Alan looked out the window of Thunderbird 2, amazed at the view of the world below him. It was a sight he would never get tired of, no matter how many times he saw it.

He just wished things were as good back at the base. Indiana left to teach her courses a few days ago, and nothing improved between Scott and Indiana. They were still able to work together effectively in the field and during tests Brains wants to run. But there was an awkwardness in the air between them. And it was driving everyone nuts.

Alan was resolved to see if he could talk to Indiana on his end. Virgil promised he'd talk to Scott while they were away.

And if worse comes to worse, they had their plans to get them reconciled.

For one thing, they want to find out who won the bet.

"We're nearly there," Virgil reported.

"I've found it, Alan!" Tin-Tin cried as she looked at a map, "When you reach the highway, you turn left for the hospital, and then you come to the racetrack on your right a few miles down the road."

"And you meet Kenny Malone there?" Virgil asked.

"Yeah, that's right. Boy, that guy's a great mechanic. Wait till he sees what we've got tucked up in the pod!" Alan smirked, "Pity you two can't come to the Sands with me, though."

"Alan, you know we can't," Virgil gently chided, "Supposing father received a distress call while we were gone? Anyway, we'll be watching the telecast and Indy will be cheering you on in person from the pit."

"I guess I'm lucky getting leave like this," Alan mused.

"Well, it's not a pleasure trip altogether, you know," Tin-Tin reminded him, "Brains will want to know how his new engine works under prolonged stress."

"Right. Standby, Alan. I'm just about to take her down," Virgil reported.

Immediately, Alan shared a hug with Tin-Tin before moving to his car in the pod. He knew that his brother would be wanting to make a quick departure so their secret stayed safe. He couldn't afford to waste any time.

"Don't forget. We'll all be watching you. And give my love to Grandma and Indy."

"Okay, Tin-Tin. Will do," Alan nodded with a smile.

"Good luck, Alan."

Alan's smile only widened when the pod door finally opened. He remembered the exhilaration from his racing days, and he was eager to experience this again. It was the one thing he missed from the life he left behind to join International Rescue.

The engine roared to life and he sped out of the pod onto the main road. It took everything in him to not let out whoops and cheers.

And even that almost wasn't enough.

"Alan Tracy from Thunderbird 2. Calling Alan Tracy from Thunderbird 2. Come in, Alan."

"Thunderbird 2 from Alan Tracy. Loud and clear!" Alan finally answered with the car's built-in radio.

"Well, kiddo, what's the first impressions like?"

"The first impressions are great!" Alan declared, "Tell Brains he's done it again! She's a beaut!"

"Ah, fine. Take it easy though, Alan. You don't want to get any tickets for speeding."

Alan fought the urge to grumble about how it only happened one time. Instead, he laughed, "No, I guess not. Boy, I can't wait to try her out tomorrow at the Sands!"

Virgil turned to Tin-Tin and declared, "Well, Tin-Tin, that's our mission completed. We'd better get back to base."

"Yes, Virgil," Tin-Tin nodded before sighing wistfully, "I just wish I was going with him… Well, to keep him company, you know."

Virgil cleared his throat awkwardly. He knew what Tin-Tin had in mind.

"Yeah, I know," Virgil blushed before reminding her, "He'll have Indy with him, so he's not completely alone."

"Of course. I just hope Alan's successful in talking to her," Tin-Tin sighed once more.

"You and me both," Virgil nodded in agreement, "If worse comes to worse, I have a secret weapon."

Tin-Tin's brows furrowed in confusion before she understood what Virgil was intimating and laughed.

Sometimes, she forgot that Virgil was dating Indiana's best friend.

Indiana rolled her neck to relieve the tension that had been building in her muscles.

She was originally meant to just be here to teach ATLS classes, but she got roped into a couple of serious traumas that rolled into the hospital, being granted privileges so she can help them get the best care available. Once a small community hospital, it recently underwent renovations and expansions to reflect the population growth in the area – including a Level II trauma centre, which was fitting, given they were just down the road from the Parola Sands raceway.

But today, her time at the hospital was done. All the higher-ups have expressed their gratitude for her service and declared that, anytime she wanted to go back to working in a hospital full-time, she would be guaranteed a job in their facility.

Indiana received their attentions with pleasure and promised to keep the offer in mind. She did enjoy her time in Parola Sands and nearby San Miguel.

She could see why Grandma Tracy was so hesitant to leave. It was so peaceful out here.

"Your chauffeur is here, milady!"

