Fish sticks, this was hard to write! This is Part 2 of Move and You're Dead. There's a final part to this episode. Well... technically. You'll see what I mean next chapter.

Usual schtick. I own nothing aside from original characters and plot points.

ENJOY!


It was a typical day on the island. Or, as typical as it got for the Tracy brothers. They never felt like they could fully relax. An emergency call could come in at any moment. They needed to be ready.

Nobody knew what Gordon was doing. Sometimes, they were better off not knowing. Especially if he was on a prank streak. Although, that was unlikely. For one thing, his partner-in-crime was away.

Scott and Virgil were playing pool. But Virgil could see that Scott's head wasn't in the game. In a lot of ways, he was thankful they didn't have an emergency call in the last couple of days. Not just because Alan was away. But because Scott clearly wasn't in the right frame of mind.

"Scott," Virgil cut in, "that's not the cue ball."

Scott shook his head as he realized that his brother was right. He wasn't about to hit the cue ball. He was about to hit the striped yellow ball.

For someone who was meant to be attentive to even the smallest detail, it seemed to be a silly mistake to make. But it was forgivable. Especially since he had a lot on his mind.

"You plotting to kill Alan when he comes back?" Virgil joked.

"I don't know," Scott sighed heavily, "He may be the second priority."

"After Grandma?" Virgil quipped.

Scott took a moment to reflect his rankings, "Okay. Third priority."

Virgil immediately knew what Scott's first priority was.

"What are you going to do?" Virgil asked him worriedly.

"I don't know, Virg. I don't want her to leave, but I can't force her to stay if she doesn't want to," Scott pointed out.

"It's been a scary few months, Scott," Virgil stated wisely, "I don't think anyone thought what's been happening lately would've happened when we started operations."

"I know. I'm not saying that Ana has no right to be scared. I just…," Scott trailed off sadly, "I just wish we could've been the one thing she was sure of."

Scott didn't even bother hiding his relationship with Ana anymore. For one thing, just like Alan made it clear with Indiana that their relationship was the worst-kept secret on the island, the remaining residents made the same point clear with Scott.

Although, nobody was stupid enough to admit to Scott that there was a betting pool. He picked up a lot of skills from Indiana.

"I know," Virgil reassured him, "Maybe you guys can actually do things right this time."

"What do you mean?" Scott demanded.

"You know. No more sneaking around. Actually taking her on a proper date. Slowing things down," Virgil responded, "Don't get swept up in everything this time. Actually say the three words instead of expecting her to just know you love her."

Scott hummed as he considered Virgil's words. His brother was right. They needed to do things right this time. Do things properly.

But his thoughts were interrupted by the small alarm Jeff had installed in the pool room. Everyone knew what it meant. Emergency call.

"That's us. Let's go," Scott ordered, barely taking the time to put down their pool cues.

All they had to do to get into the lounge from the pool room is walk up a series of stairs and they were practically there. Or, they were in the hallway. But they were still close enough to hear what was happening.

"So, as long as we don't move, we're okay. I just hope you can get here before we pass out from the heat."

"Okay, Alan. Scott and Virgil are on their way. Don't worry. We'll get to you in time," Jeff promised.

"ALAN?!"

Scott felt as if he had been sucker-punched. They could all add this to the list of things they weren't prepared to face when International Rescue started operations. The possibility that a family member would be the one calling for help.

Jeff turned to his two older sons, barking impatiently, "No time to explain! Launch Thunderbirds 1 and 2, Pod 1! I'll give you course and all details when you're airborne! And if you want to save your brother's life, move!"

As Scott raced to the entrance for Thunderbird 1's silo, he barely heard his father request that Brains accompany Virgil in Thunderbird 2. If Brains was needed, that told him the severity of the mission.

That told him the danger his family was in.

Scott wasted no time. In fact, he was amazed he waited for the pool to open before he launched. The only thing holding him back was the fact that he would be no good to the mission if he ended up in the infirmary.

For one thing, their medic was in trouble.

That made Scott's heart freeze all over again. If Alan was in trouble, that meant Indiana and Grandma Tracy were in trouble right alongside him.

