Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. If I owned them then I wouldn't have to bribe CC to buy them for me and let me have one of them.

Sorry for the delay folks. I've had a painful week and a half. Finally got answers at the doctors Friday. I've got a bad kidney infection. Luckily, wasn't bad enough to be hospitalized so you get this update but bad enough to have to take nasty tasting antibiotics. Oh the joys of being sick.

Well onward with the chapter and sorry for the delay again…..


He's Our Little Brother

Time seemed to stand still as they raced to reach Alan. A sense of unease swirled throughout the cabin of Tracy One.

Scott griped the controls of the small craft so hard he was surprised they didn't break off in his hands as he urged her to go beyond her expected maximum recommended speed. A part of him desperately wished they could have used Thunderbird One instead. The only thing that was on the oldest Tracy's mind was the memory of how he last saw his youngest brother. Leaving Alan in the hands of complete strangers – no matter how competent the staff at Mass General may be - was the hardest thing he had ever had to do.

When they had left Alan he was barely clinging to life. Blood had saturated the kid's back as well as Virgil's gloves. Their baby brother had suffered so many traumas and it killed Scott to know he wasn't there to protect Alan. Scott knew it couldn't be helped but it had always been his job to keep Alan safe. He was the oldest of the family and it was Scott's responsibility to protect all of his brothers. Yeah, he though morosely, I'm sure doing a bang-up job these days.

Virgil eyed the controls of Tracy One as he sat in the co-pilot's seat. Like Scott, he wished the special craft, probably the fastest private jet in the world, to be as fast Thunderbird 1. Sometimes having extensive knowledge in the medical field could be a curse - especially when that knowledge had to be used on your brothers. Virgil knew his little brother was in bad shape and it didn't take a medical genius to figure that much out. His baby brother had been unconscious for at least a good twenty minutes and hadn't shown a sign of waking up. The lack of response from Alan worried the middle Tracy. From what he could assess at the scene he knew Alan had suffered a nasty concussion, but as for the severity of it he just didn't know. Virgil could only pray the kid woke up soon and didn't slip into a coma - a nightmare he feared they may be facing.

In addition to Alan's head injury, Virgil was also worried about his brother's back. Not only for the obvious wound that oozed with blood but the still unknown factor of there having been any damage to his spine. Alan's slow response at the school wasn't enough to calm the medic's nerves about a possible injury to that region. Virgil knew he only hope and pray that Alan knew what he was talking about when he said he could feel his legs with no problem.

Shifting his gaze from the controls in front of him, Virgil stared at his hands. Even out of his uniform, he couldn't get the image of Alan's blood covering every inch of his gloves, the stain spreading to the cuffs of his sleeves. The kid had lost so much blood, but as far as the medic could see there didn't appear to be much damage to the wound. Virgil just prayed the wound was more superficial than anything else. It made his stomach sick to think anything different. He just knew he would feel better once he saw Alan was okay. Anything else he could deal with later - he just needed to be with his little brother.

John sat behind Scott and in front of Brains. He watched all of his brothers, knowing each of them were thinking about their youngest sibling. Letting his eyes wander to the right, he watched Gordon for a moment. The copper haired Tracy was slumped in his seat, his gaze focused outside the window at something only he could see in the darkened sky.

Concern for his second youngest brother rose in John as he shared Gordon's pain. Neither one of them had had the chance to see their baby brother yet. It wasn't a new experience for John unfortunately.

Thunderbird 5 had become his second home and he loved living among the stars but at times the space craft could feel like a prison when he was trapped high above Earth with thousands of miles away separating him from his family and there was nothing he could do to help them if one of them needed aid. All John could do was listen to their cries for help and pray that another family member reached them in time.

So John could understand exactly what Gordon was going through and he was equally sure he knew what the second youngest was thinking as well. Gordon was no doubt blaming himself for not being there when Alan needed him the most. After all, wasn't he? John was sure all of them were.

With all the time John had spent aboard Thunderbird 5, an unfortunate side effect was that he never got to be with Alan when the kid was home. Holidays were special occasions where he was always allowed to spend time with the kid, but the rest of Alan's vacations were a crap shoot at times. After the Hood's attack, John had made sure he got to know the amazing kid Alan was growing up to be but he could only do so much. The oldest blonde Tracy knew video conferences had helped Alan when the nightmares would return of that horrible day, but he couldn't give his brother the full support he needed and John hated that. He wanted to tell his little brother how proud he was of him and - damn it!

John knew he had to find a way to spend more time with his youngest brother. Alan was becoming a man and as much as his other brothers tried to deny it, Alan was already there in spirit. The kid showed maturity - when he wanted to - beyond his years and the younger blonde was very clever as well. John knew Alan was destined for great things and he just prayed he would be given that chance. All John wanted was to see his little brother and then he knew that things would be okay. John was sure that with all of them there to support Alan, this could easily be a distant dream that they could all put behind them.

