Part 16

Why was it him? Why did it always have to be him? They had lots of other people who could be sent to NASA. Why did it have to be John? Well to be fair the instructors had actually asked for him to come to teach a few classes. John had hesitated at first but then Casper and he had talked about it and John realized it would be fun. He had not lectured at NASA since Alan was training there. Why hadn't he? Because it had upset Alan when he was there so Jeff had asked John not to. And when Jeff Tracy said don't you didn't… even if John had been crushed about it. Then again Alan had made it sound as if John was the bad guy and everyone else did too. Well not Grandma or Ayah Kyrano. John smiled. This trip would not only be a lecturing trip. No in fact he was going to hold a few classes and then he and Kayo would meet up with Kyrano. John smiled, he missed the older man a lot. Right now he was on his bike on his way to the training center.

"Why did I have to come too dad?" Alan asked as the pair walked through the corridors at NASA. "I thought only you had been invited."

"They asked me if I thought my son would be interested in coming as well and I said yes", Jeff said. "They were happy to hear that you wanted to come along. I'll be talking about my own experiences in space. Like building the Moonbase Shadow Alpha 1, landing on Mars and some other things. You can talk about your own exploits, except not mentioning something that has to do with IR."

"Of course father, I'm not stupid", Alan grumbled. "It's just… my 'exploits' with NASA was not really that impressive."

"Of course they are", Jeff said. "You helped install the Meteor Alarm Systems."

"No that was John", Alan grumbled. "He helped develop the MAS and helped build it."

"Oh… well didn't you help with spacecraft Pallas when she broke down during re-entry?"

"That was John."

"Oh… did you save your captain when he had a heart attack during your tour up at the ICS?"

"That was John!" Alan's face was rather red at this point. "I didn't have any big achievements! I was praised for my piloting skills and natural talent but not much more than that! I had no big adventures during my time at NASA! John had them! It's always all about John at that place!"

"I am sure it's not", Jeff soothed. "Your records from NASA are just as great as your brother's. He only had the luck or unluck to be there when things happened. I am sure he did not plan for that accident to happen or for the higher ups asking him to help with the MAS. You are just as talented as an astronaut as your brother, if not more. You have a natural talent your brother does not possess. He is and has always been highly intelligent and has had to study a lot to get where he is now. For you it comes naturally. You never had to practice as much because you had it in you already. You take after your father in that regard. I was always told I'm a natural in space. You're just like me."

Alan smirked proudly. "Thanks father."

"You're welcome", Jeff said and smiled. He smiled warmly when he drove them through the gates at the academy. He had not been here in years but still it felt a little like coming home. He parked the car in the parking lot and he and Alan got out. They were both dressed in their NASA uniforms. Jeff looked at his son an felt pride well up within him. Spreading all through his body, like a warmth you got after drinking hot chocolate on a cold snowy day. Alan walked around the car and Jeff put his arm around him. They noticed all the journalists by the doors, of course the news of famous billionaire and ex-astronaut Jefferson Tracy coming to hold a lecture had spread. The two Tracys looked at each other and then activated Brains' picture disrupters, they were hidden in the collars of their uniforms.

"Ready Sprout?" Jeff asked and Alan grinned and brushed off his shoulders.

"Ready father", Alan replied and the pair of them started making their way across the parking lot. As soon as the press saw them they got swarmed. Jeff and Alan both gave them smiles and answered questions as politely as they could. Jeff was happy he had gotten practice in handling the press and so had Alan it seemed. Then again his son was a famous racecar driver.

When they walked through the doors the security stopped the journalists. The reception area looked like it always had since the academy had been built in 2035. In the middle of it was the top of the globe and above it hung stars, comets, satellites and other planets. Each item catching the natural light from the sun in a spectacular way. On vid-screens and pillars around the hall were recordings from famous space missions or astronauts. Jeff blushed a little when he saw himself and stood a little straighter when Alan pointed that out to him.

"Jeff!" he heard and turned around. He grinned as the Head of the Academy came towards them. Jeff knew him personally since he had served with him during his own time at NASA.

