DISCLAIMER: Don't own them... Really wish I did!

TBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTB

NOTE:

* Sorry for the delay on this chapter, I've been incredibly busy and I've had a slight writers block with this chapter. Mainly because it's a transition scene (where not much happens- but is necessary as it sets up the following sections) and I tend to have trouble writing these.

* Anyway, here's chapter 25... Really hope you enjoy!

TBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTB

Chapter 25: Next Step.

Scott sat up and gently wiped away the tears that had fallen down Virgil's cheeks. "Okay guys, we need to get moving!"

Gordon stood. "I'll take one of the hover bikes and bring Thunderbird 2 here."

"I'll come with you." Alan croaked.

"No, you don't!" Scott ordered. "I want to check your throat first."

"But Scott, I'm fine!" Alan moaned.

"I'll be the judge of that," Scott responded sternly.

John laughed to himself and stood up. "I'll come with you Gords."

"John, can you contact the authorities and let them know that they have some prisoners waiting for them?" Scott asked.

"Yes, sure Scott," John replied, "we'll see you soon."

Scott watched Gordon and John sprint towards their hover bikes. Once they had left he turned his attention to Alan. "Right, let me check that throat of yours."

Alan huffed to himself and then moved over to Scott to let him check him over, knowing it was pointless to argue with his big brother when he became over protective.

Once Scott had checked Alan and he was completely satisfied that no damage was done, he opened his medical kit and passed Alan a bottle of water. "Here, drink this!"

"Yes sir!" Alan responded. He downed the water and then knelt next to Virgil. "You know Virg... If he's like this with me, I dread to think how much smothering he's going to put you through."

Virgil grimaced and mumbled something about Scott being a smothering hen.

Scott rolled his eyes. "What is this... Pick on Scott day? I'm going to tie those two up," Scott added pointing to the unconscious man and the Hood, "Al, can you please check over Virgil's injuries?"

"Yes sure," Alan replied.

Scott turned his attention towards the Hood and the other man, who were both still unconscious, and began to tie them up. As soon as he had finished the sound of sirens were heard in the distance followed by Gordon and John arriving in Thunderbird 2.

Alan looked at Virgil who had once again lost consciousness. "Hey Virg, if you open your eyes for me then you'll see your green bird arriving."

Virgil's eyes flickered open, he muttered something that was incoherent and then closed his eyes once more. Alan sighed, and stroked his hand tenderly through Virgil's hair until Gordon and John had re-joined them after landing Thunderbird 2.

"How is he?" John asked with concern when he saw Virgil had lost consciousness again.

"Not good at all, we need to get him to a hospital as soon as possible!" Alan replied.

"Al, John... Can you get Virg set up in Thunderbird 2?" Scott asked. "Me and Gordon can then take these two over to the officers."

Alan and John nodded, lifted Virgil's stretcher, and made their way towards Thunderbird 2. Meanwhile, Gordon picked up the unconscious man, while Scott lifted the now awake, but tied up Hood to his feet."

The Hood began struggling against Scott's unbreakable grip. "Damn you! If you think any prison can hold me, then you are mistaken... I'll soon be free and then you'll all be sorry for trying to cross me! I will complete my plan… Your father will suffer the loss of a child... And I will make sure it is that damn brother of yours who will die first!"

Scott flung the still raving Hood into the back of the police van and locked the doors. "Please take him away before I do something I regret."

"No problem," The police officer responded, "we have all the men that you mentioned, although unfortunately we did find one of them shot dead."

"Which one?" Gordon inquired looking puzzled.

"He was in the room that was used as the prison," The officer replied.

"Hood!" Scott and Gordon both said at the same time.

"We believe so," The officer added. "We suspect the bullet will match the ones from his gun."

Scott and Gordon shook the officers hand, gave him their thanks, and then made their way to Thunderbird 2. "How's he doing?" Scott asked when he made his way into the medical bay of Thunderbird 2.

"No change." John responded. "We have set up an IV and we've also started a blood transfusion."

"Have you called dad?" Gordon asked.

John and Alan both shook their heads.

"I'll call him now." Scott replied lifting his watch to make the call. "Scott to base."

Scott's watch lit up and the very worried face of his father was portrayed back to him. "Scott! Where have you been? I was worried sick when none of you checked in."

"Sorry dad, we wanted to make sure we had Virg out of there before we called."

"You've... You've got him back?" Jeff stuttered.

"Yes, he's with us now in Thunderbird 2."

Jeff released a heavy sigh, the relief on his face evident. "How is he, are his Injuries bad?"

Scott looked away from the image of his father, not wanting to confirm to him how bad Virgil was, but knowing his dad needed to know. "He's not good… He's not good at all! They've broken both his legs; his ribs are bruised and possibly broken... And his back is a mess! He's lost too much blood and god knows what else we will find when we have him examined… He needs to go to a hospital and we need to get him there now!"

"Can I see him?" Jeff pleaded.

"Are you sure dad?"

"Yes, Scott. I need to see him for myself."

Scott slowly turned his watch around to face Virgil. Jeff released a gasp mixed with shock at his son's condition and relief that he was no longer being held captive. Scott turned the watch back towards him. "Dad… Are you okay?"

Jeff paused and breathed in as he tried to suppress the tears that were forming in his eyes. "Yes… Yes, I'm okay." He eventually replied. "Right… As you know Penny's put me in touch with a doctor who was good friends with her father. His name is Doctor Gerry Sylvia, and he's based at Good Hope Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. He has been informed of our real identities and he has arranged a private ward for Virgil. I will need you to fly him to an airstrip nearby where an ambulance will be waiting to meet you. Now, even though the doctor knows that we are International Rescue, the rest of the staff don't. All they know is that Virgil is a high-profile patient who needs 100% confidentiality. So, we are going to pass Virgil off as someone we have rescued. Two of you can travel with him in the ambulance, but you must change into your civvies, whoever doesn't go in the ambulance will need to bring Thunderbird 2 home, and then travel with me and your grandma to the hospital in Tracy 1… As soon as you are in the air I will give you the coordinates for the airstrip."

"FAB!" Scott replied. "We'll contact you back as soon as we are in the air." Scott ended the communication. "Okay guys, I gather you all heard that?"

"Yes, Scott we did!" Alan answered.

"Scott, I'm happy to fly us there and then take 2 back home." Gordon offered.

"Really, are you sure?"

"Yes, of course," Gordon responded smiling. "You've got the big brother prerogative!"

Scott let out a small laugh. "Thanks, Gords."

Alan glanced at John who was staring intently at Virgil. "John, I'm happy to go with Gordon and be his co-pilot if you want to stay with Virg?"

John broke his gaze and smiled at Alan. "Yes, please Alan, that would be great!"

Gordon went over to Virgil and put his hand in his. "Hey Virg, I'm being let loose to fly your bird... If you open your eyes for me then I'll promise to fly safe and not scratch your girl."

"Good pilot!" Virgil stammered, forcing his eyes open.

Gordon looked at Virgil with concern. "Okay. Now I'm worried!" Virgil half smiled and squeezed Gordon's hand. Gordon returned the smile and then turned to Alan. "Are you ready?"

"FAB!" Alan responded.

Gordon and Alan gave Scott and John a quick hug and then made their way to the cockpit of Thunderbird 2.