The Tracy Family and Thunderbirds are the creation of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
Author's Note: Sorry guys, it's been a while but it seems Scott and Mike had a lot to talk about!
Chapter 97
Mike sat with casual ease on the end of the opposite bed with arms folded, ready to hear what the young man, who had now risen to his feet, wanted to get off his chest. "Ok….I'm listening."
And Scott launched straight into his defence, or attack, depending on your point of view!
"Look….this isn't something we planned to happen, Mike…we didn't set out to feel this way about each other. It just…happened," the younger man started out, intending it, not so much as an apology but as a defiant declaration. "I know Jen was in a position of trust…that you brought her here to do a job…that I was her…'assignment'….and that I was seriously ill and, maybe you think, vulnerable…but I will not have you thinkin she let you down in any way…that she abused that trust…or that she has done anything wrong…or done anything to be ashamed off…because she hasn't….and I'll be damned if I'll let you think that of her," he continued, jumping straight to her defence. Now he was on a roll he intended to keep going.
"And just so you know…for my part…this, sure as hell, isn't as trivial as, 'a patient falling for his pretty nurse' either. I wasn't…that ill…that I mistook my dependency on her for…deeper feelings….and I wouldn't be that selfish to risk Jen's career for…for the thrill of a few stolen kisses either…I wouldn't take advantage of her like that. I've been hospitalised before…been nursed by pretty nurses…so I know the score…between what I feel here and a bit of…harmless flirting. I have never taken advantage …or gotten involved…and I didn't go fallin for them either….no matter how ill I've been. I'm not that naïve that I've mistaken my dependency on a pretty nurse for thinkin I feel something for her. So no…that's not what's happening here, Mike. What Jen and I have is something special …..something neither of us saw coming …and something neither of us could stop happening…or wanted to stop happening for that matter," Scott continued on admittedly in reflective thought. Yeah, he had fought against loving her initially but only because he felt so undeserving of her and because he felt she couldn't possibly see anything in him worth loving. But for all that, he had wanted her so much, unable to tear himself free from that strong magnetic attraction that had pulled them together.
"So I won't have you or anybody else try to make out like this is just some…some trivial, meaningless little affair between a nurse and her patient, that couldn't possibly last….because it's not….and it will…because we know what we have is real," he continued adamantly, his face set in a serious frown and seriously wound up. "Don't expect me to be sorry for how we feel about each other, Mike…the only thing I am sorry about is that Jen felt she had to resign. I know she loved what she did…it was more than just a job to her…so….if you need to blame somebody, Mike…if it'll make you feel better…then blame me…but I won't have you thinkin the worst of her or that any of this is Jen's fault," Scott finished off on a note of defiance.
Mike raised a quizzical eyebrow, rather impressed with his young patient's ardent fervor but, in truth, he would have been somewhat disappointed if Scott hadn't risen so passionately to her defence. "That was quite a speech. You really do love her a lot…don't you!" he then responded with quiet observation, as he studied the serious young man.
"Yeah Mike….I love her….more than you could ever know," Scott replied in quiet admission, turning to gaze thoughtfully through the window wall, by which he now stood.
And somehow Mike got the feeling that Scott could have said a whole lot more but was obviously not prepared to do so and he didn't feel it was his place to delve any deeper about the reason for his latter comment. Besides, he had heard all he needed to hear, the simple and honest admission spoken with such sincerity that Mike had no reason whatsoever to doubt the strength of his patient's conviction. He nodded thoughtfully.
"I'm glad to hear that, Scott…and I know she loves you very much too. You had to have been very special, for her to have risked everything….but the truth is…Jen knew what she was doing….she knew the risks of getting involved with a patient……," Mike replied in all honesty, though before he could say anything else, Scott was jumping to her defence again, the sign of a man so obviously in love.
"In my book, Mike….Jen has done nothing to be ashamed of…but, like I said…if you need to blame somebody….then blame me," the younger man insisted, flashing the surgeon a cold, steady look.
Mike calmly returned his patient's gaze and couldn't help but admire the young man's eager willingness to protect the woman he loved, convincing him now totally that he had nothing to worry about where Jenna was concerned. "I didn't say Jen had anything to be ashamed of, Scott….so I hope you'll let me finish what I'd like to say," he requested of the headstrong young man.
"Go on," came the somewhat dry response.
"Like I said…Jen knew the risks of getting involved. I'm sure even you can appreciate, having been in the Air Force, that you abide by a certain code of conduct…there are certain rules! And if…for whatever reason…you choose to break that code…there are consequences!" Mike continued, stating the simple, honest facts and hoping that things would be seen from his point of view.
Scott frowned heavily but said nothing. Mike had him there; even he couldn't argue with that.
