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

Elanor-G: Will we see Cass again? Gee, Cass seems to have gained a fan club all his own. Well you never know. I'm sure Scott would like to take Jenna to meet him some time, just to show him how true his Vision turned out to be, though it won't be in this story. But then that's always an excuse for another one. And then, of course, there's always those Retreats Scott takes himself off to!

Chapter 94

Concerned for their brother's welfare and desperate to know that he was all right, the boys could contain themselves no longer and, on leaving the gym, made straight for the lounge to see if there was any news. On entering the lounge they found their father standing, in a rather reflective mood, by the open sliding glass panel that led out onto the balcony, gazing in the direction of the beach. One quick glance at his father's desk, that lay strewn with unfinished paperwork, told Virgil that he had been disturbed from his task and so guessed immediately that Jenna had passed this way in her search for Scott and, if that was the case, then he knew what had happened, which would account for his reflective vigil by the open panel.

"Has there been any news, Dad…..about Scott? Did Jenna find him?" Virgil asked tentatively.

Drawn back from his own reminiscences, Jeff turned to face his sons, fixing his parental gaze on one particular sombre and contrite young man. "No, not yet, Virgil. I haven't seen Scott myself but Kyrano tells me he went down to the beach. Jenna went down there a while ago to find him," he informed him, his short and disapproving tone aimed directly at his youngest son.

"Dad…I'm really sorry….this is all my fault. You told me to leave things alone…..that it was Scott's business about his medal. I…I couldn't stop thinking about it…and…and I just had to ask him. I reacted just like he was afraid I would…..he made a move towards me….and…I thought……well…he could see it in my eyes and that hurt him. I know I hurt him and I'm real sorry….I never should've made him think of all that bad stuff again," Alan confessed immediately with a heavy heart.

And what could Jeff say. He had thought about being angry, damn angry with Alan but his youngest had shown a surprising maturity in owning up to his responsibility in all this and admitting his guilt right away and Jeff could see the remorse and worry that etched his face, brought about, no doubt, by Virgil filling them in on just what else Scott had endured. He knew he couldn't make Alan feel any worse than he already was.

He just sighed with heavy exasperation. "No, you shouldn't, Alan…..you should have listened to my advice when I told you to leave things alone. Well, things are out in the open now…..but that doesn't mean this subject is to be talked about freely….is that clear? It stops right here….no more questions…just…let it be enough that you know everything. Scott needs to move on from this."

"Yes Dad," Alan acknowledged willingly, along with Gordon, for whom the revelations had also been new. "And I'm really sorry."

"It's not me who you should be apologising to, Son," his father reminded him.

"I know, Dad….and I'm gonna tell him the first chance I get," Alan responded, feeling the need to put things right with his big brother.

It was then they heard it. The most anguished, agonised cry that was ever torn from a man's soul. Carried on the warm tropical breeze it resounded through the open sliding glass panels of the lounge, causing alarm and concern to all who heard it, all except Jefferson Tracy that is, who recognised it as the tortured cry of a man facing up to his most painful and darkest memories.

"Hell…that was Scott…..and it sounds like he's in pain. We'd better get down there right away," Virgil responded immediately. He made to head out onto the balcony and the staircase that would take him to the patio and the beach beyond, followed by his two anxious youngest brothers.

They were stopped in their tracks. "I don't think that's a good idea right now, boys," Jeff advised, putting his hand on Virgil's arm to stop him going any further. He was met by puzzled frowns.

Hadn't their father heard that agonised cry of pain! Didn't he care that Scott was obviously suffering so badly it would cause him to cry out like that and wouldn't he want them to go and help their brother? "But Dad! Didn't you hear that! He must be in pain….he needs help…..," Virgil responded worriedly and trying to reason with his father.

"Yes Son…..he's in pain. But it's not something we can help him with," Jeff acknowledged. "Jenna's with him…..and…if he needs help….I'm sure she'll let us know. Until then we give them all the time they need," he added with sagely wisdom.

Virgil nodded slowly in understanding, realising his father was referring to his brother's deep emotional pain and something that only Jenna could help him with now. Besides which, he guessed his brother would not appreciate the 'cavalry' rushing headlong in to the rescue if he was in the throes of being comforted, especially if that comfort were to be taking the form of a, let's say, more intimate nature!

And indeed, that may well have been the case if things hadn't taken a turn for the worse, for it wasn't uncommon for someone who was surrounded by such dark memories of death and despair to just want to be made to feel….alive.

All Jenna could do was hold him as the memory of that dark and bloody event racked his body with the agonised cries he had long denied himself.

"They were…only babies, Jen…….innocent children. I can…I can hear them…screaming…..they're in so much pain…..and I couldn't I couldn't save them, Jen. I couldn't save them," Scott cried out, his mourning sobs now flowing freely.

