One Hundred and Seven - BF
"I want to discuss the future of International Rescue..."
The words had a sobering effect on them all. They sat quietly to listen to what was coming next.
"A few weeks ago I was going to shut International Rescue down, but then I realised that this shouldn't be my decision alone." Jeff cleared his throat. "I guess I don't need to tell you all why I want to have this discussion. The last eighteen months or so have been hard for this family... And I'm including you three," he indicated Brains, Tin-Tin and Kyrano with a sweep of his hand. "You are a part of this family and I don't ever want you to think otherwise... As I was saying, we've had events happen that have had far reaching effects on us all."
Everyone looked at Scott and Virgil.
They looked somewhat self-conscious.
"We can only count ourselves lucky that things haven't been worse. That, at long last, things have reverted to what we can loosely call normal. Everyone is fully functioning, fit and healthy..."
John sneezed.
"Gesundheit." Jeff continued on, "We all know that every time the team goes out on a rescue there's always going to be a chance that someone could be badly hurt or killed. We discussed this before we started operations, and I'm sure you've discussed it amongst yourselves since. We've had all too frightening reminders of what can possibly happen and I want us all to re-evaluate whether we continue with this venture.
"If we shut down International Rescue, it will obviously be a big upheaval for us all. There will be no need for us to continue to live on Tracy Island, so we may move back to the States. Everyone will have to decide what they want to do with their lives. We may split up and find ourselves living in totally different parts of the world away from each other. You would have the opportunity to live 'normal' lives, maybe getting the opportunity to experience the joys and grief that I've experienced over the last 34 years with you five boys.
"It's a lot to think about, which is why I don't want anyone to make their decision right now. Go for a walk, sleep on it, do whatever you do that helps you think... Take as long as you need... Then I'm going to ask everyone to vote in a secret ballot."
He sat back to see if there were any comments on his speech.
Everyone sat in stunned silence.
Jeff held up a Babelet. "I've set this up with the voting form. It's got three statements and I want each of you to think about and decide which statement you want to tick. Once everyone has voted then I'll collate them all and make my decision."
"What are the statements?" Alan asked quietly.
"Number one says: 'I believe International Rescue should continue'. Number two is: 'I believe International Rescue should continue, but I would like to change my role in the organisation'. Number three:" Jeff paused for a moment. "Number three: 'I believe International Rescue should be shut down'."
There were murmurings from the group seated in front of him.
"The Babelet will stay in the theatre so that each voter is assured of privacy. Whenever you feel you've made your decision then please vote. But don't feel pressured into making your decision today. This is something that requires a lot of thought."
"What if someone votes for number two?" Gordon asked. "You'll have to know who that person is to find out what they want to do, or not do, as the case may be."
"I'll let you know once all the votes are in, and ask that person to make themselves known to me in private."
"Ad if someone vodes for dumber thwee?" John sniffed.
"It will depend on the number of votes I get. If it's only one person we'll have another meeting and discuss the option. If it's a majority..." Jeff's face held a grim expression, "I'll shut International Rescue down."
Outside a gull screeched.
Inside there was silence.
Scott cleared his throat. "I don't need to consider this. I already know how I'm going to vote. There's been times when I couldn't see myself doing anything BUT working for International Rescue. There were also times, when I was blind, that I wished I'd never heard of International Rescue." He picked up the Babelet and looked at the three questions. "I guess you could say that I, and Virgil, have been the worst affected over the past eighteen months, that International Rescue has affected our lives the most. And during that time I've often thought about this very question... should International Rescue continue? Did I want to continue? Did I want to risk another in my family going through what I went through? And... now that I've got my sight back again, do I want to risk my neck anymore...?" He made a tick. "There's my answer." He pushed the submit button and went to put the Babelet back on the desk.
Virgil held out his hand for it. "I've been sitting here wondering if maybe my hearing had gone funny again. Judging by everyone's faces I guess not." He looked at the words on the Babelet. "Like Scott I've often considered whether International Rescue should continue, especially while I was deaf. I've also considered what other roles I could have in the organisation." He looked at his family. "I would hate to go through another year like the one we've just had. It'd probably send me crazy." He gave a small smile as he made his tick and submitted his vote.
