Part 14
They found their grandmother by the radio. She was looking quite annoyed. They could see the hologram of a man and a woman. They were obviously arguing.
"Grandma?" Virgil asked.
"Casey sent this call through since they have no one who can get there on time", Grandma said. "I told her we were down for maintenance but she said this was an emergency."
"How come?" John asked.
"As far as I understand this is going on in space", Grandma said. Gordon, Virgil and Scott groaned. All three detested space. John chuckled. "The GDF or NASA can't get to them so we are their only hope. There is just one problem... they won't stop arguing."
"Let me talk to them Grandma", he said and she moved out of the way. John activated his GDF coms unit.
"This is Colonel John Tracy with the GDF is everything alright?" he asked.
"Alright?" the woman asked angrily as John unmuted them. "Mr. Bell here crashed into me. Tell him I had the right of way."
"I meant is anyone injured", John asked patiently.
"You did not Ms. Martin", Mr. Bell said angrily. "And it was you who crashed into me!"
"We can sort this out later but first-"
"Orbital Navigation Code requires any freighter entering from space to yield!" Ms. Martin interrupted.
"Okay if you just let me get a word in", John tried again.
"Tell this knucklehead she was supposed to look before entering a flight lane!"
"Hey whoa whoa whoa there's no need for name calling. If you could just start with a bit more information on your cargo."
"In all my years in New World I've never had a later delivery", Martin said. "If this ends up on my permanent record-"
"It should be on your record!" Bell shouted.
"Enough", John barked with full command voice and brought up a holographic screen and started typing. "If you won't give me the information I require be silent while I find it another way."
"But he/she-" both pilots began.
"Mute!" John barked and muted both of them. "These two won't be much help."
"We could keep them on mute indefinitely", Gordon suggested and John gave him a look. Gordon just grinned.
"Moving on here's a list of Ms. Martin's cargo", John said and brought up the list in front of the brothers. "Liquified aluminum-oxide. Nothing to worry about there."
"And Bell's?" Virgil asked.
"Rubber polymer", Scott read aloud.
"Okay this is good, neither cargo is dangerous… at least on its own", John said. "According to these readings they are dangerous if mixed… one spark and boom!"
"So no mixing cargos", Scott said.
"No mixing cargos." John looked at the two holograms of the pilots again. They were still shouting at each other. "Boy they are still going at it."
"Maybe we really don't need to turn the volume back on?" Gordon suggested and got the same look from all three brothers. He grinned and shrugged. John turned the volume back on.
"And that's why you'll never fly again", Ms. Martin said. She then turned to John. "Tell him!"
"I'm not a traffic warden", John barked with his most commanding voice, shutting both of them up. "I am Global Defense Force and I am here with International Rescue. Our job is to get you out of your current situation. Shut it." The last he said when they both got ready to object again. "I don't care who is to blame or what caused this. Both of you and your freighters are falling out of orbit and if we have to stand here and listen to you arguing we will miss our chance to do so. Your cargos are non-lethal as is, but if they mix they will explode. The debris from your collision is coming back around the Earth soon and the area has been deemed a no-flight zone. International Rescue is your only chance so sit down, be quiet and let them do their job. Understood?"
"Yes sir", was the twin reply he got.
"See you in space", John said and turned to his brothers. "You need to get going."
"Yeah", Scott said. "It's just…"
"Just what?"
"Alan is our only certified astronaut at the moment", Virgil cut in. "We've flown TB3 to and from TB5 without him but never undertaken a rescue without him before. None of us can handle her the way Alan can."
John turned his gaze towards the couch leading to TB3.
"I can", he said and removed his sling.
"Huh wait what?" Scott asked as John marched by him. "John! No! You're still in need of rest and healing. That bump on your head makes you unsuitable for space flight!"
"Watch me", John said and sat down. Scott hurriedly sat next to him. "I will pilot Thunderbird 3 then we'll extract the pilots together. Virgil, Gordon send us off."
"FAB", Virgil said and pressed the button. As they rode down John brought up a hologram telling Scott of how to extract the pilots. Scott nodded and listened carefully. The way John gave him information was so soothing and calm. He didn't bark orders like their father or came with snarky replies like Alan whenever they went out to space together. John told it in terms that Scott understood and even showed him simulations of what would happen. They soon reached TB3's silo and got ready for launch.
