The Dynasty Mansion stood tall in the center of a 10-acre estate in Colorado. It was a near exact replica of the famous Filoli Mansion in California, used as the exterior of the popular 1980s series "Dynasty."
It was built in 2056, the 75th anniversary of the series' beginning and near exact was the best way to describe the grand estate. It was built with modern environmentally friendly materials and had different style gardens, including a "lover's maze" with an elaborate fountain and rose display in the center.
Philanthropists, donors and other guests of all economic backgrounds arrived in their finest formal attire - though some wore designs straight out of the series. They enjoyed the red-carpet treatment, handing their tickets to the greeters then whetted their appetites on cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as they watched - or played - the games.
About three miles away, Thunderbird Two landed at the estate's private airport. Lady Penelope had contacted the president and CEO of the hospital to secure the location so the boys could attend but be ready to rush to an emergency.
Scott, Virgil, Gordon and a still hesitant John gathered inside a Lady Penelope's FAB 3, a stretch pink limousine, to head to the mansion.
The aquanaut smiled as he saw his date in the back seat of the limo's riding area. "You look absolutely gorgeous Lady Penelope -" said Gordon as Parker started the limo to the mansion. Seeing her quirk an eyebrow, amused, he stammered slightly. "W...Well not that you don't always."
The young woman smiled. "Thank you Gordon - I always admired the dress Fallon wore in the opening titles of the show," she said, running a hand on a dark rose version of the famous red, sparkly, and modestly cut, dress. She also had matching pink sapphire and diamond jewelry, and wore her hair in a curled half upswept style. "I decided to join in on the fun and dress up in a more sensible style from the '80s."
"Thank goodness the tuxedo has stayed pretty much the same since then," said Virgil, tugging a bit on his forest green bow tie.
Scott, wearing a dark blue tie and cummerbund trimmed in a small grey paisley trim, then gave a sideways glance at Gordon. "Well... then again Gordon's bowtie and cummerbund should've stayed in 1980s Hawaii."
Gordon stuck his tongue out at the description of his yellow and orange ombre choice. It even had nickel-sized hibiscus flower and palm tree embroidery in places, adding to the garish accessories. "I like to be me - bold, colorful -"
"And loud," said Virgil as he scratched behind Sherbert's ears. The little pug gave a playful bark as he made his rounds visiting the Tracy brothers.
After several pats and greetings, Sherbert then toddled his way toward John.
The redhead briefly glanced down at Sherbert and, after hearing a playful growl, gave the dog a pat on the head as well. "Hey Sherbert," he said, giving a faint smile. John then stared out the window and sighed. He was still dealing with some mild "space sickness" from the change in gravity, but that was the least of his worries.
Parker took a brief glance in the rearview mirror, noticing the nearest Tracy run a finger around the edge of his collar. "Master John, H'I'm sorry they put you up to this," he said sympathetically. "I even 'eard your computer tried to chuck you out."
John smiled. "Thanks Parker. I was worried today she would follow through with her threat to force me to attend. Wore my helmet all the way to the space elevator - and down to the island," he said, chuckling. "But they all have a point - at least I get a meal that isn't 'Certified Grade-A Burned'."
Noticing the driver's eyes narrow in sympathy, but not convinced, he continued. "OK... I just feel like a walking armory now with Brains' updates."
"Yes, I 'eard from M'Lady that your engineer added some more James Bond to your attire," Parker acknowledged. "Must be a bit of an albatross 'round your neck given how many times you've adjusted your collar."
The astronaut shrugged. "Kind of. It's some sort of collar stiffener underneath to protect my neck if by some far off chance a person tried to garrote me, but these new defense mechanisms..." he said, pausing for thought. "You know that cliche 'I can kill a man 100 different ways'?"
"Yes sir - know a few who bragged about it during me younger days," Parker said, then chortled. "It was just that - braggin'."
"Well - I think Brains has 'tailored' the suit where I could actually incapacitate someone 100 different ways. It's one thing to have lasers in my cufflinks and magnetic shoes, but sedatives? Flash bombs? A mini-bean bag gun?..." John said, then brushed the left arm of his white tuxedo, exasperated. "Good grief, he designed the cummerbund to convert to a gas mask - complete with a 10-minute supply of air to get out."
"'E's just being cautious - especially after the 'Ood came crashing in last go 'round," said Parker, though he too wondered why Brains would invent a bizarre contraption. "Doubt you'll need any of it with all the extra security..."