"Well, it's just the same in nursing. However…that's how I knew this was serious…that you must be something very special to her." Mike shook his head with a reflective laugh. "She's nursed quite a few young and single men…handsome too…but she's never got involved before either….never been prepared to risk everything….until now….that's how I know you must be special. And…let's get one thing clear…I'm not looking for anyone to blame here, Scott. I just hope you can understand, though, that I do feel a measure of responsibility for Jen…..since it was my decision to bring her here. And I've looked out for her since her father's…and her brother's tragic passing….so, naturally, I would be concerned about her future ," Mike continued on, giving a perfectly reasonable argument.
Scott closed his eyes briefly and sighed. Of course it was only natural that Mike would be concerned about what happened. They both cared about her a great deal, only from two very different perspectives; one being that of a surrogate parent and friend, the other being the much stronger bond of a lover.
"Yeah, Mike…I guess I do understand where you're coming from. And look…I know how important she is to you…but she's important to me too now. This isn't something we entered into lightly, Mike…but we know how we feel about each other and nothing you can say or do is gonna change that. I…I just don't want you thinkin the worst of her, that's all," he reiterated his concerns.
"I don't think the worst of her, Scott. I never have….never could," his surgeon assured him.
"And I'm glad, too, that Jen's had you to look out for her, Mike," Scott acknowledged gratefully. "It can't have been easy for her being without both her parents…and especially with what happened to her brother and then her father….at least I've always had the support of my family." After a moments pause of contemplation, Scott breathed out a sigh, the way one does when they have decided the way things will be when looking to the future and fixing the consultant surgeon with the determined look of a very self-confident young man. "But…you don't have to worry about looking out for Jen any more….that's going to be my job from now on, Mike….and you don't need to worry about her future."
Mike nodded, impressed as hell by the young man's dogged determination and absolute self-belief in the strength of their love.
"Okay…. so this may not have been the ideal way of going about things….," he added with a wry smile, which earned him a steely gaze from those striking blue eyes. "…..but I'm glad that Jen has found someone, at last, who can make her truly happy….she deserves that….and I'm glad that person is you. You're a young man I've come to admire and respect a great deal, Scott….I hope you know that…so if anyone can make her happy, I know you can."
"Yeah…well…eh…thanks Mike….I appreciate that," returned a somewhat embarrassed Scott at the unexpected praise. "And I respect you too, Mike….we've always got on well….that's why I don't want there to be any ill feeling between us over this….but…just so as you know…I'll never regret what happened between Jen and I…when or how it happened," he stated with cool clarity, leaving Mike in no doubt that Jenna's pull on him would always take precedence over any respect Scott may feel for him.
"No, of course there's no ill feeling, Scott," Mike was quick to assure him and nodding his understanding. "After all… we both have Jen's best interests at heart here…don't we! I get the impression, though, you thought I might have somehow disapproved!" he added, with arms, again, folded casually across his chest and eyeing the young man with wry regard.
"Yeah…well…I just wasn't sure how you felt exactly about what happened between Jen and I. I mean…it's not something we've talked about yet….is it!" Scott returned, warily regarding his opponent, though coming more now from a place of mutual understanding and respect.
"No…I guess we haven't….have we!" Mike returned the verbal parry.
"I mean…I wouldn't blame you for being pissed," Scott replied with forthright candour, which brought a hearty laugh from the consultant surgeon.
The very idea that he would be pissed at Jenna finding true and lasting happiness when he had, for so long, encouraged her, time and time again, to give her many young admirers a chance, he found quite amusing; albeit though, as he'd already pointed out, that it wasn't perhaps the ideal way to go about it, with Scott still, technically, being her patient but then, as Kyrano had reminded him, who were they to say what way things should happen and, life did seem to have a funny way of turning out.
"Pissed that Jen found someone special enough to give up her career for! Because let's face it…that's what this amounts to." Mike shook his head with a quiet, reflective smile. "No. Now what would have made me pissed, though, was if she'd thrown away her career for nothing…for someone she thought she could be happy with…but who couldn't or wouldn't give her the commitment she deserves because, for them, it was nothing more than a fling with a pretty nurse. Pissed is, a patient who lets her fall head over heels in love with him, only to break her heart because he realises he doesn't feel the same after all, once he's back on his feet….leaving her high and dry without a career. Pissed is, anybody that would take advantage of her kind, caring and compassionate nature…anybody that would hurt her for any reason. Now, that…would be pissed," he eyed the young man with a warning glint and very clear definition of what he would not find acceptable but, of course, that was all hypothetical; that was not going to apply to Scott, since he had, after all, made his feelings and intentions known.
Scott though, being the astute young man that he was, did not fail to take it for the careful warning that it so obviously was. "I read you loud and clear, Mike…but that's not gonna happen."
Mike nodded, knowing they understood each other totally. "Look…I'm just glad to hear you're as equally committed to her as she obviously is to you. I'll be honest…that was a worry when she first told me what she'd done…and why….but after your rather passionate defence….! he added with genuine sincerity then placed an encouraging hand on Scott's shoulder. "Actually….it's nothing less than what I would have expected of you, my boy. In fact…I think I'd have been disappointed if you hadn't spoken up for her the way you did."
"Yeah…I am equally committed," Scott assured him adamantly. "And I will do my very best to make her happy, Mike….I promise you that."
