Disclaimer:I do not own the Thunderbird characters, settings, or other nuances. All i own are Archer's Academy, the schoolmates and the bad guy. I gain nothing from writing this story, only a chance to flex my writing mind.
A/N: This is somewhat movieverse. But there is no Hood incident. So also an alternate universe. I also have a sick and twisted mind, and the main 'action' of this story could be disturbing to some people; but won't come for a few chapters. I will also make sure to write a warning at the begining of said chapter, give any readers a chance to turn back.
Summary: Barely into the new school year at a new school, Alan finds trouble and learns of a darker side to humanity. Will his father and brothers be able to save Alan before heis lost to them forever?
"Dad," Alan whined, "Do I really have to go to school? I mean can't I homeschool with Tin?"
Sternly looking his youngest in the eyes, Jeff replied, "For the last time, Alan, no. You are going to school like your brothers before you. If you were at home, there would be too many distractions."
The fourteen year old blonde Tracy just grumbled to himself and stared at the ground. They may have gone to school, but the Thunderbirds weren't around when they were younger! I could learn so much just being a Thunderbird, school isn't necessary…unless you ask Dad…
The dark haired Tracy patriarch just shook his head and led Alan towards the Registrar's office; Fermat, the son of Jeff's friend and chief scientist, Hiram Hackenbacker, following close behind, trying to think of a way to cheer up his best friend. In the office of Archer Academy, a private boys school nestled in the green mountains of Vermont, the secretary looked up, "How may I help you, sir?"
"Hello, I would like to sign in two new students," Jeff said pointing to Alan and Fermat.
"Have they been enrolled, sir?" Jeff nodded, "Alright then, what are their names?"
"Alan Tracy and Fermat Hackenbacker," the elder Tracy supplied.
"Hackenbacker, Fermat…yup, right here," the secretary said to herself, "Tracy, Alan, got it. Alright, here are your dorm assignments and class schedules," She said, pulling papers from the printer. "Looks like you two are roommates in Marx Hall. Here are your keycards, and security codes with instructions," She handed a small pile of paper and plastic to Jeff, before continuing, "You boys have the day to settle into your room. Then tomorrow at noon there is a presentation for new students. The weekend has optional activities for you, but I recommend at least doing one or two, they help with finding your way around. Then Monday, classes will begin for eighth graders. The upper classmen will come next weekend. Any questions?" Receiving the negative from two Tracy's and one Hackenbacker, the secretary smiled, "Alrighty, if you boys need anything just come here, or find a faculty member. Information for curfew and meals is in your room. Have a nice day."
Walking out into the sun of a summer morning, Jeff, Alan, and Fermat walked back to the car. Once everyone was settled, Jeff headed for Marx Hall, and parked out front. Other students and parents were either arriving, shuttling from car to room with supplies, or saying good byes. Having shipped all their belongings a week ago, the group of three headed for the second floor of the hall. Stopping outside room 204, Jeff handed Fermat and Alan their keycards and read the instructions. "Looks like you insert the card, then type in your code…Alan yours is 1-5-7-7…Fermat you have 2-9-3-0. The directions say that you should both enter your codes and cards now." Looking at Fermat, Alan nodded that he should go first.
Fermat stepped forward, and inserted his keycard. A small beep and red light changing to yellow signaled the code should be entered. Punching in 2-9-3-0, the light went from yellow to green and a click was heard. "W-what n-n-now, Mr. T-Tracy?"
"Open the door and close it again. Then Alan repeats the process…" Nodding, Fermat did at instructed, and looked at Alan.
Alan repeated the process, but entered 1-5-7-7 for his code. When the light turned green, he opened the door. Then he and Fermat walked in together. "Alright! Bunk beds!" Alan exclaimed and fist bumped Fermat.
Jeff smiled and looked around, "Looks like all of your boxes are here. Need help setting anything up?"
The bunk bed was set adjacent a large window, with two desks under it. Two closets were opposite the bed and a bathroom was in the corner between the wall with the entry and the wall with the beds. "D-d-do we w-want to move a-a-things a-a-around?" Fermat asked, look towards Alan.
Alan shrugged, "Not much to move, in my opinion, what do you think?"
