Ninety - BF
Brains replaced the otoscope back on the tray and frowned.
Virgil looked at him. "Can I put my specs back on?"
Brains nodded.
It was only the two of them in the infirmary.
Virgil made sure the processing unit was turned on and then placed the Comm-specs back on his face. Then he looked back at Brains who still wore that troubled frown. "Well?"
"Y-Your right eardrum has healed p-perfectly."
"And the left?"
"Is nearly h-healed over."
"Which means that I should be hearing something by now."
Brains nodded.
"So why aren't I?"
"I-I don't know Virgil. The audiogram sh-shows no ch-change f-from your last h-hearing t-test. W-We haven't found any sign of any ph-physiological injury. Ano-other option is that the c-cause is psychological."
"Are you saying I'm crazy? And that I need to see a Shrink?"
"No. I-I don't think you are crazy, but a Psychiatrist m-may be of some help."
"But that's impossible! Not while I belong to International Rescue! Imagine it, 'I'll tell you everything except who I'm employed for, what my job is and how I was injured.' That'd really go down well." Virgil exclaimed.
"I'm sure your father w-would make an exception."
"He probably would. But I'm not prepared to be the one to risk International Rescue's security. Can't you or Professor Bunsen..."
Brains shook his head. "I-I did little study in the psychological sciences and B-Bunny prefers to c-concentrate on the physical side of m-medicine."
"So, unless whatever's screwing me up comes right, the deafness is permanent?"
"U-Unless B-Bunny c-can c-come up with s-something... the r-reason for your deafness, and a c-cure... I-It seems so."
Virgil took the glasses off again and rubbed at his eyes as if they were tired. "So... I guess its time to get on with life." He replaced the Comm-specs.
"I-I'm s-sorry."
Virgil gave him a small smile. "It's not your fault, Brains. I've been expecting this." He stood up. "No need to make a big issue over it. If anyone asks you can tell them the truth. Except the psychiatrist bit! If they thought that would bring about a cure they'd be on at me to take it, and we can't take that risk." He looked at his watch. "We were going to go for a run this afternoon. I'd better go get ready."
"I-If th-there's anything I c-can do..."
"You've done plenty, and I'm really grateful. It's all over to me now." Virgil gave a small smile. "Thanks, Brains." He walked out of the room, head held high.
Brains stared after him and wondered what his friend's feelings truly were.
***
"You took your time." Alan told Virgil. "I thought you'd chickened out."
"No chance. I was having a chat with Brains which took longer than I expected."
Gordon was stretching in readiness. "Do you think you'll make it to the top?"
"I'm out of practise, but I'll give it a go."
"No need to make it into a race. I'll be first there anyway." Gordon said confidently.
"No way!" Alan protested. "I'm faster than you!"
"Only when you've got four wheels and a motor underneath you."
"At least I don't need flippers!"
Scott pulled Virgil to one side. "We're in trouble now. Neither of us are up to full speed and those two are in a competitive mood. They're going to walk all over us, and then they'll start crowing about how we're too old."
"As usual." Virgil agreed, "How about we stick together. Then at least one of us will be saved the ignominy of being last."
"Deal! What were you talking to Brains about?"
"Oh, things..."
"Boys!" Jeff called them over. "Are you ready?"
"I'll give you a two minute head start if you like, Alan" Gordon offered.
"Not necessary. But if you'd like one yourself, in difference of your advanced years..."
"Everyone starts together." Jeff said. "I repeat! Are you ready?"
Virgil unclipped the processing unit from his belt and removed his Comm-specs. "Would you look after these for me please?" he handed them over to his father.
"Sure. For the third time... Are you ready?"
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Ready."
Scott nudged Virgil. Are you ready?
"Oh... Ready." Virgil watched his father whose hand was raised.
"Go!" Jeff dropped his arm.
At first the four of them jostled together trying for the best position. Then the track started to climb up towards the summit of their island home. Soon Alan and Gordon began to pull away from their two older brothers.