"Then that's all I need to hear, my boy," Mike acknowledged, as the beam of a smile grew across his handsome features.
"So! What! Don't I get the big, 'if you hurt her then you'll have me to deal with', speech!" Scott inquired with a wry grin.
"Is that what you've been expecting!" Mike returned the parry with an equally wry grin. "Well…I think we can safely say that's already been done…..and taken as read….don't you!"
"That's an affirmative, Mike….but you don't need to worry on that score…..I love her way too much to ever hurt her," came the reassurance, as Scott reflected on just how much he did love her.
"Yes…I believe you do," Mike acknowledged. And now that all that was out in the open and out of the way a thought crossed his mind that he just had to give voice too, for after all, he couldn't cut his ties of deep affection for Jenna just like that. "Scott….look…eh…I hope you don't mind me asking this…and tell me to pull my head in and mind my own business….though I hope you know this is only out of concern for Jen…but have…you two…given any thought as to what Jen's going to be doing with herself once you're formally discharged and well again….and you no longer need a nurse! I mean…I know you're well capable of taking care of Jen…materially…I know she'll want for nothing…that's not the issue…and I think we both know her well enough to know all that's not important to her anyway. It's just that…well…she's not the sort of young woman who's going to want to lie around in the lap of luxury all day with nothing to do! We both know she's an independent young woman…and, as you pointed out, this isn't just a job to her…she's naturally caring and compassionate…and, as well as that, she's worked damn hard to get to where she is. I just think it would be a shame if all that was lost completely and couldn't be put to any more use!" Mike pointed out, stating the simple facts since he was never one to avoid voicing his concerns.
"No…that's okay, Mike….I understand where you're coming from….I appreciate your concern…and you're right….I guess it would be a shame….but, like I said, you don't need to be worried about Jen's future any more," Scott replied, needing now to be very careful in what he said, as he eyed Mike with cool, calm composure. "If it makes you feel any better, though…we'll see that Jen's nursing skills aren't entirely wasted."
Now he was intrigued and, from what he remembered, Jeff had said something similar. "So….what are you telling me! That wily old fox opened up his own hospital! Mind you…I don't doubt that he could do it. I mean…look at this place," Mike laughed, looking around in admiration. "Your father sure knows how to run an operation…I'll give him that."
"Mike…you just have no idea!" Scott thought amusingly to himself and trying to stifle a grin at hearing Mike's familiar turn of phrase in describing his father as, 'that wily old fox'. "No…not quite his own hospital, Mike….but…there are ways in which I'm sure we can put Jen's nursing skills to good use…where her knowledge would be invaluable," he added intriguingly and without giving any indication as to exactly what he meant. "That is, of course, if that's what Jen wants. She is still her own person….and as we both know, Mike…she's gonna do just what she wants!"
"Tell me something I don't know!" Mike readily agreed. He mused over what Scott had said, though, but just couldn't figure where Jenna might be able to put her nursing skills to good use within, what he presumed and what he knew to be, the vast empire of Tracy Enterprises. And it seemed that Scott's somewhat vague assurances were just a little too….vague! "Look…if you're thinking of more in an advisory capacity for Jen! Well…it's just that I've known her for a whole lot longer…and Jen…it's just not for her…it's not who she is. She's more of a 'hands-on' kind of nurse…that's her gifting…her caring and compassionate way with her patients…..but I shouldn't need to tell you that Scott…that's why she's here!" Mike reminded him, feeling compelled to plead her case and then, as if to emphasize the point further, added the fact she had turned down a promotion because it involved being stuck in an office with a lot more paperwork and much less time tending to patients.
Scott smiled inwardly to himself for he had no intention of consigning his fiery and feisty lover to that of an advisory role, knowing only too well how unsatisfying that would be for her. He thought back to the many times she had stood up for him, even against his own father, because her patient's needs came first and thought again, with amusement, of how she had boldly stormed into the lounge to confront his father as to how he came by a cold, which had led to his fever. No, that type of dedication could not be consigned to an advisory capacity but definitely needed 'hands-on' experience and he knew just where she would get it! But of course, he could hardly tell that to Mike; that she would get the opportunity to use her valuable nursing skills within the International Rescue organisation, with both some of the more serious casualties they rescued and the injuries they quite frequently sustained. Well, after all, this situation was a prime example!
"Like I said…that's really up to Jen to decide…isn't it!" Scott reminded him with icy cool calm, remaining intriguingly vague and giving absolutely nothing away other than to say. "I understand your concern, Mike …but just trust me on this. Jen will get all the job satisfaction she needs." And he felt he knew her well enough to know she would gladly want to become involved fully in his way of life, when the time came.
For a moment the two men eyeballed each other, like two dominant malesin the animal kingdom, vying for dominance of the pack, though this was one Scott was always going to win, having that resolute belief in himself that came from the strength of her love. Such a change there had been in this young man since waking up after receiving that seemingly innocent bump on the head; from feeling frustrated, lost and without hope, feeling he was dying inside, to being made to feel whole and complete, alive and self-confident in the knowledge he was totally and unconditionally loved. He was like a man reborn.
