A Hard Place part eight – Heaven and Earth.

by Angel Mouse


John dabbed gently at the blood on the corner of his lip, running some cold water he soaked the cloth again and wiped it away. His cheek was red and his lip was spilt but other than that his face was okay. Putting the cloth down he stepped back and raised his t-shirt up, examining his chest. Red marks were up and down his chest and bruises were beginning to form.

He sighed and winced as those bruises made them felt. Sighing he lowered the t-shirt and went back out into the main room. The guards had thrown him back into the room and locked the door behind them. John had picked himself up and gone into the small bathroom to clean himself up.

Chucking off the now torn and slightly bloody t-shirt he'd grabbed a new one, slipping it over his sore chest, and gone about the task of cleaning himself up. Going over to the side table he poured himself a drink of water and sipped it gently.

Wincing slightly he sat down on the bed and sighed. Did he do the right thing? Calling his brothers into certain danger just to rescue him, was it the right choice to make? Or should he have tried to escape on his own when he had the chance. Get off the island and make his way somewhere that he could then be picked up by his brothers.

John sighed again and ran a hand through his hair as he shifted on the bed, trying to get comfortable. He'd be feeling the bruises and sore muscles tomorrow. Did he have the right to put his brother's in danger? And then he answered his own question by knowing that if it was any of this brother's he'd want to charge in head first to rescue them.

John was taken back to numerous times where he had been forced to sit and listen from the relative safety of Thunderbird Five time and time again when his brother's were in danger. John leaned back against the headboard of the bed and gave a tiny smile as a memory surfaced.

Not long after they had begun operations, what felt like several centuries ago but was only a few years, John had been home for a small stint and had actually talked to Scott about his feelings of helplessness. He remembered with fondness that conversation they had over drinks late at night, watching the stars...

Scott looked over at his younger brother, a small smile on his face.

"All right Johnny, what's bothering you?" John just gave a tiny smile, looking at the stars.

"Who says something's bothering me?" Scott had laughed then and John had joined in after a moment.

"Johnny, this is me you're talking to. You may be the one that listens to all of us, knows when one of us is down, and when one of us needs a pick me up. You are the one we all turn to when we want to talk but what about you Johnny? Who do you talk to? You know all of us but you forget that I'm the one that knows you as well. And something is bothering you." John didn't say anything for a long moment and then sighed softly.

"You're right Scott. I guess I'm just feeling a little bit left out, out of the loop so to speak."

"About what John?" John's tone was even as always but Scott could detect the under current of frustration.

"That I can't jump in at the deep end all the time and help you out. Especially if you get into trouble and need help. How can I help you when I'm a few thousand feet in space? I can't even give you a slap on the back and say job well done when you get home safely. I just feel cut off up in my bird." Scott just looked at him and then gave a tiny smile.

"John, you're the calm voice of reason and control that I depend on all the time to keep me in the loop with things at home. You are the one that holds us all together John, and you do a horrible lonely job but you're the only one of us that can do it." John sighed.

"Yes I know. But sometimes Scott, sometimes I just wish I could be there with you."

"You are John. You've gone on a couple of rescues already. But honestly John, you do a job none of us can do. Think about it a moment, would you trust any of us to do what you do?" John thought about Scott's words for a long moment and then sighed.

"No, I wouldn't but that doesn't mean sometimes I don't miss you guys awfully." Scott reached over and pulled John into a hug.

"Johnny, no matter what, I'll always be there for you and no matter what trouble either of us get into, we'll both move heaven and earth to be there, won't he?" John laughed.

"Most definitely Scott, heaven and earth won't have a chance." The two of them had embraced and John had then changed the subject to something lighter.

John sipped some more water as his mind ran circles around itself. True, ever since that conversation not long after they had started, Scott did try his best to include him more, but Alan's constant shirking of his duty made it hard sometimes.

