Sorry for the long wait, but now that the hubby is back, things should move faster. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read and/or review. Enjoy!
As usual, I don't own the Thunderbirds or it's characters, just the ones I made up.
The blaring of the alarm klaxon woke Virgil from a sound sleep. Rolling off the bed, he quickly pulled on a pair of shorts and a shirt, and bolted out the door.
He ran into both Alan and Gordon out in the hallway. "Whatssup?" Alan asked sleepily.
Gordon shook his head. "Beats me, let's go." They ran down the steps to the office. Fermat had beaten them there, and had already transformed it into the Command Control Center. Steve joined them a few moments later, followed quickly by the Belagant family.
"What do we have, Fermat?" Virgil asked.
The young man looked up from the computer. "D-Dad received a call from a cruise ship. They're caught in a s-s-s-hurricane off of Cape C-Cod."
Brains's image appeared on the screen. The scientist/engineer was currently doing a rotation on board Thunderbird Five. "There's a s-small ship caught in the hurricane. The captain reported that th-they are taking on w-w-w-H2O."
Virgil frowned. "Where's the Coast Guard?"
"Due to the intensity of the s-storm, they are unable to r-r-respond. Most of the ships are still d-d-docked in Fall River." Brains paused. "Are we g-g-going?"
Virgil sighed. "I don't see how we can."
Alan looked up. "What if we call Scott and John?" He asked quietly.
Gordon's head snapped up, but he didn't say a word, just watched his older brother intently.
Virgil shook his head. "There's no way Scott could fly, not with that shoulder. And as for John..." His voice trailed off.
"They're w-w-waiting for our answer, Virgil." Brains interjected.
Virgil looked up to see everyone staring at him. "Why is everyone looking at me?" He snapped.
Gordon folded his hands across his chest. "Why? Because, Virgil, you're the one in charge." There was a touch of anger in his voice.
Virgil turned away, muttering something under his breath. He fisted a hand in his hair and sighed. "And how do you propose we do this?" He asked without turning around.
"I-I-I'll stay and man base." Fermat said instantly.
"And I'll help." Tin-Tin added.
Alan nodded. "That leaves you, me, Gordon and Steve. We can do it."
Virgil turned back, his expression unreadable. "Brains, how many on the ship?"
"The c-c-captain reports 63 p-passengers and 12 crew."
Virgil clenched his eyes shut. "Tell them we're coming. And get Scott on the phone, let him know what's going on." He opened his eyes and smiled grimly. "Thunderbirds are go."
Scott stood in front of the big bay window, watching the storm. The rain was so thick, he could barely make out the park across the street, even with the frequent lightning illuminating everything. Haven't watched a storm like this in a long time. Another flash, only this one was accompanied by a thunderclap that shook the house. I'm surprised John is still upstairs. This is a doozy.
As if on cue, Scott heard the pounding of his brother flying down the stairs. John burst into the living room, just as the lightning flashed again, this time sending the house into darkness. The loud crash that followed it made the windows rattle.
"S-S-Scott?" John called out, his voice catching in his throat.
"Easy bro, it's just the power. Bet that last strike took out a transformer. Even the streetlights are out. We'll just get the generator started." Scott replied easily.
"G-Generator...right." John took a deep breath. Again, thunder boomed and John moved instinctively closer to Scott. "God, I'm a wuss." He muttered to himself.
Scott laughed. "That you are, brother mine!" Scott draped an arm around John's shoulders. "But I'm here to protect you."
"Great, thanks."
Scott laughed again. "You'll be fine. C'mon, let's get to that generator."
"DUM-DEE-DEE-DUM."
Scott's hand went instantly to his pocket and he pulled out his phone. There was only one reason why it would ring that particular tune. "Op One here, what's the situation?"
John hid a smile. Scott was sounding more like their father everyday. His smile faded as he saw Scott frown.
"No way. Virgil, you cannot respond to this." Scott said firmly. He shook his head. "I said no...Virgil, wait!...Virgil!! Dammit!" Scowling, Scott closed his phone.
"What's wrong?" John asked.
Scott glanced up at John. "Cruise ship in trouble off of Cape Cod. They're going."
"Who's going?" John frowned. Then his head snapped up. "No! They can't do it themselves! Look at it out there!"
Scott nodded. "I think we'd better let Dad know what's going on, and get in on this action ourselves."
John followed Scott out of the room, as thunder once again crashed overhead. I'm not afraid, I just want to see what's going on. He flinched as the wind lashed rain against the windows. Yeah, right... "Scott! Wait!"
Scott paused a moment, letting his brother catch up. "Let's get the generator going first." He paused to grab a flashlight from the kitchen, then started down the cellar stairs, John at his heels.
