Ninety Four - BF
It was in the lab a few minutes later that Virgil found Brains, on the videophone talking to Bunny Bunsen. "Sorry. I won't interrupt you."
"Virgil!" Brains had to go after him to get his attention. "I-It's okay. W-We were discussing you anyway."
Virgil gave a wan smile. "That's a surprise." He said ironically. "Hi Professor."
"Hello, Virgil. How are you?"
"I've been better."
"Wh-What can we do for you?"
"Nothing really. I just don't feel 100 percent."
Brains frowned. "H-How do you mean?"
"I'm feeling a bit stiff, which is understandable, a bit nauseous and slightly giddy. And the tinnitus is pretty loud. I'd put it down to being pulled about in the rescue, but the last time I felt like this was just before that... bad attack. I thought I should warn you in case there's another one coming."
"Y-You didn't m-mention any of these symptoms before."
"Sorry, Brains. But I honestly didn't remember. At the time I thought it was because of the stresses of Tin-Tin's rescue, and then after everything turned to custard, I simply forgot."
Brains was taking his pulse. "Seems n-normal. Wh-What do you think Bunny?"
"I think we need more tests! The full range."
"Wonderful." Virgil groaned. "I'm going to feel like a pincushion by the time we've got this sorted, aren't I."
"I want to know blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate. Blood tests. Breathing tests. Do tests with the cat scanner, electroencephalograph... Yes the electroencephalograph tests are very important. Get one now, and again later, if 'things turn to custard'..."
"Fine." Brains was taking notes.
"Wait a moment." Virgil sounded slightly alarmed. "I'm only getting that 95 percent accuracy with the Comm-specs, Brains. What did the professor say?"
Brains read from his notes. "Blood pressure, heart rate..."
Virgil waved that aside. "No. What's the long word?"
"Electroencephalograph."
Virgil shook his head. "I still didn't get it... Electric...?"
"Elec-tro-en-ce-pha-lo-graph."
"Sounds terrible!"
Brains smiled. "Don't worry, we've already used it on you a couple of times. It records brain activity."
"Oh... Why do medical terms have to be so long winded?"
"And if I-I asked you what a potentiometer was, what w-would you say?"
"I'd say, say it slower so I could read it."
"Po-ten-ti-o- ..."
"Potentiometer!" Now Virgil got it. "I'd say it was an instrument that measures or controls electric potentials or electromotive forces by reference to a known or standard voltage."
"And isn't th-that longwinded?"
Virgil managed a smile. "Yeah, I guess it is." He took off his Comm-specs and ran his arm over his eyes. "I'm starting to get a headache. I don't know if it's from all this reading or if I'm ill."
"Better get started, Brains." Professor Bunsen said. "Send through the results as soon as you get them, then I can start analysing. See if I can find out what's causing this."
"Y-Yes." Brains touched Virgil on the arm, and indicated the Comm-specs. Reluctantly Virgil put them back on. "Y-You'll either have to wear them, or I'll h-have to get one of your brothers to translate." He reminded him.
Virgil sighed. "I'll wear them for the moment."
"G-Go through to the infirmary and I'll m-meet you there." Virgil stood and turned to leave. "A-And Virgil!" Brains managed to stop him. "I-I'm going to tell your father, to w-warn him."
Virgil looked as though he were going to protest, but then nodded.
***
When Brains reached the infirmary he had both Jeff and Scott Tracy in tow.
Noticing that his brother didn't have the Comm-specs on Scott signed, How're you feeling?
"I've been worse. Why am I not surprised that you're here?"
I was in the room when Brains told Father. We thought we might need someone to translate. I can leave if you'd rather.
"No. Stay. I'm surprised you can even use your arms. How are they?"
Sore, but not too bad. I've skinned my hands a little. Scott displayed the sticking plasters that adorned his hands. But I'd rather be in here helping you than sitting out there wondering what's going on.
"Thanks."
Just repaying the favour.
"What tests are you going to do, Brains?" Jeff asked.
