OK, I give, here's another one. Still waiting for those cookies...Again, thanks to everyone who's read and to those who've reviewed. And a special thanks to Sam1 for helping me keep all my facts straight.

Don't own John, Scott or any of them, just the ones I made up.

Jeff stared out the window until the lights of Tracy Island came into view. It was very late, or very early, take your pick, and Jeff was reeling with exhaustion. Kyrano had called soon after Jeff had talked to Alan, and informed his employer that he would be leaving to pick them up with the jet. That was four hours ago. He glanced over at Penny, who was asleep in the seat across from him. She had told him of her conversation with Virgil at the hospital, and apologized for not telling him sooner. While he understood her reasoning, he was still furious at the whole situation.

As soon as they had boarded the plane, Jeff demanded an explanation from Kyrano. His friend shook his head and filled Jeff in on what had happened. Jeff's heart had risen to his throat at hearing John's condition and he urged Kyrano to take off immediately. Kyrano agreed, but still, Jeff sensed the man wasn't telling him everything.

Now, they were circling the island, trying to land. Looking down at the runway, Jeff was surprised to see Thunderbird 1 sitting on the tarmac. Kyrano landed the jet, deftly avoiding hitting the giant aircraft. "Why isn't TB 1 in the silo?"

"Master Alan did not know how, and Master Virgil has been busy." Kyrano called back, steering the jet into the hanger.

Jeff was out of his seat almost before the plane had come to a stop. He paused at the doorway, and jumped down as soon as they had stopped moving. "Kyrano, take care of Penny." He ordered, marching down the stairs.

"Yes Mr. Tracy." Kyrano answered.

Jeff hurried into the hanger, cursing the slowness of the elevator. Once he reached the main level, he stormed out. Brains was there to meet him. "J-J-Jeff, you're back."

Jeff was taken aback at the sight of blood on Brains's jacket. "Where's John?"

"He's in the in-in-sickbay." They walked quickly down the hall. Brains pulled Jeff to a stop before they could enter the ward. "Don't be a-a-angry with Virgil. He d-d-did what he had to d-d-do." With that cryptic remark, he opened the door and Jeff stepped inside.

The infirmary was in semi-darkness, the only lights over one of the diagnostic beds. Jeff quickly walked over and was stunned at the sight before him.

John was paler than death, lying so still that the only way Jeff could tell his son was alive was the faint fogging of John's breath in the oxygen mask. A large bandage covered most of his chest, and dark bruises could be seen along the edges. He had IV's running in both arms, one appearing to be a blood transfusion, and a heart monitor beeping steadily above him.

Virgil laid sprawled half in a chair, half on the end of the bed. Jeff placed a hand on his shoulder and shook him lightly. "Virgil?" He called softly.

Virgil started awake. "What? John!"

"Shhh! Easy son."

Virgil shook his head to clear it. "Dad, you're here." He got unsteadily to his feet and motioned his father to move away from John. "You made good time." He rubbed his eyes tiredly.

Jeff took in his middle son's exhausted features and the blood on his clothes. "Virgil, what happened here? John didn't seem that bad when we left Malaysia."

"He was hurt more than he let on." Virgil told his father wearily. "Alan said he collapsed on board Thunderbird 1. By the time they landed, he was in shock and vomiting blood. When I got here, he was having trouble breathing and complaining of severe head pain. His lung collapsed and he went into cardiac arrest twice. We brought him back and inserted a chest tube to stabilize him."

Jeff was staggered. "You and Brains did that?"

"No, I did."

Jeff turned at the sound of the new voice. "Who…? Dr. MacLeod?"

"In the flesh." MacLeod walked over to them. "Good to see you again Mr. Tracy. Wish it wasn't under these circumstances."

Jeff looked from his son to the doctor in bewilderment. "Someone better start explaining all this." He said finally.