"This is Thunderbird 3 calling base we are ready for takeoff", John spoke calmly.
"FAB Thunderbird 3", Virgil replied. "Um John, Grandma wants you to know that this is very foolish of you."
"I agree", John said. "Sadly we don't have a choice."
"I know… just be careful."
"Understood. Now… blast off." Thunderbird 3's engines roared as she started the high climb towards space. As soon as she had cleared the atmosphere John contacted the pilots again. Scott stayed silent and just watched. John was typing away at his holograms and instructing the pilots on how to get their freighters to stop spinning. They were slowly falling out of orbit but were not in danger yet. John then took the controls of Thunderbird 3 and headed for their location.
"John… are you okay", Scott asked carefully after a few minutes of silence between the two. He looked at his brother and noticed that his face was rather pale.
"No", John admitted. "I'm terrified and feel as if I am going to hurl. But lives are at stake."
"Do you want me to take over?"
"Yes but at the same time I want to say: 'touch me and die'! I need to get over this fear of space."
"But is this really the best way to do it?" Scott asked while John started typing buttons.
"No but we don't have much of a choice. Now Scott I'll go over the plan with you again, just in case." He turned to Scott. Scott could see the fear in his eyes. "We need to go out and extract the pilots from their ships before the debris comes around. I am going to cut the glass and you will have to catch them when they shoot out."
"Okay", Scott said and John turned back to the controls.
"Thunderbird 3 to base", he said, there was no trace of fear in his voice. "Brains I am tying TB3's systems into your computer. I need you to keep her steady and standing by for us."
"F-FAB John", Brains replied.
"I didn't know you could do that", Scott said in awe and watched John get up and head for the space suits.
"When I was on TB5 I tied your systems into my controls a few times when you and Virgil were too tired to notice", John replied and stopped in front of the suits. His was still hanging there. Scott walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder. "You haven't removed it?"
"No, we have kept all your gear and uniform… just in case."
"Burn them", John said and grabbed his suit. "After we are done here. Do me a favor and burn them. Better yet, I'll do it myself."
"If that's what you want Johnny", Scott said and grabbed his own spacesuit.
"Yes", John said and started getting into his. He was done long before Scott and smirked at him when Scott looked to have a lot of trouble getting his suit on.
"Not a word", Scott growled at him and John sniggered. Soon both of them were ready and they headed for the airlock. John called Brains and asked him to open the airlock. Scott gripped John's arm when the doors opened and they were met with space. Scott heard John gasp and turned to look at him. John was as white as a sheet. Then he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Before giving Scott any warning he launched himself out into space. Scott hurriedly followed him. John connected the lines of their suits to TB3 and then used his jets to maneuver over to the freighters. Scott followed, not as gracefully. They got to Ms. Martin's first.
"Ms. Martin", John said gently. "We are going to cut you out. Put your helmet on, relax and take shallow breaths."
"But I can't abandon my freighter!" she objected.
"Isn't your life worth more?" John asked her as he got his laser cutter out.
"I… well… but what about my honor as a freighter pilot?" she asked while putting her helmet on.
"I do believe your employers will understand the circumstances. Now hang on." John started the laser cutter and started cutting the glass. "Thunderbird One get ready."
"FAB", Scott said. As soon as the glass fell out the pilot shot out as if spit out by the ship itself. Scott missed her. He panicked for a second but then John was there. He shot past Scott by using his jets and with some swift maneuvers got a hold of Ms. Martin. She clung to him in fright.
"Calm down", John soothed. "It will be okay. We only have to get Mr. Bell out."
"B-Base to Thunderbird One and C-Colonel T-Tracy", Brains voice came over the radio. "Th-the debris is coming your w-way. T-take cover!" John used his jets again and grabbed Scott on the way. He piloted all three of them to TB3.
"One, you and Ms. Martin stay here while I get Mr. Bell", John said as they reached the rocket. It started moving to avoid the debris. John, Scott and Ms. Martin held on for dear life.
"What are you waiting for?" Martin screamed. "Go get him!"
"I have to wait for the debris to pass or it will tear me to pieces", John replied.
"We can't just sit here! Mr. Bell is in danger!"
"If any of us go out there now we will all be in danger", John told her sharply. "Now stand down!"
"But-"
"Stand. Down. Now." John said and Scott straightened up. John reminded him of his old commander from the Air Force. John looked out the airlock and waited for Brains' signal. When he got it he spared no time and set off to fetch Mr. Bell. When he got there he noticed that the front window was too small to get the man out safely.