"Alonso!" Jeff cried happily and when the two met they shook hands warmly. "How are you?"

"Good, good", Alonso Rutherford said and grinned widely. "Ah and young Alan!" He shook Alan's hand as well. "Good to see you kiddo!"

"You too Sir", Alan replied. Alonso Rutherford had been one of his instructors during training. "You're the principal now?"

"I am, got the job a few years ago", Alonso replied and gestured for them to walk with him. "I have been nagging your father ever since to come and lecture here. But he kept telling me he was too busy."

"Well father has a lot on his plate", Alan said. "As do I as a matter of fact."

"I see. Oh right so sorry!" Alonso stopped walking. "Is John on his way?"

"John?" Alan asked.

"Why yes, I invited him to hold a few lectures as well. Did he not arrive with you?"

"Uh…" Jeff cleared his throat. "No uh you see…"

"Ah there he is now!" Jeff and Alan both turned around towards the door and saw John walk in. Jeff felt his eyebrows climb upwards because John was by the reception desk, handing the blushing receptionist his motorcycle gear. Jeff didn't know his son owned a bike or knew how to drive it! Was he out of his mind!? Didn't he realize how dangerous those bikes were?! John smiled at the young woman and then looked around. The smile on his face was the same type of smile Jeff had been having on his lips a little while ago as well. John walked through the hall.

"JOHNNY!" a voice boomed and Jeff and Alan jumped as Alonso shouted and hurried down the stairs to meet him. A wide grin spread across John's face.

"Sir!" he said and embraced the man warmly when they met. That's right… Alonso and John had served together during the building of the MAS satellites. Alonso had called Jeff gushing about his son's amazing mind and achievements so many times after that… how could Jeff had forgotten that and mixed it up with Alan's achievements? He watched as Alonso and John spoke Italian to each other and Alonso ruffled John's hair fondly before shoving him back lightly. John then saluted the man and earned a slap up the head for it.

"Cheeky bugger!" he hard Alonso boom. Jeff noticed Alan turn his back on the scene through the corner of his eye. Jeff himself found his feet carrying him down the stairs. He moved slowly, as if trapped in a dream. He had tried to call John so many times since Casey had told him of John nearly dying… but he had chickened out each time. When he heard his mother converse with John he always hurried around the corner. He was too scared to face his son. Jeff looked at his son, standing there in his NASA uniform with a big smile on his face and Jeff saw him… he had not seen him in so long. His eyes were alive with excitement and his smile was so wide and bright it could light up a room. When was the last time John had smiled like that to him? Jeff could not remember. Then he was suddenly there, right next to Alonso and John. John turned his head and Jeff saw it. The smile dropped and the excitement in his eyes faded away. Burnt away like a firework… shining brightly for a few seconds before quickly burning out.

"Sir", John greeted with a nod of his head. Jeff would have none of that. This was his son, one of his precious little boys. The son he had nearly lost. He closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms tightly around his son. He said nothing but hugged him close. He felt John stiffen in his arms. Jeff then let go and took a step back. John was outright staring at him. Alonso laughed and patted Jeff's shoulder.

"Why Jeff", he said. "One might think you have not seen your own son in years!"

"I… well", Jeff got a little flustered and cleared his throat. Alan materialized at his shoulder. "Ah Alan."

"Hello Alan", John said, his voice icy… well to those who knew him well it was. Alonso did not notice, but Jeff did and Alan might have as well.

"Hi John", Alan replied. "You got the invite too?"

"Yup", John replied and from the corner of his eye he noticed a teacher with a camera. He turned to Alonso and gave him a look.

"I saw it as a great opportunity!" Alonso defended himself. "All three Tracys and me in the same picture!" He wrapped his arm around John's shoulders and then Jeff's. Jeff wrapped his other arm around Alan and all four then smiled at the camera. When the pictures had been taken John moved back and asked where he was supposed to lecture. Alonso told him the name of the hall and John nodded before hurrying off. Alonso grinned and then returned his attention to Jeff and Alan. He needed to lead them to where they were holding their common lecture.