Brains led him over to the table that held his notes so that he could explain.
Scott took the opportunity to talk to Virgil. How are you really? This time he didn't speak as he signed the words.
Virgil took the hint and also signed without speech. I'm really not feeling that bad. Under normal circumstances I'd just put it down to what's just happened and ignore it.
Brains said you'd felt like this before.
Yes. You know the night of the storm, when you came to see if I wanted to come to dinner, Scott nodded, I was feeling a little 'seedy' then...
Why didn't you tell me?
I just thought it was a result of all the stresses of Tin-Tin's rescue that afternoon. I didn't think it was anything to worry about.
But you're worried now?
Virgil glanced over to where his father and Brains were talking with their backs to him and Scott. Yes I am. I don't want to go through that again.
How long after I saw you was it before you started feeling really bad?
I couldn't sleep that night, but I'd say it wasn't until just before breakfast that it started to get unbearable.
So we're looking at maybe ten hours before things get bad.
If they get bad, yes.
Have the Professor and Brains come up with any alternative treatments?
Not really. We decided that maybe if it happened again they'd sedate me for a time and hope that the tinnitus would improve while I was out to it.
Well it's better than the alternative.
Is it? Does it really matter now?
Yes it does! We don't want to risk further damage in case the Professor or someone works out what the problem is.
But if they sedate me, I'll be unconscious for about 24 hours. At least with the original treatment I can still do something useful...
Don't worry about that.
...And I could enjoy some time without the tinnitus.
It really is that bad isn't it. Scott signed, his expression grim.
Yes it is!
Scott sat in thought a moment. V... You know how people think we've got this telepathic connection.
Virgil chuckled. Yes.
Do you?
Virgil was surprised at the question. Well, I can't say that I've ever had your thoughts suddenly appear in my mind, but I think I know you pretty well, and can tell what you are thinking, and I'd say you feel the same about me... Why?
I was talking to you, while you were hanging on to me, and you were answering. I know you couldn't hear me. I could barely hear myself over Thunderbird Two's engines.
Now you know what it's like. Virgil managed a grin. What did we say?
I told you to let me go if I was going to pull you over.
Like I said. I know you. I could see you talking and then you loosened your grip. I knew you'd rather go down than drag me with you, you idiot.
Scott smiled at the affectionate insult. Not quite as exciting as telepathy is it.
No.
"What do you think those two are saying, Brains?" Jeff whispered.
"I-I don't know, Mr Tracy." Brains sighed and looked at the list of tasks. "I wish I knew where to start looking for answers."
"Well you'd better get on with it."
***
Three hours later and they were none the wiser. Virgil was obviously deteriorating although he tried to remain cheerful.
"What's causing this Brains?" Jeff asked. "He was fine earlier."
"I-I don't know, M-Mr Tracy. I-It could be as a result of ph-physical stress. L-Last time it was Tin-Tin's rescue, this t-time it was Scott's. Or it could be emotional. L-Last time he was worried for T-Tin-Tin and Scott, and this time..."
"And this time it was Scott, and himself."
"E-Exactly."
"Is, what ever it is, likely to settle down over time?"
"P-Possibly. Also if we could narrow d-down the cause then we could m-minimise his exposure to the c-catalyst."
"And if it is caused by stress of some type then there's no way he can continue on as a front line operative of International Rescue."
"Yes, M-Mr Tracy." Brains said sadly.
"Do I have to stay here any longer?" Virgil asked, "or can I go back to my room?"
"We've finished all the t-tests." Brains told him with Scott's assistance. "You d-don't need to stay. But before you go. Wh-What do you want me to do if it gets too bad?"
Virgil glanced at Scott once again before replying. "What do you recommend?"
"S-Sedation."
"Okay. We'll try that this time."
Scott relaxed.
***
Six hours later and Virgil was unable to relax. He banged on Brains' bedroom door. "I'm sorry to wake you..." he began when the door was opened.
He didn't hear, but understood when Brains said "It's okay. C-Come on."
