Her mobile, which had fallen into the crack in the sofa, buzzed violently. Wriggling to the side, Selene retrieved it and tapped open the new message.
Gordon: Please say you know who did it?
Gordon: I don't want to get the blame.
Selene: Did what?
Gordon: Thunderbird One is pink.
Selene couldn't believe the words before her, but her instincts told her Gordon wasn't lying. Pushing John's arms up abruptly, she went from lying on him to standing in seconds. Her man gave her a bemused look but didn't move.
"Where's the fire?"
"Thunderbird One is pink."
"What? That's a joke. Gordon's pranking you."
Selene thrust the phone under John's nose and watched his eyebrow raise. He stood slowly, understanding all the possible implications of such a statement, and together they headed to the lift. Taking it down to Thunderbird One's hanger, they joined Gordon in gapping up at the rocket plane. There before them was indeed a pink Thunderbird One. At least the details were pink. From the usually blue engine compartment with its white one and the blue detailing on the bottom fins were now the colour of FAB 1. Even the nosecone was a darker shade of pink. A grin crossed Gordon's face as he started to chuckle.
"I look forward to your funeral," John spoke entirely deadpan.
"I didn't do it."
"Then why are you laughing?"
"Because whoever did is a freaking genius!" Gordon exclaimed. "This is the prank of the year and whoever did it deserves a medal of bravery."
"More like a medal of stupidity," countered John, "if we get a rescue and Scott has to fly with One like this, all hell will break loose."
"Should we tell him?" Selene asked, wondering if she should message her best friend or not.
"Be my guest," Gordon responded cheerfully, phone in hand and snapping evidence of the crime. John wandered up to the Thunderbird, a frown of thought on his face. Selene followed, watching her man's every move as he scrutinised the pink stripes. He opened his mouth to speak.
"What on earth? Who did that? What the hell is going on?"
Scott's voice went from surprise to anger as he stormed up behind them. His fists were clenched and shaking. They all cared deeply for their individual craft and this was a complete violation of his. Had someone painted Thunderbird Four a new colour, Gordon would be just as furious.
"It's not as bad as it looks."
"Not as bad as it looks!?" Scott spat at John. "Thunderbird One is PINK! How would you like it if I painted Thunderbird Five pink?"
"I would like to see you try that, and it's not like anyone sees Thunderbird Five that often."
A growl came from the eldest Tracy, though John didn't flinch. He knew even, as Scott was going red with fury, his brother was not a threat, so he continued to be the voice of reason.
"It appears to be a simple wrap, probably designed to be temporary."
"I jolly well hope so."
Selene just observed as Scott stormed off to the side of the hanger towards the adjustable platform. He jumped up into the driving seat and moved it up to his Thunderbird. Climbing on, he raised it so he could examine the damage. His hand reached out and stroked the darker pink hexagons that surrounded her white one, the hurt in his eyes clear to all. John shook his head, while Gordon sniggered to her left. No doubt the man was snapping more photos. Scott rose higher and let himself into the belly of his ship.
"On no! They are SO dead."
The anguished voice from inside the Thunderbird had Gordon running past to call the platform down. Selene and John were right on his heels, climbing up and being raised above the ground. She was thankful the closest one had been the lift with the guard rail, as she held on tight. Carefully stepping into Thunderbird One the reason for the cursing became clear. Everything that had been blue was now pink. Even Scott's seat, which he had climbed up to like a monkey, had been sprayed pale pink with deep pink cushions. Selene bit her lip to fight the grin, though Gordon just collapsed in peels of laughter.
"Incredible," John gawked from her side. "I'm impressed by the effort they've gone to, though this definitely screams Brains' handiwork. I suggest finding him to ascertain the best way to remove it all."
Selene herself was struggling to take in the dramatic colour change. It was like being in a completely different vehicle. It was almost like Penelope had come in and redecorated to her tastes and claimed it as her own. The blue figure of Scott above them looked very much out of place in his own Thunderbird. The man jumped down before her, a frown creasing his forehead. He slipped a hand under Gordon's elbow, lifting the crying man to his feet.