Initially Scott and Virgil strained to keep up with their kid brothers, before deciding that a slightly slower pace might be more beneficial and less taxing. The track narrowed and they continued upwards in single file, Scott leading.
Virgil kept on pushing himself, determined to prove that things hadn't changed all that much...
***
"Out of my way, kiddo." Gordon gasped as he pushed past his brother.
"Hey!" Alan complained before cutting a corner to get back in the lead.
"No cheating!" Gordon bellowed.
"That was the original track!"
***
Scott and Virgil were well above the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean. They were also well behind the other two. They weren't going slow, but were starting to feel the strain of not being up to the level of fitness that they were used to.
Suddenly Scott stumbled and fell. Virgil, following close behind had to sidestep him to avoid falling as well. He stopped and turned back to his brother. "What happened?"
"Blasted eyes!" Scott rubbed at his left ankle. "They lost focus and I tripped over something."
"Hey." Virgil tapped Scott on the knee to get his attention and then tapped his own ears.
Sorry. I've got used to you understanding speech. Scott repeated what he'd said. I've twisted my ankle.
"Bad?"
No. But I'm not going to run any further. Let those two play if they want.
Virgil sat down. "I didn't realise I was so out of shape. I guess I'll have to start working out a bit harder from now on."
I know what you mean. Miss out on a couple of days training and suddenly the stairs at home seem that much steeper.
"How's the ankle."
Sore.
"Come on. I'll help you down." With a groan Virgil stood and held out his hand. "Can you walk?"
Scott grabbed the outstretched hand and pulled himself upright. He took a couple of steps gingerly testing the strength of his ankle. Virgil moved to his side and took his arm to support him. Together they started the slow trek back down.
***
"Yes!" Alan punched the air. "I am the champion!" He collapsed onto the rough scoria.
"Only just." Gordon collapsed beside him. "You cheated."
"Did not."
"Did too."
They lay there for a moment trying to get their breath back.
"Tell you what." Gordon panted. "Challenge you to a swimming race when we get back."
"What! Me race against an Olympic champion swimmer. I'm not that stupid." Alan stated.
"Ah, but you do admit to being stupid." Gordon crowed.
"I didn't say that!"
"Yes you did. You as good as admitted it."
"Did not."
"Did too."
They lay in the sun for a moment longer.
"Hi John." Gordon waved towards the heavens.
"This time next week I'll be up there, with only the continuing chatter of the radio to keep me company." Alan said. "I'm glad it's only for a month at a time. I think I'd go batty if it were permanent."
"It must be something similar to what Virgil's going through at the moment."
"Yeah." Alan sat up and looked back down the track. "I wonder where they are."
Gordon changed his position so he too could see down the track. "I didn't think they'd be that far behind us."
"Well they haven't had the chance to keep as fit as we have."
"No..." Gordon mused. "Scott's been working out, but he probably can't see the track properly, so he'll be taking it slow."
"Yeah... And Virgil hasn't been able to do his swimming training... Has he shown any improvement with his hearing?"
"Not that I've noticed. How long's it been?"
Alan looked at the date on his watch. "Must be close to four weeks. The Professor did say it could take months."
They were silent for a moment.
"It's quiet without his piano playing." Alan eventually said.
"Yes. It's like there's something missing at home isn't it?" Gordon admitted.
Alan looked at his brother. "Do you think it's permanent?"
"What? Virgil's deafness? No, it can't be..." Gordon said confidently. "Can it?"
They looked at each other...
***
"Brains checked my hearing again today." Virgil said conversationally as they slowly made their way down the hillside.
Scott looked at him. Two-way conversation was difficult while he had to rely on Virgil for support. He waited to hear what was coming.
"He checked my eardrums too. One's healed, the other's pretty close."
Scott started to have a bad feeling about what was coming.
"There's no change in my level of hearing, so we've come to the conclusion that it's permanent."
It was said so matter of factly, that Scott had to run the sentence through his mind again to make sure that he understood its implications. "Virgil!"
