RELOADED AND REVAMPED FOR YOUR REVIEW!
I wish I could claim the Tracy boys as my own, but sadly, I cannot. Gerry Anderson created them, Carlton International owns them. The characters: Margo Marin, Francesca Micari, Madison Logan, Cameron Northington, Kendra Thornhill, and Reina Flores are mine.
Spider-Man belongs to Marvel Comics
Many thanks to MCJ for all the encouragement and terrific suggestions for my very first attempt at fan fiction. Thank you Daria, for your input and enthusiasm.
Chapter 1 – "Dilemma"
"That was one tough mission." Scott Tracy wiped sweat from his brow and settled into the cockpit of Thunderbird 1. "Getting those people out of that crumbled gorge and tearing through the twisted monorail was one of the worst things we had to do. I am just beyond exhausted. If Dad knew how tired I was, he would be upset knowing I'm thinking of heading home. It's only a few hours and I can handle it. I've done more with even less sleep. Besides, we really need to talk."
Scott double-checked to make sure all of mobile control was properly stowed along with his extra equipment. Satisfied, he prepped Thunderbird 1 for takeoff. It would be just around three hours on normal cruise speed from Dublin to his island home somewhere near Auckland, New Zealand.
Scott's communication console beeped and his brother John's face materialized on the screen.
"Thunderbird 5 to Thunderbird 1."
"This is Thunderbird 1. Hello John."
"Scott, I just wanted to check on you. How are you doing? Virgil and crew are nearly home. What's up? I thought you may want to stay in Dublin for a bit and rest."
"No John," his voice sounded weary, "I thought about it since I had to stay behind and take care of some things with the city's rescue officials. They're really at a loss in terms of logistics after that disaster."
John heard his spent brother sigh heavily.
"I decided I just want to get home and take care of some personal matters. Yeah, I told Virgil to head on home, as I had every thing covered here. There was no need for them to stick around."
"Alright Big Bro. I'll be checking in with you later on to make sure you're OK. Give a shout if you need anything."
"F.A.B., John and thanks."
"You're welcome. John, out."
Scott stretched and got ready for liftoff. "I can cut an hour of flight time if I pad the normal speed. I want to shower, chill out and have that overdue talk with Dad. I doubt if it will be pleasant, but this can't wait any longer."
As Thunderbird 1 lifted up gracefully into the air in her horizontal flight mode, Scott made the necessary adjustments and settled in the chair. Weather was cooperating so he programmed the autopilot and allowed himself to relax just a bit. It is the rare moment when his mind is free that thoughts he has been trying to keep at bay invade.
"Damn, I can't believe the impact this is having on me. It's all good, yet it is tearing at me still. For years, it has only been my brothers, Dad, Grandma, and the others so like family on Tracy Island. Just us and International Rescue, and that's how it always has to be."
The troublesome thought has been on Scott's mind for nearly two years. "Dad and I are going to have a serious talk as soon as I get back to base. I can't continue like this. I feel like my life is parallel to that old comic book character, who was it? Oh, yeah, Spider-Man. What was it that kept him from pursuing the woman he loved? He is cursed. That's it. The powers he had and the responsibilities that went with them. The powers he had to help whenever needed. A blessing and curse combined, that will prevent him from ever experiencing mutual love in a relationship. There will be no fulfillment there, as he cannot bring someone into such turmoil and ongoing secrecy. Fulfillment is the key word. My life is not fulfilled and that is what's missing."
Reaching for his thermos, Scott poured coffee and continues with his musings.
"Well Hello, Scott Tracy. Welcome to Spider-Man's world! I am feeling like that comic book character. The power of International Rescue and the responsibilities that come along with it are isolating me from a normal life. It's a blessing to those who may need us, a curse for me to have a life."
Scott's jaw was set firmly, as he whispered, "Damn!" and continued monitoring his bird. The flight is uneventful, allowing Scott to try to come up with a game plan for dealing with his father.
"Alright, I have to map this out. I can't go in half-cocked about this with Dad.
