International Rescue and the Tracy Boys are, and will always remain, the creation of Sylvia and Gerry Anderson to whom we are forever grateful.
Chapter 5
They emerged from the path, leading from the runway, out onto a spacious patio; which surrounded a huge swimming pool and on up a sweeping staircase to a balcony. If she had taken the time to turn and look she would have been rewarded with a stunning view of the island and the breakers crashing on the reef beyond. But she wasn't here to sightsee. They were here for a very important and serious reason.
Virgil and Kyrano led the way into the large and airy lounge and deposited their boxes on the table, followed by Mike and Jenna. Mike left his delicate instrument case on Jeff's desk, as this was the most vital piece of equipment he needed. He then crossed the room to warmly greet a distinguished looking gentleman, who Jenna assumed was Jeff Tracy. The two men shared a few words, while Jenna waited to be introduced. She could see that he was tired and haggard, due obviously to the emotional strain of his son being so seriously ill.
Mike beckoned Jenna forward and introduced her. "Jeff, this is Jenna, Jenna Rollins, she's going to look after our boy when I've finished with him." Jeff was well acquainted with Mike's easy way of talking and knew that despite his seemingly casual approach Mike was well aware of the seriousness of the situation.
"I'm pleased to meet you Miss Rollins," Jeff replied. I want to thank you for giving up your time to come and take care of my son."
"I am sorry to hear about your son, Mr Tracy. I can imagine this must be a very difficult time for you, for all of you," she responded sympathetically. "I'll take good care of him, I promise and you know he's in good hands," she added encouragingly, indicating Mike. "He's the best there is, and please, call me Jenna; Miss Rollins sounds way to formal," she smiled gently, putting everyone at their ease. Mike nodded approvingly. Jenna was doing what Jenna did best.
A quick introduction was made of the rest of the family that was present. "Virgil you've met, this is Tin-Tin, Kyrano's daughter, and my mother," Jeff smiled, allowing himself to relax a little. "Gordon, my other son, is down in the infirmary with Scott and Brains."
"Tin-Tin? That's a beautiful name," Jenna said, addressing the young woman. Tin-Tin bowed graciously; accepting the compliment and hoping that she and Jenna would become friends, glad to have another young woman on this island full of men.
As Jenna greeted Mrs Tracy she couldn't help but feel that this elderly lady was a lot stronger in character than her small frame allowed you to believe. "Just call me Grandma, my dear, everyone else does," Grandma told her. Jenna smiled and promised she would.
"I think it's time to go and see our boy now, Jeff," Mike suggested, putting his hand on Jeff's shoulder. Jeff turned to Jenna and told her if she wanted to leave her bags in her room that Tin-Tin would show her the way, then, bring her down to the infirmary.
"I'd rather go and see my patient first, she replied.
Jeff nodded approvingly. If there was one thing he admired most, that was dedication to duty. Already he was beginning to like this young woman who was willing to put the needs of his son first before her own comfort.
Mike picked up his box from Jeff's desk and together they headed towards the hallway that would take them down to the infirmary, the two men deep in conversation. After picking up the other boxes, Jenna followed on with Virgil and Tin-Tin. As they walked, Jenna took the opportunity to try and find out a little about her patient. "Tell me, Virgil, Scott was in the USAF, wasn't he?" she asked; hoping she had the right guy.
He looked at her questioningly, "Yes he was, how did you know that?"
"My younger brother Johnny was in the USAF. He loved to fly. Used to tell me about all his heroes, one of them was Scott Tracy. Did you know your brother was a living legend?" Jenna inquired with a slight grin on her face. "Scott Tracy is required reading among all the young Air Force pilots, he used to say," she added with a sadness as though she were thinking of some distant memory.
Despite knowing the seriousness of his brother's condition, Virgil couldn't help a laugh. The kind of laugh that releases built up tension and stress, the result Jenna had hoped to achieve by her last remarks. "Scott, a living legend, huh. I don't think he would agree with you, there," he retorted, knowing his brother's modest nature. Scott didn't talk much about his Air Force days, especially the latter part of his career; when he was awarded Medals of Honour for valour.
Virgil had wondered why she used the past tense when talking about her brother but never got the opportunity to inquire any further as now they had reached the infirmary.
Taking a quick glance around, Jenna decided on the bed she would use for Scott after surgery and asked Tin-Tin if she would get it ready for her. Jenna had to admit she was impressed on entering the infirmary. It was well laid out, spacious and rivalled any hospital ward but then Jeff Tracy could afford the best. They weren't exactly close to medical facilities so it was sensible to be prepared for any emergencies. The one thing that immediately struck Jenna upon entering was the far wall from where they had come in. The whole wall was a glass window from floor to ceiling, offering another stunning view of the island. The clever thing about it, though, was that with a control panel on the wall beside it you could tint the glass and therefore control the amount of natural sunlight coming through. This would be a bonus, Jenna thought, considering Scott was liable to have severe headaches for a while. It had been Jeff's idea when designing the villa that anyone having to spend any amount of time in the infirmary would have a nice view to look at. The infirmary was also soundproofed, blocking out all outside noise, therefore giving maximum comfort to the patient. A desk stood in one corner beside the window and two beds lined the opposite wall with one further bed beside the desk. It was the bed opposite the desk and beside the window that she chose for Scott, allowing her to be able to keep an eye on him and yet be far enough away that his visitors would feel they had some privacy. Off to the left-hand side of where they had come in was the Prep Room, a small room where medicines, bandages and equipment were stored. There was also a fridge where the food and saline bags that they had brought with them could be kept. Opposite that was a bathroom, tastefully decorated with a large walk-in shower. Between the Prep Room and the bathroom were the doors to the small theatre/examination room.
