Chapter Four
There had been a short respite in rescues which was a relief after the last four days of back-to-back missions. Virgil and Scott mostly bore the brunt of them but Alan had his fair share including rescuing a crew from moon base who were lost when their buggy failed and left them stranded on the dark side of the moon. It had been just over forty-eight hours without a rescue now. The boys were just starting to unwind. Gordon had risen early as was custom, he'd exercised, breakfasted and read patiently in the lounge as he waited for the rest of the household to surface. He had plans for today and they involved family bonding time…well that was how he would go on to sell it when justifying his antics later.
His father was sat opposite reading the morning papers, Kyrano and Tin-Tin could be seen enjoying a coffee together in the kitchen. He was pretty sure Brains was in his lab, he didn't come out for much. That meant he was just waiting on Alan, Scott and Virgil. He was itching to go outside but it was vital that he got his family to go to the pool after he had got down there so he could enjoy the full effect. He was tired of all this stuffy sitting around indoors.
Half an hour passed and he was starting to twitch - where were they? He'd lost interest in his magazine a while ago, his father on the other hand was still engrossed in the paper. Once upon a time he had been a man of action, a decorated Colonel and astronaut. His dad used to be a pioneer! Now he just whiled away his days here in 'retirement' investing in tomorrow's innovators. Gordon wasn't sure he wanted to retire early, the sedentary life his father led would drive him positively crazy but his father seemed content. Although maybe Gordon reflected, when you ran a secret global rescue agency that was enough to be getting on with.
His musings were interrupted by the youngest family member who sauntered into the room in a crisp floral shirt and magenta tie. There wasn't a crease in his cream chinos. He looked like he should be in Monaco, not spending a day at home on the couch. Alan nodded at him before making a grab for the remote off the coffee table and putting on the Dakar rally highlights. Not long after Scott and Virgil finally walked in together conversing intently about the latest modifications to Thunderbird one which Virgil was going helping to install. Perfect, it was time! Gordon clapped his hands together.
"Right, it's a beautiful day, too good to be wasted in here. We should go out to the pool!" He was met with several groans. "Oh, come on! You're not all that old yet are you? or have you forgot how to enjoy yourselves? Its dull in here."
"Hey watch who your calling old." Scott glanced up from his phone.
"I'll come with you Gordon; shall we play ball?" Tin-tin suggested.
"Sounds good! Race you to the pool, first one in gets first dibs!" He was already moving, they both capered across the lounge getting wedged in the one bi-fold door that was open on the veranda. They both laughed before Tin-tin squealed at being squished out the way.
Alan sighed. Maybe he would go outside after the highlights, he would invite Tin-Tin on a walk.
"I think I'm going to head outside too; coming Scott?" Virgil asked.
"Sure." He glanced at his watch longingly one more time before following Virgil outside.
As planned; by the time his family started to trickle out onto the patio, Gordon was safely ensconced in the pool with Tin-Tin. He had tactfully placed himself facing towards the villa so he could enjoy the full effect. They were both taking it in turns, batting the beach ball in what was already becoming a fast and furious game of water volley ball.
Virgil was the first to venture out. He threw the ball back into the pool good naturedly as Tin-tin lost her grip. He belted it straight at Gordon. "Hey!" He leapt up to reclaim it just in time. Virgil smiled as he stretched out on his favourite swinging chair, tucking a cushion under his head. Scott came out shortly after, drink in hand with his book tucked under his arm. He settled into the chair. As he bent down there was an almighty volley of shots as the brashest raspberry rang out across the patio. "What the!" Scott fished underneath the seat cushion until he located the offending item. He launched it straight at Gordon who was trying to hold it together, it tapped him squarely in the face causing them all to fall about laughing. "You will pay for that buddy."
"Have to catch me first! Do you wanna come in?" Gordon splayed his arms wide. The ball bounced off his head "Owww" he looked offended as Tin-tin smiled sweetly.
"Thanks Honey; I owe you one." Scott raised his drink to her grinning. She smiled but quickly dived under water as Gordon leapt at her, the waves crashing harmlessly over her head. She tried to grab him by the leg but he swiftly evaded her, his body conformed to the classic mermaid swimming style. She surfaced pushing her cap back into place.
Virgil had settled down and closed his eyes, the soft morning sunlight playing across his face highlighting the chestnut red hues in his hair. Jeff stepped out on the veranda shortly after hearing the raucous laughter, he had not spent much time with the family of late and reflected it would be good to spend some time with the boys. He made his way down the steps, slipping his sunglasses on as he did so. He walked past the pool edge noting how damp it was already, with Gordon around his water bill was astronomical. All he felt was a slight resistance against his lower shin, the next minute Virgil yelped in surprise.
"Dad! You can't sit in that one, Alan's reserved it." Gordon called.
"It's my house and I'll sit where I dammed well" –
Jeff finally caught sight of Virgil and abruptly decided to heed Gordon's advice. Scott peeked around the shade of the swinging chair before rocking back with a bellow of laughter. It cheered him right up. "It's not funny! Gordon you Ass" –
"Virgil!" Jeff barked before returning to his notes. Their antics generally went over his head, unless there were broken belongings or bones then he'd wade in but only when absolutely necessary and bad language. He couldn't abide it.
"Sorry; Gordon you moron." Virgil accentuated.
