Chapter 7
"TIN TIN! WE NEED A STRETCHER! WE NEED A STRETCHER! I'm sending you the co-ordinates now! We are at 3.45 to 5.09 east of the mountain! I repeat! 3.45 to 5.09 EAST of the mountain!"
"You need to speak more clearly into the watch Gordon! I've got your co-ordinates but do you need any other medical equipment? Have you found Scott?"
"He's unconscious, broken leg, god he is cold as ice and John says his heart beats are pretty slow!"
"..."
"TIN TIN!"
"I'm on my way"
15 minutes earlier
A mass of energy had formed inside of everyone almost immediately after a message from Thunderbird 5. Jeff pushed with the balls of his feet firm on the floor to propel his chair from one end of his desk to the other as the urgent call message from the bird in the sky came through from Brains. As unexpected as the call had been Jeff knew instantly that the warning the call gave meant bad news.
"Thunderbird 5 to Base, urgent information"
"Base to Thunderbird 5, Brains what is it?"
"A-a Mr. Tracy, the storm that your experience down there, as soon as you described it, it sounded a bit fi-fish-not right sir. So I did a few scans and played back the formation of the storm and it started in the centre."
"Well we know we are in the centre of the storm but storms move, it was bound to go over us"
"No I mean Mr. Tracy it f-f-formed above the island, sir, directly in the centre not a centimetre out and I've checked the strength of the storm and one like that could not form over a land mass."
"Brains are you suggesting the storm is man-made?"
"Most certainly Mr. Tracy"
Jeff paused for a moment trying to digest the information through the winds and twists of the incredible muscle that made its home in his skull. He could not make any logical or geographical sense for the storm or any reason for it threatening the safety of his beloved sons.
"Brains I want you to find out all you can about the storm, when it started to form, how fast it took to grow, scan the island look for a possible source and find out how long it is going to last for."
"Y-ye-sure thing Mr. Tracy!"
As Jeff was about to rise and make his way across the clean open space of his office Tin Tin appeared in the door way simultaneously as a call from Thunderbird 3 came through.
"You get your coffee Mr. Tracy, I'll take Virgil's call."
"Thank you Tin Tin"
Tin Tin walked at a calm pace towards Jeff's desk and perched gently on the edge of the seat and with a flick of her satin black hair she pressed the button to accept Virgil's call.
"Tin Tin! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!"
"Hello Virgy! How are you doing? Is she holding up with the storm?"
"She's doing well, a bit shaky but that's expected! I'm a bit shaky as well, I'm so tired. Where is everyone? I tried to call Scott's communicator to tell him the good news but I got no reply, I assumed he might have left it in his room or something!"
"It's a bit complicated, I'll explain everything as soon as you land and debrief, I would ask for your eta but I can see you just off the coast line so I'm guessing another three minutes plus locking in time I guess I'll see you in an eta of 9 minutes?"
"Very well deducted Tin Tin as per-usual. See you soon!"
"Bye Virg."
Jeff returned with a cup of coffee in one hand whilst the other rubbed is eye lids to massage the sore eyeballs that lied underneath. Tin Tin had ignored her worried thoughts over Jeff however felt it necessary now to verbalise her concerns for his health and well being for after all he is as much of an important part of her life as all of her Tracy brothers.
"Mr. Tracy I don't mean to be rude or intrusive but are you well? I've noticed recently that you have had a lot less energy and the results are starting to show greatly, you look like you are ready to give over sir."
Jeff although unwilling to admit it, knew that he had not been feeling himself for a few weeks mainly due to the general stress and weight of running the world's most relied upon rescue team and now one of his team and beloved sons is nowhere to found in a merciless storm and he was terrified.
"Thank you for your concern Tin Tin but I am perfectly well, it's just been a long day. Now I would like you to stay in the infirmary just in case we get a call, they should find him soon. I hope."
With that he gave her a small smile of which she returned and left without hesitating as she did not want to go in to territory that was not open to her. Jeff sat as he saw the gleaming red rocket fly close past his office window. Then it struck Jeff that TB3 was so close to the villa that it could have done some damage!
"Base to Thunderbird 3, Virgil why are you flying so close to the villa? You could have taken the whole office apart with your right wing!"
