sterling, looks on.
Suddenly, Ziva interrupts Abby's ramblings with Ziva stating that Abby has realized that they can still hear her.
Abby just looks embarrassed while Chip turns back to resume his work.
In the other hotel room, Yussif is looking through binoculars, remarking that he thinks he's going to need a cold shower after this.
Maya remarks that that's disgusting.
Upon seeing Tony and Ziva going at it, she orders that Yussif give her the binoculars.
In the hotel room, Tony is actually doing press-ups with Ziva lying underneath. Tony remarks that he doesn't know how much longer he can keep this up.
Ziva helpfully counts, adding that it's ninety-six, ninety-seven, ninety-eight....
In the corridor, Gibbs and McGee have arrived, both wielding their SIG Sauers and once they've reached the hotel room, Gibbs remarks that they're in position before telling DiNozzo to give it the big finish.
Yussif is listening in, remarking that they could make a big fortune with this off the Internet.
Maya remarks that they're serial killers and that she wouldn't recommend trying.
Gibbs nods.
With that, McGee knocks the door open.
They both burst into the room, startling Yussif and Maya who draw their weapons.
Seconds later, it descends into a shouting match as the four agents all yell that they're from NCIS and the FBI. 
Once silence falls, the two teams glance at each other, their weapons drawn.
It then cuts to Gibbs who looks pissed with his weapon still aimed at both Yussif and Maya.
==Act Three==
In the bullpen as a live video link of Tony and Ziva watching TV appears on the monitor, Maya remarks to McGee that she has a whole new respect for NCIS.
Yussif remarks that they're hardcore.
McGee who's working states that they got lucky and that it was actually the trained laser on the hotel room that gave the two FBI agents away.
Maya states that they were actually talking about the agents—Tony and Ziva pretending to be married assassins.
"Very convincing", Yussif states.
Maya then remarks that she doesn't think anyone in the FBI would go all the way just to sell a cover story.
"I would", Yussif pipes up.
McGee just chuckles and states that they were acting.
Yussif tells McGee to trust him as Yussif himself knows when someone's acting while they're having sex.
Maya remarks to McGee that it's true and that she's met Yussif's wife.
McGee gets to his feet and heads over to the monitor where the live feed is still playing.
As McGee glances at it, he remarks that Tony and Ziva wouldn't...
As this happens, Tony remarks that it's unusual for a man to like love stories.
McGee just looks stunned before turning back to Maya and Yussif, both of whom are smiling.
Meanwhile, up outside MTAC, Jenny's wondering how she'll explain to the Director of the FBI that they're running an undercover operation on the FBI Director's jurisdiction without informing him.
"With a smile", Gibbs replies.
Jenny grabs the coffee cup and remarks that it's not funny.
As Jenny drinks from the cup, Gibbs then remarks that they had intel two assassins were going to hit a target at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball with Gibbs wondering if Jenny got that memo.
Jenny pauses for a second and then states, "No" before wondering why didn't she think of that?
Gibbs tells her that she's exhausted and that he told her to get some sleep and to do that before Jenny takes on the Director of the FBI.
Jenny remarks that she can't.
Gibbs then states that he can fix this.
"How?", Jenny wonders.
Gibbs tells her that she's not the only one around here who knows how to play politics.
Jenny then laughs, asking Gibbs if he's not serious. She then tells Gibbs that his idea of politics usually involves some form of physical violence.
Gibbs then states she knows what they say and that you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.
With that, Gibbs heads downstairs.
Jenny just smiles.
Downstairs, the elevator doors open, revealing FBI agent Tobias Fornell and as Fornell leaves the elevator, Gibbs comes in.
Maya asks Gibbs if they're free to go with Fornell stating, "Not yet".
Fornell then wonders what the Hell NCIS is doing at the Barclay.
"Our job, Fornell", Gibbs retorts.
Fornell then wonders if that involves jeopardizing the FBI's operation.
Gibbs tells Fornell that he's lucky that Gibbs and McGee didn't blow those two (Yussif and Maya) away.
Fornell then yells that that wouldn't have happened if NCIS hadn't strayed into the FBI's jurisdiction.
In a low, menacing tone, Gibbs tells Fornell to go to the conference room, now.