Jeff sat in the audience and watched Alan talk. Alan was… not the best teacher. He was a good speaker and he was entertaining but he was not a great teacher. His part of the lecture was more about the thrills of space travel and the speeds… and the fame it brought. Some of the young recruits liked that a lot while Jeff could read in the faces of the others that they thought his son was bragging a lot. Jeff himself felt that was the case and he couldn't really tell what Alan was actually teaching them. Jeff heard the young woman next to him sigh and turned to look at her. She had short hair and her eyes were blue. She looked mighty irritated and Jeff chuckled. When the bell struck ten the girl hurriedly got up.

"In a hurry young lady?" Jeff asked.

"Yes sir", she replied. "I need to go to the next class before it gets full!"

"Is it that popular?"

"Are you kidding? When the trainees were told John Tracy would be coming to hold a series of lectures the sign up sheets got filled so quickly the staff decided to have the first people entering being the first to attend! Doctor Tracy's discoveries in space engineering and astronomy is widely spread and we use his books in our courses! I've wanted to hear the man speak for ages so if you excuse me!" She darted out. Jeff chuckled and got up as well, meeting Alan by the door. They left together but instead of heading out the door Jeff decided to follow the stream of astronaut trainees instead. Alan followed him and they got to the lecture hall John was going to hold his lecture in. They saw him by the board getting all his stuff ready. Jeff pulled Alan to the back of the room so that the students would have somewhere to sit. He noticed many of the faculty members, senior astronauts and other astronomers attending too. Was his son really this popular? Correction, was his son really that interesting to listen to? Jeff had never had the opportunity to attend one of the classes held by his middle son when he was studying for his multiple PhDs.

When it was time to start John walked onto the small stage and started talking. Jeff was enchanted. He had absolutely no idea what John was talking about. It was way over his head but still he listened and not only with his ears. It turned out John's lecture was an experience. He had brought in the small holographic disks they used within the GDF for classes before the operatives started doing active duty. Each disk was spread out around the room and with a flick of his wrist John moved them all into "space". He clicked on some astronomical objects and explained them fully and then went on to the next one. He brought up old space programs and they all got to feel as if they were part of the 1969 moon landing as well as a few others. John also spoke of the astrophysics behind some of the goings on in space and multiple theories astronomers were working on at the moment.

"Can you tell us of one of your missions Doctor?" Jeff heard someone call and realized it was the same girl he'd met earlier.

"Why is that interesting to you Miss…" John began and then waited for her to state her name.

"Ridley O'Bannon", she replied and beamed at him. She looked to be a few years younger than John.

"Miss. O'Bannon", John said. "Why does that interest you?"

"I've read all your books and I've heard stories of you sir", she said and blushed. Jeff chuckled. It was obvious the girl had a crush. "I just wanted to know your feelings for space, not just what you know. Everyone has told us about how beautiful it is and can be. But whenever we have guest speakers they don't tell us about the dangers, they only gush on about their great time." Jeff knew she was referring to Alan. John chuckled.

"I had a great time up there", he said. "Space can be really beautiful but it is also really deadly. One of my missions which I assume Misss. O'Bannon knows all about", he smiled at her as she sat down. "Nearly ended in the death of my crew and myself. I was just going on the vessel as a communications expert. I was one of four senior astronauts on the shuttle. Our commander was a low-ranking officer with years of experience in these types of travels. We were bringing up a group of scientists to study a phenomenon near the Moon. On our return journey something went wrong as we entered the atmosphere. Luckily we were some experienced crew members and managed to bring the shuttle to the ground and get everybody out before it exploded. And that was on Earth. My most horrifying experience in space has to do with rule number one on active astronaut duty. Which is?" He held his hand out and the trainees and senior astronauts, even Jeff and Alan called:

"Don't do anything alone."

