Thunderbirds and the Tracy Family are the creation of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
Author's Note: Yumazi is a purely fictitious company name, made up for the purposes of this story.
Chapter 99
Continued mumblings could still be heard via Gordon's headset as the laser torch went to work, separating the trailer from the motor home.
"I can't believe I'm doing this," he could be heard muttering to himself.
"Just get on with it, Gordon," Virgil 'encouraged' him.
"You realise this is just downright sacrilegious!" Gordon called back up to his brother, high above him.
"So noted," came the dry-humored acknowledgement. "You nearly through yet?"
"Almost…..just a few more seconds. You two could show a bit more respect, ya know!" Gordon good-naturedly chided back up to Virgil and to the unblinking eye of TB1's camera drone that was watching his every move, knowing Alan was on the other end.
"Tell you what…..when we get back, we'll raise a glass," Virgil respectfully suggested, with the young Field Commander joining in agreement.
It was all done in the best possible, good-humored vein, of course, for, despite Gordon's grumbling and protests, he was a professional and knew it really needed to be done. Humor, especially the dry wit variety, was an essential component in helping them cope with the stresses and strains of what they did and they knew each other well enough to know just when it was appropriate to use it. Not all rescues, however, allowed for humor; for instance, they never, ever joked around or found anything ever remotely humorous about the loss of life.
As the last of the coupling was cut through, with the ease of a 'hot knife through butter', the trailer fell away, to tumble unceremoniously down the mountainside, the trailer, along with its precious cargo of two Yumazi trail bikes.
Yumazi had risen from being a fairly small company to become, over the last ten years, the biggest name in trail biking throughout the world. All the boys were fond of trail biking, being the only form of transport that was convenient, apart from the hover bikes, in getting around their island home. The trail bikes, though, were mainly used in recreational pursuit and, while not as technically advanced as the hover bikes of IR, actually required a lot more skill and were infinitely more fun, in that the boys enjoyed just getting downright dirty as they raced each other around the jungle tracks. Each had their own latest model of Yumazi, of course, for after all, when money was no object only the best would do.
Gordon was the more avid biker out of them all though, which was probably the reason he had tried so hard to find a way of saving them and, okay, they may not have been the latest models or the most expensive but, to Gordon, they were still very sweet machines and why he had found it almost 'painful' to do what he had to do.
With the deed now done and no going back, Gordon winced, watching the bikes disintegrate little by little as they bounced of the rock on their downward journey.
"Sorry guys….I did try," he sighed wistfully, raising straightened fingers to his forehead in a reverential salute, as a parting gesture. And with that, he felt himself being winched skywards, back up into the cockpit of Thunderbird Two.
Once he had his disgruntled little biker buddy safely back on board, Virgil informed Alan and the more than grateful Zeke and Mattie that he was ready to lift. The rest of the rescue went smoothly, executed with flawless effort and the great green carrier was soon winging its way over the Pass with the huge motor home suspended below, giving the young couple the ride of a lifetime, though one they hoped never to have to make again and one they would remember for a long time to come. They were deposited safely back down on the road and a lot nearer to their destination than they had any right to hope for and Virgil even landed close by to run his engineer's expertise over their engine and suspension, just to make sure they would be able to continue their journey but then, that's International Rescue for you, always willing to go that extra mile and showing the utmost in kindness and courtesy.
While Alan remained airborne, hovering and keeping watch like a protective guardian angel, grateful and enthusiastic hugs of thanks were offered to 'the saviours in blue', with promises that their thanks would also be passed on to the skilful pilot of TB1 but Gordon could only return a sickly, strangled smile at thinking of the two 'casualties' he couldn't save, lying in a mangled wreck at the bottom of the mountain. With nothing more to do, the boys headed for home.
Back at base, a waiting father sighed in relief at hearing the report from his youngest that they were on their way home and contented that yet another rescue had been safely completed. Jeff wasn't the only one, for Mike found himself sharing in that relief and silently wondering just how his friend managed to cope every time his boys were out there and since Mike had also come to think, affectionately, of the Tracy sons as 'his boys' too, he knew now his ears would always be attuned to the media when International Rescue was mentioned.
The light was already fading as the boys brought their craft in to land and after the mandatory debriefing, along with congratulations from Mike on a job well done and a bite of well-earned supper the brothers made their way down to the Infirmary to fill Scott in on the latest rescue. Having been left behind yet again, they knew their eldest brother would be eager to hear, firsthand, how it all went and since, this time, there was no need for avoidance, they happily indulged his unquenchable appetite for all the details.