As they leave, Fornell remarks that NCIS are so anxious to play with the big boys with Gibbs stating, "Really? Big boys, my ass!".
As this goes on, McGee remarks that that is gonna be ugly.
Maya agrees, stating that Fornell hasn't been this upset since...
"The last time we saw him", Yussif finishes.
As the elevator doors open, Gibbs and Fornell head in.
Seconds later, as the doors close, Gibbs flips the emergency switch, stopping the elevator and plunging it into darkness. As this happens, Fornell offers Gibbs some gum.
As Gibbs takes the gum, he wonders about the "big boys".
Fornell just smiles and as he leans against the wall, Fornell tells Gibbs that they really screwed this one up.
"Oh, you think, Tobias?", Gibbs wonders.
Fornell wonders how they're going to fix things without both their directors getting into a world-class pissing match?
Gibbs suggests that a joint op.
"Whose lead?", Fornell asks.
Gibbs states that his team is already in place.
Fornell wonders who hired the assassins.
"Not yet", Gibbs replies. "Working on it".
Fornell states to Gibbs that he needs more than that for his tap dance at the Hoover Building.
Gibbs suggests that they get 24 hours and then they flip.
"FBI gets operational control?", Fornell wonders.
Gibbs agrees and that they'll get credit for the collar too.
Fornell eventually agrees, stating that the directors get to save and they...
"Get the job", Gibbs finishes.
With that, Gibbs brings the elevator back online.
"And people say we're bastards?", Fornell wonders.
"Only because they know us", Gibbs replies.
Once they've shared a laugh, the two men head back out off the elevator, now grim-faced.
In the lab, Chip tells Abby that he's got the IDs on the people in the restaurant who have invites to the Marine Corps Ball.
Abby stops working and looks up.
Chip sighs, apologizing to Abby.
Abby tells Chip to make sure that Tony and Ziva get them.
As he turns around, Chip wonders if he should check the restaurant staff too.
Abby looks at him and ponders over the concept of international assassins hired to take out a waiter.
Chip remarks that he was just trying to be through.
Abby states that it's good instincts and tells Chip to run them.
"Okay", Chip replies before turning back to the monitor.
Chip then wonders if he could ask Abby a question.
"Yes", Abby replies.
Chip wants to know why Abby doesn't like Ziva.
Abby turns around to face Chip while wondering what makes Chip think that Abby doesn't Ziva.
Chip then produces a photograph of Ziva in the restaurant from the other night, only the photo of Ziva has black permanent marker drawn over it, giving the Ziva in that photo big eyes, big hair and a big circle hair, giving Ziva an appearance that resembles a clown.
"That", Abby replies before turning.
Chip tells her that he can understand and that he has the same problem with DiNozzo.
As he turns back to the monitor again, Abby tells Chip that Tony is a great guy and that Chip has to just get to know Tony.
"Yeah, well, you don't know him like I do", Chip mutters.
Abby remarks that Tony gives new people grief and that he learnt that from Gibbs before stating that it's quiz time with Abby handing Chip a clipboard.
Abby asks Chip what his take is on Sophie Rainer's blood test.
Looking at the clipboard, Chip remarks that Mrs. Rainer has elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin.
Abby wants to know that means with Chip revealing that Sophie Rainer was pregnant at the time of her death.
"Good, Chip", Abby remarks. "She's pregnant".
"Who's pregnant?", Gibbs asks, wandering in with a Caf-Pow.
As Abby takes it, she remarks that it's Ziva but not Ziva, in fact Sophie Rainer, their dead hit girl and that she's got a bun in the oven.
Abby then takes a sip of the Caf-Pow.
In the hotel room, Maya who's now wearing a maid outfit asks DiNozzo if he likes what he sees. She then reveals that the room's clean except for the listening devices the FBI themselves installed and that they're free to talk.
DiNozzo wants to know if Maya and her partner are the ones who have been watching them.
Maya remarks that they have and that when this is over, they really should go out for drinks.
DiNozzo stands up and smiles while remarking that he'd like that.
However, they're interrupted by Ziva announcing that she's pregnant before she hangs up.
"Maybe some other time", Maya remarks.
