Disclaimer: Still don't own the boys, darnit! There not mine!! How depressing...

A New Threat Taking Hold

Alan awoke the next morning with a jolt. A typical thing that woke him up. Sighing he looked at his clock. 6:45. It was summer and he was supposed to be able to sleep in, but if the haughtings of his dreams had their way he would never sleep in. Lying back down on his soft bed he turned on his side with a sigh. He couldn't help but think about the previous night. The mission had been amazing. For his first official mission he had jumped right in. He had figured his father would have made him do observatory work and be kept out of the danger, but instead he was able to be up close and personal with the action. He had actually saved a man's life! A man's life had been saved and he had done it all on his own. No help from his brothers at all. That was such a wonderful feeling. Proving you could do something without the over-bearing shadow of four older brothers there to guide you was just awesome. Just thinking about that made him want to jump with joy.

Turing to lay on his back a spike of pain reminded him of his annoyingly slow healing back. Had the fall he had taken last night done something to his back? He sure hoped not. That was the last thing he needed. Slowly sitting up he decided it was time to fetch some pain killers before the pain got too unbearable. Throwing his usually tattered covers off his legs he made his way to his bathroom. Opening up the medicine cabinet he found his treasured item. Ibuprofen would do for this pain. Placing two of the tablets in his hand he made his way to the kitchen for something to help him wash the pills down.

The quiet walk he made to the kitchen reminded him of when he was a little kid and would sneak out of his room. Having the whole house to himself while everyone was asleep was great. Gordon loved it too. Some of their best pranks were pulled off this way. Thankfully this morning was no different for everyone seemed to still be slumbering in the comforts of their own bed. Something I would love to be doing right now, he thought but knew it was out of the question.

Strolling down the small walkway he made his way into the kitchen. Grabbing a glass from the cabinet he filled it up with water. Not even waiting a second he popped the two tablets into his mouth and drank the water. Looking at the cup in his hand he realized how thirsty he truly was. He had nearly drank the whole cup. Placing the object on the counter he decided a nice stroll on the beach would possibly help clear his mind. Quietly walking back to his room he changed into a pair of old jeans and one of his favorite novelty t-shirts. It was a little after seven in the morning and the ocean breeze was still quite brisk for a tropical island. Looking over at his dresser he saw his watch. Better grab that or I'll be dead meat, he thought as the contraption was their way of communication. It was kind of like a cell phone but secretly hidden to the unknown eyes. Grabbing his favorite pair of flip flops and his navy blue sweat jacket he made his way toward the beach.

-TB-

Beep! Beep! Beep! was the lovely sound that Scott Tracy woke up to. Slamming the snooze button on his alarm clock for the fourth time, he smiled. After last night's mission and the set up for Alan's party the snooze button deserved to be hit a couple times. Sitting up he looked at the time on the clock. 8:15 shined brightly back at him. Wow, I really slept in today, he thought. Normally at this time of day he was already on his morning run and returning for a shower before breakfast was served. Climbing out of bed he made his way to the bathroom to wash his face. The cool refreshing liquid felt good on his face. Grabbing a towel he walked back into his room, opening up his window he was met with a nice cool breeze. Smiling he changed into his running clothes. The nice jog along the beach would feel nice today.

Walking down the hallway he paused as he passed Alan's room. Noticing the door was open he wondered where his little brother could be. He was usually the last one to rise when it was summer time. He hoped he didn't have another bad dream, but his track record as of late was one every night. Sighing he continued his walk passing Gordon along the way.

"Hey, have you seen Alan this morning, Gordo?" he asked, stopping the auburn haired kid.

"Nope, sorry Scott. What did he do now?" he asked with a smile.

"Nothing, I was just curious. I saw his door was open and you know he's never awake at this time unless something's up."

"Yeah, I was surprised to see the squirt up myself. My guess is he's either in the office with Dad or strolling the beach," the second youngest responded.

