Thunderbirds and the Tracy Family are the creation of Sylvia and Gerry Anderson

Author's Note: A brief reference is made to Douglas Bader whose life inspired a book entitled 'Reach For The Sky' by Paul Brickhill and also a film of the same title.

Chapter 52

"Are you ready for this, Scott?" Jenna asked.

He had long waited for this day when he could, at last, get up on his own two feet, though Jenna told him not to be expecting to take steps on his own but to be content with accepting help. Scott Tracy had that look of grim determination about his face, as well as that of eager anticipation, so it would not surprise her, in the least, if he chose to ignore that suggestion in an effort to hurry along that road in his recovery.

Jenna couldn't help but look on him with a measure of pride in her heart, smiling warmly to herself as she reflected on the previous afternoon in the pool. While they had allowed themselves the luxury of some fun and relaxation, she noted that Scott also worked hard to build strength into his leg muscles in preparation for this morning and the first ever steps he would take since his accident almost a month previous. The boys, too, had been more attentive this time, lest there should be a repeat of what happened before but all had went well and Scott hadn't lost that joy of just being outside, appreciating the warmth of the sun and the sounds and smells of the ocean.

She had to smile, too, at the enthusiastic way he had wolfed down his breakfast, beaming a devastating smile at her from across the table where they ate their meals together, like a school kid about to embark on some great adventure. Jenna had taken to eating her meals with him at his table across the bed rather than at her desk, finding it much more intimately cosy to share their meals and feeling it cemented their unity.

Scott wasn't the only one who waited with eager anticipation. Four brothers and a father all wore that eager, yet anxious and nervous look of expectant fathers awaiting the happy event of welcoming a new life into the world. A couple of faces had elected to stay away, though, saying they didn't think Scott would appreciate being the centre of attention like some freak side show in a travelling circus. Grandma had, however, paid her eldest grandson a visit just shortly after breakfast to wish him well and give him a loving grandmotherly hug, Scott's well-built and muscular frame almost making her disappear as he encircled her with his right arm and planting a kiss on top of her head.

Although all of her grandsons dwarfed her, she would always see them as her little boys and, as such, was not averse to speaking her mind, seeing it as her duty to offer them her grandmotherly advice.

"Now, see here Scott Carpenter Tracy….you mind this young lady's instructions and do as you're told or you'll have me to deal with," she ordered crustily.

"Sure thing, Grandma," Scott agreed, looking to Jenna with a grin and a slight shrug of his shoulder, in a 'See, what did I tell ya' kind of gesture. Jenna had to look away, in an effort to compose herself and try not to giggle.

"And don't you get fresh with me, young man," Grandma returned snappily, wagging her finger. "You just keep your mind on what you're supposed to be doing. I know you can do this son…..why….you've got that stubborn Tracy streak in you….just like your Grandpa, God rest his soul…stubborn and ornery he was…," she added in a grumbling manner.

Scott's eyes glinted dangerously as he looked in Jenna's direction, challenging and daring her to say what she was thinking as she looked back at him with the innocent wide eyes of mischievous amusement.

"Gee…thanks Grandma," Scott responded with mock sarcasm and trying not to smile, knowing that it was his grandma's way of paying him a compliment.

"And you're gonna need every ounce of that, son. I know you can achieve anything you set your mind to…why…I can remember the day you got up on your little legs and nothing would stop you til you took your first steps…no matter how many times you fell down….had that stubborn, ornery streak in you then…your Grandpa would be so proud of you…the old coot….just like I am…..you do.. this old…grandma's heart…good…..my…and just…as handsome too," she sniffed, reminiscing as she put a care-worn and loving old hand to her eldest grandson's face.

"Now, don't you go upsetting yourself Grandma," Scott urged, giving her hand a squeeze. "There's no need to cry…I'm gonna be all right…honest," he assured her with a smile. Jenna found her heart warmed, touched by the obvious deep bond of affection he felt for his grandma and his self-sacrificing spirit that put other's feelings before his own.

"Cry! I'm not cryin Scott Carpenter Tracy….why….I've just got somethin in my eye…that's all. Now, you just mind what I told you…and see you do as you're told. I'm gonna make you something special for your lunch….reckon as you're gonna need something to build you up after that……," she continued to grumble testily. Giving him a kiss and mumbling to herself she headed for the door.

As soon as she left Jenna couldn't resist her playful jibe. "Stubborn and ornery! Why…Scott Carpenter Tracy…I never would have guessed," she commented, her eyes bright with teasing. Scott shot her a look that told of his pleasure at her wry and teasing jibe. "Well, we'll have to do something about that…won't we," Jenna added, a languid smile, as that of a cat playing with its prey, spreading across her face.