Gordon took the Babelet off him. "I know I'm a joker, that I don't always seem to take life seriously, but that's because I love life and want to enjoy it. Believe me, my hydrofoil accident gave me a respect for life that I didn't have in my earlier years. Every day I'm thankful that I'm still here, that I can walk and talk," he grinned, "and torment the rest of you. Before International Rescue started I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to be part of it, and since then, after every rescue I've revisited the same question." He made his mark.
"Push the scramble button will you, Gordon." Jeff instructed. "I want to keep the votes secret."
Tin-Tin looked at the Babelet. "Do you want us to vote too, Mr Tracy?"
"Yes please, Tin-Tin. This is something that affects the whole family. But you don't have to now..."
She'd already taken the Babelet from Gordon's hands and cast her vote. "I know it's easier for me." She said. "I'm not out on rescues as often, so I'm not often in as much danger as the boys. I also know that should something happen to one of them, it would be like losing a brother. And I should hate that." She gave a shy smile and pushed the scramble button.
"May I, my daughter?" Kyrano took the Babelet. "Mr Tracy. I am honoured that you consider me to be part of your family. I am also honoured that you respect me enough to take my thoughts and feelings into consideration. I love your boys, and Mister Brains, as if they were my own sons. Some of the pain you have felt this past year with Mister Scott's and Mister Virgil's disabilities I also have shared. I have often thought how I would feel should it be my Tin-Tin who was afflicted in a similar way. I have my opinions as to whether International Rescue should continue and I shall vote now." He placed his tick and pressed the submit button.
Amazed at the way his family were deciding so rapidly, Jeff watched as the Babelet passed into Brains' hands.
"Whenever I-I've conceived a new machine or device, I-I've tried to think of every contingency, to try and keep the operator and victim as safe as p-possible. I-I'm a genius, but even I can't keep International Rescue's operatives safe at all times, short of getting them to wear f-full body armour from the moment they step out of their Thunderbird, wh-which wouldn't be practical. I am aware that th-there is a possibility that one day, despite my best efforts, s-s-someone may be injured seriously while using something I've invented. It is a th-thought that hangs heavily on my mind." He voted as he said this, pushed the submit button and then scrambled the votes.
He went to put the Babelet on the desk but Mrs Tracy stopped him. "Jeff. You are asking me to decide whether or not I'm going to agree to allow my grandsons to continue to risk their lives in order to help complete strangers?"
"That's right, Mother."
"Good." She placed her tick and stabbed at the submit button.
"Here, Gwandma." John took it from her and sniffed. "Mosd of you 'ave no idea 'ow frustrading id can be, being up in Dunderbird Five, lisdening do whad's happenin' down here, and nod being able to do anydin'. Especially when one of you is in twouble. How aware I am dat id wouldn' take much for me to be todally isolated from you all. One communication breakdown and I'd be stuck up in space alone." He coughed. "I know how I want to vote." He did, trying to stifle a sneeze in the process.
"Guess I'm lucky last." Alan took the Babelet. "If I wasn't involved with International Rescue I know exactly what I'd be doing, and who I'd be doing it with..." he looked at Tin-Tin out of the corner of his eye. "There are times when I really miss the thrill of the race, whether I was in front, or in the pits unable to go anywhere due to some malfunction, there was always the excitement of the sounds, the smells, the speed..." He placed his tick and submitted. "Whatever I do, I need that excitement."
"Push scramble please, Alan." Jeff instructed.
"Done!" Alan handed the Babelet to his father.
Jeff grasped the instrument. "I can't believe how quickly you've all voted. Does anyone wish to change their minds?" He looked at each individual carefully. They all shook their heads.
He stood. "Right. I'm going to pack. I'm going up to Thunderbird Five..."
"You!" He received a chorus from his family.