Naturally Virgil didn't hear him. He continued their downhill walk as if they were on a casual stroll discussing the weather. "So I guess I've got to start thinking about my future now. I'll have to make a few decisions. Being an International Rescue operative is out for a start." He looked down. "How's the ankle holding up?" He looked back at Scott.
O.K. Scott signed with his right hand.
"If you want a break just let me know."
Scott stopped walking and removed his arm from where it had been leaning on Virgil's shoulders.
"Do you want to sit down?" Virgil asked in concern.
No. I'm fine. It's not that bad... but you...
"If you're able, we should keep moving. The sooner you get some ice on that ankle the better."
V...
Virgil put his brother's arm about his shoulder again. "Come on."
Reluctantly Scott leant on Virgil again and they continued walking.
Scott's thoughts were in a whirl. He'd refused to believe that Virgil's condition could be permanent. Maybe Virgil had misunderstood. That had to be it. He'd check with Brains when he got the opportunity.
The track flattened out and they rounded the corner.
Jeff Tracy and Brains were there talking, they looked up and started walking briskly towards the two younger Tracy men.
"I guess he's told Father." Virgil commented.
"What happened?" Jeff asked.
"I'm fine." Scott said quickly. "Just twisted my ankle. But Brains tell me... Virgil said it's permanent... It's not true is it?" The expression on his father's face had already told him the answer.
Brains took his arm "Come on. I'll have a look at your ankle."
"But..."
Jeff stood in front of his other son an expression of concern on his face. "Are you all right, Virgil?"
"You'd better get used to the fact that I can't hear you without my Comm-specs." Virgil said calmly. "Can I have them back?"
Sorry. Jeff handed them over to him and waited until his son had switched the processor on and had donned the glasses. "Are you all right?" he repeated.
"Yes, fine. Why shouldn't I be?"
"Well." Jeff was at a loss. "It must have been a shock."
"Not really. I thought it might be permanent."
"I'm sorry."
Virgil gave a smile. "It's funny how people say that, when it's not their fault."
"Isn't it?" Jeff asked. "I started International Rescue..."
"And I chose to join. It was an accident, pure and simple. No one is to blame."
"Where have I heard that before?" Jeff muttered.
"Pardon?" Virgil asked. The microphones hadn't picked up the words clearly.
"Nothing. Look, why don't you go hit the showers? We can talk later."
"Okay." Virgil wandered over to where Scott and Brains were. "How's the ankle."
"Never mind my ankle." Scott said. He was seated with his foot raised, an ice pack on his injured limb. He looked devastated. "How are you?"
"Tired. I'm heading home to relax."
"That's not what I mean. How come you're so calm?"
"There's no need to get upset is there." Virgil stated. "We can't do anything about it, can we, Brains."
"N-No." Brains stuttered uncomfortably. "B-But B-Bunny..."
"Is a very clever man, but he would have found a cure by now if he was able to. It's time to get on with my life. I'll see you back at the house."
The three of them watched him head home to the villa.
***
As word filtered through about Virgil's deafness, a sense of shock settled over the rest of the family. Surely this couldn't be happening. Not again.
"Why, Jeff?" his mother asked. "Why is this family having such bad luck? First Scott, now Virgil? Why?"
"I don't know, Mother." He said quietly. "I guess we've got to be grateful that Scott has regained his sight and that Virgil wasn't more seriously hurt."
"But they were helping people! They were trying to save lives! Why should it happen to them? Why not to someone who didn't care?"
"Mother! I don't know!" he snapped and then softened his tone. "I'm sorry... I don't know the answers. I wish I did. If I had a crystal ball I would have prevented all this happening. I've knowingly sent them out into danger and in the process have ruined their lives. I've failed my sons."
"No you didn't!"
"Didn't I! What else can I believe?"
"Do you honestly think they would have stayed with International Rescue if they hadn't believed in what you believe in?"
"I don't know what to think anymore. Perhaps for some reason they felt obligated to me. They felt they HAD to belong. Or maybe it was some kind of fraternal pressure they put on each other, to please me. I failed them when they were boys and I've failed them now."