Her heart was breaking for him, knowing she couldn't take his pain or those horrific images from him. "I know….I know. There was nothing you could do, Scott," Jenna consoled him, as she softly stroked his hair in a soothing manner.

"Why….why, Jen! Those people didn't know anything. Why the babies…..they were innocents….!" he asked in tortured agony, desperately trying to bring some rational sense to it all.

"They didn't need a reason, Scott…..they were just evil men," Jenna replied quietly, in an effort to help him find some sort of reasoning, continuing to stroke his hair as he lay against her.

"I…I should have tried….should've….should've done something…..," he agonised, feeling the need to heap guilt on himself by way of some sort of atonement.

But her love for him was too strong and, much as her woman's heart wept for those innocents and their mothers, she was not going to allow him to torture himself this way, blaming himself for failing to protect these people against the evil that was perpetrated against them.

"That's crazy, Scott…..and I think you know that. You were caught in a no-win situation. You couldn't have taken them all on by yourself…..there were too many…..and do you think even if you'd given yourself up that would have made them stop! They would only…only have made you watch anyway….before they would've….would've tortured you," she responded, trying to help him see what she knew he, deep down, knew to be true already. She held him, closing her eyes tightly against the thought of what might have been done to this man she loved so deeply, so unconditionally, as she brushed her face against his dark hair and planted a loving kiss.

"And what about Jez? You were faced with an impossible choice, Scott. Even if you had given yourself up to save those people….and, let's say, they spared them….what then? They would've tortured you to find Jez……and then they would've used him against you…made you watch while they tortured him. You couldn't have done that, Scott….you couldn't have lived with that either….but I know you would have died first before you would ever have given him up. But then what? They would have searched until they found him….and even if they hadn't found him….who would've taken care of him, without you? He would have died a very slow, agonising death….either from starvation or an infection in his wound," Jenna continued gently, pointing out the different scenarios that could have been played out. "No….you did the best you could, Scott. You had an impossible choice to make….but you can't blame yourself for the outcome. By saving Jez and getting out alive…you were able to bring those people to the attention of those who could help them….their own Government couldn't close their eyes to what was happening….and that's all down to you, Scott," she added encouragingly.

"But that was too late….too late for those little ones, Jen," he anguished.

"I know….I know," she acknowledged sorrowfully with him. "Who knows why things happen the way they do……but I believe there's always a reason……we just can't see it at the time….and maybe…we'll never see it. You have to believe that, Scott," she urged him, in an effort to ease his pain and help him find some peace. "If you had died out there, no one would have known what happened to those people at all…or to you. Think of the pain that would have caused your family….the not knowing. And think of the many people that wouldn't be alive today….because you weren't there to rescue them with International Rescue. And….and I know I'm being selfish…but if you hadn't come back…I wouldn't have got the chance to know you…..to fall so…so deeply in love with you," she finished, giving him some quite, very definite reasons for his surviving and making it back alive. She brushed her face softly against his forehead, every so often planting loving kisses as she rocked him gently, while his body heaved with the rhythm of his sorrowful weeping that was allowing him to heal his deepest wounds.

He couldn't believe there was a reason for the evil men do, other than to cause misery and despair but if he could believe there was a reason for his having the strength of will to survive, that his life since then had, somehow, made a difference, then perhaps, at last, he could come to terms with all of this and find his peace. Words from the past came clear and strong again: 'She will be directly linked to your healing'. Scott allowed himself a faint smile as he remembered, naively, asking Cass if that meant she would be a doctor or a nurse and Cass had told him not necessarily so but as it proved to be, it was, indeed, a nurse who had so captured his heart and was helping him find his peace. He wondered what Cass would make of that, though guessed he would find it amusing and he vowed, one day, he would take Jenna to meet him, to show Cass the fulfilment of his Vision, the source of his healing and his peace.

He was exhausted now, wearied and drained by his emotional distress after finally entering his 'circle of fire' and facing his pain but oh so relaxed, being held in her warm embrace. In fact, the more she rocked him, brushed her soft face against his and felt her sweet kisses on his skin, the more a warm rush coursed through his body. It was almost a surreal irony that with all these dark memories of death, misery and despair his body cried out to feel alive.

When she next kissed his forehead Scott lifted his head, his tear-stained face meeting her eyes that glistened with unshed tears of her own. She could see the hunger reflected in his eyes, felt his need burning in him, as he turned that all too familiar, heart-stopping, intensive gaze on her. Reaching up, his fingers entwined themselves in her hair and with his hand firmly holding the back of her head he pulled her down to him until their foreheads touched. He stabbed at her mouth with hungry kisses, turning this way and that as the burning fire of his need grew. Tracking his kisses along her face, his breathing heavy and his blood pumping, he whispered in a throaty groan at her ear.