Indiana laughed when she turned around to see Alan leaning against the doorway. She immediately moved to embrace the youngest Tracy in a happy hug.

"I'm happy to see you, Alan," Indiana smiled.

"Well, we've missed you back home," Alan declared as he helped retrieve her bags, "Life on the island's boring without you threatening to perform various medical procedures anytime someone does anything stupid."

"Well, I have to keep you in line somehow," Indiana quipped as she allowed Alan to escort her out of the hospital.

As Alan placed her bag in the backseat, he couldn't help but say, "I'm serious, Indy. Things haven't been great since you left."

"Nobody got hurt, did they?" Indiana immediately asked worriedly.

"Not physically," Alan answered cryptically.

Indiana let out a heavy sigh. She knew what he was intimating.

"Alan, I…," Indiana trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"Look. I know you didn't mean to hurt him," Alan cut in, "I'm not gonna rake you over the coals for that. As nice as it would be to win that bet, I did worry you guys were moving too fast in some respects."

"What? Does everyone know about us?" Indiana scoffed, deciding to ignore Alan's comments about the bet for the time being.

"You guys are the worst at sneaking around," Alan chuckled, "Everyone knows about you guys. We were just waiting for you to tell us in your own time."

Indiana blushed. Does that mean they knew she and Scott kept sharing a bed? Well, before everything happened anyway.

"Oh yes. We knew," Alan laughed as Indiana realized she voiced her question aloud, "How do you think father knew which bedroom to buzz whenever we got a late-night emergency call?"

Indiana groaned as Alan's laughter became more boisterous, wishing the ground would just open up and swallow her whole. And that she could say her red face was due to the desert heat.

Unfortunately, Alan would know better. Damn bastard.

As Alan pulled away from the hospital, he asked, "But in all seriousness, Indy… will you stay with us?"

"I don't know," Indiana sighed, "I thought being out here would help me think, but it's just made me more confused. Your grandma's not helping matters."

Alan snorted. He knew Grandma Tracy had kept in contact with the young doctor, hoping she could convince her to stay – and not just with International Rescue. Stay with her eldest grandson.

"Well, we need you, Indy. And I don't just mean your surgical capabilities," Alan voiced his feelings, "I need my older sister to keep me in line."

Indiana smiled. That was certainly something to consider.

The rest of the ride to the racetrack was filled with silence. It was a comfortable silence. They sat in the car as the carpark attendant stacked the car in an elevated parking bay. Once again, Indiana was amazed at how far technology has come.

As they climbed out of the car with their bags, they heard the tannoy call, "Paging Mr. Tracy and Dr. Evans. Would Mr. Alan Tracy and Dr. Indiana Evans kindly proceed to the cocktail bar in the main building, where Mr. Malone is ready to conduct them through the reception formalities. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Alan nodded.

Alan and Indiana left their bags with the bellhop, who promised to see them to their room personally. Alan also made it a point to confirm that, even if they couldn't get a two-bedroom suite, they got a room with two separate beds. The bellhop reassured him that the arrangements were made for the appropriate accommodation.

Kenny greeted Alan and Indiana at the bar and Alan made the quick introductions. Turns out Kenny knew all about Indiana. When Alan wanted to bring her aboard, he did his due diligence and checked her out. From what he found out about her; he liked her already.

"Gee, Kenny, it's great to be back at the old game again," Alan proclaimed as he took a swig of his drink.

"Yeah. I bet you missed the excitement of the circuit. What've you been doing with yourself?" Kenny asked kindly.

"Oh, this and that. Family business, you know," Alan shrugged casually.

"And if you don't mind me asking, how did you end up working with a trauma surgeon of Dr. Evans' capabilities?" Kenny inquired.

"Indiana, please," Indiana requested kindly with a smile, "We're working on improving trauma care around the world. Particularly in places where it could make the difference. Speaking of which, Alan, what would your father think about expanding the organisation to providing obstetric care?"

"Obstetrics?" Alan repeated in confusion.

"Childbirth," Indiana clarified, "Obstetricians also provide antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women. Unfortunately, there are several cases of women and/or babies dying because they can't get the proper care they need."

"Why?" Alan asked urgently.

"Accessibility and socioeconomic factors," Indiana explained, "Particularly in rural areas, there's struggles with getting appropriate obstetric care to women, especially if obstetrics units and hospitals closing down. People are having to travel further and further for care and it's putting them at risk. Of course, it's more complex than that, but that does play a pretty significant role."

"I had a cousin in that situation," Kenny quietly admitted, "She had a placental abruption and couldn't get to the hospital in time. They didn't make it."

