I'm back and I have answers from the surgery!!!! Woot!!!!

Disclaimer: Unless I've received a letter I don't know about I still don't own the boys or anything having to do with The Thunderbirds. Darn, these things always know how to get a girl down. At least I own a few characters...

The Waiting Game

It had been eight hours with no change in the drastic situation that held the Tracy Island. Both John and Dr. Jamison had finally arrived to the island for what little comfort it brought to the island. Each of the island's inhabitants hoped Dan could help Alan. They couldn't lose Alan. Not after everything they've over come during the last couple of months.

The tension in the infirmary was so strong. Silence hung as each waited for Dan to finish his assessment of their youngest family member. Each of the Tracys were scattered around the quite big medical room. Near the entrance both Scott and John sat on the floor leaning against the wall. Gordon sat on one of the empty beds and Virgil stood next to Jeff, both listening to Dan's minor comments. If there ever was a single longest moment in someone's life this was it for each of them. The fear and worry over Alan was eating at each of them and Dan's long silence wasn't helping.

Sitting with his legs stretched out Scott quietly tapped his fingers along his long limbs. Waiting and patience were the two worst things in the world. He was always a man of action and this time was no different. He wanted to know his baby brother was going to be okay and then he wanted to go find Taylor Rich and teach him a few lessons about messing with his family. No one hurt them and got away with it, especially under his watch. He was the oldest and it was his duty to protect them. What a great job he had done with Alan. The image of the room collapsing with Alan still in it would haunt his dreams forever. He swore to himself he wouldn't let anything happen to Alan ever again and now his baby brother lay before them with uncertainty once again. That day at the London hospital four months ago flooded back to him. What new challenge or dare he say tragedy would their family have to face? The world could be so cruel. Alan hadn't done a single thing to anyone and now people wanted to kill him and their family. Wasn't International Rescue enough? They saved lives on a daily basis. What more could anyone ask for? There were so many questions he had that he wanted answers to but he knew now wasn't the time. One thing he did know was Taylor Rich would pay.

John leaned his head against the wall relaxing his eyes for a bit. Jet leg was definitely becoming an issue but no matter how much sleep he craved there was no way he could sleep. He had to know how Alan was before anything could be done. Sometimes he just hated being up in Five. He missed everything in his family's lives and now one of their lives hung in the balance and he had done nothing to stop it. Over the last four months Alan and he had grown a lot closer and he didn't want it to stop. The two had just recently talked about convincing their father to let Alan come up to the station for a week of training. He wanted nothing more than for that to happen. Out of all the Tracys he knew Alan had a slight interest toward the stars. After all, one of their late night conversations was mostly about the station and the stars. Like four months ago his baby brother had to pull through this. Life held so much promise for him and he couldn't watch it pass him by. Not after this family had already conquered so much. They didn't let the Hood stop them and they couldn't let someone like Taylor Rich stop them now.

Gordon swung his legs restlessly over the empty infirmary bed, being careful not to hurt his left leg. Looking at Alan so pale and still on the bed made him feel sick. Hadn't he already visited this nightmare? He couldn't believe he had found himself in this position again. He was sure none of them could. The image of the room collapsing replayed over and over in his mind. He couldn't lose his best friend; his partner in crime. Of course over the last couple of months Alan hadn't really felt up to any pranks. Out of all of them he noticed how much Alan had really changed over the course of the summer. He wasn't the same fun and easy going little brother he had loved. He still loved Alan but he knew that the incident with the Hood had changed him deeply. What had Alan done to deserve this? He needed Alan to pull through this challenge. He couldn't lose his only little brother. His best friend. Taylor Rich would pay for what he had done one way or another.

Virgil waited patiently as Dan finished assessing Alan. He prayed his words were wrong. He prayed that Alan wouldn't go into a coma but everything his body had gone through over the last few months was almost too much for his body to handle. He wished there was so much more he could do for his baby brother, his little sprout. This guy Taylor Rich was destroying their lives and for what? What had they done that was so horrible? They risked their lives on a daily basis for crying out loud. What ever they had done was being paid against his little brother. Alan was getting the brunt of this mans revenge and there was little any of them could do. Once again he was failing at being a big brother but this time he wasn't able to protect him. He had to find a way to get his brother and his family through this otherwise this man might just succeed in his revenge. They couldn't let this man win. Not after everything Alan had fought for over the last four months against the Hood.

