CHAPTER EIGHT.

Gordon sensed his family edge forward slightly as the cord was pulled, but his eyes remained firmly locked on the sheet as it dropped. The air fairly crackled expectantly. No-one moved, no-one spoke, all eyes were fixed on the frozen expression of the aquanaut.

"You like it bro'?" Scott asked.

"………………...!"

"You're impressed eh?" Virgil grinned jovially.

"………………...!"

"We thought you'd be the first to appreciate all the work we put into designing her." Scott said lightly.

"She's a beaut' don't you think, Gordy?" John pressed teasingly as Gordon's jaw finally dropped open.

"Come and have a closer look." Virgil pulled his unresisting brother forward. "We've spared no expense….."

"Yeah, and thought of everything." John added.

"……………….!"

"We've even added an additional turbo booster, which you must admit is an inspired idea. Here let me show you." John leaned down and slipped the attachments to either side of the vessel. "Well, what do you think? Impressed?"

"……………….!"

"Give him a little space boys, he's overwhelmed. He just needs a little time to take it all in, don't you son?"

"…………........!"

For perhaps a full minute Gordon's jaw worked wordlessly as his eyes raked slowly over the creation before him. When he eventually found his power of speech it was to utter a croaked, "I'm dreaming right?"

"We can pinch you to prove you're not." Scott offered dryly.

Gordon shook his head numbly as he tried to come to terms with the vision before him.

"There's lighting too. Scott, throw the switch will you?" Virgil prompted.

Gordon blinked as dozens of dazzling multi coloured neon bulbs began flashing randomly in all directions, to reveal what at first glance looked to be a garishly decorated floating joke shop, sat atop a large hideously caricatured pedalo in the shape of a grinning frog. It was only as he studied it that the full implications of the design became apparent. In a numb daze his eyes skated over The turbo 'attachments', a pair of over size oars, a cross between a pair of broom sticks and elongated frogs legs, protruded mockingly, either side of the 'craft.' The front of the 'craft' housed two outsized headlamps, fashioned to resemble 'eyes', in the middle of which protruded a large cerise plastic alligator figurehead that appeared to be grinning manically at him. The top heavy over sized joke shop had been fashioned from several poles to form an open cage, with a makeshift rope attached to the top of each corner to produce a four sided wash line. From this hung every joke paraphernalia conceivable, dangling from every available inch, like so much cluttered washing. But it was the interior that got the biggest reaction from Gordon as he dragged his reluctant gaze over it and winced, appalled. The centre piece, the pilot's seat, comprised of a bold white toilet, with an inventively 'designed' adult sized baby chair attached to it. The loo seat, adorned with dramatic animal print material, added the finishing touch. Just behind it a large open flat umbrella, atop a six foot sturdy pole, completed the spectacle. From it hung reminders of every prank Gordon had pulled in recent weeks, empty paint tubes, suntan lotion bottles, a fake fish skeleton, a bag of imitation beetles to name but a few, dangled from its tips. A Jolly Roger flag topped the line-up.

"What is this?" he asked numbly of no-one in particular.

"This is 'Payback' your new baby." Scott supplied.

Gordon shook his head dully as if that would somehow negate what he was seeing.

"It's our way of showing you our appreciation for all the pranks you've perpetrated on us." John added.

"We thought a little reciprocation was in order……." Scott continued.

"So we've returned the compliment. See we've even painted her name on the side." Virgil finished.

And that brought Gordon's numbed attention to the garish paintwork. He cringed at the multi kaleidoscopic splodges.

"They are all your favourite colours." Virgil defended.

Gordon had an insane urge to smile, but controlled it. "It looks like someone used it for target practice and just let rip."

"How'd you guess?" Scott's lips twitched.

"We had a real fun time doing that didn't we Virg'?" John grinned.

"Sure." Virgil replied. "It's been a real labour of love……Of course; a great deal of technical knowledge also went into creating just the right 'effect!'"

"Technical knowledge! This monstrosity?"

"Oh but you must admit this is really you Gordon." Scott teased.

"No way! My jokes have class!" Gordon spluttered. "This thing is the last word in bad taste. You fellas shoulda come to me before embarking on this…..this…….hybridised floating garbage can! It should be taken out into the bay and sunk, if it could stay afloat that long!"

"Hey, show a little respect. You'll hurt her feelings." Scott chided.

"Tut, tut, all that work and no appreciation, not even a thankyou." John admonished.

"What did you expect, a medal?"  Gordon snapped.

Was it his imagination or had the atmosphere suddenly changed.

"You could at least take a closer look before you start mocking her." Virgil coaxed.

"No way, I'm as close to that monstrosity as I intend to get!" he scorned.

 "Well now that's a pity……" Jeff said.

Gordon shook his head again; a mixture of exasperation, disappointment and grudging admiration warred within him as his eyes flicked once more over the thing he'd been looking forward to seeing. "I don't believe it…..what about those blue prints, I didn't dream those."

"Been sneaking around a bit haven't you son?"

Gordon had the grace to flush, but wasn't in a mood to back down. "Yeah, but I still saw 'em."

Jeff studied his son for a moment, the defiant amber eyes, the stubborn chin and came to a decision, "Actually son, you're right."

A frisson of interest flared in the aquanaut as he faced his parent. "There is a Thunderbird Four?" he asked on a ray of hope, holding his breath expectantly.

Looks were exchanged.

Gordon felt his heart skip a beat. "Well?"

Jeff took his time. The air was electric as he slowly nodded.

"Well what're we waiting for……?"

"Hold it son, not so fast!"

"Huh?"

"There's one little catch."

Gordon eyed his father warily, "What exactly?"

"You have to 'earn' it, pass a test." Jeff elucidated.

********

Chapter nine: the penultimate chapter, sees Gordon getting his 'Payback' in full from his brothers.