"Oh Jen….I need you….gawd I need you so much it hurts. My body's on fire….if I don't take you soon… I'm going to explode. Make me feel alive, Jen…please…make me feel alive," Scott pleaded with such hunger and intensity it made her own body burn for want of him. It was a situation that threatened to burn wildly out of control for both of them, now that they were completely alone and he was no longer restricted to the confines of an infirmary bed but surrounded by the sensuous passion of the pounding ocean.

Her response to the kiss he burned fiercely on her soft and yielding mouth told him all he needed to know. He was just settling into the deep and powerful kiss, his tongue eagerly exploring her open and willing mouth as he took her in sensual circles when……!

Jenna felt him stiffen and flinch, take in a quick breath and groan. She was aware, though, it was not a groan of pleasure but of physical pain and, in the next instant, Scott withdrew completely from the kiss to clasp at his head. It was what she had feared would happen, given the emotional trauma of his day, coupled with his physical exhaustion and she knew that it must, indeed, be bad, bad enough to make him break away from what he so badly wanted.

"Aghhhhh," he groaned and winced as yet another sharp, stabbing pain shot through his head, cutting through his brain like a hot knife. "Aww damn it…..no…not now," he swore with mild curses as the wave of pain subsided a little.

Jenna put her hand out tenderly to his face. "It'll be all right. We'll get you up to the infirmary and I'll get you something to ease the pain," she soothed sympathetically, noticing that the hunger in his eyes was now replaced by the hooded look of pain and knowing that, once this started, it was likely to intensify. He had been doing so well too, his headaches becoming more infrequent but then, he hadn't had a day like today where it seemed like he was not only having to deal with his recovery from this recent injury but now having to deal with and heal from a deep, emotional trauma from his past as well. With knowing it was the only thing to be done Scott nodded agreeably in response. "Think you can make it back to the house if I help you?" she asked gently.

"Yeah…..I'll try," Scott winced, the pain now becoming a continuous ache in between the sharp stabs.

"I'm impressed you made it this far on your own, Mr Tracy…..that's quite an achievement," she remarked, giving him a wry smile in an effort to deflect his mind from his pain, as she went to help him to his feet.

He gave her a pained smile in return but as soon as he started to get up another crushing pain engulfed him, causing him to let go of her and clasp at his head. Closing his eyes tightly against the light of the late afternoon sun and with a groan, he sat back down heavily.

"I…I don't think I can make it, Jen," Scott confessed weakly.

Jenna immediately held him, letting him lie against her and began to stroke his forehead in a soothing manner, as she had done so many countless times before. "That's OK….don't worry…..we'll get you help," she reassured him, though quite frankly, she wasn't just too sure how she was going to go about that. She knew she was too far away from the villa to shout for help and be heard and besides that, she could hardly shout with Scott lying against her for fear of exacerbating his already painful headache. And there was no way, either, that she wanted to leave him now in this condition while she went for help but, as she looked around in desperation with the vain hope that the boys might have decided to come and see if they needed help, she realised she had no choice.

Scott sensed her hesitation and knew she was trying to figure out a way of getting him back without having to leave him. "My…my…pocket…Jen. The…watch. Take…out…my…watch," he gasped out as he tried to breathe his way through the pain.

He had kept his 'special' watch in his pocket, thinking there wasn't much point wearing it since, if he wore it on his right wrist and needed help, he wouldn't have been able to use his left hand to activate the communicator mode anyway and, if he'd worn it on his left wrist he would have had to physically lift his arm up to use it. So, it was better kept in his pocket where, if he needed it, he could use his right hand to both activate it and use it, as well as for telling the time that was the watch's obvious function, not that time had any relevance to him at all today.

It was an odd request, Jenna thought, a little bemusedly in the circumstances, that despite his being in pain he should want to know the time! Still, she knew Scott well enough to know he must have a good reason for wanting it and without question she reached into his pocket and took it out. It looked just like an ordinary watch, granted an expensive watch, a very expensive watch but then the Tracy's didn't need to do anything by halves and she surmised they could afford the very best, though she had never thought of Scott in those terms.

"All right….I've got it," Jenna responded, letting him know she'd carried out his request.

A faint smile, despite his discomfort, played on his mouth at seeing her puzzlement. He hadn't quite got round to telling her about their personal communication devices yet; well, there had been no need, since up until now, they had only needed to use the inter-house communications system. When he was well enough and stronger, he had intended to take her on a personal guided tour of all their facilities and show her everything for there was nothing he needed nor wanted to keep secret from her any more, this woman with whom he wanted to share his life.

"Bet you thought…this…was…aghhh….just a watch….for telling…the time!" Scott quipped, wincing at another stab of pain.

