AN: This is movie-verse, mainly because I've never seen the T.V. show. At least I've never seen more than bits of episodes although you may find elements of the show in here that wasn't in the movie. Two years have passed since the end of the movie. If you look closely you may find bits of the Gilmore Girls in here. I tend to latch onto ideas I really like and take them to other genres if I think they'll work. Rory Gilmore is a Journalism major in the show, and is where I first realized the subject could actually be *gasp* interesting. Hmmm…should Alan get a male Paris? That would be cruel, but fun…HeHeHe.
I own nothing except characters you don't recognize from either show.
Chapter 1:
Wharton Academy for Boys
Alan Tracy quickly ran to his Astronomy class. He was running late for the third time that week.
"TRACY" a voice bellowed in the hallway.
Alan winced as he turned around. He knew whose voice that was, and he currently was not in the mood to deal with the headmaster. "Yes sir?"
"The hallway is not a track, Mr. Tracy. Perhaps, if you are so in love with that particular sport you should try out for the team." Mr. Gonzalez said scathingly.
"I'm sorry, sir. My classes are too far apart, sir. Even with me running, I'm still late." Alan responded breathlessly as the bell rang. He winced; he was not looking forward to possibly having detention or his father's reaction to said detention.
"What was your last class?" Mr. Gonzalez asked quietly.
"U.S. History" Alan replied, surprised.
"And now?" the headmaster asked.
"Astronomy" Alan answered.
"Come with me." Mr. Gonzalez said as he led a shocked Alan to his guidance counselor's office.
"Mr. Barnes, Alan has been reported as being late several times to his Astronomy class. I watched him today. I do not feel the tardiness is due to playing around. Would you please help him work out his schedule in a way that would benefit him?" Mr. Gonzalez asked as he motioned for Alan to sit.
"Of course, sir," Mr. Barnes replied smoothly. He had been waiting to get Alan into his office. Alan was the only one in the 11th grade that was not currently looking at colleges or registering for the SATs.
As Mr. Gonzolas shut the door, Alan bit back a groan. He should have realized this would happen. Even though all of his older brothers had gone into International Rescue, they had each had time to focus on other things during high school. Scott spent a couple years in the Air Force after graduation before I.R. John had done dual enrollment his final two years of high school, and was currently working on his doctorate in Astronomy. Virgil loved to draw along with science, and he was currently working on his Bachelors in Engineering. Gordon was a world class swimmer. He was the only one that did not immediately want to join I.R. He had focused on W.A.S.P. instead after he had won his gold medal. The hydrofoil accident had ended that career and Gordon joined I.R. ahead of planned. He had kept up with his love of water, though, only surrendering T4 to Alan while Alan was still training. As for Alan, he hadn't focused on anything in the past four years, except International Rescue, which was the only thing he was interested in. He was never getting out of here!
"Well, Mr. Tracy let's see if we can't get you straightened out", Mr. Barnes said as he examined Alan's schedule. "Before we move anything I would like to talk to you first. I have been made aware that you have not registered for the SATs or even chosen a field you are interested in. Why don't we go ahead and get you registered for the SAT."
"Fine. I didn't realize that we weren't allowed to take the test in the spring or even our senior year" Alan replied.
"It is better to take them early." Mr. Barnes answered while deciding to ignore Alan's smart aleck attitude at the moment. "Now here at Wharton, we like to gear the final two years towards whatever field you are interested in studying at college. I've also noticed that you haven't chosen a field. There are several subjects and fields that you have shown an aptitude over the years in that your past counselors have passed along. Your teachers say that you show an aptitude in the sciences, which is not surprising, particularly in Astronomy, Computers, and Physics. So let's keep you in Astronomy for now, hmm? We can put you in Physics next year if you feel this is a path you want to follow. You also have an aptitude for the Arts. You are a talented artist for someone who has had no formal training. With your love in science you could combine this into Engineering, Architecture, or a Graphics Design degree. You are also a talented writer. I feel that this is one of your strongest fields, as you have received almost no negative feedback in this area. Have you ever considered Journalism as a career, Mr. Tracy?"
"Not recently," Alan answered uneasily, realizing that he had just given Mr. Barnes the bait he needed to continue.
"Not recently? So you have considered it? Tell me what caused you to change your mind?" He asked while he scribbled down notes on a tablet.
"I grew up, and it was no longer as interesting to me." Alan answered, which was true. He had thought it would be cool to travel the world and report what was going on back home, or at least he had until four years ago when International Rescue started.