Jenna watched him carefully, her heart going out to the object of her love, knowing how hard this must be for him to feel so left out of things. He was in that frustrating limbo stage of recovery, where he was getting better all the time but not well enough to leave the Infirmary or to usefully take part in any rescues, in any capacity. He hid it well, though and graciously joined in the happy flow of conversation.
The highlight of the story, well, for Virgil and Alan anyway, was Gordon's part in the whole affair, causing the copper-haired biker to groan and ask not to be reminded of what he was 'forced' to do. It brought mocking sympathy and laughter from everyone, including Scott and earned him claps on the back for being exceptionally brave.
"Yeah….well…..just don't ever make me do anything like that again," Gordon grumped good-naturedly, with the pretence of a childish pout and then his eyes lit in mischief. "Hey….do ya think I could get that written into my contract, that: 'I…Gordon Cooper Tracy…will never be made to trash any other bikes in a rescue situation ever again'."
Virgil raised his eyebrows amusingly, as in, 'not a chance', looked to Alan, who looked back to him, both brothers then looking to Scott, with all three brothers then looking back to Gordon and chorusing together, "NO!"
That brought another pouting frown from the water-loving aquanaut and a big-sisterly sympathetic smile of amusement from Jenna, who enjoyed seeing the humorous bantering between these brothers, as did Tin-Tin too, who had also come down to join in, wanting to hear the more unofficial version of events. Jenna was also glad at seeing they had been thoughtful enough to include Scott, probably because, this time around, there was nothing to worry or upset him about.
Thunderbird Two's pilot then, on remembering the promise he had made to his younger brother, by way of consolation, immediately went and draped an arm around the young man's shoulder, after first handing out everyone a glass of the homemade lemonade Tin-Tin had brought down. It really should have been something stronger, to do the ceremony justice but since Scott was still on medication they felt it only right to show him support and stick to soft drinks.
"But….we'll do what we said we'd do when we got home….our brave little biker buddy. And that is…to raise a toast," Virgil announced dramatically, lifting his glass in the air as he looked around at everyone in the room. "To those sweet machines….the Yumazi trail bikes…..who, sadly, had to be cut free…..sacrificed for the greater good. May they find their way to…'trail bike heaven'! Ladies…and gentlemen…..the Yumazi trail bikes!"
"The Yumazi trail bikes," everyone chorused, as they raised their glasses in a serious and reverential gesture, completing the toast then by taking a drink. Gordon nodded in approval.
Now that respects had been duly given he turned to more amusing things. "Hey Al….tell Scott what Zeke said he was gonna do to show their appreciation!" Gordon grinned, which brought a snort of laughter from their youngest brother and from Virgil, leaving Scott to look from one to the other in amused bewilderment.
"Oh yeah. He only went and said….they'd run stark naked through the center of Auckland with, 'International Rescue Saved Our Butts' tattooed on their butts….if we pulled them outta this," Alan informed his eldest brother with great amusement.
Appreciating the humorous sight the mental image conjured up the eldest Tracy let out a laugh and couldn't resist the follow-up jibe that entered his head. "You sure it was just International Rescue! You guys didn't tell them your actual names…did you!" he responded, returning his face to that of poker straight seriousness, as though reprimanding of a cautious Field Commander.
Jenna, though, could see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes and knew they were in for a merciless taunt from their eldest brother's playful nature that was coming increasingly more to the fore.
"Because I sure as hell wouldn't want my name adorning some guy's naked butt! But then…I guess… whatever floats your boat fellas!" he laughed outright, which earned him a barrage of pillows in his direction.
Gordon was quick of the mark and returned an equally playful jibe but then it was probably only Gordon who would have dared such a saucy comment.
"No….there's only one naked butt you want your name all over…big brother, huh!" he grinned, cheekily wagging his eyebrows up and down at Jenna.
Although he was never going to give his younger brother the satisfaction, the slow smile that spread over Scott Tracy's face, at that moment, suggested he thought that was a pretty damn good idea.
But it seemed Gordon just never knew when to stop when it came to winding up his eldest brother over her.
"Come to think of it…I wouldn't mind havin my name displayed on that cute little butt either. You could have, 'I love Scott' on one 'cheek' and 'but I love Gordon more' on the other. Wha'da ya say, Jen! You know you love me, really!" the loveable rogue teased, wagging his brows up and down again in a saucy manner and his eyes dancing with pure mischief, while at the same time extending his hand in pretence of patting the same said 'cute little butt'.
It brought a burst of laughter from Jenna, while at the same time, rolling her eyes in exasperation and an indignant rebuke of, 'Gordon Tracy!' from Tin-Tin.
