Alan rolled his shoulders and settled down to work.

In his last school – never mind that it was mostly remote so he could be free to fit lessons around his job – he had been the bright kid, the one who aced everything, even death-by-Shakespeare. Alan had often given silent thanks that he didn't need to attend in person.

But here, at Harvard, he was just another kid. Literally.

Not many remembered he had been Thunderbird Three in another life, and Alan was quite happy to be treated as just another student. There were occasional moments when someone recognised him, but they were few and far between, and getting farther apart.

Today's lesson: quantum mechanics and relativity. It was one of Alan's favourite subjects as it really challenged him. The lesson was nearly over when his comm buzzed against his hip. He stole a glance to see a simple message.

"Call home. G."

By the time the lesson was over other students had been buzzing about the news. Somewhere there had been 'an incident' involving Spectrum officers, with reports of gunshots and three being injured.

He had heard the news on the gossip grapevine before he'd run into his room, his hands shaking as he tried to hit the right button for the encrypted call home.

Grandma asking him to call could only mean one thing. The only real question was who.

The call connected in two rings.

'Grandma?'

'Alan, sweetheart.'

'Who?'

'It's Scott.'

'How bad?'

'We don't know. John's there and as soon as he knows we will.'

'Will you call me?'

'Of course I will. Will you be alright on your own tonight?'

'Yes, Grandma. I'll be ok. I have plenty of coursework to be getting on with and I see that Jakarta is swimming so Virgil and the guys are gonna be busy and they'll need you. Just – just please, keep me in the loop.'

'We will, honey. EOS will keep us all informed.'

There was a pause. Sally smiled softly as Alan ran his hands through his hair. He looked so much like Scott right now it was painful. She watched as he blew out a noisy breath and pulled himself together.

'I – I miss you, Grandma. And Virgil. Give him a hug from me, will you?'

'Sure thing, kiddo. You keep in touch and call any time if you need us.'

'Will do, Grandma. Will do. Oh – Grandma, just a head's up – it's all over the news.'

'FAB, Alan.'

Alan sat back on the chair as he contemplated what had been said.

He had grown up knowing his brothers had dangerous jobs. He'd got used to being left behind while the others went out on rescues. Then he'd got used to being in constant danger from either nature or people as he joined them, but these last two years Alan had needed to grow up in a completely different way.

He remembered when first Scott, then John and finally Virgil left. Sure, he and Gordon were both in boarding school by then, but that feeling of being left behind each time had hurt. When Gordon had left Alan had never felt so alone, and for a while each time he had been angry that his brothers had left him.

This time he was the one striking out on his own, and these last two years had taught him how being on his own was helping him find himself. Now he understood why his brothers had gone.

Of course, they all checked in with him as frequently as they could, and he certainly never went more than a couple of days without speaking to one of them or Grandma. Thank goodness for John's skills in providing private and secure comms for them all.

Both Scott and Gordon had sustained injuries with Spectrum, but nothing like this – whatever this was. One more lesson and he could find out for sure. His room, a study room consisting of a desk, chair and bookshelves only, was not really secure enough for what he wanted.

The short flight home was uneventful, and Alan threw his bags down and raced for the living room.

'EOS?'

'Yes, Alan?'

'Fill me in please.'

'Of course.'

He was not happy with what she told him.