Jeff stood over his youngest son as he watched Dan. How had he ended up in this same spot again? Why was someone after their family again? He had created the organization to save people, not to have someone like the Hood and Taylor Rich destroy his hard work and his family. His wished whatever revenge this man had he would just leave it between them. He wanted to keep his sons out of it but obviously Rich wanted them involved, especially his youngest. Why couldn't he just leave Alan alone? The kid was only 15 years old and was just learning the ropes of being a Thunderbird. He hadn't done a single thing to anyone and now suddenly he was being tortured by an enemy. An enemy that wanted to bring down International Rescue; an organization he had created. Was all of this really worth it? Was risky their lives worth all of the glory? Now Alan lay before him once more fighting for his life. A fight he once again shouldn't be fighting. Were International Rescue and the world worth the price of his family's lives? The single fact was Alan wasn't the only son to get hurt due to their family's "business". Scott had nearly been killed by a mine collapse a few years ago. Virgil nearly lost his life when he had taken a bullet from a manic during a bomb scare. John nearly lost his life on Thunderbird 5; a place that should have been safe. Gordon nearly lost his life in his hydrofoil accident and then going out on a mission not a year after almost cost him the same price. For Alan, well he hadn't even been a Thunderbird and he had nearly lost his life. All of these had been close calls, some really close. Did the risk weigh out the rest? Was it worth risking the lives of his sons just to save the lives of others? He had a decision to make soon and Alan's condition would definitely help with it. If his son didn't pull through this than nothing was worth the life of one of his sons. He had already lost his wife and he couldn't lose his youngest or any of his sons. He just knew if he lost his baby boy it would hurt him deeply. Alan was his one connection to Lucy. He looked and acted so much like her. Both John and Alan had shared very familiar features to their treasured Tracy woman but Alan held the most similarity.

Placing his stethoscope around his neck, Dr. Dan Jamison looked up from Alan's limp form and met the worried faces of the Tracy family. This moment was one of the hardest moments in his life. He had visited a moment like this with this family before and he prayed he wouldn't revisit it again but destiny had other plans. Taking a deep breath he met the imploring eyes of Jeff Tracy once again. "Well?" he heard the man ask, as all eyes were on him.

"I won't lie to you, Jeff. Things don't look good. As you have feared, Alan has slipped into a coma. He has four broken ribs, and a severely bruised collar bone." Pausing, he waited as each family member digested the horrible news. "My biggest fear at the moment is what damage has been done to his recovery."

"Are you saying Alan will have seizures again?" Scott asked.

"I don't have an absolute answer but I fear that it may be a possibility. Right now, Alan has suffered a severe concussion. This new injury has caused Alan's brain to swell. However, the good news is from what I see here, the swelling isn't massive," Dan explained.

"How long do you think he will be in the coma?" Jeff asked, fear and worry obvious in his voice.

Dan met Jeff's eyes with sympathy. "That is a question I cannot answer I am afraid. Whatever happens next is once again in the hands of Alan. As we've all seen, Alan posses a strong spirit."

"There's nothing we can do but wait?" Gordon stated, limping his way over toward Alan's bed. Emotion and pain lined his words.

"I'm afraid so. I am so sorry. I wish there was more I could do," Dan answered. He has seen this family suffer so much. They did nothing but good for the world and this was the thanks they received. None of it seemed fair.

Holding his youngest son's still hand, Jeff looked up at the stout doctor. "I couldn't ask for anything more. You are doing what you can Dan and that is enough for us." Gently laying Alan's hand on the bed, Jeff turned toward his sons. "As much as each of you would like to stay here I want all of you to get some rest, alright."

"No, Dad. We can't leave him alone. What if Alan wakes up and we aren't here," John remarked.

"We will take shifts with Alan. Now, please do as I ask. Out of all of us you should be quite tired. I will take the first shift while you rest. Scott, you can follow after me. Virgil, I want you to take Dr. Jamison to the guest room so he can get some rest. No more arguments," Jeff instructed.

Each Tracy son hesitated with reluctance. They wanted to stay with their baby brother. He lay so helpless and pale. Alan had always been the heart of their family and now he lay in a bed fighting for his life once again. The looks upon his son's faces nearly broke Jeff Tracy's heart again. This moment was like four months ago, except then they were in a hospital bedroom in London, England.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Jeff. If you need anything, call me immediately. I will make hourly checks on Alan," Dan stated.

"Get some rest. I fear the next few days will tire us all," Jeff replied, his voice melancholy.

