Chapter 21

Penelope was limp in his arms. Her face was stained with mascara-streaked tears, eye lashes resting against her pale cheeks. Virgil tried to push his feelings aside as he laid her out on the floor quickly grabbing the blanket and popping it under her head. He checked her airways, breathing and circulation which were all surprisingly normal. His panic dropped down a notch. He carefully lifted her eye to check the pupil and was swatted feebly for his efforts.

"S…. stop fussing." She sighed as she tried to roll over. Hope flared like a wildfire in his heart.

"Penelope, its Virgil. I need you to stay awake. At least for a moment."

"Gah! Leave me alone." She tried to wrap the blanket around her. If it wasn't so serious Virgil would have laughed. She was definitely not her usual mild-mannered self.

"Can I pick you up off the floor at least?"

She stirred and turned to face him. "Why am I on the floor?"

She's more with it. That was a good sign thought Virgil. "Penelope, I think you have one hell of a concussion coming on. You were unconscious for a moment there."

"I was?"

She tried to sit up but far too quickly, her head swam leaving her with a sickening feeling. Virgil, sensing the change in her demeanour quickly dived for the waste bin but was too late. Penelope was sick all over the floor. She felt awful, she'd not been physically sick since her late teens. "Oh, Virgil I am sorry." She looked really upset knowing she had just desecrated his beloved ship and embarrassed to have him there as a witness. She could feel the heat as her cheeks flushed fuchsia.

"It's alright. Don't worry about it." He had already offered her a handkerchief before scooping her up where she settled against his chest, her arms around his neck. He lifted her with ease to the bunk and settled her down knowing the movement of being in flight and carried wouldn't be helping her. Virgil then raised the bunk so she was sat upright and started to run a series of checks. Once satisfied he grabbed a glass of water from the sink and some painkillers. "Here take these. It will help"

Penelope; no longer feeling so well meekly complied, the fight having left her. He tucked her in some blankets and sat on the end of the bed.

"You can go. I'll be alright."

"Penelope you've have a head injury and most likely a concussion, you need observation for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. I'm not going anywhere."

"It's just a bump."

"So was mine initially and it resulted in a brain injury. It doesn't hurt to take precautions." Penelope remembered how poor Virgil had struggled to regain his memory after suffering amnesia when Thunderbird two had been blown up on what was meant to be a routine rescue but turned out to be much more sinister. He rarely talked about that time; it was too traumatic for him and there was much he still didn't remember. Her injury must have disturbed some uncomfortable memories and it wasn't helping that she was being so dismissive. She reached out for his hand and squeezed it firmly. He glanced down surprised before looking up.

"I'm sorry; I can't imagine what you went through, I promise I will do whatever you advise. Even being under observation. She smiled at him. "In fact, I'd be honoured if you could stay."

He smiled sheepishly at his hand in hers. "I'd be happy to keep you company."

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Jeff had held off the debrief after hearing about Penelope's complications with her injury and seeing how exhausted they all were. The doctor arrived shortly after they landed, giving them a chance to conceal rescue operations. Thankfully Penelope had a moderate concussion and nothing more serious. They had explained she had fallen backwards by the pool. She was to rest for at least a week so they were back to being short-staffed again. Jeff had stayed up late running over what he knew of the rescue, ready for the debrief as well as some much-needed contingency planning.

At eleven AM the next morning he called them in. This one wasn't going to be pleasant; the boys had completed a successful rescue but, in his opinion, they had scraped by. There were several performance issues that needed to be addressed and improved upon. Some of the things that had gone on yesterday were largely due to inexperience, this was a learning opportunity for them all. As Kyrano handed him a coffee he was surprised to see Penelope take a seat on the sofa. Virgil stood and quickly found a large cushion to place behind her back before shifting to make room for her feet which she ended up tucking under Virgil's legs.

"Penny, you don't need to attend this, you're on strict orders to rest." Jeff scolded her. She would have never let him get away with similar behaviour.