"You mean it's not! Don't tell me….it's a transporter. You're going to press a button…and we'll be instantly beamed up to the house," she joked in return, trying her best to keep him distracted.

"You've been…watchin too many…aghh…old…episodes of that…Star Trek," he responded with a pained smile. "Sorry…but not exactly……though I'm sure…given time, Brains would probably…figure out how to do it. No…it's our personal communicator….when we're out on a…aghh…rescue…..and there's a locator built in…as well….so we always know where everybody is," Scott added in explanation.

"So, that's how you guys do it," Jenna remarked quietly.

"Yeah….and I'm gonna get Brains to…aghh…make one up for you….so I'll always know where…you are, Jen….so we'll never really…be apart. You'll always be able to…aghh…contact me…whenever you want to….if you need me….and I can….get in touch with you….," he told her lovingly.

She was so touched by his loving sentiment of always wanting to feel close to her, even when they would be physically apart that her eyes moistened over and she swallowed what felt like a great lump in her throat at his obvious protective love for her, as well as the fact it made good practical sense for her to have a similar device.

"I'd like that," she smiled tenderly but her smile faded to a look of concern when Scott, once more, clasped his head in agony and she knew she had to get him help and quickly so that she could get him relief. "Ok….what do I do, Scott?" she asked hurriedly, knowing he may not be able to concentrate for much longer.

"Turn the…casing clockwise….you'll feel it click…..see a little blue light….press it…… Aghhhhh…..," he groaned, as the pain grew increasingly worse.

She quickly followed his instructions then continued stroking his forehead with one hand while he lay against her, just drawing comfort from the warmth of her embrace and her soothing action. Rocking him gently, Jenna held the watch up with her other hand and pressed the blue light on the outer casing. Almost instantly the blank screen, that had replaced the normal watch face when she had turned the casing, was filled with the face of one rather worried looking father.

"Jenna! What is it? Is it Scott?" Jeff asked concerned, surmising that Scott must have taken a turn for the worse if he was incapable of activating his personal communicator.

"Yes Jeff….I'm afraid so. We need help down here and quick. Scott has spiked a really bad headache and can't make it back to the house….and I don't want to leave him. I need to get him back to the infirmary," she informed him, giving him the basic details.

"All right Jenna…just sit tight….I'll get the boys to bring down the anti-gravity stretcher," Jeff replied in a reassuring and efficient manner.

"Thanks….oh and Jeff. Please have Brains give them one of Scott's hyposprays to bring down too. I can give him that right away for some relief. Tell him it's one of the ones with the blue top….the blue top, Jeff….that's important. They're ones I made up specifically for Scott….they've no morphine in them," Jenna requested, giving him clear and precise instructions.

"All right, Jenna….hold on and we'll get on that right away," Jeff replied, complying with her wishes without question, trusting her to know what was best for his son.

She waited patiently while Jeff set the wheels in motion, continuing to give Scott what comfort she could and assuring him help was on the way.

With the same care, attention to detail and efficiency, as if a full-scale rescue operation was under way, Jeff issued his instructions to his waiting sons and sent them on their way then contacted Brains in the lab to have him meet them in the infirmary to get what Jenna needed.

"They'll be with you soon, Jenna," Jeff informed her, keeping her appraised of the situation. "How is he otherwise, Jenna?" he then asked tentatively, remembering that soul-rending cry that tore at his father's heart.

She gave him a pained smile. "He….he's doing all right, Jeff…..he made a start," Jenna replied discreetly with obvious pride for this man she loved.

Jeff nodded understandingly, relieved at knowing she meant his eldest son was willing to face his darkest memories, willing to expose his pain to her in order to heal. He didn't need to hear any details nor did he expect her to divulge what his son had confided in her, for that was one of the things he had quickly come to admire and respect her for.

At that Jenna felt Scott stiffen and clasp her tightly, groaning as he tried to fight his way through another intense wave of pain. "Jeff…I have to go….Scott needs me," she told him with some urgency. The casing ring was returned to its initial position, deactivating the communication, where, once more, it took on the function of an ordinary watch. Jenna put it safely in her pocket to give her full attention to her patient.

She held him closer, as if that were possible and continued to rock him gently, stroking his head in a soothing manner. With his face nestled comfortably in the soft recess of her neck, Jenna brushed her face tenderly against his forehead, giving him comforting and loving kisses.

"It's Ok, Scott….they're coming. Just hold on for me….we'll get you some relief," she urged him, wishing with all her heart that he didn't have to suffer any more.

He was growing tired, tired with the pain that gnawed at his head and tired from his drained emotion. All he wanted to do now was sleep. With an effort he tilted his face to hers, his eyes hooded with pain that barely allowed him to keep them open. "Jen….please. When we get back….lay with me….just a little while…. p.l.e.a.s.e," he begged, wanting to know he would have the warmth of her embrace just as he was enjoying now.

