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

Author's Note: The information on the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Akashi Strait is accurate according to research, though the mention that the Bridge is closed down during violent winds and that vehicles are blown off is of my own making. Still, you never know. It is entirely possible that such things do happen in conditions like that.

Chapter 58

"Yes Sir, International Rescue is back on line," John acknowledged. "At least we have all systems functional and operational…..we didn't encounter any problems bringing her off auto….and Virgil and Alan should be home in a couple of hours….they left a short while ago," he added, anticipating the information he knew his father would want.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it, Son….did you have a good flight?" his father asked as a matter of interest.

"Yes Sir, thank you. How's Scott by the way….how did he take watching us go?" John asked now with much concern for his brother, knowing they would have been out on the balcony watching the ascent.

"He did take it a bit hard….but he'll be all right, John….we'll make sure of that," Jeff responded reassuringly. "Now….are there any situations we need to be keeping an eye on?" he added, wanting to be prepared for any potential call-outs. It was always useful to know of any impending disaster that they may be called upon to attend.

"Yeah…I was wondering how he would be feeling when he saw us taking off," he commented sadly. John was only too aware of the anguish his brother would feel for he knew he would feel the same way in similar circumstances. Getting back now, though, to the matter in hand and his father's question. "Well yes Dad.…I'm tracking a weather system at the minute. They have some very high winds blowing in the Akashi Straits in Japan…and I'm picking up some transmissions from the Honshu Bridge Authority….they're considering shutting down the bridge if the winds gust any stronger," John reported and trying to imagine what his father's reaction would be to that one as, unfortunately, they had had problems in that part of the world before.

"Do w-we k-k-know what the w-wind speed is at the m-minute, John?" Brains asked, wanting to know exactly what they might have to deal with.

"Yes…according to the Beaufort Scale we're at 8….winds are gusting 62-74 kph…that's roughly 34-40 knots…gale force, Brains," John informed him. "Though it's set to go higher."

Jeff Tracy groaned audibly. The Akashi Strait was notorious for the dangerous currents and high winds that seemed to increase year after year due to the continuing climate change. The Strait was also home to one of the world's most superb feats of engineering of the past century; that of the renowned Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest single-span suspension bridge of its kind, linking mainland Japan with Awaji Island. It had taken almost ten years of construction, being finished in 1998 and had suffered a major setback when hit by a violent earthquake that devastated the nearby city of Kobe. It was constantly buffeted by the high winds blowing through the Strait. Consequently, the Bridge Authority had taken to closing down the bridge when the winds gusted beyond a certain strength, although not before several disasters had taken place whereby vehicles had been blown off and into the dangerous waters below. The bridge itself had been constructed to withstand violent storms, having a pendulum device incorporated into its two massive high towers, some 928 feet tall, seen as a stroke of genius at the time; though even the most well constructed man-made structure would be no match for the forces of nature when it chose to vent its anger.

"All right, John…just continue to monitor and keep me abreast of the situation….let me know if anything changes," Jeff sighed wearily. "How does it feel to be back, Son?" he asked.

"Well…not as strange as Scott's gonna feel having to sit it out," John remarked, hoping his brother was going to be able to cope and totally unaware of what his intentions were.

"We'll do our best to help him cope," Jeff replied in his fatherly role. "All right, Son…if you would inform the appropriate authorities, that as of tomorrow…International Rescue is back in business. I would like Alan and Virgil to be able to get some rest when they get back, in case we're needed," he now ordered, with the calm efficiency of one who knows his business. "Good night, John. Base to Thunderbird Five out." And with that the live-feed was cut, to be replaced by a static picture of John in his uniform.

Eventually Virgil and Alan made it home and now stood before their father to give him a short report but their first thoughts had been about their brother. "How did Scott take it?" Alan asked, having always been used to his eldest brother accompanying him on Three.

"He found it a bit emotional….but like I told John…he'll be all right," Jeff answered his youngest son's concerns. "Gordon took him and Jenna down to the games room to play chess…to try and take his mind off things."