And, somehow, Mike had a feeling he wasn't going to get any more out of Scott on the matter but he also knew Jenna was now in safe hands. For a moment he couldn't help but feel just a little saddened, as the realisation that things had changed forever finally sank in, Scott having made it quite clear that she belonged with him now. But it was just for a moment and he smiled to himself at wondering if this was how a father felt when giving away his daughter to begin a new life with the man she loved.
Did Scott sense that in him? Perhaps he did.
"She won't just disappear out of your life altogether you know!" Scott reassured him with a knowing look. "I know this has been an unusual situation, Mike. You're the only person who knows where Jen has been all these weeks and I'd like to take this time to say…the family really appreciates you keeping that confidence ….but I promise you, Mike…Jen will stay in touch….though the family would appreciate you still keeping her whereabouts to yourself…until Jen and I decide who we'd like to know."
Knowing how much his old friend, Jeff valued his privacy and the reason for this clandestine arrangement, Mike never thought to question Scott's request and readily agreed. "That's not a problem, Scott…don't worry…..just so long as I know Jen's safe and well…and happy….and from what I've seen there's no question of that," he smiled back in response.
"And I'd like to say too, Mike that I really appreciate what you've done for me. I can't thank you enough ….you saved my life…in more ways than one," Scott acknowledged cryptically, to which Mike gave him a bemused look, as he took the right hand his patient offered him in a firm handshake.
"Think nothing of it, Scott….it was my privilege to help the son of my old friend. I'm only glad I could be of help….and that it all turned out successfully," Mike responded, clasping Scott's hand now in a two handed shake.
Seeing the man still muse over his previous comment as he spoke, Scott decided to satisfy the surgeon's curiosity. "Well, you did bring Jen into my life….so I guess I owe you big time," he added with a smile.
A wry grin lit up Mike's face. "Y..e..s….I did…didn't I! Though you might just regret saying you owe me big time, young man," he added with a glint in his eye, as though he'd just thought of some appropriate payment. Mike laughed at the now bemused questioning on his young patient's face and the way his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "We just happen to have a big fundraiser coming up in a few months time…and it just so happens we need a patron! How would you like to become Patron for The Brain Injury Trust!" Mike inquired with a note of triumph. "I can't think of a better candidate!"
"Gee….I guess I walked right into that one….didn't I!" Scott replied with a laugh.
Mike cocked his head to the side, raising an eyebrow in obvious expectation of an answer.
Becoming serious for a moment, Scott sighed and helplessly shrugged his shoulder, almost lost for words. "Mike…I…I hardly know what to say. Look…I'll be honest with you….I don't know what good I would be to you….I mean I haven't done this before….and I wouldn't want to let you or the Trust down," he confessed. It wasn't that he was ignorant of the way a patronage worked and he was well used to attending functions, after all, that's how he had come to know Mike in a social capacity, by accompanying his father, who supported the work of the hospital; it was just he had never had the responsibility of a patronage in his own right before.
The consultant surgeon smiled at his young patient's modesty and put an encouraging hand on his shoulder. "Scott…it would be enough for you to just lend your name to the Trust….and attend the odd fundraiser, of course," he added with a grin. Becoming serious again, though, he further added. "And…what better than someone who can empathise with the aims of the Trust! Scott…you're in a unique position. You've sustained brain injury…and survived….and there's no-one who knows better than you what effect that can have on a person's life!"
Scott eyed the man warily, admiring of his rather clever emotional manipulation. "You do know how to make it hard to say no….don't you! But you're right, Mike…I do know…and I do owe you….so, if you really think I can be of any good….then sure…I'll gladly give my name to the Brain Injury Trust."
Clapping him on the back, Mike nodded his appreciation. "Thank you, Scott. I think you know just what having the Tracy name attached to a patronage means."
The young man nodded his acknowledgement. "On one condition, though, Mike," Scott insisted.
"Just name it, Scott," Mike replied, more than willing to consider his young patient's terms.
"You know how Dad feels about publicity…and how much we value our privacy….so I'd appreciate if the real reason you'd asked me to become patron wasn't mentioned….the fact that I've had a brain injury. It's just there would be too many questions asked…questions I don't want to answer," Scott requested, though it had more the feel of a non-negotiable clause in a contract than a request.
Mike could see that Scott was insistent and just naturally presumed the family's need for such privacy was born of being frequently hounded by the press, especially concerning their private lives. Although it was something he could never fully appreciate, it was something he could understand and, of course, he had to comply with his patient's wishes for confidentiality.
"You've got it, Scott…no need to worry about that, I can assure you. I'll say I asked you simply because you're the son of my old friend, Jefferson Tracy…nothing more than that….and all you need say is you accepted as a favor to your father," Mike offered, suggesting a quite believable compromise. And with that Scott nodded his consent. "Now….what do you say we get down to why I came out here!" he added with a smile, now that all had been said and the air was cleared between them. "I believe you've got some feeling back in this hand of yours!"