"Sorry dad, the wind is making it impossible to co-ordinate. Could you give me a hand?"
"Alright I'm opening the hatch wide and setting the landing dock to flat so you don't have to worry about locking her in for now, we can do that all later; land her quick and safely and make your way to my office with no delay we have another mission underway and I need you ASAP"
"Wow you are gone for three days and everything happens! F.A.B dad"
8 minutes
John programmed his eyes to dart around constantly to make sure he did not miss a glimpse of his older brother; he tuned his pupils to search for the light blue of his top, the white of his shorts and the paleness of his skin. The force of the greedy air that swirled and pulled at John's form almost relieved him of his IR cap which now was given shelter from the rain in John's trouser pocket. His nerves had been racing ever since he glanced down to his watch to see that they had been searching for twenty five minutes and had come across no sign of the stubborn substance of flesh and muscle he called his older sibling. He came to a deep valley and was unsure how to cross it with no visible signs of way to move forward; he turned to his right and followed the edge of the dark valley for a few metres before finding an old tie rope bridge. John's stomach churned and tightened as he laid his right foot on the first slat of the flimsy crossing, he decided speed was the key and caution would add to his safety; with a final draw of breath that filled his lungs and made them sore from the bitter air he launched himself across the bridge.
Alan had fallen over several times, the back of his IR uniform ruined with swirls of mud reached from his ankles to his higher waist. It was more of an understatement that Alan was fed up with his boots giving way underneath him however he knew it couldn't be helped in the terrain. Thinking of Scott only distracted from his surroundings as he remembered the times when he was a child and Scott would always be the one to run with him through the fields of their old family home and he never failed to protect and make him feel better. These thoughts although wonderful to remember haunted Alan like a shadow shrouding his vision as his concentration slipped. He shook away the thoughts with a toss of his head and continued to mind his footing.
The jungle had almost become suspended in time; no seconds seemed to pass yet the jungle moved with such speed that you could miss it all within a blink of an eye. The cutting winds stretched the jungles plant life sideways and thunder shook the ground so violently that stones would give way and branches would fall. Lighting lit the sky tauntingly, which grew threateningly darker.
Alan's heart beat increased as his watch started to beep loudly next to his ear as he brushed back his dripping hair that had clumped itself together, entangled on his forehead. He looked around to his right to see if he could visually see any of his brothers. At first it was easy to see Gordon's flames through the less dense leaves and branches, but as they proceeded deeper into the jungle, the trees and foliage became thicker and he lost sight of his brothers red locks. He almost forgot to answer the call from the machine as he became lost in thought. He pressed down on the button with the short tips of his nail as to not let his finger slip from the drenching liquid.
"Alan here! Over!"
"John to Alan, how are you doing sprout? Can you see any sign of him at all?"
"There's not much to see John! I'm surrounded by trees, leaves, dirt and the sky, I can't see any sign of him! And if I'm honest I'm getting pretty frustrated with not being able to find him!"
"I hear ya Alan, but try and keep a cool head, nothing worse than getting all worked up on a mission that needs all your concentration"
"I know John, it's just hard when I've got so many other things on my mind! I mean I'm so worried about Scott, he could be dead for all we know! I don't think Tin Tin really likes me, it feels like she is playing with me a bit and I'm worried about Grandma, she's getting old! And where the hell is Gordon? I haven't heard his demonic calls for the last twenty minutes! Great he is probably dead to! And...!"
"ALAN! Calm down you will work yourself up into a stupor if you carry on like that! Scott will be fine, he just needs a helping hand to find his way back; as for Tin Tin I think we need to have a serious chat about what is going on between you two and Grandma isn't going anywhere, that woman is immortal! And Gordon...I have no idea, give him a call and don't work yourself up sprout."
"Okay, Thanks John"
John felt for his little brother, although Alan wasn't drastically younger than him, he knew that being twenty one is a testing time, it's the time when you are given the freedom that tests your beliefs, morals and strength, mentally and physically. That sort of constant testing and strain is John's excuse for Alan still behaving slightly like a twelve year old half the time, because being a grown up is the hardest job in the world let alone having the weight of the worlds safety on your shoulders as well.