He smiled grimly. "Yes me! I want to experience first hand just what it's like up there before I place my vote. I'll stay there until Alan is fully recovered from his cold. The solitude will give me the peace I need to consider my decision, and also I'll be able to catch up on some of my Tracy Industries backlog."
"But, talking about Tracy Industries," Scott asked uneasily, "who's going to take care of business?"
"I will. Most of my meetings are done by video conferencing. The people I meet with have no idea where I'm based. I could be on Mars for all they would know."
"And if International Rescue gets a call out?" Gordon asked.
"I'll co-ordinate from Thunderbird Five."
"So we're still in operation then." Alan said.
"Until I've made my final decision, yes. Now, if you'll excuse me I'd better get packed. Scott and Gordon, will you both take me in Thunderbird Three? We'll leave in two hours." They nodded dumbly. "Sorry Virgil. I'm not willing to trust your ears to space travel just yet."
"Uh, oh, that's okay." Virgil acknowledged dazedly.
Jeff held up the Babelet. "Last chance?"
No one took him up on the offer.
He put it under his arm and walked out of the lounge.
"Whew!" Scott rubbed his face. "That was a turn up for the books! I think I need some fresh air." He stood and walked out to the patio and then down the steps.
He'd reached the beach when he heard some steps behind him. "Hi Virg."
Virgil fell into step beside him. "What did you put?"
"Do you need to ask?"
Virgil smiled tightly. "No."
"Same goes for you huh?"
"Uh huh."
"Wait up guys!" They heard Gordon's voice behind them. "What do you make of that?"
"What? Quitting International Rescue or going to Thunderbird Five?" Virgil asked.
"Both!"
Scott shrugged. "He's had a big fright over the past year... we all have."
"And Dunderbird Five?" John asked.
"He wanted to get away from your smell." Alan told him.
"Danks."
Gordon rotated his shoulders, feeling the tropical sun beating down through his shirt. "I can't imagine living anywhere else now."
"We won't know if we'll have to." Virgil stated. "The vote could go any way."
They were silent for moment.
Scott felt the need to do something vigorous, to feel alive. "Race you to the end of the beach."
"You're on!" Alan and Gordon were grinning, their old competitive instincts back to the fore.
"Nod me." John groaned. "I'll watch."
"You're getting old Johnny." Gordon taunted him. "You'll just have to watch us beat the other old fellas."
"Old fellas!" Virgil exclaimed. "Right! You've got my dander up now! What's the course?"
"Here's the start." Scott drew a line in the sand, in line with where John was now sitting. "What say we go from here, around that log, and back? John, you can be the judge."
"Fine." John said. "I can manage dat. And Scott, you'd bedder win, jus' to deach dhe kids a lesson."
"I'll do my best, John."
"I thought he was the judge." Alan said. "That means you are supposed to be impartial."
"I am. I don' care who wins. Eider Scott or Virgil, I don' mind."
They lined up.
"Everyone ready?" John asked.
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Go!"
They were off in a spray of sand.
John coughed away the sand. "Danks guys!" he called after them.
Neck and neck they raced up the beach. The log was getting nearer. Scott lengthened his stride, put his hand on the log to assist his turn and started heading back.
Virgil moved marginally wider to ensure that he wasn't caught up with Scott's legs. This forced Alan and Gordon to move wider still, increasing the length they had to run.
Gordon tried to push Alan out of his way and managed to briefly get entangled with his younger brother. "Get out of my way!"
They were all back on the homeward straight.
John was on his feet. "Go Scott! Go Virgil!" he pulled his jersey off to use as a flag.
Alan and Gordon were gaining.
Scott and Virgil, faces set in determination, increased their speed.
"Go!"
At the sounds of yelling Jeff Tracy looked out his window. He grinned when he saw his sons racing together.
"C'mon Virgil! C'mon Scott!"
The finishing line was getting close.
So was the finish.
Scott threw himself over the line in the sand.
So did Virgil.
John excitedly waved his 'flag'. "The winners!"
"Yes!" Scott and Virgil high-fived each other and John.
"It wasn't a fair contest." Alan moaned. "I'm sick!"
