Scott sat atop a freezer, praying it was empty, not taking his eyes off the silent brother sitting beside him.

John was finishing securing the men, taking pleasure in tightening restraints butVirgil refused to leave Hamilton. They'd bound his hands behind him, but Virgil's aim was unwavering as he kept his gun trained on the man's head.

While Virgil's hands were steady, Scott didn't need to worry about him. Not yet. But the silence and involuntary trembles coming from Gordon were a concern.

Gordon's gaze was fixed on the floor, hands clasped between his knees. Scott nudged him.

"You did good, Gords."

"I panicked."

The self-loathing in Gordon's voice made him flinch, but it relieved Scott – at least Gordon was speaking again.

"I thought I could take him. I was wrong."

"What happened?" Scott knew Gordon's abilities - he should've taken Hamilton down without breaking a sweat.

"He said something," Gordon mumbled. "About that place."

Scott didn't know what to say. Gordon had healed, but Scott understood the emotional scars would take longer. He might not have gone through the same as Virgil, but he'd still been abducted, declared unfit and thrown in a river to drown. If their positions had been reversed, Scott wouldn't want to talk about it, either.

A noise drew his attention. His father appeared in the doorway, and Scott slid down from the freezer. Alan was nowhere to be seen, but Scott wondered how dire the threats had got before Alan had agreed to stay in Two.

But it wasn't the youngest Tracy on his father's mind. Scott watched him look around before striding towards Virgil.

"Help John, or keep out of the way," Scott ordered. Gordon was too unsteady to try anything on his own. His brother stayed where he was.

Scott moved, catching John's eye and jerking his head towards Gordon. John nodded, and Scott smiled. Gordon still had a big brother watching over him, and Scott didn't feel bad about leaving him.

Scott put himself on an intercept course with his father.

"Dad-," he began, stepping in his way.

"You knew." The accusation was harsh, but Scott lifted his chin. His father shook his head. "You knew he wouldn't stay in Two."

"He deserves to be here."

"He's not fit for duty."

"He saved Gordon's life!"

"It's alright, Scott."

Scott looked around at the voice. Virgil holstered his gun as he closed the gap between them. He was pale, but his eyes glinted with determination. There was no denying he was holding it together better than Gordon, yet he'd been the one told to stay behind.

Scott moved until they were standing shoulder to shoulder, facing their father.

"I'm sorry for disobeying you," Virgil said. His voice was quiet, making sure Hamilton couldn't hear them. "But this is my fight. Since they started firing at us in the forest, this has been my fight. I'm not staying on the side-lines. I'd do it again, and you know that."

Scott looked between them, realising Virgil was right. Their father was angry, true, but there was also resignation in his expression. Just as he'd known Scott's plan to secure the area, he'd also known Virgil never intended to stay behind.

Their dad exhaled, reaching out and putting a hand on Virgil's shoulder.

"It scares me – you being here."

"Me too," Virgil admitted.

"And me," Scott added.

The tension broke as they all shared a grin. If their father was still angry, he'd buried it for now. He wouldn't order Virgil to leave.

Scott looked around.

"We've got them secure," he reported. "The stunners are either more effective than I realised, or John's been letting off a few rounds while checking them."

Virgil chuckled. It was unlike John to vent his anger in such a violent way, but it did no harm other than giving the men a headache when they regained consciousness. They all needed a release at the moment.

Scott watched his father squeeze Virgil's shoulder before moving to Gordon. Virgil waited until he was out of earshot before speaking.

"We haven't stunned them all."

Scott glanced over and saw Virgil was watching Hamilton again. Shrugging, Scott checked the settings on his gun and tried handing it to his brother.

"Go ahead," he said. "You said it yourself – you've earned that right more than anyone."

Virgil refused to take it. Scott moved until he was blocking his brother's view of the doctor, forcing Virgil to look at him.

"No one will judge you," he said, quietly. He rarely encouraged violence from his brothers, but Virgil's restraint worried him almost as much as John's lack of.

Virgil shook his head. "I have to speak to him first." His voice was quiet, his hands clenched. Despite his words, he didn't move.

"Virg-," Scott didn't know what to say. Hamilton was on his knees and bound. But he'd disarmed Gordon with a few choice words.

Virgil glanced at him. "I have to know why," he said. "That's why I came; why I left Two. I have to know."