I have been seeing Margo Marin for more than a year. She has questions and I so want to give her answers. She is putting up with the evasiveness because she loves me. I know that, feel it when I am near her and it makes me crazy when I am not. I have never been one to exhibit much emotion, but this woman has plumbed my inner soul and she brings it out of me. She is definitely the one.
I want to bring Margo into my life permanently. I have to tell her I am International Rescue. I want her to become a part of my family along with all the dynamics that entails. Come to think of it, that is asking a lot of a woman.
Dad will just have to deal with it. I cannot live my life like Spider-Man. I'm a thirty-year-old man; I need some normalcy in my life. How can Dad refuse that? He has experienced the bond of a loving woman, the results of that love and bond being my brothers and me. How could he not understand I have needs for a relationship such as that in my life? Yeah, Margo is the woman with whom I want to build a family. Fulfillment is the key word. My life is not fulfilled and that's what's missing."
Scott stretched in his chair as his jet-rocket just kept humming along.
"Unlike some of the other women, it's not a matter of physical release and occasional companionship. Margo is so much more to me than that. I feel her all around me, night and day. Her presence is that strong. I can only block it when I am in the midst of a rescue where focus is necessary. Once the mission is over, all I want to do is be with her, relax with her and know she's a reason to come home to."
"Stop it, Scott," he thought to himself, "The missions and secrecy of International Rescue must come before creature comforts, wants and needs. That has been the creed from the day its conception. International Rescue as it stands is safe from any government interference. It belongs to no one and is free from any global interference. Once the identities and location are known, kiss that goodbye and the good of International Rescue will be forever compromised."
Scott poured another cup of coffee and frowned, "OK, fine. If Dad comes up with anything similar to that, I will have to lay down the ultimatum. It's Margo coming to live with me on Tracy Island as my wife, or I have to relinquish International Rescue. It's cold and hard and I sure don't want to walk away from it, but I need this woman in my life."
Silently, Scott began to assess his brothers' relationships. "Virg is torn up because he can't allow Madison to move more closely into his life. He has been running out to Chicago whenever he gets a chance to steal as much time away with her as possible. It is killing him, holed up on Tracy Island for so long without that special companionship. It is amazing how lonely you can feel despite a mass of Tracys all over the place. Virge never complains he just carries on. For how long is the question. One of these days, something is going to give.
Gordon is nowhere near ready to settle down. He's had a long recovery from the W.A.S.P. hydrofoil wreck and is finally emerging from the loss of his special lady friend and some of his colleagues. He's pretty much being wild on the waters of the world and the women just seem to fall along wherever he may be. He's starting to have fun again and it may be a while before he even thinks about making a commitment. When the time comes, Gordo will want to blow this island as much as I often feel like doing.
John. Quiet, thoughtful, unassuming. He has often spoken of making an honest woman out of Francesca. He's not pleased with the limbo their relationship hovers in now. Francesca, absorbed by the mysteries of space like John, would be a great companion for him now and then while he is serving on Thunderbird 5. She would have home fires roaring on the island and in the tin can. John needs to talk with Dad about that too. Trying to find time to hop to Florence and stay for significant days can wear a guy out. I ought to know, as getting to New York City under the same circumstances is no picnic for me either.
Alan doesn't realize how fortunate he is to have his lady already a part of the team and living on the island. Funny how he and Tin-Tin connect with each other, affection that began at their early ages, matured over time, and continues today. He may finally realize just how lucky he is, come to his senses, and marry the woman. He had better do something before Eddy Houseman makes another play for her. I am sure she will say yes. Tin-Tin is great for Alan and he is a much better man because of her influence.
As for Virgil, John and me, how much longer can we keep these blasted secrets from the women who mean so much to us? Yeah, living on the island is paradise, but many times, it is true hell as well.