"Exactly and I did", John replied. "Not by choice though. You see I was working for a private company who wanted me to handle communications in space between base and their vessels." Jeff felt a cold hand grip his heart. "Me and my crewmate were meant to have monthly rotations so that none of us had to stay alone in space too long. Because you cannot live completely in isolation. There are lots of things that can happen to the human body. For example: depression, fatigue, difficulty to fall asleep and stay asleep, malnutrition, weight-loss, lowered immune system and so much more. Your muscles will weaken even if you are on a station with mostly normal gravity. In my case I did not really notice that something was wrong until it was too late. My rotation buddy started wiggling his way out of his tour, prolonging mine. First with a few days, then a few weeks and then whole months. It went so slow and so smoothly I didn't reflect on it… until I realized I was spending three months in space and he only one… if that. I started feeling weak, slow… started doubting my own worth and skills. What was worse was that the rest of the crew saw that this was going on, they knew it was happening but no one dared go against the commander. Because you don't question the commander."

"Unless they're really wrong!" a young man called and John laughed.

"Right you are!" he said. "Right you are! I started feeling ignored, unwanted… forgotten. I started doubting my own self-worth and if I was doing a difference in this mission. I suggested to my commander that I should get more involved in other activities of the program but he and his second in command shut me down, saying what I did was enough. I disagreed but once again, no one stood up for me and the commander's word was law. The commander started only calling me to see how things were going with the project and not to ask about my health or things like that. Communications with Earth became scarce and the only calls I got from base was when one or more of my crewmates needed to unload their stuff on me… not letting me do the same. Then it all crashed and burned. Something went wrong on the station and no one noticed until it was too late. I managed to get into an escape pod and just as I was leaving the satellite exploded. I managed to get to the International Collaboration Station and they brought me in to their medbady and later back down to Earth."

"Have you gone back to work for those people?" someone asked.

"No", John said. "I handed in my resignation that very same day and left that project far behind me. What scared me most during that ordeal was the complete and utterly horrifying realization that my team was going to leave me there. I was going to die alone in space because they did not see it fit to bring me back home to Earth. I lost all faith and trust in them and what scared me the most was that if something indeed did go wrong… would they know or care? Which turned out they did not. Not until it was too late. Had I not been able to get into that pod I'd be dead by now. Either from the explosion or my own hand. Depression is dangerous if left unattended. Luckily I found someone to help me and they were there for me like a family should." John's eyes locked with Jeff's. "They helped me through my darkest time and I owe my life to them." John broke eye-contact. "I'm also lucky my brothers love me so much. Even though I was, harshly, pushing them away they did not let me. They followed… no they stalked me." The crowd laughed. "Oh yes ha hardi har har but it's true. My oldest two brothers are the biggest mother-hens in the world. No competition there. They would not leav me alone! Now... we've talked about my fears and my worries and they, my brothers, helped me realize what it was I truly feared. That isolation, being on my own in space without anyone to talk to or be there for me. Nowadays I work for people who will never let that happen again and when the Global Defense Force's station the Global One launches next month I will be up there for my rotations as scheduled."

"You work for the GDF?" a young man asked. "And the GDF are building a station!?"

"Yes."

"Where do I sign up!?"

John laughed happily along with the room, everyone but Jeff and Alan. Jeff felt a heavy stone where his heart used to be. He had forced John through all that? How had he not seen it? Jeff looked at his son who was shining on stage like the brightest star in the universe. Had he nearly caused that star to fall? To burn out and die? To fade? Had he in his eagerness to protect the world nearly killed his own son?

"Thank you!" John said and took a bow as the crowd cheered and applauded him. He smiled, he'd forgotten how much he had missed this. Alonso walked up to him and gave him a big hug, thanking him for the lecture and hoping his other two would be just as interesting. John laughed but made no promises. He then got swarmed by eager fans who wanted his autograph. When the last fan had been ushered out the door John started getting his stuff.

"Excuse me doctor but I have a question", a voice said behind him. John tensed up, he'd know that voice anywhere.

"What about?" he asked as he started putting the disks the janitor had given him into the correct boxes.

"The project you worked with before joining the GDF."

"What about it?"

"Do you really believe it did not make a difference?"

"The project did, I didn't."

"Why?"