As Maya heads off, DiNozzo stammers that Ziva was kidding.
"Something wrong?", Ziva wonders, heading back into the main area of the hotel room.
"Thanks", DiNozzo remarks grumpily.
Ziva tells DiNozzo that Maya isn't DiNozzo's type.
"Hot and in a maid's outfit?", DiNozzo states. "They don't get any more my type".
Ziva picks up the phone and remarks that he's learning before she tells DiNozzo that the number's blocked.
DiNozzo examines it and answers it, telling the man to talk to him.
The man states that he's been told to negotiate a price commensurate with the risk.
DiNozzo remarks that he's listening but the man doesn't want to do it over the phone and orders them to be in the lobby in one hour.
As the man walks through the street, he tells DiNozzo that a black Lincoln will be waiting out front and that they should make sure that they're not followed.
With that, the man hangs up and then dumps the cell phone into a bin before walking on.
Outside, McGee remarks that he's in position.
In MTAC, Gibbs wonders if Fornell's people are standing by with Fornell stating that he's got four unmarked vehicles standing by and that they'll follow them wherever they go.
Gibbs then tells Tony and Ziva to get ready to roll and that the hour's almost up.
In the hotel room, DiNozzo who's looking through some photos tells Gibbs, "Roger, boss".
In the corner, Ziva is busy cleaning her weapon with DiNozzo telling Ziva that she hasn't fired her weapon so it's already cleared.
Ziva remarks that it calms her mind and forces her to stay focused on the job in her hand.
"The term's job at hand", Tony states.
"Same difference", Ziva remarks.
As DiNozzo gets up and heads over to her, Ziva wonders if there's something wrong.
DiNozzo remarks that he's trying to picture Ziva pregnant.
Ziva urges him not to but DiNozzo states that he has to because he's going to be a father and that it's a great responsibility.
"Maybe it's not yours", Ziva replies.
"Maybe she didn't know", DiNozzo replies.
Ziva remarks that she knew.
DiNozzo wonders why they took the contract and put their unborn child in danger.
As she slips a round into the gun, Ziva believes that it was perhaps they needed the money.
Tony remarks that kids are expensive with Ziva stating that bullets are cheap.
Looking at Tony, Ziva remarks that there's a big chance that this meeting is a set up.
Tony wonders if Ziva's scared.
Ziva admits that she isn't because if anything, she's excited
Outside, McGee reports that there's no sign of the Lincoln yet.
In MTAC, Gibbs agrees, stating that that's a solid copy and that they're sending them down.
Fornell tells all the mobile units to be prepared to move on his mark.
As this goes on, Jenny arrives in.
The MTAC techs get ready.
As she arrives besides Gibbs, Jenny states that this reminds her of their operation which took place in the former Czech Republic.
Gibbs states that Jenny took a round in the thigh during that op.
Jenny remarks that she had the same bad feeling before that op too.
In the hall of the hotel, Tony tells Gibbs that he and Ziva are on their way to the elevator.
Gibbs tells them via earwigs that they're not taking any chances on this and that at the first sign it goes bad, they should call it.
Jenny puts her headset.
Once they've reached the elevator, Tony tells the waiter to hold it.
As this happens, Tony thanks the waiter with the waiter stating, "Sure".
Tony holds the door open and as Ziva arrives in, Tony acknowledges her with a "Sweetheart".
Outside, McGee reveals that a black Lincoln just pulled up.
Gibbs remarks that he got a visual on that.
Once Tony and Ziva are inside, the elevator doors then close.
In the lab, Chip reveals that he's gotten a match. He then turns around, hoping to find Abby but she isn't there. Panicking, Chip rushes out off the lab to get Abby.
In MTAC, the screen shows a black Lincoln with McGee reporting that a man and woman just got out, they're heading into the hotel and that the car's leaving.
Gibbs sarcastically remarks that he can see that.
Fornell then tells all units to hold their positions and that's not their Lincoln.
In the lab, Chip tells Abby that the waiter's got a warrant on him.
Abby wants to know what.
"Murder", Chip remarks grimly.
Abby heads to her monitor and begins typing before a single criminal page of the waiter pops up.
