A/N: I don't own anything when it comes to CSI because I am not JB or AZ or TPTB. I do own Gus and all of her NOLA people. I tried to fix errors but I am not perfect and I grew up speaking three languages so my spelling is horribly confused. There are spoilers because I tried to follow the season as I write. I do play with the time line though because even the best detectives don't solve a case in a day! And I am trying to make sure that I stay consistent, feel free to PM me if I don't but don't flame me just for that. Also, I use bad words (because they are cops from New York) and I am still a little fuzzy on the rating system, I deal with teens all the time in my work and most of what they say is "M"...

Gus shot up from the couch, sheets twisted and soaked with sweat. Head pounding confusion, she couldn't figure out where she was, only the lights of the buildings shining across the way gave any clue. Safe, or safe as anyone could be in New York. Stumble to the kitchen, pour a shot of whiskey, light a cigarette, sit in a chair and wait for daybreak.

“You were up again last night. Did you sleep at all”?, Mac said while making coffee.

“I'm fine”, Gus retorted full of agitation.

“Not what I asked”, He said pressing her.

“I am fine, Mac, drop it”, Gus curled up on the couch, hugging her knees to her chest.

“I don't think you should go back”, Mac said down into the coffee cup.

“What about Semper Fi”?, she all but sneered at him

“You aren't a Marine, Gus”, Mac snapped his head up, his eyes steely.

“I have to go back, they need my help”, Gus dug in her heels.

“Ah, so another cause then?” He was becoming agitated.

“This is more than a cause, this is my home...I just have to go back”. He wouldn't understand, she thought he would, after 9/11, but maybe no one would ever understand.

“Listen, I know you won't agree, but I am sure they could use you here”. Mac could use someone like her on his team, profiling would fit in well with science and be more sound than just gut police work.

“They can use me more there”, Gus wasn't giving in.

“You been gone less than a week”, Mac wasn't going to give up.

“A week even is too long, I can't even believe I am having this conversation with you. You, of all people always talking about team and fidelity, and all that and you want me to turn my back after years of listening to your war stories?”

“But you don't have to, you didn't sign up for this, you didn't volunteer for this, and they...”

Gust cut him off, “What deserve what they got, did Claire deserve it?”

Mac face went stony, a line crossed.

“Shit, I'm sorry. I just can't abandon ship right now, I promise if I get over my head, I'll come back, but today I need to go back. Thanks, Uncle Mac”. Gus started throwing things into her duffle.