His expression implored Scott to understand. Scott looked at Hamilton.

"Tell me you get it," Virgil pressed.

Scott sighed, but nodded. "I get it," he said. "But you're not doing this alone."

He caught John's eye, gesturing for him to join them. He didn't speak until John stood next to them.

"We're with you."

John's eyes widened in understanding and Virgil looked relieved. He was determined, but he was also scared of the answer. Scott only hoped it gave Virgil what he needed.

The three of them moved forward, but Gordon joined them before they'd gone more than a few steps. Scott glanced at him, and it was enough to know Gordon needed this as much as Virgil. He clapped the aquanaut on the shoulder but looked around to find their father. He was holding back and when Scott frowned, he gestured for them to continue. Scott nodded, understanding. They'd done this together until now – he was letting them finish it that way too.

They stopped in a semi-circle around Hamilton. The resignation in his eyes showed he knew he'd been beaten, but Scott still rested his hand on his gun. He wasn't in the mood for last-minute theatrics, and while Virgil might hesitate in knocking him out, Scott wouldn't.

But Virgil wasn't holding back any longer.

He grabbed Hamilton's collar, forcing the doctor to look at him.

"Why?"

Scott had never heard so much emotion in one word.

Hamilton frowned, then Scott saw his eyes widen. He looked between Gordon and Virgil, and put the pieces together.

"You were there too." He wasn't even attempting to deny his involvement now.

Virgil nodded. "And I lived." His voice trembled. "But tell me: why?"

"Why I ran the whole thing?" He had a smug tone; a glint back in his eye. Scott shifted. Virgil was desperate for answers – and Hamilton knew it. He was trying to take control of the situation again.

"You want to know why you were taken, assessed and approved? Why my men were going to cutyou to pieces and sell you to the highest bidder while you still breathed?"

Virgil stumbled back a step. Scott braced him, a hand on his shoulder even as the other tightened on his gun. But John moved first – and Hamilton toppled over from the force of John's punch.

Scott gave his brother an amused look as John cursed, nursing his hand.

"Hurts, doesn't it?" he murmured, and John gave him a sheepish look.

It surprised Scott how calm he was. Then he felt Virgil tremble against him and had his answer. Hamilton was trying to take control – but Scott had no intention of letting him. His brothers needed him to hold things together and if it gave them time to process everything, then his own emotions didn't matter.

Gordon pulled Hamilton upright again. Virgil took a deep breath, shrugged off Scott's hand, and pointed his gun at Hamilton's head.

"Tell me why," he ordered, voice cold. "No games."

"Money." Hamilton looked unconcerned by the gun and Scott knew he'd figured out they were only stunners.

Virgil shook his head. "No," he said, "there's something else. What?"

"Just money," Hamilton said. "People will pay a lot and not ask questions when their loved ones are dying and you offer a solution."

But Virgil wasn't satisfied. "Tell me the truth!"

The desperation in his voice was painful to hear. Scott saw Gordon glance at Virgil in alarm and knew why. Virgil wasn't accepting Hamilton's answer – and he was losing control. Scott didn't understand why – it made sense to him.

"This world is run by money," Hamilton spat, "you're a fool if you don't know that."

Virgil's finger tightened on the trigger. Scott grabbed his shoulder, spinning him away. Virgil was too angry – if he shot now, Scott wasn't sure he'd stop.

But a gun still went off, and Hamilton slumped, unconscious. Gordon lifted his chin as he holstered his weapon, defiance blazing from him, and Scott smiled. That was one brother he was now certain would be okay.

Virgil pulled away, stalking to the far end of the room. Scott followed, seeing his shoulders shake even from a distance.

"Virg?"

"It can't be true," Virgil whispered. "There has to be a dying wife, or child, or something!"

"Why?"

Virgil didn't face him, and Scott gave him space. All that mattered now was that his brother knew he was there, whatever he needed.

"It can't be just for money. All that pain, all that suffering… there has to be more."

Scott sighed. "You know not everyone sees the world as we do, Virgil."

Virgil turned, and Scott tried not to flinch. His expression was lost, vulnerable in a way it hadn't been at the hospital. Hamilton's answer had broken something in his brother.

"I told myself there was a reason," Virgil said, his voice fierce. "Something pure. Love, protection, a noble cause… anything! To put people through it, put us through it, just for money…"

Scott set a hand on his brother's shoulder. "I won't let him hurt anyone again," he promised.

