34

Thank you so much to all the readers still reading away! I would say we are over half way now, its starting to all click in place for IR..

Jeff and Virgil dumped their bags on the floor of the lounge. It was a long flight but they'd made it. Brains stumbled in through the doorway after them. Kyrano was already waiting to meet them at the entrance to the lounge from the kitchen. Jeff shook his hand and clapped him on the shoulder. "Good to see you Kyrano."

"You too Mr. Tracy, I trust you had a safe journey?"

"Yes, thank you, how about you and I head to the office, the boys will find their rooms I'm sure."

The boys nodded. "Very well Mr. Tracy." They peeled off to the right leaving Virgil and Brains to head down the corridor. Brains looked around enraptured. He couldn't believe he would be living here with the Tracy's. It was unbelievable, Brains couldn't wait for John to join them after his studies, it would be good to be reunited with his friend. Virgil and Brains had met each other once or twice now at Tracy industries and when Brains had visited for New years. Virgil liked him, he was quiet and good natured; he was sure he would settle in well. Virgil had selected his room on the initial plans so he knew just where he was going as did Brains. "See you back in the lounge in a bit."

"Y-yes Virgil."

Virgil stepped through the sliding door, it sealed with a whoosh behind him. That might take some getting used to he reflected as dropped his bag on the bed. He headed out to his veranda; it was a bit different to the view over the fields back home. All he could see here was rocky outcrops of the island and the palms leading to the sea in the distance. He pinched himself, he still couldn't believe this was his life now. It felt like a fresh start after everything that had happened. This was so far removed from anything he could have imagined happening to him, he was feeling apprehensive but also excited for the future. He walked back over to his bag and pulled out his sketch book. Now they were here he was keen to show his father a few of his designs. He flicked through the pages of several concepts he had assembled of a green sleek looking craft, this design he had already shared with his father and Brains. She was to be his new aircraft. She had a flat oval shape with a large wingspan and a cleverly interchangeable cargo hold which would allow for the quick loading of essential rescue equipment that could be cherry picked to suit the type of rescue she was attending. As of yet she had no name. They had all been trying to come up with one but they couldn't think of anything suitable as of yet. Still they had time, he had only just got his pilot's licence he needed some more experience before flying something that size. He closed the folio and headed out to find his father.

Jeff was sat at his desk catching up with Kyrano. Tin-tin was preparing some lunch for them all so he had a chance to catch Kyrano on his own. "So, you got away ok then?" Jeff asked. He was referring Kyrano's nefarious brother who he had since learned was known as the hood.

"I think so, we left straight away with only what we could carry as soon as you gave me the signal. My neighbor's contacted me just before Christmas to advise our house had been burned down." Kyrano looked saddened.

"You don't think that bastard had anything to do with it do you?"

"I am most certain he did, no doubt he has already claimed my life insurance or will once my identity is of no further use to him. I suspect he did it out of anger at me escaping his clutches."

"Hmm. Well if he has, he would have shot himself in the foot, we could make a claim against him because we can prove your alive." Jeff frowned in concentration.

"Its ok, better to let it lie. Tin-Tin and I are safe now that's all I want. You have kindly provided me with a home and a job. I need not worry about him any longer. We will be safe here finally. I still don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Kyrano, we've been through this you don't have to. You're my family now and that's what family do; they look out for each other." Kyrano smiled. Jeff was like the brother he wished he had when he was younger. He was looking forward to this new chapter of his life and to meeting Jeff's boys properly. There was a beeping at Jeff's desk. "This is Captain Tracy to Tracy island requesting permission to land."

"Good to hear from you son, permission granted. See you soon."

"F.A.B father."

Virgil walked back into the lounge. "I assume that's Scott?" referring to the sound of an incoming jet. "Yep, he should be up here in a minute, he's early too which is a bonus. What have you got there son?" He was referring to the black folio under Virgil's arm.

"Well I thought that IR really needs a logo so I have a few concepts to show you that I thought you might like."

Jeff indicated he should sit next to Kyrano in the two quilted chairs by the large desk that was suspended from the ceiling. Virgil stepped across the plush rug and handed his dad the folio before sitting down. Jeff's eyes roved over the three designs, one instantly jumped out at him. It was an incredibly simple but effective design that encompassed the values of the organisation perfectly. It was a white gloved hand in front of a globe, it contrasted well with the bold black outline and the red lettering of IR. The hand was pointed down at an angle with an open palm to indicate a helping hand. "This one" Jeff pointed at the image.

"That's my favourite too." Scott peered over Virgil's shoulder.

"Hello!" Virgil turned around surprised. He'd not seen his brother since before Christmas, he hadn't made it home for new year either.

"Hey! where's this new rocket then?" Scott was literally bouncing with restless energy on the balls of his feet. He wanted to finally see what this baby looked like assembled.