"T-the set u-up l-looks su-su-conducive to s-studying," Fermat smiled.
"Well, the least I can do is make the beds, and help unpack, so I can take the boxes with me. Sound good?"
"Yeah, that works, dad. First, let's get some tunes going," Alan said, moving towards one of his boxes and digging around until he came out with a radio. Setting it on a desk and plugging it in, Alan tuned into a radio station playing oldies music. Parent approved music…at least until Dad leaves… he thought
And with that the room became a busy environment, Jeff made Fermat's bed first, because it was on the bottom; tucking the sheets tight like he learned in the Air Force. Fermat was setting up his computer, as Alan put his clothes away. As Jeff moved onto the upper bunk, Alan and Fermat switched jobs and set up their desk or closet, respectively. As each box was emptied, they stacked them inside one another. An hour and a half later, eight boxes were stacked and three people sat down with a sigh.
"So, it's one o'clock now, anyone want to get lunch?" Jeff offered.
"T-that s-s-sounds l-like a gr-gr-gr-wonderful idea," Fermat remarked with a boyish grin.
Alan smiled too, "Yeah…that is if we can find a descent place to eat in this maple syrup infested state!" he joked.
Jeff chuckled, "You'd be surprised, Alan, most places here will be more home-cooked style."
With that the party of three left to hunt down a restaurant. Jeff returned the young boys to Archer's by four fifteen, and they said their goodbyes. Hugging Fermat close, Jeff wished him luck. Turning to Alan, Jeff repeated the process, adding an "I love you, son." Alan returned the sentiment, then he and Fermat watched Jeff get back into the car and drive off.
With a sigh, Alan turned to Fermat, "What should we do now?"
"W-we c-could walk a-a-around. S-see w-what the s-s-grounds look l-like."
"Sounds good, then we can relax in the room or see who lives in our hall," Alan added. So the two friends set off. Walking the grounds of the small school. Trying to remember where their classes were.
The rest of the night was spent relaxing. Alan and Fermat met their neighbors on either side; Jake and Rob were in 203 and Sam and DJ were in 205. Rob, like Fermat, was a year younger and rather smart and was from Albany, New York. Jake and DJ had gone to school together since they were young and played hockey together. Both were Vermonters from St. Albans. Sam was an athletic kid, but had his eyes set on military, being a Marine brat from Virginia.
The nine o'clock curfew, found all the residents in their rooms, nine thirty being lights out.
Friday morning found Fermat up and on his computer early, waiting for Alan to wake up so they could get breakfast before the new student presentation. Eight thirty and Alan all but rolled off the top bunk, catching himself easily. "Mor'in," he slurred, rubbing his eyes and walking to the bathroom.
"Morning, Alan," Fermat replied with a smile and shake of his head. A quick shower for both boys and they were ready to go eat.
Pancakes – with real maple syrup – and bacon was first meal of the day. Fermat and Alan sat down at a table in the corner, soon joined by Sam and Rob. "Where are DJ and Jake?" Alan asked.
"They ate earlier and went for a run. They want to be in shape for ice hockey tryouts," Sam replied, "I don't know why anyone would want to play a sport that is inside but still cold!"
"Why'd you come to Vermont, if you don't like the cold," Rob joked.
"Because," Sam said, swallowing some pancake, "Archer's has a highly accredited ROTC program for the high school."
"St-still, s-s-seems like a b-b-big ch-ch-ch-difference in t-t-temperatures," Fermat pointed out after sipping his orange juice.
"Look who's talking. Didn't you say you were from the tropics?" Sam countered.
"We may be from the tropics, "Alan piped up, "But we have also have a place in New York, where my dad works. And I am originally from Kansas."
"I still can't get over who you dad is. Com'mon, Jeff Tracy! You are so lucky," Rob exclaimed.
"So lucky I get sent away for school," Alan grumbled.
"M-Mr. T-Tracy may b-be f-f-f-well known, b-but he r-r-raises his s-sons l-like a K-K-Kansas f-f-farmer," Fermat cut in.
The four friends finished their meal at eleven fifteen, and decided to walk to the auditorium together. On the way they met up with Jake and DJ, freshly showered.