In the elevator, as Tony and Ziva look on, the waiter then kneels down and silently produces a gun with a silencer attached to it from his trolley.
The waiter then aims it at Tony.
It then cuts to Tony and Ziva who look ahead, unaware of the great danger that they're both now in.
==Act Four==
In the elevator, the fake waiter still has his gun pointed at Ziva and Tony who are unaware of what's going on.
When the bell dings, the waiter/assassin tells them that they're getting off.
Ziva and Tony attempt to reach their weapons but it's too late as the elevator doors open with the main man telling Mr. and Mrs. Rainer that it's not a wise choice.
The fake waiter, Henry Spivey then asks for their weapons.
Caught, Ziva and Tony surrender.
As they're examined, Ziva remarks that they would have come to the floor themselves and that three armed escorts seems a bit excessive.
"Very good", the main assassin remarks before stating that they've got their location and number in two sentences before stating that it's too bad their friends can't hear them.
"You're being jammed", Spivey announces.
The main assassin then asks that they be brought to his hotel and that if they resist, shoot the woman.
As the main man leaves, his goons order Tony and Ziva out of the elevator.
In MTAC, Gibbs asks Tony and Ziva if they copy but there's no reply. He then tries again, asking for DiNozzo but again, there's no response of any kind.
As Jenny looks on, Gibbs asks McGee what the Hell is going on?
On the big screen, it cuts to a live feed of Tony and Ziva's hotel room with McGee arriving in and announcing that they're not in their room and that they never arrived in the lobby.
Fornell then states that his team has the entire area outside the hotel covered and that they didn't leave the hotel.
Jenny remarks that the last contact they had was at the elevator which means that's 11 floors they could have gotten off at.
Gibbs then tells McGee eleven floors and how many are they looking at?
McGee then states that if they don't count individual bathrooms and closets...
"McGee!", Gibbs yells impatiently.
McGee then states that it's two hundred and sixty-four hotel rooms, 22 utility rooms.
Gibbs then realizes that Tony and Ziva haven't checked in because they can't.
"They're at the meet right now?", Jenny says.
Gibbs remarks that they removed their earwigs and dumped their comms when it was changed to the hotel. Fornell suggests that they go room by room and that his people seal off the exterior.
Jenny shuts Fornell down by saying that they wait.
"What for?", Fornell wonders.
"For Ziva to contact us", Jenny explains. "We move on, we blow their cover, Fornell".
Fornell then wonders about the possibility of their cover having already been blown.
Gibbs looks at Jenny who just stares back at Fornell.
Up in the hotel room, the earwigs are smashed by Spivey with the main assassin remarking that there are two things that Tony and Ziva or Mr and Mrs. Rainer should be painfully aware of right now: one—no one leaves this business and as Tony nods while Ziva looks on, both of them having been tied to a single chair and who are sitting back to back, the assassin reveals that and two—never threaten the people who employ them.
Tony wonders if he should be writing this down.
Unsurprisingly, C.K. Cord responds by punching Tony with Tony remarking that he takes that as a no.
The mysterious assassin asks about the disk.
"What disk?", Ziva wonders, her blank expression giving nothing away.
Cord then hits Tony again.
The main assassin asks Ziva or Mrs. Rainer where?
"What makes you think we have it?", Ziva wonders.
The main assassin remarks that they spotted their back-up at the restaurant and on some level, they must have known that this was going to happen.
"Observant", Ziva remarks before wondering how much the disk is worth to them.
As Cord hits Tony for the third time, Ziva's emotionless expression slips.
The main assassin then gets to his feet, stating that he has a better question and as he approaches, he wonders what's it worth to them?
In the lab, Abby tells Gibbs that it's bad, very, very, very bad.
She then asks if he remembers how they missed nabbing the guy in the restaurant and she points out that Tony didn't see anything before Abby says that the eye sees more than they think, it's just the brain that misses stuff. She also mentions that it has to do with the firing of the optic nerve and the visual cortex's...
Gibbs then realizes that she found something from Tony's camera.
Abby reveals that she went through the freed, frame by frame and as she clicks the mouse, she states that Tony is looking at the payphone because that was where Tony thought the target was.
Abby points that a camera doesn't think: it simply records.