Placing a hand upon Jeff's shoulder, Dan squeezed it with reassurance. "Don't forget to rest yourself, old friend." Looking over at the youngest Tracy's still form, he sighed. "He will get through this Jeff. Your son is strong," he affirmed, exiting the medical room.

Following each Tracy son out of the room, Dan couldn't help but let his heart go out as each of them slowly trudged forward. Gordon's room was the first room they met. "Make sure you keep your leg elevated, Gordon."

"I will, don't worry," was the only response he received as the redhead entered his room.

Slowly but surely each Tracy filtered into their rooms. Following Virgil, Dan was led to his room. There was so much he wished he could do for this family. Day in and day out they risked their lives for people and now one of them was hurt by someone who despised them. Why? They did nothing but good. He didn't understand any of this but he knew he was going to help this family through this if it was the last thing he did.

-TB-

Walking into his room, John sighed. He almost didn't recognize it. The room was clean and tidy, reflecting his personality, but it almost seemed cold and silent within the room. The only time he would visit his room was when one of his brothers were working a shift up on Five or something dreadful had happened. Sadly, this time something dreadful had indeed happened. His baby brother lay in their medical room fighting for his life once again. His return to Earth hadn't been for pleasure but to be at Alan's side. Taylor Rich had rendered their family's lives frozen, and for what? Revenge? They saved people. When was that going to be enough?

Walking into his bathroom, he turned on the faucet. Cupping his hands he threw the cool liquid onto his face. The coolness felt refreshing to his hot skin. Using a towel to dry his face, he looked at himself in the mirror. Blonde hair and blue eyes stared back at him. These were the same features Alan had. Time and again both had been compared to their beloved mother, Lucille Tracy. However, in personality and closer looks, Alan was more like their mother. As the youngest Tracy got older and older each of them began to see traits of their mother in him. Traits that made them smile but also made them want to throttle him.

Walking out of the bathroom, John sat on his bed. Looking at his clock he noted it was a little past 8. Sprawling his body across his bed he closed his eyes. No matter how much jet leg pulled at him he knew he would get little sleep. He wouldn't rest until the person who did this paid dearly.

-TB-

Jolting awake from what sleep he was in, Gordon hissed as the sudden movement sent a sharp pain throughout his leg. Laying his head back on his pillow he readjusted his leg. Sleep was obviously something that didn't exist at the moment. Thoughts and worries about Alan filled his head. His brother had been only a few feet in front of him and he did nothing and could do nothing to save him. That sight was something that would haunt him forever. Like the small dream he had just had, he knew his dreams would replay the horrifying incident for quite some time.

What had it been that Alan had said earlier? 'If something happened it would all be worth it' How was it all worth it? Alan now lay in a bed completely comatose. Ever since the incident with the Hood, Alan had changed. He was almost a completely different person. The once carefree and rebellious teen had turned into the quiet and responsible teen that no one recognized. Alan acted like he carried the world on his shoulders. The kid had it set in his head that it was his responsibility to protect their family. It should have been their responsibility, not his. He was the baby of the family. They were sup post to look out for him and his well being not the other way around. He knew he was going to find a way to get his best friend back. Alan had to pull through this challenge and he knew all of them would make Taylor Rich pay.

-TB-

Like his brothers, Virgil lay restless on his bed. He knew sleep wasn't an option. How could it be? Their youngest family member was in the infirmary fighting for his life once again. Over the last four months they had faced their biggest challenge. Alan's seizures. He prayed that those didn't return they just couldn't. Alan had worked so hard to overcome them. The kid was only fifteen years old and in the last year he had faced things someone much older than him would face.

To him, Alan was amazing. He couldn't believe how strong a spirit Alan truly did posses. It had been proven that Alan was much like their mother and his strong and fiery spirit showed it. The only thing he hoped for was that spirit would remain true in this situation. The kid had received a dangerous head injury once again and he feared what it had done to his recovery. Dr. Jamison had even said it himself; the effects could harm his recovery. Alan held so much promise. He had just started his training as a Thunderbird and his future held so much promise. Alan had waited his whole life to be a Thunderbird and he couldn't watch Alan throw it away so easily. He was going to help the youngest Tracy fight his way back to them one way or another. However, one thing he knew for sure was all of them would get their enemy. Alan had taken down the Hood for them and he had risked his life once again to take down this new threat. They would get Taylor Rich and Alan's effort would not go unfinished.