It was in the lab a few minutes later that Virgil found Brains, on the videophone talking to Bunny Bunsen. "Sorry. I won't interrupt you."
"Virgil!" Brains had to go after him to get his attention. "I-It's okay. W-We were discussing you anyway."
Virgil gave a wan smile. "That's a surprise." He said ironically. "Hi Professor."
"Hello, Virgil. How are you?"
"I've been better."
"Wh-What can we do for you?"
"Nothing really. I just don't feel 100 percent."
Brains frowned. "H-How do you mean?"
"I'm feeling a bit stiff, which is understandable, a bit nauseous and slightly giddy. And the tinnitus is pretty loud. I'd put it down to being pulled about in the rescue, but the last time I felt like this was just before that... bad attack. I thought I should warn you in case there's another one coming."
"Y-You didn't m-mention any of these symptoms before."
"Sorry, Brains. But I honestly didn't remember. At the time I thought it was because of the stresses of Tin-Tin's rescue, and then after everything turned to custard, I simply forgot."
Brains was taking his pulse. "Seems n-normal. Wh-What do you think Bunny?"
"I think we need more tests! The full range."
"Wonderful." Virgil groaned. "I'm going to feel like a pincushion by the time we've got this sorted, aren't I."
"I want to know blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate. Blood tests. Breathing tests. Do tests with the cat scanner, electroencephalograph... Yes the electroencephalograph tests are very important. Get one now, and again later, if 'things turn to custard'..."
"Fine." Brains was taking notes.
"Wait a moment." Virgil sounded slightly alarmed. "I'm only getting that 95 percent accuracy with the Comm-specs, Brains. What did the professor say?"
Brains read from his notes. "Blood pressure, heart rate..."
Virgil waved that aside. "No. What's the long word?"
"Electroencephalograph."
Virgil shook his head. "I still didn't get it... Electric...?"
"Elec-tro-en-ce-pha-lo-graph."
"Sounds terrible!"
Brains smiled. "Don't worry, we've already used it on you a couple of times. It records brain activity."
"Oh... Why do medical terms have to be so long winded?"
"And if I-I asked you what a potentiometer was, what w-would you say?"
"I'd say, say it slower so I could read it."
"Po-ten-ti-o- ..."
"Potentiometer!" Now Virgil got it. "I'd say it was an instrument that measures or controls electric potentials or electromotive forces by reference to a known or standard voltage."
"And isn't th-that longwinded?"
Virgil managed a smile. "Yeah, I guess it is." He took off his Comm-specs and ran his arm over his eyes. "I'm starting to get a headache. I don't know if it's from all this reading or if I'm ill."
"Better get started, Brains." Professor Bunsen said. "Send through the results as soon as you get them, then I can start analysing. See if I can find out what's causing this."
"Y-Yes." Brains touched Virgil on the arm, and indicated the Comm-specs. Reluctantly Virgil put them back on. "Y-You'll either have to wear them, or I'll h-have to get one of your brothers to translate." He reminded him.
Virgil sighed. "I'll wear them for the moment."
"G-Go through to the infirmary and I'll m-meet you there." Virgil stood and turned to leave. "A-And Virgil!" Brains managed to stop him. "I-I'm going to tell your father, to w-warn him."
Virgil looked as though he were going to protest, but then nodded.
***
When Brains reached the infirmary he had both Jeff and Scott Tracy in tow.
Noticing that his brother didn't have the Comm-specs on Scott signed, How're you feeling?
"I've been worse. Why am I not surprised that you're here?"
I was in the room when Brains told Father. We thought we might need someone to translate. I can leave if you'd rather.
"No. Stay. I'm surprised you can even use your arms. How are they?"
Sore, but not too bad. I've skinned my hands a little. Scott displayed the sticking plasters that adorned his hands. But I'd rather be in here helping you than sitting out there wondering what's going on.
"Thanks."
Just repaying the favour.
"What tests are you going to do, Brains?" Jeff asked.
