DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NCIS OR ANY OF ITS CHARACTERS!

WAKING KATE

Ch 1

She strained to open her eyes, yet feared the light she could already sense would blind her. The pain in her head was dulled by medications that had her feeling detached and her memory foggy. Or was just a notion of pain?

It was obvious from the smells and sounds surrounding her that she was in a hospital. Murmuring voices seemed to be coming from far away, but must have been closer because she felt a hand gently touch her shoulder.

"Easy there," the voice coaxed. It was a deep calming voice that she didn't recognize, so she tried harder to open her eyes to see who was speaking. "Don't strain," he soothed. "They'll be easier to open once we remove the tape."

Tape? Why were her eyes taped shut? Was she being held hostage? The voice didn't sound ominous in any way. Could it be a trick to give her a false sense of security?

As she became more aware she realized she wasn't able to speak because a tube was in her throat. Confusion reigned as her eyes were slowly freed from their restraints. Thinking of restraints it was evident her wrists were bound as well.

Slowly she opened her eyes. Someone had thoughtfully closed the curtains and dimmed the lights so she was able to more easily adjust to the room's brightness. A doctor and a nurse stood at her bedside watching the monitors and making notations in her chart.

Turning from the monitors to look at her the nurse said, "Welcome back Ms. Todd." He approached and gave her a warm smile. "It's been awhile, so don't try to do too much. We'll be removing that tube in a short while and see how you adjust."

Kat's eyes silently asked for more information. As she looked around the room she couldn't understand why no one from NCIS was present. She watched as the nurse conferred with the doctor before addressing the concerns he read on her face.

The doctor nodded slightly looking a little grim which filled Kate with a sense of dread. Did something happen to the team? McGee? DiNozzo? Gibbs? Suddenly her memory cleared and she recalled the final moments on the roof.

She'd stopped a bullet destined for Gibbs. She'd survived thanks to the bullet-proof vest. After she got over the initial impact Gibbs and Tony had helped her to her feet. She joked about taking one for the team. Then… her eyes narrowed trying to remember what had transpired after, but all she could see was blackness.

Had there been more gunfire? Were the rest of the team lost?

Panic began to set in and she saw the nurse inject something into her IV. "This is just to help calm you while we explain what's happened."

She stared at him unable to voice an argument. The fear of the unknown paralyzing her as she thought of the words she might hear. Soon the medication eased her body and she waited to listen to the report.

Before they began a respiratory therapist entered to remove the tube and put her on a nasal cannula. It was their hope that soon she'd be off that soon as well.

The doctor approached her slowly aware of her anxiety. "Do you recall how you came to be here?" he asked looking into her eyes.

Kate tried to think of how to answer, her voice scratchy and dry she uttered, "We were fighting the terrorists on the roof. I remember getting shot, but my vest saved me." She paused searching the faces of the men by her side. "Where's Gibbs? Is he okay?"

The men exchanged a look. She wasn't sure what they were trying to communicate to each other, but wanted, needed to know the answer.

"Hey, I'm here," she said gaining back their attention.

The nurse answered, "Gibbs is fine, as far as we know. It's been a short time since we've checked in with him."

Confused Kate could only ask, "How long?"

Again the doctor and nurse shared a glance. "A week; I think," the nurse replied. "He normally calls or visits on Sundays." Here the nurse gave her a smile, "Guess today he'll finally hear the news he's been waiting so long to hear."

Gibbs waiting for news? She couldn't understand what was going on.

The doctor saw the confusion on her face. "You've been in a coma for some time," he told her gently. It wasn't often he had someone return from her state and be coherent after such a length of time.

Again Kate could only ask, "How long?" fearing what the answer would be.

The doctor put his hand on hers to offer support and to keep her calm. "You've been gone almost seven years."

Kate's eyes widened. Seven years? How could it be? She'd had plans, but now she was missing critical time. The doctor gave a nod to the nurse who once again injected a sedative into her IV.

"No," Kate argued but soon let the medication ease the fear and panic. This time she slept.