-TB-

Sweat collected on his brow as the dark haired Tracy tossed and turned in his bed.

He stared at his brother extremely worried. Taylor Rich was definitely sending him another message. "It's a trap! I have to get Josh!" were the words that left Alan's mouth. "Alan wait!!" he screamed as he tried desperately to grab him. His hands met air as Alan fled from their sight.

Rushing out of the room, both he and Gordon ran after him. What did he mean it was a trap! Had Josh double crossed them? To his left he heard Gordon talking to their father. The IR patriarch screamed at them to get out, but before they could do anything their lives were abruptly changed.

As an explosion filled the factory the last thing he saw was the room engulfing his baby brother. "Alan!!" he screamed.

Jolting up in his bed, Scott Tracy breathed heavily. Shaking his head, he tried to calm his breathing. Looking around his room he realized he had only been dreaming; however, deep down he knew the event had truly happened. His baby brother had been in the room when it had collapsed and he was lying in the infirmary fighting for his life.

Swinging his legs over his bed, he looked at the clock. 9:12 shined brightly at him. He had been able to sleep for nearly an hour but the sleep had been a restless one. Rubbing his hands over his face he sighed. His father had been with Alan for quite some time now and he knew no matter how much his father would disagree the man needed his rest too.

Standing up, he made his way to take a quick shower. Dust and grime covered his skin from fighting his way to Alan. That was the worst thing he had ever had to do. Alan had looked so pale and helpless lying on the cold floor. He had promised he would protect Alan and he had failed. The kid had tried to protect all of them. What was he thinking? He was the youngest of the family, their baby. They were sup post to protect him. Starting the water, he looked up toward the ceiling. Please bring Alan back to us, Mom. He has so much more to do.

-TB-

Jeff Tracy sat quietly by his youngest son's bed. Hadn't he already visited this nightmare? He had spent years preventing something like this and now his youngest son lay fighting for his life once again. After a long four months Alan had fought to get his life back to normal and now after one incident he was rendered helpless once again. Jeff had sworn he wouldn't let anything like this happen to his family again and he had failed them. Alan had proven himself to him and once again he was unable to enjoy it. Jeff Tracy found himself asking the same question he had asked himself many years ago and four months ago. His wife had never done anything to hurt anyone, but he ended up losing her none-the-less. The simple fact was he refused to lose Alan, not after everything they had over come. He just had to pray he would get through this once again.

Stroking his son's blonde locks he hated how pale his son looked. Holding his son's hand he couldn't help but blame himself for putting Alan in this position. He was the one who had sent Alan out into the field against his better judgment. He would have rather avoided a major argument than put his son's safety first. After learning that Alan was the major target by Taylor Rich he still allowed Alan to go out on missions. What was he thinking? He handed his son right to Rich. There was no doubt in his mind that he was the one to blame for Alan's condition. He should have followed his better judgment and kept Alan safe and not agreed to send him into the field.

FLASHBACK

"Dad, please! You have to let me go in there!" his youngest son pleaded.

"I don't know, Alan. You will be extremely close to Taylor Rich. What if he invades your mind? He could do further harm to you being that close. Are you prepared for that?"

"I'm prepared for anything, Dad. I need to be in there. What if something goes wrong and I'm the only one that would know it? If Rich sends me a message I need to be in there to help act on it!"

Jeff sighed. "Alan, this is really risky. You've barely been out on the field and now you want me to put you in the field where you could risk you life again. I don't think so."

Alan tried to control his temper. "Come on, Dad! You send my brothers out there on a daily basis in these types of situations! What makes me so different! I'm completely capable of being out there! I'm a key in all of this and you know it! Can't you trust me on this? I can do this!"

"This is not a matter of whether or not you are qualified for the job, Alan! This is about your safety! You've just recovered from a serious injury and I don't want to put you in that position again!" Jeff returned, his own anger coming out. These two were definitely a match for one another when it came to tempers.

Alan shook his head. "I've been careful on ever mission, Dad! What more do you want me to do? Walk on pines and needles to prove I can do it! I know my job and I know how to do it, it's that simple. I've saved a man from a burning building, I've even propelled from Thunderbird 1 to Thunderbird 2 to help Virgil! What more do I need to do to prove myself? It's time you've realized I've grown up, Dad!"

"Alan, I do trust you and I know you can do your job. You've proven yourself well over. I'm just afraid for your safety," Jeff said calmly.