Not that John minded doing his baby brother favours; he just wished they were returned sometimes. But thinking about it he wouldn't wish where he was right now on any of his brothers. He closed his eyes against the throbbing headache that was beginning to manifest itself as he fondly recalled each and everyone of his brother's and how much he missed them. In his mind he could practically see each and every one of them at their home.

Scott sitting on the lounge suite studying the latest plane designs to come from their father's company. Virgil at his piano playing his favourite sonata, the music floating through the house and making everyone feel good. Gordon would be constantly swimming laps in the pool and having water fights with any one and everyone that he could lay his hands on. And then there was Alan. Alan would be working on his cars down in the garage and then taking them for a spin on the runway, much to his father's chagrin.

His father would be behind the desk working away at the paperwork that seemed to follow them everywhere. Tracy Industries didn't run itself. Kyrano pottering around in the garden with his orchids and his grandmother would be in the kitchen cooking apple pie.

Tin-Tin and Brains would be down in the lab like they always were working hard on what ever it was they did down there sometimes. John opened his eyes and swung his legs off the bed, padding softly over to the side board again and pouring himself another glass of water.

Feeling guilty for having the thought, he devoutly wished his brothers were here with him. Scott to give him a hug, Virgil to play his favourite song, Gordon to splash about with him and Alan to drive him nuts with his constant begging to fix his favourite radio that he'd broken, again. John snorted with soft laughter. Alan was always breaking his radios and that was the start of John becoming the radio expert of the boys.

Shaking his head after a long moment at the thought and knowing that he shouldn't feel guilty for having it John sighed. Draining the glass John sat it down on the cupboard and went back over to the bed. He was sore, tired, bruised and frankly, scared out of his mind right now. He wanted nothing more than his big brother to come and give him a big hug and tell it would be all right, that this would all be over soon. John lay down on the bed and reaching up he switched off the light, there was still a few hours of night before another, long boring day ahead. John closed his eyes and sighed softly as a single, lonely tear ran down his face. Somehow, he didn't think he'd be getting to sleep anytime soon.

Brazil International Airport – the next afternoon

Penelope adjusted the strap on her bag and watched as their luggage was loaded on to the small plane. She glanced over at Striker and he was standing tall by her side, totally immersed in his role. They were posing as husband and wife, the McDougal's, a couple with more money than sense that had been recommended to go in the place of Lord Leeton.

At Penelope's behest he had given his places up to her and Striker. Thankfully he hadn't asked too many questions but had insisted that once she returned she'd have dinner with him. Penelope was happy to agree with that condition, anything really to help bring John home.

Once they had arrived at the airport as per the invitation that Lord Leeton had forwarded to her, they had been greeted by a rather innocuous looking man who had confirmed their invitations and then arranged for their luggage to be transferred to the small plane and had then politely begun to herd them all in to that small plane.

There was ten other people boarding the plane, their guide had advised them earlier that the others had already been taken across this morning. Penelope and Striker were the last to board the plane and Penelope steeled herself. This was going to be one of the hardest things she had ever had to do for International Rescue.

Meriza's Island

The flight was short and sweet, a little over forty minutes. The time on the flight was spent by their guide filling them in on some rules that would be enforced while they were staying on the island. There would be no phones or video phones. No contact with the outside world what so ever.

Everyone had agreed quite readily and enthusiastically with those conditions. Everyone had bought their own weapons but their guide said that if they wanted a wide selection would be provided on site. The flight had been smooth and was over quickly thankfully. They quickly got off the plane and were lead into the compound. It was a large, Spanish style compound. The high walls were whitewashed and there were guards patrolling the battlements.

Penelope noted that they were all reasonably heavily armed with automatic weapons. She glanced at Nigel and he returned her look, he had seen the armed guards as well. They turned their attention back to the people that they were with. The earlier group was waiting for them and a small stage was set up in the middle of the courtyard.

