Went a completely different route with this chapter compared to the original story.
LFXoren, thank you for your kind review. Same to you, pearlmoon85. ColonelBriteis, that's for me to know and for you to find out. ;)
Everyone knows the drill. I own nothing. (Almost wrote "I know nothing". I have my dad's obsession with Hogan's Heroes to thank for that.)
ENJOY!
There are many words people would use to describe Jeff Tracy. Kind. Fair. Handsome (especially in his younger days; although, he has seen some gossip sites label him a 'silver fox', whatever that was). Loyal. Devoted family man. Observant. Meticulous.
He was kind and fair to his employees. He was loyal to those who showed him loyalty in return. He was devoted to his family.
He was highly observant of the environment around him.
When Indiana Evans formally accepted his offer to join International Rescue, he didn't realise just how much of a stir her presence would cause among his sons. (Although, he reasoned to himself, she was a beautiful young woman who didn't practically grow up with his sons.)
Don't misunderstand him. He didn't think she caused the kind of stir that would involve his five sons fighting amongst themselves to win her affections. (Well, more like four, since it's obvious Alan is rather sweet on Tin-Tin.) Rather, it was a good stir.
It was another injection of life.
It was the day before John was to move up to Thunderbird 5. Jeff knew that his third son would be the best person for the job, but he would be lying if he didn't consider the ramifications of living on Thunderbird 5 almost full-time.
The isolation was the first thing that came to mind. John would be by himself for several weeks on end. And Lord only knows how long it would take them to receive their first emergency call. Being up in a satellite listening to the world below you, but not being able to truly be a part of it, is an isolating thought, never mind the reality.
There was also the concern any parent would have about their child. Jeff would tell anyone who asked that his worst nightmare was to have something happen to one of his sons and be completely powerless to help them. To not be able to protect them from the dangers they face. To not be able to heal every hurt they feel. To know that the days where he could soothe his sons by searching for monsters under their bed were long gone.
Jeff knew that this would be different. Even if they had a space rocket, Thunderbird 5 wasn't easily accessible. He feared of something happening to his son and not being able to get to him.
But when Jeff walked past the infirmary and heard voices, he felt his fears calm slightly.
From the bits and pieces he could gather of their conversation, Indiana was teaching John how to conduct abbreviated health checks on himself. She was guiding him through the different checks he could do and telling him what to look for. She also recommended writing everything down in a diary so if, heaven forbid, he did happen to fall ill and/or notice something seriously wrong, he had documentation that would help him identify when they develop, which would lead to early intervention.
"That's it," Indiana praised as John felt around his neck, "Normally, you wouldn't be able to feel your lymph nodes. You only do if they're swollen."
"Are they a concern?" John asked worriedly.
"Not always," Indiana shook her head, "They often get swollen if you're battling an illness. Even the common cold. Your lymph nodes play a role in fighting off infections. They're like a filter. You tend to notice swollen lymph nodes more in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits, or your groin area."
"I'm glad you're taking the time to show me this, Indiana," John said, "It makes me feel a bit better about being up in the satellite all the time."
"Don't mention it. You need to know what to look for," Indiana pointed out, "Besides the stars, that is."
John chuckled at Indiana's quip, "Well, I suppose it gives me time to work on a few more books."
"I know it's not going to be easy. But think of yourself as the gatekeeper," Indiana suggested, "Because you are. We can't know where we're needed without you."
"Well, that makes me feel better," John quipped.
Jeff smiled to himself as he walked away. This situation was well in hand.
It was several days later. John has long begun his watch aboard Thunderbird 5. All the brothers have taken turns keeping contact with him to make sure he doesn't feel the isolation too harshly. They all wanted to make him feel like he was still part of whatever was unfolding at Tracy Island.
Also, John sometimes feeds them bits of gossip he happened to pick up, much to everyone's amusement.
Jeff was making his way to the kitchen when he heard laughter. It sounded like it was coming from the vicinity of the games room. So, he made his way downstairs.
He had the right idea. But the wrong room. Because the laughter was coming from the trophy room.
