Family Matters

By GrumpyMagrat & Magratconvert

Disclaimer: We do not own the Thunderbirds neither are we making any money off this endeavor. This is strictly for our own enjoyment, and hopefully, the enjoyment of our readers. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 2 – Family

Jeff sat at his desk. He was finishing up the last bit of work for the day. He had gotten an early start on it because today was Christina's second birthday, and they had planned a party of coincide with lunch. He could only hope that International Rescue would not be needed during that time. He sat back in his chair and thought about the past two years. Things had been going fairly well. Gordon and Alan had only butted heads a handful of times over their daughter, but Jeff knew that would change, especially when Christina got old enough to play them off each other. He also knew that Alan was plagued by bouts of jealousy. It was usually pretty evident when he would return from his monthly rotation up on Five. Alan quietly resented the time lost with her while Gordon enjoyed that time uninterrupted. Jeff had been toying with the idea of training his other three sons to take a rotation up there. He was just waiting for the right time to approach his sons with the idea. He figured that he'd better do it soon. With Christina getting older, he figured that it wouldn't be much longer before another Tracy grandchild would join the fray.

Jeff's musings were interrupted by the phone ringing. The ID indicated it was his personal assistant, Marilyn. He answered it. "Hello, Marilyn, closing up for the day?"

"I'll be leaving shortly. I'm really sorry to bother you, Jeff, especially today. I wasn't sure if this could wait until tomorrow, but that attorney, Mr. Walton, just called again. He said that it was extremely important that he speak to you."

"Did he say what it was about?"

"No, sir, the only information that he would give me is that he represents the city of Beaumont, TX and that it's personal."

"Yeah, I bet it's personal. He's probably the head of some fund raising committee looking for a donation."

"Well, you are known as a philanthropist."

"And I have a carefully designed system to submit requests. They aren't supposed to contact me direct."

"That may be, but I think this guy is going to keep calling until he speaks to you. This is the third call from him already."

Jeff glanced at his watch. "I have a few extra minutes. Let's see, it should be around two in Texas. Maybe I can catch him now."

"Go easy on him. This may not have anything to do with a contribution."

"Yes, Marilyn, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Have a good evening."

"Thanks, Jeff, and you have a good time with Christina on her special day. Boy, two years old, they do grow up fast."

"You're telling me. It's hard to believe that it's been two years since all that drama preceding her birth. Take it easy, bye, Marilyn."

"Goodbye, Jeff."

Jeff disconnected that call and opened the email that contained Mr. Walton's phone number. Sighing, he dialed it. The phone rang three times before a male voice answered "Mike Walton."

"Mr. Walton, this is Jeff Tracy. I understand that you have been trying to reach me."

"Yes, Mr. Tracy, thank you for getting back with me."

"Well, you have been making a pest of yourself with my assistant. I'm not very appreciative of that. If you have a donation request, there are proper channels set up for that."

"Oh no, Mr. Tracy, it's nothing like that. I assure you I'm not interested in your money."

"Mr. Walton, I'm a very busy man. So, if you're not interested in a donation, perhaps you could tell me what this, how did you describe it to my assistant, 'extremely important, personal' business is."

Mr. Walton stammered nervously. "Yes, sir, I completely understand, and I really won't keep you long. I am actually trying to reach your son, John Glenn Tracy."

"John? What do you want with him?"

"I'm sorry sir, but it is a personal matter."

"Let me assure you, Mr. Walton. Any business you have with my son is personal to me."

"I can appreciate that, Mr. Tracy, but ethically, and as a lawyer for the city of Beaumont, TX, I cannot speak to you until I have your son's permission to reveal the particulars of this case."

"Has someone accused my son of something? If so, I can assure you that he hasn't even been to the mainland in a couple of months, let alone Texas."

"I can assure you that it's nothing like that. It's just very important that I reach him. I can't stress that fact enough. Please, Mr. Tracy, I need your help."

Jeff massaged his forehead with one hand. "Look, to be totally honest, Mr. Walton, I don't feel comfortable in giving out his private number, especially not knowing what this is all about, but I will give him your number and tell him that you are insisting that it is very important."

"I really wish you would reconsider. I need…"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Walton," Jeff interrupted. "That is my final decision."

