The Wedding
Chapter 23: Recovering TB1
Virgil arrived at TB2's hanger to see that both Gordon and Alan were working on getting TB4 ready for heading out again. As he walks by, he stopped and addressed his brothers.
"Are you two ok with getting TB4 ready while I go and prep 2, I think that we should test the new stronger grabs that Brains installed a couple of weeks ago."
"Yeah that is fine Virg, but do you think that these new grads are strong enough to Lift TB1 out of the water?" Asked Gordon.
"Well when Brains was in the middle of designing it. He did say that the grabs could take TB1 with no problem. Famous last words eh?"
"So what is the plan once we get out there Virgil?" asked Alan, he really had no idea how they were going to do this.
"Well once we get there, Gordon you are going down in TB4, once Gordon is down there then you are to drop a winch from TB4 to TB1 then Alan and I will work on the new grabs to bring TB1 to the surface. Sound okay to you two."
"But what if we need two cables to help lift TB1." asked Gordon as he and Alan left the pod to go and join Virgil in the cockpit.
"I think that we should leave the pod and Gordon there while we transport TB1 back to base and then come back and get you and the pod Gordy." sussed Alan.
"You know Alan that is not a bad idea. I could always be tidying up the pod while I am waiting on you to return Virg." said Gordon with a smile, he had been meaning to do that for a while now.
"Ok TB2 to Base, we are looking clearance for take off."
"That is fine TB2 and you are clear for takeoff and good luck with recovering TB1. Let me know if you need to talk to Brains."
"Will do Dad TB2 out."
It took TB2 about an hour to get back down to the danger zone where Scott went down in TB1. As they neared the danger zone Gordon made his way down to TB4.
"Ok Gordon I will let you know once I am ready to drop the pod. Alan could you go and make sure that everything is ready for recovering TB1 because I want to get this over and done as quick and painful as possible."
"Ok Virg, how do you think Scott is going to take it if we can't save TB1?" Asked Alan, as he was scared for his elder brother, who knows what his reactions going to be.
"Come on Alan lets go and get ready." Gordon's timely intervention saved Virgil from answering a question that he really didn't know the answer too.
"Ok Gordon."
Both Gordon and Alan left for the pod to make sure that everything was ready for recovering TB1
"TB2 to base." called Virgil from TB2.
"Go ahead TB2."
"Dad we have arrived at the danger zone. Gordon and Alan have gone down to the pod to get everything ready for recovering TB1," Said Virgil, he knew his father would appreciate the updates.
"Son I told both Alan and Gordon to go on..."
"I know Dad but Scott told me to go and help them and he is in good hands with Jo in the sickbay."
"Was Jo ok with this Virgil?" asked Jeff because he knew how nervous Jo was the last time that Virgil went out.
"Yeah she was fine about it Dad and even agreed with Scott on it. I think that she is enjoying working in the sickbay. I was going to ask Tin-Tin to show her where everything is but I think she is finding her way without any problems."
"Ok son I better let you go and started on this mission then."
"Fine Dad we will keep you posted TB2 out, TB2 to TB4 Gordon I am about to drop the pod. Get down there and see what sort of damage we are dealing with then hook her up your end. Alan and I will get ready with the grabs."
"F.A.B. TB4 out."
As Virgil was waiting on Gordon to get back to him he couldn't help but think 'what if TB1 could not be repaired?', he feared Scott's reaction to the bad news. On the other hand, if TB1 could be repaired it would take weeks before TB1 was going to be operated again. This meant that Scott will have to take mobile control into TB2 along with his brother flying.
"TB4 to TB2." Gordon's voice filled the cockpit, making Virgil almost jump straight out of his seat.
"TB2 here Gordon you ready?" He was thankful that his brothers couldn't see him now.
"Virg are you ok?" asked Gordon.
"Yeah I am fine Gordon you just made me jump when you called." replied Virgil
"Did I?"
"Yes you did but anyway. What way up is TB1?" Asked Virgil, fearing the worst.
