Disclaimer: I don't own the TBs or the Tracy family with the exception of Sam.
A/N: I want to give a special thank you to Lillehafrue for her continued support and input of this story. To SaucerEyes, Threshold Addict, ravenlua, and Cicilianna your consistency in reviewing means so much to me. Thank you all very much.
Warning: There are scenes of a sexual nature in this chapter.
Chapter 29
Jeff looked around the grounds where Scott's graduating class was having their luncheon. He immediately saw Scott and John talking together with Sam nearby. Even from the distance between him and his children he could see how his oldest boys towered over their sister by four to six inches. He noticed that even Virgil was taller than Sam by a couple of inches. Virgil was walking towards them when Sam spotted him.
"Virgil!" she called as she walked up to him. She had a big grin on her face as she and Virgil walked back to their older brothers. Jeff was reminded of another time that the four had been positioned much like they were now.
Flashback:
Jeff had just walked down the hallway leading to the playroom when he heard some bits of his children talking. Lucy was in the nursery with Virgil. He had just awoken from his nap and would soon be joining his older siblings.
"Cotty, wanna pway wif us?" squeaked a little voice. Two sets of big blue eyes peered up at him. If it weren't for the bracelet on Sam's wrist, it'd be hard to tell which twin was which. They were fraternal yet both had a dimple on the right side of the face and both had the same shade of blond hair. To make it even more difficult, Sam always wanted to be dressed like John and would throw a tantrum if she was dressed in girly clothes. Today both Sam and John were dressed in blue jeans and matching blue sweatshirts. Even their sneakers were identical.
"Sammie, I'm busy," he said as he turned back to his cars. A sniffle made him sigh and look back over at his younger brother and sister. John had his chubby little arms wrapped around Sam as she let him comfort her.
"Cotty, no wike me, Johnny. He no pway wif us." Jeff peeked into the room and watched the little scene play out. None of the three children were aware of his presence in the hallway.
"Aww, Sammie, I do like you. I love both of you but I'm playing with my cars."
Sammie continued to sniffle and with one last sad look at Scott, she held John's hand in hers and pulled him over to where their blocks were. She and John had started stacking the blocks as high as they could before they fell over and started the process all over again. Soon Sam was giggling and John just smiled as he watched her. Even at a young age John was the quietest even though he was the oldest. Sam was normally shy and quiet with the exception of when she was with John which was about all of the time. Jeff was still standing in the hallway when Lucy and Virgil came up behind him.
"Dada, momma," said Virgil as he smiled at his parents.
"Jeff, why are you out here?" asked Lucy. Jeff put his finger to his lip to let her know to be quiet.
"Just watch Scott and the twins," he whispered back. Lucy peered around the corner after she handed Virgil to Jeff. As soon as Virgil was in his daddy's arms he began to bounce and jabber in his baby language. Lucy watched as Scott walked over to where Sam and John were playing. He stood there for a moment before they were aware that he was there.
"Can I play with you now?" he asked. John looked at Scott and started to nod his head. He paused and then looked over at Sam. Sam stood up and put her little hands on her hips and glared at her big brother.
"Sammie, wet Cotty pway wif us, pwease," said Johnny softly.
"Him no wike me and him no wanna pway wif us," she told her brother. "Cotty, go pway wif you tupid cars," she said. Scott looked crestfallen. He loved playing with his brother and sister but he had been racing his cars and didn't want to stop. He turned away and walked back towards his own toys. He hadn't taken two steps before something hit him from behind. Looking down, he could see two arms hugging him.
"I torry, Cotty, pwease pway wif us," she said as she leaned her head back to look up at him. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to where John waited for the building to begin again.
"Johnny and me wuv when you pway wif us," she said.
"How do you know, Sammie? Johnny doesn't talk a lot to anyone."
"Him does to talk. Him talks to me awot, Cotty," she replied indignantly as she stood next to John. "Him no wanna talk awot to people just me. Me special and Johnny and me wuv each other." John smiled shyly at his sister and she smiled back at him. Their identical blue eyes conveyed a message between them that didn't need any words.
"Well, Honey, we know now why Johnny is so quiet. He has Sammie to talk for him and God help whoever messes with him," Lucy said as she looked over at Jeff and Virgil. Virgil was beginning to squirm in an effort to get to the playroom.