"Geez Gordy….you got a death wish or something!" Virgil half-laughed, with Alan joining in agreement but the youngest Tracy watched the ensuing spectacle with something akin to wide-eyed admiration, marvelling at his prankster brother's sheer audacity and eagerly awaiting the outcome.
The saucy comment brought the desired result from the eldest Tracy, whose glinting eyes narrowed menacingly, along with the dangerous flaring of his nostrils. Gordon knew it was time to 'get the hell outta Dodge' and quickly sought shelter behind Virgil's broad frame but not in time to avoid the pillow that came hurtling his way from Scott, catching him full in the face with pinpoint accuracy.
"I've got just two words to say to you, Gordy," Scott threatened with chilling menace. "FREEZE SPRAY!"
It was, of course, all done with good-natured humor and everyone collapsed in heaps of laughter.
While everyone else was then happily engaged in relaxed conversation, Scott caught his youngest brother's eye and motioned him over to where he lazily reclined on his bed.
"So….you pulled off my little stunt with Eddie's truck, huh!" Scott remarked, eying him under arched brows and his tone showing that he was clearly impressed.
Poor Alan though, with his mind suddenly on the alert, so desperately wondering what Scott was intending by the observation, he failed to see that his eldest brother was actually praising him. And then it hit him, or at least he thought he knew what was meant by the comment. All right, better to come clean right from the off, this time, Alan thought, better to front up!
"Scott….look…okay….so there's probably a few more scratches on One's nose cone….but I swear….I'll have her fixed up in no time. I'll see to it myself….I promise," Alan confessed immediately, completely misunderstanding his eldest brother's intentions.
Pushing himself more upright on the bed, Scott looked clearly bewildered for a moment as to the sudden confession that had come right out of the blue. "Scratches!"
"Yeah…well….with the camper slidin all over One's nose cone when I was tryin to balance her…and… and…the rocks fallin…..!" Alan quickly babbled out in explanation.
It was then it dawned on Scott where his young brother was coming from and his apparent need to confess this, relatively, minor damage so readily came as a stinging blow. The hurt in the eldest Tracy's eyes was apparent, even though he tried not to show it.
Scott swung his legs off the bed and walked over to the large window, turning slightly to face Alan, who had followed him and keeping the conversation low so it was just between themselves. "You…you think I wanna chew you out about a few extra scratches on One!" he queried, the hurt in the eldest Tracy's voice as clear as the hurt in those deep blue sensitive eyes.
Although she couldn't hear the conversation, Jenna couldn't help becoming distracted and a little disconcerted by the pain she saw flash across her lover's former relaxed face and had to wonder what they were talking about to have brought about the change. Surely Alan wouldn't be so thoughtless as to let his mouth run away with him again. Would he!
"Yeah….well…I just thought….!" Alan responded rather lamely, realizing in that moment he had obviously got it all wrong.
"Yeah…well…you thought wrong," Scott returned, though he guessed now what had prompted the ready confession. "Look Alan…what happened that last time….at the bridge….was down to your lapse in concentration….you know that. This isn't the same thing…a few 'scratches' on One's nose cone doesn't exactly equate to practically rippin her open!" he reminded his younger brother, without any anger in his tone whatsoever or any desire to make the young man feel guilty.
"I guess….and you're right….I know that," Alan responded with a measure of dignity and maturity, which Scott was glad to see.
"I said you weren't a dumb-ass rookie pilot then…and I meant it, Alan….because I know you can fly One a helluva lot better than that….and you more than proved that today. You saved those kids lives," the more experienced Field Commander encouraged. "And I just wanted to tell you how damn proud I was of you…for the way you handled the whole situation…knowing what needed to be done and doing it and keeping those kids calm and positive," he added with a little smile.
Alan was stunned by the flow of praise coming from his eldest brother and felt more than a little guilty too. "You…you are! Gee…thanks Scott. And listen…I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions," he apologised sincerely.
"No…you shouldn't," his eldest brother responded with quiet calm then a slow smile of admiration spread across his face. "That was a helluva manoeuvre you pulled off out there ki…..Field Commander," Scott added in proud acknowledgement, correcting himself by according the young man with the title that was weighted with heavy responsibility. "It was a damn good bit of precision flying…and it took guts."
Alan flushed with embarrassment, though basked in the glow of his eldest brother's praise. It meant a lot to him and it hadn't escaped the young man's notice either that Scott had accorded him the title that went with flying Thunderbird One.
"Thanks….Field Commander!" Alan grinned, acknowledging his brother's more senior position. "But I only followed in your footsteps. I always thought the way you used One's nose cone to keep Eddie's truck from goin over was pretty ingenious," he added, admiring of his brother's intuitive quick thinking and inventiveness.