"Good idea, John. The sooner this is sorted the better."
They watched the commander drag Gordon out, who was trying to dry his eyes and snap a few more photos at the same time.
"If you could keep those photos off social media, I'd be very grateful."
"Hey!" Gordon yelped as he was dropped onto the platform bed. "The world has a every right to see these. They are golden!"
"I promise they won't be released today, however Gordon has got a point. If released at the correct time, they could be invaluable."
Selene looped her arm through John's as they followed after the grumbling Scott, carefully stepping onto the platform. She did snap a quick photo for herself, just in case, knowing that John would have Gordon's photos saved somewhere safe soon enough, which she could just ask to see. The platform lowered smoothly, and they clambered down the ladder. Scott decided the ladder was too slow and threw himself athletically over the rail to the floor. He started running only to grind to a halt when Sally rounded the corner with a pink baldric in hand.
"There you are Scott," the wise woman smiled, "I've been looking for you all over. I need you ready to launch in the next half hour otherwise we'll be late."
Selene joined the men around her in shock. Not one of them had considered Sally would be culprit. The woman was a plotter and mischievous, but this took the biscuit.
"You did THAT?" Gordon gawked; arm thrown high in the direction of the Thunderbird.
"With Brains' help, yes."
"I'm not launching Thunderbird One until it's all removed."
Scott's eyebrows knitted together as he crossed his arms. Sally didn't falter, passing a data pad to Scott as she passed.
"Yes, you will. I just have to pack this, then we can launch."
Gordon stared after his Grandma his wide brown eyes full of a newfound respect for the matriarch. John peered over Scott's shoulder, reading whatever was meant to convince Scott the Thunderbird One needed to be pink. The man's tense body slumped with a sigh.
"Don't you dare call me out for a rescue or I'll disable the bagel machine on Five AND ensure none make it safely to the island for the next month."
John raised an eyebrow, and his emerald eyes glinted as a sly smile crossed his face.
"You know I can't promise that."
"I'm taking the second seat. I cannot miss this for the world."
Gordon gleefully ran towards the stairs up to the changing rooms and docking area. The colour slowly drained from Scott's face as he realised that having Gordon there would be worse than being called out on a rescue. Selene could almost here the jokes and puns Gordon would rain over Scott.
"No way. You are not coming."
Scott shouted after the aquanaut, who had just lept up the first few steps. Gordon threw himself onto the handrail, cupped his hand to his mouth and bellowed.
"Grandma! Can I come?"
"It's up to Scott who can come along, but I believe you are on standby for rescues."
"John's here. He can take my place." Gordon latched the eldest Tracy and brought out the puppy eyes, "Please, Scott. Let me come along."
"No." The commander was back, standing straight and certain, "The only person who I will allow to come is Selene."
"Sure, I'm in."
Selene gave Scott an appreciative smile. She intended to make the most of this opportunity, as Thunderbird One would be reverted back to her original colours the moment she returned. A dimpled grin of gratitude was sent back.
"I need to go suit up. I'll see you inside."
The man jogged off towards the elevator, while John held the tablet out before her. Taking it, she scrolled through an email exchange that had occurred over the past few days. It was the first email that tugged her heartstrings and explained Scott's quick change of tune.
Dear Make-a-wish,
My name in Leanne Darcy Brown. I am ten years old, and I have incurable medulloblastoma. I am having chemotherapy to help prolong my life so I can do as many things as I can, but I don't have much time left. I have always loved planes and wanted to be a pilot. I have been to many air shows and love sitting in the cockpits of the planes they have on display.
My wish is to fly in Thunderbird One. It is my favourite of the Thunderbirds as it is the fastest, and it would be awesome to go at top speed in it. Although, if I was the pilot of Thunderbird One it would be pink and not blue, as pink is a much better colour. I know this might not be possible as Thunderbird One needs to be ready to help people, so my other wish is to go up in a stunt plane and do loop-the-loop, and other cool tricks.