His grip on the controls tightened until his knuckles turned white. He waited impatiently for his father to radio in with the further details. But there was one thing he already knew for certain.

He was going to stretch Thunderbird 1 to her capabilities. Maybe beyond. He hoped Brains wouldn't be too annoyed at needing to work on Thunderbird 1's engines when they got everyone back.

"International Rescue to Thunderbirds 1 and 2."

"Loud and clear, Tin-Tin," Scott immediately answered.

Virgil's voice followed soon after, "Hearing you strength five, Tin-Tin."

Scott heard Tin-Tin let out a shaky breath before continuing, "Mr. Tracy asked me to radio you the situation."

"We're all ears," Scott responded.

"Alan, Grandma Tracy Tracy and Dr. Evans are trapped on the Bridge of San Miguel. From what Alan has told us, one of his racing rivals left them trapped on a beam of the bridge with explosives strapped to the underside of the bridge. They were also left with an ultrasonic generator that will detonate the bomb ahead of schedule if movement is detected."

Scott's breath was stolen from him the more he heard about the emergency.

"Who did this?" Scott asked, barely able to keep the growl out of his voice. He didn't want to scare the poor girl.

"Victor Gomez and his mechanic, Johnny Gillespie."

This time, Scott didn't bother trying to hold back the growl that rumbled from deep within. He knew of Victor Gomez. He gave Alan a lot of trouble during his racing days. He was one of the reasons Scott was glad Alan decided to walk away from his career. Like Alan told Indiana when she first moved to the island, Victor Gomez played dirty, but he played dirty within the rules. Therefore, he could never be penalised. He was never disqualified from a race. He never had any titles stripped from him.

Victor also always seemed to have it in for Alan in particular, ever since Alan made his racing debut. Alan had a natural talent behind the wheel. Watching him win at Parola Sands proved that it was a talent that stayed with him. Victor couldn't handle that he wasn't the top dog in the racing world anymore. He couldn't handle being dethroned.

Scott heard his brother ask, "How much time do we have, Tin-Tin?"

"The bomb is due to go off sometime around 1300."

Scott gasped in horror when he looked at the time. It was already approaching noon in San Miguel.

They weren't going to have much time.

He wondered if 15,000 miles per hour was truly Thunderbird 1's maximum speed, and if he could get away with finding out.


Indiana panted as she began feeling the full effects of the midday sun. Next to her, she could feel that Alan was also suffering. They were both sweating profusely. She could feel her skin burning. She sent up a silent prayer expressing her gratitude for Jeff keeping a decent supply of aloe vera on the island. She, Alan and Grandma Tracy were going to practically swim in it if they returned to the island.

"They must well be on their way by now, Grandma," Alan moved to reassure his anxious grandmother.

"Trouble is, Alan," Grandma Tracy trailed off, "I don't think I can take much more of this heat."

"Now, Grandma, we've got to hold on," Alan pleaded with her.

"Yes… Got to… Got to… Hold on…"

When Indiana heard Alan call out for his grandmother and not receive a response, she immediately knew that Grandma Tracy had passed out from the heat. She was thankful that Alan had the foresight to make Grandma Tracy sit against the support before Victor and Johnny could switch on the ultrasonic generator. They both knew Grandma Tracy would be especially vulnerable to the heat. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke were especially dangerous to the elderly.

It didn't do people in Alan and Indiana's age group very well, either, but there was no denying that some age groups were more vulnerable than others.

"Alan!" Indiana gasped out.

"We've got to get together, Indy," Alan pleaded, "We have to. We can't lose it now."

"Alan, I…," Indiana sobbed.

"I know, Indy. I know," Alan reassured her, "We've got to hold on."


Jeff received a call from Scott. He did not doubt that his eldest son would be pushing Thunderbird 1 beyond her capabilities to reach them. Flying at maximum speed. Straining the rocket's engines. Jeff didn't dare disagree, though.

"Flight to rescue zone proceeding according to plan, father. How are they?"

"I'm just going to contact them to find out," Jeff responded.