"Then you shouldn't be racing should you." Virgil told him.
"And you got in my way, Alan!" Gordon said sulkily.
Scott put his arms condescendingly around his two youngest brothers shoulders. "Never mind kiddos. One day you'll be big and strong like us."
"What say we challenge you to a swimming race?" Gordon asked.
"Are you kidding!" Virgil exclaimed. "With age and experience comes wisdom. You'd beat us all with your legs tied to the diving board."
"Go Kart race?" Alan offered.
Scott and Virgil started walking back down the beach shaking their heads. "No way! Come on John. Lets go celebrate!"
"Scuba race?" Gordon called hopefully.
He received a dismissive wave by way of a reply.
***
"Bunch of big kids." Jeff said to himself.
"And you love them all." He started and turned when he heard the voice. His mother was standing there.
"Look at them!" Alan and Gordon had tackled their older brothers and now all five were wrestling in the sand. "They remind me of overgrown puppies... How often do the five of them get the opportunity to be all together and just have fun?" He turned back to the window. "I'd do anything to protect them."
"Even if that means forgoing your dreams? Shutting down International Rescue?" she asked.
"If that's what the majority want, yes."
"Why do I get the feeling that you've already decided how you're going to vote, Jeff. That you don't really need to go to Thunderbird Five to think about this?"
"Because I have made up my mind!"
"Are you going to tell me what you've decided?"
"No."
"It doesn't matter," she took his arm and looked out the window to where her Grandsons were tussling with each other. "I already know..."
Jeff smiled at her and then looked back out the window. His two youngest sons had clearly decided that his oldest needed to wash away the sand that now coated them all. They unceremoniously threw Scott into the pool.
Then they turned on Virgil.
The way he was backing away, hands held up defensively he was clearly advising them that his ears weren't ready to be immersed in water yet.
They backed him into a shed and shut the door, placing a chair in front to keep him there.
Laughing, John fell off the sun-lounger from where he'd been watching proceedings.
They turned on him.
He ran...
***
"I want to discuss the future of International Rescue..."
The words had a sobering effect on them all. They sat quietly to listen to what was coming next.
"A few weeks ago I was going to shut International Rescue down, but then I realised that this shouldn't be my decision alone." Jeff cleared his throat. "I guess I don't need to tell you all why I want to have this discussion. The last eighteen months or so have been hard for this family... And I'm including you three," he indicated Brains, Tin-Tin and Kyrano with a sweep of his hand. "You are a part of this family and I don't ever want you to think otherwise... As I was saying, we've had events happen that have had far reaching effects on us all."
Everyone looked at Scott and Virgil.
They looked somewhat self-conscious.
"We can only count ourselves lucky that things haven't been worse. That, at long last, things have reverted to what we can loosely call normal. Everyone is fully functioning, fit and healthy..."
John sneezed.
"Gesundheit." Jeff continued on, "We all know that every time the team goes out on a rescue there's always going to be a chance that someone could be badly hurt or killed. We discussed this before we started operations, and I'm sure you've discussed it amongst yourselves since. We've had all too frightening reminders of what can possibly happen and I want us all to re-evaluate whether we continue with this venture.
"If we shut down International Rescue, it will obviously be a big upheaval for us all. There will be no need for us to continue to live on Tracy Island, so we may move back to the States. Everyone will have to decide what they want to do with their lives. We may split up and find ourselves living in totally different parts of the world away from each other. You would have the opportunity to live 'normal' lives, maybe getting the opportunity to experience the joys and grief that I've experienced over the last 34 years with you five boys.
"It's a lot to think about, which is why I don't want anyone to make their decision right now. Go for a walk, sleep on it, do whatever you do that helps you think... Take as long as you need... Then I'm going to ask everyone to vote in a secret ballot."
He sat back to see if there were any comments on his speech.
Everyone sat in stunned silence.
Jeff held up a Babelet. "I've set this up with the voting form. It's got three statements and I want each of you to think about and decide which statement you want to tick. Once everyone has voted then I'll collate them all and make my decision."
