Thanks to everyone who's taken the time to review, it means alot! And thanks again to Sam1!
I don't own the Thunderbirds or it's characters, just the ones I made up.
Virgil rifled through his father's desk until he found the folder he was looking for. Opening it, he scanned it quickly then punched in a phone number.
"Massachusetts General Hospital. How may I direct your call?"
"I'm calling on behalf of Jeff Tracy. I need to speak to Dr. Steve MacLeod immediately. This is an emergency." Virgil replied.
"One moment please."
Virgil tapped his fingers on the desk, unconsciously mimicking the canned music on the other end. He was just about to hang up when a voice answered.
"MacLeod."
"Dr. MacLeod, this is Virgil Tr—I work for Jeff Tracy."
"Yes, I remember. What can I do for you? Is this about Mr. Parker?" MacLeod asked.
"No sir." Virgil took a deep breath. "Dr. MacLeod, we need your help. One of my…co-workers has been in a serious accident. He is unable to be moved and needs urgent medical assistance."
"What kind of accident?"
"I can't get into that right now. But he's in serious condition."
"There are no medical personnel in the area?"
Virgil glanced at the ocean out the window. "No, nothing close."
"I see." There was a pause. "Why me?"
"My fa—Mr. Tracy trusts you. And believe me when I tell you how rare that is. Please sir. I wouldn't be bothering you if this wasn't an emergency." Virgil pleaded.
MacLeod was silent for a long moment. "All right, you've convinced me. I get off my shift in ten minutes. Where do you want me to meet you?"
Virgil let out a sigh of relief. His eyes scanned a map of the northeastern United States. "How soon can you get to Hanscom Air Force Base?"
"About a half an hour. Why?"
"I'll have someone meet you there."
Another long pause. "This all sounds very mysterious."
"It will all be explained soon. Sir please trust me." Virgil said desperately.
MacLeod sighed. "Very well. Do I need to bring any supplies?"
"No sir. We have all the medical equipment you might need. Thank-you. You have no idea how much this means to me—us."
"Glad to help. Oh Virgil, one more thing. How will I know who to look for at Hanscom?"
Virgil grinned wolfishly. "Oh don't worry. You'll know."
Virgil stood with his arms folded across his chest, his hazel eyes boring into his youngest brothers. "Alan, we need you."
Alan nodded. "This is about John, isn't it?"
Virgil paced the length of the room. "I won't lie to you Alan, he's in bad shape. He's going to die if we don't get him medical attention as soon as possible."
Alan paled. "Can't we airlift him to the mainland?"
Virgil shook his head. "He's too unstable to move." He turned and faced Alan. His little brother was still in the clothes he had been wearing when he was kidnapped. Virgil knew the kid hadn't eaten or slept much in the past three days. Then again, neither have the rest of us. "Alan, being a part of International Rescue means that sometime you have to put your needs aside for the needs of others. And right now John needs us, needs you."
What's wrong with him Virgil?"
Virgil sighed. "I won't sugar-coat it for you Al, he's dying."
"Dying!"
Virgil nodded and walked over to grip his brother by the shoulders. "This is what I'm talking about Alan. Being a Thunderbird isn't all TV and glamour. It's life and death, and sometimes, that means your own or those you love."
Alan gulped, then straightened and squared his shoulders. "What do you want me to do?"
Virgil smiled. "You'll be taking Thunderbird 1 to Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts. You'll be picking up Dr. Steve MacLeod and bringing him back here."
Alan was stunned. Outsiders were almost never allowed on the island, much less the Thunderbird ships. He frowned at Virgil, but didn't say anything.
Virgil sensed Alan's apprehension and placed his hands on his little brother's shoulders. "I know Alan, but it's the only way. The only way we can save John."
"Can't you…I don't know, do something?"
Virgil shook his head. "I wish I could Sprout. I'd give my right arm to be able to help him right now." Virgil pulled Alan close in a hug. "Be careful. Be safe." After a moment, both stepped back and Virgil snapped back into his 'command' mode. "Now, go suit up and pick your crew. I'm sending Brains with you." He held up his hand at Alan's protest. "You need an adult with you. What's this guy going to think when a bunch of kids show up in a rocket?" Alan nodded thoughtfully and Virgil's tone softened. "I know you can do it. He doesn't." He pulled Alan close again. "I love you little brother." He said huskily.
