Chapter Summary: Virgil gets punched again, metaphorically this time, by a curious EOS...who would like to take a moment of this summary to defend herself: she does not just randomly ease-drop on her family despite what some members may think (looking at you Scott!)
Virgil was sulking. A rare event, in and of itself, although this will have been twice within a year's time. (He'd been proud of that topiary dammit!) Of course, being on the receiving end of one of Scott's punches and having a good chunk of the family act like he deserved it, when he had just pointed out a fact about Scott's so-called best friend would make anyone sulk.
Currently he was sulking in Thunderbird Two doing inventory on her supplies. At least his 'Bird would always be there for him. And he had just counted the thermal blankets twice over. Maybe he should just stop, sulk, and get it out of his system.
He climbed into her flight deck and took the place where he always felt like he belonged. Honestly, Virgil had lost count of the times he woken from a nightmare and the only place he could find sleep again was in his pilot seat. He sunk gratefully down in it and felt peace wash over him. Here he had no doubts, no fear, and no questions. Virgil was certain this was what his brothers felt about their 'Birds as well.
He didn't get it. Yes, he was grateful Turner had given them the plans to Zero-X; it was the least Turner could do all things considered. But Virgil had never liked him. He could never pinpoint exactly why the man set his teeth on edge, but something just was off with him, and his influence over Scott was a disaster in the making.
But no one else in the family could, or would, see it.
It pissed Virgil off that Turner just dropped Scott after the Avalanche. Didn't even turn up for Mom and Grandpa's funeral although he had professed to have loved both of them. Wormed his way into the family, and when something awful happened, it had been sayonara! And now, now when they should be celebrating the greatest rescue of their lives, he was bringing the whole family down.
"Virgil?" EOS' avatar manifested itself. Virgil smiled, her start might have been rough, but he had grown fond of John's contribution to the Tracy family.
"Yes, EOS?"
Her lights circled, flashing through colors.
"I do not mean to intrude, but no one else will explain it to me. Why did Scott punch you?"
Virgil raked his hand through his hair and heaved a sigh.
"I reminded him that Lt. Colonel Turner isn't as reliable as Scott seems to think he is, and he's always been a touchy subject with Scott."
"Interesting," EOS's lights paused for a moment, "thank you, Virgil," and she disappeared.
The Tension did ease after a few days, Scott and Virgil went on several rescues, their rapport restored in face of International Rescue's raison d'être. Virgil had almost forgotten his chat with EOS until she popped up again just as he was getting out of the shower.
"EOS!" Virgil yelped and hastily grabbed a towel.
"Virgil," EOS ignored his reaction, her human family was so silly over somethings, "why do you think Lt. Colonel Turner is not reliable?"
"Can I get dressed first?"
EOS' light flashed.
"Will that add to the clarity of your answer?"
For a moment Virgil was tempted to argue, but...
"Yes, yes it will."
And EOS flickered away, and Virgil considered himself lucky she waited until he at least had his jeans on before she reappeared.
He held up a hand to stop her from repeating her question.
"The Lt. Colonel has been a bad influence on Scott from the time they met. He encourages Scott's recklessness and impulsiveness. He's been possessive of Scot in the past and convinced Scott to blew off our family on several occasions."
EOS waited for more.
"And the one time he really should have been at Scott's side, is the time he dumped him."
EOS' light circled.
"When was this?"
A lump rose in Virgil's throat.
"When Mom and Grandpa died, and I almost died."
"I see," EOS thoughtfully pulsed, and Virgil knew she going historical records faster than any human ever could, and then her light stopped and brightened blindingly, "Oh!"
"EOS?"
Her avatar disappeared, but several articles and documents popped up with pings on the tablet on his bedside table.
"Perhaps you should read these?" EOS suggested, and then was gone.
Virgil shook his head, but picked up the tablet and began to read, then promptly dropped it as the color drained from his face.