"Scott, you've just done a long-haul flight, sit down for a minute and have something to drink. We'll get to testing her soon and it's not a rocket."

"Well it's not a jet." Scott countered.

"No, it's a reconnaissance craft." Replied Jeff.

They were interrupted with Kyrano bringing some refreshments. They stood up to sit in the newly furnished lounge. Tin-tin followed behind her father.

"Hey Tin- tin! Its nice to see you again!" Scott gave her a polite hug and peck on the cheek. She tried not to blush. Virgil followed in a similar fashion.

"Its nice to see you both too. Where's Brains?" She looked around; she had heard a little about the engineer genius but had yet to meet him in person.

"H-h-ere" he sheepishly rounded the corner chiding himself for arriving so late. Now he had to be introduced to everyone again all at once and it was embarrassing, especially in front of the young girl. He'd always struggled to communicate at the best of times let alone in the presence of women.

"Ah Brains! Let me introduce you to Tin-Tin and Kyrano. Scott you already know."

"Er - how do you do?" waved Brains awkwardly praying no one would hug him. He liked the Tracy's a lot but they were all pretty tactile. He maintained a respectful distance choosing to sit on the yellow sofa nearest the door.

Scott leant back arms spread across the length of the back of the couch behind himself and Virgil, he gave a low whistle. "This is quite the house father. Did you go overbudget?" Scott grabbed a grilled chicken sandwich from the plate and eyed the size of the room with its expensive modern looking furniture and art that adorned the room. The folding glass doors that covered one whole side of the villa flooded the room in a wave of natural light making it seem even more spacious. Virgil's pride and joy the grand piano had already been shipped over and was placed by the windows so the pianist had full view of the room as well as the view outside. Scott could easily adjust to living here, provided he was kept busy. Just sitting around filled him with dread. He was not the type to enjoy sunning himself. "Nope, we actually came in underbudget by twenty thousand dollars thanks to Brains genius under floor heating and the natural water infiltration system." Brains blushed at the sound of his name. Scott nodded in appreciation whilst tucking into his second sandwich.

"So, what have you been up to Scott?" Asked Virgil. Scott quickly swallowed the bite he was on.

"The activity's picked up at the base of late, tensions have been building in the east so we've been on high alert with increased patrols and runs. Its been manic! I'm surprised I still managed to get away for the weekend." He was due to lead an operation against zero-30 a new terrorist group in Sudan that had aircraft capabilities. They had eliminated most of the known bases where the planes were being built but recent intel suggested testing had taken place within the last week of a new fighter jet, one with similar capabilities to their own but with advanced weapons. It couldn't be allowed to enter active service. The US was currently on high alert for terrorism as a result. The only reason Scott had been granted leave was because he hadn't had any from the weekend he had seen Alan race and they wanted him ready to lead the operation next week. Scott was entitled to 15 days but had only taken 7 due to the amount of work going on. The guys in his unit were pretty jealous that he was jetting off for leave at his father's new tropical paradise. He had received no end of stick and banter for it.

"Are you still being deployed?" Jeff asked him concerned.

Scott nodded curtly. "Yep, no timings as to how long, could be six months, could be a full tour till until my enlistment renewal is due. Depends on how bad things get."

Jeff had been following the situation closely in world news he was worried the conflict could become serious and if it did then Scott might not have a choice in not re-enlisting. He just hoped his son would return safely and in one piece. It was a major worry for him along with the teething problems he faced with the start up of IR.

"Well, fingers crossed its all over before it can even begin." Said Virgil. They all nodded in agreement.

"Anyway, I'm not here to bring a downer on proceedings, where is this rocket? I want to see her!" The last time Scott had seen the craft, it had been sat in one of the Tracy industry hangers just an empty shell waiting to be built upon.

"You mean you want to get in that cockpit." Rephrased Virgil.

Scott grinned. "It's the fastest air craft known to man, of course I want to get in there. It will be like nothing I've ever experienced before!" Scott had tested several new fighter jet prototypes in his time the last one being just two months ago. She was capable of Mach 10.2 and really shifted much to his delight at the time. The craft in the silo downstairs could reach Mach 19.7 which was insane. He was more than ready to put her through her paces.

Jeff couldn't help but smile at the gleam in Scott's eyes, Jeff had been itching to test it himself but he wanted to have his son do the honours. To be fair Scott reflexes would be far superior to his, it was a long time since Jeff had flown anything that wasn't your standard civilian craft. Scott would be able to put her through her paces properly. "Well you certainly don't look tired so come on, lets go and have a look."

