Thanks to everyone who's reading. Glad you like it. Special thanks once again for Sam1 for all her help. What I know about medicine, I can fit on a post-it note...
Again, I don't own them, just the ones I made up. Enjoy!
"BEEP-beep…BEEP-beep…"
What…is that noise…
"BEEP-beep…BEEP-beep…"
He struggled to open his eyes but they felt as if they were being held down with lead weights.
"BEEP-beep…"
OK, try again…What is that damned beeping?
He tried his eyes again, and this time managed to get them open, before slamming them shut with a groan.
Bright…too bright…
"John?"
That voice…
"John, can you hear me?"
"V—Virgil?" John croaked.
Virgil broke into a grin. "Yeah bro, it's me."
John struggled to open his eyes again. "Virg…thirst…" He rasped.
"Here, tiny sips." Virgil leaned over and placed a straw in John's mouth. John took a few sips, then fell back against the pillow, clearly exhausted.
"Where?…What?…Alan! Thunderbird 1!" His eyes snapped open and he tried to sit up, only to be stopped by pain.
"John! Relax, Alan's fine. He's around here somewhere, probably in the pool." Virgil eased his brother back down.
John took a shuddering breath. "Virgil…I'm going to be sick…"
In a flash, Virgil pulled his brother up and held a basin under his chin. Very little came up, but John continued to retch. Finally he stopped and lay back, his face pale and his breathing ragged.
"Johnny? You OK?" Virgil asked softly.
John didn't open his eyes. "Hurts…head…chest…hurts…" He whimpered, clearly in pain.
Virgil started towards the medicine cabinet, but by the time he returned to his brother's side, John had fallen asleep again. Virgil placed the needle on the table next to the bed and adjusted the oxygen mask back over his brother's face. Virgil then sat down, taking John's hand in his. "Sleep well brother mine."
Jeff heard the angry notes of the piano long before he reached the lounge. He paused outside the doorway, listening as Virgil played as if he was angry at the world. Finally Virgil came to a faltering stop and the piano sounded a discordant note as he pounded his fists on the keys.
Jeff stepped into the room. "I didn't recognize that piece. What's it called?"
"Crépescule. Suits my mood." Virgil replied shortly.
"Steve tells me John is awake."
Virgil shook his head. "Not really. He came to for a few seconds, threw up and fell back asleep." Virgil replied shortly. He started playing again, the notes somber and moody.
Jeff stood by the window, staring out at Alan playing in the pool with Fermat and Tin-Tin. At least some things are back to normal. He turned back to Virgil. "Westmead called. They're releasing Scott tomorrow. I'll fly over in the jet and pick up him and Gordon in the morning."
Virgil didn't reply, but continued playing. Jeff tried again. "Parker is being released from Mass General too. He's going to stay at the brownstone on Beacon Hill until we can go get him."
"Will you just stop it!" Virgil cried, once again pounding his fists on the piano. "Stop pretending everything is just fine and dandy around here!"
Jeff faced his son. "Virgil, what's wrong?"
Virgil got up and paced the room like an angry cat. "I'll tell you what's wrong, all this acting as if this family is all right, because it's not. Alan's been having nightmares since he got back. And now he tells me he's been having them on and off since this whole thing started last month! I have two brothers in the hospital on the mainland, and another fighting for his life down in the infirmary. And you have the nerve to ask me what's wrong!"
"Virgil, don't you think you're exaggerating John's condit—"
Virgil whirled on his father, his face flushed, and his hazel eyes flashing angrily. "You weren't here! I was the one who had to sit and watch as my brother struggled to breathe. I was the one who had to send my youngest brother alone in a rocket to get help. I was the one who had to restart John's heart—twice! I shouldn't have to do that Dad! I shouldn't have to watch my as my brother lies dying, knowing there's nothing I can do to save his life!" Virgil couldn't stop his voice from breaking, or the tears running down his cheeks. He threw himself into a chair, and lay his head down on the table, his shoulders shaking with sobs.
Jeff felt his own throat tighten as he placed his hand on his son's shoulder. "You're right, you shouldn't have had to do any of those things." He said quietly. Virgil looked up as Jeff sat down next to him. "None of us are handling any of this well, I see that now. I've talked to Steve, he's going to find us someone we can all talk to."
"A shrink? You want us to see a shrink?" Virgil's eyes widened in disbelief.
Jeff had to smile at Virgil's tone. "Yes. We're all going, myself included. And International Rescue is shut down until further notice."
Virgil looked stunned. "You can't do that Dad."
"Yes I can, and I already have. I sent out the press release an hour ago." Jeff sighed. "You and Scott both said it. How can we save the world when we can't even take care of ourselves? This family is more important then that." He paused. "And there's more."
"I'm almost afraid to ask."
"I've asked Steve to become an official member of the team. He said yes. He's going to stay a couple of weeks to keep an eye on John, then fly back to Boston and pack up his things. Looks like we've got a new roommate." Jeff smiled.