"What are the statements?" Alan asked quietly.
"Number one says: 'I believe International Rescue should continue'. Number two is: 'I believe International Rescue should continue, but I would like to change my role in the organisation'. Number three:" Jeff paused for a moment. "Number three: 'I believe International Rescue should be shut down'."
There were murmurings from the group seated in front of him.
"The Babelet will stay in the theatre so that each voter is assured of privacy. Whenever you feel you've made your decision then please vote. But don't feel pressured into making your decision today. This is something that requires a lot of thought."
"What if someone votes for number two?" Gordon asked. "You'll have to know who that person is to find out what they want to do, or not do, as the case may be."
"I'll let you know once all the votes are in, and ask that person to make themselves known to me in private."
"Ad if someone vodes for dumber thwee?" John sniffed.
"It will depend on the number of votes I get. If it's only one person we'll have another meeting and discuss the option. If it's a majority..." Jeff's face held a grim expression, "I'll shut International Rescue down."
Outside a gull screeched.
Inside there was silence.
Scott cleared his throat. "I don't need to consider this. I already know how I'm going to vote. There's been times when I couldn't see myself doing anything BUT working for International Rescue. There were also times, when I was blind, that I wished I'd never heard of International Rescue." He picked up the Babelet and looked at the three questions. "I guess you could say that I, and Virgil, have been the worst affected over the past eighteen months, that International Rescue has affected our lives the most. And during that time I've often thought about this very question... should International Rescue continue? Did I want to continue? Did I want to risk another in my family going through what I went through? And... now that I've got my sight back again, do I want to risk my neck anymore...?" He made a tick. "There's my answer." He pushed the submit button and went to put the Babelet back on the desk.
Virgil held out his hand for it. "I've been sitting here wondering if maybe my hearing had gone funny again. Judging by everyone's faces I guess not." He looked at the words on the Babelet. "Like Scott I've often considered whether International Rescue should continue, especially while I was deaf. I've also considered what other roles I could have in the organisation." He looked at his family. "I would hate to go through another year like the one we've just had. It'd probably send me crazy." He gave a small smile as he made his tick and submitted his vote.
Gordon took the Babelet off him. "I know I'm a joker, that I don't always seem to take life seriously, but that's because I love life and want to enjoy it. Believe me, my hydrofoil accident gave me a respect for life that I didn't have in my earlier years. Every day I'm thankful that I'm still here, that I can walk and talk," he grinned, "and torment the rest of you. Before International Rescue started I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to be part of it, and since then, after every rescue I've revisited the same question." He made his mark.
"Push the scramble button will you, Gordon." Jeff instructed. "I want to keep the votes secret."
Tin-Tin looked at the Babelet. "Do you want us to vote too, Mr Tracy?"
"Yes please, Tin-Tin. This is something that affects the whole family. But you don't have to now..."
She'd already taken the Babelet from Gordon's hands and cast her vote. "I know it's easier for me." She said. "I'm not out on rescues as often, so I'm not often in as much danger as the boys. I also know that should something happen to one of them, it would be like losing a brother. And I should hate that." She gave a shy smile and pushed the scramble button.
"May I, my daughter?" Kyrano took the Babelet. "Mr Tracy. I am honoured that you consider me to be part of your family. I am also honoured that you respect me enough to take my thoughts and feelings into consideration. I love your boys, and Mister Brains, as if they were my own sons. Some of the pain you have felt this past year with Mister Scott's and Mister Virgil's disabilities I also have shared. I have often thought how I would feel should it be my Tin-Tin who was afflicted in a similar way. I have my opinions as to whether International Rescue should continue and I shall vote now." He placed his tick and pressed the submit button.
Amazed at the way his family were deciding so rapidly, Jeff watched as the Babelet passed into Brains' hands.
