Surprise update! Ended up with some impromptu free time so managed to get this published!

Chapter 7

After the initial drama at the beginning of the week, life on the island had reverted to normal. Rescues continued to come in but they were fewer and far between giving all the boys much needed respite. Jeff looked at the stats surprised to see over forty-five rescues this month, that had to be a new record! He was proud that his boys had achieved such a feat but naturally their expenditure was also over this month as a result. He had been reviewing his accounts all afternoon with his financial advisor to see if they could re-coup a little to compensate. He stretched back in his chair feeling his back re-align with a satisfying click. Kyrano appeared at the edge of the lounge and bowed.

"Dinner is served."

"Swell, thanks Kyrano." He stood up only to get trapped behind his desk as the whirlwind that was three hungry kids sailed past him. Anyone would think they didn't get fed; he shook his head in exasperation then paused when he noticed that Gordon was still lying on the couch.

"Are you alright son? Better get moving if we want to beat the piranhas." He smiled the creases around his eyes crinkled prominently.

Gordon stood and started to make his way across. "Yeah, I'm fine just not that hungry."

Well, that wasn't unlike Gordon, he had never been a ravenous eater and not one to snack either but usually he liked to be caught up in the hubbub teasing his brothers as they filtered in for dinner. "I saw you were out at the point of no return earlier?" The point of no return was the nick name for the most remote part of the island, a lovely shallow cove but hard to access. It could only be reached at low tide or via boat.

"Yeah, I fancied a hike and a decent ocean swim, haven't done one in a while and its good for my stamina." Jeff nodded. It wasn't compulsory but all the boys had their own fitness regimes that they adhered to; their job could be incredibly demanding not just mentally but physically.

Jeff came to a halt facing his son. "Look. I know you can't go next weekend to the conference but why don't you take a dive around the island? You haven't done that in months as long as you're within twenty minutes of the island in case there's an emergency, I don't see why you couldn't take out the boat." Jeff reasoned.

"Thanks dad, I might do that." Jeff gently clapped him on the shoulder.

"Come on let's go and see what Kyrano's served up."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tin-Tin had tried for days to find an opportunity to talk to Gordon. She knew there had been some mild disagreement with Alan whilst she was on the mainland but she wasn't too concerned about that, the boys were susceptible to the odd tiff from time to time. They were siblings, it was only natural they wouldn't see eye to eye all the time. She was more worried about what he had confided in her, especially as he had started to become more withdrawn, she didn't want to go as so far to describe it as depression but his behaviour wasn't far off. He'd taken to wearing sunglasses and lounging by the pool rather than in it. She couldn't encourage him to partake in a game of volley ball, tennis or even chess. His brothers tried to include him in their conversations but gave up after a few attempts when he just kept giving one-word responses. He was usually quiet by nature but lately it was like he wasn't even in the same room.

She watched him get up from the lounge heading to the kitchen, this was her chance. She dropped her magazine and casually headed out after him. Her heart sank in disappointment as she rounded the corner to see him talking to her father and Brains. His eyes flicked up from the table as he gave her a small nod but didn't acknowledge her presence any further.

"Hey Brains, you know that DPV we've been tinkering with? Where's it at? Dad's given me permission to dive around the island this weekend so I thought I'd take it for a spin. We tested it a couple of times but I want to really put it through its paces."

Tin-tin accepted the still lemonade her father offered her with a smile. She leaned against the counter watching the guys at the table. Kyrano picked up the tray on the counter before silently slipping into the shadows.

"F-f-unny you should mention that, Gordon. I was actually adjusting the thrusters on it this morning, so you could give it a try but maybe you should err, attempt it in the pool first. Then we could monitor the situation more ah carefully. I-it isn't without its risks." He pushed his thick rimmed glasses back up his nose in frustration as he jotted some formulae in his notebook.

"Can't be any worse than hydrofoil blades and propellers can it?"

"N…no but you can err still get maimed or oxygen starvation or decompression sickness – to name a few." Brains blinked, diverting his eye contact from Gordon, he didn't do very well be being directly challenged but when it came to safety or championing one of his inventions, he could hold his ground somewhat.

"Alright, pool it is. Where is it and I'll try it on nearer the time to check the fit and run through the controls again."

"Its in the silo in the equipment compound under apparatus to be tested."

"Thanks Brains, you're a star!"

"Gordon, could I have a word?" Tin-tin asked gently.

Brains sensing a shift in the atmosphere hastily gathered his papers. "I'd better go and check on the aha software upgrade." As he scurried out the door.

Gordon settled into his chair. "Sure."

"I just wanted to catch up before I go away this weekend. I know we didn't get a chance to finish our conversation." She drew a chair opposite him.

"Oh that; don't worry about it. I'm going diving this weekend and testing that new kit so I've got plenty to occupy myself with now." He smiled but something in his eyes remained hidden.