"Bell", he said over the coms. "I am going to open the side window. Put your helmet on and get ready."
"Ready sir", the man replied and John wasted no time cutting him out.
"JOHN!" Scott shouted over the coms and John looked up. He swore and pushed Bell away from him and dove after him. Just as some left over debris came crashing into Bell's freighter and knocking the control module clear off. More debris came shooting at them.
"Brains what the hell!?" John yelled as the pair ducked one here and one there to not get hit.
"T-they did not s-show up on m-my scans", Brains stuttered.
"Your systems are in desperate need of an upgrade", John replied. "When I get back to your base that is the first thing I am gonna…. Whoa!" He used his jets to steer himself and Bell out of the way. Sadly the debris did not miss TB3 or the freighters.
"Shit", Scott swore. "Colonel get back on board now!"
"You don't have to tell me twice", John said and after avoiding some more debris he got himself and Bell safely back into TB3. Scott hurriedly disconnected John's safety line and his own and Brains closed the airlock. Scott led the two pilots to the passenger seats while John rushed up to take over the controls. When he got there he noticed alarms blaring and lights flashing. He swore and started typing, taking the control back. Scott soon joined him.
"What's up?" Scott asked.
"The debris tore through our fuel-tank. There's nothing left."
"What?!" Scott asked in horror. "You mean we are stranded here?"
"Yes. We need a plan before the first cloud of debris swings around again."
"Could we call in the GDF? Orbital patrol!? Anyone?!"
"There's no time and they'd just get caught in the debris too."
"Could we fly the pilots out of here with our jets?!"
"No protection."
"Are we just supposed to sit here while the freighters and Thunderbird 3 explode?!"
When Scott shouted that a light came into John's eyes and he started grinning.
"Yes", he said. "That's exactly what we are gonna do."
"What?" Scott asked.
"WHAT!?" they heard from the coms and realized their family was watching them. John rolled his eyes.
"Well maybe not exactly", John said gently. "We're gonna create a controlled explosion. Remember what happens if we mix the cargo of the two freighters?"
"Yeah I remember", Scott said. "Boom."
"If we create a leak with just the right flow and set it off…" John waited for Scott to catch on. Which he did rather quickly. Scott smirked as well.
"We've got ourselves a rocket", he said. "Good thinking Johnny. Now how do we do this?"
While Scott piloted Thunderbird 3 and attached a cable to the freighters John went outside and connected a fuel line between the cargo of the two freighters. Luckily both freighters had spare lines attached to the cargo. John connected them and opened a valve to start venting the cargo so that it would mix. When he was satisfied he returned to the airlock.
"Scott", he said. "On my signal close the airlock." He undid the safety line. "Brains I know you are listening. I think it would be a good idea to make sure TB3 has a laser or torch that could do this in future scenarios. For now I'll put our biggest laser cutter on full strength and shoot at the fuel. It should heat the gas up and make it explode… in theory."
"In theory?" Scott asked.
"The other option would be for me to go out there and light it with a blow torch. But I'd rather not get stranded. If we get out of here the force itself will be enough to get us out of the red zone and then we can call ICS for help. They'd at least be able to give us enough fuel for the return journey. Now enough chitchat. Scott close the airlock…" John fired the laser up and he knew he hit his target dead on. "Now!" He shouted and covered his head. Scott closed the doors and the rocket shook with the force from the explosion. The two freighters started spinning and they were spinning upwards fast. John grabbed on with all his might.
"Releasing cable", Scott shouted over the radio and John felt it go. TB3 was launched into space. He got up and dragged himself along until he reached Scott. Scott was struggling with the controls. John put his hands on top of Scotts and together they wrestled for control. Soon TB3 stopped spinning and John brought up the scans. They were out of the red zone. He sighed in relief and dropped into the pilot seat just as Scott vacated it. Scott patted his shoulder.
"Are you or I telling Alan why TB3 has all this scratches?" Scott asked and John laughed.
