I don't own Thunderbirds or it's characters, just the ones I invented! Enjoy!
John glared down at the message in his email inbox.
Hey there Cap'n Canary!
How are things in Beantown? Heard you got yourself a girl. Is she hot? When do we see pictures? And how'd you manage to snag her anyway!
All's well here in paradise. Gordon's doing better, he was actually stumbling around a bit this morning, and complaining about not being able to go in the pool. Anywho, Dad, Alan and I are headed up to TB 5 in a day or two to try and finish up the repairs. We could sure use your expertise. In fact, I'm begging you, please, please, don't leave me alone with Dad, Alan and Brains! I may go rather noisily insane!
Seriously, we could use the help. Take care John.
Virgil
P.S. Royals-8 Red Sox-2. Sad, John, just sad. When are you going to get yourself a real team?
"I'll give him a real team." John muttered darkly as he typed back a reply.
Hey Mozart,
Real team my ass. We let you win. Can't embarrass you in front of the home fans after all. Wait until today's game, you'll see.
Sure, I'll see what I can do to help out from my end. I have a few theories, but no promises though. Just one thing, please don't let Alan blow her up.
Heard you were trying something new with your hair. Are you really that in love with your 'bird? And, when do I get pictures?
John
John laughed as he hit send then leaned back in his chair, thinking. If I was right about the power modulator, then fixing her should be a snap. And if I'm wrong…He suppressed a shudder, well, let's just hope I'm not.
He got to his feet and walked downstairs to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of juice. He glanced outside. It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm. He sighed and picked up his cell phone, automatically starting to dial Christa's number. Pausing, he scowled and hung up before it connected and shoved the phone into his pocket. Grabbing his keys, he marched out the door.
When John returned a few hours later, he was whistling and there was a smile on his face. He tossed a small bag on the hall table and glanced at the answering machine. His smile faded as he saw there were no messages. He pulled a beer out of the refrigerator and went up to the roof terrace. He leaned against the railing, sipping his drink and watching the traffic below him.
"Easy V-Virgil, you should be almost on t-t-top of it." Brains called out over the radio.
Virgil cautiously floated over to the main power coupling. "Dad? I'm here."
"Right behind you son." Jeff made his way to his son's side. "How you doing?"
Virgil grimaced, knowing his father couldn't see him behind the tempered glass of the helmet. "I'll be better once we get this over with." He peered down at the machinery. "Are you sure this is the place John? I don't see anything."
"I'm sure. The box is attached to one of the main cables." John replied.
"Hold on, let me take a look." Jeff eased himself down under the edge of the space station. "I can see the…whatever it is." He stretched his hand out, then pulled back shaking his head. "I can't reach it, I'm too big. Virgil, you're going to have to go in there."
"Terrific." Virgil waited for his father to move out of the way before he edged his way down. "OK sunshine, talk me through this."
"Call me 'sunshine' once more, and I let you figure it out yourself." John shot back.
Virgil laughed. "Sorry brother-mine, I bow to your superior expertise."
"You can kiss my feet later to make up for it. Now let's get a move on."
Jeff smiled at his son's banter. It almost seemed like old times. He wondered how long it would last. He got his answer a moment later.
"You seem like you're in a hurry Johnny, big date tonight?" Virgil quipped.
John's voice instantly turned cold. "My private life is none of your concern."
Virgil frowned at his elder brother's tone. "Sorry John, I was just kidding around."
There was a pause before John spoke again, all business. "OK Vigil, tell me exactly what wires the box is attached to."
Virgil sighed and peered down at the box. "It seems to be stuck to the input/output lines."
"Hmmm…" Virgil could hear John tapping away at the keyboard. "Hold on a sec."
"What if I were to just pry—"
"NO!" Both Brains and John shouted at the same time, startling Virgil. He let go of Thunderbird 5 and started floating upwards. Jeff grabbed his son's arm and pulled him back.
"Easy Virgil, I've got you." Jeff told him.
Virgil nodded his thanks. "Some one want to explain what the ruckus was all about?" He asked shortly.
"There's a ch-ch-chance it could be a b-b-explosive device." Brains answered.
"A bomb? This thing is a damn bomb! Are you kidding me?" Virgil instantly backed away, swallowing the nausea that rose up in his throat.
"Now V-V-Virgil, if we do this properly, we can g-g-get it done without detonating the device."
"Easy for you to say, I'm the one out here with this thing." Virgil muttered under his breath.
"I'm right behind you son. We'll do it together." Jeff squeezed his son's shoulder in encouragement.
Virgil nodded and turned back to the device. "OK, so what do I do?"
"Back off a bit so I can see it again." John answered. Virgil adjusted the camera attached to his helmet. "Thanks. Now carefully pry the cover off."
"Carefully he says…" Virgil could feel the sweat beading up on his forehead. He pulled at the edge of the device until its silver cover came off. He barely glanced after it as it floated past. "It's off."
John was quiet a few seconds. "Hmmm…It's not as bad as I thought it would be."
"So this means I'm not going to be blown to kingdom come?"