Virgil's shoulders slumped forward. "Dad…I—I…"
Jeff gripped his shoulder. "Go get some rest son. John's going to be fine."
Virgil nodded and started towards the door. Suddenly he stopped and rushed back into his father's arms. Jeff held him tightly. "I love you Dad." He whispered.
He continued to hold Virgil close. "I love you too son." Things were going to be all right.
John's eyes fluttered open and he stared dully at the plain grey surface above him. Slowly his vision came into focus and he realized he was staring at the ceiling.
Where am I?
He seemed to be lying in a semi-upright position. Something was itchy on his chest, and by the beeping over his head, he figured that he was connected to a heart monitor.
Heart monitor? Why am I hooked to a heart monitor? He lay still for a few minutes, willing his brain to start functioning.
Ok, first things first…He took a deep breath and tried to sit up. Pain assaulted him from every angle.
Ow! Ow! Owww!... Big mistake…big stupid GIANT mistake…
"John?"
John looked up through bleary eyes. A man he didn't recognize stood before him. "Who...?"
The man smiled. "I'm Steve MacLeod. I've been treating you for the past few days."
Days! "How long…" John rasped.
MacLeod helped John sip from a cup next to the bed. "Almost a week. You gave us all quite a scare."
John sipped the water gratefully, not really listening. His mouth seemed to absorb it all before he could get the chance to swallow any. He nodded his thanks and lay back against the pillows.
"How are you feeling?" MacLeod asked.
"Ever heard of…road kill…" John smiled weakly.
MacLeod laughed. "And your family said you didn't have a sense of humor."
"Where are...Virgil?...Alan?"
MacLeod frowned for a moment. "Your brothers are all around here somewhere. One or the other of them hasn't left your side. And I think your father has Alan down in the simulator learning how to land Thunderbird 1 in the silo. Who'd have thought a sixteen year old could handle a rocket so well." He laughed good-naturedly.
John's eyes snapped open. "I don't know what you're talking about." He said warily.
MacLeod nodded thoughtfully. "You stay put. I'll go find your father." He quickly left the room.
John waited a few moments, then took a good look around. This is the infirmary, which means I'm still on the island. So, where'd he come from? John eased himself into a sitting position, groaning at the pain streaking through his chest. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw against the nausea that threatened to overtake him. He wrapped one hand around his chest, and then his head made itself known. He tried to bring his hand up to his head, and cursed as the IV line became tangled in the blankets. Fearing he was going to be sick, he pulled the needle out of his arm and staggered to the bathroom.
"Hey Johnny, how you feeling?" Virgil called out as he entered the infirmary. He stopped, puzzled as he stared at his brother's empty bed. His puzzlement turned instantly to concern. "John?"
He jumped as the door behind him opened. "Hey Virg…"
"What are you doing?" Virgil wrapped a supporting arm around John's waist and helped his brother back to bed. "Why didn't you wait for one of us to help you?"
John lay back against the pillows, his face pale. "Wasn't that. Got sick." He waited until his breathing evened out and opened his eyes. "What the hell happened to me?"
Virgil took his wrist and checked his pulse as he answered. "You collapsed aboard Thunderbird 1. Turns out you had four broken ribs and a concussion. You should have gone to the hospital."
"Didn't know that at the time Doc. I felt OK until we took off." John replied, pulling his arm away before Virgil could reinsert the IV.
Virgil frowned, but let it be. "Well, you managed to collapse and puncture your left lung. We had to call in an expert to patch you up."
"MacLeod?"
Virgil nodded. "He's the doc that's been taking care of Parker. Alan flew to Hanscom and brought him back. We put in a chest tube, repaired the lung, took care of the concussion, and the rest is history." Virgil told him, busying himself by dismantling the IV. "Dad's made him an official part of the team. Which is good news, because we can use a doc." He babbled, not looking at John.
"Virgil." John's hand snaked up and grabbed his brothers. "What aren't you telling me?"
"I don't know what you mean." Virgil hedged.
"Virgil." More forcefully this time.
Virgil closed his eyes and took a shuddering breath. "You went into cardiac arrest. Twice. The second time, I almost didn't get you back." He said hoarsely.
"But you did. I'm OK Virg." He pulled his brother into a loose hug, being careful of his chest. "I'm sorry. I really thought it was nothing. It was only after we took off that things went all to hell."
Virgil sat back, clearing his throat. "Yeah well genius, g-forces'll do that to you."
"How's Scott?"
"Fine. He came home a couple days ago."
John frowned. "How long have I been here?"
"We rescued Alan a week ago tomorrow."
"What!" John sat up quickly, forgetting. He groaned in pain and inhaled sharply, only making it worse.
"Dammit John! Will you just sit still!" Virgil eased him back down on the bed. "We had to keep you sedated, until the concussion healed. It was causing too many complications with the chest."
"How about—"
"Well, well, Sleeping Beauty awakens!"