MacLeod led them over to the computer and pulled up a screen. "Your son is a very sick young man Mr. Tracy. To start with, John has four broken ribs. Some cracked in two places, a classic flailed chest."

"His lung collapsed, it's called a pneumothorax, not to mention he's suffering from an internal concussion. That's when I knew this was way out of my league." Virgil added.

MacLeod pulled up another series of images, this time of John's head. "There's swelling here, and here." He said, pointing to the screen. "Luckily there's no inter-cranial bleeding. We can control the swelling with anti-inflammatory meds. Also, he tore the hell out of some stitches he had in his back. It's been patched up, but it's going to leave an ugly scar."

Jeff stared thoughtfully at the screen. "Tell me about the cardiac arrest."

Virgil took a deep breath. "I think it was from a combination of things. The concussion was making him sick, vomiting aggravated his ribs, which in turn made the head worse…a vicious circle. He was having trouble breathing, and his body just shut down."

"What did you do?" Jeff asked MacLeod.

The young doctor shook his head. "I wasn't here."

"I—I had to defib him." Virgil's voice shook. He looked up at his father, his eyes holding an emotion Jeff couldn't read. "Dad, he was dead. Twice!" He took a shuddering breath. "I was so afraid that I wasn't going to get him back." Virgil said hoarsely.

Jeff placed a comforting arm around Virgil's shoulders. "How is he now?"

MacLeod smiled. "Surprisingly, he's in good shape all things considered. He's had a blood transfusion and is on IV drugs for pain. We used a chest tube to clear out his pleural cavity and Virgil here was smart enough to keep him sedated to avoid more complications."

Virgil shook his head. "I gave him too much."

"No you didn't. Though you'll never see it in the medical journals, there are enormous benefits to inducing a coma. Virgil, you saved his life." MacLeod said seriously.

Virgil just got up and walked over to sit back down at John's side. Jeff watched him. "How's he holding up?" He asked, nodding at his middle son.

MacLeod followed his gaze. "I think he's a bit shell shocked at the moment. I was serious, Virgil saved John's life. You've got a great bunch of boys Mr. Tracy."

Jeff smiled. "Yes, I do." He turned back to the doctor. "I think we need to talk about a few things."

"I agree. But later. You all need to get some rest. We'll talk in the morning."

"It is morning." Jeff said wryly.

MacLeod laughed. "Later then. Good-night Mr. Tracy."

"Call me Jeff."

"And I'm Steve. Good night Jeff." MacLeod wandered back into the office.

Jeff walked over and placed a hand on Virgil's shoulder. "Go to bed Virgil."

Virgil shook his head. "I don't want to leave him alone."

"He won't be alone." He sat down next to his sons. "How's Alan?"

To his surprise, Virgil smiled. "He's a great kid. He flew Thunderbird 1 all the way to Hanscom and back. And this was after John had collapsed on him on the way home. But Al never complained, never balked. He just did it. He's one of us now Dad."

Jeff beamed with pride. "I always knew he was, he just had to figure it out for himself."

"What's going on with Scott?"

"He's doing much better. They had to repair some muscle and bone damage, but the doctors expect a full recovery. He'll be home by the end of the week." Jeff told him.

"And Gord?"

"He can come home anytime tomorrow. But with things the way they are, he'll probably be there a couple more days." He looked over at his son. "Go to bed Virgil." Jeff said again.

Virgil looked back at his sleeping brother. "I don't want to leave him."

Jeff sat down next to his son. "Virgil, I know you want to stay, but John's going to need you when he wakes up, and you have to be rested for that. Do you want to end up in bed too?" Virgil shook his head. "I know it was rough, but now you need to get some sleep. You can come back in the morning."

"I don't want him left alone." Virgil said again.

"Virgil…" Jeff's voice trailed off as he spied Onaha come into the room.

"Mr. Tracy." She squeezed his hand and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Virgil come, you must rest."

