Disclaimer: Once again, not mine. Things are nice and dark and full of drama for the boys.... please enjoy. AM Feb 2010.


A Brother's Bond - Hard Choices
By Angel Mouse

Thunderbird Three

Virgil stared at his hands absently. Noticing them but not really, the calluses from the hard physical work they did, the slight indentations on his finger tips from playing various instruments over the years. The small scar on the back of his right hand from when they had been playing as kids. He saw all this without seeing it. His mind was elsewhere at the moment. In fact, his mind was with his two brothers who he had no idea where they were in the world. Suddenly he was aware of a presence beside him and he looked up to see Alan watching him. He glanced over at the control panel of Thunderbird Three and Alan grinned slightly at him.

"It's okay. It's on autopilot. We won't hit atmosphere for another twenty minutes or so." Virgil nodded.

"Okay, cool." Virgil turned his head back to watching out the window, the stars streaking by. Absently he wondered if John could see the stars from wherever they were. John loved the stars so much.

"Penny for your thoughts Virgil?"

"Huh?" Virgil turned and looked at his baby brother. Alan and John shared the same light blonde hair and baby blue eyes, but that's where their similarities ended. John was quiet, thoughtful, and considerate and thought his words over carefully. Alan was brash, loud, and young and often spoke without thinking things through. They were like chalk and cheese really. But like all his brothers, Alan shared a special bond with each and every one of them. Alan was smiling gently at him now.

"I know I'm not John. And I'm definitely not Scott. But I can tell something's bothering you Virgil. So, what's going on under that thoughtful expression of yours?" Alan gave him a wicked grin that didn't reach his eyes. His eyes, like all of the rest of them Virgil supposed, were full of worry for the two missing brothers. "We don't have a piano on Thunderbird Three, so I can't figure out what mood you're in by what piece of music you're playing." Virgil had to laugh softly at that remark.

It was a long standing joke among the Tracy brother's that you could always tell what mood Virgil was in by what type of music he played. Jazz or swing and he was really happy. Classical equated to sombre and sad. Rock meant he was pleased with himself over something and in a really good mood. And then depending on the piece of music he played in each genre, the brothers had worked out a system over the years on who approached him to find out what was wrong.

Scott inevitably got sent in if classical music was being played, any classical music. If it was Jazz or swing, then Gordon or Alan went in as the light hearted music appealed to them both. And if it was Rock and John was home, then he went and sat with their musical brother. Alan had always found it curious that the quiet brother loved the louder music of Rock, but he wasn't going to question what worked, especially after all this time. Virgil just sighed softly and looked at his baby brother.

"Well if we were home and I was in front of my piano, I'd be playing something by Bach right now. I guess I'm just really worried about them both."

"We all are Virgil." Alan looked closely at Virgil and frowned, there was something more in Virgil's eyes. Something else was worrying him. "But that's not all, is it."

"No, it's not." Virgil's words were soft, almost as if he was speaking to himself. Alan didn't say anything, content to let Virgil speak. After what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes, he continued. He was staring at his hands as he spoke. "I keep wondering if I'm strong enough for this. If I'm strong enough to fill in for both of them while this whole mess is going on. I'm not Scott or John; I don't know how to be like them. Or be them for both you and Gordon. While they are gone, I have to be strong; I have to be the oldest, for you two." Alan looked at him, confused.

"Why? Who made up that rule?" Virgil looked up at him, surprise on his face.

"The oldest always looks out for the youngest. It's the way of things in this family. Scott looks out for everyone but especially John. John looks out for Scott but especially for me and you two guys. I look out for both of them and you two. Gordon looks out for you and you look out for Gordon." Alan mulled over Virgil's words for a few moments and realised it was true.

The Tracy brothers looked out for each other. Sometimes they got on each other's nerves, that were to be expected, but they were always there for each other. It had been brought home ten months earlier when John had been taken from them and Alan found he didn't relish being in the same position again. At least this time he was going to be on the ground. He reached over and put his hand on Virgil's shoulder, silently amused that it was him of all people that was offering his older brother comfort; it was usually Scott or John that did this. But he found that he instinctively knew the right words to say to Virgil.

