Just a quick note: Sorry - i've been meaning to write again for a while but life got in the way so please bear with me as i update this one. This story is based on Scott and Rose, you may wish to read under fire and An English Vacation as they are part of a loose series. This story is also may change in rating as its likely to be dark in places.
Chapter One
"What are you doing here?" She hissed. "Were my orders too difficult for you to comprehend? - Sir." She added as an afterthought over the whine of her blaster. She pushed up from the polished stone planter and fired a few shots off before slamming back down behind cover. She glanced over at the partner she hadn't wanted.
"Ma'am you know I outrank you at this point. My rescue, my lead." Scott intoned calmly across from his matching planter, his back against the polished basalt. The sounds of gunfire and shrapnel reverberated around them.
"This is a live incident. My live incident." She jabbed at her chest for emphasis. "They will be no one to rescue if my team can't get this contained. It's my job to protect you all and as you can see, I've yet to clear the area." – she flinched as the stone chipped above her and soil rained down in clumps. Not your usual Canary wharf at lunchtime. Usually full of midday trade, the area had been reduced to something akin to a war zone.
"I thought I'd offer my services." He raised his own weapon, the blue cartridge installed. Another barrage flew over their heads as they dug lower into their cover.
She snorted. "That's going to be really helpful." She blasted off a couple of shots from her much larger assault weapon over her head backwards, too outgunned to move much more. She heard a satisfying cry of the wounded.
He raised his brows surprised. She just shrugged before shouting "Cover me!" with a wild grin.
"Wai" –
She ran up the side straight towards the glass fronted doors, zig zagging between statues and fountains. Bullets ricocheted off stone and metal. She kept low sprinting right towards the shooters. From her estimates there were at least six active shooters, with intel pointing to another five indoors. She could see two at the side of the entrance, another two flanking the front porch and the final two concealed behind the large bollards. She took one down on the corner and another at the porch entrance before having to dive for cover again. Her hair was starting to unravel from the neat bun that was a standard part of her uniformed attire.
Scott cursed, firing at the two directly in front. They'd be having words later about her conduct, his heart was in his mouth. Scott saw one of the men level his weapon at her exposed back as she ran from one wall to another. "Oh no you don't buster." Scott squeezed the trigger and watched with satisfaction as the blast caught the man square in the chest. The guy crashed to the floor, his weapon discharging in the fall, taking out the lower portion of a wooden bench. It splintered into smithereens as Scott trailed up the other side ready to assault the building. He paused behind a statue of Queen Elizabeth, panting hard. He peeked around just in time to see a flash of navy and chestnut kick her way through the foyer with a team of three of her own flooding in with her. He sighed in relief. The cavalry had arrived.
"Mobile control come in."
Scott frowned at his comm whilst raising it to his lips. "Mobile control receiving you. I thought I told you this line was to be kept clear."
"We heard shooting, are you alright?" Virgil's usual soothing tones were marred with worry.
Scott could feel a small trickle of blood starting to well above his left eye. "Swell. Just working out a few things with local law enforcement."
Virgil's sighed, sharing a knowing glance with Gordon in the cockpit. "I hope you listened to the DI."
"I did; but we haven't got all day Virgil. Those people trapped in the vault only have twenty minutes of Oxygen left. The time for diplomacy has passed. Plus I think you'll find the Sargent instigated this, i'm merely following in her wake. "
"Has it occurred to you there may be no one to rescue with the armed assailant trapped in the vault with the civilians?" Gordon interjected.
"The vault is soundproofed and a communication dead zone. The perpetrator will have no idea what's occurring outside." He watched the entrance intently. "Now quit wasting my time. I'll signal when it's clear for us to begin operations." It had gone quiet. Taking his chances he slid around the corner for a better look, he was yards from the entrance. The final frontier…but he wouldn't go in until they came out now.
The only reason he'd left mobile control was because he'd overheard the police radio stating she was pinned down. He couldn't just sit by the desk knowing she was in danger. Fleeting images of crimson pooled under her prone body, her blue tinged lips caused him to inhale sharply. No that would not happen again. Not if he could help it. He hadn't known her back then but she'd left a lasting impression that day, five years on and he knew he couldn't be without her. Just thinking about it blindsided him. Her blood on his hands echoed in his mind's eye. He steadied himself against the stone, weapon still poised for action.
It had gone eerily quiet which suddenly had him wishing he hadn't left mobile control reassigned to John on Five. She had officers with her now, she should be safe he tried to reason. Instead, he concentrated on checking his gun and observing the building. He'd have to go in soon, this was taking too long. He stole a glance at his watch; fourteen minutes to cut through a door that was thicker than he was tall. Cutting it fine was an understatement. The alarm had been triggered when the vault was forcibly opened, meaning the crook and the three innocent staff members coerced into moving the gold for him had been trapped. The door wouldn't open for another fourteen hours like some metal Venus fly trap ensnaring its prey. Once the police had discovered there were people in the vault, they'd been called in.