It was no secret that the Tracy boys were all high achievers. It was to the point where they needed a whole room dedicated to displaying everyone's accomplishments. (With some exceptions, of course. For example, Scott kept all the commendations from his time in the Air Force in his room.)
But overall, they kept in the trophy room the boys' college diplomas, Gordon's W.A.S.P. certifications and swimming medals, various awards and trinkets from the boys' school days…
And Alan's racing trophies.
Not for the first time, Jeff was reminded of what his sons were giving up to help him achieve his dream. Gordon gave up a highly promising swimming career. Alan walked away from his racing career.
That seemed to be the subject of Alan's conversation with Indiana. Over the past several days, Indiana has been making a point of spending time with each of the Tracy brothers one-on-one to get to know them as individuals. (Although, that didn't stop each brother from trying to embarrass each other.) From the way Alan was holding one of his trophies – coincidentally, the trophy from his last race before announcing his retirement – Jeff knew that Indiana was learning of some of Alan's interesting experiences on the racing circuit.
"He did not!" Indiana gasped for air amidst laughter.
"I promise you he did!" Alan cackled, "Gomez was the type to do it!"
"I remember watching the races, he always came across as a bit of a douche," Indiana remarked.
"Trust me. He lives up to it," Alan remarked as he put the trophy away, "But that just made beating him all the sweeter. Him and his idiot mate, Gillespie."
"Just out of curiosity, all those allegations about them cheating…," Indiana trailed off.
"Officially, there's no proof and the allegations are unfounded. Unofficially… Well, let's just say anyone got weary seeing them near their cars," Alan told her seriously, "They also tend to play dirty on the tracks. But not too dirty, if you dig me."
"Toe the line, but not cross it?" Indiana surmised.
"Oh, he crossed it. But always in line with the rules," Alan corrected, "It's something I don't miss from my racing days. Being surrounded by people like Gomez and Gillespie. I'm sure if Gordon told you about his swimming days, he'd say the same about some of the people he competed against. Let's just say what they had in prowess, they lacked in sportsmanship."
"He mentioned it briefly," Indiana mused, "So, what's Tin-Tin like?"
"She's really sweet, smart, stubborn, brave," Alan began listing.
"And you have a thing for her," Indiana chuckled, causing Alan to blush, "I picked up some things."
"Yeah, well…," Alan mused, "I'm sure you guys will get along swell. You know, when she comes back from Europe."
The conversation then moved on, with Alan providing clarification to various trophies in the trophy room, recalling the story behind each one (and taking the opportunity to embarrass his brothers along the way; what brother wouldn't?).
Jeff walked away as he remembered his original objective. He needed coffee.
The next time Jeff saw Indiana interacting with the Tracy brothers was by the pool with Gordon. He could tell by the swimsuits and the wet bodies that they had just completed a dive together at the beach and they were taking a moment to relax. He recalled that, on his advice, in the month between accepting his offer and moving to the island, Indiana became certified to dive. (The Tracy brothers, Brains and Tin-Tin were already certified.) He knew that she had managed to complete the PADI Open Water certification before moving to the island and Jeff was making the arrangements she needed to complete the remaining levels.
Gordon, as the best diver in the group, was more than eager to volunteer to help her with her certifications. To keep her skills sharp, he often took her out on dives. Indiana was going for her PADI Advanced Open Water certification next. As part of the course, she gets to try deep diving and three specialty dives of her choosing, which will allow her to earn credit towards the specialty certifications. She's choosing Search & Recovery, Underwater Navigation and Dive Against Debris.
She also has the option of going for further certifications down the road, but Jeff wanted to make sure she had the certifications just in case. Besides, it would allow her to go diving in different spots around the island. So, it had the added benefit of giving her another means of enjoying her new home.
"You're doing well, Indiana," Gordon praised as he checked her answers in the online course, "You'll get that certification in no time."
"Thanks, Gordon," Indiana smiled, "Thanks, also, for clarifying some points for me. I feel like some of them went over my head."