"Because I never got the chance to do anything, to help someone or to be someone other than a glorified answering machine. All I did was answer calls and forward them, nothing else. The company I worked for has shown that they can handle things without me… better without me even. I can see that I was a liability which was not wanted so… I removed myself from the equation and things are working out just fine are they not?"

"I… I am not so sure they are."

"Of course they are. They have their most experienced operatives, why would they need me now?"

"I don't know", Alan asked and crossed his arms. "Why would they?"

"Yeah why would they?" John asked and turned to Alan, mimicking his stance. Sadly for Alan though John managed to look much more intimidating than Alan ever could. "Could it be because I have proven to be a good rescuer? Or because I have developed some tech they could only dream about? Or could it be to make the youngest operative feel better about himself? It's always about his feelings and his wishes after all." Alan's face was beet red.

"You are so full of crap!" Alan shouted.

"Rather that than nothing", John spat back. Jeff noticed something though, John's gaze traveled south, onto Alan's chest. Jeff's did as well and he saw a small red dot.

"Oh yeah right", Alan said, not noticing. "You are just so dramatic, such a diva. You're acting like a kid who doesn't get what he wants, as if you are having daddy issues. Why won't you just grow u-" Alan got no further because John dove at him. Alan raised his arms because he believed John was about to attack him. Jeff flung himself to the floor just as the bullets started shattering the windows. John pulled Alan underneath himself and covered him with his own body, making sure to keep his head safe. Jeff covered his own head with his arms and waited for the hailstorm of bullets to stop. When they did John wasted no time. He jumped to his feet and ran to the window, getting out a gun Jeff had no idea where he had hidden. Jeff followed him while Alan just sat up slowly, staring at his older brother's back.

John looked out the shattered window and saw a motorcycle drive off. He pushed the button on his earpiece.

"Kayo, Cas", he called. "Shots fired at the Academy, target: Alan Tracy. The hostile is fleeing on a red motorcycle going East on the…" John brought up a holographic map. "Fourth."

"Understood Jay", two voices replied.

"I'll take my bike and I'll go after them", John jumped out the window and raced across the lawn. "Vidal I need you to contact Casey and her squad so that they can secure the Academy, make sure there are no other attacks. No one other than me gets in or out!"

"Roger!" many voices chorused. John felt a hand grip his shoulder and he was twirled around to face Jeff. "Sir I need to go after that hostile!"

"Let the law-enforcement handle it", Jeff said.

"I am the law-enforcement", John said and slapped Jeff's hand aside. "I need to get on this bastard before he escapes so let go!" He pushed Jeff's hand back as soon as it tried to grip him again. He turned his back on Jeff. "Stay with Alan and don't leave the premises!" John ran to his bike and got the keys out of his pocket. He was happy he'd left his helmet at the bike and put it on before starting it. He turned it around and shot down the road towards the gate like a bullet. As soon as he passed the gates they closed behind him and locked. Casper was obviously already on it. Speaking of Casper… with a roar of engines two bikes joined him on either side. Kayo and Casper. John brought up the data with one hand and transmitted it to the others. It showed a map over the roads where they were and a red dot moving way past the speed-limit. It had to be the attacker. John shared a look with Kayo and then one with Casper. All tree nodded and John tapped on the map in front of them, three different routes were shown and if they used them they'd be able to catch the guy. Kayo took the left part, Casper the right and John stayed on the biker's tail. All three sped up, they needed to catch him fast, before he or she disappeared again.

Jeff watched his son disappear down the road and then turned and hurried back to Alan. Alan was standing in the broken window, staring at the remains of the classroom. Jeff walked up to him and pulled him into a tight hug. He had been about to lose one of his sons again. Jeff holds his youngest son close and then leans back to look into his eyes. He can see that Alan is shaken but he seems to be okay. Alan smiled a tiny smile to him, just as security personal burst into the room. Jeff rolled his eyes but he allows them to lead him and Alan somewhere safe.

