Chapter 1

"Tracy 1 to base, request permission to land?" Virgil's voice came through the radio loud and clear. It was a call his family had been waiting for – even if it was a day earlier than had originally been intended.

"Permission granted son, and welcome home," Jeff replied as his eyes met Scott's, who returned his gaze, but Jeff could see apprehension in his eldest son's eyes.

"Everything alright Son?" Jeff asked. Although Scott replied in the affirmative, Jeff knew his boys better than that. He was aware that everything that was going on was having an effect on all of them, his firstborn included. Jeff hadn't forgotten about Scott's feelings for Avery and how much her leaving had hurt him as well as Virgil.

"I just hope that the reason why Virgil was called back doesn't have a negative impact on his relationship with Dana," Scott commented dragging Jeff from his thoughts.

"If she loves him as much as Virgil believes she does then they'll get through this," Jeff reassured him.

"I really hope you're right Dad," suddenly the sound of Tracy 1's engines could be heard "Although I guess we'll find out soon enough."

"Maybe you should let our guests and your brothers know that Virgil and his fiancée have arrived home."

Scott gave a nod and made his way to the sick room, while Jeff waited on the arrival of Virgil and who he hoped was still his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

After several minutes Scott returned, accompanied by Alan and Gordon. All of them made their way back to the lounge mere moments before Virgil entered; followed closely by Dana. Although Dana had already met the Tracy clan on numerous occasions, this was her first time visiting their Island home. Their home and what she had been told was the main base of operations for International Rescue

"Welcome home Virgil," Scott said as he approached the pair; relieved that his brother wasn't alone. "Hey Dana," he added as he gave her a quick embrace.

"Hi Scott," Dana replied quietly as she returned the embrace. As they parted, Scott noticed the familiar ring on her finger and breathed an inward sigh of relief.

"I hear congratulations are in order," a very familiar voice said, coming from behind where Virgil and Dana were standing. Virgil turned to see the other Scott standing at the entrance to the lounge.

"I can't believe you're here," Virgil said as he took a step towards the other Scott.

"Neither can I; It's good to see you again Virgil," he replied as he closed the distance between the two of them and gently embraced Virgil.

"What's going on?" Virgil asked, but as soon as the words left his lips, he realised that Scott's attention was elsewhere. His gaze locked on Dana.

"Scott," Virgil began, indicating for Dana to step forward, "this is my fiancée Dana. Dana this is the other Scott I was telling you about."

"It's nice to meet you," Dana told him as she held out her hand to the other Scott. But instead of taking her hand, Scott didn't move.

"Hey congratulations you two," Alan declared as he made his way towards his older brother, trying to break the tension that was beginning to build; which was to be expected under the unusual circumstances.

"Yeah, congratulations," Scott - their Scott added. Although the raised eyebrow was to silently ask Virgil if that was still the case, despite the fact that he had noticed the ring on Dana's finger. Virgil gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod in reply.

"Welcome to the family," Jeff said as he too joined them and took Dana into an embrace of his own; before he discreetly moved her away so that Virgil and the other Scott could talk in private.

"But I thought…," the other Scott asked Virgil, suddenly finding his voice; his confusion evident.

"It's a long story, "Virgil told him with a smile. "But I've never been so glad to be wrong."

"So I see," Scott replied with a genuine smile of his own.

"We were just celebrating our engagement when Scott…" Virgil pointed towards his brother "…called and said that you were here."

Scott just nodded; his gaze following Dana as she moved away.

"What's going on Scott, why are you here?" Virgil asked drawing Scott's attention back in his direction.

"That is also a long story," Scott told him as he finally turned his attention to Virgil.

It was then that Virgil realised that he had yet to see Avery and the son that he was told was with her.

"Where are they, where's Avery and her son?" he asked, looking around for them.

"They're in the sick room Virgil," his brother Scott said gently as he moved forward to join his brother and his counterpart. "I'm sorry to have to tell you Virg but Avery is sick," he added.

"What…sick…I don't…"

This time it was the other Scott who answered, but the pained look that had appeared on his face spoke volumes about how dire the situation really was before the words had even left his lips.

"Avery's dying."