"You can always try," Scott returned, eager to match his wits against hers and loving the idea of a challenge.

"Why…that's half the fun, Mr Tracy," she responded, picking up the challenge, as their eyes remained locked together.

Before Scott could return a suitable counter move their little game was interrupted. Tin-Tin, like Grandma, had not wanted Scott to feel like he was a performing seal and so had also come to wish him well beforehand. She gave him a brief, embarrassed hug, hardly able to look at him, before hurrying away on the pretext she was helping Brains with lab-work, leaving Scott with a slightly puzzled look.

"Gee, did I say something or is it my cologne!" Scott remarked, clearly at a loss. He could tell, though, by Jenna's knowing smile as she followed the young woman's exit and her now apparent interest in something totally trivial, that she was avoiding his question. "Ok…what did I do?" he asked, feeling uneasy and wondering if he really did want to know.

Jenna started to babble on about fevers, how high a temperature can soar, how hot a patient can feel and the quest to feel cool. "………and you had no idea, Scott…..you were just trying to get cool…..," she smiled sheepishly.

Cold realisation dawned. "Aw Jen….tell me I didn't….," Scott groaned, closing his eyes and laying back on the pillows.

Jenna tried not to smile, assuring him Tin-Tin knew how uncomfortable he was and didn't know what he was doing, though somehow that didn't make him feel any better. She knew he wouldn't rest now until he felt he had done the gallant thing and apologised at the first opportune moment for embarrassing her.

Stirring from her brief reverie Jenna turned her attention to the task in hand. "Virgil, John, could you help Scott to sit on the edge of the bed for me please," she asked.

Scott shuffled himself forward and helped by his two brothers he managed to sit upright on the edge of the bed, having swung his legs over the side. A heavy frown creased his face as Jenna approached with what she had brought from the Prep Room earlier. "What's that for?" Scott questioned, his tone a little brusque.

So much so, that Jeff Tracy was automatically going to step in and challenge his son's question, something he was quite used to doing in his role as Commander-In-Chief when his eldest son was sometimes forthright with his opinion. He stopped short, telling himself that this, as he had been reminded before, was not his dominion, rather he would wait and see how Jenna would handle his strong-willed and opinionated son. He also had to remind himself that he was going to have to stay out of his son's private affairs, especially where this young woman was concerned, his son having already come to her defence.

"It's just an arm immobiliser, Scott. I want that arm of yours secure while we're doing this, OK," she said with cool, calm professionalism.

An arm immobiliser is something akin to a sling, a padded sleeve that encases the arm, which is then strapped close to the body, rendering the arm totally immobilised and secure.

His brothers shifted nervously as Scott narrowed his eyes, his face tense in direct opposition to her 'request'.

Jenna returned his glare with the same cool intensity. "Either you put this on, Mr Tracy or you're not getting out of that bed," she continued, their eyes locked in that familiar hold, as though no one else existed.

The room was suddenly charged with a nervous tension as the boys looked from one to the other with the morbid fascination of wondering who was going to crack first.

"Well Jen, why didn't you just say so," Scott replied, his eyes glinting with delight as the corners of his mouth pulled into a smile. The sighs of relief were almost audible as the mini drama dissipated.

Jenna gave him a wry smile as she gently put his arm into the immobiliser, fixing the strap firmly around his waist and feeling him breathing in her scent. They eyed each other with mutual respect as she fixed the strap across his chest and around his shoulder over the cool blue t-shirt he wore, the temptation to kiss almost becoming overwhelming.

"There…I think we're ready. Does that feel secure enough…straps not too tight?" she asked, not prepared to continue until everything was right. He nodded. Jenna gave Virgil and John their instructions as to what she needed them to do.

What she needed them to do was support his weight as he stood for the first time, allowing him to get used to the feeling and gain a sense of equilibrium. Virgil, being the more strongly built, came to his right side and John his left, Scott putting his arm around Virgil's shoulder and taking a firm grip. Both Virgil and John then put an arm around Scott's waist and took a firm hold of him. Jenna had already done the warm-up exercises on his legs earlier, before everyone had come down, to ensure his legs wouldn't cramp with the strain they were going to be put under. At last they were ready, the moment he had waited for. Once Scott felt secure, on the count of three, they lifted him to his feet.