As they walk Alan threw a quick look around to see if there is any sign of his brother. He knew that it is illogical since John went after the would-be-killer but still… Alan looked around and his gaze did land on John… only… not the real one. On one of the screens they passed he saw a picture of his brother and the crew which had survived the Pallas space shuttle crash. Alan didn't know all the details on how John and his friends managed to bring them all down safely. He knew what everyone else did. The landing systems went offline and would not respond. John somehow managed to bypass the system failure and initiate the take-off systems instead. While he did that his friends manually got the landing gear out and the last member of their crew took the 'wheel'. How John got the take-off systems to work in their favor Alan didn't know. He had not wanted to know… At one point in his life he wanted to know everything about his brother and do everything he did. John had been his hero. The one with all the answers. John always knew what to do. He always knew everything Alan wanted to know about. When there was something Alan needed or wanted to know it was always Johnny who held the answers… until… it wasn't. Well it was but Alan didn't want to seem stupid and ask about it. A common thing his teachers told him when he was growing up was:

"You're good, but can you be as good as your brother John?"

Be like John? That had been young Alan's goal in life. Until he realized he couldn't. John was too smart, too fast, too agile, too tall… too nice. Alan couldn't be like him, no matter how hard he tried and he did try. He thought it would be easy. They already looked the same. John's hair was a little lighter though, that was the only real difference and his eyes a little lighter as well. The older Alan got the more he realized he would never be as good as John. John would always be the smartest, the brightest… the nicest. Alan had no chance when he tried to compete. He knew he was a natural at many things and flying rockets had been one. He was always told he was a natural… but then… he was compared to John again. John excelled in everything space related. Alan was good… just not as good as John. And there it was again.

"You're good, but can you be as good as your brother John?"

No, no Alan couldn't because he did not have five PhDs… or was it seven? No matter he didn't have a single one and he didn't want any. He was good with computers but as usual… not as good as John. He was able to pick a radio apart and make it work… but not able to make it do things radios were not supposed to do and function as a radio. He did not speak like a million languages and he was not the best when it came to physics and science and shit like that. He knew what he needed to know to make it work as a pilot and astronaut. He was a natural in a way John had never been… then why was John always better than him? Always. When they started IR Alan had actually looked forward to doing his tours on Five… until that stupid question came again.

"You're good, but can you be as good as John?"

No, no he could not. John had a calmness around him and a way to stay calm with even the most panicked of rescue victims. John was always professional and collected. He handled fake calls like a pro and he never lost his temper. He translated things quickly and efficiently and he forwarded information efficiently as well. When Alan was on Five and John was on Earth Alan felt as if he was not needed at all during rescues. John was right there and could translate for them on the spot or they could call him on the island. Alan had gotten reprimanded for losing his cool with prank calls and the like. So when his feelings for Tin-Tin got returned he saw his chance and he ran with it. He was never going to be as good as John and now he had a way of not having to be. To not have to try. Was it fair to John? Probably not but it wasn't fair to Alan either! He didn't ask to be compared to the older blonde all the time! It wasn't his fault everyone was always so impressed with John Tracy! He, Alan Tracy, was just as impressive if not more so! Then again… he hadn't noticed that someone was about to shoot him… John had. Sure John had been facing him and saw the laser aim that way so it wasn't truly that impressive… was it? Alan looked at his brother's face again and scoffed. John wasn't all that impressive really. Just another nerd who made it big. Then… why did a little part of Alan yell at him that John was just as amazing as everyone else thought? Why did that same part tell him to get a grip and just talk to him about all this instead of punishing him for it? Alan pushed that part down and returned to his father's side. Where he belonged. A place John had abandoned in favor of glory and fame within the GDF. That was the biggest difference between them. Alan was loyal to IR and the family. John was not and to Alan… family was everything.

John was hot on the other biker's trail and is not going to let him get away with this at all. How dared this clown try to take out his baby brother!? Sure Alan could be a brat and act like a spoiled prat more often than not, but that was no reason to take him out. Taking a shot at John's baby brother? They'd pay for that! John's gun may be a tranquilizing gun, but that doesn't mean he can't aim it at painful places. He gets a glimpse of the biker and their license plate, just as Casey called him.