"Well, thank you….Field Commander!" Scott grinned back, accepting of and touched by the compliment. "And…as seeing we seem to have a mutual appreciation society goin on here…that was a pretty ingenious way you had of using the steel spears…..and a great bit of shooting. I couldn't have done it better myself…..in fact….I'll have to remember to add that to my box of tricks," he added in response and returning his own praising compliment, for Scott was never above giving praise where it was due and offering encouragement when it was needed.
Alan's grin just got wider but faded almost as quickly, as he thought back to the serious aspect of the rescue and how it could all have turned out very different. He suddenly found himself needing to offload on Scott, for he knew there was only his eldest brother who would fully understand where he was coming from.
"Yeah, the spears….they held for a while….but geez, Scott…..when that front end started to slip as well …before Virg got there…! I tell ya….my heart was in my mouth."
His eldest brother gave an empathetic smile. "Yeah…I know how you feel. I've been there a few times myself," Scott confided, letting his youngest brother know they shared that special connection that was unique to them. "But you did what was needed, Alan. You thought quickly…on your feet…and put the plan into operation. You use your head….and whatever comes to hand….you think laterally….and that's what being a good Field Commander is all about. You've got what it takes, Alan," he added encouragingly and having deliberately not added on any reminders about past mistakes, as in lapses of concentration, not even in light-hearted jest. Everything that needed to be said on that issue had been said and, as far as Scott was concerned, it was all in the past. Scott figured he had well learnt his lesson so was not about to keep throwing it up to him.
It was one of the few times the young man didn't have a smart mouth retort. "Thanks Scott…you've no idea how much that means to me," he acknowledged gratefully, very much aware that his brother had not been patronising or critical but had been sincere in his praise.
"Oh…I think I do," Scott responded with a quiet smile. "Besides….us Field Commanders have to stick together," he added on, with a knowing raise of an eyebrow.
"Us Field Commanders," Alan repeated to himself, a smug grin etched on his youthful face. He liked the sound of that.
"Hey….don't go getting any ideas, though!" Scott grinned with amusement. "I want my job back!"
"Don't worry…Field Commander…..you're more than welcome. After that rescue, I think I've just aged about ten years," the younger man assured him, causing both men to laugh.
"What! You won't miss the only opportunity to give your older brothers orders….tell them what to do and know they have to obey you!" Scott remarked with a playful gleam in his eye.
Another wide grin spread across the young man's face. "Yeah…well, there is that…..oh…and flyin One, of course." The grin faded though, as the youthful face settled in musing reflection. "But seriously, Scott…I don't know how you do it….all that responsibility piled on your shoulders all the time. I don't mind once in a while….or short term….but I don't know that I want to do it all the time….you know what I mean!"
"I know exactly what you mean, Alan. I'm not ready to sit behind a desk full time either," the eldest Tracy responded in quiet reflection.
"Scott….I just want things to go back to the way they were. I miss you out there at the helm….we all do. You are getting better….you are gonna fly again….aren't you!" Alan admitted and seeking reassurance from his brother.
"Thanks Alan….I appreciate that. And you bet I'm going to fly again….that was always going to be…one way or another," Scott assured him, a strange far away look fleeting across the handsome features, as he thought of the drastic solution he was prepared to take in order to fly again, causing Alan to give his brother a curious look. Scott shook himself free of the thought for, thankfully, it looked like that solution would never now need to be carried out. "But don't think for one minute, Mister, all that 'soft soapin' is gonna make me go easy on you!" he added with a wicked glint, making the young man emit a groan. But truth of the matter was, Alan couldn't wait for things to get back to normal.
Glancing over to Jenna, a quiet smile of contentment graced the eldest Tracy's face, as he watched her in animated conversation with his other brothers and Tin-Tin, reflecting on his youngest brother's previous comment. 'Back to the way they were'! Things would never be back to the way they were, not for him, Scott mused and, quite frankly, he was more than happy about that. The most wonderful and beautiful lady in all the world had come into his life and he couldn't imagine ever being without her; he would never have to feel that aching loneliness again. She had taught him how to love again, showed him what true love really meant, given herself freely and asked for nothing in return, except to hope that he would love her, which he did. How could things ever be the same again!
Alan studied his brother, rather bemused. "Scott! You okay!"
Having been pulled out of his reflective musings, Scott turned back to the young man. "Yeah…sure Al...couldn't be better. Now listen….if you ever need to talk over some aspect of a rescue…..or even if you're out on a rescue and there's any advice you need…any decision you're not sure of…..you talk to me….yeah! I'll be right here," Scott urged seriously then,taking his young brother's face in his right hand, as if wanting to make sure Alan was really listening to him, he earnestly searched the young man's eyes. "And if you…ever…feel the burden of command is too heavy…or it's getting you down….you come and talk to me. Promise me, Al."