"Dada, down," said Virgil as he tried to crawl out of his dad's arms to get to his brothers and sister. He had heard them talking and was looking for them.
Jeff put him down and held onto him until he had his balance. Once he was steady, Virgil toddled off towards his big brothers and sister.
"VIRGIE!" Sammie ran over to her baby brother and he grabbed her hand and together they went back to play together. Jeff and Lucy watched their children play together.
End of Flashback
A sudden shout of laughter caught Jeff's attention. He looked for his youngest two, knowing that they would be at the center of the amusement. Sure enough, he spotted them running away from their oldest siblings. All of whom were soaked with water.
"GORDON AND ALAN TRACY, WE'RE GOING TO KILL YOU!" screamed Sam and John at the same time. The four of them split up and soon had their youngest brothers cornered against a wall. Both of them were laughing at the expressions on their oldest brothers and sister's faces.
"You guys could sure use a towel right now," quipped Alan as he doubled over in laughter. Sam and John grabbed him as Virgil and Scott grabbed Gordon and they dragged them to the decorative fountain in the middle of the grounds and then picked them up and dropped them into the water and held them there until they were both completely soaked. None of them were aware of their dad walking up behind them.
"TRACY!" he called loudly and was pleased to see all six of his children stop and look up at him. Just behind him was their Headmaster with a decidedly grumpy expression on his face. All six of the Tracy children stood up and looked at their dad and Headmaster bearing down on them.
"Shit! I think that we're in a bit of a predicament," said Scott under his breath. Sam and John heard him and sniggered just as their dad looked at them. He focused his icy gaze on them first.
"Please tell me, Samantha and John, what is so funny about your behavior?" he asked as he continued to stare them down. Sam and John swallowed hard and glanced at each other.
"There is nothing funny about our behavior, Sir," John said in a wavering voice. He was aware of the group of onlookers surrounding them.
"It is a poor showing of our upbringing," added Sam as she shifted nervously from the intensity of their father's gaze. Gordon, unfortunately, chose this time to start laughing as a way to break the tension. Jeff turned his frosty gaze to his red-haired son.
"Gordon, what part of this do you find to be humorous?" he asked in his commanding officer voice. Gordon choked back on his laughter and met his father's gaze.
"It was all funny until we got caught, Sir," he said honestly. Jeff had to fight back the grin that was struggling to appear. He coughed suddenly to mask it and continued to glare at the rest of his children. Scott stood ramrod straight and stared directly in front of him. Virgil was shifting from one foot to the other. Alan was shaking with silent laughter at Gordon's cheekiness.
"Mr. Tracy, will you please get your children under control?" asked the Headmaster. Sam and her brothers looked from one to the other and back to their father and Headmaster. Jeff turned his attention directly on the Headmaster.
"I have everything under control with my children, thank you," he said. "I want the six of you ready to leave in ten minutes. Your grandmother wants to stop in Kansas on our way home." Scott and Virgil helped Gordon and Alan out of the fountain. Without another word or glance back they headed to their dorm. Their belongings were in their rooms and each of them hurriedly changed into dry clothes and began taking everything down to the SUV. They did a quick check around all of the rooms to make sure nothing was left behind. Scott hadn't come out of his room yet so the rest of them went to check on him.
"I can't believe that I won't be back here with you guys next semester," he said quietly. "I guess we're really growing up and moving on with our lives." He put his arm around Sam as she came up next to him. He looked down to see the tears in her eyes that she was trying to hold back.
"It won't be the same anymore after you go away to college," she said as she leaned against him and sighed. A lone tear coursed its way down her face. Somberly, the rest of their brothers joined them and looked at each other.
"We'll always be there for one another, won't we, Scott?" asked Gordon. Scott reached out and ruffled Gordon's hair.
"Of course, we'll always be there for each other," he answered. "I'll make sure that I come and see you guys periodically through the year when I can."
"We'll still be here with you guys next year," said a voice from behind them. The Tracy family turned and saw Alex, Catie, and Jodi all standing there watching them. Brook was just behind them. Gordon and Alan looked at each other and made retching noises. They left the room and went down to the truck. Sam walked over to Alex and led him to her room. Virgil and John led their girlfriends to their rooms so they could say their private goodbyes. Brook looked at Scott sadly.
"I'm going to miss you and your family," she said as he hugged her to him. "I hate that we won't be together anymore. I just know that realistically a long-distance relationship won't survive." He leaned down and kissed her softly on her lips.