Gordon ignored the two calls from Alan as he stumbled through a tight opening between two trees blocked densely with sodden leaves. He was trying desperately to remember the last thing he said to Scott but he couldn't for the life him recall his last words to his elder brother. He raked his brains, digging and back tracking; trying to trigger something that would let the memory flow back for him to absorb and soak in. But nothing. Alan was persisting with the calls, three then four. He stopped momentarily and bent his left knee and then his right to alternate hands to remove the clumping leaves from his boots. He continued walking. Gordon was desperate and anxious, he needed to find Scott if it killed him. Scott was the only one who knew his secret and the only one he trusted with it. Scott understood him, he saw past the pranks, jokes and cheeky grin and saw right through his little game. Scott knew his dirty little secret and he needed him as his strength to keep it that way himself. He brought his hand to his face and with backs of them he wiped away roughly, the rolling tears that pathed their way to his jaw bone and accepted the fifth call from Alan.
"Alan to Gordon! Are you alive?"
"Gordon to Allie! Yeah I'm fine squirt, I couldn't hear my watch over the wind, found him yet? Please to god tell me you have!"
"Sorry Gordon, I've not come across him and neither has John!"
"DAMN IT!"
"Gordon! Are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm fine Allie, just move faster okay! We have been searching for too long now we need to find him and get him back soon, he might catch something!"
"F.A.B Gordon..be careful"
"You too Allie, you too"
3 minutes
As Virgil moved sideways though the office door he was welcomed by the warm embrace of Tin Tin's small frame, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her slightly off the floor to swing her lightly side to side. Out of all the Tracy brothers, Tin Tin favoured Virgil because he always treated her like his little sister. Although the other boys also treated her this way, Virgil was more playful with her and would play fight with her without being as violent as Gordon or as careful as John. Before Tin Tin started a conversation with her elder 'brother' she wanted to have his full attention, so she flicked her hair from one shoulder to the other; he may be the most brotherly Tracy she was close to but that would not stop her flirting with him.
"So did Mr. Tracy tell you about Scott?"
"Yeah he told me all about it, I can't believe Scott would get himself in to a situation like that, he is normally so careful and level headed. But it isn't his fault really, that storm isn't natural and no one could have predicted it coming. But how have you been holding up these last few days?"
"I know it is terrible, I've been fine I guess, nothing really much has been happening, I mean the heat had been rising for the last three days and now this! Well at least ill have a right hand man to help me out if the boys need any back up!"
"Of course! I'm just going to freshen up and ill meet you down in the infirmary in a minute or two, we need to talk through our plan of action"
Tin Tin saluted "Aye Aye sir!"
Virgil laughed and jokingly nudged her off her balance so she stumbled slightly as he left the room. Tin Tin followed him out a few moments later and made her way down to the infirmary when she got the call.
"TIN TIN! WE NEED A STRETCHER! WE NEED A STRETCHER! I'm sending you the co-ordinates now! We are at 3.45 to 5.09 east of the mountain! I repeat! 3.45 to 5.09 EAST of the mountain!"
"You need to speak more clearly into the watch Gordon! I've got your co-ordinates but do you need any other medical equipment? Have you found Scott?"
"He's unconscious, broken leg, god he is cold as ice and John says his heart beats are pretty slow!"
"..."
"TIN TIN!"
"I'm on my way"
Tin Tin ran down the stairs, through the hall ways her satin hair following close behind her, she punched the code in for the infirmary door as her adrenaline rush increased. As soon as the doors were open she informed Virgil.
"Tin Tin to Virgil! They've found him! Come down to the infirmary now and help me with the equipment!"
"On my right now Tin Tin"
Tin Tin strapped a rucksack full of medication, splints and other medical equipment to her back along with a belt bag that had some medical tools in them. She stuffed four thermal blankets into another rucksack as she informed Jeff.
"Tin Tin to Mr. Tracy, they have found him! Their co-ordinates are 3.45 to 5.09 east of the mountain; I'm just in the infirmary with Virgil we should be with them in the next ten minutes."
"Thank you Tin Tin, be careful, I've set up the route so I should be able to track you all the way. Good Luck!"
Moments before the call
Gordon came to the valley that John had crossed moments before, he saw no way of crossing and gave way to a shout that rumbled from the pit of his stomach. He looked all around him, pacing backwards and forwards along the valley egde thinking of away across or around it.