Alan could see how important this was to his brother and, while he usually felt confident enough in the decisions he made, it was a relief to know there was someone he could talk tactics with should the need arise, someone who could understand and fully appreciate those decisions that may determine whither people lived or died. He knew it wasn't that his eldest brother didn't trust him to make good decisions but that it was a genuine offer of help and support.
"I promise, Scott," Alan responded, along with an affirmative nod. And he would too; feeling they now had a deeper understanding of one another.
Breaking into a relieved smile and with a sigh, Scott wrapped his arm, in playful fashion, around his youngest brother's neck. "Good….because you know, us……."
"Yeah…I know. Us Field Commanders have to stick together," Alan interrupted, beaming his brother a broad grin, bringing soft laughter from the two men. Before letting go, though, Scott felt the need to draw his little brother into a tight hug, a gesture that the younger man welcomed and returned.
Jenna quietly smiled to herself at observing the eldest and youngest locked in a brotherly embrace, when she next glanced over in their direction. Well, whatever they had been talking about, it had, obviously, all ended amicably. And, as if to confirm that everything was, indeed, all right between them and, while Scott still had his little brother in a tight grip, he looked up to give her a little nod and smile of silent affirmation, after automatically seeking her out in the room. She returned her lover a warm smile.
That was something Scott found himself doing quite a lot of, ever since he had woken up and that was, automatically being drawn to wherever she was in the room, whenever he was in conversation with his father or brothers he was constantly distracted by the need to look at her. And it seemed to work both ways; perhaps it was something to do with that magnetic attraction.
Eventually the more informal debriefing and happy conversation broke up and, apart from the nurse and her patient, everyone returned to their rooms to retire for the night.
Over the next few days, Mike continued to monitor the progress in Scott's hand and arm and, pleased with the results, announced that if this continued, he was confident that Scott could expect to have full feeling back in his hand and arm in another week or so. Then he would be happy enough to release his patient, officially, from the Infirmary, provided, of course, he took it easy for another few weeks. Mike was quite adamant on that point and made it clear to both his patient and Jeff that Scott was, in no way, shape or form, to go out on any rescues just yet or become unduly stressed but was to ease himself gradually back with light duties and he knew he could rely on Jenna to see his instructions were carried out.
It was the news Scott had been waiting for and, needless to say, he was only too willing to comply; as was Jeff, who assured his friend that they had contingency plans already in place. Once having been discharged from the Infirmary, Scott was going to ride desk for the further few weeks of his recuperation.
This had been a fairly memorable visit this time around, Mike reflected, as he said his goodbyes to this rather extraordinary family. His mind had been totally blown away by the fantastic secret his good friend had now entrusted to him and the fact that Jenna would now become a part of this family and, as such, her safety depended on him keeping her involvement with IR to himself. He would go away though, having seen her for himself, safe in the knowledge that she was happy and contented and that he had no need to worry about her future.
Scott continued to work hard, over the next week, on the strengthening exercises for his newly awakened hand and arm, taking much pleasure in the sensation of touch. At the first opportunity, he delighted in being able to stroke his lover's face, ever so slowly, tracing his fingers over her lips and smiling at feeling for the first time, her kiss on his fingers and palm of his hand. When he gained more strength and feeling in his arm, the first thing he did was to take her in both his arms, relishing how wonderful it felt and swearing never to let her go. All the time, while exercising, he worked towards his goal, to get discharged and get to his room, to get them both to his bedroom, where he could, at last, know her fully.
And it was with that goal in mind that, one afternoon during that week, when he found himself alone, Scott crossed to the monitor on the desk, sat down and entered his personal access code. After finding the address he was looking for and sending off his request via email, he logged out and, on closing down the screen, smiled with quiet satisfaction.
Two days before Scott was due to be released from the Infirmary, the morning mail plane arrived, as usual, on Tracy Island. Mail for the Tracy household, whether it was corporate papers or personal mail, was always delivered first to the local company office of the world-wide Tracy Enterprises empire, located on the mainland in Auckland, New Zealand then picked up by courier to be transferred to the mail plane for its morning run. Having all their mail delivered first to the local company office made a lot of sense from a security aspect, especially where their personal mail was concerned, in that, it could be screened for anything harmful or dangerous and any suspicious letters could be eliminated and set aside for the family to deal with as they wished; better that than them turning up on the family breakfast table. Well, with being such a wealthy family, they were always a target for such things and, while electronic scanning assured their mail was relatively safe, they were also assured that their private letters and packages were never opened or read and so remained just that, private. The Personal Assistant who dealt with all their mail to be sent on was, of course, completely trustworthy, as was the courier, who had been vetted and the mail plane pilot whom the family had known for years.
