I apologise for how long it's taken me to get back to this. Over a year…. Anyway. Here we are. The fic is changing direction from where I first had it going and I was part in mind to take it down. But I'm going to amend some of the first chapters in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for changes.

I'm also well aware that my writing has improved slightly, albeit slowly, in the past year. Thus the basis for changing the previous chapters. Anyways. I hope this chapter makes up for my absence : )

I also hope most of what happens in the last bit is plausible…

'… where an investigation is still underway into the untimely death's of four middle-aged men. Their professions and identities have yet to be disclosed to the public, and every effort is being made to get in touch with International Rescue. It is unclear as yet whether they were involved in the actual murders, or if they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Detective Peter –'

The screen flicked off in a burst of black, and Scott jumped slightly, unaware he had been watching the screen so intently. He didn't bother turning around just yet, all too aware of whom it was. 'You really expect there to be a change?'

Scott didn't bother to say anything, knowing the question was rhetorical. He knew the answer would follow shortly; Gordon was never one to mince with his words. Silence filled the room, and aware at how uncomfortable it was Scott toyed with the idea of answering Gordon anyway. His red-headed brother flopped down next to him on the sofa, with an air of impatience. Facing the younger boy head on, Scott was faced with disappointment, and wide brown eyes of someone whose world is steadily unravelling around him. 'I don't want it to seem like I'm accusing you…'

Gordon paused for breath and the words seemed to cram into themselves as they fell from his mouth. 'But I think I need to know what happened when you went into the hotel. John won't say but I'm worried.'

He didn't bother to ask whether it was worry for Scott himself, or for the family. 'That's because nothing happened. We found them dead when we went in. We checked them out, and then left. The reporters caught us just as we left. That's it.' His tone signalled an end to the conversation, but Gordon had never known when to leave things alone.

'And the folder?' I'm beginning to wish I'd left that behind. Scott wasn't foolish enough to believe that Gordon hadn't seen it. So he wondered why his brother was even asking. He contemplated the answer before actually speaking it.

His father had once again holed himself up – this time in the infirmary rather than his study, and the fact that Alan's situation hadn't changed in the last 24 hours didn't seem to factor. Scott had grown tired of staring at two dead faces, and hidden himself away in the living area instead.

Virgil refused to even discuss the folder and the events surrounding it, preferring instead to focus on the problem of Alan's hallucinations, and Scott didn't think he could remember a time when his brother had spent more time in Brains' company. The two of them had been searching for a cause but Scott didn't think they'd find one.

He didn't think his brother was crazy, but he also didn't think that the cause was anything that could be figured out with science. 'You know what's in it. I don't want to talk about that.'

'Alan's life depends on it. You know whoever left that, left it behind on purpose. They wanted us to know it was Alan who sold us out.' And that's what scares me. Scott stared back at the television and frowned.

'You believe it then?'

'Of course I don't!' And Gordon is staring at him part in anger. His expression one of disbelief. 'You do?'

Scott couldn't answer. He'd told himself no but at times he caught himself wondering why he accepted so readily, the possibility of yes. 'I don't know. And don't think that means I'm ready to believe he did it alone. I think that maybe, yeah he did, but I don't think he did it alone. Or on purpose.'

Gordon's brow furrowed in confusion, but Scott refused to elaborate. He needed to figure this out for himself, before he could talk to anyone about it. 'You'll tell me? When you know?'

You're the closest to Alan. I know how much it would hurt you if he was responsible. 'The first to know.' He tuned away before Gordon could see he was lying.

Oh Alan. The voice was sing-song. You think that you can hide in unconsciousness? There was a peal of high laughter. I am quite sure that this will only make things easier. They have the folder you know.

You lie.

Oh no dear boy. I assure you, they very much know it was you.

I didn't do anything. You did! You started this whole thing! A pause. Why are you doing this to me?

Because I can

Alan remained unblinking as he stared into the light. When Brain's pulled it away, he rolled his eyes. 'Are you done yet?' There was a flicker of uncertainty in the genius' eyes and he turned to Alan's father. At the nod, he packed up and left, sensing the uncomfortable silence was a bout to develop into something worse. 'I didn't do it.'

Alan looked right into his father's eyes as he spoke and Jeff frowned. 'How did you even know about it?'

Alan realised what he had done and turned to face the wall. 'I hear him in my head dad.' The surprise on his father's face is nothing against the disbelief and fear and Alan swallows thickly. 'I tried to tell you once. But as usual you were to busy for me.' And Alan doesn't want to be back on this age old argument but he can't help himself. 'And I'm not crazy. It is him.' And as he looks at his father he thinks he see's triumph – as if something falls into place.

'I know Alan.' But the tone of voice suggests he doesn't and the blonde wonders if he's just made things worse.

'Where are the others?' And why didn't they come and see me? He thinks he knows the answer to that one and doesn't expect to hear or see anything of Scott for a while, but he hopes that Gordon would have come.

'John and Virgil have gone to get Fermat and Tin-Tin. They have been up on Thunderbird Five in your absence.'

'You let Tin-Tin up on Thunderbird Five?' The panic in his voice, makes Jeff start and his father is confused again. Alan shuts his mouth abruptly and realises his mistake. 'I just though – maybe she was afraid or something.'