"Hey. It's important to understand everything. The more you understand, the safer you'll be," Gordon told her firmly, "Besides, if you get fully certified, you can help out on rescues if needed. And I can take you to the underwater caves."
"Now, that is good incentive," Indiana proclaimed.
"Say. Since I'm teaching you a lot about diving, can you teach me some things?" Gordon asked her.
"Sure thing," Indiana nodded, exiting out of the lesson she had just completed.
"Well, father wants me to be involved in that non-profit he's starting up about trauma centres, especially in rural areas. But I want to be able to understand some things about it first," Gordon began, "For starters, what are the different levels and how do they impact trauma centres?"
"Going off the U.S. basis, there are five levels. Basically, the level of a trauma centre plays a big role in resources and number of patients. The categories define national standards for trauma care in both adults and paediatrics. The designations vary with each state and local level. The ACS handles verification," Indiana began explaining, "Some places only have the three-tiers, though."
"Five levels?" Gordon repeated in confusion.
"A Level V Trauma Centre is the most basic trauma centre you can get. They provide initial evaluation, stabilisation and diagnostics, but ultimately, they prepare patients to be transferred to other facilities, such as another trauma centre with a higher ranking. Level IV is a bit more advanced than Level V, including trauma care and life support. They're usually more in rural areas and do a lot of outreach. Level III trauma centres are small, but can provide decent care. That's where you see 24/7 coverage with emergency medicine specialists and other staff members are on-call. Level II trauma centres are a lot like Level I trauma centres. The main difference is research and publication expectations. Level I trauma centres have them, but Level II trauma centres don't. Level I trauma centres also provide the most comprehensive care from prevention to rehabilitation," Indiana explained.
"And where you worked, was that Level I?" Gordon inquired.
"Yeah. Kessler's a Level I trauma centre. For both adults and paediatrics. This is an important distinction. Because there are some trauma centres that are Level I for adults, but Level II for paediatrics," Indiana warned him, "Kessler was also the only trauma centre in Rochester and the largest in Western New York. Trust me. Having a really good trauma centre makes a difference."
"So, what are some of the things we can do to help?" Gordon demanded, "I have my experience as a patient. You have your experience as a trauma surgeon. Let's combine them."
"Well, first of all, help through the verification and designation processes," Indiana began listing.
"I figure equipment and personnel are a given," Gordon remarked.
"Definitely. But it's not just about supplying the people and the equipment. They'll sometimes need help with the logistics," Indiana pointed out, "For example, we can help some of the already established trauma centres bump up a level as well as putting in new ones."
Gordon and Indiana immediately set to work putting their list together. While it may have been the cover story Indiana provided to explain her sudden decision to resign from Kessler, it was something Jeff was genuinely interested in setting up.
Just like he did when he stumbled on Indiana's interactions with John and Alan, Jeff walked away, having saw everything he needed to see.
Jeff next saw Indiana a few days later in Thunderbird 2's hanger. Virgil was showing her the various pods and the equipment that would be stored in them (except Thunderbird 4; that was Gordon's territory).
"So, this one," Indiana began, pointing to the Mole, "can burrow beneath the Earth?"
"Believe it or not, it could have its uses," Virgil chuckled, "Brains really thought of everything. We've got the Firefly, the Transmitter Truck, recovery vehicles; I'm pretty sure you could convince him to design a special ambulance that would allow you to perform surgery on the fly."
"Or let me stabilise the patient until we can get to the infirmary," Indiana countered before musing, "But now that you mention it…"
Virgil let out a laugh. Yeah, he knew Indiana would be on board with the idea when he mentioned it.
"You sound like the type that wouldn't be afraid to run into danger," Virgil observed, "Don't know how Scott would feel about that."
"I'm getting that idea," Indiana drawled with a slight eyeroll, "But I'm a trauma surgeon. I've seen a lot."
"Sounds like you'll have some stories to tell us," Virgil remarked.
"Well, Kessler's the largest trauma centre in Western New York. I've seen plenty," Indiana pointed out, "Scott knows of at least one. He actually met one of my last patients when he came to pick me up."