John was about to counter about the chalet when Scott spoke up. "I agree bro. Besides, Brains made sure we all also have the same features in our suits," he said as they pulled up to the front entrance.
Scott's eyes then twinkled with mischief. "Well, there is one additional item we have you don't."
The astronaut quirked an eyebrow. "What?"
"We have spirits of ammonia in ours to help you."
John rolled his eyes. "Seriously - one time," he muttered as he saw Parker step out.
The chauffeur and bodyguard glanced at John in sympathy and, in his own silent retort, went to the back and opened the door of the limousine for his guests.
Gordon stepped out first and reached his hand out to Lady Penelope, who was holding Sherbert. Both waved to the flashes of cameras, though none would produce a full picture of most of the Tracys thanks to dampeners installed in the tuxedos.
Scott and Virgil then stepped out, followed by John. The poor astronaut waved and smiled awkwardly at the surroundings, curling up his toes to keep from bolting back to the safety of the limousine.
His two brothers, afraid John would indeed flee, or worse, put their arms around his shoulders in camaraderie, all laughing as they handed their tickets over and entered.
Once inside, Virgil leaned in and whispered into his immediate older brother's ear. "All the lights are still on right?" he said, his humor hiding his truer concern. Unlike the others, he wasn't teasing - Virgil had been worried the combination of space sickness and John's mild phobia would lead to an actual faint this time.
John blinked at the comment, but then chuckled. "Yes, all senses of the word," he replied, making a gesture around the colorful interior of the casino area. The banquet hall was also bustling with servers getting the tables ready for the meal and theater group rehearsing the mystery.
"Good to hear, but please let us know if you need a breather," said Scott seriously, making his younger brother look into his blue eyes. Seeing John nod in understanding, the pilot smiled. "Virgil and I plan on playing some hands at the blackjack table, and then maybe a few of the others. See you at dinner."
"F-A... um, OK bro," John said and walked around the casino, working out his options for the most fun he could have and still benefit the hospital.
A few minutes into the walk, he felt a buzz at his lapel, which hid a communicator. John looked around and found a secluded spot near the stairwell.
He then casually lifted up wrist watch as though casually checking the time.
Instead Alan's image pulled up in the dial, a new feature Brains added to John's tuxedo to appear more natural when communicating.
"Hey Bro, no spiders in the attic I hope?" said Alan teasingly.
"Not you too..." John groaned, shaking his head. Hearing his brother's puzzled grunt, he continued. "Scott's already teased me about having restoratives in their coats just in case I keel over."
"Wow... harsh," said Alan in sympathy. His eyes then lit up with humor. "Then again - you could always tease him about the time he accidentally ate pickled fruit."
John chuckled as memories of the incident flickered in his head. Scott was 10 at the time and accidentally ate some fruit that was indeed pickled - in rum.
The few hours afterwards were - interesting, to say the least.
He then cleared his throat. "I could, but honestly, I'm doing all right - so no more teasing," he said, chiding.
"But it's fun," teased Alan.
"John is right Alan - if you do not cease with the teasing, I will inform Scott to not bring home that chocolate dome you requested," EOS also replied.
The young astronaut stuck his tongue out in retort. "You're no fun," he started. He then felt a very slight increase in gravity, as though to dump him on the floor, and put his hand up. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'll be nice."
"Thank you Alan," retorted EOS in her child-like voice, returning full zero gravity.
"Yes, please be nice to him too EOS," John said chuckling. The older astronaut tilted his head. "Chocolate dome huh? I take it Scott is going to make you do something in return right?"
"FAB, but it's worth it. He thinks he can sweetalk one of the servers into giving him an extra dessert and have Parker save it for me," Alan admitted.
Seeing John look around nervously at the crowds - who were this time not looking at him oddly, Alan continued. "Look - in all seriousness, my advice is to just have fun and ignore the crowds, OK? I don't want to find out from Virgil that you decided to skip dinner taking an unwelcomed nap."
John admittedly nearly roared laughing at the remark. "I won't - That's usually Gordon's choice when he refuses to stay in bed after being concussed," he said. "But I will be careful, thanks Alan."
"Anytime bro," said the teen on TB5 and the link severed.
John smiled then turned to look at the casino, and found a set of "one armed bandits." Guests purchased tokens, marbles or a combination of the items based on donations to try for prizes in the games. In the case of the slot machines, if a contestant hit three bars they would win a one carat diamond with a couple of other pairings being worth another prize.