She couldn't help but smile at his simple and beautiful request. "As soon as we're alone…..I promise." She bent down to give him a sweet and tender kiss.

He sighed with contentment but almost immediately his face contorted with a fresh pain, a pain he hadn't felt before, a pain he didn't need. Sucking in a breath Scott gritted his teeth.

"Scott! Is it your headache? Has it got worse?" Jenna asked, somewhat alarmed.

"No…..no. My…..hand…..it's in my hand," he groaned wearily.

"Scott! What about your hand? Which one…..what does it feel like? Jenna asked him cautiously but tinged with just that little bit of excitement, firing a myriad of questions at him all at once, for she remembered him mentioning his hand the other day too. She had intended to get around to asking him about which hand but then events just seemed to take over and then all this kicked off.

And that's exactly what it did feel like right now to him, a bombardment of questions. "Left hand…..pins and needles. Jen….I'm tired….I just want to sleep….," he responded with as brief an answer as possible.

She smiled in sympathy. "That's all right, Scott…..you go ahead and try to sleep…..help will be here soon," she soothed, continuing to rock him and stroke his forehead, as you would a child that was being lulled to sleep, for it was something that would keep until later, until his head was clearer and she could give him a proper examination. While she rocked him Jenna looked down to where his left hand lay immobile in his lap as she cradled him and felt her heart beat quicken a little. Could it be! Dare she hope! And as she watched; yes, she was sure she saw it. The fingers of his left hand flinched in spasm, curling in towards the palm then straightening out again.

She almost laughed but she was not going to get too overjoyed, not until she was sure for it would be cruel to raise his hopes and that of the family if it turned out to be nothing more than a one-off involuntary spasm. It didn't stop her tenderly kissing the top of his head and saying a silent prayer, though.

Within a short time the much-needed help arrived and immediately, one very contrite young man sought to fulfil his vow of seeking forgiveness. Alan gingerly approached his eldest brother.

"Scott…..Scott! I'm….I'm really sorry for bringing all that stuff back to you. I didn't mean to hurt you either….," Alan blurted out in a rush, wanting so badly to put things right with his big brother, for he had been unable to get that look of deep hurt in his brother's eyes out of his mind. And we all know what happens when Alan can't get something out of his mind! He just has to resolve it there and then or practically implode!

"Alan….this isn't the best time," Jenna told him in whispered tones, as gently and kindly as she could. "We have to get him back to the infirmary where I can make him comfortable. Leave it until tomorrow."

"But Jen….I have to apologise…..I need him to know I didn't mean it. Scott…..please!" Alan pleaded in near desperation, turning to his brother.

She felt so sorry for him, wanting to know he had his brother's forgiveness but, right now, all the pleading in the world was going to get him nowhere. "I know you do, Alan…..but…Scott just can't deal with this right now. He's exhausted….and spent emotionally…..he really needs to sleep" she explained gently, yet being firmly protective of him. At that Scott groaned and shifted more comfortably into her embrace.

They looked to one another with concern. "He's going to be alright, though….isn't he, Jen?" Virgil inquired worriedly.

"Yes…he'll be alright. He's just wearied with the pain of this headache…..and on top of that, he's emotionally exhausted," she quickly assured them. "Now we need to get him onto the stretcher and then I can give him the pain relief. You did bring the hypospray, didn't you?"

"Yeah….yeah…..I've got it. Here it is, Jen," Alan replied, quickly pulling it out of his pocket and giving it to her.

Gently and carefully, Virgil, Gordon and Alan lifted their brother from her arms and manoeuvred him onto the stretcher and rolled him into the recovery position. Telling him what she was about to do Jenna then administered the pain relief, pressing the hypospray to his neck, after which she ran her fingers lovingly through his hair, bent and kissed his forehead. Then it was time to move him. Activating the anti-gravity function on the stretcher the small 'rescue' party made their way back to the villa, mission accomplished.

Jenna wasn't surprised to see Jeff waiting for them in the infirmary, anxious to see for himself his son's condition but she soon put his mind at ease, telling him all Scott needed now was a good night's rest. Knowing now there was no way she would leave him to join the family for their evening meal, despite the many offers to sit with Scott, Jeff had a supper tray sent down and afterwards, with the realisation of how tired and drained she was herself, Jenna decided on an early night.