"I'll miss you, too," he murmured. "I'm sorry that we'll be on opposite sides of the country and unable to continue our relationship."
Meanwhile in Sam's room:
"Sam, I love you and hate that I won't get to see you again until the fall," said Alex. Sam grinned at him.
"Don't be so sure that you won't see me for that long," she said. "Dad understands that I have a relationship and I might be able to persuade him to let Scott fly with me to that little state you live in."
"Indiana isn't that little," he replied. She leaned against him and felt his arms go around her. She felt safe and loved being held in his warm embrace. She sighed in contentment. He kissed the top of her head and released his hold on her.
"We better get you down to your truck before your dad comes hunting for you," he said. She grabbed her purse and held his hand in hers and together they walked out into the hallway, shutting the door behind them. Her brothers were all waiting in the lobby when she stepped off of the elevator. She gave Alex one more quick kiss and joined her brothers. Their dad was waiting with their grandma by the SUV. With a last look at the dorm, they all got into the truck and remained quiet all the way to the airport.
The boys loaded up the plane while Grandma and Sam got on the plane. Sam sat in her usual seat and pushed hers and John's carryon bags underneath the seats. Grandma was watching her and decided to talk to her granddaughter.
"Samantha, may I speak to you for a moment?" she asked. Sam's head snapped up as she heard her grandma call her Samantha. She stood up and followed her to the rear of the plane.
"Yes, Grandma?" she asked nervously as she sat down in the seat her grandma patted.
"Do you want to tell me about your young man?" she asked.
"Alex? Oh, I've been dating him for about a year and a half," she answered. Her grandma was eyeing her and Sam was beginning to feel worried and agitated.
"When did you give into him?" she asked. Sam swallowed hard and turned beet red.
"Um, what do you mean, Grandma?" she asked. She glanced around the cabin of the plane and swallowed hard again. Her grandma reached out and held her face in her hands and stared into Sam's eyes.
"When did you lose your virginity to him?" she asked again. Sam sighed and decided that it was pointless to hem and haw through excuses.
"We got together the night of the Junior/ Senior Prom," she admitted. "Grandma, I'm going to need to get on some sort of protection. I don't want to get pregnant. I really love Alex and he has told me that he loves me too."
"How serious is this young man about your relationship?" she asked.
"Grandma, he is serious enough that we talk daily via cell phones and computer. He gave me his class ring and asked me to be his steady girlfriend on my sixteenth birthday," she answered. "Um, I haven't slept with him again since that one evening." Her grandmother looked a bit relieved at that tidbit of information.
"I'll get an appointment set up for you and you and I can fly to San Diego during the summer and take Tin-Tin with us for a girl's only weekend," Grandma promised. Sam stood up and gave her grandma a big hug.
"Thanks Grandma and I hope you're not disappointed in me," she said quietly her blue eyes worried.
"Sweetie, I love you and though I can honestly say that I wish you would have waited, you haven't disappointed me," her grandmother replied. Sam stood up and walked back to her seat just as her brothers climbed up the steps to the passenger cabin of the plane. Gordon and Alan went to their usual seats and shoved their carryon bags beneath their seats and fastened their seatbelts. Virgil went to his seat and placed both his and Scott's bags under their seats. Scott was copiloting with their dad on the flight to Kansas. John joined Sam and quickly fastened his seatbelt. Sam was staring out of the window and trying to relax. Her conversation with her grandmother kept replaying in her mind. She wasn't even aware that the plane had taken off until John unfastened his seatbelt.
"Sis, we can get up now," he said as he shook her arm. She shook her head and leaned back in her seat to take a nap. She had a lot on her mind and was trying to sort everything out. John got up and went to sit next to Virgil. Grandma was keeping an eye on her granddaughter. She knew that Sam was mulling over the knowledge that her grandmother knew that she had had sex with her boyfriend. What she didn't know was that her grandmother was also aware of her oldest grandsons and their loss of innocence. Sam was the only one to admit to needing protection to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
"Well, those boys are going to be a bit surprised with the little gift I bring them back from the mainland when I take Sam to the doctor's," she thought to herself. She leaned back in her seat and began reading a book that she had brought to read on the flight back to Kansas.
A little while later Scott's voice got the attention of the passengers.