"Thanks, if he's out on the beach I'll find him on my run. Plus the calling of breakfast should make him want to come back to the villa. I'll see you in about a half hour," Scott said.

-TB-

The cool ocean breeze was exactly what he needed. After walking along the shore Alan had decided to sit near his favorite spot. No matter what anyone said one of the best things about living on their island was definitely the beautiful view of the ocean. Watching the waves crash from far out and the sound the waves made as they crashed along the rocks could be so soothing. Grabbing a few rocks he threw a rock into the water trying to relieve some of his stress. One thing he couldn't get off his mind was what had happened last night. Who was now after his family and how did they know his name? Whoever they were, they were after revenge against him and his family. Arching his legs he rested his arms and head on his knees. This couldn't be happening again, not again. Who could posses such a power like the Hood? The man was dead for pete sakes and now he was being haunted by him in his dreams and now was he hallucinating these thoughts inside his head too? Was he really losing his mind? He didn't know, he honestly had no idea what to think anymore. Here things were supposed to get better and now after one mission things were getting turned upside down again. Sighing he buried his face in his hands. He just wanted to scream.

"Stop being stupid! You're just being over paranoid you idiot!" he said to himself. "The man is dead, dead and buried. He can't touch you or your family so just stop these childish thoughts. You're a Thunderbird for crying out loud. They're fearless and strong. If you continue like this you will cost your family their lives again."

"Do you always talk to yourself, Alan," he heard a voice yell from behind him.

Turning around he spotted Scott a few feet away. "Scott! What are you doing out here?" What did he hear?

"I was just out on a run and so I decided to come get you. Breakfast is almost ready," the man said, squatting next to him in the sand.

"What time is it?" Alan asked, curious.

"In about ten minutes it will be 9 o'clock. How long have you been out here, buddy?" Scott asked.

"Um, awhile," he said with a sheepish grin.

Sitting down he watched Alan carefully. Something was definitely bothering him. "How early did you get up this morning?"

Alan chuckled with a smirk on his face. "Early, but that's usual anymore," the youngster said with a sigh.

"Another bad dream?" Scott asked with a frown.

"What else would it be. Ya know, with everything that has happened you would think I would be over him. Maybe I'm just losing my mind. Shoot after what happened last night I wouldn't be surprised if I'm losing my mind. No one was there, I'm just being stupid," Alan rambled.

"Alan what are you talking about? What do you mean no one was there?" Scott asked worried.

Alan sighed knowing he had said too much on his ramble. "It's nothing. We better get inside. Onaha should have breakfast ready," he said standing up.

"Alan wait!" Scott said, grabbing his arm. "Something is bothering you and don't say there isn't. Please tell me what is wrong. You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here for you."

Alan shook off Scott's grasp. "I'm fine, alright. Just let it go. I was just rambling, now let's go inside, okay!" he said walking past him.

Scott stood there for a few seconds in shock at Alan's sudden outburst. He hadn't done anything like that in months. What was going on with him? For a moment there he swore had seen a bit of the old Alan. The old Alan would often close himself off like that but why? What was eating at him so bad? Following his baby brother's footsteps he made his way toward the kitchen. Something was definitely bothering Alan and if he had anything to say about it he was going to find out what it was.

Reaching the villa Scott followed Alan to the kitchen where their two spots were left empty at the table. Walking to his spot next to Gordon, Alan huffed into his seat with a small sigh, ignoring the curious looks from his family. Scott walked behind the two empty seats that usually held Brains and Fermat and sat next to Virgil. Noticing the look from his father he shrugged showing Jeff he had no idea what Alan's problem was.

Alan hated the feeling he felt now. It was the same feeling he had had for four months. He knew his family was eyeing him suspiciously, each wondering how he was feeling or if something was bothering him. At times he swore he felt like a fish in a fish bowl. He just wished everything would go back to normal. When would it? He had so many unanswered questions in his life right now and all he wanted was to have them answered. Was that too much to ask for? Bringing himself out of his thoughts he listened to the conversation at the table.