"I guess it's only to be expected….wonder how he'll handle us going out on our first call without him?" Virgil mused and not really asking any one in particular. He knew he was going to find it strange, being so used to hearing the confident and efficient tone of his brother directing the operations and, although they were all a close-knit team, they being closer in age gave them that special bond; now he was going to have to assume the role of eldest out in the field and, somehow, that made him feel a little lonely.

"Like I told John too…we'll help him cope….we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Jeff replied, though he had been wondering that very same thing himself. "….and speaking of bridges…..John's been monitoring transmissions from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge….," Jeff informed them.

Both boys groaned audibly. "Nothin like being thrown in at the deep end, huh," Virgil remarked, only too well aware of what it could mean. On their last occasion out there he had pulled a shoulder muscle trying to hold his ship steady in the buffeting cross winds as they lifted a vehicle that was dangling over the edge of the bridge.

"Nice choice of words there, bro," Alan grinned. "We'd need Gordy for sure," he added jokingly, causing his father and brother to give him a half-hearted smile.

"Guess we're talking high winds again here, Dad," Virgil asked, knowing that was the usual problem with the Strait.

"I'm afraid so, Son," Jeff acknowledged.

"Does…eh….Scott know of this potential situation, Dad?" Alan asked cautiously.

"No," was Jeff's curt reply. "No, Son….he doesn't….and there's no reason for him to know. I know Scott may look like he's getting better and he's up and about a bit more…..but Scott is still a patient under Mike's charge and under Jenna's care….and that's the way he's going to stay until Mike gives him the all clear," he added more gently but still letting his sons know the way things were going to be. He knew this wasn't going to be easy on any of them; he knew his stong-willed and opinionated son only too well and knew if he got wind of this he would want to have some sort of input in order not to feel left out of things. Although they had had their talk to try and work out the best solution Jeff knew his eldest was going to find it difficult to remain confined when they went out for the first time and even if it wasn't this situation then it would only be some other. He was going to have to walk that fine line between being a father and, perhaps, having to exert his authority as Commander, though he hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"Besides…I don't want him becoming anxious about things he has no control over….he needs to concentrate on getting himself well and nothing else….so I would appreciate it if you boys didn't mention this to him….and maybe these winds will blow themselves out," Jeff stated, having only the best intentions at heart for his son and thinking of his welfare.

"Sure thing Dad…we understand….we wouldn't want to worry him either," Virgil agreed.

"I know, Son, I know. Well, you boys had better go get some sleep in case we're needed. I've already spoken to Gordon after Scott went back to the infirmary….and I'm going to turn in myself," Jeff suggested and with that the house became quiet to await what the new day would bring.

Next morning the boys kept to their usual routine, which involved helping their eldest brother in the gym with his fitness regime, all the while hoping and praying that alarm wouldn't go off, for there would be nothing they could do to disguise the fact that someone, somewhere needed their help and they would have to leave him. John had kept his father appraised of the situation and so far things had looked good with the winds having died down a little but in the Akashi Strait that meant nothing, the winds there playing cruel tricks and changing, as though deliberately tormenting those who chose to stray into the region.

Not long after lunch as the boys relaxed in the lounge a familiar sound was heard throughout the villa, everywhere, that is, except the infirmary. It had been decided by Jeff when having the villa designed that there would be no point having the emergency siren sound in the infirmary so as not to cause it's inhabitants any unnecessary anguish, for after all, if they were in there in the first place it was because they were incapable of taking part in any rescue. For that small insight Jeff was now grateful, thinking that his son would be resting and have no idea they were going out.

Taking his place at his desk as his sons gathered round, Jeff Tracy opened the communication to their orbiting space station. "Base to Thunderbird Five….go ahead John….what do you have for us?" Jeff asked, trying not to sound as though he already knew.

"Well Dad, it's like we suspected….the winds in the Strait have just picked up again…we're at level 9 now….winds are gusting at 41-47 knots and the Honshu Bridge Authority have closed the bridge but, unfortunately, the last vehicle to cross was swept across the road and through the barriers," John answered, confirming their worst fears.

"Do we know anything about this vehicle and just where she went down," Jeff continued as the boys listened, already working out what they were going to have to do. Brains, too, had not been idle and had already pulled up the necessary information on the bridge and the dangerous currents of the Strait on the computer data bank behind the desk.