"Well, it's something we certainly need to talk to father about," Alan declared before noticing they were being watched, "Hey. Isn't that Victor Gomez over there?"

Indiana turned to the man in question, sitting at a table with a man who would later be identified as Johnny Gillespie. Indiana had heard stories about Victor Gomez whenever Alan recalled his racing days. He was a slime ball.

"Hi there, Gomez," Alan greeted his adversary, "How have you been?"

"Hello, Tracy," Victor nodded, "When did you get into town?"

"Just got here," Alan revealed.

"I thought you'd retired from the racing business," Victor pointed out.

"No, you won't get rid of me that easily," Alan shook his head with a good-natured laugh.

Johnny turned to Indiana and asked her, "And what's a beautiful woman like you doing in a place like this?"

Feeling the need to defend his friend's honour, Alan cut in, "This is Dr. Evans. She's my medic."

"Ah. I heard they were trying that pilot program by adding medics to the team," Victor recalled before asking, "What's your specialty, Dr.?"

"I'm a trauma surgeon," Indiana answered politely.

"Wow! Most of us have only brought along glorified GPs!" Johnny quipped.

"Well, I wanted to make sure I had someone who was qualified and I trusted with my life," Alan proclaimed.

"Say, I hear you've brought quite a car with you, Tracy," Victor began, "You reckon you're gonna win the trophy?"

"I'll let you know, Gomez. I'll let you know," Alan chuckled before moving to escort Indiana out of the bar.

Kenny followed behind them. He didn't really want to be around Victor and Johnny if he could help it.

Indiana winced slightly when she witnessed another car crash on the track thanks to the screen before her. She heard the roar and sirens of the fire engines and the ambulance as they raced to the scene of the accident.

"Gomez, Tracy and Webster are coming round into the last lap! Tracy is still leading!"

Indiana watched as Alan sped through the raceway with ease, driving past the pit with Victor and Webster trailing behind him. She was impressed at what she saw. Alan was more than proving himself to be a capable racer. And the engine Brains had built was doing well under the circumstances.

"Webster has failed to negotiate the bend at Jeb's Corner!"

"Do we know anything about the condition of the other drivers?" Indiana asked worriedly.

Indiana had met the other doctors who were part of the trial program of having medics part of the pit crew. She couldn't believe Victor's remarks about the other medics being nothing more than "glorified GPs". She actually recognized a few fellow trauma surgeons. There was also a general surgeon in the pack, but that was where a trauma surgeon started out. They all did a residency in general surgery. Indiana also spent a lot of time talking to the general surgeon, who revealed he wanted to pursue a fellowship in critical care surgery as well.

"Webster is in a bad way," a pit member revealed, "He's being airlifted to a burn centre."

Indiana let out a curse. That meant third-degree burns to a considerable amount of his body. It was a bad crash. She shouldn't have been surprised.

She could only hope for a miracle in his case.

"How's Alan looking?" Kenny asked worriedly, gesturing to the monitor Indiana used to read his vitals.

"He's okay," she reassured the worried mechanic.

Kenny had a portable radio with him so they could hear the announcer, knowing they wouldn't be able to see all the race, "13 minutes, 45, ladies and gentlemen! And excitement mounts to fever pitch as these two remaining cars fight it out along the last few miles of the Parola Sands circuit!"

Now, they were getting to the worst part of the race. Or, rather, the most dangerous part; but for Indiana, there was no difference. The final stretch of the circuit was a cliffside track. It was where many races had fallen short and even lost their lives.

"Wow! What a finish this is going to be! Tracy and Gomez are now neck-and-neck as they battle their way to the finish! Gomez is trying to make a desperate bid to get the better of Alan Tracy. And now, the two cars move out of sight, as they come into the difficult cliff stretch, and for a few moments, the fate of the race hangs in the balance!"

"Come on, Alan," Indiana whispered worriedly.

Indiana had heard all the stories about Victor Gomez and how he often played dirty; especially when he could get away with it. She knew he was going to try dirty tricks to not just beat Alan, but to make sure he doesn't finish the race altogether. But she knew Alan was more than capable. He could handle himself. He had before.

Kenny kept a close eye on Indiana. He had heard from Alan that there were moments in high stress situations that she forgot to breathe. It was something that only developed in recent months. It wasn't something that happened back when she was working in Rochester. He also knew Alan cared deeply for her, so he wasn't about to let anything happen to her on his watch.

But they both jumped when they heard the distant sounds of crashing and clanging.

"And here they come, ladies and gentlemen! Here they come!"