"Well, I'm glad you have a chance to go out and spend some free time on your own. How about the rescues? With us gone this weekend its likely there will be a rescue, hopefully you'll get a call out."

"Maybe."

"Have you spoken to your father? You know he doesn't do it on purpose don't you? He likes to stick to his routines. It's just a habit but if you told him you would like to be more actively involved, I'm sure he would consider it."

"You mean my Dad is stuck in his ways."

"I didn't say that." A small smile playing at the edge of her mouth.

Gordon sat for a moment, twiddling with the salt and pepper pots. Novelty ones of two propeller aircraft's. When you pressed the button, the blades would dispense the seasoning. Gordon had brought them as a Father's Day gift when he was about twelve.

"No; not yet but I feel like I shouldn't have to ask. He knows I want to assist as much as the others. They don't have to beg to go on rescues. I've tried Tin, I've really tried." He stood up. "but it's alright. I've come to the conclusion that I just need to get used it."

With that he gave her a light peck on the cheek before he walked away. "Oh Gordon." She whispered softly to the empty room.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Alan finished loading the last of the luggage into ladybird, why Tin-tin needed this much for a weekend trip he'd never know. Might as well add the kitchen sink. He huffed as he got the last suitcase up onto his shoulder.

Tin-Tin hugged her father tightly and planted a kiss on his cheek. "See you soon."

"Keep safe my daughter."

"I will, I'm not the one racing!"

"Yes, on that note, you be careful son." Jeff clapped Alan on the shoulder. "Racing's a dangerous game."

Alan rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine dad, just you wait. Hopefully next time you see me I'll have several exclusive sponsors falling over me."

Jeff chuckled and ruffled Alan's hair. "A chip off the old block for sure." Alan grinned back; it wasn't everyday he received his father's praises.

The whole family had come down to the silo to see them off. Alan turned around to face them. "So long fellas!"

"Have a swell weekend both of you." Scott called.

"Have a lovely time." Virgil embraced Tin-tin. "Make sure he spoils you rotten."

"I will."

Whilst Tin-Tin was otherwise engaged, Alan walked up to Gordon and offered a hand. "Thank you for this buddy. I owe you one." Now Alan was on his way, his feelings of anger over the situation had abated somewhat.

Gordon paused then shook his hand. "I want to hear all about it when you get back."

Jeff looked relieved. He was worried there might have been a last-minute confrontation to handle but he was pleased to see his sons being so mature about the situation.

Tin-Tin broke from her hug with Scott to say her goodbyes to Gordon. He held out his arms smiling. "Don't forget me."

"How could I ever forget you? Look after yourself, won't you? Promise me?" She pulled back searching for the truth in those tawny irises.

"I promise, go and have a great time and quit worrying." He added quietly but not unkindly.

She gave him one last squeeze before heading over to the plane where she jumped into the main pilots' quarters.

"Demoted already." Gordon quipped to Alan.

He laughed. "It was a compromise. Her 'bug' she gets to fly."

"Otherwise, I get dibs on his 'bird' next time." She added as she placed her sunglasses on.

Scott and Virgil chuckled. Now they knew why their brother was being so gracious. "Bye!"

The engines fired; pre-flight checks having been conducted earlier; they took off up the runway before taking off. The family watched till they were a small blip on the horizon. There was a strong breeze today rushing into the silo bringing a stout chill on the wind. Virgil shivered. "Time to go back upstairs I think."

Jeff nodded his agreement. Scott looked to Gordon "Coming?"

"Nah I've got the new DPV to take out."

"DPV?" Scott looked confused.

"Diver propulsion vehicle" Scott still looked confused. Gordon rolled his eyes. "Underwater jet pack."

"Ohh! Right; maybe lead with that next time. Want some company? I could keep an eye on the boat and where you are while your under?" Scott offered.

"No thanks, I won't be long and Brains will be on comms if I need him."

"Alright then. See you later."

With a final wave, Scott joined the rest of his family in the elevator. Finally! Gordon sighed in relief. He'd lost too much time already, too much hanging around! He anxiously waited a few more minutes till he heard the lift slot into place before running over to the equipment bay. Opening his personal locker, he quickly grabbed a small waterproof bag before turning to pick up the DPV. Then he sprinted to the lift that took him to the monorail. He navigated through the honeycomb of silos until he came to the one at the end where they stored the boats.

They had five vessels in the family. A family yacht, a bowrider boat, two sailing boats and then his own personal beloved Cuddy cabins, the Moby Debt (It was the first boat he'd brought himself and affectionally named as he was in debt for some time after purchasing her). She was always moored on the small pontoon within the natural cavern, the waves lapping at the hull. Behind Gordon there were steel reinforced doors that created a tight seal to the rest of the island when there were severe weather alerts. He quickly offed his stuff into the cabin before starting up the blower, whilst he waited for that he quickly stripped down to his suit and chucked on his flippers, storing his clothes in the cargo hold. Then he fired up the engine making sure the kill cord was secure on his wrist. He'd been casting in off in various vessels since he was a teen, the routine was second nature to him now.