Just before breakfast Kyrano entered the lounge with this morning's mail, to find an obviously bored Gordon and Alan.
"Hi Kyrano. Anything for us!" Gordon asked expectantly, in that hoped for way of finding something interesting.
"I am sorry, Mister Gordon…..there is nothing for you or Mister Alan this morning……just some mail for your father…..," the gentile man duly replied, as he set it down on Jefferson Tracy's desk. "……and a package for Mister Scott. I will take it down to him now."
At that, the two boy's head shot up immediately.
"No…no Kyrano….that's all right. We'll take it down to Scott," Alan replied with a smile of pure innocence, taking the small package from his hand.
"Yeah…..after we've had a good look at it first," Gordon added for only Alan to hear and with all the mischievous glee of an inquisitive younger brother.
"Well…if you are sure, Mister Alan…," Kyrano responded rather hesitantly.
The two boys looked from one to the other.
"Sure we're sure, Kyrano. We'll see he gets it….right after breakfast," Gordon assured him, sporting an equally innocent smile.
The loyal confidante headed off to the kitchen to begin breakfast, leaving the two boys alone to speculate.
"What'd ya suppose is in this?" Gordon asked curiously, as he gave the small box a slight shake to see if anything rattled. He was fairly certain there was nothing breakable in it, since it wasn't marked 'Fragile' but still, he gave it only a careful shake, just in case. "And….who do ya think sent it!"
"Dunno. Why don't we check out the sender's code…..see what comes up!" Alan suggested, equally as curious.
Looking around furtively to make sure no one was about to enter, they hurriedly crossed to the desk. Not that they were expecting Scott to walk in and catch them but there was always Virgil or, gawd forbid, Tin-Tin or their father, who definitely would not have approved of them trying to find out the contents of their eldest brother's private package. Accessing the computer, they quickly scanned the invisible sender's code on the back of the box. No package would ever have been sent on to them, via their office, had it not contained a sender's code, though it was invisible to prevent any Tom, Dick or Harry from knowing who sent it but obviously not a Gordon or Alan!
The two boys frowned in amused puzzlement, as the sender's name came up.
"So…what'd ya suppose Scott wants from old Doc Harman!" Gordon queried audibly, to which Alan shrugged his shoulders and looked equally as nonplussed. Doc Harman was the family's faithful and trusted doctor of many years and called on when Brains was unavailable or felt another medical opinion was needed. "Well….whatever it is…it can't be life-depending. If it was to do with his condition then Mike would have given him what he needed. And….it can't be anything that's already stocked in the Infirmary…otherwise….why bother to send for it!" he surmised, trying to reason it out by process of elimination. "Think he's gonna tell us!" Gordon then added with a grin.
"Nope," Alan responded, with a doubtful raise of his brows, a little gesture that clearly demonstrated how well he knew his eldest brother, to which Gordon had to agree.
With breakfast over the two mischief-makers could hardly wait to get down to the Infirmary, practically tumbling through the door in their eagerness.
"Hey Scott….how's things!" Gordon inquired, trying to sound ever so casual, while holding a hand behind his back, causing the eldest of the brothers to be immediately on the alert. Well, he hadn't survived this long as eldest without being on the alert when needs be. "Oh…by the way….a package came for you. We brought it down," he added, pulling the small box from behind his back and offering it to his brother, with an oh-so-innocent smile, as though he was being oh-so-good in doing his eldest brother this favor.
Scott's eyes momentarily widened in alarm at seeing his precious package in the hands of his two, incredibly curious and obviously bored, youngest brothers, definitely not a good combination when you were just about to receive something of a personal and intimate nature, though secretly, he was pleased it had arrived on time. Suddenly, the intense blue eyes narrowed, looking suspiciously from one to the other and then down at the box in Gordon's hand.
"You guys haven't opened that…have you?" Scott asked warily, wondering if that was the reason for his brother's oh-so-innocent smile.
Both boys immediately jumped to their own defence. "No…no…of course not, Scott….I swear," Gordon swore in reassurance, with Alan shaking his head to reinforce they hadn't.
They may have been tempted, all right, they were very tempted but they never, ever opened each other's private mail, unless asked to do so.
"But what are you getting from Doc Har……," Alan absent-mindedly asked, before receiving a sharp dig in the ribs from his partner in crime, causing him to expel a gasp of breath.