"Here he comes!" Kenny cried.

Alan had managed to edge out in front of Victor during the chaos, maintaining his lead regardless of the dirty tricks Victor may have employed to change the outcome of the race. Kenny and Indiana clasped hands in worry as they waited for Alan to cross the finish line, where the flag would be waved.

And he did.

Kenny and Indiana let out cheers when Alan officially crossed the finish line, Victor Gomez not far behind him.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to announce the result of the Parola Sands race. The winner in today's exciting competition was… Alan Tracy, who gained a lead over the former champion, Victor Gomez, in the last lap here at Parola Sands! In just a few moments, I hope to bring Alan Tracy up here to say a few words to you lucky viewers!"

Kenny and Indiana were ready to meet with Alan the second he climbed out of his car. Immediately, Alan embraced Indiana, lifting her up into the air in elation over his victory. With a fist bump and hug to Kenny once he put Indiana down, he allowed himself to be dragged away for a quick check.

Victor glared at Alan and Indiana as they moved away, saying to Johnny, "We should have fixed his engine like I said, Johnny."

"Boy, I'd like to lay my hands on the designs for that car!" Johnny proclaimed.

"Yeah. Then, we'd really be in the big time," Victor boasted.

"Listen, Vic," Johnny began speaking quietly, not wanting to be overheard, "We've had this guy on our backs long enough. I've got a plan to fix this Alan Tracy for good and all."

"Everything looks good," Indiana declared as she put her stethoscope away, "You handled everything well."

"So did the engine," Alan quipped before requesting, "I want you and Kenny to come up with me when I get the trophy. I wouldn't be here without you."

Kenny and Indiana looked at each other and nodded. This was standard practice for Alan. He was one of the few who made sure the entire team was organized. After all, racing was a team effort in his opinion. He could drive the car, but Kenny and the pit crew made sure everything was in good shape.

The announcer, Billy Billoxi, cried, "And here he is, ladies and gentlemen! The man of the hour! Alan Tracy, the champion of the Parola Sands Circuit! Accompanying him is chief mechanic Kenny Malone and trauma surgeon Dr. Indiana Evans, who is part of a pilot program monitoring drivers' vitals throughout the race."

Kenny and Indiana stood back to allow Alan to go through with the formalities and receive the trophy. Once he had the trophy in his hands, he invited Kenny and Indiana onto the podium with him. Although, he quickly regretted it when Kenny and Indiana insisted on being the ones to hit him with the confetti.

Cheeky buggers.

"Alan!" Billy called, "Alan, would you mind giving a quick word to the viewers at home?"

"Of course," Alan nodded dutifully as he stepped closer to the reporter and the camera.

"Now, everybody remembers when you first made your name in the racing circuit. You were still in high school and had only recently received a driver's license. But you managed to sweep the spectators off your feet by winning your first race. You were one of the most promising drivers in the business; yet, one year ago, you announced your retirement from the sport. May I ask what made you retire and what made you come back?" Billy began the interview.

"When I retired last year, we were still in the middle of a family crisis. My brother was in a horrific accident and for a long time, the odds were still against him. Now, he managed to recover, but it made me realize the importance of family, and I made the decision to walk away for my family," Alan began answering, "But I came back because I missed racing. I missed the community. I missed the friends I made here. And an exciting opportunity came up to race here at this beautiful track. I did not feel I could pass it up."

"Does this mean we can expect to see you at more races?" Billy asked hopefully.

Alan chuckled and shook his head, "I don't think so. I can definitely see myself participating in some races in the future, especially if they were for charity, but I don't see myself returning to a full-time racing career anytime soon."

"Now, we know you and Kenny Malone have been working together for quite a long time. In fact, he was the one who introduced you to the racing world. Kenny, how did it feel seeing Alan back behind the wheel?" Billy inquired.

"It felt great," Kenny declared, "It's brought back a level of excitement I haven't felt in a long time and I can take pride in the race again."

Billy couldn't help but notice that Alan had his arm slung around Indiana's shoulder the entire time, so he decided to play with it, "Now, Dr. Evans, if you don't mind me asking, how did you get roped into this?"

"I've been working with the Tracy family for quite some time now on their organisation to improve trauma care around the world. Alan knew I was going to be in the area working with the hospital down the road around the time of the race and immediately put my name down for the pilot program," Indiana answered.

"You and Alan seem pretty close. Is there a little something between you?" Billy finally asked the question.

"No," Indiana shook her head quickly, "Alan reminds me too much of my little brother, so that's already a no-go."