Margo would not only enrich my life; she'd be good for International Rescue too. Yeah, that is how I can broach this with Dad. Margo's a commercial pilot. She captains a Bombardier Challenger 600 and Learjet 60 and home base is in New York. I can train her to fly Thunderbird 1 very easily in case there's ever an emergency. Margo will easily check out in the other jets and she and Tin-Tin can handle those when necessary. The woman is fearless and would be an asset to International Rescue. Well, to a certain degree. I know she'll think it's chauvinistic of me, but I will not allow her to go out on many rescues, the danger factor is too high. I will maintain my stand on that one and I'm sure Dad will agree. Tin-Tin still gets annoyed that she's only been on a few.
Margo. I will propose to Margo this coming weekend. Dad does like her very much but has no idea how I truly feel. He will find out today. Margo, if she accepts comes to live at Tracy Island and all that goes with it. The risk of something going wrong in the marriage is worth it. I for one believe in taking the risk, as I love this woman. I feel we will have a good strong, marriage. She will understand the need for such secrecy. If for some reason our marriage does not work, well, I'll cross that bridge if we ever get there, but that is not the frame of mind I will enter this union in. I will not live my life in solitude. If Dad says 'no way,' I'm out of International Rescue. It will have to be that way.
OK, nearly home. I'll be debriefing with Dad in less than two hours. I'll shower, change and rest a bit. I will call Margo, tell her how much I miss her and make plans to be in New York in a couple of days. Once the conversation is over, I'll talk with Dad. This could be a very long night. On the other hand, I could also grab the uber-jet, Excelsior, get to New York in time for breakfast with Margo, and just get lost in her love for several days.
Being with that woman is like taking a dive into a hot steaming abyss. That deep, rich, mocha complexion of hers makes me think of my favourite chocolates; Godiva. She likes how I've taken to calling her my 'Lady Godiva.'"
Scott's communicator board beeped pulling him from his thoughts. Looking at the console, John's smiling face filled the screen.
"Thunderbird 5 to Thunderbird 1. Come in Scott."
"Go ahead, John."
"Hey Big Bro, just thought I'd check in again with you. I know how tired you said you were in our earlier conversation. How are you doing?"
"Fine bro, just thinking. The weather is calm and Thunderbird 1 is on auto pilot, so I'm just thinking."
"About what, may I inquire?" John's smile was impish.
"Margo and our trip to Las Vegas."
"You know, come to think of it, I never heard the Las Vegas story and neither has Virgil, or how you two even met. How about telling us about that which will help pass the time and we'll know you're awake. Virg is nearly home but after that rescue, we could all use a good story. Remember, he's got the kids with him, so if you don't want them to know, just talk to me."
"OK. I don't mind if Gordon and Alan hear the story, too. They're crazy about Margo. This means you and Virgil will have to tell me about Francesca and Madison."
"F.A.B. I've wanted to talk with you about that anyway."
"Hey, is there a way to conference us so Dad doesn't inadvertently hear us and a band will remain open for him if he needs us?"
"Sure is," said John mischievously, "Thanks to Brains we can talk amongst ourselves without dear old Dad hearing a thing. He set up a separate band for this sort of thing. Way to go, Brains! OK, have to go switch over. John, out."
John's image faded away while Scott smiled at his brother's antics and those of their engineer, Brains.
Beep…beep…beep. John's image filled the communications console again as he said, "Thunderbird 5 to Thunderbird 1 on secure band. Come in Scott."
"I'm here John."
"OK, let me get Virgil and the kids. Thunderbird 5 to Thunderbird 2. Come in Virgil."
"This is Thunderbird 2 to Thunderbird 5. What's up John?"
"Virgil, I've got Scott on a secure conference line so we can keep him company. He is tired, so I convinced him to tell us how he and Margo met and about that first dinner date in Las Vegas. In return, we have to talk about our women, too. Are you guys up for it?"
A chorus rang out from Thunderbird 2, "Oh yeah!" Alan piped up in the background, "We want all the steamy details, too."
Scott jumped in and said, "Squash it kid, or you'll get sent to sick bay."
Alan winked at him and quieted down as Scott started his story.
