Thanks to everyone who's reading and/or reveiwing. Glad you're still enjoying it.

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"He's good, I'll give him that much." Jeff said to Penny as they sat down to dinner.

"Who is?" Penny asked.

"Hood. He made sure that he was in court when they found Transom and Mullion. There's no way to tie him with their deaths."

"They are issuing the autopsy results tomorrow. Cause of death is believed to have been from a massive stroke. Which, as we both know, is nonsense." Penny told him.

'He killed them. And he's going to kill John if we don't find some way to stop him." There was a slight quiver to Jeff's voice.

Penny looked up at him. Jeff was pushing the food around his plate, not eating anything. "Jeff? Darling, he won't get John. He has too many obstacles to get through, not the least being us." She walked over to him and made him look up at her. "John is strong. He'll handle Hood when the time comes, you'll see."

Jeff shook his head. "I don't think so Penny. Scott told me John and Christa broke up, and John came home drunk again, two days later. Actually, he was escorted home by the police after starting a bar fight."

"Oh Jeff, that's awful." She blue eyes narrowed in thought. "I think I may have to visit John and have a little chat with him."

Jeff smiled. "I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that one. But there's a hurricane building over the north Atlantic at the moment. I don't see us flying anywhere for the next week or so, at least until the weather guys get its path figured out."

"So, you'll be staying a bit longer then?" Penny asked casually.

Jeff looked up at the tone of her voice. "I don't have to stay here. I can get a room in London. In fact, that will probably be easier." He started to get up, but Penny placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I didn't say I wanted you to leave." She said quietly.

"Then what do you want Penny?" Jeff asked, his eyes dark.

"You." She replied simply.

"Pen..."

"Jeff, I never stopped loving you. Even when I hated you, I always loved you." She smiled softly. "I miss you Jeff. I miss the boys, the island, the way things used to be. And, now that we have consummated our relationship, I miss that too."

Jeff blushed red and stammered something she couldn't hear. "What was that dear?" She said coyly.

He got to his feet and walked across the room, running one hand through his hair. "I miss you too Pen." He looked over at her. "I was an idiot to walk out of here that night. I was only thinking of myself, something that I've been accused of quite alot lately." He smiled ruefully.

"Hindsight is always perfect." Penny told him.

Jeff chuckled. "You're absolutely right about that." He held out his hand. "C'mon, let's get more comfortable." He frowned at her grin. "Not that comfortable."

"You can't blame a girl for trying." She teased, as she took his hand and together they made their way to the living room. Jeff started a fire in the fireplace, then poured them both a brandy and they settled down on the couch. "Now, tell me more about this hurricane."

Jeff took a sip of his brandy. "It's not actually a hurricane yet. But the potential is there for it to form. Thing is, there's another one building north of it and the patterns indicate it's going to merge with the other. Could cause alot of problems, so I had Brains stay planet side for now, just in case."

"You've worked out a schedule for Thunderbird Five then?"

"I think so. Brains has been training both Alan and Fermat. While neither of them are ready for a solo stint, both boys will be rotating with the person who's stationed at that time. It's probably going to be Scott, since he's grounded for the foreseeable future."

"You don't think John is coming back?"

Jeff shook his head. "No, I don't."

"He'll come around Jeff."

"No Pen, he won't." Jeff leaned forward and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "John was right in a way, I did...sometimes forget about him."

"Jeff, you didn't forget him!"

"Yes I did dammit! I stuck him up on Five and left him there!" Jeff got to his feet and marched over to the fireplace, staring down into the flames. "It was easy actually. He was always so quiet, sometimes I went days without talking to him." He sighed. "After Lucy died, I retreated into my own world. Scott was gone to the Academy, and John was left to pick up the pieces. He took charge and made sure the others got to school, had meals, clean clothes, everything. Hell Penny, I would find him asleep on the kitchen table most nights. Dozed off doing his homework. I never even realized he had dropped out of school to keep up with it all."

Penny frowned. "Dropped out? I thought he graduated a year early?"

Jeff nodded. "He did. After I went to school and talked to his teachers. They agreed to let him work at home, at his own pace." Jeff smiled. "When he came home and told me he had been accepted into MIT...I've never been so proud. Not even two years later when he got into NASA. He's so damn smart Penny..."

"He takes after his father." Penny walked over and took Jeff's hand.

He smiled at her. "Thanks Pen." His eyes took on a faraway look. "I was so scared...no terrified, when his mayday came in. My worst nightmare, one of my sons had been killed. You have no idea how relieved I was to hear his voice when we got in range."

Jeff shuddered. "Hood could have killed him. It's a miracle he did live. Then the bastard tried again. And once again, I failed to save my sons."

"Jeff, you did save them. True, they came out a bit battered, John and Scott especially, but they're fine."