Alan decided to cut in, "I have a lot of love for Indiana, but she's the older sister I never got to have."

"And needed," Indiana quipped.

Alan decided to be cheeky and quickly say into the microphone, "You're not far off the mark, though, Billy."

Alan ignored the look Indiana shot him as Billy crowed, "Ah, so one of the Tracy bachelors could finally be settling down, it sounds like. We could be in the presence of the future Dr. Tracy. Well, you heard it first here, folks. Alan, now that you've won the Parola Sands, what are you going to do next?"

"Well, this may subject me to relentless teasing from the viewers, but after all the celebrations are done, I'm actually going to help my grandmother in the final processes of moving with us to the island so we can take care of her like she has taken care of all of us," Alan answered proudly.

"Before you go," Billy began, knowing he had to wrap up the interview soon, "we heard that you've rejected the award money. What are you doing with it?"

"I'm asking that the organizers donate it to the charity fund instead," Alan proclaimed, "The local hospital has recently undergone an expansion, including the addition of a Level II trauma centre. I hope the money will go towards providing continued medical care to the community of Parola Sands."

Nodding, Billy then turned to the camera, "Ladies and gentlemen, you have heard the well-spoken words of Alan Tracy, who has another racing championship under his belt and is now one of the big boys, but is still the same family-oriented teenager we all fell in love with so long ago. On behalf of everyone, I would like to once again congratulate Alan Tracy on another successful race."

Kenny, Indiana and Alan were now making their way back to the stacker. They had a celebration to attend that night and they were grateful for the time between interviews to freshen up and change into more appropriate attire. After all, tonight was going to be a black-tie event.

"Hey, Kenny. Do me a favour, will you? I've got to make a telecall. Stack the car for me?" Alan requested kindly.

"Sure thing, Alan," Kenny nodded, "Indiana and I will meet up with you in the lounge as soon as you're through."

"Tell Grandma I said hello?" Indiana pleaded as Alan climbed out of the car.

"Sure thing, Indy," Alan smiled before turning to Kenny, "Okay, Kenny, she's all yours."

"I just wish she was, Alan. I wish she was," Kenny laughed.

Alan walked away to the telecall booths and Kenny and Indiana sat in the car, waiting for the attendant to stack the car and head to the lounge. Alan would be a while yet. After his conversation with Grandma Tracy, he still had to talk to a couple of reporters.

"Virgin strawberry daiquiri?" Kenny asked as they approached the bar.

"Yes, please," Indiana nodded as Kenny moved to place the order.

"We might as well get comfortable," Kenny quipped, "Alan will be a while with the interviews. He's the comeback kid, after all."

"Ah, yes," Indiana laughed, "Alan will be lucky if the reporters let him go to the gala tonight."

"Any chance I could persuade you to consume an alcoholic beverage tonight?" Kenny asked teasingly as the bartender passed them their drinks.

"Afraid not," Indiana shook her head after taking a sip of her drink, "Alan and I have an early start tomorrow. We need to collect Grandma Tracy and go back to the island."

"That's fair," Kenny hummed before asking, "Is there any truth to what Alan said in the interview? Which brother are you seeing?"

"It's complicated," Indiana sighed, "Things between Scott and I are… I don't know where we stand at the moment."

Kenny grew worried, "Did you guys have a fight?"

"No," Indiana shook her head, "We'd need to talk about something not work-related to have a fight."

Kenny winced before cutting straight to the point, "Do you love him?"

"Of course," Indiana nodded, offended he would even ask.

"Have you told him?" Kenny continued pressing.

"No," Indiana relented, "We've never actually… We know, but we don't know, if you get my drift."

"Said, but unsaid," Kenny surmised, "You've been burned in the past."

"Not by another guy," Indiana shook her head, "My mother tends to destroy a lot of things for me. Especially things that make me happy."

"Yeah, I know," Kenny drawled, causing Indiana to look at him in surprise, "Alan didn't say much. Just enough for us to keep an eye on her and make sure she couldn't get anywhere near you. We had heard she was in the area."

"Thanks," Indiana sighed, "I don't want to talk about it, but something happened not that long ago and it's…"

"It's forcing you to confront things and you got scared," Kenny guessed, "Especially since I'm guessing nobody else has gotten as close to you as the Tracys have. It's okay to be scared. But I don't think a trauma surgeon like yourself would have any qualms about facing them. I imagine you do that every day in the hospital. If you love him, just be with him."

"SOMETHING'S HAPPENED!"