Virgil and John held most of his weight, but even so, Scott felt the pain begin to bite as he felt his own weight on his legs for the first time and knew this was going to be more difficult than he had anticipated. He appreciated, now, the buoyancy that the water had given him and felt the difference immediately in dealing with the full force of gravity. His face tightened in grim determination as after the initial few minutes of getting used to the feeling Virgil and John slowly let him bear more of his own weight, causing him to grimace. Scott realised, that even though he had been doing his leg exercises to build up his strength, just how unused to the actual action of walking his legs had become, something that most people take for granted and he was now going to have to learn all over again. He shot Gordon a brief look, his face wincing in pain, and his brother gave him a knowing and encouraging smile. Of all the people in the room Gordon knew what he was going through and what he was about to endure, having been there himself in learning to walk again.

"You OK?" Jenna asked sympathetically, knowing there was no easy way to do this. If she could, she would have spared him the pain but only through sheer hard physical effort was he going to walk again. He nodded to continue.

Jenna now got down on her knees on the floor to literally show him how to put his foot into a stepping motion. "We'll start with the right foot," she smiled encouragingly.

Virgil and John, again, took most of his weight until he got used to the stepping action and with Scott's co-operation she lifted his right foot and placed it forward to the floor. She nodded for the boys to bring him forward. "Feel your weight shifting as you get ready for your next step?" she asked, to which he nodded.

Scott grunted and winced, the pain biting deep in his thigh as his weight went forward onto his right leg. Jenna moved around to his left and brought his left leg forward, placing his foot to the floor. Beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead at the sheer physical effort involved but he allowed himself a laugh as cheers of, 'Way to go, bro', erupted from his brothers at his first step taken. Jeff also congratulated and encouraged his son, proud of his efforts and glad to see that his grit and stubborn will were as strong as ever.

Coming back to his right side Jenna did the same again, placing his foot into a stepping action, encouraging him now to do the same, on his own, with his left leg. With a loud groan he lifted his left leg and moved forward with the support of his brothers, though he was, by now, feeling more of his own weight. His face was taut with concentration as little by little he moved across the floor, each step feeling like he had already hit 'the wall' that marathon runners experience.

"Scott…try not to look at what you're doin now and look ahead to where you want to go," Gordon advised encouragingly. Scott fixed his eyes on his younger brother and behind that smile of pride and encouragement he could see the memory in Gordon's eyes of his own painful struggle to walk again. He nodded, knowing Gordon knew what he was talking about. "That's right…just look at me bro. Hey…pretend you wanna get at me for all those jokes I played on ya," he grinned cheekily.

"Who said I need to pretend!" Scott shot back, his eyes wide in a manic grin. Ignoring the pain he continued until half way across the infirmary, stopping briefly for a rest.

Though he was breathing heavily his face shone with the delight of one who has achieved what he has set out to do, as Jenna tenderly patted his face dry from the sweat his efforts had caused. "You're doin just great," she said proudly and mouthing the words, 'I love you', causing him to beam her a grin.

Virgil and John suddenly felt they had become invisible, automatically looking to the floor for a few seconds, aware they were intruding on a very private moment, though, where could they go, being their brother's support? John had that overwhelming urge to whistle again, as he looked about him, trying to look casual. They had to wonder in amazement, though, at these two, for they had the ability, when they gazed into each other's eyes, of making the rest of the world about them go away. Smiling to themselves, they thought of what it must be like, to have a love like that and could only hope that one-day!

After the brief respite and a drink of water Scott continued, step by painful step, keeping his eyes on Gordon until they got to the far side of the infirmary. Jenna kept a close eye on his walking motion, nodding with satisfaction that he had the right action. Another cheer went up on reaching this second goal. Turning back to face the way they had come, Scott's taut muscles twitched, thinking his bed seemed awfully far away.

"Scott…you've done really well," Jenna stated encouragingly, noticing how tired and pained he was looking. "We can call it a day and get you back to bed for a rest," she added, satisfied that he had done enough.

"Noo….I'll..make..it…back," Scott insisted, taking in deep breaths.

Gordon and Alan took over from Virgil and John for the return journey, Gordon taking up the right side position and encouraging his eldest brother all the way.

"Just keep your eyes on me, Son," Jeff said, taking up Gordon's former post of being 'the focus of attention' well ahead of his son, giving him a nod of approval.

Halfway back, the door opened and Brains appeared. "I.-I'm…em….g-glad to s-s-see I'm not t-too late," he commented, bringing with him something that caused the room to fall into silence. All eyes immediately looked to Scott. Guessing what his reaction would be they braced themselves.