"Jeff!" She came over and took his hands. "You've never failed them! You know those boys as well as I do. Whenever any of them gets an idea into his head nothing will sway them. If any of them had thought that International Rescue was a bad idea they would have said so at the beginning. And you would have willingly let him go to carry on with his own life. No one has been forced into THIS life... not you, not me, not John or Gordon or Alan, not Scott and certainly not Virgil. We all made our own choice, because we believed in you and we believed in International Rescue."
"But..."
"No buts. You know I'm speaking the truth!"
***
It was Scott who'd told Alan and Gordon and John.
"Permanent?" John whispered.
Scott nodded numbly.
"But he seemed so calm... He took part in the run... As if nothing was wrong..." Gordon was struggling with the news.
"We were talking about it, weren't we, Gordon. We actually said that it couldn't be permanent, didn't we. He seemed so... normal." Alan had a stunned look on his face.
"Brains! Are you sure there's nothing you can do?" John asked.
Brains hesitated before answering. "B-Bunny i-is s-still s-searching f-for a c-cure."
"He fixed me up!" Scott said hopefully. "Perhaps he'll come up with something."
"P-Perhaps." Brains said doubtfully.
Scott looked at him shrewdly. There was something they weren't being told. "What are you hiding, Brains?"
"H-Hiding?"
"Yes hiding. You're stutter's worse. That only happens when you're upset or unsure over something."
"I-I'm upset th-that I c-can't h-help Virgil."
"His music." John said in anguish. "We'll never hear his music again."
"It won't seem like home without Virgil playing the piano." Alan agreed.
"It'll kill him!" Gordon reiterated.
"It hasn't so far." Scott reminded him.
"He's taking it too well. Something's wrong." Alan said.
"H-He said h-he thought it was permanent." Brains told them. "He's been pr-preparing himself f-for this."
"Where is he?" John asked.
"Painting in his room, last time I saw him." Alan said.
"If you'll all excuse m-me," Brains stood, "I-I'm going to call Bunny."
"Let's hope he has good news for us."
***
Brains replaced the otoscope back on the tray and frowned.
Virgil looked at him. "Can I put my specs back on?"
Brains nodded.
It was only the two of them in the infirmary.
Virgil made sure the processing unit was turned on and then placed the Comm-specs back on his face. Then he looked back at Brains who still wore that troubled frown. "Well?"
"Y-Your right eardrum has healed p-perfectly."
"And the left?"
"Is nearly h-healed over."
"Which means that I should be hearing something by now."
Brains nodded.
"So why aren't I?"
"I-I don't know Virgil. The audiogram sh-shows no ch-change f-from your last h-hearing t-test. W-We haven't found any sign of any ph-physiological injury. Ano-other option is that the c-cause is psychological."
"Are you saying I'm crazy? And that I need to see a Shrink?"
"No. I-I don't think you are crazy, but a Psychiatrist m-may be of some help."
"But that's impossible! Not while I belong to International Rescue! Imagine it, 'I'll tell you everything except who I'm employed for, what my job is and how I was injured.' That'd really go down well." Virgil exclaimed.
"I'm sure your father w-would make an exception."
"He probably would. But I'm not prepared to be the one to risk International Rescue's security. Can't you or Professor Bunsen..."
Brains shook his head. "I-I did little study in the psychological sciences and B-Bunny prefers to c-concentrate on the physical side of m-medicine."
"So, unless whatever's screwing me up comes right, the deafness is permanent?"
"U-Unless B-Bunny c-can c-come up with s-something... the r-reason for your deafness, and a c-cure... I-It seems so."
Virgil took the glasses off again and rubbed at his eyes as if they were tired. "So... I guess its time to get on with life." He replaced the Comm-specs.
"I-I'm s-sorry."
Virgil gave him a small smile. "It's not your fault, Brains. I've been expecting this." He stood up. "No need to make a big issue over it. If anyone asks you can tell them the truth. Except the psychiatrist bit! If they thought that would bring about a cure they'd be on at me to take it, and we can't take that risk." He looked at his watch. "We were going to go for a run this afternoon. I'd better go get ready."
