OK, so I was wrong. I managed to get another chapter uploaded in between baking, cleaning an wrapping presents. Whew! Happy Holidays!
Again, I don't own 'em so please don't sue!
Opening his eyes, it took John a few moments to figure out where he was. He was in the escape pod, still strapped to his seat, only the angle seemed wrong. He was sitting with his back facing upwards, his arms hanging down in front of him. The only thing keeping him in his seat was the harness restraints. Carefully unclipping them, he dropped unceremoniously to the control panel. His chest had him nearly screaming in agony. Taking a shallow breath, he glanced over at his brother.
Scott was in the same position he had just been in. His eyes were closed and a small trickle of blood ran from his lip. "Scott!" John shook his shoulder. "Scott wake up!"
Scott moaned and slowly opened his eyes. "Are we still alive?"
John grinned ruefully. "I think so. Come on, let's see where we are."
He helped his brother out of his harness, and they made their way carefully, over to the escape hatch. Scott tried the handle, but it wouldn't budge. "Johnny, give me a hand here."
Together they pulled on the wheel. Pain rippled through John's side. He clenched his teeth against it. Finally the door gave. Scott didn't hesitate and scrambled up the ladder. John leaned wearily against the bulkhead, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"John? You'd better get up here." There was a strange tone to Scott's voice.
Great, now what? John made his way up the ladder. After days in the darkness of space, he blinked owlishly at the sun. His vision cleared and he surveyed the area.
They were surrounded by water, with no land in sight.
John glared at his older brother. "Next time, I drive."
"BEEP!"
Brains's head snapped up to stare at the computer screen. "W-W-What the…"
"What's wrong Brains?" Tin-Tin asked.
"I'm getting an i-i-impossible reading." He replied, his forehead wrinkled in puzzlement.
"BEEP!"
"What is it?" She leaned over to look.
"It's from…Scott."
"Scott! But how?" Tin-Tin asked incredulous.
Brains shook his head. "Tracy Island to Operative One, come in."
"Hey there Brains. How's it going?"
Tin-Tin let out a yell that had her parents running in. "What is going on?" Kyrano demanded.
"It's Scott! We found Scott!" Tin-Tin told him, her brown eyes twinkling.
Kyrano and Onaha gave their daughter a startled glance, then turned to Brains. "Is this true?" Kyrano asked.
Brains nodded. "Scott, w-w-where are you?" He asked.
"Ummm, I'm not really sure. We took the escape pod from TB5 and crashed somewhere in the ocean. See if you can pinpoint our homing signal." Scott told him.
"Our? Is J-J-John with you?" Brains stammered.
"Yes, he's here and moaning about not wearing his bathing suit."
Brains laughed joyously and punched a few buttons on the computer. "I've got you. You're about f-f-five miles west of the island. I'll send Kyrano and Tin-Tin out to fet-fet-fet-pick you up."
"Where's Dad?"
"On a rescue."
"Figures. Look Brains, don't call and tell them you found us. They don't need that if they're in the middle of something."
"B-But Scott—"
"No Brains. Just come and get us. Dad'll see us when he gets home." There was a pause. "And hurry, the pod took some damage and I don't know how much longer we can keep her afloat."
Kyrano and Tin-Tin hurried from the room. "FAB Scott. They're o-on their way."
"See you soon Brains. Op One out."
Onaha wrapped her arms around Brains, hugging him tightly. Brains stiffened a moment, then returned her embrace. "I cannot believe it!" She exclaimed.
"N-N-Neither can I." Brains stammered back, his eyes bright.
"I had better go make more for dinner." She laughed and hurried out of the room.
Brains stared at the portraits on the wall, his heart lifting. "J-J-Just wait'll Jeff gets home." He grinned.
The red speedboat skimmed lightly across the waves. Kyrano was at her helm, and Tin-Tin peered down at the screen on the dash board. "The signal's getting stronger Father. We must be getting close." She told him.
Kyrano slowed the boat. "Do you see them?"
Tin-Tin scanned the horizon. A flash of light glinted in the distance. "There!" She shouted, pointing. Kyrano started the boat again, and headed off in the direction she indicated.
Scott was treading water when he sensed the boat's vibrations. "John! I think they're here!" He called out to his brother.
John was hanging on to one of the seat cushions, kicking to stay afloat. He held up a small piece of metal in his hands and caught the sun. The boat's engines could soon be heard. They both started waving as the boat came into view.
