Author's Note:

I really must apologize for taking so long to update. I have a very good reason for it, honest! Finally though, things have started to change for the better, allowing me to start getting back on track. I want to thank Bow Echo for her encouragement whilst I was lost in the wilderness. Thanks, my friend. Now slowly on the mend!

Distant Horizons

John Tracy narrowed his eyes as he stared intently at the computer screen before him. Hundreds of hours-worth of footage from more than a dozen cameras to search through, and with very little clue as to what he was searching for except for something that looked wrong. At least Kayo had been able to give him a thorough rundown of Lady Penelope's itinerary, so he was able to narrow down his searches somewhat.

Lady Penelope had been "copied" had she? Someone had disguised themselves as her in order to deceive? He wouldn't be in that person's shoes once the real Lady Penelope caught up with them, that was for sure.

Of course, there was very little doubt as to the identity of the miscreant.

Professor Tock.

He jumped as a voice from beside him cut through the silence.

"Can I be of any assistance, John?"

He shook his head.

"Thanks Eos, but I really want to do this myself…wait, there is one thing you can do. Review the time-stamp for all the footage I have downloaded and prioritize those that coincide with Lady Penelope's schedule."

"FAB John."

Eos fell silent, and John was aware of the other screens whizzing through footage faster than he could even follow. He determinedly blanked it out and focused on what he was doing. Less than seven minutes later, Eos once again made him jump.

"I have reviewed all the footage you indicated John, and I have set the priorities as you requested."

"Thanks Eos."

Eos watched the back of his head for a moment, aware that when her human was concentrating on something, he did not like to be disturbed without good reason. She would be better to occupy herself elsewhere until he needed her.

"John, I will upload myself to Thunderbird Rover and return to patrol. Call me if you require my assistance."

John grunted in acknowledgement, and Eos made herself scarce.

John did not notice.

oOoOoOo

Parker was not accustomed to her ladyship being out of the house without his presence, and the knowledge that if anything should happen, he would not be there to defend her troubled him.

Alright, Lady Penelope was well able to take care of herself, but it was the principle of the thing, right? He was her official bodyguard. What was the point of a bodyguard that is sent home to twiddle his thumbs whilst his charge is still potentially in danger? He had delivered her safely to the Colonel's office, but then been sent home, with the information that she would be there for some time and she would contact him again when she needed to be collected. In the meantime, she was sure he had other tasks he could be getting on with?

He had, of course. A few things around the manor had gotten behind because of their recently busy schedule. FAB 1 needed some attention, inside the house the glassware was dusty and the silver badly needed polishing; to say nothing of the crystal chandeliers in the grand ballroom. Oh well, he would take the chance of getting those things done whilst he had the opportunity.

The staff were soon busily cleaning and polishing inside the house, whilst Parker busied himself performing some vital routine maintenance to FAB 1. Sherbet the pug stationed himself in the garage doorway, annoyed at having been sent home with Parker rather than stay with his beloved mistress, and was determined to take his annoyance out on the butler. Parker ignored the little dog's continuous low growling, knowing that beneath his grumpy exterior, Sherbet was nothing if not loyal.

He had no idea how long he had been working when the unmistakable sound of a GDF carrier boomed overhead, and came in to land inside the grounds. He cursed, as the backdraft whipped up the dirt and dust, covering him and the newly polished FAB 1 with dirt and grime. Sherbet was standing erect, a fierce growl that was without doubt an angry one.

Parker silenced him with a wave of his hand and wiping the dirt from his hands with a rag, he emerged from the open doorway of the garage, Sherbet close on his heels.

The large GDF carrier had landed on the vast grassy lawn beside the house, and already the ramp was lowering.

One man stood in the opening. What on earth?

Parker stood and watched as the man, a rifle hugged close to his chest, strode down the ramp and across the lawn towards the main entrance of the house. Parker strode forward to intercept, Sherbet bouncing angrily and excitedly beside him, barking furiously.

"Can I 'elp you, sir?" Parker called out, pulling his jacket back on and fastening the buttons once more. The man gave him a disdainful glance, and shook his head, giving the angry pug a wary glance.

"No thank you. I wish to speak to a Mister Parker. I am informed that he is the Master of the house in the absence of her ladyship. Is he within?"

Parker shook his head.