"Yes Sir….it's one of the newest Juggernauts….her cabin is pressurised and she's equipped with her own life-support unit. Of course we don't know how badly the driver may be injured but at least we know he can survive…..those babies can produce enough filtered air to last for days. Our main concern would be if the cabin itself got damaged when she hit the bottom and she was losing pressure," John reported, giving as much information as he had available and showing an obvious admiration for Japanese technology. "The bad news is….she went down in the deepest part of the channel….currents there are pretty rough….sorry Gordon," he added, feeling every sympathy for his brother, knowing it was going to be up to him to have to get him out.

"Ok, thank you, John….has there been any communication with the driver?" Jeff asked.

"No Dad…guess he must be out cold……," John responded, his tone indicating that was the scenario he was hoping for but it was obvious from what he didn't say that there was another possibility.

"All right, John…let them know International Rescue is on its way….and keep us informed. Base to Thunderbird Five out," Jeff said, ending the communication and getting down to business. After consulting with Brains and feeling they had covered any problem that may be encountered Jeff at last turned to his sons.

"Alan…I want you to go in Thunderbird One…see how things look from out there. Virgil…you're out in Two….take Pod 4 and Gordon," Jeff ordered in a short and concise manner. "….and boys….I don't need to tell you to be careful out there," he added, softening to a fatherly concern. "Well, this is it…..Thunderbirds…are go," he announced with conviction and a certain amount of pride.

As he watched his youngest take his place against the revolving panel and hold the familiar lamp fixtures he shot a glance to a certain portrait that seemed to stare impassively at him from it's place on the wall. For a brief moment a great sadness filled him, though his thoughts were brought sharply back into focus by Brains' acknowledging hand on his shoulder.

Rotating into Thunderbird One's hangar from the lounge Alan took a few moments to reflect. One was a completely different experience from that of his own ship, TB3, satisfying his insatiable thirst for speed and, of course, she was much more highly manoeuvrable than the great lumbering bulk of the space rocket but much as he loved the thrill of flying TB1 this was not how he wanted to come by it now, because his brother was no longer capable. The fact that he may never be, not only hung over everyone like a dark cloud but also filled him with a certain amount of fear and trepidation. He was well used to flying her, of course, as he always took over when their father was away on business and Scott would take over desk duties but to take on permanently the responsibility that went with flying One was not something he was relishing. He also reflected that while he and Gordon may have continually teased and harassed Scott with 'old man' jokes, which was, after all, a younger brother's prerogative, he had a very deep respect and high regard for his eldest brother and the thought of even trying to fill his shoes humbled him a great deal.

As the moving gangway now took him across to the access hatch he had to clear his mind of all such thoughts and focus on the task ahead for a craft of Thunderbird One's calibre demanded the utmost respect and concentration.

Virgil turned in his pilot's seat just as Gordon was finishing doing up his harness, both boys giving each other that nod of silent affirmation that said they were ready, their silence also conveying a respect for the brother and colleague who would not be joining them on this trip. Both now became lost in their own thoughts as the great hangar doors slid open, allowing the sunlight to flood in and revealing the sparkling ocean that lay beyond the runway.

Back in the infirmary Jenna took the opportunity to do a general tidy of the Prep Room and check on what medications they were running low on while Scott was at rest. Closing his eyes he smiled, as he heard her humming contentedly to herself while she went about her work but try as he might the rest he sought evaded him. Moments later he opened his eyes and unable to shake off a feeling he couldn't really describe he eased himself up, putting his feet to the floor. That was when he felt it.

It was a low and steady throbbing that began in the soles of his feet, rising through his body as it rose in intensity until it engulfed him completely. There was no mistaking those vibrations and it could only mean one thing. Frowning heavily and with a myriad of questions running through his mind he stood, intent on getting to the window to see if he could catch a glimpse of her. Although he ached with the thought of not being the one to fly her he longed to see her in her rightful place, airborne and streaking across the sky and, even though the window didn't overlook the pool but another part of the island he hoped she might have flown in this direction. Unsteadily he crossed the short space but by the time he got there she was long gone.