"Yeah, I think he mentioned her. Little girl?" Virgil asked, "Scott was in a real tizzy over that one. So was dad. Must've been bad."
"Without going into detail, yeah," Indiana nodded, inhaling shakily.
Oh yes. Jeff knew about the patient Indiana was talking about. After all, he helped with her medical expenses. Scott did, too, because, as Indiana said, he met her. He also knew that Scott was keeping tabs on how little Sophia Michaels was doing. She was well on her path to recovery. They were waiting for the outcome of the court case against Sophia's parents, but they knew it was ruled that Sophia would stay with her aunt pending the outcome of the trial and Indiana might be called to testify.
Virgil decided to change the subject, "Hey. How's that painting going in your room?"
"Great. Thanks, Virgil," Indiana smiled, "That was a good place to hang it."
"Glad to know my artist's eye is good for something," Virgil smirked, "This is your home now too, Indy. I just wanted to help you feel like it is."
Indiana's smile remained as she gave Virgil a quick hug. "Now, about ambulance you mentioned…"
Jeff had to walk away so he couldn't reveal himself through his laughter. He didn't know why he was worried. Indiana was fitting right in.
It wasn't until just before International Rescue started operations that he noticed a true shift.
Something Jeff made sure was included on the island, just off the games room, was a shooting range. Early on, Jeff had decided that he wanted his sons to carry weapons so they could defend themselves. When Gordon was hospitalized following the hydrofoil crash, he had witnessed an incident where a patient attacked the doctors and nurses caring for him, including a young medical student who was so traumatised they decided to drop out of medical school and pursue another career path.
He did not want to risk that happening to his sons. No one had a way of knowing the state of mind of the people they rescue.
Jeff wanted to blow some steam himself at the shooting range. He was a farm boy. He knew his way around weapons. His deceased father made sure of it. After all, they had to protect their livestock from predators.
But Jeff found his plans dashed when he saw Scott and Indiana were already in the shooting range.
One of the topics they debated about when they decided to bring Indiana aboard was whether she would carry a weapon. Scott was against it. If Indiana was going into the field, someone with a gun would be with her at all times. They could keep her safe. Indiana was also hesitant about carrying a weapon. She has seen many cases involving guns coming in and out of the trauma centre. But Jeff made the successful argument that, in a lot of ways, Indiana was becoming a combat medic; and combat medics were allowed to carry small weapons to protect themselves and their patients.
That sold it for Indiana. Scott took some convincing, but he eventually came around. So, Jeff made the arrangements for Indiana to get the necessary permits and Scott started training her how to handle a gun.
That was why Scott and Indiana were in the shooting range. It was another lesson. Jeff knew that Indiana had already fired a couple of rounds in previous lessons. She didn't hit the bullseye, but she at least hit the target. She didn't have any wide misses or close calls with ricochets.
"Okay. You need to bend your knees slightly," Scott told her, "It'll help with any recoil."
"Like this?" Indiana asked as she flexed her knees.
"Better," Scott acquiesced before adjusting the position of her head, "Keep your head level. It'll help you maintain balance. Especially if you're on the move."
"Oh great. I have to learn to run and shoot now?" Indiana grumbled.
"Not yet," Scott shook his head as he adjusted her shoulders and arms, "But you will have to learn how to shoot at a moving target. But we can get to that when you improve your aim."
"Hey. At least I hit the targets," Indiana retorted.
Scott had to give her that. She didn't have any of the close calls some of the others have had. It's safe to say that the best shooters among the Tracy brothers were Scott and Gordon, but a lot of that came from the fact that they both had military training.
Jeff couldn't help but note the type of interactions Scott and Indiana were having. The way Scott was making all these almost needless adjustments to her stance. The way his fingers grazed the bits of skin that were showing when Indiana's shirt rode up ever so slightly.
It was almost as if Scott was looking for an excuse to touch her.