Virgil looked up at him. There was trust in his expression, just as there had been when they were children and he thought Scott could fix all his problems. The only answer Scott had to such faith was to pull his brother into a hug.

Virgil was rigid in his hold. Scott thought he understood - everything they did and sacrificed, they did because of love. But to Hamilton, it was a transaction, nothing more. Cold, hard cash was the only reason they had taken Virgil, almost killed him. They spent every day trying to save the world, and this was the thanks he got.

Scott looked around. All of Hamilton's men were unconscious and, as he watched, John led Gordon from the room. His father was waiting, knowing they couldn't rush Virgil, but Scott nodded at him, a promise without words that he had this under control. His dad left, leaving them alone.

He had no idea how long they stood there before he felt Virgil relax. Scott closed his eyes, reminding himself that his brother was alive and breathing, before pulling away.

"Scott?"

John was back, hovering in the doorway. Scott raised an eyebrow.

"Penny's in-bound," John said. "We need to go.

Scott nodded, and John left. Holding Virgil at arm's length, a wry smile touched his face when Virgil purposefully looked at the floor. It was a move he recognised from their childhood – Virgil wouldn't meet anyone's eyes when he was upset. Scott put a finger under his chin, lifting his head, the way he'd always done.

"Time to go," he murmured. Virgil finally met his eye and swallowed, but nodded. Scott smiled, squeezing his shoulder again before leading the way out.

He just hoped it had been enough. Hamilton had given an answer, even if it wasn't the one Virgil wanted to hear.

They navigated the corridors in silence. They didn't feel the same now the men were about to be taken into custody. Scott blinked, eyes watering, as they stepped outside. John was waiting for them.

"Dad's gone back with Gords and Alan," he said, but his gaze was concerned as he watched Virgil, who avoided making eye-contact. "Let's get out of here."

Scott agreed. The three of them got onto the bikes, and two engines started. Scott glanced at John, seeing the worry in his brother's eyes as his bike failed to start.

"Here," Scott said, dismounting. "Take mine."

"Scott-,"

"I'll be right behind you."

John looked unsure but Scott insisted, reminding his brother that it was his job to deal with the authorities on the ground in a normal rescue. He could handle himself and there was no way he was going to risk another brother. John saw his conviction, and had no choice but to take Scott's bike.

He was relieved as his two brothers disappeared and turned to the bike. But a rumble of engines drew his attention. Shielding his eyes, he peered out past the building. A convoy was heading their way: Penny had arrived with her promised back-up.

Scott lifted his watch, knowing his father should be back on board Two by now.

"When the others get back, take off. Fly low. We're too close." he said, "I'll be right behind you."

"What about you?"

"I'll be there as soon as I can."

Scott hid around the side of the building, next to his bike. Three vehicles came to a stop. Men and women in combat gear jumped out of the back two, immediately fanning out to create a perimeter that made Scott twitch nervously. He was going to have to move fast. A man in a suit got out of the first car and, to Scott's relief, Penny joined him.

Touching his watch, he sent a signal to their London Agent. She casually touched a brooch pinned to her jacket, silencing his call but glancing around. She murmured something to the man and hurried away, heading straight for him.

"Scott? What are you still doing here?"

"Who are they?" Scott nodded to where she'd come from.

"FBI and their swat team," she said. "Is everyone alright? Your father, brothers?"

"We're okay," Scott said. "Virgil and Gordon are a little shaken and Al a bit dazed, but we're okay."

"You need to go before they secure the perimeter," she said, glancing anxiously behind her.

"I know. Can you buy me some time?"

Penny nodded, but she seemed distracted. "You need to leave," she insisted, "I didn't come to the States alone."

"Yeah, where is Parker?"

"Not him."

"What do-," Scott broke off, answering his own question when his gaze fell on a familiar figure. He grabbed Penny's arm, backing up a few steps.

"What's he doing here?"

Penny shook her head. "Your friend has an impressive network of contacts."

Scott knew Penny well enough to hear she was impressed.

"He'd pulled some strings, got involved in the interrogation before we'd even left Taiwan," she said. "I thought I could leave him at the base – I'm sorry, Scott, I didn't realise he was joining us until it was too late. I couldn't get a more detailed message to you other than to say we were on the move.