"I…" He looked at his brother, lying still on the diagnostic bed. "I can't…"

"Virgil, I won't leave him. And if there's any change, I'll call you immediately. I promise." Jeff told him.

"Come Virgil." Onaha steered him towards the door. Virgil paused, visibly torn, before letting her lead him out.

Jeff sighed and settled himself in the chair. He winced as his back protested. It was acting up again and he made his way to the medicine cabinet and swallowed some ibuprofen. He walked back and stood looking down at his second son. John was normally a restless sleeper, and the sight of his still body unnerved Jeff. He brushed his hand across John's forehead, where the blonde hair lay in sweat induced curls. John's hair was longer than Jeff was used to seeing, and he sat down realizing how little time he spent with his son these days. He took John's limp hand in his and sat down. It was going to be a long night.

Alan wandered into the infirmary early the next morning. Spying his father, he quickly hurried over. "Dad!"

Jeff turned and enveloped his youngest in a tight hug. "Alan, how are you?"

"I'm OK. How's John?" He asked, nodding at his older brother.

"Better. Dr. MacLeod said he should be waking in the next few hours."

Both were quiet a few minutes, the only sound being the steady beeping of the heart monitor. "Dad?" Alan's voice was quiet. "Don't be mad at Virgil."

Jeff sat back down and leveled his gaze at his son. "Why would I be mad at Virgil?" He asked evenly.

"Because he went ahead and brought Dr. MacLeod here." Alan paused a moment. "Dad, you weren't there. You didn't see John. He was in so much pain, he couldn't even walk. He couldn't breathe, and the blood…" Alan shuddered at the memory. "Brains, Virgil, they couldn't do anything Dad! Virgil called this Dr. MacLeod and somehow managed to convince him to come. I picked him up in Thunderbird 1 and brought him here. When we got here John was…" His voice broke. "John was dead!" He rubbed the tears from his eyes and paced the length of the room. Jeff sat where he was, watching his son. He knew Alan was going somewhere with this, and waited.

A few minutes later, Alan composed himself and walked back to his father. "Dad, is this what it's all about? Saving people I mean? I guess…I know that every time you go out on a rescue, it's dangerous, that people get hurt but…" He raised his cerulean eyes to his father. "I never actually thought any of you could die. Even last month, with the Hood attacking Thunderbird 5, I never believed you wouldn't come back. But this time, Scott, John, even Gordon…Dad, what if I can't do this?"

Jeff sighed. "Alan, I'm not mad at Virgil. He did the right thing. Your lives are far more important than secrecy." Jeff got up stiffly, and motioned Alan away from John. "Alan, being a Thunderbird is more than just flying rockets and being on TV. I think you knew that in theory, but now you understand what that really means."

"But they almost died…because of me…" Alan said, his voice almost a whisper.

"Yes, they did. And they would do it again whether it was you or a stranger. You've said it yourself, that's what we do." Jeff tilted his sons head up to look into his eyes. "Alan, when you left for school a week ago, I had doubts that I had made you a part of this so young." He smiled. "But not anymore. You've proved yourself far beyond anything I ever dreamed. You are a Thunderbird Alan. But more than that, you're my son." He said huskily and pulled Alan into a tight embrace.

Kyrano watched from the shadows. He smiled and slipped from the room.

After a few minutes, Alan pulled away from his father, and wiped the last of the tears from his eyes. "Thanks Dad."

Jeff started to say something, but was interrupted by a shrill alarm. They looked up as the lights on John's heart monitor began to flash wildly.

Dr. MacLeod came rushing out of the office and began a swift examination of John. Virgil appeared in the doorway a heartbeat later, his normally perfect hair disheveled, and clad only in a pair of turquoise swimming shorts. "What's going on?"

MacLeod shook his head. "I don't know! He's crashing!" MacLeod ran back to the medicine cabinet.

Jeff and Alan stood near John. "Virgil, what's happening?" Jeff demanded.