"Everyone needs to secure all belongings and fasten your seatbelts," he said. "Samantha, I'll be back to make sure yours is fastened personally. Until I get back there, Virgil, John, Gordon, and Alan, will you guys please make sure that she's fastened in?" The Tracy brothers laughed at Scott's message for Sam. Sam glared at each of them in turn before smiling slightly at her oldest brother's protectiveness. She still didn't expect him to come back and check to make sure she was fastened in. When he came out of the cockpit and walked towards her, much to the amusement of the rest of their brothers, she rolled her eyes. She let him make sure she was fastened in. Just as he was standing up, she grabbed his arm and pulled him back down to her level.
"Thanks, Scotty," she said quietly as she gave him a small kiss on his cheek. He grinned back at her.
"Just protecting my little sister so that she doesn't get hurt again," he replied. He went back to the cockpit just in time for their dad to give the warning that they were approaching the airport and would be landing momentarily.
After they had landed and all the post-flight work was done, Scott drove them back to the old farmhouse. They only brought their carryon bags with them since they were only staying one night. Once they had arrived at the house, Grandma quickly made out a grocery list for Sam and John. They had volunteered to go while everyone else settled in.
"I'm driving!" said John. Sam looked over at him and shrugged. Jeff tossed him the keys and soon they were heading to the store. Sam glanced at the list and added a couple of things that she needed as well as the shampoo that Virgil had requested.
"What's up with you?" asked John. He glanced at her and then back to the road ahead of them.
"Nothing," she answered as she looked out of the passenger window.
"Samantha, you've been quiet since we got on the plane," he said. "Did Grandma lecture you about something?" He remembered seeing his sister and Grandma walking from the back of the plane before they had left New York. Sam looked back at him and nodded.
"Don't laugh but she asked me when I gave into Alex," she said quietly. "I have never been more uncomfortable in my life. Even Dad's humorous attempts at sex talks were a lot less awkward than being asked point blank when I lost my virginity." John shuddered at her last words.
"Sis, I don't want to know about you and Alex," he said. Sam glared at him and shot back a quick retort.
"Well, according to my best friend Catie, you lost yours the same night," she said. She was rewarded with watching John turn a couple of shades of red. The rest of the conversation was thankfully ended as John parked the truck and they went in to get the groceries. A short while later, they were heading back to the truck carrying a couple of bags of groceries. John tossed the keys to Sam which she deftly caught despite the bags in her hands.
"You can drive," he said as he pulled a magazine out of one of the bags.
"Only cus you want to read," she retorted. He grinned up at her as they put the bags in the back of the truck. Sam had just closed the rear door when she heard her name. She looked around and saw a young woman running towards her and John.
"Samantha and John Tracy! I can't believe it," she said excitedly. "It's been, what, four years since I've seen you." Sam suddenly shrieked and hugged the girl.
"Kim, I can't believe it!" she giggled. "How are you doing?"
"I'm doing pretty good. What about you and all of those other brothers of yours?" she asked. "Well, except for your sidekick. Hi, John. Some things never change do they? Are you two still joined at the hip?" John rolled his eyes and grabbed the keys from Sam and climbed into the truck.
"We're all doing pretty well. Scott just graduated and will be heading off to Yale in the fall. Virgil is still the same as is Gordon and Alan. Except for the swimming records that Gordon keeps breaking," she said. "John and I are still pretty close but the last few years have been a bit rough and we've needed each other even more." Kim looked down at Sam's leg and saw the scar from her last broken leg.
"What happened?" she asked. Sam got a little quiet before answering.
"We were in a plane crash just before Christmas and I broke my leg and had to have surgery," she said.
"SAM! Grandma is going to kill us if you keep gabbing," called John. Sam looked at her former friend and said a quick goodbye. She climbed into the driver's seat and backed out of the parking spot and soon she and John were heading back home.
"What took you so long?" demanded Scott when they pulled into the drive. He and Virgil helped them carry the groceries in. John shrugged his shoulders and left Sam to explain.
"Sorry, Scott, an old friend recognized John and I," she said quietly as she rubbed a hand over her scar. A motion that didn't go unnoticed by her brothers. She picked up her personal stuff and went to her room. John watched after her and started to go after her. Scott laid his hand on John's shoulder to stop him.
"Let her have a moment, John," he said. They didn't notice Virgil leave the room.