Kenny and Indiana turned in alarm to an attendant running in, "A car fell into the telecall booth!"

Indiana immediately bolted up; Kenny hot on her heels.

Alan was in the telecall booth.

"I'm okay, Indy," Alan moved to reassure her.

They were in their accommodation, Indiana insisting on giving him a thorough check-up.

"What the heck happened?!" Indiana demanded.

"I just wrapped up my call to Grandma and walked out when a car fell through the booth," Alan explained, "The attendant came to and sounded the alarm, but Gomez and Gillespie must've cleared out straightaway."

"You think it was them?" Kenny asked.

"Well, they were bitter about Alan winning," Indiana drawled.

They attended the gala that night. Kenny and Alan looked smart in their suits. Grandma Tracy had arranged for an evening gown to be sent out to Indiana. It was a gorgeous nude pink, off-the-shoulder, floor-length evening gown that laced up at the back. It was made of tulle and decorated with sequins and pearls. She kept her makeup simple with a winged liner that made her eyes pop and light pink lipstick. Her hair was gently curled and pinned back with pins containing details that matched the dress. Indiana felt like a princess.

And she looked like one as Alan twirled her around the dance floor before the cameras.

"I've got a bone to pick with you, mister," Indiana whispered in Alan's ear so the cameras didn't hear their conversation.

"Well, I figured you and Scott needed a push," Alan smirked, leading her through the waltz.

As the winner, he had to open the gala with a dance. Naturally, his chosen partner was Indiana.

"But basically declaring our relationship on national television?" Indiana looked at him incredulously.

"Well, I had to get your heads out of your asses somehow," Alan shrugged.

"And if Scott kills you when we get back?" Indiana deadpanned.

"I shall consider it a worthy cause," Alan proclaimed, "Seeing two people I care about happy."

Indiana gave Alan a gentle smile as they moved across the dance floor once more. Alan smiled in return before gently dipping her to end the dance. They rose as the applause thundered through the ballroom before other couples made their way to the dance floor. Alan and Indiana stayed on the floor, sharing an upbeat dance before they were separated to make the rounds.

While Alan made the rounds with all the higher-ups of the racing world, Indiana danced with Kenny.

"You clean up nice," Indiana quipped.

"I would hope so," Kenny laughed, "Especially with the company I'm in."

"What are you gonna do now? Go work with another driver?" Indiana inquired.

"Nah," Kenny shook his head, "Alan's the only driver I want to work with, but I'm not going to force him out of retirement for my own selfishness. I've gotten a few offers from regulatory bodies to revolutionize the sport, so I may take them up."

"That's great," Indiana smiled, "I hope it all works out, Kenny."

"And I hope it works out for you, too," Kenny told her seriously.

The following day, Alan and Indiana packed up and made their way to San Miguel to retrieve Grandma Tracy. She had apparently been busy baking apple pie for her two visitors. As they ate the apple pie, Grandma Tracy filled them in more on the sale of her homestead. She apparently got several offers, but the one she ultimately accepted was from a preservation society. The house was filled with history and they wanted to turn it into a museum dedicated to the place's history – and its connection to astronaut Jeff Tracy, of course.

"Are you sure you won't have some more apple pie?" Grandma Tracy asked.

"No thanks, Grandma," Alan declined politely, "Boy, your cooking's certainly going to be popular at the base."

"Already is," Indiana drawled as she sipped her tea, "The amount of times I would hear her ream one of you guys for trying to sample dessert."

"Especially Scott," Alan cackled, "That's another thing I'm looking forward to when you move to the island, Grandma. The free entertainment when Scott tries to sample another cake before dinner."

"I just can't believe that I'm joining the International Rescue team at last. I'm that proud of you boys and all the wonderful things you do," Grandma Tracy gushed before revealing, "Of course, I'm a celebrity in these parts too, you know."

"How's that?" Alan inquired.

"Well, after you won the Parola Sands competition, I had the press all around, asking me questions," Grandma Tracy revealed.

"What kind of questions?" Alan demanded.

"Well, about who designed the car and what route we would be taking when we went on our trip together," Grandma Tracy answered.

"Gee, I hope you didn't tell them," Alan said worriedly.

"Oh, I told them alright!" Grandma Tracy declared, "I told them everything they already knew!"

Indiana laughed, "Nice job, Grandma Tracy."

"I've had plenty of practice dealing with the media, dear," Grandma Tracy quipped.

"Well, we'll need to get going in the next few minutes," Alan pointed out.

"May I use your bathroom?" Indiana asked politely.

"Of course," Grandma immediately nodded.