John's forehead was furrowed in pain, and he was moaning incoherently. "No...not true…missile …not alone…Mayday!"

MacLeod pushed past Jeff and plunged a needle into John's arm. He and Virgil watched the monitor for a few moments. "Nothing. Dammit!" MacLeod hurried back to the cabinet again.

"Virgil. I want an answer." Jeff's tone booked no argument.

"Just back off Dad and let me work." Virgil snapped back. He shoved Alan out of the way and grabbed the oxygen mask, slipping it over John's face. Jeff took Alan's arm and moved back, giving them room. "John! John relax, you're home! We're all here." Virgil said loudly, giving his brother a little shake.

John continued to thrash around. "Sent me away… doesn't love… Dad no! Please!" His eyes opened, but gave no sign of recognition. Only an overwhelming sense of fear.

"John! Snap out of it!" Virgil ordered tersely.

John's eyes cleared for a moment. "Virgil…help me…" He whispered hoarsely.

Virgil clutched his brother's hand tightly. "I'm trying John. Stay with me."

MacLeod appeared at his side again, another syringe in his hand. This time the drug worked, and John's wild movements slowed and the heart monitor returned to normal.

By now, everyone had gathered in the infirmary. Tin-Tin stood next to Alan, clutching his hand tightly. Fermat stood next to his father who in turn had his hand on his son's shoulder. Kyrano and Onaha watched, fear in both their eyes. Penny hurried to Jeff's side. "Jeff, what's happened?" He shook his head.

MacLeod looked up. "All of you, out of here. Now." He ordered.

They shuffled from the room, Jeff casting one last look at John.

"Jeff, what happened?" Penny demanded again, once they were all outside.

Jeff shook his head. "I don't know. He had some sort of…attack."

"W-What kind of attack?" Brains asked.

"It looked like a seizure of some kind. One minute he was fine, the next…" Jeff looked up as Virgil came out the door.

Virgil's hazel eyes were blazing and he marched up to his father. "What did you say to him?"

Jeff took an involuntary step back at his son's tone. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You heard what he said. Why does John think that you sent him to Thunderbird 5 because you don't love him?" Virgil shot.

The others exchanged wary glances, and all but Penny and Alan left the room. "That's not true and you know it." Jeff said angrily.

"Then why does my brother believe it!" Virgil folded his arms across his chest and glared at his father. "Obviously you said something to get him into that condition!"

"Watch your tone Virgil." Jeff's voice was hard as steel.

"No, I won't. He knows how you feel Dad, he heard you say you thought he was unstable. And by not telling him about Alan, you made him feel incompetent as well. Nice work Dad. You've done exactly what Hood wanted all along. You destroyed this family." Without a backwards glance, Virgil marched out of the room.

"What in heaven's name was that all about?" Penny looked shocked.

Alan whirled on his father. "You told John he was incompetent? And you didn't tell him I had been kidnapped?" Alan snorted. "Guess you don't care about me either." He stormed from the room.

Jeff sat weakly down on the couch, his head in his hands. Penny sat down across from him. "Jeff, darling? Talk to me."

Jeff shook his head. "I don't know what's happening Penny." He looked up at her, the anguish plainly written in his face. "Virgil's right. This is my fault."

"If it's anyone's fault, it's the Hood's." She replied.

"You don't understand." He walked over and stood, unseeing, at the window. "I didn't tell John about the kidnapping."

"You must have had a good reason." Penny said, keeping her voice carefully neutral.

"I thought so at the time." He sighed. "You were here, before I mean. You know how he was…behaving. I honestly thought that hearing about Alan would push him over the edge. Instead it did the opposite." He was quiet a few moments. "Then Hood attacked the station again."

"But you have protocols in place."

Jeff shook his head. "John froze. The station was hit."

"Oh Jeff!"