Forlornly and with an intensity of grief that surprised even him he moaned agonisingly as he put his hand to the window and rested his head against it in order to feel the last of her vibrations. "Noooo….she's mine….she's my ship, Alan…not yours…..she's mine….she's mine…"

Turning, Scott now stood with his back to the window, closing his eyes for a few seconds to try and gather his thoughts. Upon opening them he lit on the desk but more in particular the comm.-link, his mind filled with one, all-consuming thought. With a few shaky steps he sat down, taking a breath and trying to shake the now muzzy feeling from his head before he would open the link to the lounge.

"Yes Jenna, what can I do for you?" Jeff's voice sounded over the comm, assuming it must be her.

"Eh…it's me, Dad…..Jen's in the Prep Room," Scott answered.

"Ah….Scott…em….yes Son, is there something wrong?" Jeff replied a little hesitantly. Not expecting to hear his son's voice had taken him a little unawares.

"Where….where is she going, Dad?" Scott asked, trying to keep a casual tone.

"Where's…who going?" his father responded tentatively, not wanting to presume his son knew anything.

Scott could tell instantly his father was uncomfortable and was trying to fob him off. He had tried to remain casual but found himself becoming more and more agitated. "Don't take me for a fool, Dad," Scott retorted rather sharply. He hadn't meant to sound so terse, perhaps he was just tired. "I…I…felt her, Dad. She was powering up….I know she's gone. Please…just tell me," he begged, after speaking of his ship with a quieter intimate affection, as though she had a personality all of her own.

Up in the lounge, Jeff Tracy silently swore to himself as he ran his hand through his hair. He thought for a few moments. Perhaps if he gave his son a little information it might be enough to satisfy him, although it was not what he had wanted to do but it was a gamble he was now going to have to take.

"We've been called out on a rescue, Son. Nothing too serious and nothing for you to worry about….so why don't you go and get some rest," his father told him calmly.

"Where to, Dad? Where's she gone?" Scott repeated, his insisting tone indicating he was not going to give up until he found out.

"The Akashi Strait," was his father's short answer, trying to give as little information as possible.

"The Bridge! It's the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge…..isn't it, Dad?" Scott remarked, recognition instantly flashing through his memory.

"Yes, Son," Jeff replied almost wearily, resigned to the fact his son had made the connection. "But like I said…it's nothing for you to worry about," he added, keeping his tone light.

"It's winds….high winds….they've lost a vehicle…probably a high-sided one….," Scott reasoned to himself but loud enough for his father to hear, loud enough for his father to worry.

"Scott," Jeff called gently, feeling he had already got sucked into this conversation more than he had intended.

"The towers….the cables….," Scott continued to think out loud.

"Scott!" his father called a little more insistently.

"Tell him to keep away…..Dad…tell Al…..keep above those towers……stay well….well clear…the cab…," he kept on, ignoring his father's call for his attention.

"Scott! Listen to me," Jeff interrupted. He realised his son was becoming increasingly more anxious.

"Maybe I should come up there…..up to the lounge…..he needs to know…," Scott suggested.

"That is a negative on that, Son….you are not coming up to the lounge….do I make myself clear?" Jeff ordered, finding he was having to take a more decisive tone with his son than he had wished.

"But Dad….he's got to stay above those towers…..you've got to tell him…the cables….he can get fouled in the cables….," Scott went on, getting so engrossed in his advice that he was barely listening to his father.

"SCOTT!" his father called out. Jeff hated himself for what he was about to do but he felt his eldest son had left him no other option. "We have everything well in hand. Now….if you won't take this from your father….then take it from your Commander. Stand down, Son….and that's an order!" Jeff commanded, now having to take a definite authoritative stance with his son.

"Yes Sir," Scott found himself automatically replying, his military reaction to an order instinctively kicking in.

"And….get some rest….that's an order too," Jeff said, though in a softer, fatherly manner and with that he cut communications lest his son should continue to argue.

Scott found the altercation with his father had left him emotionally and physically drained and had definitely not put his mind any more at ease, if anything it left him more anxious. Rising from the chair he felt another familiar rumble. Taking the few steps back to the window he again placed his hand to the glass in order to feel the vibrations course through his body. Though the runway wasn't in view of the infirmary either he was eventually rewarded with the sight of the great green transporter as she powered away from the island, watching her until she disappeared out of sight.