"I think I do Jeff; after yesterday I don't want the boys taking the blame for what were my own actions. I feel the need to explain myself.

"Very well. Shall we begin?" He glanced around. Scott and John sat companionably together with Alan in a neighbouring armchair, there were nods of approval all round. Parker hovered by his Lady's side should she require anything. He had been very distressed yesterday when she arrived back hurt. He was still muttering how it wouldn't have happened on his watch.

"Yesterday's mission was certainly a success and there is a lot to celebrate; but there were also some mistakes towards the end of the rescue that we need to review to ensure they do not occur again." Jeff panned around the room once more to ensure he still had their full attention. "Right, so let's start with the good news. John."

John flicked up a data log on his tablet. "Well, the good news is there were no fatalities which is a miracle in itself. Six hundred passengers and fifty-nine crew members all accounted for. Well done guys! That was no easy rescue I wish I could have been there to help you all out."

"Alan; take us through the preliminaries."

"I arrived at danger zone at 9am local time. Initially I carried out an assessment which identified four life boats from the ship and numerous bodies in the water. Local life boats were already on the scene but overwhelmed. I established a working communication with them and we agreed a course of action in that all but one of their ships would suspend their searches and concentrate onboarding the existing casualties whilst I scouted for others. The local navy was dispatched along with a UK Naval carrier which acted as a landing site for thunderbird two to drop off causalities in the end, so it was a multi-organisational approach. I reported my findings to Virgil and we agreed that I would be best placed to scout and direct local assistance whilst he focused on evacuation of the remaining passengers of the ship."

"Virgil: report."

Virgil shifted uncomfortably; it wasn't often he had to report in such detail. He was struggling to concentrate as Penelope's dainty feet snuggled further under him. "After Alan's report and from the initial call to Brains we knew that there where people trapped in the submerged section of the ship already, so we dispatched Scott in Thunderbird four. Then Penelope and I began to evacuate the remaining passengers trapped hanging on the almost horizontal deck. We had to act swiftly as seventy percent of the ship was already under. Penelope guided the passengers onto the platform whilst I maintained the position."

"So far so good, Scott?" Jeff looked to his eldest son who was tapping his foot on the floor, his leg jigging with pent up inactivity. He was not used to waiting to report near to last and been mulling this over all night. He still wasn't satisfied with his poor performance yesterday. It didn't happen often but when it did it sure bothered him. He frowned.

"My primary objective was to locate the missing crew; we had no idea where they might have ended up but somewhere around the middle or towards the end of the vessel. I located the crew in an air pocket and managed to free them – those new respirators worked swell by the way Brains." Scott nodded at the live portrait where Brains smiled in acknowledgement. Scott paused to take a sip of coffee, steeling his resolve before running a hand through his hair. "I'm not going to lie father; I was literally out of my depth on this one. It's been a long time since I've had to swim that far in full gear, by the time I got to them I was already lagging. When I released the crew and they shot off I struggled to keep up, which was further impacted when the ship finally started to increase in its descent. It was hazardous terrain that I'm simply not used to navigating. When I finally escaped the maze of cabins, I couldn't see the men anywhere."

"This is why you ignored our calls?" Jeff asked sternly. Scott never ignored protocol the only other times he had were when he'd been unconscious. Jeff had suspected something was amiss.

"I didn't even hear the call; I was too busy over egging my BCD and worrying I hadn't managed to save anyone. Anyway; I did get them all in the end, only one suffered oxygen deprivation but I managed to get him on a tank pretty quick in Four. Then I dropped them off and the next drama unfolded." Scott threw a side glance at Virgil.

"Meanwhile Penelope and I had managed to secure one group of passengers and Penny had gone back down to fill up the next platform, everything was routine until I heard…." He trailed off, looking to Penelope for the answers he'd been dying to hear since that dreadful moment where he thought he had lost her.