"Whenever I-I've conceived a new machine or device, I-I've tried to think of every contingency, to try and keep the operator and victim as safe as p-possible. I-I'm a genius, but even I can't keep International Rescue's operatives safe at all times, short of getting them to wear f-full body armour from the moment they step out of their Thunderbird, wh-which wouldn't be practical. I am aware that th-there is a possibility that one day, despite my best efforts, s-s-someone may be injured seriously while using something I've invented. It is a th-thought that hangs heavily on my mind." He voted as he said this, pushed the submit button and then scrambled the votes.
He went to put the Babelet on the desk but Mrs Tracy stopped him. "Jeff. You are asking me to decide whether or not I'm going to agree to allow my grandsons to continue to risk their lives in order to help complete strangers?"
"That's right, Mother."
"Good." She placed her tick and stabbed at the submit button.
"Here, Gwandma." John took it from her and sniffed. "Mosd of you 'ave no idea 'ow frustrading id can be, being up in Dunderbird Five, lisdening do whad's happenin' down here, and nod being able to do anydin'. Especially when one of you is in twouble. How aware I am dat id wouldn' take much for me to be todally isolated from you all. One communication breakdown and I'd be stuck up in space alone." He coughed. "I know how I want to vote." He did, trying to stifle a sneeze in the process.
"Guess I'm lucky last." Alan took the Babelet. "If I wasn't involved with International Rescue I know exactly what I'd be doing, and who I'd be doing it with..." he looked at Tin-Tin out of the corner of his eye. "There are times when I really miss the thrill of the race, whether I was in front, or in the pits unable to go anywhere due to some malfunction, there was always the excitement of the sounds, the smells, the speed..." He placed his tick and submitted. "Whatever I do, I need that excitement."
"Push scramble please, Alan." Jeff instructed.
"Done!" Alan handed the Babelet to his father.
Jeff grasped the instrument. "I can't believe how quickly you've all voted. Does anyone wish to change their minds?" He looked at each individual carefully. They all shook their heads.
He stood. "Right. I'm going to pack. I'm going up to Thunderbird Five..."
"You!" He received a chorus from his family.
He smiled grimly. "Yes me! I want to experience first hand just what it's like up there before I place my vote. I'll stay there until Alan is fully recovered from his cold. The solitude will give me the peace I need to consider my decision, and also I'll be able to catch up on some of my Tracy Industries backlog."
"But, talking about Tracy Industries," Scott asked uneasily, "who's going to take care of business?"
"I will. Most of my meetings are done by video conferencing. The people I meet with have no idea where I'm based. I could be on Mars for all they would know."
"And if International Rescue gets a call out?" Gordon asked.
"I'll co-ordinate from Thunderbird Five."
"So we're still in operation then." Alan said.
"Until I've made my final decision, yes. Now, if you'll excuse me I'd better get packed. Scott and Gordon, will you both take me in Thunderbird Three? We'll leave in two hours." They nodded dumbly. "Sorry Virgil. I'm not willing to trust your ears to space travel just yet."
"Uh, oh, that's okay." Virgil acknowledged dazedly.
Jeff held up the Babelet. "Last chance?"
No one took him up on the offer.
He put it under his arm and walked out of the lounge.
"Whew!" Scott rubbed his face. "That was a turn up for the books! I think I need some fresh air." He stood and walked out to the patio and then down the steps.
He'd reached the beach when he heard some steps behind him. "Hi Virg."
Virgil fell into step beside him. "What did you put?"
"Do you need to ask?"
Virgil smiled tightly. "No."
"Same goes for you huh?"
"Uh huh."
"Wait up guys!" They heard Gordon's voice behind them. "What do you make of that?"
"What? Quitting International Rescue or going to Thunderbird Five?" Virgil asked.
"Both!"
Scott shrugged. "He's had a big fright over the past year... we all have."
"And Dunderbird Five?" John asked.
"He wanted to get away from your smell." Alan told him.
"Danks."
Gordon rotated his shoulders, feeling the tropical sun beating down through his shirt. "I can't imagine living anywhere else now."
"We won't know if we'll have to." Virgil stated. "The vote could go any way."
They were silent for moment.
Scott felt the need to do something vigorous, to feel alive. "Race you to the end of the beach."