He moved around the deck unhitching the mooring lines as he went. Grabbing hold of the wheel he glanced over his shoulder before deftly pulling away from the dock. He moved from the shadows of the cavern into sparkling blues where the sunlight kissed the ocean. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, his hair whipping about him. He was taking the boat to the east side of the island where they had a small boat house. From there he would head out with the DPV to his rendezvous point. Any doubts he had about his plan washed over him as he breathed in the salty tang that was so familiar to him. His lips broke into a wide smile, this was the life! The strong sea breeze, the crash of the waves against the hull, the steady bounce underneath his feet as the boat skipped over the ocean. Nothing in sight except open seas and the glorious rocky outcrop of the volcanic island they called home. He took a moment to savour the euphoria of pure joy that cascaded up through him. Some people's happy place was in their car with their records blaring, or flying at ten thousand feet but for him, being out on deck at the helm in the brilliant morning light was enough to inject a burst of welcome happiness into his life. He should have done this sooner. He only now realised how much he had been craving this freedom, the thrill of independence.

It was over all too soon, Gordon saw the section of coast he wanted and adjusted his course before knocking down his speed and aligning with the dock. He hastened to secure the boat before shutting everything down and ensuring his gear was packed away. He's checked the weather; she should be safe here for the weekend till he could collect her. Taking one last look around the boathouse, he shrugged on his pack across his front and carried the DPV out onto the jetty. He strapped it to his back and fitted his rebreather and mask. He then checked that he integrated oxygen tanks were functioning correctly, before plunging into the water. He bit back at the instinct to gasp at the temperature difference and quickly fired the turbines up. Checking his oxygen level once more, he set off.

Although the water was choppy above it was fairly calm once under but Gordon remained alert to strong currents. He was impressed with the jet packs performance; he and Brains had upgraded the turbines as well as the motor increasing the speed and range considerably. He checked his navigation device on his wrist constantly, it was very easy to drift off course when using a DPV. Luckily this wasn't his first rodeo, he used to use these all the time back in his W.A.S.P days. Granted they were not as technically advanced as this one. He continued to speed on, he had four minutes left till extraction. Dark blue shadows loomed in his periphery at points before fading away, occasionally a shoal of tropical fish glinted past him light crystals in sunlight. There was a beep that told him he'd reached his location, he wiped off his speed taking his time to rise steadily before breaking the surface near the black circular structure he had seen from below.

He swam over to the large yellow buoy in the water, they were a good fifty miles off the island and used for their own occasional water sports activities. He had set these courses himself when he first moved to the island. They were good for training exercises as well as recreational pursuits. Gordon hauled himself up to perch on the edge. There was just enough room but as he tried to wriggle out of the pack, he almost fell off back into the ocean again. He cursed in surprise. Gordon pushed up his mask. He looked skywards before glancing at his watch, his breaths were almost returning to normal. It had been some time since he's undertaken an underwater dive of that duration. He'd forgotten how taxing it could be. He continued to bob up and down, his anxieties staring to bubble to the surface. This was the riskiest part of his plan. He'd been very careful to plot location so that even if it did trigger security on the island, they would likely just pass it over as a random military flyover. They got them sometimes; it wouldn't be out of character especially as it wouldn't be landing.

Gordon saw a black dot in the distance then heard the familiar drone over the open water. He stood up holding onto the buoy for support. He heard the beep of his watch. "Star Lord to Rocket, approaching extraction point…. E.T.A one minute so you better be there."

Gordon shook his head smiling at the familiar voice of the pilot. "I'm here jackass, pick me up."

"You know I could just fly by."

"Don't you dare!"

There was a bout of laughter before the comms were severed. Gordon looked up again, hand over his eyes as a small Heli-craft blotted out the sun, the propellors going nineteen to the dozen. The side door was already open with a cable being lowered. Gordon glared at it in impatience. Come on…come on! He leaped the last few feet to snag the harness before quickly securing himself. He opened the comm and signalled with his hand. "Okay take up her up!"

Gordon slowly started to chug upwards as the winch worked on pulling him up, his wet gear quickly drying as the winds buffeted him. As he reached the lip of the craft he grabbed out onto the side before pulling himself in to sit on the edge. He swung his legs around as the door automatically closed. He threw his mask on the floor along with his gear and ruffled his hair. He looked towards the cock-pit where the pilot had whipped around to glance over his shoulder.

"Gordon you daft bugger! Fancy meeting you here!"