"It all started at Teterboro Airport, just outside New York City. When I first saw Margo Marin, she moved around that LearJet like a predatory cat. It was sensual to watch as she reviewed her pre-flight checklist. I was mesmerized, even more so when I found out she captained the plane. She was getting ready to fly a politician to Seattle. I asked her if she would be returning to that airport and she said she would be back towards the end of the week. Her answer was deliberately vague which I certainly did not expect. C'mon, this woman is flying for Bombardier and their crews know their itinerary days in advance.
Virgil sensed the indignation in Scott's voice and chuckled, finding it amusing a woman did not immediately fall victim to the infamous Scott Tracy Charm and he did rub it in.
"So, she made you work for the honour of seeing her again, eh? I'll bet that sent you into a bit of a tailspin!"
A chorus of raucous laughter echoed throughout Thunderbird 1's speakers as the dig honed into Scott's ego.
Scott looked unflinchingly into the monitor and cleared his throat, "Hey, she was pressed for time. Anyway, I pulled a few strings with Bombardier and got hold of her flight plans. I was there the day she returned, as I intended to see her again and whisk her off to dinner. Vegas had come to mind!" He smiled at the thought and said to himself, "Yeah, Scott…that worked."
Alan cut in, "She was getting ready to captain a LearJet when you met her? Cool! My first thought would be to meet her, too and find out everything possible, especially since she left you shrouded in mystery." Laughter filled the background.
"Calm down, Alan, but you're right. That was my gut reaction. There's nothing like seeing a woman knowing her way around a jet."
Alan smiled to himself thinking of Tin-Tin and her red jet, the LadyBird. "Yeah, Scott, you're right about that!" His tone was somewhat wistful.
Scott continued, "What a trip it was trying to get Margo to agree to go to Las Vegas. She was somewhat reluctant at first as she had some doubts about me, thanks to all the damned tabloid fodder. It also didn't help she just came from the other side of the country and I was talking about flying three-quarters of the way back for dinner. Margo didn't want to be in a plane for another four or five hours and of course, she did not know Excelsior flies at nearly twice the speed of sound. I had to convince her we could make Las Vegas in no time. I wish you could've seen the look on her face when she saw Excelsior. It was better when she found out I designed it."
"Go on Big Bro," John said, "it's quite entertaining already."
"Margo then protested I didn't give her time to change out of her flight suit and would have nothing decent to wear. I had that covered. I took a guess at her dress size and had some designer thing hanging in a garment bag behind the right seat in the cockpit. By the way, if you guys ever get stuck with a fashion thing for a woman, the New York staff at Versace is extremely helpful."
Alan, the most fashion conscious of the brothers sighed, "Versace! Scott, you certainly went to the right place. Two points for you!"
"Thanks Alan, but Tin-Tin deserves credit for that suggestion. Margo's flight coordinator was able to give me her shoe size, since their boots are ordered. Tin-Tin also advised me to go to Manolo Blahnik for the shoes and promised I would not go wrong there. She was right. Women are crazy about that place and with some help; I picked out a pair of high heels to go with the dress. I'm not into that shopping thing, but I did have a feeling she would love the items.
OK, Margo agrees to go and as she is boarding Excelsior, she sees the Versace garment bag behind her seat. She asked what it was and I told her. I then said if for some reason it doesn't fit, I can return it to Versace in Vegas and we will go to Bellagio to find something else. The look on her face said it all and I knew we were in for a fantastic first date."
"Oooohhh, Scott whipping out the smooth moves." Gordon said, "That was way cool. How'd she like Excelsior?"
"Gordon, her eyes lit up like the lights of New York when she saw Excelsior's cockpit. I knew she wanted to take the controls and I let her handle them for a bit. There's no doubt Margo loves that jet!"
Virgil cut in, "C'mon, on with the date."