"Sam, can I come in?" asked Virgil as he knocked on the door. Sam opened it for him and invited him in. She went back to her window seat and stared out over the fields where she had played as a child with her bothers. Virgil followed and nudged her so that he could sit down next to her.
"Want to talk?" he asked quietly. She shook her head and sighed as she leaned back against the wall.
"Why do people have to be so inquisitive?" she asked. "Why do they have to know all the bad things that happen to other people? None of our friends made comments or asked about the scar on my leg but someone I haven't spoken to in over four years asks me like she's entitled to know because we used to be friends."
"I don't understand why people do the things that they do, Sam," he replied. "But I do know this, the ones that really matter are right beside you or in this house." Sam smiled at him and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"When did you get to be so smart and insightful?" she teased.
"I've always had those talents. You were just to slow to recognize them," he teased back. Neither of them noticed John and Scott close Sam's door.
"Looks like Virgil handled that one," said Scott quietly.
"He knew just what to say to her and that is all I care about," replied John. "I don't like to see Sam upset."
"You're not the only one who is protective of her but you are the one that understands her the most and the best," said Scott. John smirked at his oldest brother.
"I know that I'm not the only protective one. You're by far the worst," he shot back. "Only you are brave enough to check her seatbelt and have the rest of us check first." Scott laughed at his remark. Together they went downstairs to see when dinner would be done.
Virgil and Sam sat in her room until they were called down for dinner.
"Thanks, Virg," she said as they walked into the kitchen. The rest of the family was already seated and they quickly sat down. John had of course held Sam's spot for her. She smiled at him and Scott. They knew then that she'd been aware of them outside of her door. She looked at the head of the table at their dad. He was looking around at each of his children and smiling slightly. After dinner, he retired to his office and closed the door. Sam went to the door and knocked.
"Come in," he called. Sam opened the door and closed it behind her making sure that it was locked.
"Dad, do you have time to talk?" she asked. He nodded his head and she felt a bit relieved.
"I know that I've promised not to talk about this but I've been wondering how the plans are going for your rescue dream?" she asked. Jeff looked at her sharply, wondering where the conversation was going to lead.
"If I tell you, same rules apply, you cannot tell anyone not even your brothers," he answered.
"I know and I won't tell," she replied.
"Brains and I have two of the four aircraft completed and the third one is about a third of the way done. The fourth can't be put together until the third one is complete," he said.
"That's great, Dad," she enthused. "Um, I wanted to ask you something about that."
"You have my attention, Sam." He looked at her curiously as she began to fidget.
"Dad, I want to help with this project when I'm done with college and I've been thinking about applying to NASA for the astronaut program," she said. "John and I have already decided on Harvard. He's always had his heart set on being an astronaut. I have thought a lot about it since we watched that documentary that we saw you in." Jeff looked at her and smiled.
"I've always thought that if John went to NASA that you wouldn't be too far behind him. I would love to have each of you be a part of the rescue organization but I want to make sure that you have a chance to live your lives," he said. "You have to experience life before you are tied to something that will take up most of your time and freedom."
"I know that, Dad, but I have thought of it since I got a glimpse of TB1," she said. He looked at her sharply.
"What did you just say?" he asked. "I mean, what did you call the craft?"
"Um, TB1, why?" she asked.
"What does TB1 mean?" he shot back excitedly.
"Thunderbird 1," she answered. "I studied the legends and mythology of Native Americans last semester in an elective class. We discussed at length the Thunderbirds and the myth behind the legend. It was really interesting and kind of cool to read about." Jeff was jotting down notes on a pad of paper.
"Dad, what are you doing?" she asked.
"That would be a wonderful name to give the various craft that will be International Rescue," he answered. "The recon craft can be Thunderbird 1, the transport ship can be Thunderbird 2, and the rocket ship can be Thunderbird 3, and so on." Sam grinned at his enthusiasm and was pleased that she'd helped him with naming the various craft. When he was done with his notes he stood up and hugged Sam to him.
"I'm looking forward to the day when you join the team," he said. "I hope that your brothers will decide to be part of it too."
"How much longer do you think that it's going to take?" she asked.
"By the time you and John graduate college, we should have the space satellite built and operational," he answered. Sam gasped when she heard this bit of information.
"Space satellite? Are you serious?" she asked.