Jeff heard him sigh. "I guess that is the best we can do at this point. I hope to hear from your son soon."

"I'll see what I can do. Goodbye, Mr. Walton."

"Thank you, Mr. Tracy, goodbye."

Jeff shook his head. He wasn't sure how to talk to John about this. He really didn't have much information. Hell, he didn't have any definite proof that this guy was even a real lawyer. An idea popped into his head. "That's it," he muttered as he did an internet search for Michael Walton. He was able to find the website for his personal law practice. It gave a complete biography for him; including his educational background and that he had been practicing law in Beaumont for eight years. The only thing that confused Jeff was the only affiliation to the city he could find was some pro bono work for the child services department. "Child services? Why would they need to contact John?" He thought. "Maybe some woman is trying to get money by claiming he's the father. I certainly hope not, talk about tabloid fodder."

About that time, Virgil stuck his head in the door. "Hey there's a little girl out here who's anxious to get her party going."

Jeff smiled wryly. "They couldn't keep her occupied with her favorite cartoons?"

"Are you kidding? She's so excited, they'll be lucky to get her down for her nap this afternoon."

"Been there, done that. I'll be out in a couple of minutes. I have one more call to make."

"Okay, meet you poolside."

Virgil ducked back out the door, and Jeff waited a few seconds before he opened the link to Thunderbird 5. "Base to Thunderbird 5, come in please."

John's portrait flipped to the live feed. "Hey, Dad, everything set for the party?"

"As far as I know, I've been working in my office."

"Ah, staying out of the way."

Jeff laughed. "As much as possible."

"I wish I could be down there with you."

"I know you do, and I'm working on a couple ideas so that you can spend more time planet-side, but that's not why I called."

"Okay, what's up?"

"A lawyer from Beaumont, TX has contacted me. He says that it's very important that he speaks to you."

"Did he say what about?"

"No, he said it was personal."

"Personal, huh? I don't know how it can be? I don't think I know anyone in Beaumont. I'm trying to think if I've ever been to Beaumont, even when I lived in Houston."

"We had that rescue a little over a week ago at that mall just outside of Beaumont."

John shook his head. "I wasn't on scene. How would anyone know that I was even involved?"

"Unless we have a breach of security."

"If that happened, don't you think they would've gone to the press instead of coming to me? Unless they don't realize the scope of the issue and figure that I'm the only Tracy involved in IR. Maybe it's for blackmail."

Well, I guess the only way to find out anything is to call him back. But if it is blackmail, impress upon Mr. Walton that we don't take kindly to this invasion of privacy and that we won't stand for. Let me know either way what it's about."

"You got it."

Jeff gave his son the phone number, disconnected the call, and headed to the party.

TB TB TB

On his way out to the pool, Virgil ran into Gordon. "Hey, Gordon, you look a little down. You should be happy. It's your daughter's second birthday."

"Oh, I am happy. All though, talk about hyper…"

"Gordo, I know you better than this. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing. I just called to check up on Neil."

"And they haven't located his father yet."

"Nope, apparently, they have located another family member that they were hoping to get information from, but he hasn't returned any of the calls yet. Who knows, maybe they did know about Neil, and now just want to avoid him."

"You really need to let this go. It really isn't your concern."

"I know, but…"

"You made a promise," Virgil finished for him while shaking his head. "I tried to warn you. We've rescued kids before and turned them over to the local authorities. We've never checked up on them."

"But this case is different."

"Why? Because she asked you to?"

"Yes! Or maybe because I'm now a father, or because the father supposedly doesn't even know that he is one. Or maybe it's something as stupid as that Neil's blond hair and blue eyes reminded me of Alan at that age. I really don't know why I feel this way. I just do."

Virgil placed a hand on Gordon's shoulder. "Well, let's quit worrying about Neil and worry about the precocious red-head that can't wait to celebrate her birthday. What did you get her anyway?"

"Oh, you know, what every two year old wants, some clothes, some toys, a chemistry set."

Virgil's eyes widened. "You didn't."

"Nah," Gordon laughed. "I'm saving that for Christmas."

"You are incorrigible."

"I know."