"I understand where you are coming from, but you have to believe that I will be okay, Dad. Scott and Gordon will be there and whatever Rich wants to throw at me I'm ready for. You guys can't protect me forever. I'll be alright. After tonight this will all be over with and life can return to normal. I want my life back, and this is the only way I know how to do it Dad. Rich has tried to control my life, please let me try to take the control back," Alan stated, his blue orbs imploring his father's own orbs.

Jeff sighed. "I don't know, Alan. This is really risky."

"Please, Dad! All I want is a little faith. I will be fine, I promise. I will have my brothers there and you won't be that far away if something goes wrong. I won't let it come to that though, alright. We will get Rich tonight and all of this will be over," Alan reassured.

"Alright, Alan. You may go but nothing showy. You stick with your brothers. This is risky for all of us and it will be done by the book," Jeff resigned. He knew he was going against his better judgment but Alan was very persuasive.

"Thanks, Dad."

End Flashback

Alan had promised nothing would go wrong but how wrong he was. He led Alan into the same trap the Hood had set, putting Alan out in the open. How could he have been so stupid! He was sup post to be his father not his best friend. Sighing, he squeezed his son's left hand gently. "Keep fighting, Alan. I know you have the strength to get through this and pull yourself out of the coma. Show me that spit fire we all know and love. You found your way back to us before and you can do it again. Just keep fighting, son. None of us want to lose you. I won't lose you like this, not after we've conquered so much. I lost your mother and we won't lose you, we won't."

Resting his head against Alan's bed he lost himself to his thoughts. Alan had been right about one thing. He did send his sons out into dangerous situations on a daily basis. Was International Rescue really worth the risk to his son's lives? Is the price worth it? He had already lost his wife and he knew he couldn't lose any of his sons. They faced challenges on a daily basis, some of them big and some of them small but were they worth it all. Without his family life didn't mean a thing. When he had first started the organization it was to save people's lives from loses like he had endured when he lost his wife. However, he hadn't truly thought everything through. If they were saving people's lives then they were risking their own. Was someone else's life worth more than his own flesh and blood? No one deserved to die but they were his sons. The fact that mystified him was the fact that saving people's lives didn't seem to be enough anymore. Two people within one year had tried to harm them because of their resentment against the organization. If people didn't want them then why was he still risking their lives? Looking down at his son so pale and still he knew he had a decision to make. Was International Rescue worth it all? Each of his sons had given up so much for his dream. Scott gave up a Commanding position in the Air Force, John gave up NASA, Virgil gave up his potential in music and art, and Gordon had given up his continued career in swimming. He had forced his sons to choose their lives on his dream and now Alan was paying the price of his dream. Was the price too big? He had to make a decision and Alan had a lot to do with it.

Lifting his head, Jeff quickly looked up toward Alan's heart monitor. Suddenly his Bp levels were beginning to rise. Something was happening and he had the feeling it wasn't good. Standing up he walked to the opposite side of Alan where all his equipment was positioned. His oxygen levels looked fairly good but something was obviously happening. Within seconds Alan's condition changed rapidly. Alan's once still body began to convulse.

-TB-

Walking down the hallway, Scott met Dan as he made his way toward the infirmary. "Did you rest any?" Scott asked the doctor.

"A little. You definitely have comfortable beds, which I cannot complain about. I spent most of the time thinking if I missed anything on Alan?" the stout doctor replied. "Did you get any rest?"

"Probably as much as anyone else. Do you think Alan will get through this?" the eldest Tracy son questioned.

"Your brother is strong, Scott. He fought through his struggle four months ago and I will expect the same from him this time. He has a lot weighing against him this time but I have faith that he won't let it defeat him."

As they neared the infirmary they began to hear the monitors beeping, signifying something was wrong. Both men rushed into the room to see Alan convulsing.

"Dan!" Jeff screamed as he tried to help his son.

"Dad! What happened?" Scott cried as he watched his brother's body paroxysm.

"I don't know. One moment he was completely fine and the next everything went to hell," Jeff explained, worry claiming him.

Dan quickly sprang to action. He knew instantly what was happening. He feared it would happen and it had indeed come true. Alan's seizures had returned. The swelling was affecting his brain enough that it only had one way to react. As he worked on Alan's body everyone began to enter the room. The noise coming from the room could be heard throughout the entire house.

A tear slipped down Gordon's face as he watched his one and only baby brother's body convulse. John quickly slipped an arm around his little brother. "Why is this happening again, Johnny?"