"I was thinking, guys. Was it just me or did last nights mission remind you of the oil rig fire in Russia. I mean didn't it seem a little easy?" Gordon stated.

"I was questioning that myself, son. Of course it could have been the simple fact that it was just an easy mission," Jeff said, placing a portion of his homemade breakfast into his mouth.

"What I don't understand is how those civilians got so trapped. It wasn't really that hard to get them out. I was able to fish them out by myself while Alan checked the rooms. The damage was really bad inside and visibility was pretty much a zero, but if they wedged themselves out they would have had no problem," Scott said.

"Has there been any report on what caused the fire?" Virgil asked Jeff.

"Actually no there hasn't. The more I keep thinking about that mission last night the more questions I ask myself about it. Do you really think someone could have rigged it like the Hood did in Russia?"

Fidgeting with a piece of meat on his plate Alan looked up at his father at the mention of the Hood. Why were they questioning the mission last night? Now his family was beginning to sound like him. Settling with defeat he laid his fork down on his plate. "Dad, I'm not really feeling that well, may I be excused?"

Jeff met his youngest son's eyes. "Sure. You okay?" he asked worried.

"Yeah, I just want to go lay down, that's all," he said. All he wanted was to be in the safe haven of his room where no one could bother him.

Everyone at the table watched Alan leave, each having thoughts of worry over him. Scott shook his head. He knew something was wrong but he just wished Alan would open up to him or anyone. Something had happened last night. Alan had even said so. The return flight from the mission had been a quiet one and that was unusual for Alan. He figured the kid would have been rambling about how cool the mission was and asking him constantly if he could try flying Thunderbird 1, but it had been the complete opposite.

"What's wrong with him? Did you say something to upset him Scott?" Gordon asked.

"Not that I know of. I was on my run and I saw him at his usual spot on the beach. I could tell something was definitely bothering him but I tried to see if he would tell me but he refused and said nothing was wrong," Scott defended.

"Did he say anything about having another dream last night?" Virgil asked.

"I did ask him that and he gave his usual response. I do know one thing. He was out there on that beach for awhile. He didn't tell me how long, but when I told him it was time for breakfast he seemed surprised," Scott stated.

"He must have woken up pretty early then, because I was up at a little past 7 and I didn't see nor hear him," Jeff said, frowning at the fact that something was obviously wrong with his youngest son again.

"Something must have happened last night that's bothering him. During the return flight he was as silent as the grave," Scott informed.

"He didn't even ask to fly?" Gordon asked in shock.

Scott shook his head. "Nope. I even gave him the option and he said no. I feel like a repeating record but something is bothering that kid and he won't open up. We're seeing the old Alan when it comes to this issue. He's definitely closing himself up and not letting anyone in."

"But what could have happened? I mean he fell but what else?" Virgil pondered.

"He fell! Where?" Jeff questioned almost immediately.

"Virg! Alan said not to say anything," Gordon said with wide eyes. Well the cat was out of the bag now.

"Its okay, Dad. It wasn't anything bad. Honest. The room the man he found was in collapsed and the motion sent both him and the man to the ground. He said he was fine and his back doesn't seem to be bothering him too much," Scott stated gently.

"Well he just went to his room, so I hope it wasn't because of his back," Jeff stated.

All three boys just smiled at their father. When it came to one of his own being injured he was so protective. "Besides the fall," Scott said looking at Virgil with a look of his own. "Alan said something on the beach about no one being there and that he was just being stupid. What that was supposed to mean I have no idea."

"Do you think he'll talk to you Gordon?" Jeff asked, each of them knowing how close the two youngest Tracys were.

"I can try, but I won't guarantee anything."

"I hope he will open up to you. I told him he could tell me anything and that I was there for him, but obviously that did nothing," Scott said with a sigh.

"He'll come around Scott. Whatever is eating at him will eat at him so bad that he has to talk to someone. If he doesn't talk to any of us I wouldn't be surprised at all if he talks to John. Those two have been talking a lot since the accident," Virgil stated.