His mind was a turmoil of thoughts and although he knew it was inevitable they would be called out sooner or later he hadn't expected he would feel quite this way. Wincing from a now familiar stab Scott turned his back to the window, slumping against it as he put his hand to his head.

"Agghh…not now, dammit," he muttered to himself. Closing his eyes and breathing deeply he hoped the pain would abate. It was a forlorn hope; not only did the pain increase but, on opening his eyes, the room seemed to spin crazily. "Jen….I need you…," he called, now barely able to stand the volume of his own voice. On realising she hadn't heard him he knew he would have to call louder. "JENNNN!"

At the sound of the agonised cry Jenna stopped what she was doing immediately; dropping the packs of sterile dressings she was counting she came hurrying into the room. Concerned at seeing him slumped against the window and in obvious pain as he held his head she came quickly to his side. "Scott! What on earth! Bad headache?" she surmised sympathetically, seeing that he could barely keep his eyes open. His groaning told her all she needed to know.

"Jen…help me….need to get up to the lounge….take me up….," Scott requested, though it was obvious he was not really thinking clearly.

She could have almost laughed out loud at the incredulous notion had she not realised he was being deadly serious, though she wondered if, perhaps, his pain was making him delirious. "I'm sorry Scott but the only place I'm taking you is back to bed…and I'll give you something to help you sleep," Jenna told him softly. She put his arm around her shoulder and took a firm hold of his waist. "Do you think you can manage if I help you?" she asked kindly, to which he nodded and together they began the slow, unsteady walk back to his bed.

"Don't understand Jen….they're out….out on a rescue…..they need me….gotta get up to the lounge," he repeated automatically.

Jenna sighed. So that was it, she thought to herself. He had worked himself into a headache by worrying, because he didn't want to feel left out. It was only natural that he would find it pretty hard the first time they went out without him and it didn't surprise her in the least that he was a bit down and depressed by it. All she could do was support him through it.

"Oh Scott…I know you want to help but you're in no state. Come on…we're nearly there," she encouraged.

In his heart he knew she was right. There was no way he could concentrate on anything now, all he could think of was the oblivion that the sweet release of sleep would give him. Gratefully he collapsed back on the pillows as she eased him into bed. Bringing back a small phial she quickly upended it, withdrawing the required amount of medication. He watched her through half-closed, pain-filled eyes.

"Don't worry," she smiled gently. "…..it's not morphine-based. I think we learnt our lesson the last time."

"Tell Dad…make sure Al…stays away from…those towers….cables….Jen," Scott pleaded as he watched her push the painkilling fluid into his Heparin Lock.

Jenna smiled wryly to herself. She could just imagine Jeff Tracy's reaction to that, her offering advice and telling him how to do his job. "I'm sure your father knows what he's doing, Scott….just relax and try not to think about it anymore," she said gently and soothingly as she wiped the perspiration from his forehead.

As he felt himself slipping a worried frown creased his face, something else was happening, something else he hadn't felt before."Agghh Jen...pain...…..f.i..n...g…e…r..s…..," he groaned, writhing uncomfortably at this new development but before he could tell her anymore the dark oblivion of the sedation claimed him.

"Scott! What was that about your fingers?" Jenna asked but she knew she wasn't going to get any more answers now and would have to wait until he woke up. Unsure, even, of which hand he was talking about she looked from one to the other, though quite frankly, she didn't expect to see any movement due to the deep sleep he was under.

Back up in the lounge. Now that the boys were well under way and with a little time on his hands before they would report in Jeff Tracy saw this as the ideal time to check up on his anxious son, hoping that he had taken his advice and decided to get some rest.

Down in the infirmary a light flashed on the comm.-link, indicating that someone wanted to speak. Leaving her loving task of gently wiping his face, Jenna left his side and went to the desk. "It's Jenna here," she acknowledged.

"Ah Jenna….you're there," Jeff said a little surprised. "Scott told me you were in the Prep Room…I need to speak to him….would you put him on, please," he asked, wanting to satisfy himself his son was all right.

"I'm sorry Jeff, I'm afraid I can't. I had to put him to bed….he took a headache," she explained gently, not wishing to alarm him and guessing he had enough to worry about right now.