The two brothers stepped out into the bright sunshine, and Christina spotted them almost immediately. "Poppy, Poppy," she yelled as she ran and threw herself into Gordon's open arms.

"There's my big girl." Gordon picked her up and spun her around.

"Me birf'ay" she proudly declared.

"Yes, I know it's your birthday. You are two years old. Can you show me two?"

Christina held up two fingers. "Two."

"You're also my smart girl."

She grinned, wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss.

"How about me?" Virgil asked. "Do I get a hug and kiss too?"

She leaned over and Virgil gave her a hug and kiss without her leaving her father's arms. Gordon carried her towards the tables covered with gaily colored tablecloths, balloons, and streamers. One table was partially covered with food and a second one had brightly wrapped gifts on it. Three more tables were set for the eleven people attending the party. Tin-Tin was next to one of the tables, rearranging the flowers in the vase.

"Are you sure there isn't something I should be doing?" Gordon asked. "I feel like I've left this all on your shoulders."

"Don't, my father took care of the meal, and Mr. Parker helped me earlier with the decorations."

Alan came out of the house and immediately went to his wife's side. "Your father is loading up the last of the food now. He'll be out in a few minutes."

"Maybe I should go help him," Gordon remarked.

Alan shook his head. "I tried, but he shooed me out of the kitchen…with a broom."

"He is very territorial," Virgil laughed. "Do you remember the first time Parker tried to make tea in the kitchen?"

The four adults laughed at the memory. Christina wiggled out of Gordon's arms. She wandered over to the table with the gifts on it and tried to pull one off. Alan scooped her up in his arms. "Oh no you don't, little one."

She pointed at the table. "Pe'zan, Daddy."

"Yes, there are lots of presents for you, but you have to wait until after lunch to get them," Alan told her.

"Lunch? Did I hear someone mention lunch?" Jeff said as he joined the group. "I hope little girl is on the menu. They taste so good. Num…num…num." He pretended to chew on her arm.

Christina giggled as she pulled her arm away from Jeff. "No, 'ampa."

"Aw, but you're so sweet."

Kyrano brought out a trolley loaded with food. Lady Penelope and Parker also came out behind him.

"'ere, Mr. Kyrano, h'allow me to 'elp you," Parker offered.

"I am grateful for the offer, but it is not necessary."

"H'I really must h'insist."

"I cannot allow that, Mr. Parker. You are a guest."

"H'I ain't no guest, H'I work too."

"I beg to differ with you, sir."

Tin-Tin broke in before the argument could escalate any further. "Parker, how about you get Lady Penelope a cup of tea, and I will help my father arrange the food."

"H'A splendid h'idea. H'I think h'Ill do just that." Parker headed to the small table that held the drinks and began to prepare a cup of tea.

"Thank you, my daughter, but you do not need to help me."

"After you spent all this time cooking for the party, it's the least that I can do."

"It was my pleasure. Go spend this time with your daughter."

"My daughter has her fathers, uncles and a grandfather spoiling her which is what you should be doing. I can finish this."

Kyrano sighed. "We shall both finish and then enjoy our time with your daughter."

Tin-Tin smiled. It was rare that anyone won an argument with her father. The two quickly finished with the table. She made a plate for herself and for Christina. Then she instructed the rest of the family to help themselves. Lunch was a loud, friendly affair. They laughed around the tables as they told jokes and recalling memories. Christina reveled in the attention she was receiving. Once the meal was over, the family sang Happy Birthday to her. The family cheered as she blew out the two candles on her cake. Kyrano dished up the cake and ice cream and set the first serving in front of his granddaughter who dug into it with gusto. By the time she was finished, she had cake crumbs and melted ice cream all over her face and even in her hair. Tin-Tin took her into the villa to clean her up before opening her presents.

While they were waiting for them to return, Alan's watch went off. He knew that it could only be John calling. Assuming he was calling to wish Christina a happy birthday, he cheerfully answered. "Hey there, Johnny-boy, how's it going up there?"

"Alan, I need you to get up here."

"Ha ha, funny joke, did you want to talk to Christina?"

"No, I'm serious, something's come up, and I need you to relieve me."