"What the hell's that for?" Scott retorted angrily, though knowing very well it was meant for him.

"Scott!" his father rebuked. "Brains is only trying to be helpful, I'm sure," Jeff reminded him, a little more softly.

"Q-q-q-quite Mr T-T-Tracy," Brains stammered, flustered by Scott's angry outburst, although he hadn't expected Scott to take it well. He knew his friend was not angry at him, just at what he had brought with him.

"I'm sorry Brains…I'm not angry at you," Scott apologised, to which his friend nodded his acceptance. Glancing around at his brothers his deep scowl just dared them to make a joke but they didn't have the heart, knowing what an incredibly difficult thing this was for their eldest brother.

What was it that caused their brother to become so angry? What was it Brains had brought with him that Scott obviously found insulting?

The contraption he had brought was something akin to a Zimmer Frame, one that Brains had been working on and adapting for Scott to use in aiding him to walk. Brains had built into it a hover mode that would allow Scott to use it with the use of one hand. At the push of a button on the handle the user could easily lift it due to the hover mechanism; when pushed forward and set down, at the push of the button again, the hover would be disengaged, making it stable enough for the walker to take a step forward and, thus, to repeat the process over again.

"I'm not using it," Scott said adamantly.

All eyes immediately looked to Jenna, knowing she had the final say where Scott's care and rehabilitation was concerned. They had already seen one stand-off, with their brother having backed down, not often seen one might add, and watched again with morbid fascination to see who would come out on top this time. Scott, too, looked to her, though not with the narrowed eyes of defiance but with a pleading, 'Please Jen, don't make me do this', look. She gave him a warm-hearted and loving smile, nodding her acceptance of his request; the smile he gave her in return telling her he appreciated it and loved her.

With not far to go to reaching his bed and some much needed rest Scott felt he had to try one more thing. "I wanna try a couple of steps on my own," he announced, his face set as firm as an immoveable rock.

Quite frankly it would have surprised Jenna if he hadn't requested it and even though she didn't think he should be trying it today she knew he wouldn't rest until he found that out for himself. Sadly, however, she knew what the consequences would be. "Just try to remember what you've learnt so far…….and remember where your weight should be," she said, giving him some last minute advice and feeling as nervous as any mother watching her young child ride a bike without stabilizers for the first time.

Unsure of this decision and not wishing to release the hold they had on their brother, Gordon and Alan looked to her for a final assurance. Seeing Scott's eagerness to get going, Jenna nodded. They tentatively released their hold on him and backed off a little, leaving him standing on his own two feet for the first time.

Scott took a few moments to compose himself, relishing this feeling of total independence. He grimaced and winced against the pain that tore at his legs as he bore his own weight. Taking a couple of deep breaths and concentrating fully he lifted and half slid his right foot along the floor, planting it firmly in front of him. The room let out a sigh of relief, though now came the difficult bit, when he had to transfer his weight to take the step. Everyone held their breath, the room coming alive with nervous tension. Beads of sweat, once again, covered his forehead at the effort of lifting his left leg forward. He let out an agonised cry as his weight went onto his right leg and then, the inevitable happened.

Scott felt his leg buckle and give way. He instinctively put out his right hand to save himself but could do nothing to stop himself landing in an unceremonious heap on the floor, all happening too quickly for anyone else to stop him either. Many willing hands reached out to help him up but Jenna stopped them abruptly, wanting to make sure he was all right and hadn't hurt himself seriously. Thankfully he hadn't landed on his left arm for it had been kept protected by the padded arm immobiliser.

"Damn it," he muttered to himself, annoyed at not being able to achieve that simple first step on his own and having fallen in front of everyone.

After checking him over Jenna lovingly stroked his face. Her nurse's head may have told her he was being pig-headed and stubborn but her lover's heart told her she was proud of him for his grit and sheer determination.

Gordon was by his side in seconds and after knowing his brother wasn't injured, apart from his pride and a few extra bruises, reassured him with a grin, "Don't worry bro….the best pilots….and walkers have all crashed and burned the first time….some of us even two or three times." Scott returned him a grateful grin.

"Hey, help me up guys," Scott asked, hardly having the request out of his mouth before willing hands were helping him to his feet.

"D-d-do you w-w-want to try the w-w-walker, Scott?" Brains asked hesitantly.

"NO!" came the emphatic response. "If Douglas Bader can learn to walk on artificial legs without any aid then, by heck, I can walk on my own two legs," Scott replied, suddenly becoming inspired by his hero.