Without saying another word, Jeff disconnected his transmission with Scott and started a new one with Alan, "Calling San Miguel. How's it going, boy?"

Jeff took a good look at his youngest son. His baby. It was clear he wasn't doing well.

"Not so good. Grandma's passed out with the heat, I'm afraid."

"PASSED OUT?!" Jeff repeated in alarm.

Sensing his alarm, Alan quickly moved to reassure him, "She'll be okay. She can't fall."

Jeff relaxed, but only slightly. Alan must've made sure Grandma Tracy was able to sit down against a support or something like that when they were first left stranded on the bridge. So, even if Grandma Tracy passed out from the heat, she wasn't in danger of falling. She'd just slump against the support.

But that didn't help stop his fears. Grandma Tracy may have been sitting down, but Indiana and Alan certainly weren't.

"Indy and I are the ones that are likely to spoil the show. We've only got to relax for a moment, and down we go."

"How is she?" Jeff asked worriedly.

"Hot. Scared. We all are."

"Listen to me, Alan. You've got to stay with it. Don't let yourself go," Jeff pleaded, "Get Indy to do the same."

"Can't seem to concentrate… Phew! It sure is hot!"

"Alan, please, listen to your father," Tin-Tin begged him, "Whatever happens, you mustn't lose your concentration."

Tin-Tin was right. Alan and Indiana had to concentrate on staying awake. If they stayed awake, they stayed upright. If they let their concentration slip – even for the briefest moment – the rescue would be over before it could even start.

The rescue mission would become a recovery mission.

"Listen to me, Alan. Can you hear me?" Jeff asked.

Alan didn't respond. He could see on the screen that his youngest son was looking very faint, so Jeff barked more impatiently, "Alan, can you hear me?!"

"Yes…"

"Then, concentrate on what I'm going to say. You've got to keep talking until Scott and Virgil get there. Do you hear me?" Jeff ordered him.

"Keep talking… Yeah…"

"I want you to tell me exactly how you got into this fix. I want you to start at the beginning and tell me the whole story. Is that clear?" Jeff requested.

"Tell the whole story… Yeah… Got to keep on talking…"

"That's it, son," Jeff provided gentle encouragement, "Now, go ahead. Tin-Tin and I want to hear the whole story."

"Okay… Okay, then… It all… It all started the day we went to Parola Sands. Everything was going the way we'd planned. It looked like nothing could go wrong. From up there in Thunderbird 2, the world sure looked pretty…"


Scott was lost in his own recollections. He remembered the last time he saw Indiana. Of course, he saw her off when she left for her courses. But things were still so uncertain between them. They couldn't even say anything beyond a stifled farewell. Nothing worth reflecting on, really.

Nothing worth reflecting on beyond this determination: he didn't want that to be the last time he saw her alive.

He remembered watching Alan win the race. And the interview that happened afterwards,

Begin flashback

Everyone was on tenterhooks on Tracy Island. As Virgil had promised when he dropped Alan off at Parola Sands, they were watching the race unfold on the television set in Jeff's office.

"What did I miss?" Gordon panted, running into the living area following a bathroom break.

"Alan and Gomez are at the cliff stretch," Virgil answered.

The cliff stretch was the worst part of the race. It was the most dangerous. Many potential champions have had their race cut short by this stretch of road. People have even been killed. Granted, the last fatality was some years ago, but there were still plenty of drivers who survived crashes, but have been left with career-ending injuries.

Including one driver who was left a quadriplegic following their injuries.

They heard the announce, Billy Billoxi yell, "And here they come, ladies and gentlemen! Here they come!"

The family watched with bated breath as they saw both Alan and Victor round the corner in view of the cameras. For a brief moment, Victor was leading, but Alan managed to swing around and overtake him. Alan maintained the lead all the way to the finish line with Victor hot on his heels. But the result was the same.

Alan Tracy was the Parola Sands Champion.

Everyone cheered in elation as Billy made the official announcement, "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!"

Scott watched as the camera changed from Billy Billoxi to Alan climbing out of his car at the pitstop. Indiana and Kenny were waiting for him. The first person Alan hugged was Indiana. He picked her up and swung her around in elation over his victory.

