Home » The Archives » Chapter 10 » Winds of Change
| Winds of Change [message #1190] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:13  |
Tikatu
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
 
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The party's over, and with the morning, come the slow, persistent winds of change. Difficult decisions lie ahead for many of our crew, with repercussions both small and great. Recovery progresses, aided by a professional, and rebuilding is planned. Another new recruit is brought on board; two missing colleagues return, and one must leave to find her own path. A close brush with an enemy brings IR into the crosshairs again, while unwanted intruders threaten the privacy and security of the island. The winds of change blow where they will, and for good or ill, the Tracys and International Rescue must endure and persevere.
Posted by Tikatu on March 8, 2007
   My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1191 is a reply to message #1190] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:14  |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 3/9/2007 7:38 AM
Wed. Aug. 15th: 1:30pm (Thursday August 16th: 8:30am on Tracy Island)
Tap-tap-tap.
Shannon turned to the source of the noise. "Bro, could you please stop tapping your foot? It's driving me nuts."
"Sorry, sis," Brandon replied, stilling his foot. "You know how I am when I'm anxious about something." Both he and his sister were sitting in the waiting area, expecting to talk to Dr. Stanfield about bringing their parents home.
"I know you are; so am I." Shannon put her hand gently on his shoulder. "But we need to keep a cool head. Mom and Dad are counting on us."
"You're right," he replied, putting his hand on hers. "All we can do is wait for the doctor."
Dr, Stanfield had finished her rounds and went to talk to Brandon and Shannon about discharging their parents. Looking at her charts, she said, "I'm pleased with the progress they've both been making. Mrs. McCain is improving every day."
"What about Dad; will he walk again?" Shannon asked.
"He was telling me when I went to see him that he had some feeling in his legs."
"And that's good, right?" Shannon looked at her brother.
"It's definitely a good sign." The doctor smiled at the two siblings. "But I don't want to get your hopes up; it's too soon for a prognosis on that. They've improved enough to be released from the hospital and I'm sure they'll appreciate a change of scenery. However..."
"All right!" Brandon shouted happily. "Mom and Dad are comin' home!" He grabbed his sister in a bear hug. "Isn't that great, Shannon?"
"Hold on a minute, you two. Before they can be released, there are conditions that have to be met."
Brandon turned around to face the doctor, his excitement cut short by Doctor Stanfield's words. Giving her an inquiring look, he asked, "What conditions?"
The doctor handed him a sheet of paper. "Here is a list of things that are needed before they will be allowed to go home."
Brandon shook his head as he looked at the list. "We can't possibly get all this done in just a few days," he remarked.
"That's why I compiled this for you," Doctor Stanfield replied, handing him another sheet of paper. "It's a list of accredited convalescent homes your parents can stay in until you've completed the necessary modifications."
Brandon and Shannon looked over the lists. After they were through, she turned to him and remarked, "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."
My IR:TNP OTP!
[Updated on: Wed, 25 July 2012 20:14] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1194 is a reply to message #1191] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:20 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/9/2007 1:14 PM
Anna turned the page of her book. It was an old favorite, one she still loved rereading. Sitting by the pool in the late afternoon sun, she was relaxing. Everyone, including her, was still recovering from Virgil's party last night.
She was deliberately staying in sight of people. She knew from experience someone would feel the need to talk to her about something. She found people often wanted an outsider to tell their problems to, someone not involved or seen as neutral.
"Can I sit here?" The voice was tentative as if the speaker wasn't sure about the whole thing.
"Sure." Anna looked up, smiled, and returned to her book. The young lady sat down and set a sandwich, some chips and a can of pop down on the table. She started eating, looking thoughtful.
After a moment Anna directed a comment toward her new neighbor. "You're Kat, right?"
"Yes. And you're Mrs. Hanson." Kat started eating her second sandwich.
"Just Anna, please." She went on. "How did you like the party last night?"
"I had lots of fun. I danced with everyone and we all had a good time."
"Anyone special?"