"You're on!" Alan and Gordon were grinning, their old competitive instincts back to the fore.
"Nod me." John groaned. "I'll watch."
"You're getting old Johnny." Gordon taunted him. "You'll just have to watch us beat the other old fellas."
"Old fellas!" Virgil exclaimed. "Right! You've got my dander up now! What's the course?"
"Here's the start." Scott drew a line in the sand, in line with where John was now sitting. "What say we go from here, around that log, and back? John, you can be the judge."
"Fine." John said. "I can manage dat. And Scott, you'd bedder win, jus' to deach dhe kids a lesson."
"I'll do my best, John."
"I thought he was the judge." Alan said. "That means you are supposed to be impartial."
"I am. I don' care who wins. Eider Scott or Virgil, I don' mind."
They lined up.
"Everyone ready?" John asked.
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Ready."
"Go!"
They were off in a spray of sand.
John coughed away the sand. "Danks guys!" he called after them.
Neck and neck they raced up the beach. The log was getting nearer. Scott lengthened his stride, put his hand on the log to assist his turn and started heading back.
Virgil moved marginally wider to ensure that he wasn't caught up with Scott's legs. This forced Alan and Gordon to move wider still, increasing the length they had to run.
Gordon tried to push Alan out of his way and managed to briefly get entangled with his younger brother. "Get out of my way!"
They were all back on the homeward straight.
John was on his feet. "Go Scott! Go Virgil!" he pulled his jersey off to use as a flag.
Alan and Gordon were gaining.
Scott and Virgil, faces set in determination, increased their speed.
"Go!"
At the sounds of yelling Jeff Tracy looked out his window. He grinned when he saw his sons racing together.
"C'mon Virgil! C'mon Scott!"
The finishing line was getting close.
So was the finish.
Scott threw himself over the line in the sand.
So did Virgil.
John excitedly waved his 'flag'. "The winners!"
"Yes!" Scott and Virgil high-fived each other and John.
"It wasn't a fair contest." Alan moaned. "I'm sick!"
"Then you shouldn't be racing should you." Virgil told him.
"And you got in my way, Alan!" Gordon said sulkily.
Scott put his arms condescendingly around his two youngest brothers shoulders. "Never mind kiddos. One day you'll be big and strong like us."
"What say we challenge you to a swimming race?" Gordon asked.
"Are you kidding!" Virgil exclaimed. "With age and experience comes wisdom. You'd beat us all with your legs tied to the diving board."
"Go Kart race?" Alan offered.
Scott and Virgil started walking back down the beach shaking their heads. "No way! Come on John. Lets go celebrate!"
"Scuba race?" Gordon called hopefully.
He received a dismissive wave by way of a reply.
***
"Bunch of big kids." Jeff said to himself.
"And you love them all." He started and turned when he heard the voice. His mother was standing there.
"Look at them!" Alan and Gordon had tackled their older brothers and now all five were wrestling in the sand. "They remind me of overgrown puppies... How often do the five of them get the opportunity to be all together and just have fun?" He turned back to the window. "I'd do anything to protect them."
"Even if that means forgoing your dreams? Shutting down International Rescue?" she asked.
"If that's what the majority want, yes."
"Why do I get the feeling that you've already decided how you're going to vote, Jeff. That you don't really need to go to Thunderbird Five to think about this?"
"Because I have made up my mind!"
"Are you going to tell me what you've decided?"
"No."
"It doesn't matter," she took his arm and looked out the window to where her Grandsons were tussling with each other. "I already know..."
Jeff smiled at her and then looked back out the window. His two youngest sons had clearly decided that his oldest needed to wash away the sand that now coated them all. They unceremoniously threw Scott into the pool.
Then they turned on Virgil.
The way he was backing away, hands held up defensively he was clearly advising them that his ears weren't ready to be immersed in water yet.
They backed him into a shed and shut the door, placing a chair in front to keep him there.
Laughing, John fell off the sun-lounger from where he'd been watching proceedings.
They turned on him.
He ran...
***