The first weekend went by fast. Alan and Fermat met some of their classmates and teachers during the orienteering activities. Monday morning came too fast and soon Alan and Fermat were learning about their classes:

(8:00am) First Period was English Literature

(9:00am) Second Period was Earth Science

(10:00am) Third Period was Algebra

(11:00am) Lunch and a free period brought them through to one o'clock

(1:00pm) Fourth Period was Art

(2:00pm) Fifth Period was Physical Education

(3:00pm)Sixth Period was Spanish

After Spanish, Alan went back to the room, ready to collapse into bed, that was an exhausting day! Fermat had decided to go with Rob to check out the game room on the first floor. A chiming from his computer told Alan that he had a call coming in. Sighing, he sat down and answered the call, "Hey, Dad."

"You look beat, son. How'd the first day go?"

"Oh just great!" Alan feigned excitement, "I can't wait to start it all again tomorrow!"

Jeff smiled at the sarcasm, but before he could respond, a "Is that the Sprout?" was heard.

Jeff nodded as his eldest and middle son, Scott and Virgil, walked over, "Hey, kiddo, your brain fried yet?" Scott asked with a smile.

"You have no idea," Alan said, stifling a yawn, "And today was only going over syllabi!"

"Sprout," Virgil grinned, "You do know that that was the easy part, right?"

"Har har. And don't call me Sprout…or kiddo!" Alan quickly added seeing Scott and Virgil about to say it.

Jeff just chuckled, "How's Fermat?"

"I-I'm g-g-good, Mr. T-Tracy," Fermat said entering the room.

A round of "Hey Fermat" was spoken by all four present Tracy's. "You boys all settled in now?" Jeff inquired.

"Y-y-yes, a-and we m-m-met our n-n-neighbors," Fermat smiled, looking over Alan's shoulder.

"That's good to hear," Scott said, "Are they nice?"

"As a matter of fact, they are," Alan deadpanned, "One's from New York, another is from Virginia, and the other two are from Vermont."

"Ooo, Vermonsters," Virgil teased, "Whatever you do, do not dis maple syrup, autumn leaves, or their farms…you won't survive."

"I'll tell them you said that, and then let them know when you're around," Alan mock threatened. "Hey, where's Gordon?"

"Five rotation," Scott answered, "John will be back later today."

"H-H-How, long i-is he d-d-down for?" Fermat wondered.

"Thought I would give him four weeks this time around. Gordon has the first two then Scott of Virgil will go up. Haven't quite decided yet, suggestions?" Jeff looked at Alan and Fermat.

The two young boys looked at each other, then said to together, "SCOTT!"

"What? Why me?" Scott sputtered.

"Yes, I would like to know how I became the favorite so quickly," Virgil smirked.

"B-b-because, Scott, y-y-you a-ate a-a-all the pie!" Fermat stuttered with a grin.

"And," Alan continued, "You haven't been up to Five in a year."

"I can't believe this…" Scott muttered as he walked away, barely saying good bye.

Virgil watched him go then turned back to the screen, "Thanks, guys! Now I can work on my paintings more."

"Any time Virgie," Alan smiled back and waved as Virgil followed Scott out.

"Well, sounds like Scott has the second rotation," Jeff tried, and failed, to hide his smile, "Now you two, behave yourselves. Talk to you soon."

"Bye, Dad."

"Bye, M-Mr. Tracy."

As the screen darkened, Alan looked at the clock. It was almost five, and dinner was fast approaching. "Want to get dinner at five thirty?"

"Sure," Fermat nodded.

Tracy Island

Jeff sat back in his chair and chuckled, even with one at school and one in space, they manage to rile each other up!

Walking out into the lounge, Jeff found Scott brooding and Virgil trying very hard not to laugh as he played a lively tune on the piano. Walking up to his eldest, the patriarch sighed. "You know, just because they suggested it, doesn't mean you have to listen," Scott said, a little hopeful.

Jeff snorted, "Sorry, son, but Alan's right, you haven't been to Five in a while. I'll send John with you to refresh your memory, but you have the second shift." That said, Jeff patted Scott on the shoulder and walked away fighting a huge grin. Virgil gave up his fight and burst out laughing. Glaring, Scott charged Virgil and put him in a head lock.

An hour later, John arrived back in Thunderbird 3. After his post-flight checks, he grabbed his duffle bag and headed towards the house. Dumping his stuff in his room, he wandered into the lounge to find Jeff looking out the window smiling. "Something entertaining outside?" John asked stepping next to his father.

"Hey, John," Jeff said, embracing his second son, "And to answer your question, yes. Alan and Fermat teamed up against Scott, and he is going to up Five after Gordon. Let's just say, Scott wasn't pleased and Virgil is not letting him live it down. I ordered them out of the house before they broke anything."

"I see," John said, watching Scott dunk Virgil in the pool, "Maybe I should go express my gratitude."

"You have a dark side, John," Jeff said with a sideways glance.

"You got to watch out for the silent ones, we're always plotting," the other blonde Tracy said with a quick grin then ran out to the pool.

"Mr. Tracy," Kyrano said from the kitchen, "Lunch will be ready in a few moments."

"Thank you, Kyrano," Jeff said turning, "I'll get the boys out and dried off for you."

Kyrano nodded with his own smile and returned to the kitchen. A chime in the office drew Jeff's attention, after a quick shout to his three older sons that lunch would be ready soon, he ran to his desk. "This is, Jeff," he answered the call.

"Hey, Dad," Gordon's face came into view, "Just reporting in. Did a system check and weather check. Systems are green, and you guys are looking at a sun, sun, and more sun."

"That's what I like to hear," Jeff smiled, "John made it home not long ago, and Alan called while you were shuttling to Five. Both are good. And Scott will be replacing you in two weeks."

Gordon's eyes widened, "Whoa! What?" He mocked shock, "Field Commander Scott, is taking a shift on Five! Get him to the infirmary STAT, and have a psych evaluation done!"

"It's not like he volunteered," Jeff chuckled, "He was nominated, by none other than his youngest brother and Fermat."

"I knew I liked those two," Gordon smiled, "Has he realized that someone else will be flying his 'Bird for two weeks yet?"

"Actually," Jeff thought, "I don't think he has. I'm sure you'll hear him when he does though."

"You should tape it…I want to see his face!" Gordon begged.

"I don't think so Gordon. Now, I hate to cut this conversation, but lunch is ready," Jeff put a halt to the puppy eyes.

"F.A.B." Gordon said before signing off.