His eyes narrowed as black shapes moved in the darkened foyer, the sound of powdered glass being crushed underfoot. A host of officers marched out with their targets handcuffed and shunted along. Quite a few of the suspects were walking wounded. Scott completed a quick assessment and deeming it safe, stepped up to the nearest officer.
"Where's DS Williams?"
"On the ground floor with DI Sharpe sir. She said chances are you'd be loitering here – her words sir not mine." She added hastily, catching sight of his glowering expression, her pale cheeks flushing under her visor. How could anyone still look that handsome scowling? Flustered, she continued with her instructions. "She said to advise you that your team's been given the all clear to start operations."
"Thank you, we'll get on it right away. Any casualties we can be of assistance with?"
"Nope; us and civilian's all accounted for sir, bar those in the vault. Some injuries but not life threatening. Only dead are the suspects." She had no idea why her boss didn't see eye to eye with International Rescue…... this one in particular was fine to look at - even if he was a little abrupt.
As much as he wanted to ask after one specific DS in particular, he somehow managed to restrain himself by nodding and stalking away back to control, his shoulders set. No one could know she was his partner. They'd managed this charade for years now and he'd be dammed if he was the one to give them away. She was obviously well enough to continue operations with the DI, that would have to sustain him for now. In the shadows of Thunderbird One he thanked the officers for overseeing the mobile control centre and for guarding his aircraft. They nodded before stepping back into the shadows to give him some form of privacy.
"Mobile control to Thunderbird Two, you are clear to proceed."
"Thunderbird Two receiving you. Already acknowledged further instructions from Thunderbird Five that we were clear to proceed. Gordon and I are in position now."
Scott filed the lack of communication for the debrief later. "Be snappy about it Virgil; you have just ten minutes to get in there before the oxygen expires."
"Well aware thank you." Bit back Gordon before his brother could reply. The sweat was pouring down his back in this infernal suit. Scott always did have a knack for stating the obvious, which wasn't conductive to this current situation but Scott was always more tense on rescues where a certain DS was involved. Gordon tried not to take it personally.
He and Virgil had decided to work on a small section together to cut through quicker. At least they could then get an oxygen line through and prioritise getting the people out. "Can you get some breathing apparatus down here for the casualties?" Virgil asked.
"A team of medics are on their way now with the gear. What about the remaining assailant?" Scott queried.
"Gas was being bandied about but we vetoed that because of the cutting gear and the lack of air in the first place. So, the DS suggested sonics, which I agree is a neat idea but again the enclosed space will potentially intensify the damage not just to the assailant but the civilian's too." Gordon wanted nothing more than to wipe his brow but they weren't in the position to stop and he couldn't even if he wanted to, trussed up as he was in his gear. He focused his attentions back on the cut he was making.
"Sounds like our best option. Let me confer with base on that one. They'll be able to calculate the right decibels and frequency to use."
"F.A.B"
Flames licked at the door as Virgil continued to lengthen the cut. "You should make a start on the main exit now." Gordon nodded before breaking off to make a start. He knew that the sonics would only buy them a small window of time.
DS Rose Williams limped her way back out of the building. Her boss wanted her to debrief Scott whilst he continued to oversee the operation indoors. She reluctantly complied as her heart sang in contrast, she would get to see him again. It had been months.
Her leg was starting to hurt like crazy, she'd skimmed over the last planter and crashed to the floor hard to avoid a bullet and really done a number on it. Biting back the pain, she sighted him in the distance under the shadows of Thunderbird One, his back turned to her. Her heart skipped a beat. She'd missed him more this time round, the familiar ache of being separated from him dulling with each step.
"W-well I would er suggest using 160 dB 6HZ at a distance of 8ft. That should be enough to err incapacitate but not kill if used for, ah - no more than 20 seconds."
"Alright; thanks Brains." Scott signed off and swung round in his chair. He was startled by Rose perched on his control unit. Recovering himself he stared at her with a sweeping gesture. "Do you mind?"
"No. Do you want my report or not Sir?"
He sighed. "Go ahead."
The two officers behind shared a knowing look.
"All suspects bar the one in the vault are accounted for, sweep of the building is complete and the area now secure. There is still a hundred metre cordon in place with the underground remaining closed. Investigation and evidence gathering is ongoing. Seventeen hostages have now been evacuated, one security guard was shot and in critical condition, another is being treated for severe facial injuries but no fatalities."
"Impressive. It could have been much worse."