"Well its looks as if Scott managed to get her landing gear down before he hit the water. I really think we should cut of her wings like those that we did with the Fireflest a few years ago. Once she floats to the surface then you and Alan can lift her with the grabs. I think it's the only way."
"Ok I agree with you Gords just don't tell Scott, you know how bad he gets when I have to fly TB1. Think how bad he will be if he finds out that we had to cut the wings off." replied Alan, shuddering at the thought.
"Ok Gordon we will go with your plan but you are the one telling Scott that we had to cut the wings of his baby to make her float." said Virgil. That was a job that no one wanted.
"Do I have too?"
"No Gordy I was only kidding. I'll break the news to Scott myself its better coming from me anyway but I am not looking forward to his reaction."
"Yeah I know Virg, but anyway I am about to cut the wings of TB1 it should take me about ten minutes to complete." said Gordon.
"Ok let us know once she starts float and we will be ready with the grabs to lift her."
"I will let you know. TB4 out."
"TB2 to Base"
"Hey son have you arrived yet"? asked Jeff
"Yeah we have Dad. Gordon went down in TB4 and saw that TB1 had her landing gear down when she hit the water. Therefore, our plan is now to cut the wings off her so she can float to the surface. Once she has floated then Alan and I will lift her with Brains' new grabs that he installed in a couple of weeks ago. We are going to leave Gordon here with the pod while we transport TB1 back to base." explained Virgil.
"Ok Virgil, Jo is still in the sickbay with Scott and said that she would stay there until you return. Once you return then you and Jo can make plans for going to the mainland in a couple of days."
"Thanks Dad. TB2 out, TB4 how are you getting on now?" asked Virgil because he really wanted to get this finished and see what sort of damage they were dealing with.
"Doing fine Virgil one wing is cut off and I am just in the middle of doing the other one now. Just give me another five minutes and I'll be through here."
"Ok Gordon let us know once TB1 begins to float."
"Will do TB4 out."
Down in the sickbay Jo was still looking after Scott who didn't seem too happy about Virgil, Gordon, and Alan going out to recover TB1.
"Scott, are you ok?" asked Jo as she came over to the bed.
"Yeah I am just really worried about how damaged TB1 is going to be...I don't think I could face seeing her damaged." said Scott with a sad smile.
"Scott if worst comes to the worst. I am sure that you and Brains can build a new TB1. I am sure it wouldn't take you long plus if you have some of the remains it would be easier."
"I know Jo sorry if I am being a pain here but can I sleep in my own bed tonight? Because I don't like being in here to be honest with you."
"Its ok Scott I don't mind really. Plus I need to get used to it if I am going to be living over here with you lot."
"You mean you are staying?" He'd hoped that she would but he wasn't sure.
"Yeah, you can't get rid of me that easily." said Jo with a smile
"So can I sleep in my bedroom tonight?"
"We will see how you go the next hour or so and then see what happens." replied Jo.
Jeff came walking into the sickbay to give Scott the bad news about TB1.
"Hey Scott got some news on TB1 and it's not good." said Jeff as he walked over to his eldest son.
"What do you mean not good Dad, Can she be fixed?" There was obvious worry in his eyes.
"The thing is son when you landed TB1 you got her landing gear down. So as soon as Gordon saw that he and Virgil come up with the plan to cut the wings off so she can float, then Alan and Virgil are going to use the grabs to lift her and bring her home." explained Jeff.
"Whatever way you look at it Dad I am still not happy about it."
"But the great thing about it is that TB1 is coming home son thanks to your brothers. They are doing everything they can for you."
"I know Dad and I am grateful for it really...just...damn!"
Just as Jeff walked forward to comfort his eldest his phone rang.
"Go ahead Virgil."
"Just called to let you know that we are on our way back with TB1 and the damage is not good."
"Ok son thank for the warning. We will see you once you get home."
"Ok TB2 out."
"Well Dad what's the damage?" asked Scott.
"Not good son not good."