She then reveals that when Tony ran past the kitchen door of the restaurant, he got this.
On the computer, an image of the main assassin pops up.
Gibbs tells Abby that it's their bad guy before telling her to run it and that he wants a name.
Abby reveals that she does and that she did.
She then hits a few keys and as a passport photo pops up, Abby reveals that the main assassin is Marcos Siazon and that Siazon is a contract assassin.
Furthermore, Siazon is wanted in more than five countries.
As Gibbs glances at the photo, Abby remarks that it doesn't make any sense: why would a killer hire other killers to do a hit for him?
In the hotel, as Tony sits in the chair, slumped, breathing heavily while bleeding, Siazon tells Ziva/Mrs. Rainer that out of professional courtesy, he's had Mr. Cord go lightly on Mr. Rainer/Tony.
Tony lifts his head up and remarks that he appreciates that.
Siazon then gets to his feet and states that unfortunately, they're running out of time.
Ziva then states that if they let Tony/Mr. Rainer go, then she'll tell them where the disk is.
Siazon nods.
At his nod, Spivey then heads over, carrying a briefcase while Siazon tells Ziva/Mrs. Rainer that she'll tell him either way.
As Ziva looks on, Siazon produces something from the open briefcase that Spivey is holding.
It's a long dagger with jagged edges.
Siazon then tests and states why don't they take a moment?
At Ziva's glance, Siazon then says, "Consider your options".
With that, all three assassins leave.
As soon as they've gone, Tony remarks that he has a plan with Ziva saying, "What?".
Tony believes that the Rainers obviously stole something the group wants and that Ziva's gonna give it to them but Ziva states that they don't have it.
Tony remarks that Ziva's gonna tell them that it's in their hotel room and that the only way they'll find it is if Ziva shows them with Tony believing that McGee should be waiting for them there.
Ziva remarks that it's a good plan, except for one minor drawback.
"What?", Tony wonders.
Ziva then states when she leaves, they'll most likely put a bullet through Tony's head.
"Oh, well, I didn't say it was a perfect plan", Tony says.
Ziva just looks at Tony, disbelief all over her face.
In the morgue, Ducky is examining the real Mrs. Rainer's face when Palmer arrives in.
As Palmer passes Ducky, Ducky throws something to Palmer with Palmer catching it. Ducky then states two centimeters below the supraorbital notch before asking Palmer what he makes of it.
As Palmer presses the small item against the x-ray, Ducky remarks that he originally assumed that it was a speck of dirt on the exposure.
Palmer glances in and states that it appears to be a heart.
It then shows a heart-shaped item on the x-ray.
Ducky agrees, remarking that it's a strange place to find one and doesn't Palmer agree?
As Palmer joins Ducky at the table, Ducky remarks that it appears to be gold, surgically embedded in the conjunctival layer and that it might be some type of body jewelry.
"Jewelry embedded in an eye", Palmer states, obviously disgusted.
Ducky simply remarks that Palmer would be amazed at the things people do to themselves and once he's gotten the item out, he places it into a petri dish with Ducky telling Palmer to bring to Abby.
As Palmer leaves, Ducky then tells the dead Mrs. Rainer that he doubts that anyone would notice her little gold heart unless they knew it was there, staring into her eyes, face to face like a lover.
In the lab, Abby states to Fornell and Gibbs that she found a chip in it with Chip stating that there's flash memory embedded underneath and that it's five hundred megabyte capacity and fifty MPS throughout.
Fornell just looks at Chip.
Gibbs and Fornell look at each other, stunned.
Abby then reveals that it contains the Rainers' personal data in two files. She hits a few keys on her keyboard and reveals that one has a list of numbered bank accounts, a deed for a restaurant, a house in Gilead, Maine.
Chip interrupts to say that they ran the address and that the phone service and cable are scheduled to be turned on next week.
Fornell believes that it sounds like a retirement plan.
Gibbs remarks that the real Mrs. Rainer was pregnant and that they were getting out. He then asks about the other file.
Abby states that it has a list of their clients which consists of the clients' names, address, phone numbers, essentially the personal information on their clients.
"Insurance policy?", Fornell wonders.
"Their ticket out", Gibbs states.