The intense blue eyes flashed dangerously. "So….you guys just couldn't help yourselves, huh. You've been scanning the sender's code," Scott surmised accusingly.
"We…um…we just wanted to…em…to make sure it wasn't…eh…you know….sus!" Gordon babbled out weakly, with a sheepish grin and looking to his buddy for back-up.
"Yeah…sure Scott….we just wanted to…eh…keep our big brother safe!" Alan added lamely.
"Yeah…sure you did, guys," Scott responded in weary exasperation and not believing for one minute their lame excuse, stepping forward then to retrieve his package. "Ok…come on…..hand it over."
Gordon instinctively stepped back, not willing yet to relinquish his prize. "You are gonna tell us what's in it, though…..right!" he grinned mischievously, eyeing the box in his hand.
"Wrong….just hand it over, Gordon," the eldest Tracy commanded, trying for the authoritative approach.
As Scott went to reach for his package, Gordon tossed it over to his younger brother. "Here, Al…catch," he called out.
Scott turned menacingly to the blond-haired young astronaut and held out his hand, uttering a stark and simple command. "Alan….give."
Seeing Gordon, now behind his eldest brother and holding out his hands, Alan went to toss the package back to him but the package never made it. It was snatched out of the air, in an instant, by Scott's long reach, causing the boys to screw up their faces at their loss.
"Aww…come on, Scott….tell us," they pleaded, wondering just what it was the mysterious little package contained.
Now that it was safely in his hands, Scott could let out a sigh of relief and couldn't help smiling to himself at their sheer tenacity.
"Let's just say….it's what separates the men from the boys!" was all the eldest Tracy was prepared to give. "Now go on….get outta here….go get some work done," he added with a laugh, knowing they would probably speculate for the rest of the day.
And he was right. Before they were even out of the door, Gordon and Alan had their heads together, deep in speculation as to what was in their eldest brother's package.
All the time, Jenna had been watching the unfolding drama with wry amusement. Like the two boys, she had absolutely no idea what her lover's little box contained and she'd had no idea when he had sent for 'it' either, obviously at some time when she out of the Infirmary but he did look rather satisfied with himself, she noted, whatever it contained. Once Gordon and Alan had left, however and on remembering hearing of another doctor mentioned, she became a little concerned.
"Scott…..you're not taking any other medication that we don't know about…are you?" Jenna asked warily, looking to the package in his hand.
"No Jen…it's nothing like that…..I promise," he reassured her instantly, appreciating very much her concern for his health. "It's just something that will be….good for both of us," he added, with a teasingly seductive smile.
On seeing her puzzled bewilderment, he smiled even more and set about opening the box. Looking inside, she couldn't help the coy smile of delight at his thoughtfulness, causing him to return a saucy raise of his brows that said, 'told you so!'
"Scott….are you really sure about this!" Jenna had to ask, though, wincing a little at the thought. "It's not exactly the most comfortable procedure."
He smiled again at her loving concern for him. "Jen…..after what I've been through in my life-time….I think I can stand a few seconds discomfort," he assured her with a wry grin then, pulling her hips in tightly to his, he began a slow seductive sway, while his eyes glinted with pure mischief. "Besides….with you, lady…..I wanna be totally spontaneous!" he added in a husky groan.
Well, it was obvious where his mind was and how could she not smile, as they swayed together with her arms draped around his neck. "You mean like…anywhere…any time, Mr Tracy!" she returned, teasing him with that thing she did of playfully biting her bottom lip that always sent shivers down his spine.
"You got it, lady...we can enjoy ourselves...and...we won't have to worry about any repercussions," Scott just managed to reply before his passion got the better of him and he burned his mouth on hers in a heart-stoppingly deep kiss.
Later that morning, Scott sucked in a breath as she administered the dose for him, it having to be injected in a rather sensitive place but, he deemed it worth it, as it kept him 'covered' for a two month period. And, with her being 'covered' herself, it meant they really could enjoy themselves, any time, anywhere!
Two days later and the day for his official release from the Infirmary and Scott Tracy just couldn't wait. It had been almost eight weeks, almost eight long weeks of a recovery from such a seemingly simple injury that had, not only threatened to change his life with the very real possibility of permanent disablement but had changed it quite significantly, in a way he never thought possible.
He had been on one hell of a journey, that's for sure and found healing on more than one level. Not only had he to deal with his physical recovery and the emotions that brought into play but he had begun to heal emotionally from past traumatic events as well. And something else had happened, something he had never expected, something wonderful; he had found healing for his heart. Yep, he sure had been on one hell of a journey, though it wasn't quite over yet for he was still aware that, even on leaving the Infirmary, he was still going to have to take it easy for another few weeks but still, it was yet one more step on his road to recovery.