The reporters would have a field day over that one. None of the Tracy boys could be spotted out and about with another woman without causing speculation about the famous Tracy Bachelors finally settling down.

None of the Tracys meant to gain this reputation. They were well known for keeping their private lives private. They weren't like a lot of the reality stars from the early-21st century. They actually kept their professional and private lives separate.

They all had an agreement that they would not announce any romantic relationships until they were preparing an engagement announcement. Of course, they couldn't do anything about reporters seeing them out and about with a significant other before their relationship was public knowledge, but they could still control somewhat just how much they knew.

Scott knew that he had nothing to worry about, though. For one thing, Alan's romantic interests lied elsewhere. For another, Alan always maintained seeing Indiana as the older sister he always wanted (and needed).

"Look! Here's Alan now!" Tin-Tin cheered when Alan appeared on the television set to receive his trophy.

Gordon chortled when he saw Kenny and Indiana hit Alan with a load of confetti after inviting them onto the podium with him.

"Alan!" Billy called near the camera as Alan approached them, "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 their feet by winning your first race. You were one of the most promising drivers in the business; and 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.

Jeff nodded in approval at the answer Alan gave. He knew that Alan would have to give interviews and he couldn't reveal the true reason why he walked away from a promising race career. For one thing, International Rescue was meant to be a secret operation. But there was some truth to Alan's answer. Gordon's accident made everyone reflect, as one does when a loved one is confronted with a life-or-death situation. They reflected on their own lives, and it played a role in Alan walking away from racing. Gordon's accident almost destroyed the family. Alan didn't want to put them through that again.

It took everyone a moment to realize that Alan was still talking, "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."

Jeff pondered Alan's words. He always knew – and appreciated – what his sons gave up to make his dreams for International Rescue a reality, and he always tried to encourage them to maintain a work-life balance. He wondered if it could be possible to allow Alan to return to his racing career in a reduced capacity. Especially, as Alan had suggested, for charity races.

They watched as Billy turned to Kenny, "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?"

"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."

Alan had his arm slung around Indiana's shoulders the whole interview, so everyone knew that Billy was going to make a comment on this. But he started casual, "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," Billy observed, finally manoeuvring to what he really wanted to ask, "Is there a little something between you?"

Scott felt himself relax when Indiana started shaking her head almost immediately, "No. 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.

Everyone on the island laughed at Indiana's comment. Nobody knows who adopted who first, but Alan and Indiana established a sibling relationship within days of her arrival to the island. She established her own relationship with each resident, but there was something about Indiana and Alan. When asked, Indiana said it was because he was so much like her younger brother. It made her homesickness less intense.

Well, everyone was laughing until Alan decided to quickly say into the microphone, "You're not far off the mark, though, Billy."

Scott spluttered 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."

Scott didn't listen to the rest of the interview. But he knew the questions Alan was asked: why did he refuse the reward money, and what was he going to do now that he won the race? It was the same type of questions he had been asked after every race.

But one thing was for certain. Scott vowed payback.

End flashback

Scott may have vowed payback on his younger brother, but right now, he just wanted to save him. And Grandma Tracy. And Indiana.

Scott couldn't tell you what bothered him the most about Alan's declaration. The fact that he outed their relationship to the world when they hadn't even officially told their families (even if Alan didn't name names, he still made it clear Indiana was dating a Tracy).

Or the fact that Alan had outlined a future he so desperately wanted, but might never happen.

He knew pretty early on she was the one. He wanted to confirm to Billy Billoxi that, yes, he was indeed standing in the presence of the future Dr. Tracy, if she would be happy to marry him (and if she decided to take his name or keep her maiden name). Perhaps it was a testament to Virgil's warnings that they were moving too fast in that he was already thinking about shopping for engagement rings the next time he went to the mainland.

Jeff's voice broke through his thoughts, "Keep up maximum speed, Scott! Alan's in a bad way!"

"Will do," Scott nodded firmly.


At this point, Alan managed to get up to the point where Victor and Johnny caught them on the road. He didn't reveal Victor's presumptions that Indiana was pregnant, though. For one thing, he didn't think that was relevant.