Fornell then realizes that the Rainers weren't hired to make a hit with Gibbs grimly realizing the Rainers themselves ARE the hit.
With that, both Fornell and Gibbs leave.
In the hotel room, as Siazon runs his hand underneath the dagger, he wonders does Ziva know that the Peruvians make blades so sharp some people can't even feel the initial precision?
As he says that, Ziva looks on, wary.
Cord reaches to grab Ziva's throat, only for Tony to tell them to stop and reveal that the disk is in their hotel room despite Ziva telling him, "Don't".
Ziva remarks that he'll only it if...
"Where?", Siazon demands.
Tony then states that Ziva/Mrs. Rainer has to show them.
"Not what I asked", Siazon states.
As Siazon steps closer, Tony remarks that they'll never find it without her, even if they kill them.
A few minutes pass and Siazon eventually relents, asking Cord to untie Ziva.
As Cord lets go of Ziva, Tony looks on.
Siazon then dials a number.
In the corridor, Spivy answers with Spivy telling Siazon that he's in position. Siazon tells him to clear the room and that he's on his way up with the girl.
"My pleasure", Spivy states.
With that, Spivy hangs up.
Tony sits there, still bloodied from the punches Cord gave him and defiant while Ziva sits there, stunned at the huge gamble that Tony is taking.
Meanwhile, Spivy arrives at the hotel room Tony and Ziva were at. He produces his gun from underneath the tray and uses a key card to get the door open.
As the door opens, Spivy creeps in and it's shown that McGee is standing there, looking out the window.
As Spivy heads into the room, Siazon tells Ziva who has now been freed that their mistake was going for one last big payday and as Ziva gets to her feet, it's shown that Siazon is using his jacket as a cover to hid his gun.
Siazon believes that they got greedy.
Heading over to the door, Ziva tells Siazon that she's pregnant.
Siazon is stunned by the news and tells Ziva congratulations before wondering it it's a boy or a girl.
Ziva admits that she doesn't know and that they want to be surprised.
Siazon states that it's the best way and how many months?
"Three", Tony pipes up.
Siazon asks about morning sickness with Tony saying, "Only every single day".
As Ziva looks uncomfortable, Siazon remarks that he hated seeing his own wife go through it but it's all worth it in the end.
"So you're not going to kill us?", Ziva wonders.
Siazon tells her that they're assassins and that she should know that they can't walk away from the game wherever they feel like it before stating don't they think that Siazon himself would rather be at his five year old daughter's birthday party than here?
"So you are going to kill us? Right?", Tony asks.
Ziva just looks stunned.
Siazon then admits that he hasn't decided yet before stating that they should give him the disk and then they'll see, play it by ear.
With that, both Ziva and Siazon leave the room, Ziva in front while Siazon walks behind her, keeping the gun hidden yet in sight of Ziva.
As Ziva opens the door, Siazon then tells Cord that if he's not back in five minutes, then Cord should kill Tony.
Ziva pauses for a second, almost hesitating before she eventually opens the door and leaves the room with Siazon following her.
Once they've gone, Cord removes his jacket, telling Tony that that was purely for his wife's co-operation. Once he's tossed the jacket aside, Cord picks up the dagger and as he approaches the table, he tells Tony that they like to call them "little white lies".
Tony just looks up at Cord.
In the corridor, Ziva and Siazon are nearly at the hotel room and when they get outside the door, Siazon drops the key card onto the floor.
Siazon tells Ziva to open it.
Ziva kneels down, picks up the card and stands up again, facing Siazon. She then places the card into the slot and it goes green, giving them access.
As Ziva heads in, she sees McGee lying on the floor.
Ziva then runs over and kneels down beside McGee.
Siazon remarks that he hopes Ziva/Mrs. Rainer wasn't counting on her back-up.
"He's not my back-up", Ziva says, smiling.
Siazon then turns around, surprised and puzzled but before he can do anything, a single hand appears, punching Siazon and it's revealed that the person punching Siazon is none other than Gibbs.
As Siazon hits the floor, Gibbs asks Ziva about Tony with Ziva stating that Tony's on the third floor and in Room 356.