Thank you,
Leanne
Selene blinked as John pulled her into his chest, resting his chin on her head. She rested her cheek against his shoulder and grounded herself, letting the world settle to the sound of John's heartbeat.
"You don't have to go if you don't want to."
John's voice was soft as his brushed against her ear. Twisting, Selene gazed up into his dazzling eyes and smiled. They both knew she would be going; she always went when she was need, and Scott would need her. The boys did charity events whenever they could, doing their best to spread hope and raise money to help those less fortunate. They experienced losses on rescues, each having people that held on longer than others, but at least they had tried to save them. Sometimes meeting the people they could do nothing for, despite all their resources, could be tough. Sally climbed down from the lift and set it moving to its original position, before heading towards them.
"Shall we get going?"
John pressed his lips to her forehead, and she stole a quick kiss, before breaking apart. Selene looped arms with the matriarch, and they headed towards the changing rooms. The spare seats for One were already in position for them, so they climbed in and allowed the mechanism to load them into the ship. Moments after they clicked into place, Scott's chair extended out to collect him.
"Everyone ready?"
Scott glanced over his shoulder as Thunderbird One ascended to her launch station in silence.
"We're A-okay back here. You just worry about getting to those coordinates on time."
Sally chimed from beside her, clearly happy to be flying. There was a speed demon in her. The woman was buzzing, arms shaking slightly.
"It's turned out perfectly, hasn't it?"
"It definitely meets her pink dream."
"Brains' has done a fantastic job on such short notice. I was behind on the inbox, which I always regret as it means I miss emails such as these. When I saw it, I knew just had to do something. Brains was with me at the time. It was his suggestion that we make Thunderbird One pink for the day. He told me to just arrange it all timing wise and leave Thunderbird One to him. That man is a genus.
"You could have given me a warning, Grandma."
Sally just waved away her grandson's comments like an annoying fly, making Selene laugh.
"So why is today so important?"
"Oh, the foundation managed to secure Leanne on a stunt plane flight, so they'll be at an airfield making all the clearances needed simple. The airfield was happy to accommodate us despite the short notice. Leanne is also taking a turn for the worst, her mobility is becoming poor to the point that she's struggling to walk, and she's on a fair amount of medication to keep her comfortable. It's starting to become a now or never situation. The poor dear. Hopefully this will give her a day to remember."
Selene reached out and held Sally's hand as she wiped a tear from her eye. The doctor part of her must understand what's going on with the child. Rubbing circles on the woman's skin, there was a lot to marvel. The woman's determination and care, efficiency and resolve. She had brought a girl's dream into reality, and it was fantastic. Even if Selene didn't appreciate pink as much as Lady Penelope, she could appreciate how Brains had used two shades to keep all the small details of the ship, including the logos and warnings located about them. The Thunderbird slowed and Scott landed effortlessly. They all disembarked onto the tarmac, where two suited ladies awaited with their wide eyes on the ship. Their name badges read Kaia and Dakota.
"Welcome and thank you for your response and generosity. May I be the first to say Thunderbird One looks incredible."
"I'm sorry it was such a late response. This is Scott and Selene."
There were handshakes all round before they were led into the nearby hanger and escorted into one of the offices. Selene quickly spotted Leanne, dressed in an International Rescue blue flight suit, chatting away to a woman in a similar, but white, flight suit. There was a spread of food and drink beside them, and there were three other adults standing to the side of the room. The couple with teary eyes and smiling warmly at the child were Leanne's parents, and the other was a male nurse. Selene nabbed a sandwich from the platter and munched away as she stood beside Scott. Everyone stayed silent, letting the room be filled with the excited ramblings of Leanne, who still hadn't noticed the newcomers. Stealing a ham sandwich earned a raised eyebrow from Sally, and a jealous side glance from Scott. Apparently, there was an etiquette she had forgotten. Finally, the nurse cleared his throat and Kaia introduced them.