For another, he didn't want his father to blow another gasket. Or Scott to blow one of his own.

Grandma Tracy was still passed out from the heat. All Indiana wanted to do was walk over to check on her. Check for a pulse. But alas, she couldn't move.

Indiana stopped shedding tears a while ago. She didn't know why she couldn't cry anymore. Crying without tears was a sign of dehydration, but it was more common in infants or young children suffering from dehydration. Indiana just thought she ran out of tears to cry.

Indiana heard Jeff's voice ask Alan urgently, "Come on, Alan. You're doing great. Don't give up. Not now. So, they got you on the bridge. What happened then?"

Alan didn't continue the story. Instead, he panted, "Oh… How are the boys doing? Don't think we can hold out much longer…"

"Look, Alan. I'll put Scott through to you; and now, you'll hear for yourself."

Indiana let out a shuddering breath when she heard Jeff declare that he was going to put Scott through. She didn't realize until now just how much she needed to hear from him. How much she needed to hear his voice.

How much she needed him.

Scott's voice broke through, "Alan, this is Scott in Thunderbird 1! Now, we're not far away, boy, so just keep your ears open for the sound of our jets! Crossing the pacific coast… now!"

"Scott!" Indiana gasped out, not knowing if he could hear her, "I… I'm sorry… I…. I'm so… sorry…"

Jeff's voice broke in again, "Now, carry on, Alan. You were all at the bridge. What happened, then?"

"What happened then?" Alan repeated in brief confusion, "Oh yeah. I remember…"


Indiana didn't think Scott heard her, but he did. And it broke his heart even more than the day he accidentally overheard her conversation with Gordon.

He wanted to tell her he had nothing to apologize for. It was his own fault for not understanding. It was his own fault for blowing everything out of proportion. It was his own fault that, in his fear of losing her, he inadvertently pushed her away.

At least, that's how Gordon put it. Actually, he said they were both pushing each other away. For different reasons. It was the most accurate statement regarding their situation.

He rephrased his thoughts. He just wanted to tell her none of that mattered anymore. He wanted to tell her he loved her. He wanted to tell her he wanted to do things right this time.

Briefly brushing away his tears (when did they start falling?), Scott focused on the task at hand. He was so close.

He couldn't falter now.


"Not long, Alan. Just hang on. Scott should be with you any minute now."

Grandma Tracy had come to when they heard the familiar sound of Thunderbird 1's jets, as Scott promised. He had told them to keep their ears open for the sound of his jets.

And here they were.

"I can… I can hear them, Alan!" Grandma Tracy cried.

"Be careful, Grandma," Alan warned her, "Mustn't move. Got to keep… quite still…"

In the far distance, Indiana could see the familiar site of Thunderbird 1 coming into land. The rocket soon disappeared from her line of sight, obviously going to land somewhere that would be a safe distance from the bridge. He couldn't risk coming in close. They didn't know how powerful the generator was. Actually, they didn't even know if Victor and Johnny were bluffing. After all, Alan was able to move his wrist to his face and it didn't set off the bomb.

But they still couldn't take any chances.

"Indy…," Alan moaned, "We've got to keep awake. Oh, got to… keep…"

"Alan! Alan, can you hear me?!"

Indiana could barely make out the sound of his voice. In fact, she was convinced she was delirious. She felt hot. Her head hurt. She felt like she couldn't breathe. She felt sick. She couldn't feel her legs anymore. But that was because of how long she had been left standing like that. It wasn't linked to her heatstroke.

"Got to keep…," Alan moaned.

"Alan, raise your left arm and look at me!"

When did Alan lower his arm? Nobody could answer that. But regardless, Alan raised his left arm at the sound of his oldest brother's voice. His protector. He moved it slowly, out of both caution and weakness. He didn't want to disturb the waves from the ultrasonic generator. But he also felt extremely weak.

When he raised his arm, he saw his big brother's face, "Alan, listen to what I have to say! How localised are the ultrasonic waves from the generator?!"