"Yes!" He bolted off the sofa before realising he didn't know where to go. Tin-tin giggled and pointed to the concealed lift doors behind the screen. He smiled and jumped in. Virgil rolled his eyes. Scott was always the first to moan at how impulsive Alan could be yet he couldn't see he was of the same ilk although granted he had greater self control when it was required. "Brains and I will go and get set up in the control room" Virgil indicated to the area known as the cliff house, which was a control room that had been constructed into the face of the cliff above the hanger entrance. At the moment it was filled with Brains mobile gear to monitor the craft's flight but he and Virgil would be working over the next few weeks to outfit the control room properly now there were no contractors around to see the state-of-the-art kit that was going to be installed. It could have easily raised unwelcome questions. "I'll join you shortly once I've shown Scott down." The lift clicked into place, Scott and Jeff swayed a little at the momentum of the lift descending downwards. Tin-tin followed after Virgil and Brains, she was interested in speaking to Brains about his studies as she was due to enrol on her own engineering degree in the spring.

The lift ride was shorter than Scott had anticipated considering he knew how far down the silo was. Again, none of the construction workers new the cavern existed the lift descended into a small ordinary store room that you could say was a basement but there was a secret door at the end which Kyrano had overseen the installation of into the cavern. Only Jeff's top in house engineers had been entrusted in the silo area to create a launch sequence for this rocket that had been transported to the island via ship before being wheeled in and placed into position. There had been two different crews one for the assembly of the launch pad and the other responsible for dropping off the aircraft so neither knew the full scope of the operation. The electricians had also been drafted in to put the lighting and power in first before anything else had been constructed so they had no idea what would really be housed in here.

Scott stepped out onto the silo platform, his light footsteps taking him over to the railings quickly. He peered down and gasped in awe. Jeff pulled up alongside him, placing his hands on the rails. He had seen the completed article some weeks ago. He was pleased with the outcome; Brains had excelled himself in creating the finest craft Jeff had ever laid eyes on. "Wow its beautiful." Scott said softly. 115 feet of glorious gunmetal coloured, aerodynamic beauty. This craft was the stuff of legends, of Scott's childhood dreams. "So, do I want to know how much she cost in the end?"

"A damn sight less then she would of if those engineers were let loose. Thank god you put it on hold when you did. Brains managed to stay in budget and create a model that can be utilised for all the other vehicles and hopefully the submersible in time."

Scott was relieved. "So, you're not mad at me then for terminating it." Scott spoke over his shoulder as he walked out on the narrow retractable platform to what he assumed was the entry point to the cockpit. His father was directly behind him.

"Of course not, it was the right thing to do. I've not had the chance to tell you but I am really impressed with the way you managed things in my absence Scott. The board were singing your praises when I got back." Scott smiled; he was pleased his dad was happy with his performance.

"Thanks dad, it was tough especially with you gone but it taught me some essential skills which have come in useful of late."

"Then I am glad to hear that something good came out of it all at least. Press your hand to the side of the panel." Jeff instructed seeing Scott's puzzled expression at how to gain access.

Scott spread his palm to the left of the door (He was left-handed). It whooshed open to reveal a spacious cockpit. Scott instantly noticed the pilot's seat was quite unique in that it was suspended off the floor on a pivot arm which was attached to the partition behind. He surveyed the rest of the cockpit with a technical eye "No foot pedals?"

"Nope, she can be operated using the four levers on either side. Two control steering and altitude the others engine throttle. The seat will automatically rotate when you shift from vertical to horizontal flight and vice versa." Supplied Jeff. Scott had already hoisted himself up into the seat and was viewing the controls. "Awesome" he beamed. Jeff smiled; this experience was making up for missing Christmas together, he hadn't seen Scott this excited since he was a boy. Scott skimmed his hands over the controls and familiarised himself with the sonar, remote camera and tracking screens. It was all pretty similar to the standard military craft Scott had been accustomed to for many years. He went to put on the harness and frowned at the two straps across his middle and feet. "Er, this is a bit basic isn't it?"

"Yes, well there's bound to be a few modifications required. Let's see how she flies first and then you can discuss it with Brains." Scott nodded in agreement he could think of a few.

"What else do I need to know?"

"This switch controls your viewing hatches to the left and right of the cockpit. You also have an automatic camera detector that will let you know if anyone is taking photos of the craft, it's imperative that we maintain secrecy at all costs. Megaphone, magnetic grapple and winch, high velocity steel spears and 20mm swivel machine cannon under the nose."

"Nice!"

"Right are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so, lets give this a go!" Scott strapped himself in and adjusted the microphone to his height. It was nice not to have to wear headphones and mic. It gave him a better view and gave him a greater freedom in the chair.

"Good luck son." Jeff patted him on the back as he retreated to the safety of the control room. It gave Scott a few more minutes to familiarise himself. Some people might have been nervous, Scott was simply impatient to be let loose awaiting his father's signal. He played with the levers in anticipation and settled back into the seat. It was far comfier than the fighter crafts he was often in.

"Ok Scott, start the launch sequence." Launch sequence, launch sequence pondered Scott as his eyes quickly assessed the multitude of buttons under his fingers. Aha! He pressed the little green button.