"I don't know, Gordon. None of us do," John stated as he fought against his own emotions.

As quickly as Alan's seizure had begun it had stopped. Dan quickly rechecked the teen's vitals. His heart rate and blood pressure were still quite high. Looking through his supplies, he pulled out a syringe. The liquid inside it was a strong sedative that would relax his body enough that the teen's levels would return to normal. Sighing, he looked up at Jeff. Jeff's eyes were filled with worry and fear. His youngest son was fighting for his life again and there was nothing he could do. He felt so powerless. Easing himself into the chair, with the help of Virgil and Scott, Jeff stared at his youngest son's body. Tears rimmed his eyes as his emotions ran high. He was losing his baby boy and there was nothing he could do.

"Jeff," Dan began gently. "There is no easy way to tell you this but this was only his first episode. I fear there will be more. The swelling from his brain is stressing his body. Until the swelling goes down I'm afraid this will continue to happen."

"How long will it take for the swelling to go down?" Scott asked worriedly.

"I don't have an absolute answer for that but I hope it decreases within the next two days; otherwise, we may be dealing with further complications," Dan replied.

"Further complications?" John inquired.

Dan sighed. This was the part he had wanted to avoid. "If Alan doesn't wake up within the next few days I fear he might not wake up for some time or at all."

The words that left Dr. Dan Jamison's mouth felt like a knife in the heart to every person in the room. They couldn't face the fact that Alan wouldn't wake up. He was the heart of their family. He was their one connection to their mother. The kid had over come so much within the past four months and they couldn't believe all of that was going to be thrown out the window due to some maniac who wanted revenge.

Walking up toward the bed, Gordon stood beside Dr. Jamison. He watched as the ventilator helped his baby brother breathe. "Are you saying Alan won't ever wake up?" The voice that had come out of Gordon's mouth sounded like that of a frightened child.

"Gordon, I can't answer that. The next forty-eight hours will tell us what to expect. Whatever happens next is in the hands of Alan."

Holding his son's hand Jeff caressed it paternally. "Keep fighting, Alan. You have to fight this. You have to come back to us."

Scott met Virgil's eyes. It was Scott's turn to take over with Alan. Each of Jeff's sons knew the man needed rest and the worry over Alan wasn't helping him. "Dad, it's time you go and rest. I've rested and I'm ready to take over now," Scott stated gently.

Jeff shook his head. "No, I want to stay here."

"Dad, please. You need your rest. Alan wouldn't want you neglecting your rest because of him," Virgil reasoned.

John walked behind their father, resting his hands upon the man's shoulders. "Virgil is right. Go rest. Scott will be here incase something happens. You are only a call away. Alan won't be alone. After Scott is done I will take over and so on."

"I will make regular checks on Alan, Jeff. You have no need to worry. Do as your sons ask and go rest. There is nothing more you can do here; Alan wouldn't want you to lose rest on his account."

Jeff sighed as he continued to stare at his baby boy. He knew they were right but what if Alan needed him and he wasn't here. "He'll be fine, Dad. I promise," one of his sons reassured once again. Squeezing Alan's left hand he laid it gently back on the bed. Standing up he met his sons. Each of them looked as worried and fearful as he was. "I will go, but someone come and get me within an hour. If anything happens before that-"

"We know, Dad. Don't worry," Scott stated.

"Come on, I'll walk you to your room," Virgil stated. "I'll be back after you John if that's okay with you Gordon."

"Gordon?"

The redhead stared at Alan as if he was already a ghost. "Gordon!" Looking up he noticed everyone had their attention on him. "What?"

"Is it alright if I go after John?" Virgil repeated.

"Oh, yeah that's fine," Gordon replied emotionlessly.

"Are you sure? I can wait."

"It's fine."

"Alright. I'll be back in a few hours." Glancing one last time at his second youngest brother, Virgil slowly made it out of the room following their father.

Both John and Scott watched Gordon with worry. Dan noticed their worry as well. Gordon remained still as he sat at the edge of the bed, holding Alan's right hand. "I will be back to check on Alan within a half hour," Dan stated. He knew the boys needed some time alone with Alan.

John and Scott nodded at Dr. Jamison's words. As soon as the doctor left both returned their attention to Gordon's sudden desolate mood. Walking around the bed, John put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "He'll be okay, Gordy. He'll get through this. Alan is tough and we all know he is very determined."