"We're not asking you to be Scott or John. We need you to be Virgil. Level headed, intelligent, thoughtful and resourceful Virgil. And that's good enough for me and I know it'll be good enough for Gordon." Virgil looked startled by Alan's words and he mulled them over. He then realised Alan was right and he smiled.

"Thanks Alan. I needed to hear that." Alan smiled.

"Not a problem in the world. Now, come on and help me. Let's see if we can shave a few minutes off my bird's time to get home. I'm anxious to leave and get after them. And boy, when we find them, am I going to give them both a piece of my mind." Virgil laughed and clapped Alan on the back.

"Don't worry Al, you'll be joining a long queue." The two brothers both laughed at that, taking a moment to just relax and be brothers.

Unknown Location

The two figures were tied to a chair, both unconscious, both bleeding from various wounds. The bandages on their bodies that had been carefully and painstakingly applied last night were in a pile at their feet. Fresh blood ran down their arms, faces and torso from the numerous wounds that were inflicted. The man in the Blue Mask cursed fluently in half a dozen different languages, frustrated by the lack of information from the two men. He turned to the man in the Red Mask and growled.

"We have all of that on video?"

"Yes. Why?" Red Mask's voice was slightly unsure and concerned. He didn't like the way things were turning out.

"You will see. Get the cameras rolling again; it's time to record my message to Mr Jeff Tracy. It's time International Rescue and the world, knew my demands."

Tracy Island

Virgil and Alan had arrived back thirty minutes ago and the Tracy family was getting ready to leave. Kyrano, Tin-Tin and Josie were all staying on the island. Jeff was taking the three boys, Parker and Lady Penelope with him on their trip to the mainland. Jeff was gathering a few things in his office when John's portrait began to beep. Jeff felt a fresh pang of pain in his heart at the sight of his son but quashed it. He had to be focussed, he had to keep control. He hit the switch and the others came running in at the sound of Brains voice.

"Go ahead Brains."

"Mister Tracy, you're going to want to see this." For once, Brains didn't stutter and he looked pale, sick even. He didn't even look Jeff in the eyes and suddenly Jeff was very afraid. Virgil, Alan and Gordon all moved to his side instinctively, watching the screen. Moments before the playback started, Penny and Parker joined them. Penny's hand immediately went to her mouth.

"Oh my heavens. Oh Jeff, those poor boys."

The screen showed a dark room somewhere. In the middle of the screen were two men, tied to chairs, visibly injured and hurt. A voice came over the background.

"This is to Mr Jeff Tracy. I have your sons Mr Tracy. I want 50 Million Dollars. 10 Million in cash, the rest in untraceable bearers bonds in a numbered Swiss Bank Account. Otherwise, they both will die. And to prove that I'm serious, please watch." For the next five minutes they watched as both Scott and John were mercilessly beaten until they were both unconscious. Jeff staggered and would have fallen down if Virgil hadn't caught him.

Gordon went to the drinks cabinet and poured his father a large scotch, handing it to him with a slightly shaking hand. "As you can see Mr Tracy, I am very serious. I'm also very smart; I will treat their wounds and injuries, but only for so long. You have 24 hours to comply. Oh, and another thing Mr Tracy. I'll have the plans for those wonderful machines that your son's love working on so much. For some reason, these two seem to think that they can hold out against me, and not give me all your secrets. But that's where they are wrong Mr Tracy. I know all your secrets. And I won't tell the world, unless you fail to pay me. 50 Million in 24 hours Mr Tracy. I will contact you again in twelve hours to tell you how and when the money is to be paid. And where you can find your sons." The transmission ended and stark silence reigned in the room. Brains' image came back on.

"That was delivered to a news station in Kansas by courier twenty minutes ago. They've been broadcasting it non stop for twenty minutes." Jeff nodded, unable to speak. Virgil took a deep breath, it was time to act.

"I'll take care of it Father." Jeff nodded absently and Virgil went over to the video phone, looking at Brains. "Which station Brains?"