"I didn't say that."
Jeff cut into the conversation. "John, can we please turn out attention back to the task at hand?"
"Sorry Dad. Virgil, see that green wire? That's the ground. Don't touch it. It's keeping the unit stable."
"Green, don't touch. Got it."
"That red one is another story. That's a 'hot' wire."
"What's a hot wire?"
"Usually th-th-that's the main explosive w-w-wire." Brains responded.
"Don't touch that one either." John added.
"So if I can't touch the green wire, or the red wire, what can I do?" Virgil's tone held a hint of irritation in it.
"Easy Virgil." Jeff said.
Virgil took a shuddering breath. "I'm fine."
"See the blue wire? Cut it." John told him.
Virgil swallowed thickly. "Just like that? Cut it?"
"Yes. Trust me Virgil."
"Here goes nothing." Virgil said a silent prayer to himself, and taking a deep breath, cut the wire. He clenched his eyes shut and waited for something to happen. When nothing did, he cautiously opened his eyes and sighed. "Well, that worked."
"Told you." John responded. "Now, before you get too cocky, tell me what else you see."
Virgil carefully pushed aside the remaining wires. "It looks like there's another smaller box inside this one."
"Shit."
"John." Jeff said instantly.
"Sorry Dad. Brains?"
"If I h-h-had to hazard a guess, I would say that's the b-b-explosive." The scientist replied.
Virgil recoiled. "And I have to disarm it before we can get it off Five?"
"Yes." Both John and Brains answered.
"Great." Virgil sighed. "Well, since it seems I have no choice, now what?"
"How many wires lead into the box? I can't see it." John asked.
Virgil bent down closer. "Looks like three. They're all the same color."
"Sh—crap."
"I heard that." Jeff interceded.
They could both hear John sigh. "Brains, any ideas?"
"Thinking John."
"Could you guys think a little faster please?" Virgil swallowed back the bile in his throat.
"Sorry Virg. OK, let's forget the bomb for a minute and get back to the other wires. Cut the black one."
"You sure?"
"I'm sure. Cut it."
Virgil didn't hesitate and cleanly snapped the wire in two. "John! It's moving! The damn box is moving!" Virgil back-pedaled as fast as he could, colliding into his father.
"VIRGIL!" John shouted. "Relax! You merely cut the magnetic couplings. See if it comes off."
Virgil took a shuddering breath as he and his father stared at the box. "Nothing's happening Johnny."
"Wait. Look." Jeff pointed towards the box. It seemed to have moved. Virgil tapped it gently with his finger and it floated off Thunderbird 5 and hovered near them.
"OK John, it's off. Now what do I do with it?" Virgil asked.
"Let it go."
"J-J-John, you can't do that. What if it connects s-s-somewhere else?" Brains said.
"So? As long as it's away from my…from Thunderbird 5 I don't really give a damn. Let some one else deal with it." John's tone was icy cold.
"John, that's enough. Virgil, put it in here." Jeff held a small canister in his hands. Virgil carefully placed the box inside. "We're headed back in John. Talk to you then."
"FAB Dad." John cut his connection.
"Come on Virgil, we're done here." Together Jeff and Virgil made their way to the airlock. Once inside, they waited a moment for the gravity to adjust, then went into the main living area of the station
Alan was there waiting for them. "Hey, thought you guys were never coming in." He grinned at his brother, but his smile faded at Virgil's reply.
"Just help me get this helmet off me before I throw up on your feet."
Alan quickly unfastened the helmet and Virgil rushed to the bathroom, not bothering to take off the rest of his uniform. Alan turned and helped his father out of the bulky helmet and spacesuit. He winced at the sounds coming from the bathroom. "I used to think Gordon and Scott were just kidding around about Virg."
Jeff shook his head. "Nope. That's why he never pulls an extended stay up here." He looked over as Virgil, looking decidedly green, came back in. "Everything alright son?"
Virgil smiled thinly. "Just peachy Dad."
"Let's get this to Brains and see what's going on." Jeff led the way to the main control room. Brains was sitting at the computer, typing in commands. "How's it going Brains?"
The scientist didn't look up. "Working on it Mr-Mr-Jeff. John, t-t-try it again." A moment later, the station lit up like a Christmas tree.
"How's that?"
"P-Power is holding John."
There was a pause. "And now?" John's face appeared on the view screen.
"Hello John." Jeff stepped forward.
"Hey Dad. You're in. Virgil done puking yet?"
"Shut up canary boy." Virgil snapped.
John grinned. "Guess that answers that question. Everything looks clear on my end Brains."
"Looks good down here too." Scott replied from Tracy Island.
"We have green a-a-across the boards. Power is stable and h-h-holding." Brains turned to Jeff. "Thunderbird 5 is back in business."
Virgil winced as Alan let out a whoop of excitement. "Don't get too excited there pal, we've still got a bomb on board."
Alan sobered immediately and glanced at the box on the counter. "What do we do with it?"
"We'll take it down to the island and dispose of it." Jeff told him. "Scott, what kind of power readings are you getting?"