"No! No! Keep away!" Alan cried, "Mustn't… come near… Detonate the bomb…"

"Alan! The generator! How powerful is it?! Do you know?!"

Alan didn't answer. Actually, it was unclear whether he heard his brother's desperate questions. Instead, he kept rambling the same warning. Keep away. Just one move will detonate the bomb.

Indiana could've sworn she heard Scott calling to her. Trying to get her to answer his questions. But she thought she was hearing things. Her eyes began drooping as she struggled to stay upright. She could've sworn she heard him pleading with her to hold on. Just one minute more.

She didn't think she had one more minute in her.


Thunderbird 2 was now approaching the danger zone.

"Coming in to land on Slope P701 as advised, Scott," Virgil reported.

"Make it fast, Virgil! Alan and Ana have almost had it!"

"Right," Virgil nodded, "Standby, Brains."

The moment Thunderbird 2 landed, Virgil didn't waste any time. He immediately raised Pod 1 so Brains could take out the Neutralizer Truck. The three of them had decided on a plan of action. They didn't have time to look for the bomb itself and disarm it. But what they could do was neutralize the ultrasonic generator so Virgil could get onto the bridge and retrieve Alan, Indiana and Grandma Tracy with the Jet-Air Transporter.

Scott raced to Thunderbird 2 when he saw Brains race out with the Neutralizer Tractor. He wanted to be on-hand so he could help provide first aid when Virgil recovered their family. He also didn't want to wait any moment longer than necessary.

When he raced into the pod, he saw Virgil preparing the Jet-Air Transporter. The plan was that Alan, Indiana and Grandma Tracy would jump (or fall, based on how Alan and Indiana were) towards Virgil and the air from the fans would catch them and keep them elevated to allow Virgil to grab them.

"We'll need her binder," Virgil told his older brother, sensing he needed something to do.

Nodding, Scott rushed into the infirmary. When International Rescue started operations, and Indiana started going off to teach those courses and consult with other doctors as part of the organisation, she started compiling a binder with instructions on how to treat certain conditions in case an incident happened on a rescue and she wasn't available. Of course, she couldn't leave behind a how-to guide for surgery. But what she left was certainly appropriate for their advanced first aid qualifications and what they could legally do.

Scott knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that heatstroke was going to be their problem, so he immediately thumbed through the binder, thanking whatever deity he could think of that Indiana listed the conditions in alphabetical order and using terms they would know. They've picked up a lot of medical terms from her, but still. When you're in a panic, you can forget.

He noted that treatment for heatstroke focused on cooling the patient's body to a normal temperature and preventing damage to the patient's brain or vital organs. There were several methods for this.

The first method involved immersing the patient in a bath with cold or ice water. It's been proven to be the most effective way of quickly lowering their core temperature. The sooner this happens, the less risk of death or organ damage. But there was one problem with this: they didn't have the means to do it.

Another method was known as the evaporation cooling technique. Cool water is misted onto the patient's body while warm air is fanned over them, causing the water to evaporate and cool the skin.

Dismissing it, Scott settled on the third method listed: wrapping them in a special cooling blanket and applying ice packs to their neck, back, armpits and groin area. He also grabbed the IV kit, knowing they were dehydrated and would need intravenous fluids to replenish electrolytes and lost fluids.

He heard the sound of the Jet-Air Transporter departing, and he knew that meant Brains was successful in neutralizing the ultrasonic generator on the bridge.

Brains walked into the infirmary, "A-anything I can do to help, Scott?"

"Let's get the beds ready," Scott responded, thankful they had the space, "And you can take care of the IVs when they come?"

Brains nodded, eager to be of use.

Behind them, in the far distance, they heard an explosion. The bomb had detonated. They knew the explosion would be powerful enough to completely destroy the bridge, which wasn't due to open to the public for another two months.

Considering it all just fell into the ravine below; it might be longer than two months. After all, it took them a while to get this far.

Scott sighed in relief when Virgil radioed in. He got them. They got off the bridge in time.

But it wasn't all good news. Alan and Indiana had passed out by the time he got to them. Grandma Tracy had regained consciousness and was alert. But Alan and Indiana were unresponsive.