Brains led him over to the table that held his notes so that he could explain.
Scott took the opportunity to talk to Virgil. How are you really? This time he didn't speak as he signed the words.
Virgil took the hint and also signed without speech. I'm really not feeling that bad. Under normal circumstances I'd just put it down to what's just happened and ignore it.
Brains said you'd felt like this before.
Yes. You know the night of the storm, when you came to see if I wanted to come to dinner, Scott nodded, I was feeling a little 'seedy' then...
Why didn't you tell me?
I just thought it was a result of all the stresses of Tin-Tin's rescue that afternoon. I didn't think it was anything to worry about.
But you're worried now?
Virgil glanced over to where his father and Brains were talking with their backs to him and Scott. Yes I am. I don't want to go through that again.
How long after I saw you was it before you started feeling really bad?
I couldn't sleep that night, but I'd say it wasn't until just before breakfast that it started to get unbearable.
So we're looking at maybe ten hours before things get bad.
If they get bad, yes.
Have the Professor and Brains come up with any alternative treatments?
Not really. We decided that maybe if it happened again they'd sedate me for a time and hope that the tinnitus would improve while I was out to it.
Well it's better than the alternative.
Is it? Does it really matter now?
Yes it does! We don't want to risk further damage in case the Professor or someone works out what the problem is.
But if they sedate me, I'll be unconscious for about 24 hours. At least with the original treatment I can still do something useful...
Don't worry about that.
...And I could enjoy some time without the tinnitus.
It really is that bad isn't it. Scott signed, his expression grim.
Yes it is!
Scott sat in thought a moment. V... You know how people think we've got this telepathic connection.
Virgil chuckled. Yes.
Do you?
Virgil was surprised at the question. Well, I can't say that I've ever had your thoughts suddenly appear in my mind, but I think I know you pretty well, and can tell what you are thinking, and I'd say you feel the same about me... Why?
I was talking to you, while you were hanging on to me, and you were answering. I know you couldn't hear me. I could barely hear myself over Thunderbird Two's engines.
Now you know what it's like. Virgil managed a grin. What did we say?
I told you to let me go if I was going to pull you over.
Like I said. I know you. I could see you talking and then you loosened your grip. I knew you'd rather go down than drag me with you, you idiot.
Scott smiled at the affectionate insult. Not quite as exciting as telepathy is it.
No.
"What do you think those two are saying, Brains?" Jeff whispered.
"I-I don't know, Mr Tracy." Brains sighed and looked at the list of tasks. "I wish I knew where to start looking for answers."
"Well you'd better get on with it."
***
Three hours later and they were none the wiser. Virgil was obviously deteriorating although he tried to remain cheerful.
"What's causing this Brains?" Jeff asked. "He was fine earlier."
"I-I don't know, M-Mr Tracy. I-It could be as a result of ph-physical stress. L-Last time it was Tin-Tin's rescue, this t-time it was Scott's. Or it could be emotional. L-Last time he was worried for T-Tin-Tin and Scott, and this time..."
"And this time it was Scott, and himself."
"E-Exactly."
"Is, what ever it is, likely to settle down over time?"
"P-Possibly. Also if we could narrow d-down the cause then we could m-minimise his exposure to the c-catalyst."
"And if it is caused by stress of some type then there's no way he can continue on as a front line operative of International Rescue."
"Yes, M-Mr Tracy." Brains said sadly.
"Do I have to stay here any longer?" Virgil asked, "or can I go back to my room?"
"We've finished all the t-tests." Brains told him with Scott's assistance. "You d-don't need to stay. But before you go. Wh-What do you want me to do if it gets too bad?"
Virgil glanced at Scott once again before replying. "What do you recommend?"
"S-Sedation."
"Okay. We'll try that this time."
Scott relaxed.
***
Six hours later and Virgil was unable to relax. He banged on Brains' bedroom door. "I'm sorry to wake you..." he began when the door was opened.
He didn't hear, but understood when Brains said "It's okay. C-Come on."