"'Ush there, you!" he said, glancing down at Sherbet. Sherbet quietened down immediately, but took a few more bouncing steps forward, looking as though he would dearly like to take a chunk out of the strange man's ankle. The man took a hurried step backwards. Parker inclined his head back towards the garage.

"I'm Mister Parker; Lady Penelope's butler, bodyguard and chauffeur. I was just in the garage, tinkering with her ladyship's limousine. 'Ow can I 'elp you?"

The stranger looked Parker up and down. He had heard that Lady Penelope's principal servant was a bit of an oddball, but this fellow? And what was that accent? He sounded more like an ex-jailbird than the butler of an aristocratic household! He cleared his throat and glanced down at the dog.

"I am Captain James. I work for Colonel Casey. Can I pat the dog?"

He stepped toward Sherbet once again, who immediately started barking angrily. Parker shushed him and gave the captain a slight smile.

"I wouldn't h'advise it captain, h'until 'er ladyship h'introduces you to 'im h'officially like. Sherbet is suspicious of strangers, and you're 'ere in his territory."

"Strangers? Even the postman?"

Parker chuckled.

"Postmen won't come to Creighton-Ward Manor, captain. I collect the post meself from the post-h'office in town. Now what can I do for you? You can't 'ave landed a GDF ship 'ere just to pat the dog!"

"Actually Parker, that is exactly what he did do!"

The smooth voice of Colonel Casey made Parker glance up. She was now standing at the top of the open ramp, with Lady Penelope close beside her. They were both grinning widely. Parker frowned, and picked up Sherbet, who eyed the captain with distrust.

"Milady? Colonel?"

They came towards him, and Lady Penelope gave Parker a quick hug and took Sherbet from him. Captain James watched as the small animal wagged his tail so hard that his entire body was wagging along with it, lavishing licks on his mistress' face. Penelope patted the pug's head and offered captain James her hand. The man took it, slightly befuddled, and they shook hands solemnly.

"Bertie, this is Captain James. He is a friend."

At the lady's invitation, James ventured once again to pat the little dog on the head. This time, the little dog rubbed against his hand, showing none of his former aggression. James looked nonplussed. Penelope exchanged slightly amused glances with the colonel, whilst Parker looked confused.

"Milady, what's this all about?"

Penelope glanced at the colonel.

"I think explanations are in order. Parker, some tea please, and join us in the drawing room. You need to know what has been going on.

oOoOoOo

Virgil paused, then tapped softly on the door. There was no response from inside. Frowning slightly, he opened the door and peered round. The bed was empty. Isla was sitting on the carpet, leaning back against the bed, her elbows on her knees and chin in her hands. She glanced up as she heard the door click.

"Can I come in? I've brought you a cup of tea."

She nodded and smiled slightly as he came in and handed her a mug of tea.

"Thanks Virgil. A mug eh? I guessed that Lady Penelope would have educated you all on the merits of tea, but dainty teacups are more her style. Its only heathen Brits like me who drink tea out of a mug!"

Virgil chuckled.

"Penelope would be horrified. She believes in the teapot and dainty cups, so that one may enjoys a fresh cup of tea at one's own convenience."

He gave a passable imitation of Penny's refined tones and accent, and Isla laughed.

"How did you know to bring a mug instead of a teapot on a tray?"

He grinned.

"Grandma of course. She has friends in England. She and grandpa even lived there for a while when they were younger. There's not much that gets past her."

"Your grandma is a treasure, Virgil. I was feeling very sick a couple of hours ago, and she gave me something that made me feel a lot better."

He nodded.

"Brains and I came up with it as a universal remedy for sickness and nausea. Its gentle enough to be safe for anyone and everyone. He's busy making some more as we speak, so it will be available for you whenever you need it. Just ask."

"Thanks, I will do that."

"How are you feeling now?"

Isla looked at him. His expression was sincere and kind, but somehow sad at the same time.

"Slightly homesick if I'm honest. I'll get over it. I'm concerned about you though. Overthinking again?"

He gave a wan smile.

"How do you know me so well, Isla?"

"Can you tell me what it is? I'd love to help if I can."

He leaned back and let his head fall back against the bed, raising his good knee and resting his arm on it. He sighed heavily.

"You probably have enough to think about without me adding to it."

