24
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Today was the day they were bringing dad home. Scott had done all the checks, the visas and permits. They were ready to go although it meant a horrendous early start. It was 3am. All five of them piled out of Scott's mustang at the small airfield where one of the Tracy industries jets had been readied. Back in the old days a journey this long would mean you needed a Co-pilot to comply with aviation legislation but with the advancements made in autopiloting that was no longer a requirement. Scott having not completed many flight hours for the last four weeks was well rested and raring to go as he tried to gee his brothers up.
"Come on! Look lively, let's get boarded and outta here!" He extended his hand as he gestured to the steps.
"I think this pilot needs to work on his welcome to the flight spiel" Moaned Gordon. Scott cuffed him affectionately over the head grinning like a Cheshire cat. Nothing was going to bring him down today. He was buzzing and ready to fly. John ascended next not taking his eyes off his e-reader, coffee balanced in his other hand with his jacket slung over his arm. Virgil brought up the rear with Alan in his arms ("He'd nodded back off in the car, seemed a shame to wake him"). Scott nodded.
Their luggage had already been loaded into the small cargo bay. Scott dragged shut the door and made sure all his brothers were settled in their seats securely before heading up front with Virgil by his side. They took the pilot and co-pilot seats respectively. Scott sat down pushing his headphones on and flicking down the mic. He got Virgil to run some of the pre-flight checks (with him overseeing) as part of his learning. Virgil was a natural very much like Scott, he was confident he would qualify when his assessment was due next month. Satisfied Scott opened up the mic. Gordon wanted a welcome flight spiel he would get one. Scott was in a playful mood at the thought of a nice long flight, even if it was in this bog-standard civilian craft and not his beloved prized fighter.
"Ladies and Gentleman your attention please, this is your Pilot Scott Tracy speaking. Now I'm an ace pilot so you shouldn't have anything to worry about but for your information the exits are located to the middle of the plane on either side and to the rear. Doors can be opened by moving the handle in the direction of the arrow – Yes folks it really is that simple. If I tell you to evacuate, you evacuate promptly and without bravado, no swan diving, no pushing, no grabbing all your crap on the way out but do use the emergency slides - that's what they are there for. They also convert into life rafts. Don't say we don't spoil you." Scott started to speed up, to wrap it up. "If shit goes down and the oxygen masks descend do me a favour and put them on, I'll be busy. You keep it on till I tell you to remove it and brace. Oh, and FYI your life jackets located under your seat, they're the bright yellow puffy looking plastic scarfs."
Virgil just looked at him in disdain. "What? Did I forget something again?" The plane fired up underneath them.
"Oh yeah! Don't piss off the pilot because the pilot wants you to enjoy your flight and land at your destination safely which cannot be guaranteed if you do piss off said pilot. Have a wonderful flight and prepare for take-off" Scott supplied sweetly.
Virgil was laughing, looking back at the others. Scott peered quickly over his shoulder down the aisle; only to see three sleeping brothers. John e-reader was abandoned on his face. "Well would you just look at that! Alright for some!" He swiveled around flicking the switches above his head as he did so before grabbing the control yoke, sliding one of the three levers forward and taxiing out. Scott maintained the lower ground frequency as he taxied onto the runway. Once on the runway he switched to the local tower frequency. "This is STRAT-calm, ready at runway five"
"Roger, turn left now"
"Turning left. STRAT-calm"
"Wind is heading at 20 knots, Runway five cleared for take-off. STRAT-calm"
"Cleared for take-off runway number five. STRAT-calm" Scott completed the sequence of communication.
They took off, Scott gradually levelling out and citing current altitude and conditions before being able to relax fully. He smiled; it was textbook perfect.
"You make it look so easy." Virgil said in awe.
"Years of practice, don't you worry it will come in time. Honestly, I know dad is confident from the flights you've done with him that your near qualifying and I have to agree. You'll do great Virg I know it. If you want before I go back to base, I can do another flight with you for some more practice?"
"That would be great thanks." Scott was incredibly calm in the air even under pressure, it made him a fantastic mentor and Virgil was grateful for any more air time he could get at present. He had fallen behind a bit with all that had happened. He was lucky to have an USAF pilot for a brother who was used to training new recruits on a regular basis.
"So, you never did tell me the meaning behind your call sign." Virgil had puzzled over it since he first heard it.
Scott's lips quirked at the edges. "It's a play on STRAT-com which is the branch of the USAF that control all the nukes. The lads came up with it after they realised, I couldn't be provoked by anything - they got annoyed because the harder they tried the calmer I became. Yet when the time called for it from a strategic point of view, I annihilated the targets in the most efficient way possible and went for the throat at the same time. That was when I started but the name stuck, the sky could be going to hell all around me but I'll still have my sights on the objective and I won't be deterred, even under extreme fire. You have to have a calm mind set and balls of steel for the nuke division."