Kyrano turned the boat into an easy arc around the brothers. He slowed the engines and turned to his daughter. "Can you get them aboard?"
She nodded. "Yes Father." Turning, she leaned over to pull up Scott, who was closer. "Give me your hand!"
Scott reached up and grasped Tin-Tin's wrist. Using her as leverage, he was able to climb aboard. "Thanks honey. It's great to see you." Scott told her, giving her a hug.
"I can't believe you're both alive. We feared the worst." Tin-Tin told him as her father inched the boat over to John. She placed a blanket around Scott's shoulders and then turned to help John.
John tossed her a small bag which she caught deftly, then reached for his arms. When he made contact with her, a strange look came into her eyes. He tried the same trick his brother did to get aboard, but his ribs screamed in protest and he was forced to let go of her arms. He slid backwards and slipped under the water.
"John!" Tin-Tin quickly dove in after him.
Scott was on his feet in an instant. "What's wrong?"
Tin-Tin surfaced with her arm around John. "Nothing. A wave from the boat's wake knocked him back." She said smoothly.
John shot her a look, but nodded in agreement. "Throw down the ladder."
Scott quickly searched the cabinets in the boat and found a rope ladder. He secured it over the handrail and tossed the end in the water. John slowly made his way up it, and collapsed, panting on the seat.
Tin-Tin quickly scrambled up the ladder and rushed to his side. "Are you alright?" She asked, settling another blanket over him.
John smiled. "I am now. Thanks Tin-Tin." He closed his eyes.
She smiled back. Scott pulled up the ladder and crouched down next to his brother. "Johnny?" He asked, concerned.
John opened his eyes. "Does this make us flotsam or jetsam?" He asked grinning.
Scott looked confused a moment, then burst out laughing. Tin-Tin rolled her eyes at the two of them, and went back to sit up front. Kyrano just smiled and turned the boat towards home.
"BEEP!"
Virgil started in surprise and glanced down at the computer on Thunderbird 2.
"What was that?" Gordon asked.
Virgil shrugged. "I have no idea." He waited a few moments, but the computer stayed quiet.
"Virgil?" Jeff asked.
Virgil shook his head. "I don't know Dad. For a second, I thought TB2 had picked up a homing signal."
Jeff flipped a switch on his armrest. "Thunderbird 2 to Tracy Island. Brains are you there?"
"H-H-Here Jeff."
"We just picked up a homing beacon of some kind. Can you pinpoint it?"
"Negative Thunderbird 2. I'm not s-s-showing anything here." Brains replied.
"We'd better have you run a full diagnostics when we get back." Jeff told him.
"FAB Jeff."
"Hey Brains! What's for dinner?" Gordon interrupted, earning himself a glare from his father.
"Fish I th-th-believe. Onaha sent Kyrano and Tin-Tin…fishing."
Gordon made a wry face. Despite loving the water, he was no fan of seafood.
"You had to ask." Virgil told him.
"All right Brains, we'll see you in about a half hour. Thunderbird 2 out." Jeff turned back to his sons. "Bring us home boys."
They flew on in silence for a while. "Dad, when we get back, I'm taking Thunderbird 3 up and see what happened." Gordon said quietly.
"I'm going with you." Virgil added nodding.
Jeff sighed. "I'll be your co-pilot." Both Gordon and Virgil looked up at their father in surprise. "I'm sorry I got angry with you before Gordon. I know how much you wanted to get up there." His voice lowered. "I just couldn't risk losing another one of you."
"Dad…" Gordon started.
Jeff shook his head. "I couldn't believe it. The station's been attacked before and everything turned out all right. Then when Brains reported the debris…I just didn't want it to be true."
"We still might find them Dad, if they were able to get to the escape pod." Virgil said hopefully.
"Virgil…" Jeff shook his head.
"I won't give up on them Dad." Virgil stated firmly.
"Me neither." Gordon added.
Jeff smiled, but it didn't quiet reach his eyes. "How can I argue with that?"
Soon the giant green rescue ship was circling Tracy Island. Virgil made a text book landing and eased his 'bird into the hanger. The three of them then made their way upstairs.
Pausing a moment in front of his son's portraits, Jeff closed his eyes in grief. He turned away towards his friend. "Brains, anymore on that homing beacon?"
Brains shook his head. "N-No, nothing. How did the rescue go?"
Jeff shrugged. "As well as can be expected I guess." He sighed and sat down at the desk. In the distance, a boat could be heard pulling into the dock. "You boys better get down there and give Kyrano a hand. We'll head up after dinner."