"Once we landed in Las Vegas, we went into separate lounges at the airport to change. Margo was breathtaking and that dress fit her perfectly. When I described her to the manager at Versace, she picked out the dress and colours. It was a perfect fit, short and flirty. The colours were so vibrant against her dark skin. The turquoise and hot pink on her made me think of an island paradise, well yeah…Kyrano's orchid garden. "
Clearing his throat John cut in, "Mmm, getting hot up here in this tin can. Carry on."
"Well, between the dress and the shoes from the store Tin-Tin told me about, I knew I had my million dollar lady and she was fine! As for me, a Brioni tux put a major smile on her face. Dinner was at Isis."
Virgil, the foodie in the family purred at the mention of Isis. "Scott, what a great choice. Did you know it's one of the top ten gourmet restaurants in the States, or did you make a lucky guess? Whoa, Isis is heavy duty if you want to impress someone."
"Virg, after years of Red Flag, don't you think I'd know about Isis? I've been out to Nevada too many times to not know where to go."
"Well Big Bro, I'm just very impressed."
"And me." added John. "Whoa, Isis! That means, ah-hem, you two were at the Luxor Hotel. So, uh, what happened after dinner?"
A little bit of a growl escaped from Scott as he looked at his brothers on the screen, and calmly replied, "Nothing."
Alan and Gordon boomed in unison, "Nothing?"
"Look guys, we had a delicious dinner and talked into the very late hours. Since Las Vegas never sleeps, there was no rush. Margo was and still is very easy to talk with. Our personalities fell into a beat and it's still going on. We then retired to adjoining suites, outfitted with a change of clothing for the next day. We said our good nights and headed back to New York after a wonderful brunch. I was the perfect gentleman because I knew and was determined there would be date number two. As you guys know, the rest is history."
The brothers were laughing when Scott, grinning at John said," Let's hear how you met Francesca. It's a shame we haven't had a chance to meet her."
"Well you know, it's not that I don't want you guys to meet her. My time is so limited when I'm home I just don't want to waste a moment stressing over Operation Cover-up. I can't do it. One of these days, Dad is going to have to lighten up so we can have some normalcy in our lives."
"Hear! Hear!" from all.
"OK…here's how Francesca and I came to be. As you may remember, I was lecturing in Paris a little over a year ago about my new book on astronomy and some of the new theories I had developed. Francesca Micari was in the audience at the symposium. When I completed the lecture, during the meet-and-greet she introduced herself to me and had some questions about the book. She told me she was an associate professor of astronomy at the University of Florence and had just begun using my book in her class. She had quite a few things to say about my theories, and I suggested we discuss them over dinner."
Alan piped up again, "Who would believe anything about astronomy would make for a great pick-up line?"
"Bite me Alan!" John said a bit snappishly.
"The first time I went to Florence at her invitation, I discovered her love for gardening was equal to mine. She has a magnificent olive grove tumbling down her traversed grounds and lots of herbs and beautiful vegetables and flowers. Her little villa is so very peaceful. I do not want to give up a minute of that peace and joy for the stress I'd feel having her on the Island. I just can't handle that right now."
Scott interjected and said, "Bro, I totally empathize with you. When I brought Margo home, well…you know I made a scene and Dad had to relent. We were lucky we had no rescue calls that weekend. Whew!"
"Yeah, I remember alright. I was hoping if anything happened the local services would be able to handle it without us. We were lucky."
"Anyway, Francesca and I have a comfortable and loving relationship. That's always been hard for me to be at ease with. She knows I am on an island and I can't really tell her what goes on there. She says life's too short to be concerned about it. As long as it's not illegal, she can handle it and figures I will share it with her when I can. She's more interested in loving me, and that works for me. She said to feel free to bring you guys to her home any time. I definitely want Grandma to meet her. I have told her all about Francesca and she seems to think it's a good thing. I believe the two of them will get along quite well. Dad will love her too. What's not to love?"
Scott said, "I'd love to meet her. If for some reason I have business near Florence, maybe I can."
Virgil, Alan and Gordon were laughing and giving high fives all around.
"Hey Virg," John said, "it's your turn to tell us about Madison."