"I-If th-there's anything I c-can do..."
"You've done plenty, and I'm really grateful. It's all over to me now." Virgil gave a small smile. "Thanks, Brains." He walked out of the room, head held high.
Brains stared after him and wondered what his friend's feelings truly were.
***
"You took your time." Alan told Virgil. "I thought you'd chickened out."
"No chance. I was having a chat with Brains which took longer than I expected."
Gordon was stretching in readiness. "Do you think you'll make it to the top?"
"I'm out of practise, but I'll give it a go."
"No need to make it into a race. I'll be first there anyway." Gordon said confidently.
"No way!" Alan protested. "I'm faster than you!"
"Only when you've got four wheels and a motor underneath you."
"At least I don't need flippers!"
Scott pulled Virgil to one side. "We're in trouble now. Neither of us are up to full speed and those two are in a competitive mood. They're going to walk all over us, and then they'll start crowing about how we're too old."
"As usual." Virgil agreed, "How about we stick together. Then at least one of us will be saved the ignominy of being last."
"Deal! What were you talking to Brains about?"
"Oh, things..."
"Boys!" Jeff called them over. "Are you ready?"
"I'll give you a two minute head start if you like, Alan" Gordon offered.
"Not necessary. But if you'd like one yourself, in difference of your advanced years..."
"Everyone starts together." Jeff said. "I repeat! Are you ready?"
Virgil unclipped the processing unit from his belt and removed his Comm-specs. "Would you look after these for me please?" he handed them over to his father.
"Sure. For the third time... Are you ready?"
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Ready."
Scott nudged Virgil. Are you ready?
"Oh... Ready." Virgil watched his father whose hand was raised.
"Go!" Jeff dropped his arm.
At first the four of them jostled together trying for the best position. Then the track started to climb up towards the summit of their island home. Soon Alan and Gordon began to pull away from their two older brothers.
Initially Scott and Virgil strained to keep up with their kid brothers, before deciding that a slightly slower pace might be more beneficial and less taxing. The track narrowed and they continued upwards in single file, Scott leading.
Virgil kept on pushing himself, determined to prove that things hadn't changed all that much...
***
"Out of my way, kiddo." Gordon gasped as he pushed past his brother.
"Hey!" Alan complained before cutting a corner to get back in the lead.
"No cheating!" Gordon bellowed.
"That was the original track!"
***
Scott and Virgil were well above the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean. They were also well behind the other two. They weren't going slow, but were starting to feel the strain of not being up to the level of fitness that they were used to.
Suddenly Scott stumbled and fell. Virgil, following close behind had to sidestep him to avoid falling as well. He stopped and turned back to his brother. "What happened?"
"Blasted eyes!" Scott rubbed at his left ankle. "They lost focus and I tripped over something."
"Hey." Virgil tapped Scott on the knee to get his attention and then tapped his own ears.
Sorry. I've got used to you understanding speech. Scott repeated what he'd said. I've twisted my ankle.
"Bad?"
No. But I'm not going to run any further. Let those two play if they want.
Virgil sat down. "I didn't realise I was so out of shape. I guess I'll have to start working out a bit harder from now on."
I know what you mean. Miss out on a couple of days training and suddenly the stairs at home seem that much steeper.
"How's the ankle."
Sore.
"Come on. I'll help you down." With a groan Virgil stood and held out his hand. "Can you walk?"
Scott grabbed the outstretched hand and pulled himself upright. He took a couple of steps gingerly testing the strength of his ankle. Virgil moved to his side and took his arm to support him. Together they started the slow trek back down.
***
"Yes!" Alan punched the air. "I am the champion!" He collapsed onto the rough scoria.
"Only just." Gordon collapsed beside him. "You cheated."
"Did not."
"Did too."
They lay there for a moment trying to get their breath back.
"Tell you what." Gordon panted. "Challenge you to a swimming race when we get back."
"What! Me race against an Olympic champion swimmer. I'm not that stupid." Alan stated.
