Tony watched as yet another agent walked by. For the last hour countless agents had passed them with out a second glance. Even so, Tony had the distinct feeling they were being watched. It wouldn't have been so bad except boredom had set in a good 59 minutes ago.

A woman caught Tony's eye. Really, the only thing that made her different was the German shepherd that walked obediently by her side. Looking closer Tony noticed a sparkle of mischief in her eye. The woman caught his eye and smiled.

Much to Tony's surprise she walked towards them. "You must be the team from NCIS. I'm Agent Ekaterina Holmes."

Gibbs stood up. "I'm Special Agent Gibbs these are-"

"I know who you are." Agent Holmes cut Gibbs off. "Director Fury is preoccupied at the moment. However, you will be debriefing Mariah and I instead."

Gibbs glare sent chills down Tony's spine. "I'll only debrief the lead agents."

Agent Holmes held up three fingers. While she spoke he lowered them as she covered each point. "My partner and I are the lead agents. He has a prior commitment which he must attend to. Mariah and Nick are the only ones who have equal or greater stature than us. Anything else?"

"No," Gibbs ground out.

Agent Holmes turned and led the way to a conference room.

"Was there anything that struck you as unusual?" Agent Holmes sat across from Ducky and Abby. For some reason the dog lay by the door.

For a moment no one spoke. In the past ten minutes it had become increasingly obvious not only that S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't read the reports but they were far from experienced investigators. Finally, Ducky spoke, "It wasn't the preliminary crime scene."

Agent Hill looked up from her notebook. "What makes you say that?"

"There was no blood at the crime scene," Abby piped up. Tony was pretty sure that was the only thing Abby had found. The brilliant forensic scientist's lab was shut down before any results came through.

Agent Hill made a note. "And how did Agent Foster die?"

Gibbs arched an eyebrow and Tony struggled to keep his mouth shut. How do they not know?

Agent Holmes answered though. "A bullet wound straight through the head. Most likely from a sniper rifle. Considering the wound the room should have been covered in blood."

Agent Hill's eye hardened slightly. "Have you gotten everything you need, Agent Holmes?"

Agent Holmes went from relaxed to tense in less than an instant. "Yes I did. My answer is the same as it was before." She left the room without another word. Surprisingly the dog didn't follow her.

Agent Hill deflated almost imperceptibly as the other agent left. She took out five sheets from her folder and slid one in front each of the NCIS personal. "In front of you are forms that you will need to sign if you wish to continue on the case."

Even Gibbs' eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Will we be answering to her?" The marine growled.

Agent Hill shook her head. "Agent Holmes is working a different angle of the case. We will assign you two agents to you. I would suggest going through them if you need to deal with Agent Holmes."

"Why do you want us?" As far as Tony could tell all Agent Holmes needed was some slight direction. Anyways, S.H.I.E.L.D. had a reputation for keeping all problems self-contained.

Agent Hill let out a weary sigh. "We are too swamped. The longer this case goes on the more agents will die. K- Agent Holmes and her partner have been working their butts off trying to close this case. Unfortunately it is too big for just them to handle. The fact is we need the help and at the same time we can't take the risk of using our own."

Gibbs rose to his full height before speaking. "In other words you want us on the case so if an agent dies it's not one of your own."

Tony noticed a flash of anger pass through Agent Hill's eyes.

"No, so far the killer has only gone after S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. We're hoping that you will be able to crack the case quickly. Hopefully before anyone else dies."

"May we discuss this amongst ourselves?" Tony shot a grateful look to Ducky. While Gibbs had a point, Tony really had no wish to piss off an agency that could make all their lives hell.

"Of course, Doctor Mallard. Agent Rider will be right outside the door when you are done please let her know." Agent Hill opened the door before turning to the dog. "Saber, go find Agent Holmes."

The dog didn't move.

"Fine, go find Ekatrina."

Saber slowly got up and then…. Stretched.

"If I didn't know better I'd say you're trying to piss me off. Kat, now go." Saber managed to look smug as she padded out of the room.

Gibbs' raised one eyebrow while the other NCIS personal exchanged bemused glances.

Ducky broke the silence. "This is the only way to keep the case."

"And they admitted they need us," Tony added.

"All of those poor agents…" Abby's voice trailed off.

"It will be fun-" everyone just looked at him. "Not that dying agents is fun. Seeing the inner workings of a top secret organization-"

"Mr. Palmer I suggest you stop talking now," Ducky interrupted Palmer.

Gibbs took a sip of his coffee. "How many damn forms do we have to sign?"