As she says that, Ziva and McGee who was obviously faking both get to their feet with both Ziva and McGee following Gibbs out the door of the hotel room, McGee holding his SIG Sauer.
In another hotel room, Fornell emerges and relays Tony's location to the other teams while it's shown that Spivy is sitting on a toilet, gagged and bound, having been captured.
As Fornell states that it's a federal agent in distress, a voice tells Fornell that they're moving.
Fornell then heads over and aims his gun at Siazon who lies slumped in the corner.
In the hotel room, Tony asks Cord if he knows what's funny with Tony stating that he was really looking forward to having a kid there for a minute and that's a big step for him—having a little DiNozzo.
Cord is puzzled.
Tony then states that's his full name before revealing that he's Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, NCIS.
Cord looks pissed.
But before Cord can strike, Tony gets to his feet and uses the chair to slam into Cord, the impact knocking Cord to the floor.
In the corridor, Gibbs, McGee and Ziva, all wielding their guns have arrived and one shot from Gibbs's SIG is more than enough to blow the lock clean off.
This gives McGee the opportunity to burst into the room, followed by Gibbs and Ziva.
As they arrive in, they see Tony still tied to the chair, kicking the crap out of Cord with Tony asking Cord how that feels.
It then shows that Cord is lying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding as well.
As Gibbs looks on, stunned, presumably by Tony's viciousness, Ziva intervenes, telling Tony that's enough as Tony keeps on raging, wondering if Cord wants to punch him again.
Ziva places her hand on Tony's shoulder which has Tony stopping and Ziva tells Tony that she believes that he made his point.
Tony then looks at Gibbs and hisses that he wants a divorce.
Ziva just shrugs.
This has Gibbs smiling.
A while later, in the bullpen, as Tony sits up, Ducky remarks that the emergency room seems to have done a pretty good job before asking Tony how he feels.
"Better, now that I can breathe", Tony replies.
As Tony dumps the two cotton buds that were in his nose into the bin, Ducky remarks that there doesn't seem to be any permanent damage before asking Tony how many times Cord hit Tony.
Tony admits that he wasn't counting.
Ziva remarks that it was seven times.
"She was, of course", Tony replies.
"It was hard not to", Ziva admits.
Abby tells Tony that they're going to take real good care of him before stating that she had Chip pull Tony's car right around front.
Tony just looks stunned, wondering if Chip drove his car.
"Just from your parking space", Chip admits before saying that he took extra special care.
As Abby holds Tony's hand, Tony thanks Chip albeit grudgingly.
Ziva reveals that she's driving Tony home.
Unsurprisingly, Tony calls on McGee who tells Ziva that she actually, probably shouldn't drive Tony home tonight with Ziva wondering why.
"Maybe he wants to live", Abby sarcastically replies.
Ziva just looks away, slightly stung by Abby's words.
Ducky then states when Tony gets home, Ducky suggests some aspirin and some Scotch.
As he arrives into the Bullpen, Gibbs remarks that he thought Doctors weren't supposed to prescribe alcohol anymore.
"Well, it always seems to work for you", Ducky replies.
Gibbs looks at Ducky's suit and wonders if he got tickets to that gazelle thing again.
Ducky corrects Gibbs by stating that it's "Gizelle" and that's not tonight. He then glances down at his medals and announces that it's the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Gibbs just looks at Ducky, stunned.
"She didn't tell you?", Ducky says.
Suddenly, Gibbs looks up to the stairway and sees Jenny heading down the stairs, wearing an elegant gown.
As everyone else looks on at Jenny descending the stairs, Ducky remarks that Jenny or the lovely Director has asked Ducky himself to escort her.
With that, Ducky leaves to meet Jenny while Gibbs and McGee look on.
Once they've met, Jenny and Ducky walk alongside each other, arm in arm and they stop to look at Gibbs for a few seconds before they move on.
Once they've gone, Gibbs turns around and remarks, "All right".
Tony tells Gibbs good night and gets to his feet, only to stumble with Abby and Ziva helping him as McGee helps too while Chip simply looks on.
With Abby and Ziva helping them, Tony tells them that he's good.
With that, Ziva and McGee leave the bullpen, bringing with Tony while Chip walks off.
Abby simply stops outside the Bullpen and calls Gibbs's name.
