18 years ago
Jeff pov
I sigh as I watch Alan's face disappear from the screen.
I hate to disappoint him, I knew how much he wanted us to come to family day, but with the Hood threat still so fresh and thunderbird 5 still out of duty, we can't risk leaving the island unprotected.
Unfortunately it did come at the expense of Alan loosing out of family Days.
I look at my boys, the things I value more than anything in this world, more than my money, more than my business even more than international rescue.
I just hope Alan knows how much I love him.
There's a pat on my shoulder.
On my left is my second born son John, he has always been the level headed one in the family and my confidant.
Though don't be fooled by his meek nature, underneath all that is the infamous Tracy temper.
"Come on dad we'll both video call Alan once were in Germany."
I roll my shoulders to relive the knots.
"You right, boys!"
I have the attention of all 4 of my sons present.
"Our plane number has been called we need to make our way towards the gate."
Each of the boy's pick up there carry on bags, were only set to be in Germany a day so we don't need more than a travel bag each.
Once we're sure that we have everything (I'm looking at you gorden) we walk toward the terminal.
We make it there in record time and join the line of passengers waiting to board.
"Hey, Virgil want to make a bet." Gordon's voice calls out.
"I bet my dessert privileges for the next month that Alan Will be called to the principal's office at least once this week."
Virgil laughs.
"I'm not betting for that, you know he going to be sent to the principal's office for something."
Before I can cuff the two boys by the ear John beats me to it.
"Oi! Pack it in you two."
Gordon slumps down.
"We were just making a joke."
Gordon and Virgil keep quiet after that.
Good, I need to have a chat with my sons, sometimes they might think they're laughing at there brother expense and it's just harmless fun but it can sometimes come across as quite vicious.
Scott and John can make jokes too, (in fact all my sons poke fun at each other but at least) they know when to stop, Gordon and Virgil on the other hand.
It's one of the first things I'm gonna do when we're off this plane, I need to discuss their Behavior.
however I try to push it to the back of my mind.
for now anyways.
We find our seats with no problem.
the captain's voice comes through the radio.
"Welcome aboard passengers from this flight from New York to Germany, on behalf of everyone on jetSee airlines we hope you have a good flight."
I'm seated next to John on the left side and Scott, Gordon and Virgil have the middle Row we all buckle up for take-off.
A voice comes through the speakers
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. If you haven't already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or an overhead bin. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. And also make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position.
If you are seated next to an emergency exit, please read carefully the special instructions card located by your seat. If you do not wish to perform the functions described in the event of an emergency, please ask a flight attendant to reseat you.
We remind you that this is a non-smoking flight. Smoking is prohibited on the entire aircraft, including the lavatories. Tampering with, disabling or destroying the lavatory smoke detectors is prohibited by law.
If you have any questions about our flight today, please don't hesitate to ask one of our flight attendants. Thank you."
The plane starts its Journey toward the runway.
"Flight attendants, please prepare for gate departure."
"Flight attendant, doors on automatic, cross-check and report. Thank you."
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to direct your attention to the television monitors. We will be showing our safety demonstration and would like the next few minutes of your complete attention"
Here we go standard safety video most people will think.
I on the other hand know how important it is to watch these very carefully, being a part of international rescue I've seen my fair share of plane crashes and many casualty's that could of been avoided it passengers had listened to safety briefings.
"When the seat belt sign illuminates, you must fasten your seat belt. Insert the metal fittings one into the other, and tighten by pulling on the loose end of the strap. To release your seat belt, lift the upper portion of the buckle. We suggest that you keep your seat belt fastened throughout the flight, as we may experience turbulence.
There are several emergency exits on this aircraft Please take a few moments now to locate your nearest exit. In some cases, your nearest exit may be behind you. If we need to evacuate the aircraft, floor-level lighting will guide you towards the exit. Doors can be opened by moving the handle in the direction of the arrow. Each door is equipped with an inflatable slide which may also be detached and used as a life raft.
Oxygen and air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person. Keep your mask on until a uniformed crew member advises you to remove it.
In the event of an emergency, please assume the bracing position. Lean forward with your hands on top of your head and your elbows against your thighs. Ensure your feet are flat on the floor.
A life vest is located in a pouch under your seat or between the armrests. When instructed to do so, open the plastic pouch and remove the vest. Slip it over your head. Pass the straps around your waist and adjust at the front. To inflate the vest, pull firmly on the red cord, only when leaving the aircraft. If you need to refill the vest, blow into the mouthpieces. Use the whistle and light to attract attention. Also, your seat bottom cushion can be used as a flotation device. Pull the cushion from the seat, slip your arms into the straps, and hug the cushion to your chest.
At this time, your portable electronic devices must be set to 'aeroplane' mode until an announcement is made upon arrival."
"Flight attendants, prepare for take-off please."
We start moving faster as we come onto the runway.
We then stop, all of a sudden the engines are on full and we shoot down the runway.
After 5 seconds we start to lift off
We're finally up in the air.