Getting down now to serious business and after pouring over the information Jenna had provided him with in the updated file, Mike began a very thorough examination of his patient, poking and prodding him and carrying out every conceivable test until he was finally satisfied.
Up in the lounge the family waited in hopeful expectation, although, this time, it wasn't as intense as the matter of life and death it had once been before.
"What's keeping them? They should've been finished by now," Gordon asked, anxiously pacing up and down, which was unusual for the normally chirpy and exuberant aquanaut, since he was the one who had been, earlier, trying to keep up his eldest brother's spirits with his light-hearted banter. Perhaps it was because he was all too aware of the implications of such a serious injury and memories of his own intensive examinations by doctors coming flooding back to him.
"Mike's just being thorough, Gordon. I'm sure he'll let us know when he's finished," Jenna tried to reassure him and the rest of the family, as she smiled with sympathetic understanding and throwing Jeff a knowing look, since he already knew of the 'new development' with Scott's hand. She could have told the others at that point to encourage them but she felt she could not pre-empt Mike's findings and, maybe after all, end up giving the family, including Jeff, false hope.
"Yeah, she's right, Gordon….try to relax," Virgil suggested helpfully.
"Or maybe he's having to give Scott bad news…..that's what's takin them so long. I mean…the longer he goes without feeling in his hand…the less likely it is he'll get it back….isn't that right, Jen?" Alan spoke up, sounding rather despondent and looking to her for confirmation.
"I think we should wait and see what Mike has to say before we go jumping to any conclusions, Alan," Jenna offered as kindly as she could, while trying to encourage a positive frame of mind.
"Yeah, try not to be so negative, Al," Virgil responded, feeling a little more than agitated with his young brother for voicing his pessimistic thoughts.
It was the one thing they didn't want to think about and they certainly didn't want to hear it expressed but then, Alan never was much of a one to keep his thoughts to himself, now was he! So it seemed he hadn't entirely learnt his lesson.
Virgil then took it upon himself to focus on a more optimistic note, as much for himself as everybody else in the room. "Scott has improved a great deal already though….Mike will see that….won't he, Jen?"
Smiling encouragingly, she nodded, for she could at least give them that. "Yes Virgil….Mike was really pleased with how well Scott is looking and doing…..he's very happy with his progress."
Another while later and all heads turned in Jeff's direction as the com-link was activated but the anxious wait was set to continue when Jeff indicated that Mike had only asked for Jenna to return to the infirmary. Virgil glared hard at Alan, daring him to make something of it after Alan had opened his mouth to speak, only to close it again on catching his brother's eye.
"I promise I'll let you all know what I can…..just as soon as possible," Jenna assured them, as she made to exit the lounge. And, of course, they had no choice but to wait.
On re-entering the infirmary she went straight to Scott's side and for a moment, in what was now becoming quite normal, they seemed to have eyes only for each other. Smiling tenderly, she searched his face for some indication of how the 'confrontation' had gone, remembering how she had left the two of them. Remembering, too, Scott's apprehension at this first meeting, her immediate concerns for him begged the obvious question. "You okay?"
Mike, once more, smiled inwardly at seeing the loving affection between them.
"Yeah…I'm good," her lover readily assured her with a returned smile. All the same, she couldn't help wondering what exactly had gone on between these two, causing her to look with quizzical suspicion from one to the other.
That brought a chuckle of amusement from the consultant surgeon; however, some things were just destined to remain between gentlemen!
"Oh don't worry, Jen…..Scott and I just did a little straight talking….and I'd say we reached an…understanding!" Mike explained, casting a knowing look in his young patient's direction, to which Scott returned a steady gaze from glinting deep blue eyes by way of an ultra-cool acknowledgement.
"Now why exactly does that not put my mind at rest!" she laughed, continuing to eye the two men with suspicion, though she realised she'd probably get nothing more from them on that score. "O..k..a..y…..but…you two are all right about…everything….aren't you…or is there something else going on here …something you'd like to tell me!" she asked, inquisitively bemused and getting the distinct feeling she was missing something.
"Jen…you're far too suspicious," Mike laughed in response. "But…just to show you there's no hard feelings between Scott and I…..," he continued, clapping his hand on Scott's shoulder in a companionable manner, "…..this fine young man has agreed to do me a favor."
At that, she raised an inquiring eyebrow, wondering just what kind of a favor he may be alluding to.
"Jen…..I'd like you to meet our new Patron for the Brain Injury Trust!" he offered with a smile, squeezing the young man's shoulder encouragingly.
She looked a little stunned and, almost, at a loss for words, to say the least, as she gazed from one to the other and to which Scott could only return a helpless shrug of his right shoulder along with a rather sheepish smile.
"Mike! Why do I get the feeling this is sounding a little like emotional blackmail!" Jenna mockingly scolded.