"Well, why don't we put you in our first year Journalism class? Most of the students will be freshmen in there, but I feel like you will get along fine. The other three classes are at the same time, so there will be students your age in there. Journalism also happens to be in the time slot of your Trig class, so we can move that to next semester. It is also right around the corner to the Science Building." Mr. Barnes offered.
"If I must" Alan answered unenthusiastic. Inside he was scared. What if he ends up loving this field as much as he had always thought he would? How could he be a Thunderbird and be in the profession that was one of the bane's of their existence?
Mr. Barnes looked at him shrewdly. He knew that Alan was faking the no enthusiasm about the course. "Come back here after your final class. I will get an audition piece from Mr. Connelly. If you do well enough on it, she may clear you for a higher level class. That would give you the chance for more bylines. Also, we will trade out your English class for a Creative Writing one, so go ahead and use this schedule."
"Okay" Alan answered as he stood up to leave. The ending bell for the block that he was supposed to have been in rang as he waited for a note from Mr. Barnes.
"I will take care of your Astronomy class", Mr. Barnes told him, "Go ahead to your next class."
"Thanks," Alan replied as he grabbed the note and his new schedule before heading out the door for his next class.
The rest of the day flew by, and he found himself actually enjoying his classes for once. The Creative Writing class actually was fun and he loved playing on the computer in Graphics Design. After Graphics he headed back down the stairs to the counselor's office.
"Alan," a very familiar voice said behind him.
Alan turned around and came face to face with John. He opened and closed his mouth a few times in shock causing John to chuckle. Alan had forgotten that it was the start of Fall Break and that Fermat and he were heading home that afternoon.
"I forgot. I'm sorry. I've got a couple of things I have to do before I can leave, not including throw some things in a duffel bag for the week," Alan replied flustered.
"That's okay. We're not on a set schedule. I'm in the private jet," John replied, still chuckling at Alan's expense. He had missed his blond brother. The two of them had become close right after the Hood's attack on Thunderbird Five two years previous, but after that T5 was repaired and John went back. Well, the two had drifted apart much to both of their annoyance. John had arranged with their Dad to be the one to pick up Alan and Fermat in a way of trying to reestablish contact with his baby brother, who unfortunately was going through the period when one changes the most quickly away from all of his older brothers. "Mind if I tag along with you on your errands, or will I embarrass you?" he asked only half joking.
"You can come, if you promise to keep quiet about something. And no, I'm not in trouble. You'll understand," Alan said desperately.
John raised an eyebrow at Alan. He was intrigued now. What could have the kid that secretive and flustered and he still not be in trouble? "If you aren't in trouble, then I promise to keep my mouth shut. Only and only if you discuss whatever it is with me if I feel there is a need," John returned.
Alan grimaced, "Fine". He then turned around and headed towards his Astronomy classroom to see if his teacher was still in there. 'Might as well use having John here to my advantage,' thought Alan. His teacher was fascinated with John's research and if Alan was lucky he could perhaps leave John there and not have to discuss anything.
John noticed they were heading into the Science Building. He was surprised when they stopped outside of an obvious Astronomy lecture room and Alan opened the door. He hadn't realized that Alan was taking Astronomy. None of their other brothers had touched the subject. He looked at Alan in a new light. Maybe he will have someone to share T5 with, one that might actually enjoy it.
Alan's teacher looked up surprised as the door opened, then angry for a split second when he saw who was there. John purposefully hung back after he saw the anger on Alan's teacher's face and saw Alan take a step back in surprise.
"Mr. Barnes said he was going to talk to you about my missing class today. He also fixed my schedule to where I will not be all the way across campus before this class. I shouldn't be late anymore, sir," Alan opened with.
"He came by, Mr. Tracy. I'm glad you will no longer be late to my class. Get one of your classmate's notes and I will excuse you from the quiz as I am in a hurry. Your next quiz, however, will count twice and it will not be as easy as today's," Mr. Jones replied effectively cutting Alan off, which pissed John off enough to announce his presence.
"Thank you for being willing to work with Alan. You are most kind," John said coolly, causing Alan to glance over at him with a mixture of pride and slight embarrassment.
"I'm sorry, and you are?" Mr. Jones asked after pushing his glasses up on his nose to get a good look at the second blond that had just walked through his door. A blond who the young Mr. Tracy eerily favored and he knew enough about the Tracy family to know that there were only two blonds. His student, Alan, and his older brother, John, the astronomer whose research he was keen on discussing. He nearly groaned when he realized his blunder.
"His older brother, John," John answered without a hint of warmth returning to his voice.