Virgil frowned at his father. "Dad? You alright?"
Jeff smiled wearily. "No. But I will be. Go help Kyrano."
Virgil nodded and started out the door. Gordon gripped his father's arm, and after a moment, followed his brother.
"J-J-Jeff? You should go see what Onaha planned for dinner." Brains said.
Jeff leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "No thanks Brains. I'm not hungry."
"But Jeff—"
"Brains, I just want to be left alone for a while."
Brains sighed and reluctantly left the room. Jeff opened his eyes and stared at the pictures in front of him. His wife and sons smiled back at him. God I'm sorry Lucy. At least they're with you now. He was interrupted by a shout from outside. He tried to ignore it, but it only got louder.
"Dammit Gordon, why must you do everything at high volume?" Jeff muttered to himself as he got to his feet. He leaned out the window to see what was going on. Just the boys at it again, he thought as he watched Gordon hugging John so tightly, he nearly knocked his brother into the pool. Jeff turned back and sat down, sighing heavily.
Suddenly his head snapped up. John! Jeff bolted out the door and down the terrace steps, coming to a dead stop at the bottom.
"Hey Dad. Miss us?" Scott grinned at his father.
Jeff couldn't speak, but stared open mouthed at his sons. He moved slowly forward, as if in a dream and took his eldest in his arms. "Scott! Oh God Scott!" He murmured brokenly before turning to John.
"Dad…" John fell into his father's embrace. Jeff pressed his son's head against his chest and reached out to pull Scott close as well.
"But?...How?...The Hood…" Jeff stammered.
"Careful Jeff. You s-s-sound like me." Brains grinned as everyone laughed.
"First things first. You boys get cleaned up, then we will have dinner and you can tell us everything. Onaha is planning something special I am sure." Kyrano told them.
"Not fish?" Gordon said hopefully.
"No Master Gordon, not fish." Kyrano smiled.
With a loud whoop, Gordon launched himself onto Scott's back, and they raced up the stairs, Virgil at their heels. John shared a long suffering look with his father before winking and following his brothers.
Jeff turned to Brains. "Fishing? You knew about this."
Brains nodded. "I t-t-tried to tell you."
Jeff clasped his friend's hand. "I know you did. Thanks Brains." He stared back up the steps after his sons. "Wonder how they managed it…"
Brains shrugged. "They're Tracy's."
Alan and Fermat crept slowly through the corridors. They had seen no one since their escape. "How far to the surface do you think?" Alan asked.
Fermat shook his head. "I don't know."
They started forward again. The lights were dim and the hallways were full of crates and broken tools. "This place looks like it's been deserted for a while." Alan said thoughtfully. He paused a moment. "I've got it!"
"Got what?"
"We're in Hood's mine! The diamond mine in Malaysia!"
Fermat nodded. "You're r-r-right. That's where we must be. N-No one would look for him there, since it was supposed to be d-d-destroyed."
Alan squared his shoulders. "We need to get to the surface. We're too far down for my Dad to trace your signal."
Fermat nodded in reply. Suddenly, Alan pulled up short. "W-What?"
"Elevator. Let's see where it leads."
Before they could get to it, the doors opened. Both boys ducked behind some crates, and peered out. Mullion stepped out of the elevator carrying two trays of food. He set off towards the boy's room.
"Quick now's our chance!" Alan grabbed Fermat's arm and the two boys rushed into the elevator. Alan pushed the button to close the doors, then scanned the control panel. "Here goes nothing." He pressed the topmost button and the car shot instantly upwards. When the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened, Alan poked his head out and glanced around.
The corridor they emerged in was even more in disrepair than the last. Cautiously, they crept forward. Suddenly, the elevator doors closed behind them, causing them both to jump. "C'mon!" Alan grabbed Fermat's arm, and together they ran through the dark tunnels. Finally, they found themselves in front of a boarded up section of the mine. Panting, they sat down and took in their situation.
"Well, at least w-w-we're out of our room." Fermat kidded.
Alan smiled. "This is true." His smile faded. "Think we're close enough to the surface for Dad to pick up the signal?"
Fermat shrugged. "I don't know. We'll j-j-just have to wait and s-s-see."
Alan sighed, then got to his feet. "We'd better keep moving. A moving target's harder to catch."
Fermat groaned. "Alan, I wish you h-hadn't used the word target." Together they ran off down the tunnel.