The nineteen year old looked down at his left leg that was securely wrapped. Alan lay on a bed in a coma while he had received a little scratch. He was better trained yet Alan was lying hurt. None of this made sense. When was the madness going to end? Looking up he met John's gentle eyes. "I hope you're right, John. I do. If anything happens I don't think I could handle it. Alan's not just our baby brother he's our little sprout." A small tear rolled down Gordon's cheek as his voice caught in his throat. "He's like a best friend to me guys. If I lose him I don't know what I'll do. If I lost any of you I don't know what I would do."

Scott walked over to the duo, grabbing Gordon in his arms. "We're not going anywhere. I promise. Alan will make it out of this. There isn't any other option for him not to."

Gordon let his brothers embrace him. He felt so alone. "I hope you're right, Scott. From my spot all I see is how things are betting against us." Squeezing Alan's hand one last time the redhead limped out of the room.

"Do you think he will be okay?" John asked.

"I think he just needs to be alone," Scott replied as he walked back over to the chair that resided next to Alan's bed.

Following his older brother, John perched himself on the bed. "I can only imagine what it was like for you two."

Scott looked up at him puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You and Gordon. Being so close to Alan but so far away. I know it's affecting both of you and don't deny it. I know the feeling, Scott. It's one of the curses of being up in Thunderbird 5. Up there I feel so helpless. If something goes wrong I can't help you guys. It's really tough sometimes," John said as he watched Alan's chest slowly move up and down. He hadn't been here for Alan.

Scott remained silent as he pondered John's words. The astronaut had been right. What had happened in that factory building had been the worst thing he had seen on the job. He should have been able to help Alan, he should have protected him. It was his job to protect their family! How could he have failed Alan?

"I'll leave you alone with him. I'll be back soon," John stated, patting his older brother's shoulder.

"Okay," was the only response Scott gave. Picking up Alan's still hand he grasped it in his big hands. The kid remained still. Scott wanted nothing more than to see Alan awake and joking. He would even love to see him yelling at their father. At least then they would have their Alan back. The youngster could be a pain at times but what little brother wasn't?

"Hey buddy, it's your big brother. I'm sure you already know that by my voice, huh?" he stated, stroking his free hand through Alan's long blonde locks. He hated how pale Alan looked. The body before him looked nothing like his youngest brother. Everything about this made him sick. None of it was right. "Ya know, what I'm about to say is probably going to sound like I'm lecturing you but you never should have went into that room. It's not your job to protect us Alan, it's our job to protect you. Your the baby of the family; you're still a kid. Did you really think you could stop Rich on your own? As much as you wanted to be in that building with us you had no business being there. You were too emotionally attached, Al. Rich would have been able to do anything to you. You're in this bed now because of that man."

Moving from the chair to the side of the bed Scott still held Alan's left hand and he rested his free hand on the teen's thigh. "You had good intentions Alan, I know that. However, your effort was wasted. You tried to save Josh but instead you hurt yourself. You never should have gone after him. Before you acted on impulse you should have waited but you didn't wait, you ran into that room recklessly."

Walking away from the bed Scott sighed heavily. He was fighting his every emotion. He was a man of action not a man of waiting. "God, I hate this Alan. I know you thought you were doing something good. You did a brave thing and I'm proud of you for that. I wish there was something I could do, but there's nothing! All I can do is watch you fight for your life."

Fighting a tear that flooded his right eyes, Scott let it fall down his cheek. He rarely cried but he felt lost. He never imagined he would be in this type of situation again. Walking back toward the bed, the dark haired Tracy sat back down in the chair. Taking Alan's hand in his he held onto it gently. "Look, Alan. You have to wake up. You just have to. There is so much I want to tell you! I want to tell you how proud of you I am but most of all I want to tell you how much I love you! I know I don't say it often but I do. I feel like I'm your second father, kiddo. When we lost Mom I practically helped raise you. I've watched you grow as a person and what I've seen so far you've grown so much. I almost don't recognize you. You've become an amazing person Alan and I want to see you continue to grow. We won't lose you like we lost Mom. You have to fight and find your way back to us. I wont lose you Alan, I won't."

TBC...

Well life is tough for the Tracys right now isn't it. Things continue to get interesting as we move to the next chapter.

I'm sure this chapter had many grammar mistakes, but what do you expect from a girl who just had surgery and is on Vicodin?

Thanks for the support!!! You know my motto...

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