"WKRS."

"Thanks, I know the one." Virgil quickly looked up the number and began to dial. Time to take some action, anything to stop that broadcast. Thankfully the main number for Tracy Island was known only to a few select people. But Virgil was willing to lay good money that their privacy was about to be invaded, big time.

WKRS Television Station, Kansas

Sally Berry thought she had hit the big time when she heard the tape the first time. She hadn't really been watching it, having thrown it into the player while finishing off some follow ups on another story. When she heard the name Tracy though her head perked up and the smile that had began to blossom on her face immediately disappeared as she saw the two men beaten. The FBI had already been on the phone and a couple of agents were on their way to speak to her. She had put the tape on the air immediately, knowing it was the quickest and easiest way to contact the Tracy Family. And besides, the instructions that had come with the tape said play it on the air immediately, or dire consequences would befall the people on the tape. She had shrugged that bit off at the time but now she knew it was true.

"Sally, phone call." Sally turned to the video phone, wondering who it could be. She accepted the call and was stunned to see a very distraught but determined looking young man staring back at her.

"Yes, can I help you?"

"Are you the reporter that got the tape?" The man on other end sounded slightly anxious and worried.

"Yes. Who are you and what can I do for you?"

"I'm Virgil Tracy ma'am. You can stop playing the tape, now." His voice was hard, but there was fear underneath it. Understandable really if you thought about it. He'd just watched his two brothers get beaten terribly on national television. Sally swallowed and nodded.

"Yes, of course. Just a moment." Sally turned to one side and hit the intercom. "Joe, stop the Tracy tape. They've seen it. Bring it to me; the FBI will be here in a few anyway."

"Gotcha." Sally turned back to Virgil Tracy.

"I'm sorry. It was the quickest and easiest way I could think off to get the message to you. Your numbers not exactly listed." Her attempt at levity obviously didn't go down to well as his eyes flashed with anger.

"You could have called Tracy Industries head office in New York. They could have reached us, there was no need to let the whole dam world know what's happened to them!" Sally winced, knowing he was right. Sure, she felt sorry for the two men, but this sort of story was a once in a lifetime chance.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any distress." Virgil snorted at this and shook his head.

"Right. Now, did you say the FBI was coming around?"

"Yes. To take the tape and the envelope and letter that came with it. I imagine they'll be calling you any moment." Virgil looked to one side and nodded.

"They just did. My father's talking to them." Virgil sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. He looked tired, stressed and worried. "Look, I don't like the way you got the message to us, but I'm not going to do anything about it. We're not that type of family." Sally breathed a sigh of relief. The Tracy family had more than enough clout to make her life hell if they choose to. But they never did anything to harm others that were why they were so well respected across the globe. Virgil looked at her. "Look, please, just co-operate fully with the FBI and we'll call it quits okay? No law suits, no recriminations, no fall out. Okay?" Sally took a deep breath.

"Okay. I'm really sorry Mr Tracy; I do hope your brother's will be okay."

"So do I Miss, so do I. Thanks for your co-operation. Good bye." The call ended and Sally sighed, leaning back in her chair. Her editor, who had been standing at her office door the entire time, looked at her.

"You'll keep your word Sally." Sally nodded.

"Yes. How can I not."

"Good. The FBI are here." Sally gathered herself and stood up.

"Right, let's get this over with. Those two men don't have a lot of time."

Unknown Location

"I don't like this Darryl, I really don't." The nurse that had looked after them the night before was sitting on John's bed, wiping down his face with a wet cloth. Both of them had been brought back to the room unconscious and in worse shape. She had spend a harrowing two hours patching them both up again, giving them both massive doses of anti-biotic and inserting saline drips for the pair of them to replace some of the fluids they had lost. "What's he trying to do, kill them both? They've done nothing to him!" The man in the Red Mask, Darryl, sighed and came over to her side and put his hand on her shoulder.

"I know Marlene. But when he's like this there's nothing I can do. It was all I could do to get him to allow you in here to treat them."

"But why them Darryl? Why these two men." Darryl sighed and squeezed her shoulder.