"Launch system is go!" Scott felt a slight jolt as the launch plate underneath him started to descend down a steep slope out of the main silo. Scott wound down the observation windows for a better look he was intrigued, this was a fine piece of engineering to position a rocket like this ready for launch in such a short period of time. He felt the click as the platform locked into place. The sound resonating around the cavern.

"Engage thrusters on my count 5….4…..3…..2…..1 GO!" Jeff's authoritative and well-versed countdown echoed throughout the silo as well as the microphone. The tell-tale rumble signalled the firing of the thrusters along with the smoke that began to clear as Scott rushed out of the pit and heavenward. He was shocked by the instant pull he could feel as he rocketed up at a rate of knots. Shit! She was fast! Scott adjusted for the increasing altitude as quick as he could. Once he was clear of the island, he radioed in. "Switching to horizontal flight now father."

"F.A.B superb launch Scott, well done!" Scott felt the craft smoothly level out under him as he marveled at the way the chair also pivoted and levelled out, it was like nothing he had experienced before.

"Base to Scott, how's it going son?"

"Pretty good father, all the readings are within normal parameters and the switch from vertical to horizontal was as smooth as anything, I'm just as impressed with the engineering on this pilots' seat as well as the rest of the craft!"

Jeff chuckled. "Well when your ready, open her up a bit and see what she's really capable of."

Scott flexed his fingers across the controls in uncontained glee. This was the moment he had been waiting for although he was a bit more cautious now after being catapulted into the atmosphere faster than he had experienced in a craft that wasn't capable of space flight. He lined himself up where he wanted to be before pushing the right lever forward as far as it would go. "He felt himself imprint into the back of the cushioning of his seat. "Holy shit!" he exclaimed. This was insane!

"Language!" Scolded his father, he could hear Virgil laughing in the background.

"Whoops sorry! My! she is fast!" Scott had forgot to shut off the comms. It all being so new he was concentrating hard on the controls and not much else. He feinted to the left and right playing with the dexterity of the steering, very nice he flipped her round in quick succession before boosting back the way he came and carrying out a few more complex looping manoeuvres and dives. "Whooooooo-Hoooo Yeah!" he burst out in jubilation the adrenaline rush was infectious. This was simply the best thing he had ever had the pleasure to fly.

"Show off!" Virgil called over the comm.

"Right now, you've had your fun do you mind getting back to the testing?" his father reprimanded reminding him that his dad had been well renowned for his reprimanding of young boisterous recruits in his hay day.

"Yes sir!" The response was automatically engrained, Scott levelled off and settled back to a much more stable speed. He slowly increased and decreased the speed, checking the performance in general before deciding to test the altitude. 150,000ft Brains reckoned. The only time Scott had reached that level was on his way out of the atmosphere to the moon. It would be pretty impressive if he could obtain that height especially without the need for a mask. He increased the altitude steadily building upwards. "50,000ft, 80,000 feet and climbing – all good so far. 100,000ft, wow this is impressive! No way! 150,000ft reached. Oh ok! now I know why I need the strap for my feet!" He laughed as he could feel them trying to lift off the plate with the drag. The controls started to feel spongy and less responsive because the flight control surfaces were no longer responsive due to the thinning of the air. He eased off everything. "Surface controls have finally given up the ghost so I'm reducing altitude now. Highest altitude reached; recorded at 151.20ft." Scott uttered in disbelief, he had just set a new record in flight history and no one would ever know.

There was a round of applause through the comms and excited cheers including Tin-tin. Scott beamed at the controls. This was the most elated he had felt in a long time. He loved this craft so much. "Right, I think that's enough testing for today, let's try and get you back on the ground." His father called through.

"80,000ft reached. Will do father." Scott eased off the controls steadily as he maintained his course back to the island. He did one celebratory fly by of the cliff house to give them something to look at before he then ascended a little higher to switch to vertical flight. He then lined her up the best he could before coming into land. He realised he was coming in a bit fast so wiped off the speed as quick as he could, the gap was ridiculously small back into the silo. He wasn't used to landing in this manner, she wobbled a bit as he quickly adjusted the steering, he had been over on the right a little. He frowned in concentration; he didn't want to fuck it up now – he'd never live it down! He slipped under the where the pool should be in the front of the villa before carefully landing her on the launch pad below. He then disabled the engines and let the platform do the work. He relaxed into the chair not realising how tense he had been holding himself as he concentrated on getting her back in.

He was still grinning like a Cheshire cat as he got back to what would become her usual resting place. The door slid open as Virgil stepped into the cockpit with his father. They both took in Scott's flushed face and the wide smile, both his dimples on fully display. His crystal blue eyes sparking wildly.

Virgil and Jeff looked at each other knowingly.

"So, when can I do that again?" Scott asked gleefully.