At least he hoped it could be.

Gordon lost himself in his own thoughts as he stared out the small window of Tracy One. His back continued to throb, regardless of the pain meds Virgil had forced him to take. He was also ordered to rest as they flew to Boston but the redhead knew that was the last thing he would get. The second youngest Tracy felt like such a failure. He was lost. His only little brother was fighting for his life and he wasn't doing anything to help him. He wasn't there when Alan needed him most. He had been left to clean up the mess that a moron had caused. Gordon swore if he found out who had started the fire he was going to throttle them to kingdom come. Alan was battling for his life because someone had most likely been careless. Twelve kids had lost their lives because of someone's reckless actions. Gordon knew he was assuming before they had the facts but he knew what he needed to know: Someone was to blame for his little brother's injuries. It was just easier to think that way. If he wasn't able to be with Alan when he needed it most then he was going to find a way to make it up to him and if that meant finding the person responsible then so be it. Gordon wasn't going to allow Alan to be let down - not again. Not by him.

Brains watched each of Jeff Tracy's sons as they each remained eerily silent. His heart went out to each of the men he felt to be his adoptive sons. Relief had filled him once he knew his own son, Fermat, was alright. But he wished the Tracys had been given the same relief. After talking to Fermat, Brains knew what drove Alan to save all those kids. It wasn't a need to prove himself to his brothers or father, or a need to boast his ego. Alan was a Tracy.

For as long as he had known Jeff, Brains knew where Alan got his stubbornness and determination from. It was Jeff Tracy. The youngest son of Jeff Tracy may be a spitting image of his mother, but there was no mistaking the seventeen year old boy's personality. Alan was a combination of each of the Tracys - fierce and determined like Scott or Jeff, understanding and logical like John, observant and methodical like Virgil, and spunky and clever like Gordon. Brains knew that if anyone could make it out of a serious situation, it was Alan. As the youngest of five, Alan had been prepared to face the world and its many challenges from birth. The blue eyed teen didn't know how to quit and the International Rescue genius prayed Alan wouldn't start now.

-TB-

Jeff Tracy raced into the emergency room of Massachusetts General Hospital, having raced through Boston traffic in a frantic state that had almost earned him a bed in this very hospital. Rushing up to the nurses' station, he leaned across the desk. "Where is Alan Tracy? I'm his father, Jeff Tracy," he asked quickly.

The nurse before him looked up in awe at the sight of Jeff Tracy, the patriarch of America's "royal family". "Uh - hold on one moment and I'll see what I can find out for you," she finally managed to stumble out.

Jeff sighed. It had been nearly an hour since he had last seen Alan. For Jeff, that was fifty nine and a half minutes too long. He had already been in touch with the hospital as he drove, but that wasn't enough. All Jeff knew was that Alan was stable but the extent of Alan's injuries and his long term health still remained a mystery to the anxious father.

Quickly, Jeff found himself being swallowed up by the bustling emergency room. Medical staff was taking care of their charges with swift, efficient movements, but there were just so many who needed help. It was one of the reasons behind International Rescue. Jeff pushed down a flicker of guilt at what recent events had forced him to do.

He had asked Penny to inform authorities and the media that the Thunderbirds would be standing down - unable to help those in need. International Rescue would be shut down until further notice because one of their own was in need. The youngest member of the organization now lay between life and death. His baby had been willing to sacrifice his own life to save those who had been swept up in the fire. Shutting down was the only option. Jeff knew none of the family would be able to focus on others until they knew Alan would be alright.

"Excuse me, Mr. Tracy?" a small petite woman asked, approaching him.

"Yes?" Jeff responded as he turned to the voice.

"I'm Dr. Amanda Emerson. I'm the doctor in charge for your son, Alan," she explained to him.

"Doctor in charge?" Jeff asked, fear filling him once again. "How many doctors does Alan need?"

Dr. Emerson smiled softly. "Let's go into this room over here and I'll explain everything."

Jeff followed the small brunette woman -who seemed more like a young girl to him - into a conference room that resided off of the nurses desk and down the hall from the many examination rooms. Dread filled his every fiber. "How is Alan? Is he going to be okay?"

"Things have been difficult but your son is nothing if not a fighter, Mr. Tracy. I have to admit, we lost Alan not long after he arrived, but we were able revive him. I was informed by a man from International Rescue that he coded on them on the way here as well. But the good news in right now, Alan is stable," Dr. Emerson said. She paused allowing Jeff to absorb what she had told him so far.