Jenna felt her eyes glisten as she gave him her most loving smile and was never so proud of him as she was at that moment, even though, perhaps, he was being stubborn and ornery! Jeff, too, had to admit his pride in his son's courage, indeed, all his sons displayed to one degree or other that Tracy fighting spirit in the face of adversity.

Once more Scott set his face rock hard in concentration as he endeavoured to take those final few steps to his bed and much longed for rest. With adrenalin pumping and the pain biting deep in his thigh and calf muscles he dragged one leg in front of the other, helping hands staying much closer this time if needed. The tension and excitement gripped everybody as he fought to take those final few steps.

"Come on Scott…you can do this," Virgil urged, a similar sentiment echoed by John. Even Brains felt the excitement of joining in and encouraging his friend, which brought smiles from everyone.

"Yeah…come on….way to go Scotty….you're nearly there," enthused Gordon and Alan together.

Breathing heavily and exhausted Scott took his final step, collapsing onto his bed, drenched in sweat, to the sounds of clapping, cheering and 'Well dones'. Eager hands helped to make him more comfortable. Alan, thoughtfully, brought him a bottle of cold water, which he downed in no time at all.

"I'm going to give you a nice refreshing wash," Jenna promised, as she smiled at one very tired face. Too tired even to go to the shower, Jenna had decided to bathe him the way she used to. "And then it's a nice long rest for you after lunch, Mr Tracy," she added, to which he nodded, too tired even to speak. "OK, help me get these things off him," she instructed. "Gordon…..will you take the immobiliser off."

While Jenna went to the Prep Room to get the warm water to bathe him there was no shortage of helpers to get Scott undressed but it was his father who tenderly lifted him upright along with Virgil, while Gordon undid the strapping and removed the immobiliser. His father, along with Virgil, helped him out of his, now, drenched t-shirt and it was his father who divested him of the rest of his clothing, to cover him with the crisp, white sheet. With congratulations still ringing in his ears at his achievement the family left him to enjoy his bathe in peace while they headed upstairs for lunch.

He watched her now as she washed him, tenderly and lovingly, mindful of the fresh bruises on his side and legs. Though his whole body ached beyond belief his senses were stirred and stimulated by her gentle touch, reminding him of his 'sweet agony', the sensation being all the more powerful because of their unfulfilled love. It had become for both of them now, not that of a refreshing wash by a nurse for her patient, but that of a lover's pleasure, the whole experience being totally sensual as she massaged him with aromatherapy oils. Her soothing and relaxing action had almost lulled him into sleep when Tin-Tin brought them lunch.

Tin-Tin's embarrassment was clear upon seeing Scott bare-chested and getting massaged, apologising for intruding, as he cracked open a sleepy eye. This was no time for apologies of his own, however, being too tired to even think straight.

"Not at all, Tin-Tin…we've been expecting lunch," Jenna said brightly, not wishing her to feel uncomfortable, as she went to wash her hands.

Seeing Scott looking so tired Tin-Tin doubted whether he would be able to feed himself and despite her embarrassment offered her help.

"Thanks Tin-Tin…but I'll feed him myself," Jenna gratefully replied, smiling to where Scott was now sleepily stirring in bed.

His eyes never left her as she fed him, taking some of her own in between and on finishing Jenna lowered the bed to a more comfortable level. "Now you can have that rest I promised you," she smiled gently. Feeling the warm glow from being bathed and fed Scott could no longer keep his eyes open, though he did manage to respond to her loving kiss, just, before closing his eyes for a deep and peaceful sleep. Jenna couldn't help but smile, sometime later, at the soft moans he emitted and wondered whether they came from his aching body or his imaginary lovemaking.

He slept all afternoon to awake refreshed in time for dinner but as the evening wore on Jenna noticed him become quieter, more pensive. "Scott….what is it?" she asked gently, feeling he had something on his mind.

"Jen….I want to fly again," he stated simply.

"I know you do," she responded with much sympathy and understanding. He fell deeper into thought. "Scott….what are you thinking?" Jenna asked tentatively and getting an uneasy feeling that she didn't really want to hear his answer.

Scott turned to look at her and asked her how much she loved him. Puzzled, she told him with all her heart and soul, making him smile, as though his answer depended on hers. He glanced at his book on the bedside locker and then back at her. "That guy learnt to fly again with artificial legs," he stated calmly and almost coldly, causing a shiver to run through her at where this was going.

"Scott…..what are you saying?" Jenna responded slowly and now clearly worried.