"I'm going," Scott said quickly, swinging a leg over his bike. Everyone knew that Jeff Tracy had money and resources. But if Scott was found here and recognised, there was going to be a lot of uncomfortable questions.

And Shawn wouldn't buy any pretence about still being part of the Air Force and some sort of undercover mission.

Penny hurried off, no doubt trying to create a diversion.

The engine – again – refused to start. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm himself, and made the mistake of glancing over his shoulder again.

Shawn rounded the building at the same time.

"Scott?!"

"I-,"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Shawn looked at the building, back at Scott, suspicious. Over his shoulder, more people were heading their way.

"I can explain."

"This goes too far-,"

"Get on," Scott interrupted, tone urgent. Shawn seeing him was one thing. If anyone else noticed him, Scott had no idea what he'd say, despite his previous reassurances to John.

"What?"

"Get on," Scott repeated, shuffling forward to make room for his friend. "Get on, and I'll explain."

It was a split-second decision. But Shawn could destroy their family if he didn't have a good reason for this. Scott needed something to distract him, something to prove that they were the good guys, while also explaining how they came to be here before the FBI had arrived.

He'd lied to his friend this entire time, and knew Shawn was suspicious. The truth was the only thing he had left.

To his relief, Shawn slipped on behind him and Scott gave the bike a solid kick before trying the engine again. This time, it worked and he sped from the area as fast as he dared but no one called them back.

It was an uncomfortable ride as they crossed back to where Thunderbird One stood alone in a field.

Scott stopped the bike. Getting off, he turned as Shawn also slipped off, his mouth open. Shawn stared at him. Then looked at Thunderbird One. Back again. Then glanced over his shoulder in the direction they had come.

Scott tensed. He had no idea how the man would react, whether this was a good idea or not…

But his friend finally shook his head, running his fingers through his hair.

"Playboy living off Daddy's money, huh?"

Scott's laugh sounded hysterical even to his own ears. Words still escaped him. Shawn glanced at the scorch marks in the grass next to One, a clear sign – especially to anyone used to working with jets – that something large had just taken flight.

"Rest of the family?"

Scott tried not to react, but his silence gave his friend the answer. To Scott's surprise, he looked satisfied.

"What?" Scott asked, his voice hoarse. If this had been a rescue, he'd be able to handle it. Not only would there be less at stake, he also wouldn't be emotionally involved.

"I knew it," Shawn said. "I knew you weren't just sitting around."

Scott smiled. It had been one of the hardest things: letting the men and women he'd served with - risked his life for - believe he'd given it up for the easy life. They'd had to make it convincing, but it had hurt that most actually believed it.

"We had the technology," Scott said, "and knew neither the FBI or MI5 would find this place without help. The guys needed answers."

"Did they get them?"

"I'm not sure," Scott said. Virgil and Gordon had both found it harder than they'd expected, and Scott hoped it was worth it.

"I came for you," Shawn said. He couldn't hold Scott's eye. "I hated I couldn't do more for your brother. Had some favours to pull in so when that MI5 agent took the men into custody, I got myself onto the mission. I wanted to give you closure. Guess you beat me to it."

Scott didn't know what to say. But before he could make a decision, his watch vibrated. He ignored it, but Shawn's gaze darted to his wrist and back.

When it vibrated again, Shawn took a few steps back.

"Don't let me stop you."

It was the closest to privacy he was going to get, and Scott lifted his arm.

"What?"

"We've landed again. Dad wants to rendezvous before we head for home." Gordon sounded better than before, but still drained.

"Get going," Scott ordered, "I've got a few things to sort out here."

"Like what?"

"Shawn's here," Scott said, keeping his voice down. Shawn was staring at One with a look of awe on his face, pretending he couldn't hear the conversation.

"Has he seen you?"

"Yes."

"What're you going to do?"

"Only one thing I can do," Scott admitted. "Go home."

"No chance," Gordon said. "Might still need to save your ass."

Gordon disconnected, and Scott knew the others wouldn't go without him. At this rate, he would be lucky if they didn't come back.

But as he signed off, Shawn stepped towards him.

"I have questions," he said, "and I want answers. But I give you my word: your secret is safe with me."

Scott was used to listening to his instincts. And they told him to trust his old friend. With a head-spinning rush, the last of his adrenaline left him and Scott fought the urge to sit down, ignoring his trembling hands.