For some reason this seemed to make Kat a bit uncomfortable. "No, not really. John is up on Thunderbird 5 right now." Kat fidgeted a bit then suddenly blurted out, "Do you think I'm selfish? I mean having fun while John isn't here?"
"Probably. Most human beings are selfish. It's a survival skill." Kat blinked at this. Anna went on. "You're, what, in your early 20's?" Kat nodded. "So you are just leaving your childhood and your birth family behind. You need to be a bit self-centered to do that. Or no kids would ever leave the nest. And you haven't found a new family to take your thoughts away from yourself yet. Unless you and John got engaged without telling anyone."
Kat blushed. "No, we're just friends. That's all. But, I felt like I was doing something behind his back, dancing last night."
"Did he know about the party?" Kat nodded. "Did he object to your going?"
"No. It just felt funny, with him not there."
"Ah. What I call 'guilt, the gift that keeps on giving'." Kat looked surprised. Anna went on. "Doing something you enjoy isn't being selfish. Didn't your mom ever do anything without your dad?"
"Well, with other women, yes. But this kind of felt like a date."
"Not like going out with friends after work?"
"I never went out with friends after work," Kat replied slowly. "I did after school, but that was with other girls."
"And since this was with a mixed crowd, it felt like a date." Kat nodded and took another bite of her sandwich. "Did someone ask you to go with them? Or was it a group invite?"
"Oh, it was a group invite. Virgil asked us all via email. And we girls all got together and picked out dresses."
"Then I suspect this is more that you aren't used to going out in a group with guys in it than guilt over having a 'date' behind John's back. Maybe a bit of sadness that he couldn't come but nothing else. Actually, if he had objected to your going, I would have been worried. The idea that someone thinks they have the right to control someone else's behavior is usually a danger sign. It's considered pre-abusive behavior."
"My mum wouldn't have gone without Dad."
Anna raised an eyebrow. "And I wouldn't go without my husband. I wouldn't have as much fun. But that isn't the same as feeling I needed his permission to go."
"Oh." Kat settled back in her chair to think about this.
Anna picked up her book again but put it down after a minute. "Was that why you felt selfish? Because you enjoyed yourself?"
"No." Kat was quiet for a minute then added, "My mum's been sick. I found out about it later. I hadn't even noticed."
"What's wrong with her?"
"She has a heart problem. She seemed tired last time I saw her but I didn't think anything about it. Now I find out she was hiding it from me and had to have surgery."
"Is she ok now?"
"Yes, but I didn't even notice!"
"Why should you have? Were you living at home?"
"No, I haven't for four years now. I went home a lot, though. I noticed she lost weight and seemed tired a lot. But I didn't think about it much. She said she was fine. We used to be so close!"
"And you aren't now? Or you would have noticed or someone would have told you?" When Kat nodded with tears in her eyes, Anna went on. "Which one upsets you more, the fact you didn't notice or the fact no one told you?"
Kat thought about this for a second. "I don't know. I suppose they were trying to protect me."
"From what?" When Kat looked at her with surprise on her face, Anna continued. "Did they think you couldn't handle the news or was this part of the way they coped, by pretending nothing is wrong?"
When Kat hadn't replied after a minute, Anna decided to give her something else to think about. "Did you notice I have a heart problem?"
"You do? You look fine."
"Congestive heart failure. Walking up the two flights of stairs to the house is my limit these days. But I don't look 'sick', do I?" Kat shook her head. "My father died of the same thing. He retired early and spent three of the last five years of his life downhill skiing. The last two, he couldn't, but before that no one he hadn't told knew he was sick. I'm on the heart transplant standby list -- I'm not critical -- but I don't look, or feel, sick and I won't need a transplant for some time -- maybe never. With some types of heart problems the person looks sick right off. Other people never look sick at all. It depends on the type of heart problem and the person who has the problem."
"Why aren't you at home with your daughter looking after you?"
"Well, one: because I don't need looking after, two: because I'd be bored out of my skull in two days and three: because we'd kill each other. I love her very much and we're close but she's not a good babysitter and I don't need one. I'm an adult. If I need help, I'll ask for it." Anna looked at Kat for a minute. "Has anything bad ever happened to your family before?"