"They are both International Rescue Operatives Megan." Megan looked up at him, stunned.

"I thought he was taking the Tracy brother's for ransom, why does…" It was then that comprehension dawned on her and she stopped her ministrations for a moment. "Oh god. These men, these Tracy brothers, are International Rescue."

"Yes, they are."

"How the hell did he find that out?" Darryl shrugged.

"He's had this planned for a very long time Megan, at least three years. He wants the money and the plans for the Thunderbirds."

"What's he going to do with it?" Darryl shrugged.

"Well, at first, he was going to use this money to save our people. Save our country from poverty and oppression. But then the Tracy Industries brought it's factories and plants to our country. The money they poured into home helped with many things, including employment, education, health services. I guess he thought he was supposed to be our people's saviour, not Tracy Industries. So, instead of continuing his plans to become a doctor and a great politician, he turned to thoughts of getting even and revenge. He hates Tracy Industries for doing what he could not, and that is save our people." Marlene looked at him.

"But he is helping our people. All the things he has done for them…" Darryl shrugged.

"I guess he feels he couldn't do them until Tracy Industries came here. Ever since that day, he's been plotting his revenge. And this is how he is doing it. But as for knowing that the Tracy family was also International Rescue, that I do not know how he found out. But he did. And that was the last straw I think Marlene." She didn't say anything for a long time, just continued to sponge John's forehead.

"This is wrong Darryl and you know it."

"I know. But I can't go against him Marlene, and neither can you."

"Why not Darryl? If one of us is doing something wrong, we've always said something in the past. What's so different about this time?" The flash of anger that was in Marlene's eyes was vivid and Darryl winced.

"He may be wrong Marlene, but he's out brother. We have to stick by him." Marlene looked at him.

"Even if it costs these two good men their lives Darryl?"

"Even if it does Marlene." The silence was longer, harder this time.

"I can't live with that on my conscious Darryl."

"Neither can I Marlene. But I don't know what we can do about it. I honestly don't."

Tracy Island

It was no less than the head of the FBI that called Jeff Tracy. While Virgil was dealing with the television station, Jeff was talking with Director Logan Page.

"Mister Tracy, first let me say how sorry I am you find yourself in this situation."

"Thank you Director. This has come as a shock, we weren't aware the boys were missing until now."

"You weren't?" Jeff shook his head, knowing that the small white lie wouldn't hurt. They still had to try and protect International Rescue at all costs.

"No, I wasn't. John, that was the blonde one, had gone to Tracy Industries in New York for the week. He was representing me at a board meeting. Scott, my other son, went over on Friday night to pick him up. They called to say they were going to a dinner and a show and were going to take a few days off from overseeing the company to have some fun. They were due back sometime today." The Director nodded, jotting down the facts.

"Now, I've got agents already on their way to talk to the reporter at the television station that broadcast the tape."

"My other son, Virgil, is talking to them right now, requesting them to stop playing the tape. The whole world doesn't need to see it." Jeff's tone was hard.

"I can certainly understand that Mr Tracy. Now, as soon as we have the tape we'll begin to analyse it and see if we can track down clues to what's happened to your boys. Now, Mister Tracy, I have to ask this. The ransom, are you willing to pay it?" Jeff's face became stern and hard. It would wipe him completely out of ready cash for Tracy Industries, but he could do it. Gordon was on the other phone with the accountants of Tracy Industries, getting the wheels in motion so to speak.

"Yes, I am." The Director looked him straight in the eye and asked the question that Jeff had been dreading.

"And this other thing he was talking about? This secret? These plans he wants. What does he mean by that?" Jeff looked the Director in the eye. This was the moment he had been dreading his entire life, ever since International Rescue came about. Would he sacrifice his son's lives to save hundreds, thousands, maybe millions of innocent people around the world? Unfortunately, he knew both Scott and John and knew what their answer would be. So, he looked Director Page straight in the eye and lied for all he was worth.

"No Director. I have no idea what they are talking about." And with those words, Jeff Tracy knew he was dooming his sons.

Tbc…things go from bad to worse in our next chapter…