The petite woman continued. "Now Mr. Tracy, Alan is stable but he is in critical condition. He's sustained a deep laceration to his lower back that needs to be attended to immediately. We've managed to stop the bleeding but your son has lost a lot of blood. We are giving him fluids for now, we are hoping he won't need a transfusion, since he is a rarer blood type."

Sighing, the doctor played with the data pad she carried. "I'm worried about the damage to his muscles around the wound. One of our specialists is looking at that now."

"Is there any obvious damage to his back otherwise?" Jeff asked worried.

"From what I've determined with out additional testing your son's back doesn't show any signs of severe, long-term trauma; however, I will run tests to make sure. I'm not taking any chances," Dr. Emerson spoke.

Jeff smiled at the young woman. "What other injuries do I need to know about?"

Dr. Emerson sighed again. "Well, Mr. Tracy. There is still a long list we have to go over. Alan's left shoulder was dislocated in the accident, but we've reset it. An MRI will need to be performed to determine if there was any tissue or muscle damage. Your son is also being treated for burns he sustained to his arms. Luckily, they aren't too bad. Most of his burns all appear to be superficial thickness or first degree burns. I'm worried about the ones on his right fore arm. There is a sizeable burn there and it is showing signs of being second degree. In general, however, his burns will be easily treatable and I don't see any reason for there to be lasting damage. The next injury entails Alan's ribs. Your son seems to have some luck on his side here also. Three of his ribs are fractured on his left side, but none appear to be broken. I'm wondering if Alan landed on his left side, for that part of his body appears to have taken the brunt of his injuries."

"Sounds like it," Jeff said quietly.

Dr. Emerson smiled gently at the man. Making sure Jeff was okay, she continued. "Alan has also sustained quite a knock to the head. We're preparing to send him to get a CT as soon as his back is attended to. Your son has yet to regain consciousness, Mr. Tracy. I'll be honest, but things don't look good. I cannot say for certain, but I fear Alan may slip into a coma. His pupils are very sluggish and not very responsive to light."

"So you're saying he isn't in one at the moment but he will enter one?" Jeff asked.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Tracy. I won't know more until I perform more tests on Alan," Dr. Emerson stated. She hated being the bearer of bad news, especially to kids as young as Alan Tracy.

"I understand," Jeff spoke. His voice was quiet. Jeff ran a hand through his hair as he took in all the doctor had told him. His youngest son was fighting for his life and was still so close to losing it. What did Alan ever do to deserve this? Jeff asked himself. He's so young and innocent.

"Mr. Tracy, there is one more thing you need to know," Dr. Emerson spoke, waiting for the Tracy patriarch to look up at her. "Alan is hooked up to a ventilator at the moment. We need to clear his lungs of the toxins from the fire. His carbon monoxide level is quite high and Alan is showing early signs of apparent damage to his airway tract. This also worries me. We're doing everything we can to keep his monoxide level under control."

Jeff nodded his head in understanding, almost regretting the medical knowledge it took to be the Commander of International Rescue. He felt sick as he took in the doctor's words. He had known Alan was in bad shape but now everything was beginning to fully hit at home.

"Can I see him?"

"Yes, follow me and I'll take you to him," Dr. Emerson smiled.

Jeff stood and followed the young woman into the bustling hallway. The walk to the trauma room that held Alan was only a few doors down from the small conference room, but to Jeff he felt like miles separated him and his son.

As they approached Trauma Room 7, a tall, gray-haired man in a white lab coat and several nurses exited the room. Dr. Emerson turned to Jeff as the man stopped and approached them. "Mr. Tracy, this is Dr. Adam Duboy. Adam here is our wound specialist. He will be overseeing the progress on the wound to Alan's back."

Dr. Duboy nodded at Jeff and extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Tracy. Your son is in good hands here."

Jeff smiled weakly at the man. "How do things look for Alan?"

"The wound isn't too deep. It seems to be more of a superficial bleeder than anything else. He won't need surgery. From what I can determine Alan didn't tear anything. With care and healing the wound should heal just fine. Your son got quite lucky. We just have to watch it for infection," Dr. Duboy informed Jeff.

Jeff sighed at the first bit of good news he had received about his son. "Thank you, doctor."

Dr. Emerson smiled at the father's obvious relief. "You can go ahead and see your son, Mr. Tracy. I want to talk to Dr. Duboy and then we will take Alan down for his CT. I'll come get you when that time arises. Talk to Alan, he may come around for you," the brunette woman urged.

Jeff smiled his thanks at the two doctors who were working to save his youngest son's life. Taking in a long deep breath, Jeff pushed on the door that would lead him to his baby. Entering the room, Jeff's heart nearly broke at how small and fragile Alan looked as he lay in the hospital bed. Moving tenuously to his son's side, the patriarch of the Tracy family gently sat on the bed.