Virgil should have guessed. He had heard the stories from Scott's forces buddies and the pride in his father's voice when he would comment on Scott's escapades. Scott was naturally resilient with a strong moral compass and a determination that was unrivalled. Not to mention a bit too cocksure at times. Virgil chuckled softly "Well that figures." Scott smiled back.
The rest of the flight passed smoothly and they landed in Indonesia with no issues. The winds had been favourable so they had made good time too. The boys had booked the airport hotel for two nights so they could have a rest period if they needed it. Scott wasn't sure how their dad would handle long distance flights with his current injuries/state of mind so figured it was for the best. Scott wouldn't be able to fly further today anyway. They were scheduled to pick up dad tomorrow at first light. They checked in and headed up to their rooms. All of them were too excited and itching to get to their dad to want to venture out locally so they all headed into Scott's room to call their dad and tell him they had got here safely. Then they messaged their grandmother the same so she wouldn't worry. Then they killed the time away in the food court and shopping complex next door before all retiring for an early night.
The next morning, Scott was just finishing getting dressed when there was a knock at his door. He pulled the hem of his shirt down and opened it one handed. John stood outside. "Come in, couldn't sleep either huh?" John nodded sitting down on the edge of Scott's bed in the twin room. He watched as Scott finished brushing his hair and stashing his wallet in his pocket.
"I just want to see him now, knowing we're this close is killing me." Said John.
"I know, I just hope he really is ready. It's going to be a full-on experience for him returning home and having to face everyone." Scott headed to the coffee he had brewed and indicated if John wanted one. He declined.
"Yeah, I just hope we can get him to understand he's not alone this time. Mom would be so upset if she could see what has happened to him." John looked pained; Scott couldn't think of what to say so just nodded. There was another knock at the door. Scott had never said let's all congregate in my room but it looked like that was what was occurring. He opened the door and Gordon sailed across the threshold closely followed by Alan. "Good morning, please do come in." Scott shut the door. Gordon snatched the complimentary biscuits off the tray.
"Hey!" Scott did not look impressed.
"Pllleeaaasee? I was hungry last night and I ate mine and now I'm starving this morning. You wouldn't let your younger brother starve, would you?" He faked pleading with puppy dog eyes. Scott could see Alan eyeing the packet too whilst John looked on with mild amusement. Usually Scott wouldn't let this fly no one took his food not even brothers but seeing as it was a big day he relented. Scott rolled his eyes "Fine but you share them with Alan."
"Ha! Yes, come on you heard the man!" Alan held out his hand, Gordon moaned.
Scott was just taking a sip of his coffee when the door went again. He was just about to go when John got off the bed. Scott relaxed and took a sip gratefully. Virgil came in took stock of the room and then slipped a small pack of biscuits into Scott's palm. He didn't want them, he was too anxious to eat this morning. Scott grinned. "Thanks, Virg"
None of them wanted to go down to breakfast so they headed out to the airport and over to the helicopter that Scott had arranged to hire. They were right on schedule. As they took off the boys were all silently looking at the view. There was nothing more to say to each other, they just wanted to see their dad. Nerves and excitement held their tongues in some kind of mutual agreement. Only Scott's regular air commentary broke the silted silence along with the thrumming of the chopper propellers and vibrations of the engine.
Just under three hours later they reached their destination. As Scott descended on the beach the boys all craned their necks for the first glimpse of their dad. Alan pointed in excitement as he spied a lone figure with two people standing a little further back. He and Gordon began to wave and their father waved back with a smile. As soon as Scott had touched down and cut the engine, they were off. Alan and Gordon scrambled across the sand first and barreled into their father. He gasped in surprise and kissed them both on the top of the head. John made it next and stood hesitantly close. Jeff extracted himself carefully from the other two and wrapped him in to a firm embrace. Scott and Virgil walked up together. Jeff clasped a hand on Scott's shoulder and Virgil's at the same time. "Its really good to see you boys."
"You too father." Virgil replied. They stood for a moment just happy to be all together exchanging a few pleasantries until Jeff noticed Alan's attention was well and truly being captivated by something or namely someone. His baby blue eyes were sparkling with that cheeky grin of his. How Jeff had ever produced such a sweet and innocent looking child he had no idea. Although he knew his thoughts were most likely not so innocent with the way he was coyly eyeing Tin-Tin over his dad's shoulder. Jeff cleared his throat. "Let me introduce you to Tin-Tin and Kyrano, they are keen to meet you."
They walked over together, Kyrano and Tin-Tin nervously stepping forwards to meet them. Tin-tin was trying to remain cool; Scott was even more handsome in the flesh if that was even possible. She hoped she wasn't blushing, her pale complexion made it much more noticeable when she did so it was hard to disguise. "Boys, this is Kyrano and his daughter Tin-Tin. They found me in the jungle and nursed me back to health."
Scott stepped forwards to shake Kyrano's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir, thank you so much for all you have done for our father."
"You are most welcome Mister. Tracy. We have enjoyed every minute of your father's company he will be sorely missed but we are glad he is returning home, where he belongs with you all."