There was a few moments pause, then Jenna heard Jeff sigh. "I'll come down and see him…I have a few moments," he said in a decidedly weary tone.

"Jeff…I'm afraid I had to give him a strong sedative to help him sleep….he's out cold," she responded, wishing she had better news for him.

"I see….I'm afraid that might have been my fault Jenna," he admitted openly. "He knew the boys were out on a rescue. I thought if I gave him a little information it would satisfy him but….he started to get anxious…wanting to get involved. I…I had to order him to stand down," Jeff added sadly, obviously taking some measure of blame on himself.

"Jeff…you can't blame yourself. I think we both knew he was going to find this first time out difficult," she replied, wanting to assure him.

"Yes…you're right. He will be all right, won't he?" he asked, having come to the conclusion that even if he hadn't given Scott the information he would probably have been the same.

"Yes, he'll be all right, Jeff…he just needs a good sleep," Jenna assured him. She had been wondering now, though, whether to pass on the information that Scott had asked her to. She hadn't known, of course, what Scott had already told his father but what if lives depended on it and she hadn't said. Anyway, what was the worst that could happen; that Jeff would tell her it wasn't her business! If that were the case, at least she would have the satisfaction of knowing she felt she did the right thing.

"Jeff…I…know this is none of my business," she began tentatively. "But I just thought I should mention it….just in case it was important," she explained, wanting him to know she really had no intention of interfering.

"What is it, Jenna?" Jeff responded with his normal tone of gruffness. It would have been enough to intimidate a lot of people but Jenna knew him better than that.

"Well…I have no idea what he was talking about but….Scott was saying…before he fell asleep….tell Alan…to stay away from the towers…and something about…cables!" she informed him.

Jeff half laughed in response, causing her to smile a little in puzzlement for it wasn't the reaction she was expecting. "He told me the same thing….that's what he was getting anxious about. It's all right, Jenna…you did the right thing. Now, I'm expecting a call from the boys shortly but please….let me know if there's any change….and I'll come down when this is over," Jeff added, his tone indicating he was going to have to get back to focusing on the rescue.

"I will Jeff…and try not to worry about Scott…he'll be all right. And I hope everything goes all right," Jenna assured him and finishing off offering her concerns, even though she had no idea what the rescue entailed.

"Thank you Jenna," Jeff acknowledged. Up in the lounge a frustrated fist thumped down on the desk, having cut the link to the infirmary. "Dammit Scott…why couldn't you have been asleep when they went out," his father growled as he once more looked at the picture on the wall. For once he wished his son hadn't been so in tune with his ship, knowing every vibration and pulsing throb of her engines. Pushing those thoughts aside his eyes swept along the wall to his youngest son; he should be hearing from him any time soon.

On board Thunderbird One Alan Tracy knew he had hit the Akashi Strait, his arms already becoming strained and aching as he fought to hold the agile craft steady in the buffeting winds. Hovering just off the Bridge he kept her nose pointed into the wind to try to reduce the jarring effect as he observed the scene, though there wasn't really much to see, an empty bridge, a broken barrier where obviously the Juggernaut went through and the choppy, dark waters below.

"Sure glad I'm not drivin across that baby right now," he thought to himself as the bridge visibly swayed, straining against the thick cables that kept it suspended. "Thunderbird One to Thunderbird Five…come in John."

Thunderbird Five to Thunderbird One….receiving," John acknowledged in a professional manner. "Gee Al….guess you've arrived in the Strait, huh," he whistled as his brother's live picture feed flickered and jumped.

"You figured…that out, huh," Alan retorted through clenched teeth as another bone-jarring shudder rocked the ship.

John winced sympathetically. "What's it like down there, little brother?"

"Well you…could say….it's just a little bit windy, John," Alan returned with good-natured sarcasm, wishing that right now he was up there in the calming environment of space. "John…I need an up-date on those weather reports…Virg is 30 minutes behind me. Ok bro…tell me you have good news….are these winds gonna die down?" he asked hopefully as he addressed the monitor. The look on his brother's face after checking the projected forecast didn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence though. John winced. Alan groaned.

"Gee..sorry Al….wish I could but it's not lookin good I'm afraid….not good at all," John reported.