As Indiana and Grandma Tracy walked away to freshen up and get ready, Alan lifted his watch, "International Rescue?"

"Go ahead, Alan."

"We're leaving in a few minutes. Will call again when we're at rendezvous," Alan reported.

"F.A.B."

Satisfied, Alan disconnected the call with his father and moved to take Grandma Tracy's bags to the car.

"You ready, dearie?" Grandma Tracy asked Indiana as she walked out.

"Yeah," Indiana nodded, "Just a bit nervous."

"What? About going home?" Grandma Tracy inquired worriedly.

"That. And I just seem to have a bad feeling," Indiana admitted.

"Maybe it's something you ate at that gala last night," Grandma Tracy suggested, "I can make you some more of that ginger tea for the road."

"No, I'll be fine," Indiana rejected with a kind smile.

Grandma Tracy gave Indiana a comforting smile and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder, "Chin up, dearie. Everything will turn out right in the end. You'll see. And you'll have made yourself sick over nothing."

The feeling did not ease as they drove on the road. Indiana seemed to have noticed it in Alan as well because he made the point of driving down the road at a quicker pace than normal.

"It sure is lonesome, Alan," Grandma Tracy couldn't help but comment.

"Yeah, but it means we can travel faster," Alan quipped.

Indiana, who was sitting in the back, exchanged a look with Alan through his rear vision mirror. They both had the same fear.

Alan drove past a sign advertising that they would be coming up to the Bridge of San Miguel in two hundred yards. That just made the gut feeling in Indiana worsen. She was sure she had heard that the bridge wasn't going to be open to the public anytime soon and there were meant to be roadblocks to force drivers to take an alternative route.

She soon found out she was right to be afraid.

Alan was forced to slow to a stop when they came across Victor Gomez… pointing a gun at them!

"Gomez!" Alan cried.

"Yeah, that's right, Tracy. Fancy meeting you, the fine doctor and the little old lady," Victor drawled.

"You!" Grandma Tracy gasped, "You were one of the so-called reporters that interviewed me this morning!"

"What do you want, Gomez?" Indiana demanded.

"Oh, now, Dr. Evans! What sort of a tone is that to talk to a guy with a gun in his hand?" Victor chided her.

"If it's the award money you want, you're wasting your time, Gomez," Alan proclaimed, "I gave it to the Parola Sands Charity Fund. You know that."

As Alan talked, he discreetly reached for his glove compartment. Indiana knew he kept his weapon in there for safekeeping, but had hoped he wouldn't have to use it.

"No, it's not the award money," Victor shook his head, "Once you're out of the way, there'll be plenty of that for us again."

"So, what now?" Alan demanded, although deep down he knew.

He had managed to open the glove compartment and was reaching for his gun when a shot rang through the air. Everyone in the car froze in fear before turning around and seeing that Johnny Gillespie was standing behind them with his own gun. He had seen what Alan was trying to do. Johnny then approached the car.

"Okay, Vic. We don't wanna waste no more time on this punk," Johnny sneered.

"Did you put the road signs back the way they were?" Victor asked.

"Yeah. We won't be disturbed," Johnny nodded before climbing into the back with Indiana and barking, "Now, let's go!"

"Okay, Tracy. You're gonna drive this car around the corner and onto the centre of the bridge," Victor instructed him.

"And no more tricks, either!" Johnny piped in, "Because I got this gun pointing at the old lady's head. Now get going!"

"You want to point a gun at someone? You point it at me!" Indiana snapped at him, "Leave her out of this!"

"Now, now, doctor," Victor chided her, "You don't want to upset yourself too much. Not in your condition."

"What condition?" Indiana scoffed.

"Oh. Well, you've been sick, refusing alcohol, dating a Tracy son when you normally wouldn't even move in their circle," Victor began listing, "I think it's clear that you're expecting."

Indiana went to voice her objections, but Alan cut in, "Yes! She's having a baby. That's more reason for you to let her go."

"No can do, I'm afraid," Johnny shook his head, "Can't take the risk of her calling for help. Now, drive on!"

Seeing he had no alternative, Alan obeyed. He slowly drove the car to the centre of the bridge, not wanting to do anything that would put Grandma Tracy and Indiana at risk. He winced as he felt the look Indiana was giving him.

He was going to pay for that later.

If they lived.

As soon as they arrived at the bridge, Johnny ordered them all to get out of the car. Victor was more than happy to 'help' Grandma Tracy out of the car while Johnny kept his attention on Indiana. Something Indiana immediately noticed that there was a ladder designed to take them up to a beam high up on the bridge.