"I have read your work, Mr. Tracy. I find it highly fascinating. I realize my shortness with your brother may appear to you to be undeserved, but you must realize he has been late to class nearly everyday so far this semester. And then today he spent the entire block in his guidance counselor's office as opposed to my class. Your brother is nearly gifted as you are in this field, and I use the word 'nearly' because I can't get him to fully apply himself," vented Mr. Jones.
Alan had by this time found the floor to be extremely interesting. He knew that John wasn't going to let the teacher's comment about him not applying himself go, but he also knew that Mr. Jones had just made his even tempered brother madder. He finally looked up with the notion of getting both of them out of there. "I'm sorry, sir, but I was told to report back to Mr. Barnes' office after classes today. I came by here first to see about any work I had missed, because I really didn't expect to miss your class, sir."
"I think Mr. Jones is through with you, so if you are required elsewhere let's go," John answered before Alan's teacher could.
"By all means, I will see you next Monday, Mr. Tracy," Mr. Jones said smoothly.
Alan quickly walked out the door leaving his teacher and brother staring at each other. John turned around and headed towards the door, but at the last minute turned and faced Mr. Jones and said. "Alan is not me, while we may both have an interest in the subject that does not mean we love it at the same level. If Alan is truly neglecting his studies in here, then by all means contact our father. As for you seeing him again, I feel like Alan may possibly benefit from a different teacher. Excuse me."
He exited the classroom and noticed Alan a little ways up the hall. He hurried to catch up with Alan before he lost him. "I'm sorry."
Alan looked at John thoughtfully, "Don't be. I appreciated it".
The two brothers shared a smile as Alan led the way to Mr. Barnes' office. When the two arrived, Alan noticed Mr. Connelly just arriving as well. Mr. Connelly looked up at the two as they approached. He immediately recognized Alan. He had tried to figure out a way to get the kid interested in Journalism before, but to no avail. Perhaps Mr. Barnes had finally achieved it, though. He recognized Alan's brother, John with him. The fact that his brother was here was unusual, but then again it is the beginning of a school holiday and this meeting was not really planned in advance.
"Alan, I'm glad you remembered. I believe you met Mr. Connelly today in your Creative Writing Class. I see you brought your brother with you, that's fine. Do come in, it may be a little tight, but if Alan has no problem with you being here I don't either," Mr. Barnes said by way of greeting.
"John can stay. If he wants," Alan said quietly.
John glanced quickly over at his youngest brother. Alan was technically very shy when it came to personal things, and he tended to cover over that fact with bravado. Alan was nervous about him being here, but he was convinced if Alan really didn't want him in here he'd say so. "I must admit, I have become intrigued," answered John.
"Alan's being secretive, huh? Well, today he was brought into my office about his schedule after the headmaster himself noticed Alan having trouble getting to class on time. It worked out quite nicely, because I was about to have him brought in soon anyways. It had come to my attention that your brother had, as of this morning, not registered for the SATs or declared a major. You may not be aware, but Wharton Academy has majors like colleges. We encourage the students to declare one by their junior year, so that we can put them in classes that better suits what they want to have a career in," Mr. Barnes said.
John glanced over at Alan. He had already figured out the kid's problem. The school would not have had 'Thunderbird' as a possible major. Alan had been only twelve when International Rescue officially formed, and he was eight when their Dad began discussing it. He had grown up a 'Thunderbird' and no one had thought to tell him that for the outside world he'd have to choose a 'career' to pursue.
"After looking at Alan's records, I came up with a list of possible career choices that we went over this morning. As seems to be the standard in your family, he shows a natural aptitude for the sciences and technology. However, he is more talented in the arts. Mainly in writing, your brother is extremely talented in that field. He has received almost no negative feedback in that area, and he seems to really enjoy it. During my review of his file I found out that Alan had a past interest in Journalism. During the meeting this morning I put him in the Creative Writing class in place of normal eleventh grade English, a Graphics Design class to utilize his technology and artistic ability if he chooses to go that way, and then the reason for this meeting. I want to put him into a Journalism class. Mr. Connelly and I both feel like he can test out of the first year class, which will give him more chance to have bylines and go farther. Since this is Mr. Connelly's area, I will let him take over." Mr. Barnes closed rather long winded.
"Thanks," Mr. Connelly replied dryly, "Well, Alan I have to admit some of your work here and over the years has been brought to my attention before this. I was interested in you then, and I still am. I think you could be an excellent journalist someday. You simply need training. I will caution you. If you are not serious about Journalism, do not waste my time. There are plenty of students that would love to have this chance or even just your spot in my first year class. Journalism is highly competitive. I know for a fact that when you were younger that you said you 'wanted to travel the world and tell everyone back home what was going on', is that right?"
