Disclaimer: Not mine and never will be, but I do enjoy playing fantasy.
Summary: Being the youngest of five is always hard, especially when they pounce at the slightest hair out of line. Sometimes the art of deflection can sting.
Master of Deflection
Chapter One
"Easy, Ma'am," Alan said as he helped the injured lady take a seat in the triage tent. The eighteen-year-old nodded to the paramedic as they began assessing their newest charge.
Leaving the tent, Alan tried to stretch his back and neck as he took in the scene before him. His watch told him it was almost midnight Island time, which meant it was close to three in the morning local time. They had been called to help with a landslide that had devasted a large portion of Oregon's foothills. Minutes had turned into hours before he had even known it.
"Alan!" he heard someone call from behind him. Turning, Alan was happy to see Gordon. "You're a sight for sore eyes. I have hardly seen you this whole mission," the redhead said with a smirk. "Where you been, napping in Two?"
Alan raised his eyes brows but realized his brother couldn't see his unimpressed expression underneath his helmet. "Does it look like I've been sleeping?" the teen grumbled as he pointed to his dirty uniform.
"I just assumed you decided to make a dirt angel."
"You're an idiot," Alan said, shoving his brother.
"Maybe," the redhead chuckled, throwing an arm around his baby brother. "However, this idiot brings good news. We've been set free. Our fearless field commander just got word from base that local authorities have assumed charge now. We've done all we can do."
"That's the best news I've heard all day!"
"I figured that'd make your day, night, whatever time it is now," Gordon said, as he waved into the darkened sky as they made their way into Thunderbird 2.
Alan slowly followed his brother into the cockpit, where Virgil was waiting for them. "You okay there, Allie? You seem to be moving a little stiff."
The blonde rolled his eyes as he sat his helmet on the floor beside him. "I'm fine, Virg. Just tired like the rest of us. I can't wait to jump into a warm shower and then my bed."
"I couldn't agree more, Sprout," Virgil said as he started preflight checks.
"Thunderbird Five to Thunderbird Two," they heard John's voice call across the com.
"We read you, John," Virgil acknowledged, bringing the image of their space-bound brother on the screen.
"Your route to base has already been uploaded, and Thunderbird One has asked me to advise you he is waiting on you. Rather impatiently, I might add," John reported as he tried to suppress a chuckle.
"Oh, really," Virgil scoffed as he brought Thunderbird 2 into the air. "You can tell that grumpy old man we are leaving now."
John smiled devilishly as he was fully aware that Scott could hear their conversation but took pleasure in muting his line. "Message received, but the grumpy old man can't acknowledge. He needs to be focusing on his flight."
The three occupants of Thunderbird Two each enjoyed the laugh at their eldest brother's expense. It was no secret that when Scott was tired, he was rather insufferable. A trait both the youngest and oldest Tracy shared.
"Thanks for managing the airways, John," Virgil chuckled as he tried to suppress a yawn.
"Anytime. Fly safe, and I'll be around if you need anything until you've reached base."
"F.A.B. Don't stay up too late," Virgil said, giving his older brother a knowing look.
"Debrief is saved until morning under Dad's orders. So as soon as you are back, I promise I'll be following your lead. Thunderbird Five out."
TBC…