What were they going to do? Make them climb up and push them down into the ravine?

If only she knew…

"You're wasting your time," Alan declared, "I don't have the plans for the BR-2; and even if I had, do you think I'd hand them over to you?"

"Alright, Tracy, if that's how you want to play it," Victor sighed before barking, "Get moving! The ladies too!"

"Look, Gomez, I don't know what your scheme is, but this has nothing to do with them. I'll do anything you want as long as you let them go," Alan pleaded.

"Cut out the hearts and flowers, Tracy, and take this with you!" Johnny snapped.

Johnny then handed a generator to Alan. Grandma Tracy was confused, but Indiana and Alan immediately knew what was going to happen.

Pushing them off the bridge would've been kinder.

"What's that for?" Grandma Tracy demanded.

"Why, you dirty!" Alan gasped in horror.

"Shut up! Now, get up on that beam there! All of you!" Johnny barked before remarking, "There's more to this car than meets the eye. You and your buddies are onto something new and we want to know what it is! We were the tops till you whipped us!"

Wordlessly, the three of them climbed up onto the beam. Below, they can hear Victor tell Johnny to cut the talk because he was eager to get behind the wheel of the car.

Brains would be horrified when he learned what happened. Not just at the predicament Alan, Indiana and Grandma Tracy were facing. But the fact that someone like Victor Gomez got his hands on the engine he built.

"What is that, Alan?" Grandma Tracy asked worriedly.

"Never mind," Alan shook his head, "Sit down over there against the support."

Johnny called up to him, "You'd better explain to the old lady, Tracy; or else, she might cause a whole heap of trouble!"

"Is it a bomb?" Grandma Tracy demanded.

"Sort of," Alan relented.

Victor took over the explanation, "Yeah. Sorta! We fixed the real bomb right under this roadway here! It's gonna go off in a couple of hours! But that other box is just an extra present! We're gonna keep you covered till we've left the bridge; and then, you've only got to make just one more and disturb the ultrasonic waves from that generator and POW! The whole place goes up ahead of schedule! We're gonna switch it on by remote control!"

"You bastards," Indiana growled, shaking with anger and fear.

"Careful, careful, doctor!" Victor chided, "You don't want to cause your 'little brother's' premature death, do you?"

Alan glared at them as they removed the ladder and climbed into his car. With a final taunting farewell, Victor and Johnny sped off, leaving the three of them behind.

"They're gone, Alan!" Grandma Tracy gasped in dismay.

"Quiet, Grandma," Alan warned her, "Whatever you do, don't move…"

"I don't understand," Grandma continued saying, "How can that little object there…?"

"Careful," Indiana warned her, "If any of us move, that bomb under the bridge will go off."

Indiana tried to keep control of her breathing. They couldn't disturb the generator. Even adjusting her footing would cause the bomb to go off.

So, unfortunately, she couldn't continue glaring at Alan for his little stunt.

"Did you have to say I was pregnant?" Indiana hissed.

"Please tell me I was just lying to get you free," Alan pleaded, not wanting the added guilt.

"You were," Indiana reassured him, "I appreciate what you were trying to do, but seriously? You get to have fun telling Scott about this."

"If we get out of this," Alan muttered darkly.

The heat was unbearable, and it made Indiana's fears more palpable as tears streamed down her cheeks, hoping the motion of the tears falling wouldn't trigger the generator next to them. They would soon start experiencing signs of heat exhaustion; maybe even develop heat stroke. That would do them in if they got so weak they couldn't stand on the bridge anymore. Falling off the bridge would trigger the bomb early.

Was there any hope for them?"

"What time is it?" Grandma Tracy asked nervously.

"Coming up to noon, I reckon," Alan guessed.

"It sure is hot," Grandma Tracy panted before crying, "Hey! What are you to up?! You're moving!"

Out of the corner of her eye, Indiana saw Alan slowly moving his wrist to his face. His movements were slow and calculated, hoping to fool the generator into thinking there was no movement at all. Or, at least, it wasn't sensitive enough to detect the movement and Victor and Johnny were bluffing.

"Hold it, Grandma. Don't get excited," Alan warned her, "I'm just trying to reach my telecom."

"Oh, careful, Alan!" Grandma Tracy pleaded, "Remember what they said. If we disturb the ultrasonic waves, that thing could blow us sky high!"

"Everything's going to be okay," Alan promised.

Then he muttered the words they didn't think they would be muttering:

"Calling International Rescue. Calling International Rescue.