"Didn't I mention that?" he asked. "I guess I forgot. Why do you think that I was glad to hear that you and John were planning on applying to NASA's astronaut program after Harvard?"
"Dad, you know that by the time John and I get through school and NASA if we can get into the program, we're going to be in our mid-twenties. Are you sure that you want to wait that long?"
"Sam, these things can't be rushed," he answered. "That will give your younger brothers a chance to enjoy their lives. Now, I want you to go to bed. You do realize that it's almost midnight and we'll be flying home tomorrow?" Sam gave her dad a hug and headed for the door. She heard some shuffling from the other side of the door but brushed the noise off as her imagination because there was nobody in the hallway when she began to walk upstairs. She went straight to her room and flopped on her bed and was soon asleep.
The next morning they all rushed to get things packed and ready for the flight back home. Jeff decided to let Scott pilot the plane with Sam and John alternating as his copilot. By the time they landed on the island, John and Sam were about ready to tear into Scott.
"We know how to fly a plane, Scott," Sam snapped at him. "We earned out license just like you did so back off!" John stood next to her as they stepped down on the tarmac. Scott glowered at both of them while Gordon, Alan, and Virgil stared at the scene before them.
"If you know so much, Samantha Michelle Tracy, then explain to me why you failed to tell me about the warning that you received when we were taking off from San Diego." Sam glared back at him with her hands on her hips.
"You are required to listen for those warnings also besides it was an alert for the pilot. Why weren't you paying attention?" she retorted angrily. Scott walked over to her and stared down at her. Unwilling to be intimidated, she glared back up into his face.
"SAMANTHA AND SCOTT TRACY, GET TO YOUR ROOMS RIGHT NOW AND STAY THERE UNTIL I TELL YOU OTHERWISE!" Barked their dad. They each grabbed their gear and stormed up to the house arguing the whole way.
"Great now look what you've done!"
"Bite me!"
"Don't talk to me like that little girl!"
"Screw off, jerk!"
Sam ran up the stairs to the 2nd floor balcony and quickly keyed in her code just as Scott grabbed her from behind.
"Don't you ever talk to me like that again, Samantha!" he warned in a low tone. Sam jerked from his grasp and went into her room and shut the door in his face. As soon as she locked the door she looked back at him and flipped him off. Throwing her stuff on the bed, she paced the room. She looked at the door to realize that Scott had finally left. She closed the curtains and then curled up on her bed and was soon asleep.
John wandered around the house for the better part of the day. He kept replaying the conversation that he'd overheard the night before over and over again. He was a bit miffed that Sam had known about something on the island and hadn't said a word to him. He finally decided to find Virgil. He went to all of the obvious places first. His room, the art studio, the pool and finally found him in the game room.
"Virgil, do you have a minute?" he asked. Virgil put down his pool stick and followed John outside.
"What's up?" he asked as he noticed John glancing around.
"Want to go exploring around the island?" he asked nervously.
"Okay, but first do you want to fill me in what we're exploring?" Virgil asked.
"I overheard a conversation and now my curiosity has been piqued," he answered. Virgil looked at his brother with an expression of total amazement.
"I'm impressed," he said. "Quiet Johnny has been listening in on conversations."
John turned red and began to cough. Virgil laughed at his discomfiture.
"Calm down, John," he said. "I'm just teasing you. Now, what do you have in mind?"
"Have you noticed any new doors around the house?" John asked.
"Yeah, there is a new one in the laundry room," Virgil replied. "And another one just off that hallway leading to the infirmary." John grabbed Virgil by the arm and dragged him towards the laundry room. They had just gotten to the laundry room and had their hand on the door knob when they heard the dinner bell.
"What perfect timing," John muttered darkly. He glanced towards the kitchen and back to the door. "Might as well." He reached out and turned the door knob and released the breath he'd been holding when the door slowly opened. Virgil whistled behind him when they looked into the vast room. They quickly stepped through the door and closed it behind them. They looked around the underground room in total amazement. The aircraft that Sam had seen almost completed was now finished as well as a huge green ship.
"What is this for and how has it been hidden for so long?" asked John as Virgil began to edge towards the green ship. His eyes wide in wonder and delight.
"Man, that is so cool," he said quietly as he reached out to touch the leg of the ship. "I'd love to fly something this awesome." John was at a drafting table looking over plans for what appeared to be a space satellite station.