Scott went to shake Tin-tin's hand but a blonde blur beat him to it. He lowered his hand and tried not to roll his eyes.
"Alan Tracy, a pleasure to meet you Tin-Tin. Thank you for caring for our father. It means a great deal." He gave his most charming smile, almost shaking her hand for a bit too long. Gordon was trying not to snigger, he ducked behind Scott's taller frame to hide himself from view as he shook with barely contained mirth. His brother was such a twat. He sounded so formal in his efforts to impress the girl it was embarrassing.
"It's lovely to meet you Alan, we were only too happy to help." Tin-tin smiled politely.
"Hi Tin-tin, nice to see you again." Scott winked and she tried to ignore the butterflies in her stomach.
"You too" she managed to get out, her smile dazzling him. He placed an arm around his slightly dumbstruck younger brother and led him off to a safer distance.
John, Virgil and Gordon said their hello's together in quick succession. They unfortunately couldn't stay long, the permit dictated they could remain no longer than twenty minutes. Virgil grabbed their father's small holdall. Kyrano had packed a good supply of the cream for Mr. Tracy along with a set of spare clothes and their contact details and his notes he had written the night before. The boys moved off to a respectful distance chatting amongst themselves as their father said good bye.
Jeff turned to Tin-Tin. "You take care of your father for me; he's a good man and he's raised a fine daughter. Thank you for all that you have done for me. Remember to let me have the uni details as soon as you know." He embraced her in a bone crushing hug as she tried to fight back the tears.
"I will, thank you! We will miss you Jeff." She smiled sadly, the tears welling at corners of her beautiful almond shaped eyes.
"I'll miss you both too but you never know we may see each other sooner than we think." He held her at arm's length briefly before turning back to Kyrano.
"Kyrano, your hospitality has known no bounds. Please don't be a stranger, keep in touch. I will miss you dearly even in the short time that I have known you, you have changed my life for the better. I will keep my promise" He was referring to getting Kyrano out of his brother's clutches. Kyrano nodded in understanding.
"I will Mr. Tracy. It has been an honor to get to know you and I am glad we were able to help you. Until we meet again. Kyrano bowed which Jeff returned before clasping him on the shoulder.
"Goodbye friend." Jeff let his hand slip away. Kyrano smiled sadly.
Jeff turned to face the boys. Although it wouldn't be obvious to those that didn't know his sons, he could tell they were scrapping. They were all stood calmly facing forwards but quiet obviously from the way they were trying to slyly converse, winding each other up. He smiled warmly; he was too happy to see them to care.
They were all stood watching their dad say goodbye to the Kyrano's. He looked genuinely devastated to be parting with them. They say sometimes the direst situations can form the strongest bonds. Scott watched on thoughtfully.
"Aww Alan you like her, don't you?" Virgil teased.
"No, she's just pretty is all." Alan replied indignantly. Looking away from her as if to prove a point.
"She's super-hot! If you won't make a move little brother" – Gordon started.
"Like she'd fall for you, she obviously wants someone who could show her a good time."
"Oh yeah. When was the last time you showed a girl a 'good time'"?
"Alan, sadly I think she only has eyes for one of us and it wasn't you" John had seen the way the girl had lit up and nearly swooned when she spoke to Scott. She had greeted Alan like an acquaintance.
"Pack it in all of you!" Scott reprimanded out the corner of his mouth. "Hopefully Alan has yet to show a girl a good time, he's too young!"
"I bet your a dab hand at showing girls a good time aren't you Scott?" John piped up as Gordon threw him a don't you dare glare. John's eyes sparkled in mischief; Virgil just shook his head. Honestly, they couldn't be together for five minutes without bickering or trying to outdo each other. Not even remembering he'd started this conversation.
"That's classified." Scott smirked back at them.
"Maybe not as classified as you like to think." John deadpanned. John was living dangerously now.
"What do you mean?" Scott rounded on him, he didn't like that tone. Gordon elbowed him in the ribs "Owww!"
Jeff closed in on them just as John was nursing his ribs. "Right boys I think it was time we were off, don't you?" He gave them the look that used to stop them in their tracks once upon a time as children. Now they just shrugged him off. He sighed. "Come on."
One last wave and they all vaulted up into the helicopter. As they ascended, they watched Tin-tin and her father huddled together shielding their eyes from the sand being kicked up and waving. As Jeff glanced away, something caught his attention in the trees. He could have sworn he saw movement. He scanned the area again when suddenly a hooded figure melted from the shadows. He lowered his hood and stared intensely at Jeff. Jeff stared back the sweat trickling on the back of his neck. It was Kyrano's brother. Scott glanced at his dad in the co-pilot seat. He looked like he'd seen a ghost. "Father are you ok?" he questioned worryingly.
Jeff tore his eyes away from the lone figure. "Yeah fine, just thinking it's a shame to leave Kyrano and Tin-tin." His eyes darted back to the tree line but the lone figure was gone. Jeff felt uneasy deep in the pit of his stomach; he didn't think he had seen the last of that man.