He grinned as John flinched from another thunderclap. "You know, you could just move down here. So the big, bad, thunderstorms can't find you." He teased.
John glared. "Bite me." The he grinned. "Wonder if the mouse traps I put down here have caught anything yet..." He mused.
Scott froze. "What mouse traps?"
John patted Scott's good shoulder. "Don't worry, big guy. I've got your back."
"Very funny." They both stopped in front of the generator.
"You hold the light, I'll get her started." John knelt down and flipped a few switches, then he pulled the choke. Nothing happened. He pulled it again. It started, then stalled. John muttered a few choice words under his breath, then pulled again. This time the engine caught. A moment later, the lights flickered. They died, then came on full, making them both blink in the sudden brightness. "That takes care of that." John said, brushing the dirt off his hands onto his pants.
Scott nodded thoughtfully. "Let's call Virg." He and John walked over to a dark corner of the cellar.
"I'll do it. I changed the pass-codes." John pushed what looked like a knot in the wood, and a hand scanner popped out. He pressed his hand to it.
"Fingerprints confirmed. Voice identification required."
John sighed. "To infinity, and beyond." He avoided looking at his older brother.
"Voice identification recognized. Welcome, John."
A cleverly concealed door opened in the wall, and John and Scott stepped inside. The room was a much smaller version of the Command-Control center on Tracy Island. A highly sophisticated computer sat on a desk, and one wall was nothing more than a giant screen. John nudged Scott forward. "I'm not running that thing. Not in this storm."
"Wimp." Scott sat down, then gave his brother a wry look. "To infinity, and beyond?"
"Shut up Scott."
Laughing, Scott turned to the computer and one handed, punched in a few commands. "Brownstone One to Thunderbird Two." The screen lit up and Virgil's face appeared.
"This is Thunderbird Two."
"What's your ETA?" Scott asked. Behind him, John groaned.
"Roughly 48 minutes."
"Who's with you?" Scott demanded.
"Myself, Op Four, Mac, and...Op A."
"Op A?" John mouthed.
Scott bit back a chuckle. "Confirmed, Thunderbird Two. Please stand-by." He turned to John. "There's no way they can pull this off alone. The winds alone will be a challenge, let alone pulling seventy people from a sinking ship."
"What are you saying, Scott?" John asked carefully.
Scott took a deep breath. "We have to go, John."
"No." John shook his head. "No, I can't. Scott, I can't!" He turned away, pacing the length of the short room.
Scott didn't say a word, just watched. Finally, John ran a hand through his hair, fisting it at the back of his neck. "I'm afraid, Scott." He said quietly.
Now Scott got up and walked over to his brother. "John, we're all afraid." John looked up, his face pale. "But you're not alone, John. You'll never be alone." Scott's grey eyes bored into John's blue ones. "I promise."
John swallowed thickly and taking a deep breath, nodded. Scott smiled. "Good man." He turned back to the computer. "Op Two, you'll be making an unscheduled stop to pick us up."
Virgil shook his head. "Negative, Op One. You are not cleared for duty."
"Do I have to get the big guy in on this?" Scott asked archly.
There was a short pause. "And just where am I supposed to pick you up?" Virgil retorted hotly. "Never mind, I know just the place. I'll have Base send you the coordinates. Just don't be late. Thunderbird Two, out." Virgil's face disappeared from the screen.
John looked over at Scott. "I don't like the sound of that..."
"Me either." Scott sighed. "Better let Dad know what's going on."
"I already know."
Both men jumped as their father's image appeared on the screen. "Um...Hi Commander." Scott smiled warily.
Jeff frowned. "And just what do you two think you're doing?"
"Going on the mission, sir." Scott replied instantly. He sighed and glanced over at the monitors, assuring himself that the transmission was secure. "Look, Dad, you know they can't do this alone. It's going to take two of them to hold Two steady in these winds, then another two if not three to get the victims off the ship. We have to go."
Jeff shifted his gaze to his second son. "John, what do you have to say?"
John took a deep breath. "I agree with Scott. They need the help." He said quietly.
"I see." Jeff leaned closer to the screen. "Scott, under no condition are you to participate physically in this rescue. Man Mobile Control, issue orders, count the rain drops, anything but hands on. Is that understood?" Jeff's voice was hard as steel.
Scott nodded. "Yes, sir."
"As for you, John...just be careful, all right?"
John also nodded. "I will, Dad."
"Then move out. And keep me informed."
"FAB." Both answered together, as they watched Jeff's face fade from the screen.
Scott turned to his brother. "Well, that went better than I expected." He frowned at John. "You ready for this?"