"Gordon to John, have you come across a valley at all?"
"Yeah I crossed it a couple of minutes ago, I found a rope bridge! If you can't see a way across then walk along the valley until you come across it, you shouldn't be more than 25 metres away from it tops!"
"Alright, Thanks John."
Gordon's aggravation grew due to the delay in him being able to move forward, he kicked and stomped on the swollen earth and didn't really care about the state of his IR uniform because it was ruined from the rain already. As his temper grew he noticed out of the corner of his eye a rock poking out of the diluted mud and jungle floor. He made a point for himself; he would take out all his anger, all his frustration and anxiety on this rock. No matter how much it hurt. He stepped back slightly and with a small run up, with all his force focused into his right foot he kicked the rock and sent it tumbling down into the valley along with the surrounding area of jungle floor of which he was standing on. Gordon's feet followed the rocks decent but stopped as his bottom cushioned his fall and stopped him from causing himself further injury if he had fallen. He heaved himself up, his hands sinking deep into the mud and as he removed them he felt the suction of the earth trying to pull him in. He wiped his hands of the dirty residue on the front of his trousers, when he stopped suddenly. His mouth went dry, his pupils widened as he lifted his head slowly, his body frozen stiff by the sight of his elder brother crumpled in a heap at the bottom of valley.
"John, JOHN! I've found him! Come back to the valley, he is at the bottom! I'm going down!"
Gordon stepped down into the hole he had made by kicking the rock and dug his heel into the side of the valley and let himself fall. He slid down, his foot clearing the path of branches and leaves and he steadied himself with his hands; he got to his feet quickly but lost his footing as he fumbled towards the edge of the roaring stream that had widened over the course of the storm, covering the bottom half of Scott's leg. Gordon found himself weak at the disturbing sight of his brothers leg bent in the wrong direction. He stumbled through the stream, his breath quick and sharp as he launched himself to Scott's side.
"Scotty! Scott! Open your eyes! Come on Scott! SCOTT!"
"Gordon?"
He lifted his head at the sound of his name to see the platinum blonde standing far up above him, looking down in horror at his chocolate brown haired sibling, mis-shaped and pale. Just as John was about to shout down once more, Alan emerged through the trees some 15 metres away.
"Alan get down into the valley, Scott's over here!"
Alan stood for a moment planning his route down but both boys used a similar technique to Gordon however Alan ended up rolling down, half way. As soon as John regained his balance he made his way fast over to Scott, he put his hand on his brother's arm and flinched at the lowness of its temperature; John pressed his fingers into Scott's neck, feeling for a pulse. His stomach flipped and skin crawled when he didn't feel the beats of his brother's heart at first, but after repositioning his fingers he found the precious rhythm of the organ that proved Scott was still alive, barely.
Gordon then made the call.
"TIN TIN! WE NEED A STRETCHER! WE NEED A STRETCHER! I'm sending you the co-ordinates now! We are at 3.45 to 5.09 east of the mountain! I repeat! 3.45 to 5.09 EAST of the mountain!"
"You need to speak more clearly into the watch Gordon! I've got your co-ordinates but do you need any other medical equipment? Have you found Scott?"
"He's unconscious, broken leg, god he is cold as ice and John says his heart beats are pretty slow!"
"..."
"TIN TIN!"
"I'm on my way"
While Gordon made the call, Alan approached cautiously around Gordon's side and gently lifted Scott's right leg out of the water and placed it in a relaxed bent position so it was no longer being chilled by the freezing liquid. The boys got to work at making the unconscious Scott as comfortable as possible. John washing out a dirt filled cut at the top of Scott's left arm, Alan removed his own IR jacket and placed it over Scott's chest, while Gordon knelt down holding Scott's right hand, trying to coax him out of the darkness to which he had so graciously received.
"Come on Scott, please be strong, we are going to save you"
Not a long wait for this one! With some strong/threatening encouragment from queenb48, it drove me to write most of this in the last 5 hours! Please enjoy and review! Thank you to all my previous reviewers its wonderful to know you are enjoying it! There are a few things in this chapter that i am going to pick out and do a few short stories on in the future! But once again thank you! The next (last) chapter will be very soon... - LeahMB95