Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

You all make me very happy :D I've officially hit over a 100 reviews! Yay!

This one is kinda sappy too…

He's Our Savior

Relief filled Virgil as a heartbeat began to signal across the monitor. Looking up at Scott, he could imagine the smile that was also spreading across the brunette's face behind his visor. Virgil sent up a prayer to the angel he knew was always with them - Thank you, Mom.

The middle Tracy quickly worked on stabilizing Alan further. The worst was far from over. Virgil's sole focus was getting Alan stabilized. He didn't want to risk losing him again.

Taking a stethoscope, Virgil began to listen to Alan's lungs and frowned as he realized how stilted Alan's breathing level still was. There were so many tests that he wanted to run if they had been home in the infirmary, but Virgil knew they had to wait until they reached the hospital. All the medic could do for his brother at this very moment was keep him breathing. If he was going to do just that, Virgil knew he was going to need help. Looking up at his oldest brother, he watched Scott battle with his emotions beneath the helmet that protected their identities. Virgil was going to need his big brother's help in keeping their baby brother alive. "Scott, you with me?" he asked as he began to grab the supplies he needed next to help save Alan's life.

Scott stared at Alan, his mind filled with memories of Alan and his childhood flashing before him. Looking up from his youngest brother, he realized Virgil had called his name. "Hmm… sorry. What is it? He isn't crashing again, is he?"

Virgil sighed, understanding the inner turmoil he was sure his big brother was fighting from within and no doubt blaming himself for this in one form or another. That was something he would speak to him about later. Now they needed to keep fighting for Alan. "I need to do tracheal intubation on him. His oxygen level isn't picking up, and if I don't do something fast, we may lose him again."

Scott understood what his brother was telling him. "Tell me what you need me to do."

"I'm going to guide the tube down his throat. I need you to hand me the tube and the bag at my say so, okay?" Virgil instructed as he began to place himself near Alan's head. The kid was showing no sign of gaining consciousness, something that worried the team field medic immensely. "I'll also need you to hold his neck and head securely."

"F.A.B.," Scott said as he began to remove the needed materials from their protective wrapping. Leaning over his baby brother's helpless form, he carefully removed the neck brace. He placed his protective hands around Alan's neck.

Virgil placed his left thumb on Alan's chin and used his right middle finger to open Alan's mouth full. Using a laryngoscope in his left hand, Virgil made sure Alan's airway was clear. Next, he asked Scott for the endotracheal tube. Holding the breathing tube in his right hand, Virgil looked to the monitor checking for any signs of immediate distress from Alan. Seeing no change, he gently and very carefully began to insert the tube and stylet down Alan's throat. Virgil found it challenging to guide the tube down Alan's throat at first. Tracheal damage appeared evident as he continued with the procedure. This fact worried him.

Shaking his thoughts, Virgil focused on the task at hand. "Okay, Scott, I need you to put pressure on his cricoid cartilage." He watched as Scott did as he ordered, thankful that each of them had basic medic training. The process was needed so Alan wouldn't vomit as Virgil eased the tube down his throat and past the vocal cords.

Passing the tube down Alan's throat further, Virgil watched for signs of success. Once passed the vocal cords, he removed the stylet and pushed the tube a few more centimeters passed the cords. Using a syringe, Virgil inflated the endotracheal balloon with air. "Bag," he spoke as Scott handed him the device that would help push air down the tube. Squeezing the bag, he smiled as he saw Alan's chest rise, and fog began to collect inside the container, indicating the tube had been correctly placed.

A small smile of relief crept on Virgil's face as Alan's levels began to pick up a little - the needed oxygen reaching his lungs. However, the moment only lasted for a minute as the next pressing issue arose. Alan was losing a lot of blood from his back wound and fast. Grabbing more bandages, Virgil wasn't sure how they could stem the bleeding without causing more harm. Their best chance at the moment was to put more pressure on the wound until they made it to the hospital.

"Boys, we are in final approach to Mass. General in Boston. John has informed the personnel of our situation. Prepare to land," Jeff informed, his voice coming across their earpieces.

"F.A.B.," both sons responded.

Virgil eyed Alan's monitor satisfied for the moment at his brother's status. It was the best he could honestly do for him at the moment. His hands currently rested on Alan's wound, applying pressure as best he could considering the angle of the injury. The severity of his condition, as well as the lingering question of his back injury, meant shifting the teen wasn't an option. He feared for his baby brother. Alan was pretty out of it inside the dormitory, which made the middle Tracy fear if pain masked Alan's exact injuries. The teen may have moved, not realizing what he was doing.