Virgil's face filled the console with a grin as wide as a soccer pitch. "I met Madison Logan while I was on a shopping jaunt in San Francisco to pick up some art supplies. As you know, that's our layover point whenever we travel from the States to home and vice-versa, so I always make the most of it. Since I was not in a rush to get back to the Island, I booked a hotel for a few days to enjoy the city.
I had decided to attend a concert featuring the music of Chopin. It was positively brilliant. During intermission, I met Madison at the bar where she ordered a glass of champagne. I was so taken with her elegance and didn't notice any rings on that particular finger and struck up a conversation with her."
Alan said, "Mmm, smooth moves with Chopin. That's different."
"That's enough Squirt," Virgil laughed as he continued, "Madison told me she is an internist at a very busy Chicago practice and had come to San Francisco for some much needed down time. She was burned out from her heavy schedule. I asked her if she would have breakfast with me the next day and she said 'yes.' We spent the day together, taking in the city, having great conversation, enjoying excellent food, and music. She loves piano, plays a bit, and enjoys jazz as much as the classics. We stopped at a Steinway store and I found a terrific concert grand and played it for her. I think that did it. I saw a sparkle in her eyes I've been seeing ever since."
Scott smiled at the story as he always hoped Virgil would find someone who would appreciate his many wonderful talents and genuine spirit.
Virgil continued, "Dad and Grandma like Madison very much, as they do Margo. At my insistence, Dad relented and I brought Madison home for a visit. I have to say, John is right, about how stressful coping with Operation Cover-Up is. I didn't feel like I could ever totally relax, though Madison never noticed that.
As for not bringing her back to the Island since that first visit, I get around it by telling her I would rather have quiet and peaceful downtime with her in Chicago than spending it on an Island with the Tracy Bunch. She says she enjoyed herself and loved all the chaos and tranquil setting, but if I needed the space, she understands. She also is cool about not pushing me on what really happens on the Island. Like Margo and Francesca, she trusts me completely and believes I will tell her when I can.
Honestly, I'd like to marry her. I'm just going to give it about another six months before I move with that. I hope Dad does not put up a ridiculous fight when I bring it up. I don't have the desire to get into it with him now."
Virgil frowned a bit at the thought and said, "Hey Scott, how did you handle Margo's multiple visits? I always wondered about that?"
"Prozac and Prayer Bro. Seriously, it was difficult on my nerves but I wanted her home with me, so it had to be. Dad wasn't happy with the many visits, but since Margo and Tin-Tin hit it off, they were often gone for several hours at a shot shopping in London, Milan or wherever. He was always kind to her, as he likes her very much. Dad had the attitude with me. What's up with that? Like it was strange for me to want my lady to visit my home and family. Go figure! Well, then again, he doesn't exactly know the depth of our relationship."
"Scott, maybe he'd be better about it if you said something." Gordon suggested.
"Gordon, I've often thought about it, and have decided tonight is the night I will be discussing it in great detail."
"Hey, do you remember we had one late night rescue when Margo was visiting?"
The brothers all said yes and nodded in unison.
Scott chuckled a bit, "Margo had no clue since the guest quarters are as soundproofed as silos. We were back before breakfast so all was right with the world. It was interesting to hear her talk excitedly about International Rescue, since the story was on the news later that morning.
"You know, she saw us at that rescue at LAX last year. It delayed her takeoff by several hours but she said it was quite an exciting thing to witness International Rescue in action. From where she was, she could just see Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2. It's funny; she has a thing for Thunderbird 1."
Alan burst out, "Yeah, she's got a thing for your Thunderbird 1, as well!
"Cut it, kid!" was the terse reply.
Noticing the innuendo, Gordon laughed, "Wait until she finds out you are the pilot. That will be the smooth move of the century!"
Virgil broke into a laugh until Scott quieted him down, "Virgil, don't get too happy. One of these days, I'll tell you what she said Thunderbird 2 brings to mind. It's good for a wicked laugh."
Scott could see Virgil's face cloud over a bit. He can't stand it when anyone cracks on his precious craft. It is always a good way to shut him up when necessary.