She nodded.
"Calling mobile control."
"Go ahead Virgil." Rose stifled a smile at the uncanny similarity to his father.
"We have been able to feed through an oxygen tube and we've finished the cut. We're ready to proceed and will be guided by the team here."
"F.A.B, keep us posted." He looked up at her. "Want to see the operation?" He indicated at the console where Gordon and Virgil had just activated their body cams.
"Thank you". She stepped closer to the desk, leaning over one handed, her thigh grazing against his mid arm. He was more than aware of her proximity as he shifted closer to the screen, his shoulder brushing against her. He swallowed awkwardly before shifting his focus. Gordon and Virgil appeared to be just off the main corridor peering around the corner. Virgil's camera mostly showed a view of Gordon on the opposite side of the corridor intersection whereas Gordon's camera gave a clear view of the vault where he stretched forwards from his position.
They heard the thud of the door ram as six police officers butted the weakened door of the vault; the jagged cut of metal fell inwards on the first hit prompting those officers to step back to allow their armed team members to storm the vault. The sonic went off, the vibrations strong enough to cause static on the men's cameras. There was shouting as the officers tried to intimidate the criminal. It was all over in a matter of minutes. "Clear!" A voice declared before the assailant was carried out under the arms, his weapon safely secured by the officer behind him. Paramedics were on standby to assess the casualties and treat them for any secondary effects from the sonic and lack of oxygen. The DI congratulated Virgil and Gordon on a successful mission as did they in turn.
Rose seeing the mission was complete stood up. She flinched at the pain in her knee. It had locked whilst she had been stood for so long. Now the adrenaline was wearing off the pain had intensified; it felt twice the size and was throbbing. Time to excuse herself. "Better get back. Until next time sir."
"Until next time, thank you for your assistance today DS Williams." His eyes glittered as he extended a hand. He couldn't resist, he just wanted to touch her. She gripped his hand firmly.
"My assistance? I think you'll find we called you in." Seeing no-one was nearby she smiled warmly at him, giving his hand an extra squeeze before letting go.
She started to hobble off, the grin on his lips faltered.
"DS Williams." She froze.
"Are you limping?"
"Just scraped my knee, I'll go and see an EMT now." She carried on limping, not daring to look back.
"The EMT's will still be stacked with the hostages. Come on; I can take a look at that for you."
"No thank you, its F- Ouch!" She sighed, her tense shoulders falling in defeat. She turned to face him scowling. "If you insist."
"This way." He held out his arm towards Thunderbird One. She dismissed the officers underneath the aircraft who walked away without a word. The steps clattered as she hobbled up them, dragging her left leg. Scott bit his lip behind; he knew better than to carry her as much as he wanted to. He stepped in front of her to access the biometric scanner. Once safely ensconced inside, he immediately guided her over to his pilot's chair with a gentle hand hovering near the small of her back. He pressed the button to lower it as close as he could get it to the floor before proceeding to grab the first aid kit. He glanced back at her. "You'll have to strip those off unless you want me to cut them open?"
"Any excuse." She muttered slipping out of them. He smirked as he opened the case on the floor only to look up in concern when he heard a sharp hiss. She had got down to the knee, pushing the tight fabric over it. "Shit!". She sat down abruptly.
He pulled on some gloves and peered closer at the wound. There was a lot of congealed blood but it wasn't hard to see the large flap of skin. Knowing how sensitive she could be about these things he tried to play down the injury. "Wow, you really did a number there didn't you?" She had effectively sluffed the top of her knee cap straight off, luckily the skin had held on at the midway point of her knee.
"Hmm." She'd gone white. He started to pull out a saline solution and a local anaesthetic.
"Still; easy to fix, we'll have this strapped up in no time. You know you could dial back on the hating my guts out there. You seem to enjoy it far too much – and I don't loiter." Her leg was covered with goose bumps, he could feel them through the gloves as he prepped the wound site with numbing cream. He knew he had to keep her talking to get her through the next bit.
"I do love to loathe you - I told Ronnie not to blabber but knew she would. I think she has a crush on you." Rose gripped the arms of the chair harder, her knuckles turning white despite her relaxed tone.
"Hmm. Lord knows why after the things you say." He carefully pricked the skin, she tensed but it was all over instantly. "Well done, let's give that a minute."
She nodded not able to speak. Needles put the fear of God in her. Scott was the only one she trusted to administer drugs via hypodermic. It had taken him years to earn that trust but he'd taken it slowly, patiently coaching her through coping technique's that had helped her immensely. She would always be phobic but she no longer felt it was out of her control. With a good treatment plan and his calming presence, she could get through it. He massaged her calf as a distraction.
