Disclaimer: I don't own the Thunderbirds, wish I did. Anyway, here it is. The first chapter in the sequel to Late Night Chat. Please read and review, they are all welcome. Thanks. Mouse
The Holiday of a lifetime.
By Angel Mouse
John looked over the flight plan again that was attached to the clipboard on the side of the control panel, and then skimmed his eyes over the controls. He and Penny had been in the air almost two hours now, heading for their first destination of Switzerland. They had a total of seven resorts and hotels to visit over the next two and a half weeks. The first was in the winter wonderland of Switzerland, and then their next destination was Paris, France. That was then followed by Egypt, India, Hawaii, Australia and finishing off in Canada.
He was looking forward to this trip, as he hadn't seen much of many places like his other brothers had. And the few times he did get out on a rescue, well; a rescue situation didn't really leave enough time for sight seeing now, did it. He smiled gently as he recalled over the years all the stories of various exotic locales that his brothers had been to and had told him about. The only places he'd been over the years were places like deserts and Artic conditions for his astronomy work, when he wasn't training as an astronaut or flying with the air force. He liked the wide-open spaces they provided, with the clear view of the night sky, and the quietness of them.
John looked up and his smile widened as Penny walked back into the cockpit of the smallish plane, a mug of coffee in one hand, tea in another. The flight wasn't going to be that long, about three hours, but John was enjoying the company of Penelope. She returned his smile.
"Here you are John; I thought you'd appreciate a cup by now." He took it from her and smelled it appreciatively.
"Thank you Penny. That was very kind of you." Penny smiled and sat down in the Co-pilots seat, a mug of tea in her hand. Penny's jet was fully equipped modern jet, including a small sleeping quarters, kitchen and lounge area. Normally Penny usually flew commercial but that didn't mean she didn't have her own private jet. Tin-Tin had flown them both back to the mainland this morning and they had flown out not long after.
John had said goodbye to his family with a little reluctance, but the thrill of seeing all those exotic resorts and places, and spending time with Penny, whom he had always greatly admired, offset the pain of saying goodbye. He smiled at Penny, his eyes then going back over controls again. Currently they were set on automatic pilot while they were cruising at 50,000 feet. Like any good pilot though, John kept his eyes on the controls.
"So, how long before we reach the airport?" John did some quick mental calculations, pleased with how fast he'd done it. He'd been half-afraid that he was a little rusty.
"About forty minutes at this speed. I'm not pushing her, just cruising along nicely." Penny nodded in approval.
"That's good. We have plenty of time as we're on no set schedule. I was thinking, if it was all right with you, that we could spend at least three to four days at each resort. Trying out different things, their services and amusements. Also do some touring around and some sightseeing. I know that you haven't seen very many different places." Her soft cultured British tones were a nice contrast to the harsh American accent of him and his brothers.
"A few. I mean, when I was studying astronomy at University, I got to go to outback Australia and Antarctica as they have some of the clearest skies to see the stars from and also the most unique constellations. But other than the odd rescue, and the odd holiday with family, I haven't seen much of anywhere." Penny smiled gently at him, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
"Well then, this will be a learning experience for both of us. You'll get to do some serious sight seeing and I'll get to finally learn Italian." John laughed a soft, warm laugh and smiled at her, his own eyes twinkling.
"Is that a subtle hint or something Penny? All right, let's begin then shall we."
Two hours later found themselves being driven up to smallish chalet style village reasonably high up in the Swiss Alpine region. A car had met them at the airport to bring to the resort and they had a fairly smooth ride, the driver giving them an impromptu spiel about the various activities available in the area. They had both smiled at that, talking about doing some skiing and other things. They arrived at the hotel and quickly checked in, getting separate but adjoining rooms.
John quickly unpacked his things, changing into a light blue jumper and jeans, something more suitable for the weather. He knocked on Penny's door.
"Penny, it's John, may I come in?" A peel of silvery laughter greeted his words.
"Please do John." He entered to find Penny standing there in a light pink jumper and dark blue slacks. Her hair was resting lightly on her shoulders and she had a wide smile. John was suddenly struck by how beautiful she was, not in just physical beauty, but as a person.
"Wow, you look lovely Penny." Penny blushed slightly.
"Thank you John. Would you like to go down to the bar for some pre-dinner drinks?" John smiled, glad for the Tracy Corporation Credit Card in his back pocket. His father had handed him the gold card and basically said go for it. John intended to. He'd never had unlimited funds at his disposal before, and he intended to use it to have fun. Also, he had some presents and surprises in mind for his family. He offered his arm to Penny.
"Shall we, Lady Penelope." Laughing gaily, Penny linked her arm through his and allowed him to escort her out the door and down to the lounge.
Twenty minutes later they were seated in beautiful red plush velvet chairs by a roaring fire, sipping a couple of drinks. Penelope had a martini while John was sipping a scotch. On the table between the two chairs was a small plate of savouries. John studied Penelope while he sipped his drink. She certainly was a complex person. To the world she was Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward, English gentry, patron of numerous charities and socialite. But to the International Rescue family, and the Tracy's in particular, she was International Rescue's London agent, and their top field agent. She was extremely intelligent, beautiful and kind. Her blue eyes hide a depth of wisdom uncommon for someone of there age.
