I don't own the Thunderbirds, alas, but I do own the characters I made up. Thanks and happy reading!

And a big thank-you for my own "Dr. Vickers!" ;)

Morning,

Had to run out to a meeting, but coffee's in the pot, help yourselves. I'm going to swing by the grocery store, so if you want anything special, let me know. Otherwise you're stuck with my cooking.

Good luck at the doctor's Scott. Talk to you later.

John

Scott sighed and passed the note to his father. "I don't get it Dad. Last night he hated the sight of us and now he's wanting to know what we want for dinner!"

Jeff frowned. "Maybe John just needed time to get used to the idea of us being here."

Scott snorted as he poured himself a cup of coffee. "Yeah right. He and his new friend Glen." At Jeff's raised eyebrow, Scott went on. "Glenfiddich. John came in pretty toasted last night. Couldn't even make it up the stairs. Frankly, I can't believe he's out and about already this morning. Figured he'd have a helluva hangover."

"You should have come and got me."

"I handled him." Scott looked down at his cup. "He was talking and I don't think it was to himself." He added quietly.

"You really think Hood is behind this?" Jeff asked skeptically.

Scott nodded. "I know it's hard to believe Dad. But trust me. Hood is screwing with John's mind. You saw…"

Jeff's mind wandered back to Christa's frantic call a few weeks ago and he sighed. "You may be right." He shook his head. "But there's nothing I can do for John at the moment. And you're stalling. Let's go."

Sighing, Scott followed his father out the door where a car was waiting. "Mass General." Jeff told the driver and they merged into traffic. Jeff glanced over at his eldest. "Scott, don't be nervous. You're going to be fine."

"Yeah, easy for you to say. You're not the one about to be turned into the Bionic Man." Scott replied sullenly.

Jeff bit back a chuckle. "Scott, it won't be that bad."

"When Alan and Gordon get a hold of this, I'll never have peace again."

This time Jeff couldn't contain his laugh. "I'll have a talk with them."

Scott groaned. "That'll only make them sneakier." He sighed. "I'm scared Dad. What if they screw up? What if they can't fix it and I can't…" His voice trailed off.

"Scott." Jeff waited until his son looked up at him. "Whatever happens, we'll deal with it OK? You're not in this alone."

Scott smiled tentatively. "Thanks Dad." His gaze shifted as they pulled up in front of the hospital. They both got out, and stared at the building in front of them. Scott took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." He opened the door and they stepped inside.

They paused to ask directions at the information kiosk, then went upstairs to Dr. Vickers' office. The secretary looked up as they entered.

"Scott Tracy, here to see Dr. Vickers."

She smiled. "Have a seat Mr. Tracy, it will just be a few minutes."

Scott thanked her, and sat down, picking up a magazine and leafing idly through it. Jeff watched him, but his thoughts wandered back to John. Could it be true? Hood showed no sign of being that powerful back in London. But Scott, Tin-Tin and even Kyrano all agree. He sighed. But what do I do about it? How do I fight a madman that reads minds?

"Mr. Tracy?" Both Scott and Jeff's heads snapped up. "Dr. Vickers will see you now."

Jeff got to his feet and started after the nurse. Scott took a deep breath and followed them. Rosemary Vickers was a tall woman, with shoulder length brown hair and deep coffee eyes. She smiled warmly as they walked into the room. "Hello."

Jeff took her outstretched hand. "Dr. Vickers, I'm Jeff Tracy, and this is my son, Scott."

Scott nodded and seated himself gingerly in a chair. "Hey…"

Dr. Vickers sat down at her desk and opened a file. "So, Steve MacLeod sent you to me."

Jeff nodded. "It was under Steve's recommendation that Scott needs a shoulder replacement. He told us you were the one to do it."

"Hmmmm…." Her brown eyes scanned the papers in front of her, then she pulled up a screen on her computer. "Well Scott, that's some damage you've got there. Looks like it was fixed at one point, want to tell me how the more recent damage was incurred?"

Scott shifted uncomfortably. "No ma'am, I'm afraid I can't tell you that."

She frowned for a moment, then leaned back in her chair, folding her hands in her lap. "So Scott, if you can't tell me, why are you here then?"

Scott sighed. "I was hurt during an…incident at work. The rest of the damage is all my fault. I was supposed to be taking it easy and doing therapy, but I'll admit, I'm not the world's best patient."

"You can say that again." Jeff muttered under his breath.

Rosie hid a smile. "And why then should I fix you? You've admitted that you don't take care of yourself. Shoulder replacement is a long, hard road. If you aren't going to do what you need to, I'm not going to waste my time."