When Gibbs looks at her, Abby simply says, "Happy birthday".
Gibbs silently thanks her.
Abby then heads off.
Now alone in the bullpen although there are a few people in the main squad room, Gibbs then pulls out from his desk a small metal flasket - presumably the same one he received in a package from his former C.O. William Ryan in the Season 1 episode Enigma (episode) - with the inscription "Jethro, for good luck. Love, Shannon and Kelly" and a single bullet hole beside the "Love".
Gibbs runs his thumb alongside the two names.
Gibbs remarks that he misses them before opening the flasket and says "Semper fi" before taking a drink.
It then cuts to Gibbs who sits at his desk, a small smile on his face.
==Trivia==
*The Marine Corps Birthday Ball is an event held every year on November 8th to celebrate the history of the United States Marine Corps. There is often a traditional ball hosted by the current Commandment of the Marine Corps followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. It was first held in November 10th, 1775 and has continued to be held every single year since then.
==Cast==
===Series Regulars===
Name 	Portrayed by 	Role
Leroy Jethro Gibbs 	Mark Harmon 	An NCIS Special Agent in charge of the main NCIS Major Case Response Team.
Anthony DiNozzo Junior	Michael Weatherly 	The Senior Agent of the main NCIS Major Case Response Team and also the second-in-command.
Ziva David 	Cote de Pablo 	The Mossad Liaison Officer to NCIS.
Abigail Sciuto 	Pauley Perrette 	NCIS's Chief Forensic Scientist.
Timothy McGee 	Sean Murray (actor)	Junior Agent of the main NCIS Major Case Response Team.
Donald Mallard 	David McCallum 	NCIS's Chief Medical Examiner.
===Recurring Cast ===
Name 	Portrayed by 	Role
Charles Sterling	Michael Bellisario	AKA "Chip", he is Abby Sciuto's assistant.
James Palmer 	Brian Dietzen 	Ducky's assistant.
Tobias Fornell 	Joe Spano 	F.B.I. Special Agent-in-Charge.
Jennifer Shepard	Lauren Holly 	The Director of NCIS who was also Gibbs's former girlfriend and partner.
===Guest Cast===
Name 	Portrayed by 	Role
Yussif 	Phillip Rhys 	Special Agent with the FBI and the partner of Maya.
Maya 	Michelle Krusiec 	Special Agent with the FBI and the partner of Yussif.
Marcos Siazon 	Eric Steinberg 	Contract killer.
Henry Spivey 	Matt Kaimsky 	Siazon's hired thug.
C.K. Cord 	Sonny Surowiec 	Siazon's hired thug.
Sophie Ranier 	Jennifer De Minco	Canadian contract killer and the main murder victim as well as the wife of Jean-Paul Ranier. Uncredited role.
Jean-Paul Ranier	Rife Sibley 	Canadian contract killer and the main murder victim as well as the husband of Sophie Ranier. Uncredited role.
  v —[ e] —dNCIS Season 3
♦ Kill Ari Part 1 (episode) ♦ Kill Ari Part 2 (episode) ♦ Mind Games (episode) ♦ Silver War (episode) ♦ Switch (episode) ♦ The Voyeur's Web (episode) ♦ Honor Code (episode) ♦ Under Covers (episode) ♦ Frame-Up (episode) ♦ Probie (episode) ♦ Model Behavior (episode) ♦ Boxed In (episode) ♦ Deception (episode) ♦ Light Sleeper (episode) ♦ Head Case (episode) ♦ Family Secret (episode) ♦ Ravenous (episode) ♦ Bait (episode) ♦ Iced (episode) ♦ Untouchable (episode) ♦ Bloodbath (episode) ♦ Jeopardy (episode) ♦ Hiatus Part 1 (episode) ♦ Hiatus Part 2 (episode)
Category:NCIS Episodes
Category:NCIS Season 3 Episodes
Category:NCIS Episodes written by Lee David Zlotoff
Category:NCIS Episodes directed by Aaron Lipstadt
Category:NCIS Episodes featuring Charles Sterling
Category:NCIS Episodes featuring James Palmer
Category:NCIS Episodes featuring Tobias Fornell