Turning slightly, Virgil glanced to see Scott attending to Alan's schoolmates. Smiling, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride well up inside him. "You did good, Sprout," he whispered. "You saved a lot of kids today." Blood began to stain his gloves and uniform as he kept the pressure on Alan's wound. Smiling lovingly at his brother, he wished the kid would open his eyes. "But look where it's landed you. We need our living little brother, not a dead hero. Please - just keep fighting Alan. We need you to keep fighting. The family needs you. We won't give up on you, so don't you give up on us."

"Destination has been reached. Let's load up," Jeff spoke.

Virgil sighed, realizing that he wasn't going to be able to leave Alan. "Commander, we may need your assistance in loading," he spoke into his earpiece. His remark earned a glance from Scott toward his direction.

"What's wrong?" Jeff asked, trying to hide the fear in his voice. He knew something was wrong with Alan for Virgil to make that request.

"I've got Alan stable at the moment, but he has sustained a serious cut to his back. Due to the location, I'm finding it hard to bandage and stem the bleeding. If we leave the wound unattended for too long, I'm afraid his condition may worsen," Virgil informed.

Jeff's heart sank at Virgil's words. He was thankful to hear his youngest son was breathing, but Alan was still far from being out of the woods. "Understood," he responded, finding a sudden calm in his voice. "I'll be right there."

Putting the ship on autopilot, Jeff grabbed his helmet and placed it securely on his head. Walking as fast as he could, he reached the infirmary, his legs reaching strides he didn't know his body possessed. Bracing himself, Jeff entered the room and immediately headed toward Virgil and Alan.

Jeff felt his stomach drop as he finally took in the sight of Alan. Alan's skin was deathly pale, and the view of the tube made things seem even worse. His son wasn't able to breathe correctly on his own. Glancing up at the monitor, Jeff read the screen. A little sense of relief filled him as he saw his son was stable for the moment. They needed to get him into the hospital. "Stay with him, and I'll help Scott load the kids," he told his middle son.

"That was my plan," Virgil said as his father walked away. He wasn't leaving Alan until forced.

Jeff greeted Tony and Alex and frowned at the still unconscious Jared. "I'm the Commander of the Thunderbirds. We need to move you back to our platform so we can lower you down to the awaiting nurses and doctors. They want to make sure you're okay. Is that okay?" he spoke gently.

"Yea," the two shaken freshmen spoke.

"Good," Jeff nodded at them. Moving toward Scott, he watched as his oldest checked over Jared one more time and then turned to him. "Any sign of movement?"

"None. The kid has been unconscious the whole time," Scott informed. "It looks as though he has a severe concussion and a clear break on his right arm."

"Alright, let's get him and the other two situated," Jeff said. Standing on the opposite side of Scott, they lifted Jared's board and made their way toward the rescue platform.

Alex slowly made his way toward Virgil, his body now showing signs of ache as the night's events were catching up with him. The boy watched as the IR operative worked on the person he not only considered his savior but was his new personal hero. "Is Alan going to make it?"

Virgil looked up from his task at the boy's quiet question. "He's in good condition right now, and once we get him down to those doctors, I'm sure he'll make a full recovery," Virgil spoke, not fully believing his own words.

Alex smiled slightly. "Good. I want to have the chance to thank him for what he did for my friends and me tonight. He acted like he was a member of your team. Alan never once doubted that we would make it out of that burning building. My life - as well as Tony and Jared's - are in debt to him."

Virgil smiled at the kid's words. "You'll get that chance, kiddo," he said. It took everything the chestnut-haired Tracy had to control his emotions. To see such admiration and sincerity for his baby brother filled Virgil with pride. Sure they were thanked by numerous civilians on each rescue they attempted, but this was different. Alan had left a mark on these kids' lives. He was their hero. Virgil had never been any prouder of his youngest brother than at this very moment. Holding the tears that threatened to fall, Virgil stared intently at Alan's still face. Keep fighting Alan, not only do they want to tell you how much they appreciate you, so do I. You gotta pull through this, Sprout.

-TB-

Gordon had accomplished a lot while he waited anxiously for his family to return to the scene. Patience wasn't his best quality - no secret to anyone who knew the redhead. Instead of letting his thoughts get the best of him, Gordon threw himself into his work. He had already spoken to the Fire Chief and cleared everything on their end. The remaining bit of information that was left to handle wouldn't be answered for another couple of days as investigators surveyed the damage. The fire marshal would find out the cause of the fire, and the point of origin. It didn't take a genius to figure out it started on the top floor of the now useless dormitory. Still, these people needed an exact location to help them determine the source for the deadly inferno.