Scott said, "Hey guys, this has been great. Time definitely passed by, I'm feeling better, but I need to check some systems and think about some things I'm going to discuss with Dad when I get to Base. It's about Margo and me and this discussion has been a long time coming."
"OK Big Bro," Virgil said, "we hear you. If there's anything we can do, just ask. I hope it goes well with the old man. Actually, we're getting close to Base airspace so I have to get ready to check in."
"F.A.B. Virg! Thanks for the conference John, have a good night."
"You too, Scott. Keep me posted and let me know how things go with Dad. Oh, I'll probably check back with you in a few just to make sure you're OK. Good luck."
"Thanks, Scott out." The console went dark and Scott had more to consider. One thing, he really loves his brothers. He thought it was a great idea on John's part to get him to talk about Margo. First, it did keep him awake, and secondly, it benefited him greatly to share something so special with the brothers he holds so dear, even Alan who can be such a nuisance.
Scott's thoughts drifted to that LAX rescue he mentioned to his brothers and how that conversation with Margo played out. A smile crossed his lips at the memory.
"I had met Margo in New York and she was all excited about a recent trip from Los Angeles. She told me she saw the most fascinating thing while waiting for takeoff at LAX. Ultimately, her departure was scrapped for several hours because of a massive fuel fire at the airport. There were people trapped in the monorail system, all incoming flights were diverted and those scheduled for takeoff had to wait.
She was excited International Rescue was on the scene. She's always heard about them but never saw them in action. She and her co-pilot, Cameron managed to get near the rescue site, where she said she saw two aircraft that were mind blowing, one really cool and the other somewhat funny. Cameron was thrilled as he recognized them as being from International Rescue.
She couldn't believe he knew the aircraft because International Rescue is so secretive. It turns out Cameron was on the scene at a hotel in Sydney, Australia when some storm related disaster struck giving him his first glimpse of International Rescue in action.
Margo was under the impression she had my full attention because of our mutual love for aircraft. I had do everything I could to keep from laughing as she made a comment about my dimples deepening as she told her tale. It was funny hearing her recall the adventure I was directly involved in.
Margo then told me about the huge green aircraft, saying it was the funniest thing she ever saw and that it looked like a melon on steroids. Yeah, a watermelon on steroids. She said she nearly rolled over laughing when it lumbered to the site. Cameron jabbed her explaining that was International Rescue's Thunderbird 2, a freight ship that carried important rescue stuff. Still, she thought it was hilarious looking. Cameron then said it looked like a mutant June bug. Margo said they laughed so hard, their sides hurt. I remember she laughingly gave the green beast credit and saying it does a great job, and probably brings a little humor along in desperate situations. Oh yeah, I do want to be around when Virgil finally hears this one. I definitely want to be there.
Margo…excitedly continued to talk about the other aircraft describing it to me as a cool, sleek black and silver jet-rocket. Cameron had told her it was Thunderbird 1. All she could say was how much style that bird had and how she loved its sexy, graceful look and how it had attitude written all over it. When she teased me, by saying, she wondered who the pilot of that baby is and if he is anything like his craft, I looked at her and just shook my head in mock jealousy. I got a big bear hug out of that, or the best she could muster and loved it when she said it is not an issue, because she would take me, the hot Excelsior pilot any day. I got a great joy looking into her mischievous eyes and telling her to be careful because she may have more than what she bargained for."
It was the memory of the narcotic like effect of her kiss that snapped him back to the here and now.
Thunderbird 1 is just humming along with Scott talking to himself.
"I'll be debriefing and having THE conversation with Dad in less than an hour. Once that is over, I will grab a shower and jump into Excelsior. New York is looking good right now. Have to go, though it is halfway round the globe. I need to find solace within her, gain more strength in her love. All of this thinking of Margo just makes me have to go. Paradise can be on Tracy Island, or it can be on Manhattan Island. As long as I am with Margo, it will not matter where. Dad, it will be your call."