Scott had worked hard on the strengthening exercises and, even though he felt he didn't have complete feeling back yet, he felt it was enough and that he was ready, more than ready to be discharged. So it was a little disconcerting to say the least to see Jenna looking almost wistfully sad.
"What's wrong, Jen? I thought you'd be happy….looking forward to this as much as I am," Scott queried, frowning in puzzled bewilderment. "Don't you think I'm ready!" he asked, knowing his getting discharged ultimately depended on her.
Immediately she crossed to where he stood, smiled and cupped his face lovingly in her hand. "Oh…it's not that, Scott. I am happy for you….more than happy….and yes….you are definitely ready," she quickly reassured him. "It's just that…..," she sighed a little sadly.
Scott took her hand and kissed it, pulling her close to himself. "It's just what!" he asked, with a bemused smile.
She gazed wistfully round the room, knowing things were about to change and would never be the same again. "It's just that….well…it's just that, I've spent so much time here with you….been constantly by your side. I've loved watching you fall asleep….and I've loved watching you wake. I guess…I guess I'm just going to miss all that…..it won't be the same being in different rooms," she confessed, giving him a weak smile.
While she had agreed to stay here with him on his island home, she had somehow supposed, that after he was discharged, she would be returning to the guest room she'd been given right from the start but had never used and he would be going back to his rooms, getting together whenever they wanted to be intimate. She had known, of course, that this moment would come but it had never really hit her, just how used she was to being with him all the time and she suddenly realised how empty the guest room would seem, even though they would be living under the same roof.
"Is that all!" Scott sighed thankfully in relief then wrapped his arms, both his arms and how wonderful that felt, around her, pulling her into a tender and loving embrace. "And I have so loved you being there when I've fallen asleep….being there when I've woken up. Ahh, Jen….do you really think I could be apart from you for even one minute…let alone one night or day! Maybe I didn't make myself clear, lady …but when I asked you to stay…with me….that's exactly what I meant. Not just to be under the same roof….but for you to move in with me…to my suite….for it to be…our suite," Scott stated categorically and without hesitation.
"Scott….are you sure? This is a big step. I'll understand if you want to take things slowly," Jenna asked carefully, though how could she not feel happy at the prospect.
"Slowly!" Scott repeated with an amused laugh. "I think we're way past taking things 'slowly'….don't you! Jen….I've never been more sure in my life. It's like you said….we've been together constantly ….watched each other sleep….lain together. How could we go to separate rooms now," he asked, as though the idea were completely ridiculous. "I want you with me, lady. I want to fall asleep with you in my arms…I want to wake up with you in my bed...our bed.Yeah…I'm totally sure," he responded with absolute certainty, wanting her to know the reasons he was so sure.
"Me too," she assured him with a loving kiss.
"So….when can we get out of here?" he asked in quiet seriousness. "Because I…really…want to take you to bed…..we've waited long enough," Scott added with a husky groan, as he kissed around her ear. Already he could feel the privacy of his bedroom calling, the comfort of his spacious bed that awaited them!
Now, just how was a girl supposed to keep her mind on her work, with such thoughts running loose in her head!
"Well….we just need to do some final tests….but they shouldn't take long….so I'd say we should be finished and out of here before lunch," she replied, smiling at his eagerness to leave. "And then….!"
Scott sighed. The wait was agonising, almost unbearable, like a man waiting to take his first breath of freedom after a long prison sentence, though his incarceration had been made bearable only by her presence. Still, he had waited this long!
"Okay….let's get these tests started then….because the sooner we do! Then I'm gonna make love to you all day long….and all night long…and all the next day…," he suggested, his eyes twinkling with sexual mischief.
"What! Don't you want to stop for lunch first…Mr Tracy! Won't you be hungry!" Jenna smiled, stroking his face in a flirtatious tease.
"There's only one thing I'm hungry for….Miss Rollins!" her dark-haired lover groaned, pulling her tighter and playfully biting at her neck, causing them to become lost in the joyous laughter of lovers at play.
On pulling away, they momentarily became locked in an intense gaze, each reading the other's unspoken thoughts and each feeling the rising excitement of where they were heading, like two excitable kids, anticipating their first trip to the zoo or to see the ocean.
"Well…like you said, Mr Tracy…..let's get started," she reiterated with slow deliberation, completely lost in those cobalt blue seductive eyes.
Out in the hallway, through the open door of the Infirmary, fortuitous and eager ears listened and a slow, mischievous grin spread across an equally mischievous face.