"Till Virgil heard the scream of the mother who dropped her baby. I had been securing people onto the platform when I noticed a young woman with an infant swaddled in the crook of her arm, she was barely hanging on. She hadn't even cried out when she saw me, she was too exhausted from her sole focus of keeping her child out of the water. I made my way across and pleaded with her to hold on. I watched in horror as the child slipped, the mother's look of anguish sent me into action. I simply couldn't let the baby fall so I leapt into the abyss."

"You threw yourself off? No safety line, no grapple?" Jeff looked appalled.

"There was simply no time Jeff, I hadn't even copied Virgil in. It was a child who needed protecting -saving. There wasn't a choice and I'd do it again if I had to." She lifted her chin in defiance as she saw Jeff was about to speak. Noticing her steadfastness and knowing the Lady as he did, he closed his mouth again. Alan looked at her in complete admiration of her actions while Virgil couldn't bring himself to look at her for fear of his feelings being exposed. He could see her boldly staring at his father out the corner of his eye. She was the only person he knew that could get away with that outside the family. Although Penelope tried to live outside her regal status, you couldn't become complacent. She was a Lady and a Lady's decree should be respected.

"I managed to reach the baby, but as I did something caught me by the leg which I now know was one of three extraordinary men that came to our aid. My head unfortunately connected with the deck and I was too stunned to reply to Virgil haling me. The men pulled me up and the next thing I knew we were swimming across to meet Scott. We dropped the men, woman and child off before returning to Thunderbird 2"

There was a long silence, stifled only by the shuffling of paperwork. With Tin-Tin gone Jeff was having to take his own notes. He put down his fountain pen but continued to sift through his paperwork. The others waited with baited breath. This could go a multitude of ways if the nervous twitching and fidgeting in the room was anything to go by.

Jeff steepled his hands in front of him. "I recognise this was a complex rescue under difficult circumstances but there were several faults that could have led to disaster."

"Dad!"

"Alan let me finish." Jeff held up a hand as Alan scowled back at him.

"Scott, I know I don't have to spell out the consequences of your mistake. I know it's down to lack of experience, but I need you to gain experience and quickly. Until Gordon is well, you're going to have to continue these duties."

"That's all well and good father, but where the hell do I get this experience? The only time I dive is rare and usually on the job. I guess I can take a few dives off the coast here but I have no idea how recreational diving is gonna help me get out of a sinking vessel." Scott folded his arms unusually defensive. "We need Gordon back."

There were murmurs of agreement. "Agreed, but he's not going to be for at least another two weeks - perhaps longer and we can't always rely on one person as this incident has proven."

"I've had an idea!"

All heads turned to Virgil. "Gordon was feeling like he wasn't involved enough, right? He's got some time in recouperation now so why don't we ask him to devise a training programme for us all in regards to diving? He could start with a workshop or presentation and when he is well enough, he can build in regular training. He used to take new recruits through their paces, I'm sure he can manage us lot trying to master diving."

"What a fabulous idea Virgil." Penelope exclaimed.

"He would love that and we would really benefit from it. We do flight and fire drills all the time, it would make sense to have a water rescue training programme." Scott looked enthused by the idea.

"Alright; well, that's settled then. I'll contact him later. Next is the fact that Penny was hurt because she was having to work alone and maybe – no offense Penny, not quite experienced enough to be working alone as of yet. Afterall you are trained as agent and not as a rescue operative."

"I asked to go dad, I could have helped like I did on the ocean pioneer." John cut in, his usual polite and peppy self but there was a steel to his posture and a challenging steadiness to his gaze that suggested mild annoyance.

"I told you John, we needed you here in case thunderbird three was needed. We're going to have to call Tin-tin back with Penny out of action now." Alan's head lifted; his attention caught.

"Penny in the future I want you to listen to the boys. I played back your communications with Virgil just prior to the accident and Scott said the platform was overloaded, you should have sent it back up when Virgil checked in."