They milled around for a few minutes, Penelope and Nigel Striker keeping away slightly from the others but still being a part of the largish group. Penelope estimated that there were at least thirty people including themselves. She watched as a man walked up to the stage and stood on it, facing them. Standing slightly behind him was another man and Penelope felt shivers run up her spine as she looked at him.

That one was Mason, the one that had taken John and he was the most dangerous. Nigel had noticed as well and squeezed her shoulder gently in support. She gave him a quick smile of thanks and then she turned her attention to the one at the front of the stage, thinking that he must be this person called Meriza. The man cleared his throat and all attention was turned on him. He smiled and it wasn't a warm smile. Penelope felt shivers run up her spine and Nigel moved instinctively closer to her which she was inordinately grateful for.

"Welcome everyone to my island. I would like to thank you all for joining us here for this very special occasion." He looked around and his fake smile encompassed all of them. "My name is Meriza as most of you already know. You have been invited here for these next two days for a very special hunt. The first of many I hope. All of you are expert hunters, be it of big game or other things, and all of you are not bothered by morals and scruples over what you hunt. And I promise that this hunt will be more than spectacular, it will be unforgettable." Meriza looked at them all and then smiled again.

"Now, my people will take you to your rooms and then in a few hours time we will be holding a welcome banquet in your honour. So, welcome one and all and please, enjoy yourselves." He moved off the platform and walked away. Immediately servants and guards came and led them all away. Penelope and Nigel followed a guard towards their guest quarters. He left them alone and they got busy unpacking.

Well Nigel unpacked while Penelope scanned the room for listening devices. She nodded and held up her fingers to indicate that there were two listening devices and he nodded. They had expected as much and had prepared hours earlier before leaving Tracy Island.

Now all they had to do was wait until they had seen John and then they could call in the rest of the team. Penelope opened her suitcase and began to get out the clothes she would need for the dinner in a few hours. So, for the moment, she had her part to play and play it they both would.

John looked up as the door to his room opened and a guard walked in. The last two days had been very quiet for him; he hadn't even been allowed outside to get some fresh air. The guard had his uniform on a hanger. It was clean and pressed.

"Here, put this on. You have thirty minutes before I come and get you. The master wants our guests to see you." Knowing that he didn't have much of a choice, John took the hanger off the man and he left him to it. John lay the uniform down on the bed and began a meticulous examination of the fine fabric.

John wasn't under any illusions what so ever that Meriza wouldn't put a tracking device in the uniform so he could have his fun on this so called fair hunt of his. And he wasn't disappointed when he found two of them. One in the sash and the other was in the hem of his trousers. He picked at them for a few minutes and grinned as he took them out of his uniform and crushed them under his boots.

Shaking his head at how futile and obvious Meriza was on some things he examined the whole uniform again – including his boots. He wasn't going to take any chances. Satisfied after five more minutes of searching that there were no more tracking devices in his clothes, John went into the bathroom.

He had just enough time to have a quick shower and smarten himself up. If he was going to be paraded before the people that were paying to kill him, be dammed if he was going to look anything but like a member of International Rescue at their best.

Penelope sipped at the rather inferior white wine that had been served with the fish they were eating and listened with half an ear to the ramblings of the others around the large table. She and Nigel had been playing their parts well but Penelope was anxious for any sight or sound of John.

Just then there was a commotion at the door and it was opened, a servant coming in. he moved to the head of the table and leaned over, speaking softly into Meriza's ear. Meriza nodded and smiled. He raised his glass and tapped it with his knife a few times to get their attention. All eyes turned to him and he smiled.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention for a moment please." He nodded, pleased to see all eyes on him. "Now for your entertainment pleasure and surprise, it's time for you to meet your prey." Penelope sat up a little straighter in her chair, keeping her expression neutral and even slightly excited was hard. Meriza gestured and the door opened.

Two guards pushed the figure in blue before them and Penelope couldn't help the gasp that left her mouth, but it was okay, the half dozen other woman did so as well. The figure straightened and stared in defiance at them all.