"Leanne, this is Sally Tracy of International Rescue and her grandchildren, Scott and Selene."
Selene held in a chuckle as the child's jaw dropped and her eyes zeroed in on Scott. His uniform and tall certain demeanour clearly stating who he was. Her chestnut eyes sparkled with excitement as her hands flew to her cheeks.
"Hello Leanne." Scott introduced himself, stepping forward and kneeling before her so he was at her level. His presence was calming, and he was giving her his best dimpled smile. "I hope you've had a fantastic time in the stunt plane. I used to enjoy performing similar manoeuvres when I flew in the Air Force."
All Leanne could do was nod, completely star struck.
"Well, I can't promise you any stunts, but I can show you around Thunderbird One before taking you and one of your parents up for a quick circle of the planet."
"Y-Yes please!" She squeaked.
"Before we head out, I have this for you." Sally stepped up behind Scott and held out the bright pink baldric, "so you can be one of us."
The delight almost burst out of Leanne to the point she that she was shaking. Sally helped slip the loop over her head and secure the baldric in place. The child ran her fingers over the iR logo. With the blue of the flight suit, she really didn't look amiss next to Scott. Her father stepped up and helped Leanne to stand, before looping his arm through her elbow. It was the moment the reality of the situation first hit Selene. With her father supporting her, she could walk but it was clear she was struggling to balance. Scott moved to be the other side of her and engaged them in conversation, though Selene knew he was primed to help if needed. They all followed out to the tarmac. There were many exclamations of wonder at the sight of Thunderbird One. A few tears were shed, and many photos taken. It was a pleasure to see Leanne's face lit up and full of life as she posed next to Scott. Everyone was allowed inside for a view before Leanne and her father were strapped in for their flight. Selene put her arm around the mother as the air around them was whipped up by Thunderbird One's thrusters.
"Thank you," she sobbed, "You can't imagine how much this means to us, and to Leanne. She fought so hard. Then to find out it had come back. All her dreams shattered, but this. This was just perfect."
Rubbing gentle circles into the woman's back, Selene guided her back inside to wait for their return. Selene gave her ear to the woman, letting her spill and release her feelings, knowing that the simple act of talking can help lift some of the weight. Her own heart ached for the family and their situation. Medical treatments had come so far, but there were still times when that progress had yet to come far enough for everyone. People were still being lost. Slowly the mood lightened, and the conversation moved on to lighter topics. The food was offered to them and they happily snacked as the spoke. They put aside a plate and bottle of pop for Scott. Sally's wrist pinged to indicate the imminent return of the Thunderbird. Again, they all left to go to the tarmac, although this time the nurse had a hoverchair in tow. The grins on both Leanne and her father were priceless as they headed over laughing. Leanne was helped into the chair after a hug with each of them. Scott slipped his arm around Selene's shoulder and gave her a squeeze, which she returned. They waved goodbye before climbing back into Thunderbird One. They launched immediately, allowing Leanne to watch the machine from below.
"Do you mind dropping me off in Kanas? I've planned a weekend away with some friends, and this saves me flying back out tomorrow."
"Sure thing, Grandma. You got any requests Selene?"
"Just home for me."
Thunderbird One landed beside the house and they waved goodbye to Sally. Scott sat in the vacated seat as he scoffed the sandwiches they'd saved gratefully. Selene could see the emotional weight that sat on the man's shoulders. She leant over and rested against him. He would talk when ready. As the man glugged down the cola, the comm bleeped and John floated before them.
"Scott. There is a couple of climbers stuck on a mountain and Thunderbird Two is currently deployed."
Scott sighed. The world knew when to pick its moments.
"You okay with a quick detour, Selene?"
"I'll be here if you need me."
Scott gave her a smile before climbing up into his seat.
"Send us the coordinates. Let's just hope they don't mind pink."