The time it took Virgil to drive into the pod felt like an eternity. But the Jet-Air Transporter slowly drove up the ramp and slowed even further to a stop. Brains and Scott immediately rushed forward. Brains immediately moved to support Grandma Tracy as she disembarked and moved towards one of the beds. She could walk, but needed assistance. Virgil carried Alan in a fireman's hold to another bed. Immediately setting to work.

Scott carried Indiana to the final remaining bed. When he took a good look at her, he let out a curse and yelled out to Virgil and Brains, "Be careful where you put the ice! You can't put ice on a sunburn!"

Scott immediately moved to place the blanket on Indiana before moving to place the ice under her armpits and groin area. A quick look at her neck told him he couldn't place the ice there. She was sunburned on her neck, face, the parts of her torso that weren't covered by her lime green cami top and he strongly suspected her scalp was burned too.

Brains quietly came around and hooked everyone up to their IVs. While Brains did that, Scott decided to check on his grandma.

"Are you alright?" Scott asked her worriedly, kneeling before her.

"I'm fine, Scott," Grandma Tracy reassured him, "I always knew you would come and save us."

Giving his grandma a gentle smile, Scott told her, "Just take it easy, okay? And try not to give us anymore scares like that."

"Oh, what is going to happen with that car?" Grandma Tracy suddenly asked, "Those hooligans took Alan's car when they left us up there! They wanted that engine Brains designed."

"Don't worry about that," Scott responded gently, but firmly, "Just focus on getting well again. We'll worry about that later."

Placated, Grandma Tracy smiled and relaxed further into the bed. Giving his Grandma a quick hug and a kiss to the cheek, he rose to check on Alan. Virgil had also hooked Alan up to a monitor to read his vitals. The good news is, it looked like his vitals were stabilizing.

"I think they're going to be fine," Virgil sighed, "But I want to wait around for a bit. Give them time to complete their IV and, hopefully, Alan and Indy will wake up in the meantime. I just want to wait and see if I'm taking them back to the island or rushing them to hospital."

Nodding, Scott gave his youngest brother a fond smile as he brushed the hair off his face.

"Some race, huh, kid?" Scott murmured fondly.

Alan let out a small moan and shifted slightly in his sleep. That gave Scott some hope. The treatment was already working. Even if Alan wasn't waking up yet, he was becoming more responsive to things around him.

Brains stood back, allowing Scott near Indiana. She was starting to stir and responding to Scott's pleas. Her fingers were squeezing his. It was weak, but there nonetheless.

Then, her eyes opened.

It was clear from the look in her eyes that she was still very much out of it. She was only going to be conscious for a brief moment.

"Scott," Indiana croaked.

"I'm here, honey," Scott murmured reassuringly, "I'm right here. You're okay."

Usually, he would be running his fingers through her hair, a comforting gesture she loved. But he had to hold back. Seeing how badly she was sunburned; he didn't want to take the risk of aggravating it. Especially since, as he looked closer, it was clear that her scalp had also been burned by the noonday sun.

"I'm sorry," Indiana sobbed.

"Shh," Scott hushed her, "It's okay. I know, baby. I'm sorry, too."

Reaching up, Indiana managed to rest a hand on his cheek as she whispered, "I love you."

Turning his head to kiss her palm, he murmured, "I love you too."

A small smile graced Indiana's face before she fell asleep once more. She would be more conscious when they brought her temperature down a bit more and they got more fluids into her.

Pressing a final kiss to her hand, he placed it gently on her abdomen before rising from his position.

Virgil caught the resolute look in his eyes, so he called out to his older brother. He knew what he was going to do. When Scott turned to face him, he was afraid he was going to talk him out of it. "Don't do anything stupid." "They wouldn't want this." "This isn't what we do."

But Virgil didn't say any of that. Instead, he said two words with an uncharacteristic growl in his voice:

"Don't miss."


Victor and Johnny travelled along the highway without a care in the world. Without a thought for the three people they left to their deaths on the abandoned bridge. They felt like they had won. They had disposed of their greatest rival and they got their hands on the key to their continued success.

