Sarah Jane Morris returns to NCIS next week as E.J. Barrett. But in what capacity?

If you recall from the Season 8 finale, E.J. finagled a microchip from the arm of one of her dead team members, a shady maneuver that was neither noticed by our favorite agents or explained to viewers at all.

It makes you wonder ... as does the fact that as the season faded to black, Tony was assigned a classified file folder and tasked with taking down one of NCIS' own agents who is selling classified information. 

Check out this exclusive TV Line pic of the two in "Nature of the Beast" ...

“E.J. taking the microchip significantly changed her relationship with Tony,” NCIS executive producer Gary Glasberg says, noting that this development adds "all kinds of complexity to their interaction.”

Who did Tony see in the photo? Will he find out about the microchip? How will E.J.'s role evolve? Follow the link for more NCIS Season 9 spoilers, and leave a comment below with your thoughts ...

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.