"Yes Jeff, I accept that. I promise I will do better in the future. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you Virgil those poor people were desperate. I was just doing my best."

"It's ok Penelope, it's tough when you need to rescue people that frenzied. As their hysteria builds its hard to remain rational and to follow procedure when they are crying for help." Virgil could understand for he struggled with it the most out of all the brothers, the war between compassion and duty. She nodded unwilling to express anything further in words.

"Right any questions or are we done?" Jeff asked.

There was silence. "Well thank you all for your time, your dismissed. Penny go back to bed." He ordered.

"Parker."

"Yes mi'lady?"

"It appears dear Jeff is worried about my wellbeing, could you please bring the throw out of the guest room and the pillows off the bed?" Parker tried to keep a straight face.

"Yes mi 'lady and I'll bring your mid-morning brew."

"Splendid."

Just a few minutes later and Penelope was wrapped in a red tartan fleecy blanket with her little finger pointed outwards on her bone China cup giving a sigh of contentment. Virgil tried to stifle his amusement as Penelope graciously raised her tea to Jeff before taking a sip. Jeff scowled before excusing himself, he could still hear Penny and his son laughing as he left.

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Gordon was kicking back on the veranda finishing the salmon and salad Tin-tin had put together. "Hmm you cook just as good as your dad." He complimented before scraping up the last morsel.

"Thank you. He used to love teaching me to cook when I was little. I used to have this little apron with rolling pins and a message that translated as 'Daddy's assistant chef'." The plates chinked as she gathered them together on the table.

"I bet you were adorable, little mini Tin-tin getting covered in flour and batter. I'd love to see some pictures."

"You should ask my father, there's nothing he enjoys more than finding embarrassing photos of me as a child and presenting them to anyone who will listen. He was always showing your grandma."

Gordon smiled fondly at the memory of his beloved Grandma.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep

"Oh! hello it's dad. Wonder what he wants?" Gordon accepted the call.

"Hello?"

"Gordon, how are you doing son?" Jeff looked like he was sat in his room which was unusual.

"Yeah, not too bad. You?"

"Fine, I mean how are you, as in how are you healing?"

"Oh. Erm yeah, perfectly fine, check-up was alright. Still gotta do some more healing but one of the ears is starting to close really well, the other one is going to take a bit longer." Somewhere over the top of his wrist he could feel the burning disapproval of a woman who knew different. He inched the watch closer to his face. "At least I can hear now."

"That's great! I'm glad you're on the road to recovery. Any news on when you can come home?"

"Why - you missing me?" He grinned but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Of course, we're missing you – maybe not the incessant pranking. Its why I'm calling actually."

"What about pranking?"

"No missing you." Jeff made a sound of exasperation. Gordon sat straighter whilst Tin-tin made to leave to give him some privacy. He waved her back down.

"Gordon, since you've been gone it's come to my attention that perhaps we – no I; had underestimated the importance of water-based rescues and the skills required. It's also become apparent that your brothers have nowhere near the confidence that you do in the water. Scott's been the only one brave enough to step up so far and even he is struggling. Therefore, I have a proposal."

Gordon glanced up at Tin-Tin in surprise. She beamed back at him nodding, urging him to say something.

"Gee! Go on then, I'm listening."

"I want you to devise a training programme, like our fire drills to be given once a month in which you all practice water-based rescue skills such as diving, swimming with casualties and so on. I know you won't be able to do the practical for a while but Virgil suggested maybe you could deliver a workshop to tie them over?" Jeff was hoping this would give his son the outlet he had been craving and benefit their rescue operations. Gordon would have plenty to do and feel more included and the boys would be better prepared to deal with all rescue types.

Gordon sat quietly for a minute processing what his dad had just proposed. He was already thinking of potential subjects; ordered in most important skills to recap such as diving basics, open water rescues, swift water rescues and how to swim in strong currents.