Taking in every sight and sound that filled the small sterile exam room, Jeff Tracy sighed in pain and frustration. Wires and tubes were hooked to his son, signifying the help Alan needed just to stay alive. Jeff looked over his baby's body, his stomach growing sick at how helpless Alan seemed. Taking his son's limp hand in between his, Jeff held it for dear life, as if he were trying to will his own life force into his child's. Alan was alive at this very moment and Jeff was going to hold onto that, making sure Alan did as well.

"Oh Allie," he said sucking in a shaky breath, almost jumping at the sound which seemed to echo around the room.

Jeff tried to clinically review that situation. A blanket was securely covering the blonde's legs. Letting his gaze move upwards, he examined Alan's arms. Here his youngest son's injuries were more visible. Bandages covered the arms to prevent infection, making them look worse than the burns would. Jeff allowed his eyes to wander up toward Alan's upper torso. A number of wires were hooked along Alan's chest – their purpose hidden underneath the white hospital gown that covered his son's traumatized body.

As Jeff moved up to Alan's face, he tried to control his emotions. A long tube stretched from Alan's mouth to a machine that resided to the left of him. A ventilator. Oh Lucy, why is this happening to our baby?

Reaching forward, Jeff placed his right hand on Alan's forehead - careful of the large bandage that covered Alan's left temple. He gently soothed his hand across Alan's blood stained mop of blonde hair. "Alan, can you hear me, son? I need you to open those beautiful blue eyes of yours." Jeff smiled despite the situation. His son hated it when anyone called his eyes beautiful. He almost hoped annoying Alan would help to revive him.

Jeff waited patiently for his son to respond but sighed when Alan remained still. The only movement that came from his youngest was the gentle movements of his chest as the machine helped Alan breathe.

"Oh Allie, you got to keep fighting for me….for us," Jeff said, a tear falling down his grim face - planting itself on the crisp white sheets. "Your brothers and I need you here with us. You have so much to live for, Alan. In several months you're due to graduate from high school and begin the next phase in your amazing life. You've always been a dreamer Alan. I know you want to help out more in the family business but I also know you have other plans. You've always known what you've wanted Alan and you've never let anything or anyone stop you. I-I need-" Jeff stopped as sobs began to rack his body.

Moving his hand from Alan's hair, Jeff cupped Alan's cheek gently. "I need you to fight your way back to us, Alan. I want to tell you how truly proud I am of you. Tonight you put everyone else ahead of yourself. Thanks to you son many of your schoolmates have their lives. You have to wake up so I can tell you that and I know you have four older brothers who want to boast about the same thing. This family is very proud of you. You're a fighter Alan, now we just need you to fight to stay with us."

A soft knock came from the door behind him. After a few seconds the door opened to reveal Dr. Emerson. "Mr. Tracy, I'm afraid it's time," she said softly.

Jeff sighed, closing his eyes as he tried to collect himself. Wiping the tears from his face he leaned down and kissed Alan's forehead. "I'll be waiting for you, Allie," he said and squeezed his son's hand gently.

Dr. Emerson approached him as two nurses began to wheel Alan's bed out of the room. "I've arranged to have one of the conference rooms made available to you until a room has been set up for Alan in the ICU. Am I correct in assuming that your other sons will be joining you tonight?"

"Yes, they are on their way here," Jeff told her.

"If you head to conference room three you'll find that it is big enough to hold your family while you wait. I've made sure coffee and snacks have been stored in the room as well. If you need anything else let one of the staff know," Dr. Emerson smiled.

Jeff smiled at the woman, pleased at her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Dr. Emerson."

"There's no need to thank me," the small brunette smiled. "I'll be back as soon as Alan's tests are done. We're going to perform the CT and the MRI while we have him out. He'll be sent back here afterwards and by then I'm sure there should be a room available upstairs for him."

"Thank you for all that you are doing for my son," Jeff said.

"It's my pleasure. As a mother myself, I understand how traumatic this must be for you. I promise you I won't let your son down without a fight. From what I hear Alan was quite the hero tonight; that's something that shouldn't go unappreciated. He's a lifesaver and as far as I'm concerned he's one of us. We all gotta help this crazy world in one way or another," Dr. Emerson said.

Jeff hid a smile at the woman's comment, one that echoed his family's reasoning for "the family business". "I guess you're right."

"Go get some rest, Mr. Tracy, and I will be back as soon as I can with the results on Alan's tests," the young woman said and excused herself.

Jeff watched the petite woman leave. Relief filled him at knowing his son was in good hands but that small peace quickly left him as he knew Alan was far from being out of the woods. Walking toward the conference room, he sighed. It was going to be a long night.

TBC…


Alan is alive still but, will he wake up? We shall see. I hope this chapter made up for the delay. Leave me a review to make me feel better please. Maybe I'll have virtual cookies to offer for the next chapter.