"Come on, John, we had this arranged. I'm taking my family on vacation tomorrow. I'll relieve you when I get back."

"That will have to wait. This is important."

"My family is important. We're sticking to the schedule. I'll relieve you when we get back." Alan disconnected the comm in a huff.

"Is there a problem?" Virgil asked.

"No, John just wanted to change up the schedule, but with our vacation starting tomorrow, I couldn't."

"I'm sure he understands."

"Yeah, I'm sure," Alan muttered, but he knew full well that John was not in an understanding mood.

Tin-Tin brought Christina back out to the patio and sat her next to the table with the presents. She had gotten two open before Jeff's watch went off. "Yes, John, is there a call?"

"No sir, but I need to speak with you in private."

"Can it wait? Christina is opening her presents."

"No, it can't wait. It's very important."

"Okay, let me go to my office, and we can talk by the live feed."

"Okay," John nodded and disconnected the call.

On his way into the villa, he stopped and talked to Tin-Tin and Alan. "I need to take a call from John. Don't let her open my gifts until I get back."

"Sure," Tin-Tin replied, but she caught the scowl that Alan was trying to hide from his father. "Okay, what's wrong?" She asked when Jeff was out of earshot.

"Oh, it's John. He wanted me to cancel our vacation and go up and relieve him. Now, that I refused he's crying to dad."

"That doesn't sound like John. Did he say why he needed you to relieve him?"

"No, he didn't" Alan didn't want to admit that he didn't give John much of a chance to explain, and his wife didn't push the issue.

Tin-Tin just handed another gift to Christina to unwrap. "Well, I wouldn't worry. Your dad will sort this all out."

TB TB TB

Jeff sat down at his desk and keyed the comm. John's portrait changed to the live feed. "All right, John, what do you need?"

"I need to be relieved immediately."

Jeff was taken aback by his son's bluntness. "Do you mind telling me why? Are you ill?"

John shook his head. "No, I'm not sick, but I still need to be relieved. It's kind of personal, but I need to be in Beaumont first thing in the morning."

"I take it this has something to do with that attorney?"

"I'd rather not get into the specifics until I can talk to this guy face to face. You just have to trust me."

"Are you in some kind of trouble? Should I be sending our lawyer with you?"

"I'm not in any trouble, but it probably wouldn't hurt to have a lawyer with me. The meeting is set for 9 am at Mr. Walton's office in Beaumont. Can you get someone there by then?"

"Of course I can, even if I have to charter a plane."

"I'll also need Virgil to fly me over to Texas."

"In Two?"

John rolled his eyes. "Of course, in Two, by the time I get back to Tracy Island, the birds will be the only vehicles fast enough to get me to Texas in time. Now, I suppose Scott could take me in One, but I can take a car in Two."

"Are you absolutely sure that this can't wait until Alan gets back? He's only going to be gone four days."

"No, it can't wait," John's voice held the icy edge of anger. "There have been plenty of times that I've changed plans to pull an extra shift when something came up for him. It's payback time. I need to be in Texas in the morning, and I intend to be, even if I have to resign from International Rescue. Either way, someone needs to come get me."

Jeff couldn't believe John's tone. It was so out of character from his easy going son. "All right John, someone will be up shortly."

"Thanks Dad, I appreciate it."

Jeff sat at his desk for a few minutes. He knew the change in plans would not sit well with Alan, but John was right. He asked for very little and because of that, Jeff just couldn't say no to him.

"No sense in putting it off," Jeff muttered to himself as he made his way back outside.

TB TB TB

Alan spotted his father as soon as he reappeared on the patio. He had expected him to be angry, but his face didn't register any emotion when he made his way over to the couple.

"I need to talk to you two when Christina is done opening her gifts."

"Is there something wrong?" Tin-Tin asked.

"Nothing that can't be handled in a little bit." Jeff answered as he moved back to the table next to Lady Penelope.

Tin-Tin looked at her husband. "See, that wasn't so bad."

"He could've been holding it in so not to cause a scene in front of Christina."

"Don't borrow trouble. We'll find out soon enough. Christina is almost through with her presents."

Alan smiled. "She sure didn't take long."

Tin-Tin laughed. "Most kids don't."