'She was perfectly fine.' But Alan can tell Jeff knows he's lying. He's just not ready to tell the truth yet. Not ready to reveal he made another big mistake. He's only happy she doesn't show it.

'Okay. And Gordon?' Jeff looks pained and he knows why Gordon isn't here. 'You're keeping him away.' Alan tries not to sound too pained, or even disappointed but he can't help it. 'You think I'm a threat?'

Jeff nods before he catches himself and Alan turns away. 'Alan-'

'Don't.' He looks at his father, angry, disappointed, and other on his face. 'You should go. I don't think – I don't think I want you here just now.'

And he hates how his voice breaks. His father's gone before he starts crying.

Virgil was worried. Tin-Tin had been holed up in the back of Thunderbird Three since they'd left the Space Station, and Fermat was remaining tight-lipped about the cause of her sickness. She'd been fine about the space – they wouldn't have sent her up if they didn't think she could handle it.

'She'll be okay. This o –o – o - happened a few months back as-' Fermat cuts off as if he knows he's made a mistake about what he said. 'She'll be f – f – f –Okay.'

Virgil wasn't so sure but he knew better than to pry. Or rather, he was worrying about too many people already to focus on another. But he made a mental note to inform his father – and Kyrano – about her illness.

'Are you okay?' Gordon snorted and looked at his brother in disbelief.

'Oh sure. I'm not allowed ot see my youngest brother because he's a threat to the Island, there could be a bloody sickness on the Island, and now Scott won't talk to me because he's going insane over a stupid folder.' Virgil winced under the tirade but Gordon was far from finished. 'And you! What about you? This whole almost insane need to find out what happened to Alan on Thunderbird Five is driving me crazy!'

Virgil frowned. It wasn't insane. He was worried. 'I'm only doing what I think can help.'

Gordon laughed outright, almost mocking. 'No. You're just trying to find something to help you with your guilt.' And Virgil would have shouted if he wasn't right. 'He's been hearing those voices since The Hood was put in prison, did you know that? That freaking weirdo is still in touch with Alan even now.' He gripped Virgil's jacket and pulled him closer. 'Don't you get it?'

And Virgil did, but before he could say anything, the warning klaxon sounded throughout the Island, and the two of them were headed for the Control Room, even before they realised what they were doing.

'What's going on?' Virgil was speaking to his father, and then Scott was behind him, looking sullen, but determined. Virgil wondered how much longer they could last throughout all of this before someone cracked.

'There's an aircraft carrier off of the Pacific on fire. They need our help.' Virgil nodded and looked at both of his brother's. He only hoped they were ready for this. Scott was already itching to get into his Thunderbird and Virgil knew that had more to do with not wanting to be on the Island, than with wanting to get onto this rescue.

In seconds, Virgil and Gordon were on their way to Thunderbird Two, with orders to take the Landing Platform. Virgil managed to hide how worried he was about this, and said nothing about the feeling of dread that had settled in his stomach.

He had a feeling that something was going to go wrong on this mission.

'What's going on?' Tin-Tin jumped and looked at Alan in surprise. 'I thought –'

'Yeah. I'm supposed to be in confinement.' Alan's face twisted into some expression Tin-Tin didn't recognise. And then he was looking at her in concern. 'And you? Did you tell them?'

She shook her head. 'No. I don't think any of them would really approve, do you?' She didn't want to sound bitter but she couldn't help it.

'What else can we do?' She knew Alan didn't want to hide it, but it wasn't his decision. She was the one who would suffer more if it were to come out.

'Please Alan. Just a little bit longer?' She tried to sound sympathetic to him, but it was hard. What he had done to her… Ultimately, she knew the blame fell to both of them, but the idea of her father being disappointed – and angry – with her was too much to bear. And she knew the same was said of Alan – especially now.

Alan nodded, and she knew the secret was safe again. But she wasn't sure for how much longer Alan was able to keep the secret.

The warning Klaxon sounded throughout the villa and Alan's eyes flickered with fear. If he was caught – He was racing back for the infirmary before she had even blinked, and she stared at the white walls.

She had the greatest cause for hating her Uncle more than anyone. He was destroying her family from the inside and if she could only get her hands on him –

Scott stared down at the Aircraft Carrier in surprise. There was nothing wrong with it. In fact, it didn't look like there was even anyone on it. He frowned, unsure as to whether his father had got the co-ordinates right. "Thunderbird One to Thunderbird Two, Virge, are you sure the co-ordinates are the right one's? There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the Carrier…'

'They're the one's Dad sent me, Scott. This doesn't feel right. I knew it didn't.' Scott ignored his brother when a warning light flicked on his control panel.

'Virge? Someone has a lock on me.' He frowned. His sensors didn't show that there was anyone around. Maybe something was mal-

He cut off, as he swung Thunderbird One round as fast as he dared. The missile overshot, and he took a depe breath, slightly panicked. 'What the-?'

'Scott! Are you okay?' Gordon. He sounded as panicked as Virgil when he spoke and Scott gritted his teeth, the missile coming back around and he cursed.

'What the hell is going on! Virge you have to tell Dad that something is - '

The missile hit before he could finish the sentence.