It was then she made good on her promise to Scott. Not that he would have noticed if she hadn't since he appeared to be sleeping soundly but it was a promise she wanted to keep. Watching him sleep she smiled to herself, thinking again of his pleading: "Lay with me, Jen…please" and her response of, "as soon as we're alone, I promise". Now that they were alone and after she had taken care of her nursing duties, checking over his vital signs, she changed into her nightwear of soft silky shorts with a matching silky camisole top and slipped into his bed behind him. With Scott rolled on his left side she snuggled comfortably into his back, moulding herself to his shape and with her arm under his, wrapped it protectively around him. He felt so good, so warm and it just felt so right, as though they had always been together, as though they were always meant to be together, so that she couldn't imagine ever being with anyone else ever again.

Of course she had only meant to dose with him a little while and then go back to her own bed but then, that's the trouble with finding yourself just too darn comfortable. That, and the fact she was softly stroking his chest as a comforting gesture didn't help matters much either, since it just lulled her into sleep. Feeling her eyelids growing heavier she kissed him lovingly on his back before finally drifting off.

With the dark memories that had been dredged up from somewhere very deep after so long it was inevitable that Scott would not enjoy an entirely peaceful night. He became agitated, stirring restlessly, though, due to the pain relief, he didn't wake but Jenna was right there, on hand, to bring him the comfort he needed and he quickly settled down after each bout; perhaps because, somewhere in the depths of his sleep, he was aware of her warmth beside him, her comforting presence about him.

By the time morning dawned and with her night's sleep having been disturbed by Scott's restlessness, however, both she and Scott were now soundly asleep. And, somewhere in his stirrings, he had automatically brought his right arm over hers to entwine his fingers, curling his hand over the back of hers, pulling her tightly into himself, in what looked to be a very comfortable and cosy position indeed, stating quite clearly, 'you are mine and I have no intention of letting you go'.

That morning also, one young man, though, was up bright and early. Having a lot on his mind and being unable to sleep any longer, he was showered and dressed well before 7am. Nervy and fidgety Alan practised his apology speech in front of the mirror, wanting to put things right with his brother as soon as possible and preferably before the family breakfast so that he could enjoy it without feeling knots of apprehension in his stomach.

Well, Jen did say, leave it until tomorrow and, now it was tomorrow. It was 7.30am already and surely Scott would be awake by now, he thought. Scott was always awake early, either out for his morning run or practising his deep focus breathing and meditation exercises in the form of Tae Kwon Do on the beach before breakfast; Tae Kwon Do being a South Korean martial arts discipline, aimed at achieving a balance of mind and body but then, of course, he hadn't been able to get back into his routine yet since his injury and he may well still be tired from yesterday. How could he forget the distress he'd caused his brother yesterday, resulting in the headache that had necessitated them having to help get their brother back to the house. He felt it entirely his fault and the reason for his desperation now in not wanting to wait any longer to put things right. Hurriedly Alan made his way down to the infirmary, mumbling to himself along the way of how to start his apology.

He wasn't quite sure what he expected on entering, either a fully awake brother with whom he would feel initially awkward or one just in the throes of waking up but he wasn't prepared for what he did see. So much so, it left the youngest Tracy sibling wide-eyed and slightly embarrassed. Although they had all, he included, witnessed many a passionate kiss between the two of them he just wasn't prepared for the sight of them cosily curled up in bed together, Jenna with her arm wrapped around his eldest brother and he with her pulled tight into him and especially with Jenna wearing nothing more than a silky, fine-strapped camisole. Somehow he felt he had inadvertently walked in on something very intimate and found himself rooted to the spot.

He had to admit, though, they did make a good-looking couple and it looked so beautiful, right and natural, like they belonged together and he couldn't help that his thoughts drifted to a certain young woman that had belonged in his life for quite some time and who, perhaps, he tended to take for granted. Maybe now he should take that chance and make more of a commitment!

At any other time and in any other circumstances this would have been the juiciest piece of information to hold over his eldest brother's head but, and perhaps it was a sign of his growing maturity, he knew he would keep this to himself, not wanting to cause either his brother or Jenna any embarrassment for, after all, he had some serious bridge-building to do with his brother and making this cosy little intimacy the butt of any amusement was not the way to go about it. And with that Alan quietly slipped out again, heading back to the upper level to get some breakfast. He was disappointed he still had not got this off his chest but he resolved he would just have to try again later.

Just after Alan left, Jenna stirred, lazily opening an eye and glancing at the time. Expecting it to be still early she almost lost her eyesight at seeing it was after 7.30am. The windows had been set to automatically darken according to the sunlight to afford Scott some comfort against his headache, just as when he had awoken from his surgery, so it had been impossible to tell how early or late in the morning it actually was. The family would be up and about and could even come down before breakfast to see how Scott was doing. It was one thing to sit atop his bed, fully clothed, in order to comfort him but another to be found…in…bed with him in silky night attire, embarrassing to say the least. She was totally unaware, however, they had been observed already.