"Yes sir," Alan answered quietly while John looked at him closely. He had no clue that Alan had these dreams. In fact he would be shocked if anyone in their family did. 'Do we even know the kid?' John thought dismayed that he did not already know this about his brother.
"If you are interested I have an assignment for you for over the holiday. Since it would be due the Monday you return, I have the majority of the research here for you. I need you to finish the research and then bring it together in an article for me. You also like science and technology, so I kept that in mind when I picked the topic. I feel like it encompasses everything you have expressed a true interest in," Mr. Connelly said as he handed Alan a portfolio. "I look forward to reading your work".
"Thank you," Alan replied as he looked over at Mr. Barnes for clearance to leave.
"That's all that I have, feel free to have your father call the school if he has any questions," Mr. Barnes replied as way of dismissal.
Alan nodded as he started to head out the door with John at his heels. He breathed a sigh of relief at being out of there as he cut his eyes over to John. John had been awfully quiet during the meeting. Not that anyone could really get a word in when Mr. Barnes got started, but the fact that he still hadn't said anything now that they were out of the office was worrying Alan. "So?" he said by way of trying to get John to say something.
"So," John answered before turning towards Alan, effectively stopping the two of them outside Alan and Fermat's room. "Journalism, huh? It sounds like you were made for it."
"I guess," Alan answered as he opened the door to his room to grab a few things.
Fermat was inside sitting on his bed waiting for his friend. He knew that Alan had a few meetings that afternoon, but he hadn't known that John was coming to pick them up. He noticed that Alan didn't seem to be too happy, and that John almost had a shell shocked look to him. He wondered what the meeting had been about, while Alan hurriedly threw some things in his duffel for the trip. It did not take Alan long to pack, and soon the three were on their way to Tracy's Island.
During the trip, Alan brought Fermat up to speed on everything that had happened that day while he helped John fly the plane. Well, almost up to speed. He didn't tell Fermat what major they wanted to put him in, because frankly he was scared he'd fail the assignment. The fewer people that knew about this the better. He couldn't help the exhilarated feeling he had as well. He had put this dream up on the top shelve of the proverbial mind closet, and it had been forgotten. Now thanks to his guidance counselor, the dream had been taken down. It was dusty and needed cleaning, but Alan was starting to wonder if maybe, just maybe his first dream was the correct one for him.
John kept silent when he noticed Alan only giving Fermat the bare essentials. He wondered if that meant that their father and brothers could get the bare essentials as well. He was trying to figure out what he could tell everyone and what would potentially violate his promise. He also needed to get his mind around this new idea, because he wasn't blind. He knew that Alan was still in love with this dream. He had simply replaced parts of it with the Thunderbirds he loved so much. The traveling, seeing the world up close, finding out what was going on, and okay he did switch from reporting to being the news, but the dreams did have similar components. He knew that Alan was going to need to bounce this dream around a bit like that basketball he received for his tenth birthday, the one that seemed to endlessly be bouncing. John realized, dismayed, that at ten Alan probably already had this first dream of his and he had never known.
Tracy One made her approach to Tracy Island all too quickly for two people on board the plane, who were busy being lost in their thoughts. As they came in on the landing strip, they noticed five people waiting for them. The remaining Tracys on the island and Dr. Hackenbecker had come to greet their respective family member on board the plane. The rest of the night went pretty quietly, well quietly for the Tracy household. Practical jokes were played, but one of the usual culprits was noticeably missing from the merriment. Alan seemed aloof, which worried his father and three remaining brothers. They each privately vowed to get to the story out of Alan, and if need be John appeared to be their ticket.
To be continued…
Oh no! Poor John! He wants to tell, but he can't and now he's going to get bombarded. And what is Alan's assignment exactly? Any guesses?
This idea has played on my mind for awhile. International Rescue was not around Alan's entire life. Even in the movie I got the feeling that it was still pretty new, mainly because the boys were so young.
And as some of you can probably tell, I'm trying to get the boys in their rightful ships that they had on the T.V. show. I think Alan got T4 in the movie because he was only 14, and out of all the Thunderbirds if I had to put a child of mine at that age on one, T4 is it. Virgil and Gordon had changed colors by the end of the movie as well. Virgil was red and then green and Gordon was yellow and then red. Or was Gordon red all the way throughout? Oh, well, colors changed needless to say from the beginning to the end of the movie as Jeff removed himself to make room for Alan.