"Look at this, Virgil," John called softly. Virgil reluctantly moved away from the magnificent green ship and over to where John was.
"What am I looking at?" Virgil asked.
"These are drawings of a satellite station," answered John as he continued to study them. They heard a click and glanced around the room nervously.
"Come on, we need to get out of here," hissed Virgil. He and John ran towards the door but suddenly stopped and looked around.
"Which door did we come in?" said John in a panicked voice. "Too late!"
Their dad had just spotted them in the center of the hangar and paused midstride. Virgil and John froze where they were and waited for the inevitable punishment that he was sure to give them.
"Virgil and John, come here right now," he ordered. John and Virgil walked over to him and shifted their gazes to the floor. "How did you get in here? Who told you about this area?" John raised his gaze to meet that of his dad's
"I overheard you and Sam talking last night at the farm," he admitted. "I was just curious and asked Virgil to tag along with me."
"Well, I guess telling you to forget what you've seen won't work because I've already been that route with Sam," he said thoughtfully as he gazed at his two sons. "I have to have your word that you won't discuss this with anyone else, do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir," they both responded.
"Do you have anything that you need me to answer?" Jeff asked as he looked from one to the other.
"What is this for?" asked Virgil.
"It's for a rescue organization that I'm building. I want to help other families avoid the heartache that we went through when your mother died," Jeff answered quietly.
"Who is part of the organization?" asked John.
"So far, Kyrano, Brains, and I," he answered. "Samantha has expressed an interest in joining after she is done with college and perhaps NASA's astronaut program." John shot his dad a look of pure amazement.
"Sam is planning on joining NASA after we graduate from Harvard?" he asked quietly. His sister never ceased to amaze him. "Can we be part of the rescue business with you?"
"Yeah, I want to be part of something that will help other families," said Virgil.
"I would love to have all of you on the team but only after you complete school and get a chance to live your life and have some freedom," said their dad. He guided them to the correct door and reminded them to not say anything to anyone about the hangar.
"Where have you boys been?" demanded Grandma.
"Sorry, Grandma, we got sidetracked," apologized John. He and Virgil went and washed up before joining Gordon and Alan at the table. Scott and Sam were required to eat their lunch in their bedrooms as part of their continued punishment.
"No, John, you may not go to Sam's room," said Jeff. "Those two have one more day of restrictions. They have got to get over this bickering nonsense." John wandered back up to his room, turned on his stereo, and began reading one of the new books that he had sent to the island.
The next day Samantha and Scott were allowed out of their rooms but were required to remain with each other without fighting the whole day before they could be free from all restrictions. They glowered at each other during breakfast until Jeff said something to them.
"Yes, Sir," they responded as they shifted their gaze to their breakfast. Sam was the first one done and grew agitated as Scott continued to dawdle over his breakfast in an attempt to make Sam angry. She sat at the table and tapped her fingers as she stared at him.
"Samantha, take your dishes to the kitchen and wait out on the pool deck until Scott joins you," ordered her dad. Sam quickly did as she was told and was soon waiting for him to join her. She sighed as she stared out over the pools. She was getting tired of the whole argument with Scott and decided to apologize for continuing to let the spat carry on. A shadow fell across her legs and she looked up at her oldest brother.
"Scott, I'm sorry for letting this spat keep going," she said as she shielded her eyes from the sun. He grunted at her and sat down on the same lounge chair.
"So am I. I don't want to spend the summer arguing back and forth," he admitted. "Can you do me a favor though? Stop being such a moody girl." Sam giggled at him.
"Hate to break it to you big brother but I am a girl," she said.
During the summer break, Grandma persuaded Jeff to let Sam fly her and Tin-Tin to San Diego for a girl's only weekend. It was at that time that Grandma made sure that Sam was protected from any unwanted pregnancies. She would have to go to a doctor every three months for an injection. They also went shopping and out to eat. Tin-Tin sat in the cockpit when Sam flew them home Sunday evening.
"Thanks for letting me come with you," she said shyly. Sam glanced at the young teen and grinned.
"No problem, I had fun with you and Grandma this weekend," she replied. "Tracy One to Tracy Island, requesting permission to land."
"Tracy Island to Tracy One, you are clear for landing," said Scott's voice over the radio. John and Virgil met them on the runway and helped them carry their packages to the house. Grandma had two discreetly covered packages for John and Scott.