"Colonel", John replied, luckily his coms unit could be used with voice command recognition.

"Colonel Tracy", Casey replied. "Have you apprehended the suspect yet?"

"Negative ma'am I am on hot pursuit with Captain Kyrano and Major Shade aiding me in the pursuit. I want you to run this license plate." He turned his camera so that Casey could see the plate and make her people check it out. John heard sounds above him and knew it was a GDF helicopter arriving on the scene to help guide him.

"John I am handing you over to one of our best coordinators", Casey replied. "Do as she says when she says it."

"Understood Ma'am", John said.

"Colonel Tracy take a sharp left", a voice said. "Now!" John did as told and took a sharp left. "Turn right, now." John didn't question here even though she was leading him into a construction site. He waved through the piles of building materials and gear and machines.

"Broadcast map", he called to his coms unit and the map appeared on his arm. He could see what the woman was doing. She was guiding him along and he smirked. If he kept going he, Kayo and Casper would be able to box the biker in. He saw other GDF logos on the map which told him other units were closing in.

"Left Colonel Tracy", the voice said again. "Now!"

John turned and shout out on the street, just in front of the perp. They had to turn right to avoid him and that made John smirk.

"Right!" his aid called and John did as ordered. He saw Kayo a bit ahead, she cut the biker off as well and forced them to take a right. Casper also appeared a little later, forcing the rider to keep turning right.

"Colonel if you take a left you will box them in fully", the voice called and John nodded and did just that. "Major turn right and Captain go left."

"We got him", Kayo called as the biker drove into an alley. They saw the bike come to a halt and brought their own to a stop. They parked them and angled them to lock the biker in. John heard cars behind them and knew it was other GDF operatives. Kayo and Casper pulled their guns and started advancing on the biker.

"Get off the bike and raise your hands up", Casper yelled. The biker hurriedly did as told.

"Remove your helmet", Kayo shouted. "Now!" The rider removed the helmet. They could see that it was a man. He had dark hair, dark eyes and he was Caucasian. One thing that set him apart from everyone around him, with the exception of Casper, were the scars covering both of his hands, his neck and parts of his face. John thought he looked really familiar.

"Did I at least get that little snake?" the man hissed, his voice raspy and John realized he must have injured his vocal chords in some accident, probably the same one that gave him the scars.

"No", John replied firmly. "Alan Tracy is still alive."

"Damn it… not even a bomb could get him… He survived that fucking bridge too!"

Bridge? Why did that ring a bell? John thought back to the rescues they had done over the years that involved bridges. There were quite a few of them actually, but bridges with bombs?

"He survived some stupid ultrasonic motion detector and now he survived a sniping rifle!" the biker growled.

"Victor Gomez!?" John exclaimed and his eyes widened. "But… but you died in that car crash! International Rescue chased you down after you stole a car and endangered two people! You and your partner both died in the crash!"

"Correction", Victor Gomez growled. "He died. Poor Johnnie." The last he spat. "It's all Tracy's fault I look like this! He ruined my life!"

"You did that to yourself", Casper growled.

"What do you know about it pretty boy!?" Gomez yelled. John and Casper shared a look and Casper shrugged. "Do you even know what it feels like walking around like this!?" he pointed at his face. "Everyone stares at you and whisper! They think you look dangerous and scary and everyone avoids you! But do you know what that feels like?! I don't think so!"

"So this is an act of revenge because Alan Tracy messed up your face?" John asked dryly.

"If you ask me that's an improvement", Kayo said. "At least you look interesting now."

"Shut up you bitch!" Gomez yelled and lowered his hands.

"Raise your hands sir!" Casper barked and Gomez did, only this time he had a remote in his hand. "What's that?"

"Tracy may have survived my gunshot but I'm not gonna go down without taking someone with me!" Kayo acted fast. She fired her gun at the remote and it shattered. Gomez stared at it. "Fool! The bike will-" John and Casper understood what he meant. They both turned around and ran. John grabbed Kayo and pulled her with him behind a dumpster. Casper fired a grappling line at Gomez, it wrapped around him and he pulled the man towards him as fast as he could. The bike exploded, sending huge flames into the air and shrapnel flying all over the place. John was so happy he wore his helmet because some shards hit the helmet but only bounced off. His ears however did ring quite loudly.