"Hey! Don't take out your cream pie face on me! I didn't walk into it. If you look towards your feet there's a towel." There was a wet slap as he returned the ball to Tin-Tin. What a glorious day this was turning out to be. Just one more left. The big finale.
He made them wait, even Tin-Tin had got out of the pool by the time he surfaced, the sun was almost at full height and the heat was just starting to border insufferable to those not accustomed to extreme sunbathing. Brains sat with a hat on, challenging Scott to a game of chess. Virgil had well and truly dozed off; one hand almost skimmed the floor as he swayed gently. Tin-Tin was discussing Jeff's plans for Monday along with the projects he would need to converse on in his scheduled Tracy industries meetings, when Alan finally graced them with his presence in his thick rimmed sunglasses. Gordon had been grabbing a quick drink but deftly took a swift and elegant dive back into the pool. Gordon was so skilled he could enter with water with minimal splash back when he wanted hence why his brothers couldn't comprehend why he had to cause so much mess generally.
Alan slowly meandered down past them all as he went to sit on the lounger next to Tin-Tin. He had a tall glass of soda in one hand and his motor magazine in the other. "Hey Tin, you enjoying the sunshine?"
"It's a stunning day I think I might actually gain a tan by the end of it." She lifted her head as she shielded her eyes against the sun to see him with one hand.
He chuckled as he sat on the edge of the lounger. For a few short seconds he was perfectly poised then the middle collapsed as it folded in on itself. Alan found himself sandwiched as his soda went sky high before pitching all over his front. Oh dear! Not something Gordon had accounted for. He dived debating how long he could hold his breath. This was going to be an epic tantrum; he could hear the indignant shouting as muffled as it was by being submerged.
"What goes on here!" Alan struggled to get out becoming more flustered by the minute before Scott stepped in and offered him an arm. He was shaking with mirth and almost bent double. "Some help you are!" Scowled Alan as he straightened up. "Look at the state of this! It was brand new." Tin-tin was already up trying to mop his shirt which temporarily rendered him mute. He coloured up. "I can manage thank you." He haughtily took the towel and sponged at his shirt.
"Alan I'm sure with a bit of stain remover it will come up like new, give it to my father and he will work wonders." Tin-Tin sat down again and crossed her arms; she was only trying to help. Alan huffed before inspecting the lounger and found it wasn't clipped in properly. He rounded on Scott. "That damned rocket of yours ruins all the furniture!"
"Yeah, let's not mention all the scorch marks on the roundhouse when you over cook her out of there." He retorted.
By now Virgil had awoken, quietly observing the theatrics. He scanned round for who he suspected was the culprit but he had suspiciously vanished…
"That was one time Scott, with you it's a daily occurrence!"
"Yeah, because more often that not my girl and I have missions to attend. Not all of us get the cushty commute once a month." There was a note of bitterness in his voice.
"Cushty!" Alan looked furious.
"Boys! That's enough. Alan; if it offends you that much you can put the furniture away each time before your brother launches otherwise pipe down. We were enjoying quality family time, let's not spoil it."
"Fine! Well, I won't spoil it any longer. I need to change now anyway!" And with that he was gone.
Scott knew better than to say anything but Alan had no idea how lucky he was. Scott made an effort to focus. Once calm he returned to the table to consult his next move. Brains who had been cringing from the confrontation visibly relaxed as normal service resumed.
Jeff was still observing his sons. He looked at his watch then at the empty pool. "Scott; get Gordon's attention and give him the all clear, would you? If he hasn't already drowned himself."
There was a rippling of water just as a ginger mop skimmed the surface. Gordon sucked in a huge breath before working through a couple of breathing cycles to regain equilibrium over his breathing.
He was hyper aware his father was staring at him, his face unreadable as ever. Maybe he had over egged it this time – well again? The silence wore on, one of his father's favourite tactics to guilt trip them into blabbing. It had worked till he reached his teens. Credit where it was due though his father still knew how to make him stew, even if he had learned not to rise to the bait. He'd since come to realise it was a key military tactic for making recruits wish they hadn't been born.
His father looked at his watch. "Twelve minutes, impressive. I think that's a new record even for you."
"It's not bad."
"Is there anything else we need to be aware of?" Jeff replied gruffly.
"What's there to be aware of?"
Jeff pinched the bridge of his nose. Something only the two youngest children of the Tracy patriarch could achieve. "Have you got it out of your system?"
"Well; I'm still a bit restless been cooped up all week, but this pool session has really helped." Still refusing to acknowledge his actions.
"Well do what you have to but refrain from winding your brothers up, I'm sure your time could be better spent." There was a mild undercurrent of warning.
Tin-tin had been watching the proceedings. She had a good idea what the problem might be. "You know I fancy a walk along the beach, How about it Gordon? I saw a species of starfish I didn't recognise the other day, maybe we will see one again and you can tell me what it is?" She played with the tassels on her kimono.
He debated for a moment before his face brightened. He hopped out and grabbed his shirt. "A new species, interesting. Can you describe it?" They headed off in the direction of the coast deep in conversation.
"Thank Christ for that!" muttered Scott.
Virgil laughed "Tin-tin deserves a medal." he replied, pulling up a chair next to him and Brains, Jeff retreated to the villa.
"A-agreed." Brains added.