The astronaut started working out the odds of winning and smiled. "Well, let's see if I can win something to help Gordon in his quest to woo Lady P," he said, looking at the list.
He then felt his smile broaden at one prize, making his decision. "Well that or a telescope we all can share..." John said, heading to the cashier for some tokens.
Gordon Tracy was frustrated. He rummaged around the bag of jellybeans to see if one contained a gemstone.
It had been his 10th try - and the 10th time he was unsuccessful. So far the blonde-haired man had seen all but about three of the stones he wanted to find for Lady Penelope be struck from the main board, showing they had been found.
Sighing, he gave the bag of gourmet jelly beans to Virgil. "Here you go - another failure," he said, grumbling.
For Virgil - it wasn't a failure, unless he counted trying to not overstuff his tuxedo pockets failure.
He liked Jelly Bellys - well jellybeans in general, and opened the bag to try one.
Popping a black one in his mouth, he expected to taste licorice.
At first there was no taste - then he made a disgusted face.
"Skunk spray!? Why on earth would they put Bertie Botts Beans in the bag?" he said, taking a drink of his brandy to get rid of the "skunk spray effect" in his mouth.
Hearing a polite cough, the pilot turned. He saw Parker, who tried to look nonchalant at the younger man's response.
Virgil studied the man, and could tell from the occasional glance at the bag of jelly beans the longing in Parker's eyes for them.
He tilted his head and, eyes twinkling, offered the bag to the grey headed man. "You want them Parker?"
Parker, realizing he had been caught, nodded. "I'd be delighted Virgil. I 'aven't had these since I was a little boy," he said, taking the bag. He then popped one in his mouth and chewing, smiled. "Ah, me favorite - the barf ones."
Virgil did a double take. "Huh, I thought you to be more of a fan of the sardine or bacon flavored ones," he said, partially in jest.
Parker actually turned his nose up slightly, then chuckled. "I like those too - but the barf ones, when you know what their flavors are, make them the best," he said, and smiled putting a hand on his friend's shoulder. "In h'all 'onesty thank you Virgil. H'It's not often I get to enjoy some of the perks of these events."
Virgil simply smiled - besides he had estimated he had about two pounds to enjoy... providing Gordon gave up the fight.
He was however going to double check to make sure they weren't all Bertie Botts Beans. Virgil knew Parker liked them, but he honestly didn't know if the chauffeur could explain to Lady Penelope why he had 10 bags of jellybeans when he's supposed to be doing security.
Across the way, Gordon was debating on purchasing another bag of marbles to try his luck again at the grab bag. So far he had put in nearly $200 in chances for the lower "play-in" game.
Penelope was watching him with amusement. She had been informed by Scott and Alan in particular about Gordon's endeavor, and while she thought it was sweet, didn't want him to be discouraged. She then heard Sherbert whine slightly and realizing he needed a break, walked outside to the pet area.
Gordon, however, stared at the table debating his options. "Hey, I found a trillion cut sapphire," said a young redheaded woman looking through her bag.
"There goes another one off my list," muttered Gordon as he pursed his lips. He took a look at his watch and saw he had been at it for an hour and a half trying his luck at the game.
He knew then it was time for a break. "A little fresh air, a drink, a few more canapés... I'll be fit to fight for a bag full of gemstones for the Lovey Lady Penelope," he said, smiling. "I will be successful!"
The aquanaut went outside and saw the garden maze to his left. "Maybe a bit of a walk too will clear my head," he chuckled as he entered the maze. He wasn't worried if he got "lost," as he could contact Alan in Thunderbird Five to get the way back.
A half an hour into the course, smelling some of the peace roses and other flora along the way, he heard a pained female scream. "That sounded near the center of this place," he said, starting to run through the course.
After a few turns, and one face plant into a wall, he found the maze's center.
He also found the same red-headed woman he saw earlier at the casino lying motionless by the fountain. Her necklace was scattered in several pieces nearby, the gems oddly prized from their mounts.
"Oh no! Miss, are you OK?" he said and rushed over to the woman, and getting no response, checked her pulse. He let out a sigh when he found it.
"I better get Alan to do a scan from Five," Gordon muttered as he tapped his collar to turn on his communicator.
Just as he raised his arm up to speak, he felt a sharp - almost electrical - pain in the back of his neck. His vision exploded briefly in sparkles before he slumped to the ground - unconscious.
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(Author's note: I used the American names for some of the Bertie Botts beans flavors and, with minor exceptions, will use them in future chapters.)