He was tall, and underneath his blue cap had blonde hair. His bright blue uniform was instantly recognisable and the pink sash had the symbol that was known the world over, the symbol of International Rescue. Meriza gave him all a cold smile.

"Behold ladies and gentleman; I give you an International Rescue Operative."

John stood tall and proud as he sent his icy gaze around the room, his expression carefully neutral as his gaze met each and every person there. His gaze landed on a familiar looking face and then it hit Penelope's.

His face didn't show any recognition of her but for a moment, just the briefest of moments and only noticed by Penelope, his eyes flashed with recognition and joy, before his gaze travelled to the next person, its icy stare firmly in place.

John's gaze finally rested on Meriza and a frown finally appeared on his face. Meriza stood and walked over to John, his expression merry. He clapped John on the back and smiled at his guests. One of the men at the head of the table smiled rather coldly.

"Just how the devil did you pull this off Meriza?" Meriza laughed and moved back to his seat.

"That's for me to know and you to find out. But suffice to say I think that this makes a most excellent prey don't you think?" The same man laughed.

"I agree Meriza, a most definite excellent prey. So, when is our hunt to take place?"

"First thing in the morning Baron Ludwig, I hope that's soon enough for you. After breakfast is served at 7am, the hunt will start at 8 am and continue until the prey is killed. The prize for killing the prey will be twenty million dollars. Naturally, your entrance fee's make up part of this prize. Your entrance fees of ten million dollars each, which you have all paid in advance for, so I thank you for that covers the expenses of setting this operation up and running cost. This whole operation has taken over fifteen months to plan and put into action, so your entrance fees are actually quite low compared to how things have ended up turning out. Now, our prey will be returned to his quarters and you'll all get a chance to meet him in the morning before the hunt. Please everyone, dig in and enjoy your meal. Dessert will be served shortly."

Everyone went back to their meals and Penelope risked a quick glance at John as he was taken away. He stood proud and tall and she cheered inwardly for him. He was every bit Jeff Tracy's son and she couldn't wait to tell Jeff how proud he'd be of him. Penelope turned back to her meal and kept up the line of light patter she had been peddling all night.

John was taken back to his room and the handcuffs were removed. The door closed and he couldn't help the grin on his face. Penelope was here. That meant his brother's knew where he was and he would be okay. An enormous sense of relief filled his soul as he slowly began to take his uniform off. It was only a matter of time now before he got home and was safe and sound. John hung his uniform up and slipped into a t-shirt and shorts, sliding into bed. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

Penelope and Nigel were shown back to their room and Nigel kept up a light line of patter while Penelope did what ever it was she did to block transmissions from the bugs in her room. After a few moments she looked up and smiled.

"It's alright Nigel; they are listening to one of the pre-recorded conversations we had done back at the island. I'm going to call Jeff now and let him know that John is okay." Nigel smiled as he began to get their things together for in the morning, including their weapons.

"He'll be pleased to hear that Penelope." Penelope smiled gently and opened her compact to call him.

"Lady Penelope to Tracy Island, come in please." The video screen came on and Jeff's face appeared.

"Go ahead Penny."

"Good news Jeff, I've seen John. He looks good, healthy and strong. He's fine." The look of sheer relief on his face heartened her.

"Thank God for that." Penelope smiled warmly at him and then sobered.

"Now the bad news Jeff, I'm sorry." Jeff nodded.

"It's okay Penny, I was expecting it."

"The hunt is scheduled to start tomorrow morning at 8am. We'll be given a chance to talk to John before the hunt, so we can fill him in on the plan before the hunt begins." Penelope smiled again at Jeff. "Oh Jeff you would have been so proud of him. He was tall and proud and didn't give an inch to them. Not an inch." Jeff was silent a long time and then he nodded. When he finally answered her his voice was subdued.