Alan's arms snaked around Virgil's waist and he buried his face in his chest. "I love you too." He pulled back. "You call me if anything changes with John?"
Virgil nodded. "I promise. Now go. Fly her as fast as you can, without losing control, got it?"
"FAB Virgil." Alan started towards the door.
"Hey Sprout." Alan turned. "Good luck." Alan threw his brother a jaunty wave and vanished out the door.
Sooner than Virgil thought possible, Alan had Thunderbird 1 in the air. He took Fermat with him, Tin-Tin deciding to stay behind and help her mother prepare the guest suite. Virgil had already notified Hanscom, and the base had agreed to let Thunderbird 1 land, and promised not to interfere.
He stood on the terrace watching until the giant rocket was just a speck in the sky before finally disappearing. He closed his eyes. God please, keep him safe. Keep them all safe. We've been through too much as it is. He sighed and turned back in to tend to John.
Jeff sat in the waiting room, idly staring at the TV in front of him. Penny had left to find them something to eat and hadn't returned yet. He watched without really seeing what was on the screen, only looking up when the door opened and the doctor walked in. Jeff was instantly on his feet. "How is he?" He demanded without preamble.
The doctor, still dressed in his scrubs, motioned for Jeff to sit back down. "He came through the surgery just fine." Jeff let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding as the doctor continued. "Much as I hate to admit it, your colleague's rather unorthodox treatment saved…What was his name again?"
"Scott." Jeff answered.
"Scott yes. Well, as I said, the procedure saved his life. He had lost a great deal of blood. If he had not received the transfusion, it would have made my job that much more difficult. Now, I expect Scott to make a full recovery. The bullet went through clean, but managed to shatter the collarbone, and sever some muscle tissue. We've repaired the damage, but he may need to see a specialist at a later date. If there are no complications, I'd guess your man will be back to normal duties within three months."
Jeff closed his eyes and took a shuddering breath. Thank-God. "Can I see him?"
The doctor shook his head. "He's in Recovery right now. You can see him in a couple of hours. Your other man, Gordon?" Jeff nodded. "He's awake and harassing my nurses. He seems to think he's quite charming and irresistible." The doctor grinned.
Jeff smiled, some things never change. "I'll go talk to him." They both got to their feet. "Thank-you doctor." He said, offering his hand.
The doctor clasped it warmly. "None needed. For all the times you've taken care of us, we're glad to have been able to take care of you. Now, I after you talk to Gordon, I want you and the lady to get some rest. I have enough to do without adding the two of you to my patient roster."
"I will." The man nodded once more and left the room.
Jeff sat down on the couch, his head in his hands, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. He didn't look up when the door opened again and someone sat down next to him.
Penny wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him close. "Darling? I spoke to the doctor. He told me Scott would be fine."
"I know." He lifted his tear drenched eyes to hers. "Pen, I almost lost them. I almost lost all of them." He said brokenly.
Penny felt her own eyes fill and pulled him close. "Oh Jeff." They held each other close.
"…Thunderbirds…"
Jeff's head snapped up. "What?" They stared at the television.
"International Rescue's Thunderbird 1 made a surprising visit to Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts today. The rocket landed briefly, apparently picking someone up before taking off again. There was no sign of a rescue needed in the area, and base officials have refused to comment. The Thunderbirds, as IR operatives are known, were instrumental in re-apprehending the international terrorist known only as 'The Hood' in Malaysia early yesterday. It is believed that one or more of their operatives was injured in during the capture as Thunderbird 2 was confirmed landing outside of Westmead Trauma Center in Sydney. Hospital representatives are not being forthcoming with any information at this time. We'll keep you posted as we receive more information. In other news…"
Jeff was on his feet in an instant, pushing his communicator. "Command to Tracy Island, come in Base." There was no answer. "Tracy Island respond. Virgil, John, answer me." Still no answer. He pulled his video-phone out of his pocket and dialed quickly. After eight rings, Alan's face appeared on the tiny screen. "Alan! What is going on? We just saw the news—"
"Dad."
Jeff noticed for the first time, how pale Alan looked and the dark circles under his red-rimmed eyes. He grew cold. "What happened?" He asked hoarsely.
"Dad, you better get home." Alan's voice broke. "It's John. Virgil said…I think he's dying."