"John, can you go get Scott and then both of you come back here?" she asked.
"Sure, Grandma," he answered as he ran off to get Scott. Five minutes later, they were both back in their grandma's suite. She had them sit on the little sofa in the sitting room.
"I have something for each of you and I want promises from both of you that you'll use them as the need arises," she said as she looked at her grandsons.
"We promise, Grandma," they said. She handed each of them a package and watched with an amused expression as they opened the wrappings. When they saw what was in the boxes they both turned a bright red.
"Now boys, I know that you are having sex but I don't want you to have children right now. So please make sure that you're properly protected," she said.
"Thanks Grandma," said Scott as he grabbed John by the shoulder and dragged him out of the room. He looked at his younger brother and smirked.
"Snap out of it, John. They're just condoms," he teased. John looked at him with wide eyes. He really started to panic when he heard Gordon coming down the hallway. He and Scott shifted the boxes behind them and smiled at Gordon as he passed.
"You two are really strange," he said. Scott and John ran up to their rooms and hid the packages in their dressers.
Alex and Sam kept in constant contact even though she didn't get to fly out to see him. Catie and John were also good at keeping in contact.
All too soon the summer ended and they were heading back for a new year of school. One without Scott with them. He was able to spend time with them for Virgil's sixteenth birthday and then helped their dad get them to school before he and Jeff flew to Connecticut. Once they got to Connecticut, Jeff surprised Scott with keys to an SUV.
"You're going to need to get around," his dad said gruffly. Scott held the keys in his hand. "I'm also going to have a prop plane left at the airport near Sam and John for you to use. I figure that they can fly down here and pick you up and then you can all fly home for breaks."
"Thanks, Dad," he said as he glanced around the townhouse that Jeff had bought for him to use while at school. It was decorated casually yet comfortably for Scott's taste. There were enough bedrooms for the rest of them to stay in on the weekends when they visited.
"Do you think it was smart giving Sam and John consent to take the boys off campus on the weekends to drive down here?" Scott asked worriedly.
"I trust them to make good judgment calls," his dad responded. He looked at his watch and sighed. "If you need me you know how to contact me." He gave his oldest son a quick pat on the back and ran down to his cab.
Scott unpacked his stuff and settled into his new home. He made a list of things he wanted for meals and snacks. Soon he was shopping for the first time on his own.
He got back to his house and began to wonder how his younger brothers and sister were doing.
Back at the boarding school:
"Sam, do you have the keys to the SUV?" asked John.
"Yeah, and your set is on your desk," she answered. She was sitting at her desk going over her class list. She didn't hear him leave or Alex come in until she heard the click of her lock. She spun around in her chair and stood up to face her boyfriend.
"Hi, Gorgeous!" he said as he pulled her towards him. He kissed her and ran his hands down her body. She moaned as she kissed him back. He soon had her on her bed and making up for lost time. She was just as responsive as he was determined to be with his girlfriend. Sometime later they got around to talking about their summer and the upcoming year.
"Sam, I really missed you," he husked as he kissed her neck and trailed his fingers along her jaw line. She could feel him becoming aroused again and relaxed as they became one. This time he fell asleep in her arms afterward.
Meanwhile:
Catie and John were lying in his bed after being together. Catie had her head resting on John's chest as her fingers trailed a lazy circle on the left side of his chest and abdomen. John groaned as her hand went lower and woke up the fierce need to be with her again. He rolled on top of her and began to kiss her and make love with her again. They both fell asleep afterwards in each others arms.
A few hours later, they hurriedly dressed and joined his siblings for dinner. Alex and Sam were making plans for the weekend and going into town like they normally did.
They spent every other weekend going out with each other. On alternate weekends Sam and John drove Virgil, Gordon, and Alan down to Connecticut to see Scott as long as there wasn't a swim meet or cross- country meet. Sam had made the team again and was enjoying it even though she missed Scott. He managed to get to a few of her meets and saw her place first in a few of them. Gordon continued to excel in swimming. Academically all of them were doing well. Scott stayed on the Dean's list. Sam and John were still tied at the top of their class. Virgil was more active in recitals and musical programs and he was getting a bit of recognition for his talents. Alan was busy with racing motorcycles on the weekends that they didn't see Scott.
At the end of the semester, Sam and John flew their brothers to Connecticut and picked up Scott. He then flew with them back to the island in time for the holidays.