"I'll give you some time to think about it." Jeff stated gruffly mistaking his pause.

"I'll do it!" Gordon's eyes lit up.

"Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Now is Tin-Tin there?"

Tin-Tin came round the table and sat on the arm of the chair so she was in full view of Mr Tracy. "I'm here Mr Tracy."

"Tin-Tin, how are you? I hope Gordon's been behaving himself?"

"Hey! I'm the model gentleman!"

A smile flashed across Jeff and Tin-Tin's faces. "He's been absolutely no trouble."

Just as the words were out of her mouth Gordon off camera indicated to his lap and nodded at the arm she was sat on, mouthing 'looks uncomfortable!' She stood before sitting on side of his lap so his father couldn't see. Gordon was careful to place his free arm on the arm rest. He wasn't prepared for the warming sensation from the pit of his stomach. As she complied, he could trace a hint of jasmine in the air. He swallowed as he tried to control the chemical reaction kicking off inside of him. So much so he'd missed most of the conversation.

"Oh no that's terrible is Penny, ok?"

"What happened?" Gordon asked, playing catch up.

"She knocked her head pretty bad on a rescue but she's well enough to be playing ladyship in the lounge. She just needs to rest, but that's why I need you home." Jeff looked to Tin-tin.

Home? That would mean he would be here alone for at least another two weeks. That was a depressing thought, he was enjoying having company.

"Of course, Mr Tracy I will pack right away! You'll be alright won't you Gordon?" She turned towards him.

"Sure, I guess. I mean I need to keep an eye on that infection but" –

"Infection? I thought you said you were fine?" Jeff asked sharply.

Gordon turned the watch face to him. "It's nothing, just a little niggle, I'm on a different type of antibiotic now. Just had a bit of redness with a mild fever."

"Will you ever be honest?" Jeff sighed in frustration.

"Not likely." Jeff glowered at him. "It's alright Tin-Tin the boys are pretty exhausted. One of them will collect you from the airport on Wednesday, do you think you can teach Gordon to look after himself before then?"

"I'll do my best Mr Tracy."

With business concluded they said their goodbyes. "Take care son, remember I want you home as soon as possible so concentrate on getting better. See you on Wednesday Tin-Tin."

As soon as his dad signed off Tin-Tin turned round more squarely on his lap. Her knees resting between his open legs as she balanced perilously close to his... Oh boy!

"Congratulations Gordon! I think your father has realised how much we need you. How do you feel about it all?"

"About what?" His voice was a little pitched.

"About the training silly! You wanted more involvement; I know it's not rescues but surely this is a good step in the right direction?" She pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Oh. Yeah that. I agree I'm quite excited by the prospect actually. Interesting to hear that my brothers are struggling with confidence in the water but I could definitely help with that. I have loads of ideas already, it will be fun." Damn he was blabbering.

"Are you ok?"

"Hmmm? Yeah, fine just food for thought you know?"

She stood up to gather the plates. He shut his legs as she did so; leaning his chin on his hand in what he hoped came across as casual.

"I must text Penelope and check she is alright; I wonder what happened exactly?"

"She'll have trusty Parker looking after her, she'll be alright." And Virgil won't be letting her out of his sight. He thought to himself. Ever since Anderbad something was different between them.

"It's a shame I have to go, I don't want to leave you on your own, are you sure you'll be, okay?"

Feelinf safety now there was distance between them, he stood up to clear the glasses away for her, flashing a grin across the table. "I'll be fine, I'm twenty-five not ten, I can take care of myself. They need you and It won't be much longer before I can come home."

Tin-Tin rinsed the plates before loading the washer whilst Gordon stuffed the laundry in the dryer. He kept telling himself he would be fine on his own as he stole glances of her wiping the surfaces but he knew it was a lie. He also knew he was in deep trouble; for he had a sinking feeling he was falling for his brother's girl. Oh Boy! I'm going to hell in a handbasket! What was he going to do?