He shook his head. "I should have seen it, Penny. I should have seen that John wasn't ready to go back. But once again, I buried my head in the sand and pretended everything was alright. And look where that got me? I have five sons who are barely speaking to each other, let alone me; a madman who's on the loose, just waiting for a chance to get me or my sons; and last but not least, I screwed up my chance for happiness with you." He started towards the door. "Forget it. I'll just get a room in London."

"Marry me."

Jeff froze and turned. "What?"

"I said, marry me." Penelope walked over to him. "You do still love me, correct?"

"I—I—You—" Jeff stammered.

"It's a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer Jeff."

Jeff finally found his voice, and narrowed his eyes at her. "I thought you couldn't marry me? Your duties would get in the way." He said, his voice holding a touch of anger in it.

She met his gaze fearlessly. "I've had time to reconsider."

"Oh? What if I don't want to marry you anymore?" Jeff asked, a frown on his face.

Instead of answering, Penny merely pressed herself against him, molding her body to his. Her lips sought his, and he let out a soft moan as he crushed her against him. Finally, he pulled back, his brown eyes dark. "Penny..." He said hoarsely.

"Don't say anything Jeff. Unless it's yes." She pulled him back down to her. When they broke apart, Penny smiled coyly. "Well?"

Jeff grinned. "Yes." He swept her up in his arm. "Yes, yes, yes!" He swung her in a circle. "I love you Penelope." He said, kissing her lightly.

Penny's blue eyes were bright with tears. "I love you Jeff." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Now, why don't you take me to bed so we can celebrate this properly?"

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Scott paced the living room, glancing up at the clock for seemingly the hundredth time. Midnight...again. Dammit John, where are you? He sighed and plopped himself down on the couch, rubbing his temples. I've been covering his ass for three days now. Dad's not going to be put off much longer. He had just started to doze off when he heard the front door open.

Scott bolted to his feet. "John? Is that you?"

"Who'd you think it would be? The president?" John's voice sounded slurred.

Scott frowned as his brother walked, staggered is more like it, into the room. John's appearance was disheveled, and his eyes were bright and glassy. The stench of alcohol almost knocked Scott over. "Where have you been?" Scott demanded without preamble.

"That, brother mine, is none of your business." Then John smiled. "But since you asked so nicely, I'll tell you." He half sat, half fell onto the couch. "I found this terrific place down in..." John frowned. "You know, I'm not sure where it is actually...huh...Anyway, we should go, beer's cheap, women are aplenty. We'd have a great time."

Scott shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe this...You've been gone for three days and now you stroll in like it's nothing and you want me to go get drunk with you? Have you lost what's left of your mind?"

John's smile faded. "He told me you'd say that. Forget I asked." He got to his feet and started out the door.

Scott stepped in front of him, effectively blocking the way. "Who told you John? Who have you been talking to?"

"Like you care." The light had gone out of John's eyes and he glared sullenly at his brother. "None of you actually give a damn about me."

Scott rolled his eyes. "Are you going to start that old song and dance again? Grow up John, the universe doesn't revolve around you." He snapped.

"No, you'd much rather it revolved around you!" John shot back.

Scott refused to back down. "This little 'woe is me' crap is getting old John."

"Fuck you Scott." John snarled, trying to push his way past.

Scott stood his ground firmly. "No way. We're finishing this, one way or another."

"Finish what Scott! I think I've made myself perfectly clear! I don't want any of you any more!"

"That's not you talking John."

"Funny, I seem to be the only one standing here."

"Watch your tone. I'm just looking out for you and you know it."

"Bullshit! None of you care, you're just acting like it to make yourselves feel better!" John shouted.

Scott folded his arms across his chest. "Let me guess, now comes the 'we left you up there to die' part right?" He marched forward until he stood toe to toe with his brother. "Before you start that, let me tell you what it is like to be left to die. When my jet was shot down, I was stuck in the middle of a desert, no food, no water, injured. And in the middle of enemy territory so I couldn't even signal for help. It took my squad over two days to find me and by then I was more dead than alive." His steel grey eyes bore into John's blue ones. "You think I wasn't afraid? You think I wanted to get back in that damn plane? We all have fears John, the best of us just get over them."

"And stop with the 'we don't love you crap' too. Because you know that's not true. If it was, we would have left you to die up there." Scott finished.

"He's lying."

John shook his head. "Stop. Just let me think."

"They've all lied to you John. If your father really cared, would he, right now, be in Lady Penelope's arms instead of by your side? He came to see that Scott was tended to, but left you to flounder on your own. Again."

John pressed his hands to his temples. "No...No..."

Scott frowned. "John?"

"They have already found a way to replace you on Thunderbird 5. Alan and Fermat I believe. You are not needed anymore John."

"I...They..." John whirled and headed for the liquor cabinet. Tearing the door open, he pulled out a bottle.

"Whiskey John? Getting drunk again is how you solve your problems?" Scott said, walking over.

"Leave me alone Scott." John growled, turning his back on his brother.