Indiana didn't seem to have a problem with his behaviour. Jeff knew very well that Indiana was capable of calling someone out if she felt they were behaving inappropriately towards her. In fact, Indiana almost seemed to be responding in kind, without making it obvious.
She was definitely a lot more subtle than Scott.
Indiana fired her first shot for the day. She got closer to the bullseye in the target, but her knees weren't as flexed as they once were and she got caught out by the recoil. She stumbled backwards and would've fallen if Scott didn't move fast to catch her.
At least Indiana could laugh at herself, which allowed Scott to let out a few chuckles of his own.
"You're getting there, Ana," Scott praised her, "It just takes time."
Jeff, who was in the process of making a quiet departure, doubled back at Scott's nickname for her. Ana. Nobody else called her that. It was always Indiana, Indy or Dr. Evans. The only nickname Indiana mentioned going by was Indy. Never Ana.
From the way Indiana reacted (or rather, her lack of reaction), this wasn't the first time Scott had referred to her by the nickname; and she didn't reject it.
Jeff couldn't help but notice that they hadn't righted themselves yet. In fact, they made no move to. He felt like he was watching one of those romance movies where it feels like everything freezes for the main characters and they have this internal debate. Will they or won't they? Neither of them dares to make the first move, afraid to scare the other person. Afraid that they misread body language or misinterpreted signals. Afraid to destroy the moment and damage the foundations of their friendship.
But just like they didn't react out of fear of ruining the moment, their lack of reaction put an end to it. They regained their footing. There was that brief moment of awkwardness before they decided to move on as if the moment never happened.
They might not know it yet (or want to admit it), but Jeff did. He knew what this meant.
It was enough to make Jeff change his objective. He moved himself to his room and immediately sought a box with a combination lock that he kept under his bed. Entering his late wife's birthday, he unlocked the box and looked at his late wife's jewels, searching for a particular item.
When Jeff and Lucy discovered they were expecting their first child and Jeff was about to get called up to space, the first thing they did was get their affairs in order should anything happen to either one of them. They wanted the security of knowing that the family they were just starting would be taken care of. With each successive child, they updated their wills accordingly.
Lucy had divided her possessions equally amongst her five sons, leaving clear instructions as to who got what and when they got it. One of those items was her engagement ring. She had decided that the ring would be passed down to Scott, as he was the oldest. She left clear instructions that Jeff was to hold onto the ring until Scott had found the one; especially if (which ultimately and tragically happened) the children were underage in the event of Lucy's death.
All the boys knew that their late mother had left them pieces of her jewellery to be passed down. Especially if they had the long-desired Tracy daughter. But they didn't know about Lucy's instructions about who got what and when. That was at Jeff's discretion.
Scott has had girlfriends in the past. All the boys had. Although, Scott didn't seem to date as much as his younger brothers. Jeff knew that Scott had at least two casual relationships (that he knew of; Scott could've had more, but his oldest has never been the type to move from one person to another, so he doubted it) and he dated one girl to explore the potential for a long-term relationship. Neither of them worked out. Jeff never met any of those girls because they never got to the "meet the families" stage. But he had heard enough about them from Scott to determine that they were never going to last; and they both knew that. Both parties seemed to have this agreement where they would see where it went and when the relationship ran its course, they ended on good terms.
But Jeff knew already that this would be different. That was why he suddenly had the urge to check his late wife's engagement ring. Jeff had bought the ring after his first date with Lucy because he already knew she was the one. It was a simple ring; his salary at the time wouldn't allow him to purchase a more extravagant ring or at least a ring with a bigger diamond like he thought she deserved. But Lucy vowed that she loved the ring because it symbolized their humble beginnings. She never wanted to trade it for the world, and refused to let Jeff replace it when he came into money.
Jeff had hoped that Indiana would get along well with his sons. It would be awkward if she didn't. Did he think she would end up becoming a perspective daughter-in-law?
Officially, Jeff would say that the thought never crossed his mind.
Unofficially, he would say the opposite. The thought had crossed his mind.
It was why he had Scott be the one to pick her up from Rochester.
See? A father knows.
Bye!