"Thank you Penelope. For everything." Jeff visibly pulled himself together after a long moment and then nodded. "Okay, I'll get things moving on this end Penny. Good luck and all things being equal, I'll be seeing you tomorrow night." Penelope nodded.

"That you will Jeff. Good night." Penelope closed the compact and looked at Nigel. He sat down on the bed next to her and smiled at her.

"Well, tomorrow promises to be interesting." Penelope laughed softly as she stood up to get ready for bed.

"That it does."

The next morning.

John took extra time getting ready this morning. He had a long, hot shower and took his time. He then spent some time getting dressed and making sure his uniform was on correctly, neatly. He wasn't going to let Meriza or his goons get the better of him this morning. His breakfast was brought in and he enjoyed every bite.

He had to give Meriza credit, his chef was excellent. At 7.45 exactly a guard opened the door and gestured for John to come on out. It was time for him to be taken out ready for this hunt. He was brought into the courtyard – not bound this time but under heavy guard. All the hunters were present and armed, rather heavily. John felt the first stirring of fear in his stomach but he pushed it back with practice. After all, if he thought of this like just another rescue, well then, he might have a chance. Meriza walked over to him and smiled.

"Ready John?"

"Not really but I don't suppose I have a choice?" Meriza laughed and shook his head.

"I'm afraid not John. Now, a couple of my guests have requested a word with you, I think just so that they can say they meet you I suppose. You don't mind do you?" John just looked at him and Meriza nodded, and moved away. Moments later a few people came over and began to ask him inane and silly questions. He answered them in a polite but neutral tone, giving nothing away.

Until finally just before 8am Penelope and the other man came over to his side, as the others had left. Penelope began to play the dizzy blonde to the tee, fawning all over John and making lewd comments in a girly voice while the man walked around him as if inspecting a piece of meat. He spoke softly, his lips barely moving and his voice barely audible.

"When you leave here, head south towards the edge of the island, Gordon's waiting in Thunderbird 4." Penelope kept up her inane light chatter, covering the softly whispered frantic words. "We'll meet you along the way, and once we're in Thunderbird Four, Scott and Virgil will land a few dozen troops in Thunderbird Two and take everyone on the godforsaken place into custody."

John could have leapt up and hugged the two of them, he was going home, his brothers had come for him and had come prepared. Penelope finished her chatter and they moved away, but not before Penelope gave him a quick wink. He could have cheered but he settled for making a promise to himself that once he was home and safe, he'd buy Penelope the biggest bunch of pink roses he could get together. Meriza stood up on the small podium again and looked around.

"I'm glad to see everyone ready and raring to go. Now, in the interest of making things fair, our prey will be given a ten minute head start and a knife to defend himself with. You may use any and all means to capture and kill him by this evening. If he is not dead by then – you'll be given radios to call it in when he is – then you will come back to the compound at sunset and you will set out again in the morning. And never fear my friends; there is no way off this island so he'll still be there in the morning. Guards."

The guards stepped back and one of them handed John a marine combat knife. John took it with a nod of thanks, testing the weight in the palm of his hands. He nodded as it felt good. At least he'd have some sort of fighting chance if it came down to that. He put the knife in his belt and looked at Meriza, his eyes blazing as he couldn't let this one last chance go.

"Once this is over, you know I'm going to come back for you." Meriza just smiled.

"Your ten minutes has started John. Don't want to make it too easy for them now, do you." The look that John gave him was pure hatred and he spun on his feet, walking out calmly, tall and proud. He wasn't going to give any of them satisfaction of seeing him run.

Tracy Island

Scott stood on the balcony over looking the island, his mind miles away. In ten minutes time he'd be leaving with Virgil to pick up the soldiers that they were going to be taking to help rescue John. Softly he whispered to himself those words he said to his brother a long time ago.

"Heaven and Earth Johnny, I'm moving Heaven and Earth."

Tbc… In our next chapter the hunt is on, but even the most simplest of plans can go wrong…