"According to Fermat here, you guys are running at 98.6 percent."
"Not bad…Brains, try adjusting the amps from the life support." John said.
"Working on it n-n-now." Brains punched in a few commands to the computer.
"Thunderbird 5 is online. Welcome back John."
Everyone laughed at John's blush on the vid-screen. "Thanks 5. Brains, run a compete diagnostic. Make sure that thing left no traces of itself."
"Good id-id-thought. It should take thirty-six hours or so to com-com-finish the test." Brains told them.
His stomach churning again, Virgil turned to his father. "Please don't tell me we're staying here until everything is up and running?"
Jeff tore his gaze from the computer to see Virgil's stricken expression. "I was going to, but I can see you're ready to leave. Alan, let's pack up. Brains, you'll be OK for a day or two?"
The scientist nodded. "I'll be fine M-M-M-Jeff."
"Dad?"
Jeff turned. Alan stood, his weight shifting from one foot to the other. "Could I…I mean, I can stay and help."
Jeff tired to keep the surprise out of his voice. "You want to stay?"
Alan nodded. "If Brains doesn't mind." He shrugged. "There's plenty to do. I'm not the programmer Brains, John and Fermat are, but I can do other stuff to help. Please Dad?"
Jeff glanced at Brains who smiled and nodded. "Fine Alan. We'll come get you both in a couple of days."
Alan's face lit up with happiness. "Thanks Dad!"
"It's not all fun and games Alan. I expect you to do whatever Brains asks you too." Jeff said sternly.
"I will Dad."
Jeff smiled. "FAB Alan. Scott, John, we're heading out. Good luck."
"See you in a couple of hours Dad." Scott signed off.
"I'll give Brains a hand from this end. Maybe we can wrap this up sooner than later." John told them.
"Don't hurry on my account! I don't want to have to leave early!" Alan protested.
Virgil rolled his eyes. "You're insane Alan. Certifiably insane." Then he grinned. "Have fun and good luck." He glanced to make sure their father was out of earshot and beckoned his brother closer. "Don't forget to call Tin-Tin later for a good night kiss." He winked.
Alan's face reddened and his hands clenched into fists at his side. "I don't know what you're talking about." He said shortly.
"Sure you don't. See ya Sprout." Virgil ruffled Alan's hair and with a wave to Brains, he and Jeff made their way to Thunderbird 3.
Soon the giant red ship broke away from the space station and headed towards Earth.
They flew in silence, the only noise being the constant whir of the computers. "Virgil? You're pretty quiet. You still feeling sick?" Jeff asked when the silence had gone on too long.
Virgil started. "What? No, I'm OK Dad."
"Want me to drive?"
Virgil sighed, then surprised his father by nodding. "Yeah, take her." He lifted his hands off the controls.
Jeff glanced at his middle son in puzzlement. Virgil had his eyes closed and was pinching the bridge of his nose as if he had a headache. "Virgil?"
"I wish I had a cigarette." He smiled ruefully at his father's stern expression. "Just kidding Dad." He sighed. "What are you going to do about Scott?"
"Virgil, we've been through this. Steve is going—"
"Yeah, yeah, Steve's going to take a look at him. Well, has he?" Jeff avoided his son's glance. Virgil stared at his father. "He hasn't because Scott won't go, right?"
Jeff nodded slowly. "Your brother is insisting that he's fine."
"He's not fine." Virgil stated flatly, folding his arms across his chest.
"Steve told me he changed the locks on the med-cabinet." Jeff said, changing the subject.
"Yes, I did. And he and I are the only ones who have the combination."
Jeff nodded again. "I think that's a good idea."
Virgil looked at his father in surprise. "You do?"
"I think you're right. There is something wrong with Scott. But I don't think it's as bad as you seem to think it is however." Jeff frowned a little. "Back in Sydney, after the incident with the Hood, the doctor told me that the surgery had been tricky. There were alot of bone fragments to put back together. He thought he had managed to repair the damage, but wanted Scott to see a specialist at a later date. When your brother appeared to be having no problems, I guess it just sort of slipped my mind." Jeff sighed. "I just want this whole thing to be over and let us get back to the way we were."
Virgil looked up quickly, hearing the distress in his father's voice. He's suffering too. Why didn't I see that before? "Dad?"
Jeff shook his head. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"This has been hard on all of us Dad. Remember a couple months ago, when you thought we should see a shrink? Maybe…maybe we should."
"I have been." Jeff replied quietly.
Virgil's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Who…When?"
"Over the vid. The same person I wanted us all to see. He still thinks that would be a good idea by the way."
Virgil grew quiet again. "Does he know about…us?"
"Yes."
"Oh." Virgil digested that information for a moment. "Then, you told him what happened? And about John?"
"Yes." Jeff said again. "And I told him about Penny…and your mother."
Virgil gaped openly at his father. If it was one thing they never talked about, it was Lucille Tracy. "Y-You talked about Mom?"
Jeff nodded. "Yes." He didn't seem inclined to say any more so Virgil dropped the subject and they flew the rest of the way home in silence.