Penelope in turn, studied John as he glanced around the room. He was certainly handsome, all the Tracy boys were. But his blonde hair and deep sea blue eyes were very striking, as was his lithe build. But there was implied strength in his form and manner. Not only was he an extremely intelligent person – you had to be to wear as many hats as John did – but he was also a truly nice person. Quiet, sweet, thoughtful and always they're for his brothers. She also admired the strength of his character; having spent all that time alone on Thunderbird Five mustn't have been easy. There was steel in this Tracy brother that's for sure. Her eyes meet his and he grinned.
"What is it Penny?"
"I was just thinking how nice it was just to get away from everything for a change." He titled his head slightly.
"How do you mean?"
"Well, I was just thinking what good company you are. I can't think of a better way to spend a holiday. Good company, good food, good wine all adds up for a good time, don't you think?" John laughed softly, his blue eyes merry.
"I certainly do. Here's to a terrific holiday Penny, one for the books." Laughing with him, she clinked her glass against his and returned his warm smile. Yes, John was defiantly one for the books. And Penelope was looking forward to getting to know him a lot better over the next coming weeks.
The next morning found them on the ski slopes after a nice quiet breakfast on Penelope's balcony. Penny had her skis in her hand whereas John had a snowboard. Something that hadn't been seen on these slopes for years their guide had told them. John had just replied his younger brother's had packed it for him, so he wasn't one to disappoint. After their guide left them John had told Penny that he'd always wanted to do it, and Gordon had told him it was exactly like surfing and water skiing, both which he was accomplished at. So, here he was, board in hand and grin on his face like a big kid. Laughing Penny decided to let him go first down the slope.
John smiled at her, attaching his feet to the board, he took a small jump and speed down the slopes. The wind whipped through his hair, the dazzling of the snow reflecting off his shades. He let out a yell of sheer enjoyment and fun as he slid back and forth down the slope. A small hillock was in his way and he grinned like a maniac – looking more like a certain ginger haired brother – than he normally did and went up at speed. Giving out a loud 'Yahoo' he flipped his agile body in a 360 spin, landing expertly and safely on the ground. The smile on his face was as wide as the all outdoors and he was laughing in sheer enjoyment.
Penelope watched John's antics while snapping on her skis. She laughed as she heard the yell of enjoyment come back up the mountainside. Grinning at his antics, she sped off herself, skiing down adjacent to the way John had taken. The wind whipped through her hair, and the sun warmed her face, even as the icy wind chilled it. She came down to the bottom of the slope, twisting to one side to stop beside him. John was grinning widely and she grinned back at him.
"Now, that was fun!" He hefted the snowboard up. "Want to go again?" Penny laughed, picking her skis up, her poles and skis in the same hand as they were small and lightweight enough to be carried that way.
"Okay, let's see what you can do. I want to take some photos for the boys." John laughed and taking her free hand in his, he led her back towards the ski lifts. Penny kept the surprise off her face as his hand engulfed hers. But she didn't mind it was gentle yet strong, like John himself. Smiling to herself, she knew today was going to be a wonderful day.
After about three or four hours on the slopes, the two of them were tired yet exhilarated by their fun. They made their way back to the chalet and changed into some warmer clothes from their ski gear. They had been told about a beautiful Swiss bakery in the village that they wanted to try out for lunch, and so they had decided to walk the short distance down to it.
John was walking alongside Penny, enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and company. He grinned at her.
"I'm glad I came Penny, thanks for asking me." Penny smiled up at him, he was only slightly taller than she, but that was fine by her.
"It was my pleasure John. I'm glad you were able to come. It's nice to get away by one's self, isn't it?" John's smile faded slightly at the reminder of his time spent alone. Penny noticed this and reached over to put her hand on his arm, her face upset. "Oh, I'm sorry John. I didn't mean to bring that up." John took a deep breath and managed a small smile, putting his hand over hers and squeezing it gently.
"It's okay Penny, truly. It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done for work, but I did it. It's behind me now and the main thing is that I'm on terra firma for the next five weeks, and I'm spending a goodly amount of time of it with you. Something that will lighten the most sorrowful of hearts. So please, don't worry about it. I'm doing okay, not great, but okay." Penny studied him a moment, wishing he didn't have his sunglasses on so she could look him in his eyes. She smiled.
"Alright John. I promise I wont' mention it again. Let's just have fun shall we, enjoy the time we have together." John laughed and Penny could hear the relief that was just below the surface. John smiled and squeezed her hand again, then let it go slowly, almost reluctantly.
"Now, let's go to that bakery shall we?" Laughing Penny took her hand off his arm slowly as well. The part of her that was a woman was really starting to notice John as a man, not only as just a friend. Penny dragged her mind back from those thoughts, but she couldn't help glancing sideways at John as they trudged down to the bakery. Shaking her head slightly at those thoughts, Penny resolved to try and get to John a little better, to try and find out what made him tick.
John noticed the small glances Penny was giving him and he wondered quietly what they were about. Penny's hand on his arm had felt quite warm and nice. More than nice when he came to think about it. He chided himself gently for starting to entertain those types of thoughts about Penelope, she was a friend. True they were the same age, and she was an extremely attractive woman. But John had never gone for the physically attractive type, he preferred woman that actually had a brain between their ears and that he could actually sit down and have an intelligent conversation with. Wondering at where all this was leading, he pushed those thoughts out of his mind and began to discuss with her the plans for tomorrow's outings.
tbc