"I sure hope so. I hate seeing him like this," Scott huffed.

"We all do, son," Jeff spoke, taking a sip of his coffee. Suddenly their conversation was interrupted as his phone began to ring his famous tone. Looking down at the phone he saw it was Penny. Placing his coffee on the table, he picked up the phone.

"Good morning, Penny. How are you?" he asked, getting up from the table and heading towards the pools so they could have a bit more private conversation. Each of his sons smiled at him as he walked away. They were all happy at the mild flirtation that always happened between them. Neither one would admit to the action but deep down both of them had some type of feeling for each other. If their Dad should settle with someone they would love it to be her. Lady Penelope was already like a second mother to them anyways. She had been there when it counted and they would always remember that.

"So it really does seem that this one wasn't an accident after all?" they heard their father ask.

"I'm afraid so. Parker has been investigating those who work at the school. According to his search two of their janitors have recently been fired from the school. Their names are Josh Cummings and Taylor Rich. The principal at the school reported that their firing was due to some problems with their cleaning methods and as well as some unknown details between the two. Evidently there was an argument between these two and the administrator about the mis-use of some dangerous cleaning chemicals as well. Also there was apparently a problem with their background checks and Mr. Rich became quite hostile. This incident happened about a week ago and neither have been seen since," Penny informed.

"Do you think these two could have had something to do with the fire?" Jeff asked.

"It's a very good possibility, I've been looking into that but I'm coming up short. Mr. Cummings' records show that he has had his troubles with the law for his shy age of 28, but what is interesting is Mr. Rich's records show little. It's as if he has done little if anything with himself. The school in Greece was his first job on record, but of course that isn't too surprising for an 18 year old. What I don't understand is what was a kid of his age doing working as a janitor?" Penny offered.

"That is a very good question. Yet If they did do this then why did they do it? What would they gain out of harming innocent children? It was just a job. The boys and I were just talking about last night's mission and strange enough this one reminds us of the oil rig fire in Russia. Do you believe it has been rigged like that one?"

Penny sighed, pausing before she spoke here next words. This phone call had two main purposes: one to inform Jeff about the investigation and two to inform him about something very important involving International Rescue. "It's funny you bring up that incident, Jeff. Have you heard anything from the President about International Rescue today?"

"No, why? What is wrong?" Jeff asked some what dumbfounded.

"Okay, how do I put this lightly. I've been receiving some interesting phone calls from the President about someone making idle threats against the Thunderbirds. Jeff, some of these threats aren't very kind. Someone is out to get you guys for some unknown reason," Penny stated.

"What do you mean? What are they saying?" he questioned. Anger was beginning to swell inside him. He was at the end of his wits when it came to dealing with threats. He had devised International Rescue to save people and now someone was turning against them. What more did they want?

"According to Madame President herself they have some sort of revenge they plan to execute. They didn't give too many details but they wanted their message to get to you loud and clear. The main reason you need to know Jeff is they want you taken down and if that doesn't happen soon I feel this person may plan a major disaster."

"What am I supposed to do, Penny? I will not be scared away because of some crazy lunatic that has an unknown hatred for the Thunderbirds. I will not shut down the organization. We will do our job no matter what this person wants. I've dealt with some threats before. Usually they're only because they are jealous about how big our organization is and we are the superheroes of today, but what revenge could this person possibly have? We have done nothing but good to this world and now it wants to turn against us, well we'll see about that," Jeff huffed, anger getting the best of him at the moment.

"I know, Jeff. I know. Right now I would just carry on as normal, but I just wanted you to be aware so you and the boys would be a little more cautious on missions. We don't exactly know who we're dealing with and the last thing I want to see is another Hood incident," the petite woman advised.

"If I have anything to do with it Penny we won't have to deal with that type of situation ever again," Jeff said. They had spent the last four months getting over the Hood's so called revenge against his family. No one would get to them nor hurt them in that way again, he swore to it. Sadly, sometimes the world had its own plan and that plan didn't always bode well for the greater good.