"Communications were totally destroyed and Brains picked up a debris trail. We all thought they were dead." His voice cracked. "I thought I had lost them Pen. First you, Fermat and Alan, now Scott and John." He looked up at her, his eyes haunted. "John's always been my rock. The one I could turn to, depend on."

He sighed. "When Lucy died, a part of me died too. Scott was already a student at the Air Force Academy, and after the funeral, he just left. It was his way of handling his mother's death. Virgil threw himself into his music, and Gordon threw himself into the pool. Alan was too little to really understand what was going on."

"And John?" Penny asked.

"John…John quit school to take care of his younger brothers. Well, he didn't actually quit, he took his classes at home and even graduated a year early."

"Obviously he did well, he finished with top honors at MIT."

Jeff smiled to himself. "Yes, he did. And it was John who I first approached when I came up with starting International Rescue."

"Not Scott?"

Jeff shook his head. "John along with Virgil and Brains did most of the design work for the ships. It was John's idea to put TB 5 in space. Said it would be easier to monitor things from up there, no interference. You should have seen him Pen, he took to space like Gordon took to the water." Jeff smiled proudly, remembering.

"He'll be fine Jeff." Penny said softly.

He turned to look at her. "I don't think he will Pen."

She was quiet for a few minutes. "None of you have recovered from what happened a month ago. And I'm not talking about the physical either. You all need to talk to someone." Jeff started to shake his head. "Jeff listen to me. There is nothing wrong with admitting you need help. As somewhat of an outsider, I can see what's happening to all of you. Virgil and Scott are snapping at everyone, John has gotten quieter if that was possible, and when was the last time Gordon or Alan played a prank?" She took his hands in hers. "Jeff darling, trust me. You all need this."

"I'll think about it Pen." He replied, closing the subject.

Before she could say anything else, Dr. MacLeod walked in. Jeff bolted to his feet. "What happened?" He demanded.

MacLeod motioned him to sit down. "We've got him stabilized. I decided to keep him sedated and put him back in a coma."

Jeff felt a chill go through him. "Why?"

"The head injury mostly. He's having seizures, you saw that for yourself. I don't need him thrashing around and opening up that lung again. We had a hell of a time fixing it in the first place. I'm going to keep him down for another seventy-two hours or so, then if he hasn't come around on his own, I'll wake him." He leveled his gaze at both Jeff and Penny. "There are to be no visitors for the next twelve hours. I want John left in peace and frankly, the rest of you look like hell."

Jeff shook his head. "I want to be with him."

"Look Jeff, I told you he was going to be out for the next three days. John's not going to notice if you're there or not. What I don't need right now is the rest of you getting sick. Virgil told me you have two other sons in a hospital in Sydney?" Jeff nodded. "Then rest up so you can bring them home. No one is getting in to see John for a good long while, understand? I'll get…Brains? Brains to computer lock the door if I have to." He said unwaveringly.

Jeff was unused to being told what to do, but finally he sighed in defeat. "You'll let us know if there's any change?"

"You know I will. And that goes for Virgil too. I don't want to see any of you around here. Get some rest." He turned and walked back into the infirmary, locking the door behind him.

"Well, you heard what the good doctor said, it's bed for you." Penny said lightly.

To her surprise, he pulled her down to him on the couch. "I'd rather not go alone. Want to join me?"

"Why Mister Tracy, just what are you suggesting?" Penny asked coyly.

Jeff's tone turned serious. "I want you Penny. I need you."

Penny's eyes grew soft and luminous. "I want you too Jeff, but we agreed to wait until we were both ready."

"I am ready. Are you?"

Instead of replying, Penelope bent forward and kissed him passionately. "What do you think?" She said huskily.

They got to their feet, not taking their eyes off each other. "I'd like to be really romantic and sweep you off your feet."

"But your back is bothering you again."

Jeff frowned at her. "How do you know?"

She laughed. "As I told Virgil earlier, I know everything." She kissed him again. "Well then my love, what are we waiting for?" She pulled him out the door.