"No John, I won't. You've been left alone long enough." Scott placed his hand on John's shoulder.

"Leave me alone."

"No."

John whirled, his eyes flashing. "You don't get it do you Scott. He doesn't want you."

"He? John what...God no..." Scott paled, taking an involuntary step backwards as John's eyes turned red.

John laughed, an eerie, evil sound. "What's the matter Scott? Not afraid of your brother are you?"

Scott snarled. "I'll never fear my brother. John! Fight him!"

John responded by lashing out with a vicious backhand that sent Scott sprawling to the floor. "What about now, Scott?" John's voice was deeper, more intense and it sent a shudder through Scott. "Are you afraid yet?"

Scott pushed himself to his feet. "John, don't listen to him. You're smarter and stronger than he is!"

John winced, taking a step back and bringing his hands to his head. "Scott..."

"Fight him John!" Scott took hold of his brother's shoulders. "You're not alone John, you never will be!"

"I know, I...Arugh!" He brought his hands up to his head again. When he looked up, his eyes were full of anguish. "Scott please...help me..." He groaned again, dropping to his knees.

Scott knelt next to him. "Always bro, just don't give into him."

"I'm trying...He's...God..." John slumped forward, then sat up again a moment later. His ice blue eyes were once again tinted red. "Nice try Scott. He's mine now, and I don't intend to give him up."

"Bastard, leave him alone. Haven't you done enough?"

John/Hood laughed. "Scott my dear, you haven't seen anything yet." Before Scott could react, John leapt up and had his hands around his brother's throat. "Good bye, brother." He tightened his grip.

Scott desperately tried to pull John's hands off his throat. His vision began to dim. John, please! He thought as hard as he could.

Suddenly, John pulled his hands away, shaking his head. "No! I won't hurt him!" He stumbled to his feet.

"I will."

"NO!"

Scott lay gasping for breath as he watched his brother fighting with himself. "John..." He rasped.

John whirled around at the sound of his brother's voice. "Scott..." He pressed his hands to his temples as blood began dripping from his nose. He looked up at Scott, his eyes haunted. "I can't stop him...Run...RUN!"

Scott scrambled to his feet as a whiskey bottle went soaring past his head. The bottle hit the wall and shattered, sending glass everywhere. "John, stop!" He ducked as another bottle went flying.

"I thought you weren't afraid, Scott." John/Hood laughed menacingly.

Scott turned. "I'm not. You're the one who stoops to cowardly tactics. Taking over someone else's mind and body. Too afraid to risk your own slimy skin?" Scott taunted.

John/Hood frowned angrily. "I'll kill you for that."

"You can try."

John/Hood rushed forward, catching Scott off guard, and landing a solid punch on his chin. Scott reacted instinctively, throwing a punch of his own to send John crashing to the floor.

"S-Scott?"

John's voice came out a whimper and Scott stared at his clenched fist in shock. "John! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" He rushed to his brother's side, missing the infinitesimal shift in his eyes.

John/Hood lashed out with his legs, sending Scott toppling to the coffee table. The table shattered under him, and Scott yelped in pain as his bad shoulder hit the floor. John/Hood picked up a large piece of broken glass, and stood menacingly over his brother. "Time to finish this I think. Imagine your father's pain to discover that his unwanted son has murdered his beloved son." He laughed evilly. "This is even better than I could have expected."

"You won't kill me, and you won't kill my brother." Scott said coldly.

"You keep telling yourself that Scott." He raised the shard above his head. "Good-bye brother dear."

John, I'm sorry. Scott kicked his brother's legs out from under him, causing John to fall in a heap. Before John could recover, Scott bolted to his feet, wincing at the pain in his shoulder and from rolling on the broken glass. He circled around the room, coming to stop behind the couch. "You won't kill us." He said, more forcefully this time.

John/Hood's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps I need to change my tactics then."

"What do you mean?" Scott asked warily.

"You'll see." He picked up the shard of glass he had been holding over Scott. "What a lovely impact John's blood will have on the white furnishings in here. How will you ever get the stains out?" He held the glass so tightly that Scott could see blood start to pool between John's fingers.

"No! John don't! Fight him!" Scott screamed.

For a moment John's eyes cleared, but before he could say anything, the Hood took control again. "He's stronger than I gave him credit for." John/Hood mused.

"You bet your ass he is. He's a Tracy." Scott slowly moved towards John.

"Don't come any closer."

"Stop me."

John/Hood smiled malevolently. "All right." He held the sharp glass against his wrist. "Come any closer, and he dies."

Scott froze instantly. "Let him go...please!"

John/Hood laughed. "The mighty Scott Tracy, begging! How wonderful!"

"Just let him go." Scott pleaded. "Take me instead!"

"Now while this is getting interesting, I feel I've worn out my welcome. Thank you for a lovely time. Good-bye Scott!"

Scott could only watch in horror, as John pressed the glass into his skin.