Scott gulped. "Yes ma'am."

Jeff leaned forward. "Perhaps you could tell us what the surgery and recovery will entail."

Rosie nodded and pulled another screen up on her computer. "This is your shoulder Scott. As you can see, there has been extensive damage to the humerus, clavicle, and scapula; your upper arm and shoulder blade. We'll be replacing the damaged ends here…and here…" She pointed to the screen. "And inserting a rod here, in your upper arm. The joint will also be rebuilt using a titanium based artificial joint."

Scott gulped. "Titanium? That's the only way?"

She nodded. "If you ever want to have the use of your arm again." Scott paled and sat back in his chair. "Rehab starts the day after surgery. We'll begin slowly working the arm, each day increasing the weight and range of motion until we determine the full extent of recovery." She looked up at both of them. "I'll want you close by so I can check your progress, daily at first, then two or three days a week. Do you have a place to stay? And some one who could help you?"

Scott glanced at his father. "Yes, we have a house here in the city. And I'll stay as long as Scott needs me." Jeff answered.

"Good." She turned back to Scott. "I won't lie to you Scott. You have extensive damage here. I'm not a miracle worker, I'll do my best, but it's going to involve a lot of work on your part. Even then you still may not get total mobility back. Still want to go through with this?"

Scott got up and paced the room. Finally he stopped and turned to face Dr. Vickers. "Yes ma'am, I want to do this."

She glanced down at the file again. "Steve also mentioned that you have some sort of drug problem?"

Jeff spoke up. "It's not drugs Doctor, it's painkillers."

Rosie turned her eyes to Jeff. "Drugs are drugs Mr. Tracy. Doesn't matter what kind of pretty name you try and dress them up with."

Jeff frowned at her tone, but said nothing else. She turned back to Scott. "Well?"

Scott stopped to stare out the window overlooking Storrow Drive. "I want the surgery and I want off the drugs." He clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "I want my life back."

Jeff heard the despair in his son's voice and his heart went out to him. He got up and walked over to Scott's side, placing a comforting hand on his good shoulder. Rosie smiled. "Then I guess Steve was right when he sent you to me. I expect you to be in the hospital for about two weeks. Usually it's a two to four day stay for the surgery, but adding the drug rehab will take a few days more. You won't be alone through this Scott. I'll be next to you every step of the way."

"As will I." Jeff added.

Scott gave his father a look full of gratitude. "Thanks Dad." He said quietly. Then he squared his shoulders and turned back towards the doctor. "When can we do this?"

She glanced down at her computer again. "Hmm…How does Thursday sound?"

Scott gulped. "This Thursday? Like in two days from now?"

Rosie nodded. "No time like the present."

He took a shuddering breath. "Then Thursday it is. Thank-you Dr. Vickers."

"Rosie." She stood and shook his hand. "See you then."

John whistled as he walked in the door of the brownstone. He loosened his tie and tossed his briefcase on the table and wandered into the kitchen. He spied the note on the table and grabbing a bottle of water, read it.

John-Boy,

Don't worry about dinner. Dad and I will grab something and bring it home. Please…don't cook! I've been on the other side of your culinary experiences too many times. See you later.

Scott

John chuckled to himself at his elder brother's attempt at humor. "Good, if they're bringing home take out, then I don't have to cook." He tossed the note in the trash, and grabbing his briefcase, went up to the office.

It was sometime later when he heard the door open. "John? You home?"

"Up here Scott!" John called back. A moment later, Scott walked into the office. "Hey, how'd the doctor's go?"

Scott shrugged and sat down, propping his feet on the desk. Ignoring his brother's angry glare, he sighed. "OK I guess. Surgery is on Thursday."

John's eyes opened wide. "This Thursday?" Scott nodded. "Wow, that's fast."

"Yeah." Scott took a swig from John's water bottle, earning himself another glare. "Good thing though. Doesn't give me time to think about it and change my mind."

John laid down his pen and leaned back in his chair. "What happened Scott?"

Scott sighed again. "Things just…got out of control. You left and I tried to hold things together. But I'm not you." He held his hand up to stem John's protests. "I'm not blaming or criticizing you. You asked."

John took a deep breath. "Yeah, I did. But how did my leaving screw up your shoulder?"

"That part was all me. I overdid. Figured I could do everything and found out the hard way that I can't." He took his feet down and got to his feet, pacing the room. He turned to look at his brother. "John, are you happy? Really happy?"

John smiled softly. "Yeah Scott, I am." He sighed. "I had a job interview today."

Scott looked up at him in surprise. "You what?"

John shrugged. "I had a job interview. Can't live off my trust fund forever you know." He smiled thinly.