"Ah, but you do admit to being stupid." Gordon crowed.
"I didn't say that!"
"Yes you did. You as good as admitted it."
"Did not."
"Did too."
They lay in the sun for a moment longer.
"Hi John." Gordon waved towards the heavens.
"This time next week I'll be up there, with only the continuing chatter of the radio to keep me company." Alan said. "I'm glad it's only for a month at a time. I think I'd go batty if it were permanent."
"It must be something similar to what Virgil's going through at the moment."
"Yeah." Alan sat up and looked back down the track. "I wonder where they are."
Gordon changed his position so he too could see down the track. "I didn't think they'd be that far behind us."
"Well they haven't had the chance to keep as fit as we have."
"No..." Gordon mused. "Scott's been working out, but he probably can't see the track properly, so he'll be taking it slow."
"Yeah... And Virgil hasn't been able to do his swimming training... Has he shown any improvement with his hearing?"
"Not that I've noticed. How long's it been?"
Alan looked at the date on his watch. "Must be close to four weeks. The Professor did say it could take months."
They were silent for a moment.
"It's quiet without his piano playing." Alan eventually said.
"Yes. It's like there's something missing at home isn't it?" Gordon admitted.
Alan looked at his brother. "Do you think it's permanent?"
"What? Virgil's deafness? No, it can't be..." Gordon said confidently. "Can it?"
They looked at each other...
***
"Brains checked my hearing again today." Virgil said conversationally as they slowly made their way down the hillside.
Scott looked at him. Two-way conversation was difficult while he had to rely on Virgil for support. He waited to hear what was coming.
"He checked my eardrums too. One's healed, the other's pretty close."
Scott started to have a bad feeling about what was coming.
"There's no change in my level of hearing, so we've come to the conclusion that it's permanent."
It was said so matter of factly, that Scott had to run the sentence through his mind again to make sure that he understood its implications. "Virgil!"
Naturally Virgil didn't hear him. He continued their downhill walk as if they were on a casual stroll discussing the weather. "So I guess I've got to start thinking about my future now. I'll have to make a few decisions. Being an International Rescue operative is out for a start." He looked down. "How's the ankle holding up?" He looked back at Scott.
O.K. Scott signed with his right hand.
"If you want a break just let me know."
Scott stopped walking and removed his arm from where it had been leaning on Virgil's shoulders.
"Do you want to sit down?" Virgil asked in concern.
No. I'm fine. It's not that bad... but you...
"If you're able, we should keep moving. The sooner you get some ice on that ankle the better."
V...
Virgil put his brother's arm about his shoulder again. "Come on."
Reluctantly Scott leant on Virgil again and they continued walking.
Scott's thoughts were in a whirl. He'd refused to believe that Virgil's condition could be permanent. Maybe Virgil had misunderstood. That had to be it. He'd check with Brains when he got the opportunity.
The track flattened out and they rounded the corner.
Jeff Tracy and Brains were there talking, they looked up and started walking briskly towards the two younger Tracy men.
"I guess he's told Father." Virgil commented.
"What happened?" Jeff asked.
"I'm fine." Scott said quickly. "Just twisted my ankle. But Brains tell me... Virgil said it's permanent... It's not true is it?" The expression on his father's face had already told him the answer.
Brains took his arm "Come on. I'll have a look at your ankle."
"But..."
Jeff stood in front of his other son an expression of concern on his face. "Are you all right, Virgil?"
"You'd better get used to the fact that I can't hear you without my Comm-specs." Virgil said calmly. "Can I have them back?"
Sorry. Jeff handed them over to him and waited until his son had switched the processor on and had donned the glasses. "Are you all right?" he repeated.
"Yes, fine. Why shouldn't I be?"
"Well." Jeff was at a loss. "It must have been a shock."
"Not really. I thought it might be permanent."
"I'm sorry."
Virgil gave a smile. "It's funny how people say that, when it's not their fault."
"Isn't it?" Jeff asked. "I started International Rescue..."