"Perkins told me he overhead you refer to me as the little firecracker and a real mare to work with." She glared before her lips quirked upwards. The name firecracker had stuck, everyone called her it now but she kind of liked it, even if she wouldn't admit it.
Scott smirked "I didn't call you a mare, I just described you as…... trying". Each rescue they'd like to try and outdo each other in the rumour department. Their counterparts were so removed from their real opinions of each other that her work colleagues would be hard pushed to accuse them of friendship let alone being in a relationship.
She made the mistake of looking down at the thread he was weaving through her skin. She recoiled. "Sorry honey; the laceration is too deep to glue I'm afraid but I'm nearly done." He used the clamps to catch hold of the needle as he tied off the thread. Downing the instruments, he squeezed her hand. "Well done. I think that's the best you've been."
She nodded, silent tears falling. He stood to pass her a tissue and kissed her on the forehead. She felt his hand on her arm. "I'm going to bandage it up now, if you'll let me?" Rose nodded.
Once he'd wrapped her knee, he found an ice pack which he crushed to activate then strapped it to her leg. He operated the controls so the chair slowly tipped her back. "Ice 20 minutes every two to three hours for the next twenty-four hours. No weight bearing."
"Are you kidding me? I've got clear up to do, interviews, paperwork."
"Not today sweetheart."
"But…but interrogation." She looked like a smacked puppy. He tried not to laugh. "I'm sure they'll still be some to interrogate tomorrow. Processing takes time, right?"
"I suppose."
He handed her some oral painkillers and water before finishing tidying the kit away. He halted beside her, gently lifting her chin. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, let me try and make it up to you." His lips locked with hers, kissing her deeply, the frustrations of months without her making themselves known. She had one hand in his hair the other bracing his chest as she ran her hand downwards. He huffed against her jaw as her fingers trailed like a wildfire, she knew just where to touch him to incite a reaction. He groaned, feeling her smile in return. Rose wanted to wrap herself around him but her stupid leg was numb and the seat was in the way. She kissed her way down his neck as his hands braced against the headrest to give him better purchase.
"Thunderbird Two calling thunderbird One"
Ahhh! Not even five minutes. Virgil's timing was impeccable as ever. Scott reluctantly detached himself hitting the comms button on the arm. "Thunderbird One receiving you."
"We're all done here, are you coming back to base?" Gordon enquired. There was static then Virgil's softer tones. "All the equipment is packed, the EMT's have things covered so we're ready to head back, unless you have any additional instructions?"
"Great job guys, feel free to head on out. I'll be joining you shortly."
"DI Sharpe was looking for DS Williams." Rose stopped toying with his uniform and checked her comms and discovered a chunk had shorn off.
"Ohhhh, wondered why it was quiet." She giggled before stifling herself.
Scott frowned, running his thumb over the bullet damage. "The DS is with me; she sustained a bad knee injury and the EMT's were overwhelmed at the time so I've administered first aid. I just need to explain aftercare then I will get her back to DI Sharpe."
Rose tried not to laugh at the muttered "No way is he coming home now." In the background of Thunderbird Two. Scott glared at the comm.
"Glad you were able to help, pass on our well wishes to the DS. We'll let base know where you are." Virgil concluded.
"Thanks. Thunderbird One out."
He grabbed her trousers off the floor. "Erm…. I don't think these are going to fit."
"That's the third pair I've ruined this month." He raised his brows as he grabbed the scissors.
"Long story." She flushed.
He lowered the chair and helped her back into her trousers, the new crew cut leaving her bad leg exposed. "Thanks for patching me up."
"You're welcome, don't try and make it a habit though." His tone was playful but his eyes glazed over with worry. She shuffled forwards tracing the cut above his eye with her thumb. She knew today had been hard on him, he always struggled when he saw her working. She also knew how helpless it made him feel for she felt the same when she watched him on call.
"I'll try not to but you know I'm clumsy." She threaded her hand through the cool material of his power blue baldric.
He sighed. He knew her job was dangerous but sometimes he felt she actively put herself in danger when there were other steps she could have taken first. He didn't want to part on bad terms so he buried those thoughts for another day. "So, are we still on for next week?"
"Yep, can't wait to have you over. I've missed you so much."
"Me too sweetheart. I'm looking forward to it."
He scooped her out of the chair and carried her to the door, stopping for one more kiss. Somehow, he pulled himself away. "Are you ready?"
"Yes Sir, can't say I look forward to the next time we have to work together." Gently placing her on her good leg, he opened the door.
"At least we agree on something ma'am."
She snorted. He tried to offer his hand but she declined using the rails to hop down the stairs where she called one of her team to assist her.
He shook his head as the ramp pulled up, a warm smile tugging at his lips as the hatch closed.