"It's all right, Jen," Scott quickly interjected, coming to her side and taking her hand in his. "Seriously….I do owe Mike a lot. He saved my life….and I would like to give something back. If giving my name to raise the profile of the Trust can do some good for those you haven't been as lucky as I have…then I'm happy enough to do that. But…best of all…he brought me…you. So you see…I do owe him!" he added, tenderly cupping her face in his hand.
Again, they became lost in each other's gaze, as she softly stroked his face. "I'm so proud of you," she smiled, her eyes sparkling with love and her heart so full of obvious pride. Her eyes, though, then took on the sparkle of mischievous teasing. "Does this mean, then…I get to dress up and go to all those fancy hospital functions now!"
Scott broke into a grin, sliding his arm easily around her waist. "I guess it does at that." Turning to Mike he couldn't resist a somewhat cheeky jibe. "See, I told you….you wouldn't get rid of her that easily!"
With a nodding smile and feeling that Scott had most definitely won that round, Mike graciously accepted the cleverly thought out remark, almost as proof of the assurances that had been offered to him earlier, that of Jenna's continued presence in his life. It was then both men noticed that Jenna seemed to find something highly amusing.
"And what's so funny, young lady!" Mike asked, with amused curiosity.
"Well…it is kind of ironic. That all those years I worked at the hospital I was never at any of those big hospital functions….and now that I've resigned….well…that's when I get to go! I mean…you have to admit….that is kinda funny…don't you think!" Jenna explained with much amusement.
"She's got you there, Mike," Scott joined in, giving his lover an affectionate squeeze.
Feeling decidedly out-gunned and more than a little out-numbered by the united front the young pair presented, Mike could only agree and causing all three to burst out in spontaneous laughter. Attention was then turned back to more serious and practical matters with Mike filling Jenna in on the findings of his examination.
"Which reminds me, Scott…there are some anxious people waiting up in the lounge to hear how things are going. I promised them I'd let them know what I could as soon as possible," she informed him.
"Well, Scott….it's up to you….just what you tell them and when. That's entirely your decision," Mike offered helpfully, when Scott looked to him for, what seemed like, his opinion.
Scott knew the family would be waiting on tenterhooks and, since they had been such a great support to him, he felt it would be unfair to keep them in the dark any longer. After briefly glancing from Mike to Jenna, he nodded. At that, she went straight to the comm-link and asked the family to come down; that Scott had something he needed to tell them.
There was, of course, much speculation, along with hopeful excitement, at just what they were going to hear as they made their way down to the infirmary and, although the spectre of permanent disability lurked somewhere deep in all their thoughts, no-one dared give voice to it, not even Alan; not until it was spelt out in black and white as an absolute certainty. Even Jeff, having been made aware of the recent development, couldn't know with a hundred percent surety that his son would regain the full use of his hand, due to Jenna's cautionary warning and, so, had to wait like everyone else.
The wait seemed agonisingly long, as Scott surveyed the faces of his family, including Brains, Tin-Tin and Kyrano whose sagely wisdom he had always respected; even John was present, by way of a live feed from Thunderbird Five. Mike, though, couldn't quite work out just where John was but he was then informed that John was being beamed in from one of the family's corporate offices, which was, to some degree, the truth, only this 'office' just happened to be above the earth's atmosphere! It had been pre-arranged between John and his father, while still up in the lounge, that John was to change out of his uniform and into his 'normal' clothes and that he set the live transmission on close-up so the interior of Five could not be seen. Not that there would be a need for subterfuge much longer but Jeff wanted to pick his moment and right now, this was not it.
So, was Scott, perhaps, preparing them for bad news, after all!
"Well…I guess you're all wondering what's taken so long….and what Mike's examination has been able to tell me," Scott began, giving absolutely nothing away in the calm, cool composure of his poker face. He was, after all, an excellent player; well, how could he not be, with a certain little old lady having taught him all she knew!
Gee, this was almost like trying to draw blood from a stone, as his brothers visibly willed him to get on with it. In fact, they all but exploded, 'SCOTT…..just tell us for goodness sake', from the mounting tension of being kept waiting.
"Actually….maybe it would be better if I just showed you!" Scott announced quite matter-of-factly, leaving everyone still none the wiser, as they looked at each other with questioning bewilderment at just what the hell he was talking about!
Gritting his teeth, his face screwed up in concentrated effort, almost to the point that beads of perspiration broke out on his forehead and, while supporting his, still, numbed arm, Scott focused all of his enormous willpower on his left hand. The family watched, mesmerised and transfixed, excitement growing in them all the time, with the hope that they were about to witness a miracle.
Grunting with the exertion of his effort, Scott's hand began to show the signs of a tremble.
"Come on, buddy…you can do this," Virgil encouraged excitedly.
"Yeah, Scotty….give it all you got," his other brothers called out in equal excitement.
"Yes…come on, Son. I know you've got it in you," his father joined in, adding his own note of encouragement.
Jenna was standing now with Mike, her eyes shining with emotional pride at seeing the man she loved push himself with such focus and concentration, determined not to give up; so much so that she didn't realise just how hard she was gripping poor Mike's arm as she willed him on.