Not wanting to wake him, now that he was sleeping peacefully, Jenna gently withdrew her hand from his and slipped out of bed. Coming around the other side on her way to the shower she couldn't help the little smile at the heavy frown and decidedly disgruntled look on his face at having his source of comfort taken away from him as he stirred slightly. Showering and dressing quickly Jenna then quietly carried out her routine checks on his vital signs without disturbing him and had just finished when Alan reappeared with her breakfast tray, in the hope that Scott would now be awake but he was to be disappointed yet again. Jenna couldn't quite understand why Alan appeared to be a little awkward when he had handed her the tray but she just put it down to his apprehension at his impending 'putting things to rights' session with Scott.

"I'm sorry, Alan….Scott's still sleeping. He had a very restless night and he's only just now getting some proper sleep. Try again later," she apologised sympathetically.

This was going to be a long morning as far as he was concerned and, dejected, he left to help out on the repair work that was beginning on Thunderbird One, feeling that he wanted to do something practical by way of making amends. Brains and Tin-Tin were already there, checking over the internal diagnostics, along with Virgil and Gordon, who had started on the more manual work of replacing the damaged tail fin straight after breakfast, in case she should be needed for a rescue. But it was obvious to Tin-Tin that he was decidedly distracted and seemed on edge.

"Is Scott still a little mad at you, Alan about Thunderbird One?" Tin-Tin surmised, intent on giving him solace. "I'm sure he'll come round….he was probably just very worried about you."

Alan winced. If only it were just that. He could handle Scott being mad with him for damaging his craft, that was to be expected, for he knew his brother was really only concerned about the danger he had put himself in and Scott had been right; he wasn't a rookie pilot who knew no better. No, it was what he had done afterwards, his insatiable curiosity that had dredged up the past and caused his brother deep hurt but, of course, Tin-Tin didn't know everything.

"It's not just that, Tin-Tin….I wish it was. I…I just don't know when to keep my big mouth shut," Alan confessed willingly, causing Tin-Tin to look in wide-eyed astonishment at his sudden and honest self-appraisal. "I…said some things…that I shouldn't……and I really hurt him, Tin-Tin….I know I did. And I just want to put things right as soon as possible…but he's still sleeping. That headache he took down on the beach yesterday….well…that was kinda my fault too. Do you think he'll ever forgive me, Tin-Tin?" he continued in his confession without giving away any details, though desperately needing the assurance of this young woman who he also regarded as a friend with whom he could confide anything, well, anything perhaps but how he truly felt about her.

Alan may be impetuous and impossible at times but she could see that he was truly remorseful, even though she didn't know just what exactly it was he had done. "Oh Alan….I'm sure Scott will forgive you….if you're really sorry. You know Scott….he doesn't hold a grudge. He loves you, Alan…..he has always looked out for you," Tin-Tin told him encouragingly before pulling him into a consoling hug, which he had to admit he found very comforting, very comforting indeed and was just what he needed to hear. Fuelled with the hope of her encouraging words Alan tried to concentrate on doing some work until such times as he could get back to the infirmary.

It was almost mid morning when Scott began to stir. Stretching sleepily he smiled at finding her sitting on his bed watching him wake and thought how beautiful it would be to wake up each morning and have her there beside him in his bed.

"Hi….how's your head this morning?" Jenna smiled with loving concern, as she cupped his face in her hand, though her inquiry was as much from her nurse's point of view as her lover's heart.

Basking in the warmth and concern of her love Scott held her hand in his and turned his face into her hand to softly kiss her palm. "It's good," he replied with a quiet smile. "Jen…..I wanna thank you for sitting with me…through all that. I know it wasn't easy to listen to," he added, acknowledging the horror of his dark memories and, much as he would want to protect her from all such things, he was glad he no longer had to bear the burden alone.

"Oh Scott….I love you…..I want to share everything with you…..I want to share all of your pain. Whatever you're going through…I want to go through with you. You won't ever have to be alone in your pain again," she promised with all the love in her heart.

His eyes sparkled and shone with the emotional rush of deep love he felt for her right at that moment. "That's…that's sooo good to hear you say that. Oh gawd Jen….you've no idea what was going on in my mind. I thought I'd lost you….I…I didn't think you could love me….and I couldn't bear……," he sighed with relief, his tortured fears then all coming out in a rush of admission but she stopped him, putting a finger to his lips.

"Sshhh….I know you did….but you don't have to worry about that any more. I'll never stop loving you…and I don't want you to ever doubt my love for you….ever again. Is that understood…..Mr Tracy!" she stated, eyeing him with her familiar wry smile that he had always found so dangerously exciting.