"Just so you know asshole", he heard Casper growl at Gomez as Casper removed his helmet so that Gomez could see his scars. "I know exactly how it feels." Gomez stared at him open mouthed and Casper pulled the man to his feet and slapped the handcuffs onto him. John got up and pulled Kayo with him. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Casper marched Gomez over to them and the approaching North American GDF operatives. John removed his helmet as well and glared at Gomez. As soon as Gomez saw his face he paled slightly.

"Victor Gomez you are under arrest for trying to murder Alan Tracy", John said with a voice cold as ice.

"Not gonna read him his rights sir?" Casper teased and John gave him a look. "Right right, not the police."

"Take the scumbag away gang", John said and nodded to the GDF operatives. Two of them hurried up and grabbed Gomez. Gomez was still gaping at John when he was lead away. "One more thing Mr. Gomez." John turned to look at him, his eyes aflame in rage. "If you try to harm any of my brothers again there will be nowhere on this planet for you to hide from my wrath."

"Y-yes sir", Gomez squeaked before being dragged off. John looked at the carnage around him.

"Right", he said. "Gather round gang!" He waved everyone over and started dishing out orders for the cleanup. Casey soon arrived on the scene and told the trio to get back to the Academy. John shrugged but did as he was told.

"Victor Gomez!?" Alan exclaimed when John and his friends informed Alan and Jeff of what had happened. "You're joking!"

"Nope", John said. "He wanted revenge on you for ruining his face."

"What?" Alan asked. Kayo brought up a hologram of Gomez's mugshot. Jeff and Alan stared at the man with the many scars on his face. "Whoa…"

"Yeah", John said and turned from the hologram, looking at his boyfriend. Casper was busy getting all of John's lecturing gear in order. Gomez had affected Casper, John knew it. Casper had got his scars many years ago, when he was five years old. He had spoken the truth when he told Gomez he knew what the man had talked about when mentioning how his scars affected how people watched him. Jeff noticed his gaze and looked between the young Shade and John.

"Did something happen?" Jeff asked.

"Nothing that concerns you", Kayo said and turned off the hologram. "Sir maybe we should move out? I think your lecturing tour has been canceled."

"I'd say", Casper said as he came over with the box containing the small holoprojectors.

"Wait", Jeff said. "Alan and I were going to head out for a quick lunch… would you three like to join us?"

"No", John replied and grabbed his bag with papers and walked out of the room. Kayo and Casper hurried after him, leaving Jeff blinking in surprise.

"Well that was cold", Alan grumbled. Jeff gave him a look. "What?" Jeff just shook his head. He wrapped his arm Alan and herded him out the door. It was time to go home. They thanked Alonso for letting them come and then headed towards the door. However when they got to the parking lot Jeff and Alan both stopped and gaped. There they saw John Tracy and Casper Shade kiss each other deeply over by their bikes. Casper had gripped John's NASA uniform and pulled him close, Jeff knew what stating your claim looked like. When he moved his gaze, he saw that girl Ridley O'Bannon standing right next to them looking red in the face. John wrapped his arms around Casper and the girl right next to them were laughing happily at the look on Ridley's face. Alan rubbed his eyes, was this real? Jeff… didn't know what to say at all. His son was in a relationship with Casper Shade? His son was gay? When… how… how could Jeff had missed that!? Before he had the chance to act John and Casper parted and with a smile at Ridley they took their helmets and got on their bikes along with that girl who was with them. All three sped off down the road towards the gate and were gone.

"Wait until I tell the guys!" Alan said and Jeff saw a smirk on his face. "They'll never believe this!"

"I'm not sure I believe it", Jeff said in a low voice.

TBC Thank you for all the reviews! Yeah there was some bug last time but I hope it works this time! It worked all along in the app though... weird.

Guest: Muchas gracias! Sí es maravilloso! Él se lo merece.