"And I chose to join. It was an accident, pure and simple. No one is to blame."
"Where have I heard that before?" Jeff muttered.
"Pardon?" Virgil asked. The microphones hadn't picked up the words clearly.
"Nothing. Look, why don't you go hit the showers? We can talk later."
"Okay." Virgil wandered over to where Scott and Brains were. "How's the ankle."
"Never mind my ankle." Scott said. He was seated with his foot raised, an ice pack on his injured limb. He looked devastated. "How are you?"
"Tired. I'm heading home to relax."
"That's not what I mean. How come you're so calm?"
"There's no need to get upset is there." Virgil stated. "We can't do anything about it, can we, Brains."
"N-No." Brains stuttered uncomfortably. "B-But B-Bunny..."
"Is a very clever man, but he would have found a cure by now if he was able to. It's time to get on with my life. I'll see you back at the house."
The three of them watched him head home to the villa.
***
As word filtered through about Virgil's deafness, a sense of shock settled over the rest of the family. Surely this couldn't be happening. Not again.
"Why, Jeff?" his mother asked. "Why is this family having such bad luck? First Scott, now Virgil? Why?"
"I don't know, Mother." He said quietly. "I guess we've got to be grateful that Scott has regained his sight and that Virgil wasn't more seriously hurt."
"But they were helping people! They were trying to save lives! Why should it happen to them? Why not to someone who didn't care?"
"Mother! I don't know!" he snapped and then softened his tone. "I'm sorry... I don't know the answers. I wish I did. If I had a crystal ball I would have prevented all this happening. I've knowingly sent them out into danger and in the process have ruined their lives. I've failed my sons."
"No you didn't!"
"Didn't I! What else can I believe?"
"Do you honestly think they would have stayed with International Rescue if they hadn't believed in what you believe in?"
"I don't know what to think anymore. Perhaps for some reason they felt obligated to me. They felt they HAD to belong. Or maybe it was some kind of fraternal pressure they put on each other, to please me. I failed them when they were boys and I've failed them now."
"Jeff!" She came over and took his hands. "You've never failed them! You know those boys as well as I do. Whenever any of them gets an idea into his head nothing will sway them. If any of them had thought that International Rescue was a bad idea they would have said so at the beginning. And you would have willingly let him go to carry on with his own life. No one has been forced into THIS life... not you, not me, not John or Gordon or Alan, not Scott and certainly not Virgil. We all made our own choice, because we believed in you and we believed in International Rescue."
"But..."
"No buts. You know I'm speaking the truth!"
***
It was Scott who'd told Alan and Gordon and John.
"Permanent?" John whispered.
Scott nodded numbly.
"But he seemed so calm... He took part in the run... As if nothing was wrong..." Gordon was struggling with the news.
"We were talking about it, weren't we, Gordon. We actually said that it couldn't be permanent, didn't we. He seemed so... normal." Alan had a stunned look on his face.
"Brains! Are you sure there's nothing you can do?" John asked.
Brains hesitated before answering. "B-Bunny i-is s-still s-searching f-for a c-cure."
"He fixed me up!" Scott said hopefully. "Perhaps he'll come up with something."
"P-Perhaps." Brains said doubtfully.
Scott looked at him shrewdly. There was something they weren't being told. "What are you hiding, Brains?"
"H-Hiding?"
"Yes hiding. You're stutter's worse. That only happens when you're upset or unsure over something."
"I-I'm upset th-that I c-can't h-help Virgil."
"His music." John said in anguish. "We'll never hear his music again."
"It won't seem like home without Virgil playing the piano." Alan agreed.
"It'll kill him!" Gordon reiterated.
"It hasn't so far." Scott reminded him.
"He's taking it too well. Something's wrong." Alan said.
"H-He said h-he thought it was permanent." Brains told them. "He's been pr-preparing himself f-for this."
"Where is he?" John asked.
"Painting in his room, last time I saw him." Alan said.
"If you'll all excuse m-me," Brains stood, "I-I'm going to call Bunny."
"Let's hope he has good news for us."
***