And then they saw it. They all saw it. There was absolutely no question and no doubt. One by one, the fingers of Scott's, long immobile, left hand moved. Not a great deal, granted but they did move and these were not just involuntary spasms either; they moved by sheer force of will, of his own free volition.
The effort had been huge and left him breathless, panting for air and laughing, all at the same time; that emotional laughter that comes from having achieved a personal goal but which he would not allow to break him and against which he fought so hard to keep control. He could not, though, keep his eyes from welling up, shining brightly, as he looked around the faces of his family and then to Jenna, needing her look of loving support and with that 'look what I can do!' gleam of childlike wonder.
"Yeah….way to go, Scotty," Gordon bubbled over in congratulations, immediately high-fiving his brothers round him before turning to his eldest brother and offering him the same to his right hand. After the high-five and locking forearms, Gordon then grasped his brother's hand tightly and pulled him into a hug.
"Hey…that's fantastic buddy," Virgil joined in, adding his own congratulations and immediately following Gordon's example. "We're all so happy for you."
Alan was next and followed suit with the now mandatory high-five, followed by the tight grip of an emotional hug. Even John wasn't left out, for, once he had given his congrats, Scott crossed to the monitor and, in a touching display of the deep bond these brothers had, John put a hand to his side of the screen, Scott, his right hand to his side and, simultaneously swiping their hands up the screen, did their own version of high-fiving, proving that not even the darkness and distance of space was a barrier.
"You know I really wish I was there for you, Scott," John reflected a little sadly at feeling so far away, needing his brother to know just how much he wanted to be there in person.
"Yeah…I know you do, Johnny…I know you do….and I wish you were here too," Scott consoled his blond haired brother. It was a role he always naturally seemed to fall into, despite his own circumstances. "But it won't be long before you're back home again."
One by one, the rest of the family joined in with their thankful congratulations, thankful that prayers seemed to have been answered and, though they might not have been quite as exuberant as his brothers, they were none-the-less warmly given and, in Tin-Tin and Grandma's cases, more than a little emotionally too, with a few tears of joy thrown in, for good measure.
His father was the last to give his, relieved obviously at the good news and smiling quietly to himself at seeing his family enjoy this moment of celebration and feeling that, little by little, perhaps his family were getting back to something of normality, emerging from the trauma of what could have been potentially fatal for his eldest son. Scott, it seemed, was overcoming yet one more torturous step on his long road to recovery.
"This is wonderful news, Son….it's what we've all been waiting for," his father responded proudly, glad to have seen the evidence of his son's progress with his own eyes, as he gripped his firstborn in a fatherly embrace and patting him encouragingly. Jeff though, was, by nature, a total pragmatist, always concerning himself with the practical consequences rather than theory, of just how things would pan out in real life as opposed to how they should in ideal conditions. So it was, with that cautionary frame of mind and, while not wanting to 'pour cold water', as it were, on the otherwise joyful celebrations, he felt it necessary to find out some more detail of Mike's findings and just what the long term prognosis and implications for his son would be in practical terms.
"Just how much feeling is Scott likely to get back in his hand now, Mike? And will he get feeling back in his arm?" Jeff asked out of practical interest.
Taking quiet delight in seeing the family's reactions and, feeling a certain pride himself in 'his boy's' courageous and determined effort, Mike nodded thoughtfully.
"Well Jeff…it's like I told you before….and what I've told Scott….I can't give you a hundred percent guarantee but….from what I've seen here…and from my examination…I am more than happy with Scott's progress and I am relatively optimistic. The fact that he is already able to move some of his fingers so soon after the pins and needles sensation began tells me that the injury site is healing well. And…now that the swelling has settled…I see no reason to believe that he won't get full feeling back in his hand…and in his arm too," Mike offered encouragingly, as the family hung on his every word. "We're in the right time frame here. If Scott were to be getting feeling back then now is the time I would be expecting it to happen…so this is good news. It's like I've explained before….it's taken this time for the swelling in Scott's brain to settle….for the injury to heal. To try and keep it simple…the neuropath ways have reconnected…the signals telling Scott's brain that he can move his fingers…and that give him feeling…are getting through again. Now, I have done a thorough examination and my tests show that the muscles in his arm are active…that they are receiving signals from the brain…..," he continued with his informative explanation.
"So…why can't he feel his arm yet…why does it still feel numb?" Virgil asked with curious interest.
"That's an understandable question, Virgil….and it's like I've already told Scott. Although the signals are passing through the muscles ...and we know that because he's able to move his fingers…they haven't yet reached out to the surface of the arm where we experience feeling…to those receptors just under the skin that react to stimulus but now that this process has begun…and with a little more patience…that should all come in time."
Virgil nodded his understanding, along with every one else.