"—Gordon?" John finished as his brother sauntered into the room.
Gordon grinned. "I'm fine bro, what about you?" He sat down on the edge of John's bed and squeezed his brother's hand.
John looked closely at his younger brother. Gordon had a nasty looking bruise on his temple and walked stiffly, his right arm hanging limply at his side. "The Doc here tells me I'll live." John said, nodding towards Virgil and smiling.
"Yeah well, don't get your hopes up. Al's learning how to land TB 1 in the silo. I fear for our lives and the pool!" Gordon laughed.
They all looked up as Scott walked in. "Hey there little brother."
"Scott." Virgil got up and moved next to Gordon so Scott could sit down, and John looked closely at his older brother. Scott was pale under his tan, and had his right arm in a sling. His shirt was unbuttoned and John could see a large bandage covering most of his shoulder.
"Scared the hell out of us Johnny-boy." Scott told him.
John grinned weakly. "Yeah well, look who's talking."
"At least I was smart enough to go to the hospital." Scott shot back.
"Only because you were unconscious and couldn't do anything to prevent it!"
"Space cadet!"
"Flyboy."
"I think I heard thunder."
"Was that a mouse?"
"All right!" Virgil held his hand up, interrupting them both. "Enough with the pissing contest. God, I think I liked you both better when you were drugged." Virgil muttered under his breath.
John waited until Virgil wasn't looking and stuck his tongue out at Scott. Scott retaliated by crossing his eyes and making a face. Gordon burst out laughing and this is how Jeff found them as he and Alan walked into the infirmary.
Alan bolted ahead and threw himself at John. Virgil caught him by the shirt collar before he could fall on John. "Easy Sprout, don't mess him up again. We had enough trouble putting him together in the fist place."
Alan hugged John carefully and sat down on the other side of Scott. "John! How are you feeling?"
"Not bad Sprout. Heard you were the one who got me home and brought help. Nice job." John smiled proudly at his baby brother.
Alan blushed to his hair and mumbled something under his breath. They all laughed again.
Jeff stepped into the room. "Well, well, if this isn't a sight for sore eyes." He gripped John's shoulder. "John."
John nodded. "Dad."
Virgil exchanged a glance with Scott. "All right gang, John still needs his rest. Scott, you too."
"Yeah John, hurry and get well. Thunderbird 5 is just waiting for you to get up there and fix her!" Gordon quipped.
Simultaneously, Virgil stepped on Gordon's foot, Scott slapped him upside the head and Alan elbowed him in the ribs. "Hey! OW! What was that for?" Gordon protested.
"For being an ass." Scott said sternly, frowning at his younger brother.
Gordon snorted. "I don't need to sit here and take this kind of abuse. C'mon Sprout, let's go get something to eat. Later Johnny!" Gordon waved as he started out the door.
"John?" Alan hesitated.
John smiled reassuringly. "It's OK Alan, I'm not going anywhere." He said softly.
"You can say that again." Virgil muttered as Alan raced after Gordon. "Let's go Scott, I want to check out that shoulder."
"I'll be back John. Get some rest." Scott squeezed his younger brother's hand tightly. Then with an unreadable glance at his father, he followed Virgil out the door.
Jeff settled himself down in the chair Scott had vacated. "How are you feeling son?"
John smiled ruefully. "I've been better."
"I should say so." They slipped into an uncomfortable silence.
"Dad?"
"John?"
Both spoke at the same time. Jeff laughed. "You first."
"I'm sorry. You were right. If I hadn't freaked out up there…" John pointed to the ceiling. "Scott would have been here and none of this would have happened." He avoided his father's eyes.
"John look at me." Blue eyes met brown. "Hindsight is 20/20. Yes, maybe if I had been there I would have been able to stop the Hood. Then again, maybe not and we'd be in worse straits than we are now. We'll never know." He sighed. "I'm sorry too John. I never meant to make you feel incompetent. I was worried. About you, Alan…This whole thing taught me that I've been taking all of this for granted. I guess I never learned, even after your mother's death." Jeff caught the flash of pain in John's eyes. "And don't go blaming yourself for that again either. We've been through that."
John nodded and changed the subject. "I've been thinking. We need someone else trained for Thunderbird 5. Frankly, Scott's useless up there, Gordon crashes the computer mainframe every time, and Virgil just plain hates it. Not mention how sick he gets." He sighed. "I'd like to train Alan. I think he'd like it. And I'd like the chance to spend some time with him. Get to know him a little better."
Jeff smiled. "I've been thinking the same thing." He watched as John's eyelids began to droop. "Get some rest son. We'll talk later."
John merely nodded in reply and dropped off to sleep. Jeff watched his son for a long while, the steady rise and fall of John's chest a welcome sight after the events of the past week. Finally, when he was sure John wasn't going to wake, he stood and placed a soft kiss on his son's forehead. "I love you John."
John cracked one eye and watched as his father walked away. "Love you too Dad." He whispered and drifted off to sleep.