"Like I have any choice." John sighed. "Let's go, before I lose my nerve."
"I can't believe this is where he chose to land." John took a step back as lightning flashed. "He so much as bends even one blade of grass, and I'll kill him."
Scott chuckled as he peered out across the field. "Told you holding stock in the Red Sox would be worth it."
"Right. You knew that one day, we'd have to land Thunderbird 2 in the middle of Fenway Park." John muttered sarcastically. He moved farther back into the dugout as another thunderclap roared around them. "Dammit, where is he?"
Scott laughed again, then looked up as the familiar sound of Thunderbird Two's engines were heard over the storm. They both shielded their eyes as the giant ship slowly lowered to the ground. Before the ramp had fully opened, John and Scott were running through the rain, trying to get aboard.
Once inside, John hit the controls to close up the ramp and was shaking the water from his hair when Alan walked in. "Hey Scott!" He paused. "H-Hi John..."
John looked up and smiled. Alan had shot up inches since he'd seen him last. Alan stood watching his older brother warily, making John cringe inside. "Hi there, Sprout." He called out softly.
Alan smiled tentatively. "You...you look good."
"Thanks."
Scott stepped forward. "What's our ETA to the accident zone?"
Alan rolled his eyes, and John chuckled. "Some things never change." He said, winking at Alan.
Alan laughed, then turned to face a frowning Scott. "Virg says about 10 minutes. Depends on the winds."
"I'd better go up and see him." Scott started forward then turned. "John?"
John looked up. "I'm going to get changed, I'll be there in a few." Scott nodded and disappeared. John made his way to the locker room, and pulled his jumpsuit out of a closet. Pulling it on, he noticed Alan in the doorway. "Something bothering you Sprout?"
Alan shrugged. "Not really." He fumbled in his pocket for something. "Here, Tin-Tin wanted me to give this to you." He handed John a crumpled envelope.
"What's this?"
"I can guess." Alan said cryptically. "I'll see you on the bridge." Alan turned to leave, then spun back and threw himself into his brother's arms. "I'm glad you're back." He whispered hoarsely, then rushed from the room.
John watched him go, an expression of stunned surprise on his face. Then, shaking his head, he sat down on the bench and opened his envelope. A silver chain fell into his hands. Attached to the chain was a small oval stone. The stone was a milky color, swirls of white and grey making it opaque. Puzzled, he pulled out the note.
Dear John,
Please take this and wear it. It is a moonstone. It is said to be able to help the wearer achieve inner balance and promote new beginnings. It is a stone of protection and emotion, both earthly and lunar. My father says it will keep you safe.
Tin-Tin
John turned the stone over in his hand, looking at it. Sighing, he placed the chain around his neck and closed his eyes. He didn't know whether it was psychological or not, but he felt peace settle over him. Smiling, he opened his eyes and made his way to the bridge.
"I don't care what Dad said! He's not here! This is my command!" Virgil's voice carried across the room.
John took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge. Gordon sat in the pilot's seat, Alan was at navigation, Steve sat in the passenger jump-seat, and Virgil was standing toe to toe with Scott, his face red with anger. "Hey there." John said cautiously.
Five heads snapped up. Steve nodded his head and smiled softly. Alan sent John a grin and a wink. Gordon merely frowned and turned back to the controls. John sighed and turned towards his middle brother. "Virgil, what's going on?"
Virgil ran a hand through his usually perfect hair. "John, how are you?"
John took a few steps closer. "I'm fine. You?"
"Just peachy." Vigil sighed. "Look, I know you two want to help, but frankly..."
"We're a liability." A tiny part of John felt happy at seeing Gordon wince, but he went on. "Virgil, I don't blame you for thinking that way but you have to know that we can't do this alone. You need our help."
"Your help? Dammit, John! What are you going to do to help?!" Virgil exploded, his temper finally getting the best of him. "Scott, you can't do a thing with that shoulder, and John, what's to say you're not going to freak out on us again?!"
John went pale and clenched his jaw against a retort. Scott gave Vigil a light shove. "Watch it. That was uncalled for." Scott growled.
"Oh please, deny that you're thinking the same thing!" Vigil snapped back.
"Umm guys, I hate to interrupt, but we're just about at the accident zone." Gordon spoke for the first time.
Virgil marched over to the console and looked at the screen a few moments. Then he straightened and turned to his brothers. "Scott, you will sit here in the navigation seat and watch. You will not take an active part in this mission, is that clear?" Virgil's tone booked no argument.
Scott narrowed his eyes at his brother's tone, but nodded. "FAB."