A few hours later John and Scott had returned home and as soon as they did John left Scott and hurried outside. Scott grabbed Virgil and followed him. They got out to the pool and saw Gordon climbing out of it. Gordon pointed towards the Round House. Virgil and Scott hurried in that direction and soon figured out where John was going. Past the Round House was what was called John's spot. His favorite stargazing spot. Scott started running when he realized that and when he got up to the spot he found John sitting on the ground and staring at the setting sun. Scott sat down beside him and Virgil sat on John's other side. Scott looked at John's hands. John was clutching his pants so tightly his knuckles turned white. He was trembling all over and when he looked up at John's face he saw tears streaming down the younger man's face.
"It's wrong", John sobbed. "It's all wrong."
"What's wrong John", Virgil asked.
"It's not right", John sobbed and raised his hands, they were shaking something awful. "It is everything that I am. It is my dreams, my wishes and my goals. And now I can't do it! I can't do it anymore!"
"Do what?" Virgil asked. Then he turned to Scott. "Scott what happened?"
"John's terrified of space", Scott replied and moved. Gripping John's trembling hands in his and used them to pull John into a tight hug. John clung to him and sobbed into his shoulder. Virgil wrapped his arms around both of them. Gordon came up the path and as soon as he saw them he ran over and joined the hug as well, crashing onto his knees.
"It's wrong", John cried. "How can I be of use when I can't even go there!?"
"But you did go there John", Scott said. "You did not let your fear get the better of you. You focused on the mission and you saved two innocent lives."
"I nearly couldn't… I nearly ran!"
"I did not notice and I am sure they didn't", Scott soothed. "What is that mum always said?"
"It is okay to be scared", Virgil said. "It's by facing what scares you that makes a person truly brave."
"And you faced it Johnny", Scott soothed. "You looked space in the eye and you faced it. You did not let it affect you when you were out there. You did not let your fears get the better of you."
"You know Johnny", Virgil said. "I don't think it is space itself that scares you. I think it is the thought of staying up there alone that scares you." He got no reply.
"I think Virgil is right John", Scott said. "When you told me you were afraid… you ranted about Casey forgetting you, leaving you up there. I don't think you're afraid of space or going up there. You are afraid that you will be left up there all alone again."
"But that won't ever happen Johnny", Gordon assured. "Because… because Casey is not like dad and… and you have your team. That Vidal guy would never let them leave you up there. Heck he didn't even let Scott approach you."
"And you've got us now", Virgil assured. "I know we let you down before… but never again John. Never." John's sobs had subsided and now tears were quietly going down his cheeks. Virgil caressed John's hair gently. "I know… I know you are scared we will let you down again John. But I promise… I promise I will never let that happen. If Casey does what dad did I will hijack Thunderbird 3 and go and get you myself."
"How… how can I believe that after all the promises you've broken before?" John whispered.
"Because now I am aware of it and so are the others", Virgil said. "We're not denying it anymore and… and I have a hard time believing your best friend would allow it."
"His boyfriend you mean", Gordon teased. Scott and Virgil's heads turned so quickly to stare at him that Gordon couldn't help but laugh. John looked at him as well and then up at his oldest two brothers.
"What boyfriend?" Scott asked confused.
"His dance partner", Gordon teased.
"Casper Shade?" Virgil asked.
"What", John asked and blinked. "Cas?"
"Well yeah", Gordon grinned and he wiggled his eyebrows and John rolled his eyes.
"Don't be ridiculous", John said.
"I am not! I saw how he looked at you during the Christmas Gala and whenever we see him around you! But that makes my point perfect! He'll never forget you because he is never far behind you. Besides Casey talked about a station with multiple operatives active at the same time. So even if you go up you won't be alone."
"That was the plan for IR as well", John said. "Regular rotations."
"Yeah but we all know Casey is a better commander than dad. Come to think of it so are you!" Gordon pointed at John's face. "And like Virgil said… we'll never let them abandon you again. You were there for me when I needed it most but I could not do the same… for that I really am sorry John." He put his hand on John's still trembling one. "But never again. I promise. Besides I know you. You are too stubborn to let this fear rule your life. I also think your head injury is messing a little with your brain."
"Right your injuries!" Scott exclaimed and he and Virgil got up, hauling John with them. "We better have Brains check you out and make sure they haven't worsened." Before John could protest his brothers started marching him towards the villa. He turned his head and looked up at the stars. They did not bring him the same joy they once did, but… they did not feel as terrifying anymore. Was that because of his brothers? Was that because he had started to believe in them once again? John hoped that was the case… with all his heart.
TBC Thank you for all the reviews!
RV fan - See I'm not that evil ;)
Heleb Williams - :)