"Where?"

"MIT. There's an opening in their astro-research department."

Scott's heart pounded in his chest. "So, did you get the job?" John looked up at his brother and nodded. Scott took a deep breath. "John…"

"I can't do it Scott. I can't go back…there." He gestured upwards. "I thought I could. That I'd take a few weeks, sort things out and come back home." He shook his head. "I hadn't counted on Christa."

Scott sighed. "You think she's the one?"

John nodded. "I love her Scott." He said simply.

Scott smiled. "Then go for it Blondie."

A huge weight lifted off John's chest. "Thanks Scott."

"John? I…the doctor wants me close for therapy. Can I…" His voice trailed off.

"Sure. Stay here, you and Dad. Sorry I was such a jerk last night. I just wasn't expecting you. A call would have been nice."

"I guess Dad and I never thought about it. We've been dropping in here since I was ten."

"Yeah, you're right." John got up and started towards the door. "I have to go meet Christa. I have some major making up to do."

Scott grinned. "Good thing you have that trust fund after all."

John laughed. "Guess you're right. We'll be back for dinner."

"Later John." Scott sighed and rested his forehead against the window, his thoughts in turmoil. He started in surprise when he felt John slip his arm around his waist, resting his head on Scott's back, and giving him a quick hug.

"I'm glad you're here Scott." John said quietly and was gone.

John stood by the hospital elevator, waiting for Christa. He held a package of pink roses in his arms, hoping they would save his life. He smiled at a few of the nurses leaving then he spied Christa and his smile faded.

She looked over and narrowed her eyes at him, then finished her conversation before walking over to him. "I'm surprised to see you here." She said shortly.

Uh-oh. I'm in more trouble than I thought. John forced a grin. "Hey. Thought I'd give you a ride home."

She arched an eyebrow at him. "You heading over to Park Drive?"

John sighed. "Christa, can we talk about this in the car?"

She "hmmphed" in reply but followed John down to the Jeep. John handed her the flowers and she gave him a icy stare in return. He sighed and started the car.

"I'm sorry." He said finally, when the silence had gone on too long.

"OK, you're sorry." She replied without looking at him.

"Christa please…"

She turned, her indigo eyes dark with anger. "What John? I'm tired of this bullshit! Every time something doesn't go your way, you go drown your sorrows in a bottle!" She shot at him.

"That's not true."

"Yes John, it is!" She let out a frustrated sigh. "It's become your norm. After a nightmare, talking to your family, if we have an argument. John, can't you see what you're doing to yourself?"

John pulled the Jeep up in front of the house and rested his head on the steering wheel. "I know, I've been an idiot. And I have no excuse other than the fact that it's easier than facing the truth sometimes. It's like something…or someone is pushing me. Talking to me in my head." He looked over at her. "I'm trying Christa."

"Could have fooled me last night."

His blue eyes flashed in anger. "What more do you want from me?"

"I want you to stop drinking so much John!"

John's hands clenched around the steering wheel. "Last night was an accident. Scott and my father surprised me that's all. I didn't even think. I figured I'd just go for a walk and clear my head. I didn't mean to end up in a bar."

"You say that every time John."

John shook his head in frustration. "Look, I said I was sorry, that I won't let it happen again."

"I want to believe you." She paused. "I had a nice chat with your father last night."

He looked sharply at her. "What about?"

"You of course. John he's worried about you."

John looked back out the windshield. "He's just saying that."

"No, he's not. You didn't hear him last night. He's here because of Scott's surgery, but I think he was glad for the excuse to see you."

John shook his head. "No, Scott always came first."

She sighed. "I think you're wrong John. He loves you and you're driving him away. You're driving us all away." She placed a hand on his arm and her tone softened. "I love you John, but this is killing me, watching you like this."

"Yeah well, it's no picnic for me either." He muttered. Then he sighed and took his hand in hers. "I'm sorry Christa. Please…" His voice cracked with emotion.

"John, we're just trying to help you."

"I know."

"Then let us."

John sighed and clenched his eyes shut. "I…I'll try."

"That's all I can ask." She smiled softly. "So, did you get me another necklace?" She asked, trying to ease the tension.

He chuckled. "No, just the roses this time."

"Well, I guess I'll have to think about it then."

He raised an eyebrow at her. "I thought you didn't care about material gifts?"

She smiled impishly. "I lied."

John rolled his eyes and laughed. "C'mon, let's see what Dad and Scott brought home for dinner."

"Anything's better than your cooking." Christa teased.

"Hey, my pasta was fine last night."

"You just keep telling yourself that honey." She patted his cheek.

Together they walked into the house.