Virgil turned to John. "You, pilot her. Nothing fancy. You know the computers will compensate for just about anything. Just keep her in line." John merely nodded. Virgil shifted his gaze to the others. "Steve, head down to the pod bay. Get ready for the victims. We're going to have to load them there until we reach the mainland. Alan, Gordon, let's see if the Rescue Platform will hold in this weather. If not, we need to come up with a better plan. Let's move." Without another word, Virgil spun on his heel and was out the door. Steve followed close behind.
Gordon got up and let John take the controls without speaking to him. Scott rolled his eyes and sighed.
"You know what his problem is?"
The three of them turned to look at Alan. "Who's problem?" Scott asked.
"Virgil. He needs to get laid." Alan spoke matter of factly. He stared at his brother's stunned expressions. "What? It certainly improved John's disposition." Alan then vanished out the door, leaving his older brothers to stare after him.
"I think we need to keep a closer watch on him and Tin-Tin. Later." With a wave, Gordon followed Alan out the door.
Scott sighed as he sat down at the navigations console. "Man, now I know how Dad feels."
"You? That was me he back-hand complimented." John took his seat and ran his hands over the controls. He flinched as a lightning bolt flashed in the distance. "Storm is moving in again. We'll be lucky to get through this before it really gets close."
Scott noticed the tremor in John's voice, but saw his hands remained steady at the controls. Scott smiled with pride. We've made it. Whatever happens here can't be any worse than what we've already been through. He glanced over at his brother again. This is just what John needs. A chance to do some hands on again. It's good to have him back.
Virgil and Gordon peered down the hatch-way at the swirling maelstrom below. Gordon shook his head. "There's no way we're going to be able to use the Rescue Platform! The winds are just too bad!" He shouted over the wind.
Virgil nodded. "I agree! But the alternative..." He keyed the hatch closed.
"We've got no choice, Gus. We have to use the harnesses."
Virgil closed his eyes a moment, then nodded again. "Go get suited up. You and Alan. I'll stay and keep an eye on the controls. Alan hasn't trained on them yet."
"FAB." Gordon hurried over to the supply locker, grabbing Alan's arm on the way. He quickly outlined the plan to his younger brother.
Alan had already dressed himself in his turquoise edged jumpsuit. "So, what other equipment do we need?" He asked.
Gordon smiled proudly. He's one of us. "Helmets of course, and this." He rummaged in the locker and handed Alan a small packet. "Open it and put it on."
Alan looked dubiously at the packet in his hand. Shaking his head, he pulled on the string. Instantly, the packet transformed into a silver vest. "What is this thing?"
"Believe it or not, a life vest. If you end up in the drink, pull this..." Gordon indicated a small flap on his own vest. "The whole thing inflates. I helped Brains test it, so I can guarantee it works."
Alan put the vest over his uniform and tied the straps. The vest fit snuggly, but not too tight and there were no loose edges to catch on anything. "If you say so..."
"Trust me."
"Yeah, like that makes me feel any better." Alan muttered as they walked back to where Virgil was standing.
"FAB, Scott, I'll let them know." Virgil looked up as they walked over. He waved to Steve and then spoke. "Scott's been in touch with the ship's captain. The ship is taking on water, not at an alarming rate, but enough so that the pumps can't keep up. There's no way we can tow the ship back to shore before it sinks."
"So, we have to evacuate then." Alan said.
Virgil nodded. "And to add to it, the captain mentioned that one passenger has had a heart attack. He's conscious for the moment, but they did have to de-fib him earlier." He handed Alan and Gordon each a harness. "We'll lower you down from here. I'll send the basket down as soon as you two hit the deck."
"FAB." Gordon slipped on the harness and clipped the cable to it. He grabbed his helmet, then sent a glance in Alan's direction. "You OK there, Sprout?"
Alan looked up, his face pale. "Yeah, I'll be fine." He glanced down as Virgil opened the hatch again. "It's not like the training stuff, is it?"
"No, it's not." Gordon placed a hand on his arm. "If you're not up to it, just say so. Virg can go down instead."
Alan shook his head. "No. I can do this." He took a deep breath, then put his helmet on. "Let's move."
A few moments later, Gordon and Alan were repelling out into the storm.
Jeff paced the length of Penny's sitting room and mentally cursed himself for the hundredth time. I never thought we'd need a communications array here. Well, that's going to change. I'm blind and deaf to what's going on! He sighed.
"Jeff?" He looked up as Penny stepped into the room. She was dressed head to toe in pink, as usual. "Darling, relax. They're fine."
Jeff shook his head. "I hate this. I hate not knowing what's happening."
She placed a hand on his arm. "I know."