"On the other hand, perhaps I would rather have something and someone other than myself to think about? Please Virgil. I've learned to care about you. Likely a lot more than I really ought to. Let me be here for you."

She sensed that talking about himself was not one of Virgil's better talents, but knew better than to press him harder. Instead, she lay her head on his shoulder, and allowed him to caress her hand gently. Finally, after a very long pause, he began to speak. Quietly, oh so quietly, he might have only been sighing. She listened, without interrupting.

"When I lost Connie, I just wanted to die myself. I had never believed I would ever really find someone that I cared for more than myself, but she was the one. It took a long time, but I did learn how to exist without her, only to meet another girl who looked exactly like her…Bonnie Cain…as we thought she was."

Isla remembered Sally Wendall, whom had for a time gone by the name Bonnie. She nodded, but said nothing. Virgil blew his nose, and sniffed.

"At first I was sure it was my Connie come back to me after all…despite what she claimed, but then…"

Virgil's voice dried up at the memory. Being kidnapped, meeting Isla and realizing that there had to have been more to Connie than met the eye.

"…Now everything is just whirling around in my head. All those different girls, all identical to my Connie. Everywhere I looked, I saw Connie and yet I didn't. She is alive and yet still dead. Then I was mad at her for working for the Hood, for deceiving me until you made me see…and now I feel like I am betraying her! I know she would hate me to spend the rest of my life crying over her, but I am falling in love with…with someone else, and I don't know how this person feels about me. I'm scared she will tell me the same thing that Bonnie did…I mean Sally, and…"

Virgil was talking faster and faster, and becoming more and more incoherent. Finally, Isla twisted until she was facing him and took his head between her palms and looked him in the eye.

"Virgil, stop and take a breath for a minute."

He paused, and sucked in a few huge breaths, letting them out slowly and shakily. She nodded.

"Good. Now firstly Virgil, this person you are falling in love with might just love you back. You won't know unless you talk to them. Secondly, of course you are feeling like a snake for betraying Connie. You only lost her a year ago, didn't you? Don't you think you ought to give yourself some time? You're still grieving for her. Grief takes time. There's no law that says you should grieve for eternity, neither is there one that says you should be fine and dandy just because everyone around you has adjusted. Grief is personal for all of us."

"Even if the other person has a rightful claim on me?"

"Like what?"

He looked her in the eye, and she watched his gaze drop to her belly.

"How about two reasons?"

Isla felt her heart beating in her throat, but she forced the feeling down with an effort.

"Are you saying that you are in love with me, Virgil Grissom Tracy?"

He nodded, avoiding her eye. She ducked her head and caught his eye once more.

"Good. That is settled then. There are some things about me you need to know Mister Tracy."

He looked mortified.

"They are?"

"One; I am in love with you too. I have been since before you saved my life! Two; you are not in any way at fault for my pregnancy, and therefore I have no claim on you whatsoever. When the babies are born, I would very much like their father to have a major part in their lives, but I will not force fatherhood on you if you do not want to be. Three; We are both still young, with years ahead of us. If you are not ready to see another girl yet, then wait until you are. If you want me here, I will stay. If you don't, I'll go. There is only one thing I demand of you."

This time, Virgil managed to meet her eyes, love and embarrassment mixed on his face.

"Anything."

"Actually, two things. Let us be friends. Always talk to me and let me know what you are feeling. I haven't yet learned to read your mind, unlike Scott. Be honest with me, and I will be honest with you. Promise me?"

"I promise." He replied, a sidelong smile lighting up his eyes. "And the second thing?"

"Take me home to visit my parents. They'll be expecting me to pay them a visit, and I have somehow got to find a way of telling them that I'm…that they're going to be…"

She paused at the troubled look on her companion's face.

"What? You won't take me home? Is that it?"

Virgil shook his head.

"No, not won't, but can't. Not yet."

She rose onto her knees, looking faintly outraged.

"And why not?"

His reply was soft and kind, but firm. And concerned.

"The mad professor, remember? Professor Tock escaped or was released from custody. Kayo and Lady Penelope are searching for him. Until he is back in custody, neither of us will be safe out there."

Isla stared at him in shock. She had clean forgotten about Professor Lucius Tock.

"So what do we do? Just sit here and wait?"

He drew her close to him in a hug.

"For now, that is all we can do. Wait."