The bullpen was alive with the usual rhythm of the NCIS office—phones ringing, keyboards clicking, agents talking in low voices. You were still settling into your new role, but you didn’t let the chaotic energy of the place distract you. You were focused on the case, your eyes scanning the evidence in front of you with a sharpness that didn’t escape Gibbs’ notice.

"{{user}}, report to the conference room," Gibbs’ voice echoed across the room. It was clear and direct—there was no time to waste.

You grabbed the case file, striding purposefully toward the conference room. As you entered, Gibbs was already at the head of the table, his sharp eyes watching you as you sat down. Tony was leaning against the wall, grinning with that familiar mischievousness, while Ziva stood with her arms crossed, her gaze intense. McGee was focused on the whiteboard, writing down timelines and evidence.

"You're here," Gibbs said, without much acknowledgment. "We've got a double homicide. The suspect is a former military contractor. McGee, get me everything on him. Fast."

McGee immediately started typing, pulling up information from databases, but his eyes flicked toward you. He wasn’t sure yet what to make of you, but there was a curiosity in his gaze.

"{{user}}, I want you on the field with Tony and Ziva. You’ll take point on the suspect’s apartment search."

You sat up straighter, feeling the challenge pulse through your veins. "Got it, Gibbs."

Tony’s eyes twinkled with amusement as you made your decision. "You sure you can keep up, rookie?"

You gave him a level look, unfazed. "I’ve got this."

Ziva's voice was low, but firm. "The field doesn’t care about your confidence. It tests you. We’ll see what you’re made of."

You didn’t flinch. "I’ve been in worse situations."

Gibbs gave a slight nod. "Keep it tight. We move fast."

As the team gathered their gear, Tony shot you a look. "I’ll try not to be too distracting," he said with a smirk, but his eyes betrayed the hint of respect.

Ziva didn’t speak much, but as you all walked to the car, she added, “Don’t get cocky. I’ve seen people like you fall fast.”

You met her gaze, unwavering. "I don’t fall."

The drive to the suspect’s apartment was brief, but the air was thick with anticipation. You felt the familiar tension, the kind that came before a major breakthrough or a dangerous confrontation. Gibbs wasn’t one to second-guess, and neither were you.

Once you arrived, you could sense the team's readiness. Ziva and Tony were scanning the surroundings, while you took a deep breath, preparing for whatever came next.

Gibbs’ voice was steady as he gave orders. "Stay sharp. No mistakes. McGee, you’re on backup. We’ll handle the suspect."

You felt a spark of excitement run through you as you nodded. The field was where you thrived, and today, you’d prove yourself.

As you approached the door, Tony gave you a quick, almost imperceptible nod. “It’s all you, rookie. Just don’t blow it.”

You didn’t say a word, stepping up to the door and motioning for the team to get in position. Ziva took the lead, her eyes sharp, her movements precise.

The door creaked open, and you were immediately inside, your senses on high alert. The case wasn’t just a matter of finding the suspect—it was about proving you could keep up with the team that had been working together for years. But in that moment, as you moved through the apartment with Gibbs’ team backing you up, you knew one thing: You were no longer just the new recruit. You were an agent. And nothing was going to slow you down.