Alan tried to block out the impending meeting while Christina continued opening gifts. She squealed in delight at the variety of clothes, games, toys, and the pink tricycle that she received. It took her roughly another fifteen minutes to finish after Jeff returned. Once she was done, Tin-Tin turned her over to Gordon, and she followed her husband and father-in-law into the house.

Once in Jeff's office, He began. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to postpone your vacation."

Alan sighed. "I knew it. For how long?"

"I'm really not sure. It depends."

Alan gave his father a "I can't believe you're doing this" look.

"I don't know the specifics. All I know is that a legal matter has come up that John needs to take care of immediately."

"Great, just great."

Jeff was getting irritated at Alan's tone, and it showed in his reply. "After all the times that John has filled in for you, I would've expected you to be more understanding. It's not like he went out looking for something to force you up to Five."

Tin-Tin broke in to ward off the argument that she knew was building. "Actually, it shouldn't be a problem. I haven't been feeling very well these past couple of days. Maybe it will be for the best. We can reschedule for later."

Alan nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry for getting riled. I can be ready to leave within the hour."

"Thank you, Alan. I'll let John know."

Tin-Tin looped her arm through Alan's. "Come on, I'll help you pack."

Jeff sighed after they left and thought. "That went better than expected. Tin-Tin sure has a way of handling him…me too, I guess."

The personnel transfer went very smoothly. John was too distracted to take Alan to task for his earlier attitude. After packing a quick bag, Virgil ferried him to Texas with plenty of time to spare before his meeting. John end up spending three days in Beaumont, and he refused to explain to his father what was going on.

On the fourth morning, Scott met his father in his office. "How's it going, Dad?"

"Fine, I'm going to have to go to New York next week, but no big deal."

"Anything else?"

"Brains has shown me some updates that he wants to implement on the fire tender."

"Oh yeah, like what?"

"Like an upgrade to the control system. It should be easier to maneuver through a disaster area. Brains also wants to increase its scanner range. You'll be…"

"John," Scott interrupted in frustration. "Have you heard anything from John today?"

"A bit curious, are we?"

Scott rolled his eyes. "Oh please, like this whole situation isn't driving you nuts either. It's not like John to be so secretive."

"I know, but we have to trust that he has his reasons. Either way, we'll find out later this afternoon. His plane should be here around five."

"That's another thing. Why did he charter a plane home instead of letting us come and get him?"

"I don't know, Scott. We have to be patient."

"That's never been my strong suit."

"It wasn't mine either, but it's a true test of…"

"Yeah, yeah, it's a true test of a man's character if he can overcome his natural predisposition."

"So, you were listening to your old man."

"Do I really have to admit it?" Scott laughed.

Jeff laughed along with his son. "No, but it is something that I like to hear occasionally. How about a game of pool? Maybe if we keep busy, time will go faster."

"Okay, let's fill our time." Father and son left the office and joined up with Gordon and Virgil for the rest of the day.

Shortly before five that evening, John's pilot radioed in for clearance to land. John also spoke to his father and asked that the family meet him in the lounge. Jeff sat at his desk nervously tapping a pen against it. He had engaged "operation cover-up" since there was an outsider (the pilot of the charter plane) on the Island. Scott stood at the window staring out at the ocean. Virgil sat next to Gordon on the sofa, making faces at his niece who was bouncing on her father's knee. Tin-Tin sat across the room and smiled at the interaction between her daughter and the men. It always amazed her how a small girl could reduce the big strong Tracys to amusing, playful, little boys.

It seemed like an interminably long time before John appeared in the doorway. The family was surprised to see him carrying a small boy.

"Oh my God," Gordon muttered as his eyes widened in shock.

"Gordon, is that who I think it is?" Virgil asked.

Before Gordon could answer, John set the boy down. "I would like everyone to meet my son, Neil Armstrong Tracy."

TBC

Author's note - Okay, okay, so we WEREN'T real subtle in the last chapter. Most of you had figured out who Neil's father was. We'll have be sneakier in the future.

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to read our first chapter, and especially to those who took the time to review. We love the encouragement we get from them. We hope the second was just as good, even though there wasn't a lot of action.

A big cyber-hug to our beta, Lilleafrue. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.