Gordon's curiosity as to what had indeed started the fire that had left his brother's school in ruins went beyond professional. International Rescue always wanted to know the cause of a disaster to prevent future ones.

Numerous classrooms and offices within the main building had been destroyed along with the dormitory. Wharton Academy would be closed for quite some time. The students would need to find a different location if they wished to finish the school year as soon as possible to allow for no interruptions.

Alan would be disappointed. The kid had been excited for his senior year - not the studies but the activities. Besides the upcoming track season, Alan was looking forward to helping out around campus. After being at the school for several years now, many of the teachers and staff sought Alan for help on numerous projects, something Alan never minded.

It never ceased to amaze Gordon that for such a spontaneous spirit, the kid was very organized. Someone had to be at that school this year. It definitely wouldn't be the school's recognized leader. When it came to the headmaster, it wasn't a secret to many of the students how the staff felt about their bright leader. Especially his secretary, always a good indicator of a boss as he knew from his dad's company.

Alan's drive to be involved in school his last two years had been something the teen thought only Gordon knew. Alan didn't feel the need to boast about it. He'd didn't see the point in it. It was just something he thought was normal. Kids got involved in their schools all the time. However, Gordon wasn't the only one who knew about Alan's new sense of responsibility. Everyone in the family knew. The secretary had found the need to call Jeff one day to inform him of how hard Alan had been working and how grateful they were to the fruits of his efforts. If only the Sprout knew, Gordon thought, smiling at the memory of how that call had made both Dad and Scott beam with pride.

The redheaded Tracy now sat inside Thunderbird 1, waiting for Thunderbird 2 to return. Gordon had welcomed the refuge of the speedy rocket as the Nor'easter still reminded them of its presence with sharp winds and cold rain. He had already taken down Mobile Control and secured it within Thunderbird 1's small hold. After checking the sleek machine's system for any errors, Thunderbird 1 was ready for take-off as soon as her pilot returned. Gordon chuckled at the thought of Scott thinking he was messing with his precious 'bird.

His chuckle died quickly. He had to find something amusing. From the moment he had finally sat down, Gordon had found his thoughts racing, pondering on the condition of his partner in crime.

The last transmission he had had with Thunderbird 2 was about five minutes ago. Jeff had contacted Gordon and John to inform them that Alan and the three students were secure within the hospital. It had taken everything they had to leave Alan in the care of the hospital personnel. Alan had been stable but was losing a lot of blood. A fact they all knew didn't bode well. The seventeen-year-old was still unconscious and hadn't shown any sign of waking up for them before handing off to the nurses and doctors.

A beep interrupted Gordon's thoughts. Smirking at the indication of the incoming transmission from Thunderbird 5, Gordon answered the call. "Aren't you supposed to be packing?"

John laughed at his second youngest brother. "All done. It's not like I have a lot to pack. My attire consists of an IR uniform each day."

"Always the fashionable one, Johnny," Gordon smirked.

John rolled his eyes at his brother's comment. "You're one to talk. I'd say you're setting a new statement. You're covered from head to toe in soot, little brother."

"Never fear, Johnny boy. After all - I can look good in anything," the copper top smiled.

"Right, I think that smoke has gone to your head. I do have good news for you. It seems the Nor'easter is shifting farther north. The Boston area will be safe from the brunt of the storm."

"Sure, now mother nature decides to be nice. We could've used that bit of news several hours ago," Gordon huffed.

John caught the tiredness in his brother's voice. "You okay, Gordy?"

"I'm fine, John. I'm just whipped from the rescue earlier," Gordon told him.

"How's the back? I know the cold doesn't help, and I know you didn't have an easy time out there with the ship."

"It's okay. It hurts a little, but nothing a hot shower won't fix," Gordon sighed, stretching to relief a little of the stress that filled his body.

"Make sure you take it easy," John told him.

"I'm fine, Johnny," Gordon reassured. "I'm more worried about Alan. Do you think he's okay?"

John sighed. The question he had been waiting for Gordon to ask. It was why he wanted to call him to see how he was doing. The redhead was alone at the very site that had started the family's nightmare. "He's a fighter, Gordo. You and I both know something like this won't stop Alan. He's breathing and stable. We can only hope for things to get better from here."