We gain height and keep going up for another 10 minutes until the plane flare an out again.
After another 10 minutes, the seat belt sign is turned off.
"In a few moments, the flight attendants will be passing around the cabin to offer you hot or cold drinks, as well as dinner. Alcoholic drinks are also available at a nominal charge with our compliments. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Thank you."
"Finally" I hear Gordon breath.
He quickly plugs in his headset and turns on the inflight entertainment.
I relax in my seat, this is just like any other flight.
Oh, how wrong I was.
We were probably 6 hours into the flight when the shaking started.
A panicked voice of a flight attendant comes through the plane.
"Ladies and gentlemen fasten your seatbelt now!"
We hurry to comply.
In my mind, possible problems are running through my head, have we lost An engine, did a bird fly into an engine.
Not long after the shaking started the started to decent.
Screams were heard throughout the cabin.
I was trying to keep a clear head trying to be strong for my boys but also remember all the training I received from my formative years as an astronaut.
I looked to my right and saw Scott doing the same thing, of course, the Air Force trained him for these exact situations.
I was preparing for the worst when all of a sudden the plane stopped shaking and we returned to normal cruising.
A voice came over the intercoms.
"Ladies and gentlemen we apologise for the shaking and loss of air, we shall be making an emergency stop at the closet airport once again we apologise."
I hold John close to me, I was shaken to think about what could of happened.
Thank god.
We're all safe.
After an hour we land at an airport.
Once we stop I go to take off my seat belt along with everyone else when all of a sudden the confused voice of our captain come over.
"We must ask you to remain in your seats, we have been told you must stay in your seats."
"Dad" I turn to look at Virgil.
Him and Gordon look confused and of their glazed eyes is anything to go by scared.
"What's going on."
"I don't know."
"Dad?"
John shakes my arm to get my attention.
He's looking out the window.
"Come look at this."
What the...
Surrounding the plane are U.S military vans, shoulder with guns that I suspected are loaded . Men and woman in hazardous suits.
What's happening.
After nearly an hour and a half, we finally get some news, everyone is annoyed, tired, fed up and just want to get off the plane.
However, the news is not what I was expecting.
"We have been told to exit the plane in a simple file and into the military vans."
What?
"Dad?" Now all of my sons are looking at me.
I try to keep myself calm for the sake of my children.
I take a deep breath.
"We do what they tell us to do."
"FAB"
One by one we are escorted of the plane by military forces.
They guide us to unmarked black vans.
I pull my sons close in and feeble attempt to offer comfort to them, despite not know where we're going or what's going to happen to us.
All I can think is.
This can't be how it ends
Please, Lucy, it can't be like this, we can't abandon Alan.
Lucy, please watch over our little boy until we can see him again.
Finally, we arrive at a military bunker, one by one we're each brought into an interrogation room.
When it's my turn I'm lead by two armed soldiers to a streal room and placed on a chair.
Two men clearly law agents begin to ask me questions.
"Jefferson Tracy is that your name?@
I nod my head.
"yes it is."
"Where did you land after the plane went down."
Excuse me?
"What are you talking about, we didn't land anywhere we had a no-stop flight to Germany, of course, we ended up here."
That doesn't please the agents by a long shot.
"Don't put games with us, tell us where you were, we're you held prisoner? if you were you need to tell us, they could be a terrorist organisation or was it a county?"
I don't understand what they're talking about.
"I'm not lying that's what happened."
both men look at each other, silently having a conversation with their eyes only, one I'm not privy to.
"Do you know what date it is?"
"What type of question is that it the 14th of October 2004."
I can feel myself getting Annoyed.
They ask me no more questions and place me in a plastic-type of dome along with the other passengers and my sons.
"Dad."
"Scott, Virgil, John, Gordon are you all right? Did they hurt you?"
It was Scott who spoke.
"No dad they just kept asking all these questions."
"Boys I don't know what's happening but we need to get on contact with Tracy island."
My boys need me to be strong, I push my own feelings of terror down, it need to be a leader.
"ladies and gentlemen can I have your attention please"
Our attention to drawn to a middle-aged man, with ash brown hair and calculating eyes.
One of the other passengers yelled out.
"I don't understand what's the problem."
"The problem is your plane departed for JFK New York on the 4th of October 2004, today is November 4th 2022, you've all been missing, presumed dead for 18 years and a month."
Nobody says a word.
What.
Everyone is in shock.
That only last a second some the protest started.
"what are you playing at?"
"Are we being punked?"
"Is this some kind of joke?"
The man shakes his head
"I assure you this is no joke."
No, he had to be.
There is no way we've traveled through time.
We couldn't have.
Each of my sons share my look of disbelief.
"Dad, they have to be pulling our leg right?" Gordon for the first time in His life looks timed.
I want to assure them they are lying yet some part of me the feels there not.
that gut instinct part of me.
No, they have to be.
i need to get my family back to the safety of Tracy island.
And let if their is even a remote possibility...
Wait.
Alan?
I need to see my son
I need to see Alan.