"Yes ma'am……oh…y.e.s…m.a.'a.m," Scott gladly acknowledged, with the relief and contentment of one who finally believes he is deeply loved; loved with a true and lasting love that would stand the test of time and whatever life would throw at it, after having, at last, found the courage to enter the flames of his fire. And, as if to put a seal on that assurance, he drew her to him for a deep, loving and deeply satisfying kiss.

Breathless and weak, after reluctantly pulling away, well, his kisses always left her feeling that way, it was time to get down to practical matters.

"Scott….do you remember yesterday….before you fell asleep! Do you remember what you said….about your hand? You said you felt some pain!" Jenna inquired tentatively, not wanting to raise any hopes without first hearing all the information.

Scott drew his brows together as he tried to remember just what else he had felt besides the throbbing ache and stabbing pains of his headache. "Yeah….it was like…..pins and needles…I think."

"And do you remember the other day….when the boys went out on that rescue? You were over by the window…and when I'd helped you back to bed just before you went under you said something about your hand! Do you remember that?" she asked wonderingly but after a moment's thought he had to shake his head that he didn't. "That's Ok….don't worry about it," Jenna smiled reassuringly.

"What does it mean, Jen? Is there something else going wrong with me?" Scott asked, obviously concerned and, not to say, a little bit worried.

"No, Scott…I'm sure there's not," she was quick to reassure him. "Look…I don't want to get your hopes up too much…too soon…..and I want to do some tests first…..but….," she added, wanting to keep him informed of what may be happening, though keeping it tinged with caution but she couldn't help the sparkle of hope that shone in her eyes, a sparkle that Scott did not fail to catch.

"But…..! Is…is this what I think it means, Jen? Are you telling me I might….," he inquired cautiously, hardly daring to hope.

She lifted his left hand and tenderly played with his fingers. "I don't know yet, Scott……like I said…I don't want to get your hopes up too soon……but…pins and needles are a good sign. It's feeling that you haven't had before….and yesterday…when you fell asleep in my arms….I looked at your hand…and your fingers flinched….they curled in a little and straightened…all by themselves," she told him encouragingly with a smile, obvious that she felt there was some cause for hope.

Scott let out the breath he had been holding with a laugh and she couldn't help that her eyes, momentarily, misted over in sharing his emotion.

"Now I need you to tell me if you feel anything else….anything at all….if there's any more pins and needles," Jenna instructed but he didn't need to be told twice as he eagerly nodded his compliance. "And I think it's time we got Mike back out for another visit…..I would like him to look you over for himself and see what he thinks. I'll give him a call shortly and set it up."

Jenna had been keeping Mike updated on Scott's progress every week by vid-link, at which time Mike had also conducted his on-line consultations with Scott, being the easiest way to check on his patient without the need for travel and bar any serious emergencies it had proved an adequate arrangement. Mike, though, was due another personal visit in two weeks time, for he found, convenient as the on-line sessions were, a hands-on, face-to-face approach in aftercare was still necessary but with these new developments Jenna felt it would be advantageous now to bring that visit forward and it would be so good to see Mike again in the flesh.

"And….in the meantime, Mr Tracy….I think it's time you got showered and dressed. I'll get you something to eat….and then we can take a closer look at that hand," she suggested with a bright smile.

"Whatever you say, Nurse Rollins," Scott returned with a positive gleam in his eye.

While he had his shower Jenna added the latest information to his file. Once he was dressed and had something to eat she did some basic tests, adding that information also. She had just sat down at her desk to get in touch with Mike when Alan came in.

With nervous apprehension the young man approached his eldest brother. "Scott! I need to talk to you….please…..," Alan pleaded, looking for all the world like one lost little boy, which, indeed, he had been feeling like without the assurance that his brother could forgive him. Sure they all had their squabbles, as brothers do, but in any serious matter they always endeavoured to put things right as soon as possible and not let things fester.

Jenna decided it was time for a discreet withdrawal for which Alan was grateful and gave her a weak smile. She returned it with an encouraging one of her own, patting his arm as if to say, 'It'll be alright'. Leaving the room she turned, smiling at the sight of emotional reconciliation as the 'lost little boy' was pulled into a warm and protective embrace by his big brother.

She made her way up to Jeff's private office, informing him of the latest small development and her request that Mike should bring his visit forward. Of course it went without saying that Jeff readily agreed and tried to bear in mind her cautious advice of not getting his hopes up too high at this early stage. It was with that in mind it was decided not to tell the rest of the family just yet, until Mike had carried out his examination and was in a better position to give his prognosis on what they had all long hoped for.

Once more, Mike's friendly and cheery face filled the screen. "And to what do I owe this pleasure, young lady? You're not due to update me until tomorrow," he asked, a little surprised to hear from her. It was only then, though, he became a little concerned. "Scott! Is there something wrong, Jenna?"

"Mike…..I'd like you to come over early and see Scott. There's been a….new development!"