"What if they don't? I just have this feeling things are about to get much worse before they get better. Alan was in that building for a long time, Johnny. We both know what smoke inhalation can do to a respiratory system."

John saw the terror that filled his little brother. "I know, Gordy. I'm as worried as you are. We both know how serious this situation is, and there's no dancing around it. Dad putting Five on standby is enough evidence. We just have to have faith in Alan. The kid doesn't give up; he doesn't know the meaning of the word."

Gordon smiled. "Yeah, he's as stubborn as a mule."

John smirked. "I wonder where he gets that trait from?"

"Scott," Gordon said bluntly.

"You're right," John said. Looking at the monitor to his left, he noticed the approach of Thunderbird 3. "Looks like Brains is in final approach. I better get the station situated. You going to be okay?"

"I'll be okay. I'll just be glad when I get to see the kid for myself. Thanks for the talk, Johnny," Gordon smiled.

"Anytime, little brother. I'll see you soon. Thunderbird 5 out," John said and ended the transmission.

Gordon looked out the window of Thunderbird 1. Light snow began to fall from the dark clouds above. Gordon didn't even want to think what time it was. It was very early in the morning and well past his bedtime. Rubbing his hands over his face, he sighed. A slight wince escaped his lips as his back throbbed slightly.

"I heard that," a new voice spoke behind him.

Turning around, Gordon saw Scott. "When did you guys land?"

"Just a few minutes ago. How did you not notice?" Scott asked, worried.

"I just got done talking to John. Brains just made it to the station," Gordon said.

"You okay? How bad is the back?" Scott asked, sitting in the co-pilot chair next to his little brother.

"It's fine. It's just been a long day."

"I think it's about to get longer," Scott said. "C'mon, let's get you some painkillers before we take off. Virg is putting the Firefly away, while Dad is making sure everything is secure."

"How are we going to get to Alan? We can't just leave the 'birds here," Gordon asked, as Scott led him toward Thunderbird 2.

"We were discussing that on the way back here. I'm dropping Dad off at the airport so he can get a rental. He'll head straight for the hospital while we head back to base. If anyone asks, Dad will say he was in New York when he heard about the fire, so he was on his way. Supposedly, Brains will have called him after Fermat called him. The whiz kid will have let Dad know where Alan was taken. God knows, that dizzy headmaster sure wouldn't have figured all that out."

Scott sighed. "Once back at the Island, we'll collect John and Brains and return in Tracy One," Scott told him.

"At least Al won't be alone for long. Who's picking up Fermat?" Gordon wondered. By now, they had entered the cargo hold of Thunderbird 2.

"Lady Penelope. John spoke to her earlier while we were handling the mission," Scott said, stopping as Virgil walked up to them.

"Did you fill him in?" Virgil asked.

"Yep, but he needs your assistance. It seems his back is giving him some issues," Scott told Virgil, ignoring the annoyed look from his second youngest brother.

"Thanks, Scott," Gordon said, rolling his eyes. "I'm fine, Virg."

Virgil smirked. "You forget who you're talking to, Gordo. Let's get you some painkillers, and then I want you to rest in the infirmary for the ride back. You took a beating on our last mission. I don't want you putting your back out."

"Virg, it's not that bad," Gordon protested.

"What's not so bad?" Jeff asked as he joined his sons.

"I've got it under control, Dad. Gordo's back is just acting up is all," Virgil smirked, as the redhead gave him a death glare.

"Do as your brother says, son," Jeff said.

"I'm fine, Dad. All I need is some Ibuprofen, and I'll be good," the redhead reassured.

"I want you to rest, Gordon. You got soaked by freezing water and got banged around by the wind. The last thing we need is you getting sick, okay?" Virgil said sternly. He didn't mean to sound harsh, but he could see Gordon was taking it that way. Leaning in, he whispered, "Please, Gordo. Dad is upset enough about Alan. Don't make him worried about you too."

"Fine," Gordon grudgingly agreed and headed toward the infirmary.

Jeff, Scott, and Virgil watched Gordon trudge toward the infirmary. "Let's get going. I want to get to Alan as soon as possible," Jeff sighed. He knew his sons agreed with him. The only thought on their minds was the well being of the youngest Tracy. Nothing would seem right until they reached him and knew everything was okay.

TBC…

Well, Alan is alive for now. I was a little nicer to them in this chapter. That's only because they're going to need it. Things are only starting my friends.

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