Everything was perfect.

"Keep on the road, you jerk!" Johnny snapped at Victor impatiently.

Well, it was almost perfect. The car was swerving all over the place. Victor couldn't drive in a straight line.

"Okay, okay! I can't get used to this geared steering," Victor grumbled.

Johnny didn't bother responding. For one thing, he couldn't. They suddenly heard the sound of a jet behind them. Victor could barely ask, "What was that?!" before they were met by the sound of gunfire. The gunfire didn't hit them, but it hit the road next to them. Then, the source of the gunfire flew above them.

It was Thunderbird 1.

"Tracy and those ladies must have escaped!" Victor cried in realization.

"Okay! Keep your foot down! We gotta lose this guy!" Johnny barked.

Much to their horror, Scott wasn't quite done with them yet. He lined up again to fire off another series of shots. No matter how strong the temptation was, he didn't actually aim at the car. He aimed at the road near them. The message was clear.

"We gotta stop!" Victor gasped out, "He's telling us to stop!"

Scott's intentions were clear, but he didn't verbalize them. For one thing, Victor knew Scott from when he came to watch his baby brother race. He would've recognized his voice. But in that moment, after seeing what he had done to three of the people he loved most in this world, Scott almost didn't care.

Besides, making that weasel shit his pants was much more fun.

Scott watched through the window as the car swerved along the road more and more. It was almost as if they couldn't decide which side of the road they would drive on.

But it was a bit more complicated than that. When Victor said that it was clear Thunderbird 1 was telling them to stop, and intimated he wanted to comply out of self-preservation, Johnny decided to make his displeasure known. He reached over and grabbed the wheel, trying to take control of the car himself. He had no sense of self-preservation. He wasn't going to give anyone the chance to catch him.

"LET GO!" Victor pleaded, "YOU'LL CRASH THE CAR!"

"They've gone crazy!" Scott gasped as they swerved even further off the road, "They're gonna crash!"

Scott's words came to fruition. Victor and Johnny continued fighting over control of the car, and their fight just worsened their situation. When they came to a bend in the road, they drove straight through the wooden barrier that was supposed to protect drivers and their passengers from crashing over the cliff.

Well, it would work if they didn't drive at it at full speed.

Scott watched as the car crashed down the cliff, stopping just short of the water.

"Scott? Did you find them?"

"We're going to need emergency services, father," Scott reported in a neutral voice.

"Is there anything left of them?"

By this point, Scott had flown Thunderbird 1 close enough to get a clear view of the car and the two occupants.

"Not much," Scott shook his head, "If they survived the smash, they won't terrorize anyone ever again."

"I'll put the call in, son. Give me your present location."

Scott had to stay in Thunderbird 1. There was nowhere safe for him to land, so he couldn't go down to administer first aid until the police and paramedics arrived. The terrain near where they crashed was too rocky, and he didn't have the equipment with him to go rappelling down the cliffside. Also, this stretch of road was too narrow for Thunderbird 1 to land and he didn't want to block traffic; especially the emergency services that were now enroute.

When they arrived, they radioed Scott and gave him the clearance to leave. Apparently, his father had reported in to say he was in pursuit of Victor and Johnny after what they had done to Alan. So, he was clear in that regard. They also saw, based on the evidence left behind on the road, that Scott's actions were in line with trying to get them to stop. They would take it from here and keep him updated on their conditions and the legal ramifications.

If they survive, that is.

Content that the situation was in the hand of the local authorities, Scott took off.

He usually felt empathy for the people he encountered during rescues, but he couldn't feel anything like that for those two.

The only thing he was sorry for was that he didn't get a piece of them.

But he had more important things to think about. Virgil radioed him to say that everyone's conditions had improved and they were now on their way back to base, deciding they didn't need hospitalization.

So, Scott guided Thunderbird 1 away, eager to follow Thunderbird 2 back to base. His priorities were clear.

He wondered if Tin-Tin would be up to helping him organise something special back home.


Okay. There we go. I'm going to take a nap now. Maybe get some cinnamon donuts. Think I earned them?