"I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Jeff. Parker and I will continue our investigation and I will keep you updated."

"Thanks for the call, Penny. I'll see what I can do from here," Jeff said. Hanging up the phone he made his way back up to where his three sons still sat.

"Dad, what's wrong?" Scott asked, seeing something was obviously upsetting him.

"Boys, we have a problem at hand."

-TB-

Solitude. The state of being alone. It was the greatest feeling in the world right now for Alan Tracy. He did have to admit he loved how concerned and loving his family could be but at times like these it was completely obnoxious. Then again he could see he was being over sensitive. All they wanted was to help him, but right now he just couldn't let them in. He didn't want to risk having them know someone was after him and have them get hurt. Sprawling his arms and legs along his bed he let out a deep breath. It seemed like he was doing that a lot today. He just wanted to scream. He thought everything was supposed to get better. His seizures were gone and with some healing time his life was due to get back to normal but now everything seemed suddenly so dismal. The joy and gladness he had felt at the party yesterday was gone. The life he had been living for the past four months seemed to be returning in a way. What had he done to deserve this? Right now all he wanted to do was crawl under a rock, but of course that wouldn't solve anything though. He would just be a coward and his guilt would be getting the best of him. He needed to get over this, and be strong for his family. He had to let this threat know that they couldn't mess with the Thunderbirds and get away with it.

Looking over at a picture on his desk he smiled. It was a picture of him and Fermat. He wished his best friend was here right now. The father and son duo had taken a week of vacation on the main island to spend some quality time together. He was glad for them. Brains deserved the needed vacation. That man spent almost every waking hour dedicated to his family and International Rescue and for his friend Fermat, well his time was always limited with his father due to school and he loved it when there were school vacations. As much as he wanted Fermat here he was kind of glad he wasn't. The kid didn't need to deal with his problems, in fact that was the last thing anyone needed. Everyone had put things on hold for him over the last four months and he wasn't going to let them do it again.

Scanning his desk farther to the right he saw the picture of him and Tintin. The picture brought a small smile to his face. If anyone had to be ranked on a list of people being there for him during the last four months, well TinTin would be at the top. Both had danced around their feelings since their mission against the Hood, but instead of making it awkward both used the last few months to grow closer. It was no lie to those on the island that both liked each other but the fact of actually admitting their feelings seemed so surreal. Were either of them ready to take that big step? That was the million dollar question.

What he wanted to know was how could one day during spring break make his life so complicated? He was only 15 years old and after one incident his life was turned upside down. Life could be so cruel sometimes.

Hearing a knock at the door he sighed, rolling his eyes. "Who is it?"

"It's your partner in crime. Can I come in?" Gordon said behind the door.

"Yeah," Alan replied. So much for his solitude.

"Hey, how ya feeling?" Gordon asked as he shut the door behind him. Alan gave him one of his famous stares. "Sorry, it's a habit but still how's your back?"

"It's not too bad. Right now the pain killers are doing me wonders."

"That's good."

Alan just stared at him. "What?" asked the auburn haired kid, sitting down in Alan's desk chair. "Gordon, I know why you're here so why don't you just ask me? You guys think something is wrong and so Dad sent you here to find out some information."

"Come on, Alan. Give me some credit. Can't I just come and talk to my little brother?" he said with a smirk.

Alan shook his head. "Gordon, I'm not stupid."

Gordon sighed with defeat. "Look, Al. Something is bothering you and you can't deny it. We all see it. However, as much as Dad wants me to find out I won't push you. If you want to tell me it's up to you, but I'm here okay. Any of us are here, just speak and someone will be there. Now, besides that issue there is another one at hand. Dad just got a call from Lady P. that someone is threatening the organization. They want revenge on us for some sort of reason. Dad wants us to be on alert and be extra careful."

Alan just stared at his hands as he listened to Gordon. Well so much for keeping the threat a secret, he thought. Of course he should have known that they would have made themselves known somehow.