Jeff smiled and pulled her close. "If I had to be stuck here, I'm glad it's with you."
"Stuck here? I hadn't realized being with me was such a hardship." Penny teased.
"Well, it's no tropical island, but I'll manage." He pulled her lips to hers.
"Ahem. Tea, my Lady?"
They both laughed. "Impeccable timing, as usual, Parker." Penny smiled.
"Thank-you, my Lady." Parker pushed the tea cart towards the couch and poured Penny a cup of tea.
"Mr. Tracy?" Parker called out, holding another cup in his hands.
Jeff shook his head. "No offense, Parker, but if I have to drink another cup of tea...I'd settle for something a little stronger."
Parker smiled. "I know just the thing, sir. Be with you in a moment." He nodded to Penny and hurried from the room.
Jeff paced the room again. "Jeff, you're wearing a hole in the rug."
He stopped in front of the window. "Did I mention how much I hate this?"
"You may have." She placed her cup on the coffee table and walked over, slipping her arm around his waist. "They'll be fine, Jeff. You know they will."
"Scott's with them. And John."
Penny looked up, her eyes wide. "What? Why?"
Jeff shook his head. "There was no other option. Either they went or they refused the mission." He sighed. "Scott will be fine. It's John I'm worried about."
She snuggled closer, and Jeff wrapped his arms around her. "He'll be all right, Jeff. He's strong, and he has all his brothers around him. They won't let anything happen to him. Even Gordon." At Jeff's doubtful glance, she shook her head. "You know as well as I do that no matter how angry Gordon is, he'll keep an eye on John."
"You're right."
"I always am."
"Brat." Jeff said, kissing her lightly. He turned and looked out the window again. I just wish they'd call...
John gritted his teeth as Thunderbird Two rocked against the wind. "Dammit..." He tightened his grip on the controls, thankful for the fact that most of the ship was run by the computer. He just had to keep her steady. Yeah, easier said than done, he thought to himself as a bright flash of lightning stuck close. "Scott! How much longer?"
Scott keyed a switch. "Op One to Op Two. What's your situation?"
"We've got the injured and all the children aboard. It's slow going, we're only able to winch five up at a time. Mac's taking care of the injured in the sick bay. I'm guessing we're about halfway done. Maybe twenty-five or thirty more."
"FAB." Scott turned to John. "We're talking at least another forty-five minutes or so. You holding up OK?"
John nodded. "Call Five, I want the specs on this storm."
"On it. Thunderbird Two calling Thunderbird Five."
"Go ahead, T-T-Two." Brains answered immediately.
"What can you tell us about this storm?"
"It s-s-seems to be moving north-east at r-r-roughly fifteen miles an hour. The c-c-frigid water and an approaching cold f-f-front are weakening it."
"Thank-God for small favors..." John muttered under his breath, as another bolt of lightning flashed in front of him.
Scott bit back a laugh. "Thanks Thunderbird Five."
"FAB."
Scott turned to John. "We're almost done, bro. Shouldn't be too—"
"Alan! Gordon!! What the hell just happened?!"
Scott and John turned as one, to face the com-screen. "Virgil? What's going on down there?" Scott demanded.
"I don't know!! I lost contact with them!" There was an uncharacteristic edge of panic in Virgil's voice.
John stood quickly. "Take her."
Without a moment's hesitation, Scott put his hands on the controls. "Got her. Go."
John bolted out the door and down the steps to the pod bay. It was filled with people, most sitting down huddled under blankets. Steve was no where to be seen, but remembering the heart attack victim, John figured he was in sick bay. One little girl smiled and waved shyly. John waved back. He made his way through the crowd, nodding and offering brief words of support. He paused in front of one of the storage lockers and pulled out a life vest, then went in search of his brother.
Virgil looked up as John approached. "That last bolt managed to short out the com somehow. I can't raise either of them, and the cable's gone slack."
John had already put on a life vest and was pulling on a harness. "Keep trying." He was attaching one of the cables when Virgil grabbed his arm.
"What do you think you're going?" His younger brother demanded.
"Where do you think?" John said, fastening the clip to his vest.
Virgil shook his head. "No. You can't go."
"I have to, Virgil. Scott's got Two. You're med trained, I'm not. I'm the logical one to go."
"That's not the point, John! Look, you've been through alot the past couple of months. I don't think this is the time to be trying to prove something to us."
John's blue eyes flashed fire. "I'm not trying to prove anything."
"Dammit, John! There's a hurricane out there!" Virgil tried another tack.
John met his gaze fearlessly. "And our brothers are out there in it." He put a helmet over his head and without another word, strode over to the hatch. Taking a deep breath, John stepped off the deck into the storm.