"And Scott knows, of course, that he still has a lot of hard work ahead of him," Mike reminded his patient, turning to him with an encouraging smile, while still helping the family to understand what was happening. "With his muscles being inactive for a while, they will be weakened but…as the signals become stronger and with exercise…the arm, too, should be as…good as new! It has all just been a matter of patience …allowing the tissue to heal…and I'm pleased to say, that seems to be the case here."
"And how long would it be for Scott to get full feeling back….if this continues?" Jeff asked, hoping for some idea as to time.
Mike could only smile and shake his head slightly. "Oh…it's well seen that you're a businessman, my friend. I'm sorry, Jeff…I know you're used to deadlines in closing deals and such…but the body doesn't operate that way…and every one is different….so I'm sorry….I can't give you a definite time frame on that. I will be here for the next few days…so we'll see how much more movement and feeling Scott has by then and…maybe…I can give you some sort of indication."
And Jeff couldn't ask for anything more than that, nodding his acknowledgement and thanking Mike for his honest appraisal.
It had been a long day for Scott, leaving him feeling both physically tired and emotionally drained and, at Jenna's gentle insistence that Scott get some rest, the family took their leave, after more congratulatory hugs.
Once they had gone, Scott lay back on his pillows and, watching her, extended his hand for her to come and join him, which she did, sitting on his bed and smiling with love and pride, while softly stroking his forehead and toying with his hair.
"You have had a tiring day, Scott….I really want you to get some rest now," she coaxed him.
Although he was tired, he was still on something of a high. "And I will," he promised with such innocence and charm, as though butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, while at the same time his eyes glinted with pure mischief. "Just as soon as I get my kiss!"
And how could she not beam a smile. "You are…incorrigible…Mr Tracy," Jenna laughed, shaking her head in mock exasperation.
"But that's why you love me," he smiled, his eyes growing sleepily seductive.
"I love you for so many reasons," she assured him, as she stroked his face. "More than there are…grains of sand on Tracy Island's beach."
"More than there are stars in space!" he returned, adding his own comparison, while idly stroking her face and to which she nodded with a smile. "Then show me….and let me show you how much I love you," he continued, his voice husky with desire. "Only then can I rest!"
Now just why did she think that was sounding a little like blackmail! And anyway, how could she resist his magnetic pull. Reaching out, Scott pulled her to him, to take her in a deliciously sensuous and deep, sleepy kiss, leaving them reluctant to part.
"Now will you rest!" she smiled wryly, feeling she had completed her part of the bargain.
"If you rest with me!" he returned with a sleepy smile.
And, somehow, she didn't need coaxed that hard, happily snuggling down into the warmth of his, still, one-armed embrace. Before he finally drifted of to sleep though, Scott couldn't resist just one more little tease, as he nuzzled at her ear and buoyed by the prospect of getting feeling and movement back in his hand.
"You know I can't wait to get you into bed properly, lady," he groaned in husky seduction. "You know what I want to do to you! I'm going to…….."
And what he whispered was enough to make any decent, church-going woman flush bright red with embarrassment; heck, it was even enough to redden the face of the most experienced 'woman of the night' and that was saying something! It was certainly enough to make her body ache with pain at the very thought of his words.
He could be so wicked! "REST….Mr Tracy," she playfully ordered, while trying to stifle a smile.
He smiled with contented satisfaction. "Yes…ma'am," he playfully obeyed. And, with a smile still on his face, he did.
Elsewhere in the villa, after the family evening meal and the boys had drifted off to the games room along with Tin-Tin, Mike and his good friend, Jefferson Tracy, found themselves out on the balcony terrace enjoying a fine 20yr old malt whisky, while taking in the stunning, panoramic view. Relaxing after the wonderful meal and appreciative of his host's hospitality, Mike was compelled to comment on both.
Well, now seemed as good a time as any to drop the bombshell and reveal the family's long-held secret.
"Mike….there's something I feel you should know….about us….here!" Jeff began tentatively.
"This is all sounding very mysterious, Jeff," the surgeon quipped lightly, as he studied his old friend. Then suddenly, as if having a momentary flash of inspiration, he broke into a wide beam of a smile. Holding his glass between his thumb and bottom three fingers, Mike pointed his index finger at Jeff in a knowing fashion. "I know….don't tell me."
"You do!" Jeff replied with bemusement, though guessing he couldn't possibly know.
"You're not who I think you are….," he began, treating it almost as some sort of after dinner guessing game of 'who dun it', to which Jeff, smilingly, raised an eyebrow, as he took another sip from his glass. "You're not really Jefferson Grant Tracy…..billionaire industrialist and philanthropist….and all this…..," Mike conjectured, waving his hand around in a grand gesture, "…..all this….is just some sort of grand illusion."
Jeff couldn't help but chuckle for, without knowing it, his friend wasn't too far off the mark!
"Not quite.….though I promise you…I am Jefferson Grant Tracy," he admitted, which only brought a puzzled frown from the consultant surgeon. "I think, Mike….you might need another one of these!"
And with that, Jeff reached forward to top up his glass with some more of the warm, amber liquid. Somehow, he had a feeling Mike would be needing it!
