16.2
EXT. FEDERAL COURTHOUSE – MORNING
A light drizzle falls as the courthouse looms, imposing and silent. The coalition splits into two teams: Gibbs, Olivia, and Happy circle to the service entrance; Walter, Paige, and Samara approach from the front, blending with early morning foot traffic.
INT. COURTHOUSE – SECURITY CHECKPOINT – CONTINUOUS
Walter flashes a forged ID at the guard, who barely glances up. Paige follows, carrying a messenger bag with surveillance gear. Samara scans the lobby, eyes sharp.
Samara (into earpiece, low):
"We're in. No sign of hostiles yet."
INT. SERVICE CORRIDOR – SAME TIME
Gibbs leads his team down a narrow hallway. Happy disables a security camera with a flick of her wrist.
Happy (sotto, to Olivia):
"Remind me to teach you that one."
Olivia (dryly):
"Only if we make it out of here."
Suddenly, Gibbs raises a fist—halt. Footsteps echo ahead. A pair of men in maintenance uniforms round the corner, carrying toolboxes. Their eyes are cold, movements too precise.
Gibbs (quiet, to team):
"Those aren't janitors."
He signals. The team melts into the shadows, ready for whatever comes next.
END OF 16.2