"Al, did you even hear what I said?" Gordon asked at Alan's lack of response.

"I know, Gordon."

"So you heard what I said about a possible new threat?"

"I already knew," the blonde said quietly, rising from the bed.

"What do you mean you already knew. Dad just told us in the kitchen," Gordon stated completely confused.

Alan sighed for what seemed to be the millionth time today. Running a hand over his face he looked at Gordon. "I knew last night. I got a visit from him."

"You saw him? What did he look like? Why didn't you tell Dad? How did-"

"Gordon!" Alan yelled, stopping his endless rant of questions.

"Alan, what is it? Please tell me what is wrong," the second youngest pleaded, seeing the stress on the teenager's face.

Taking a seat on the bed, Alan thought back to the previous night. "Do you remember how the Hood could read minds?"

"Yeah, but what does this have to do-"

"That's how I knew, Gordon," Alan said. "After I left Thunderbird 2's loading bay he invaded my mind just like the Hood did."

Gordon got up from his chair and sat next to his brother on the bed. "What did he say?"

Staring at the ground, Alan fidgeted with his fingers. "He wanted revenge on us and that he was coming for me and my family. He said it wouldn't be long before his demands were known. He wants to kill us, Gordon. He wants to kill me! I swear it was like the Hood was in my head all over again. Who would posses such powers and what do they have against us?" the youngest Tracy said, looking at Gordon.

"I don't know, Alan. I really don't understand why anyone would have a grudge against us anyways. We do nothing but good for this world and this is the thanks we get, nice huh?" Gordon said, placing a comforting arm around his brother.

"I don't know. I don't understand anything anymore, Gordon."

"Was this what was bothering you so deeply?"

"Yes," the youngster said with a frown.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to get you guys involved. Besides I wasn't even sure if it had really happened. With everything that has been happening I was beginning to think I was losing my mind and that I had imagined the whole thing. Look, Gordon you have to swear you won't say anything to Dad or the others. I don't want them fussing over me and worrying about this okay," Alan pleaded.

"I don't know, Al. This is pretty risky. What if he sends you another message?"

"Then I'll deal with it. If it gets too bad I'll let you know okay. He's obviously telling me things first for a reason and if I can find out what he wants than maybe I can find a way to bring him down. I'm going to do everything possible for this family."

"Whoa. You're not gonna bring him down by yourself, sprout. We'll fight this person as a family and as an organization," Gordon reprimanded.

"Wow, I swear you're all starting to sound like Scott. First Virgil and now you. Who will be next? John or Dad?" Alan said with a small smile.

"Shut up! I did not just sound like Scott," Gordon said, shoving the teenager.

"Oh yes you did," Alan said with an impish smile. "But seriously Gordon. You can't say a word. Promise me you won't, promise."

Gordon sat there staring at Alan's relentless baby blue eyes. Ya know, someone should really put a warning label on those blue orbs. They are so controlling, he thought. Shaking his head with defeat he smiled. "Alright, I promise I won't say anything, but you better tell me if and when that creep says anything else to you. You promise?"

Alan smiled brightly. "I promise."

"Good."

"So what are you going to tell Dad?" Alan asked.

"I'll just tell him that you still wouldn't open up and that I relayed the message about the new threat. Sounds simple enough, doesn't it?" the Tracy Prankster said with a smile.

"Sure does and thanks for keeping this between us."

"Anytime. That's what makes us the dynamic duo, right? We can trust one another no matter what."

Alan just shook his head, "What ever you say bro."

TBC...

I know, I know. This wasn't all that exciting but hey I gotta keep the story flowing somehow, right? Poor Alan, he has so much on his plate right now, but it's only gonna gets worse folks, tehe. As much as I love Alan I'm gonna put him through the ringer in this one. Angst all the way for this family!!

Well you know what to do... I luv feedback and any thoughts that can be used. Thanks so much for the support already!!!

See ya next chappie as things get even more interesting for the Tracy family and the threat digs deeper... oh the irony...