"No. I had some trouble with sexual harassment at my first job. I'm not naive!"
No, but you have been sheltered, I bet. "I didn't mean that as an insult. But let's see. In the past couple of weeks you've seen a woman you like badly injured, found out your mom was sick and you were left out of the loop, and, or so I've heard, had a fight with your boyfriend. Any one of these would be upsetting in themselves. How do these make you feel?"
"Upset."
Anna snorted. "You wouldn't be human if you weren't upset. I mean are you angry? Scared? Do you feel guilty? Depressed? Put-upon? Bewildered? All of these are normal reactions. So is feeling guilty for enjoying yourself at a party soon after getting bad news. Like somehow this makes you a 'bad girl'. You should be staying home and covering yourself with ashes instead of having fun."
Kat gave a soft giggle. Anna went on. "I'm not saying you should treat any of these things lightly. They may cause major changes in your life. But they are not all of your life, are they? Your world doesn't revolve around your boyfriend or your mother, does it?"
"No. Although, I really like John."
"Have you ever had a bad argument with a boyfriend before?"
"Not really. I never was this close with any guy before. My mum and dad have never fought."
"And how long have they been divorced?"
"They're not divorced!" Kat replied angrily. "They have a perfect marriage!"
"Kat, your mom and dad are human beings. The only way two people living together never fight is if they never talk to each other, or if one of them has completely overwhelmed the other. Or if they're both perfect. I know of only one person like that. He got crucified for it."
"Mum and Dad love each other."
"And I love my husband very much. But some days I'm tired and snap at him, or I do something stupid and he gets upset, or sometime we just miscommunicate. He has some habits that drive me nuts and I'm sure I have some that do the same to him. And we both have interests the other doesn't share. Part of a marriage is learning to get along after a disagreement. And to handle yourself not being perfect."
"What do you mean?"
"I make mistakes. And I'm not always great about apologizing. I'm working on it, but I need to remember I still fail."
"You seem to feel very strongly about this."
Anna suddenly looked sad. "Part of this is my reaction to the word 'perfect'. One of the first therapy groups I ever led has two sisters in it. One of their other sisters had talked to them about how they had the perfect family growing up."
"So?"
"Dad had sexually molested both of the sisters in my group."
"Oh."
"But what really got me was after about 2 years, I made the older sister see that her husband had been molesting their daughter. She immediately quit the group. She hated her mother for not protecting her, but did the same to her daughter. She said she didn't need the group anymore, her husband had just been released from prison and everything was just 'perfect' now. Her sister quit a month later. 'God told her to'. This figures into my definition of blasphemy."
"Couldn't you do anything?"
"I had to report that I suspected abuse. But that was all I could do." Anna looked at Kat. "I'm not saying all marriages are like that. But 'perfect' is a cover up. A good marriage or any relationship takes work on both sides. And it is constantly growing and changing. Just like the people in it. Like any growing thing it gets messy and dirty. And sometime it hurts."
A sudden "Kat! Kat get wet!" split the air.
Kat looked up and grinned. "Hi, Josh. No, I'm not wet yet."
Joshua ran over and pulled at her hand. "Kat come! Get wet!"
Dom grinned at them. "Sorry ladies. Josh, don't interrupt the ladies."
"We were pretty much done. Kat, I think you're being kidnapped."
"And I don't think he'll let me go. All right, Joshua. Let's get wet." She took off her T-shirt to reveal the swim top underneath and walked with Joshua down the pool steps. He promptly tried to push her in.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1196 is a reply to message #1194] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:22 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/9/2007 1:17 PM
"Kat!"
Kat looked up from her book. She'd finished her swim and was now sitting at one of the tables by the pool. Gordon was swimming laps and Dom and Joshua were still playing in the shallow end. Brains smiled at her from the balcony and headed down the stairs, carrying a package. "I just received some new equipment for you. Here. Open it!"
Brains seemed so excited. Kat had no idea what could be in the package. She sat down on one of the lounge chairs and started to open it. Gordon stopped swimming and pulled himself up on the side of the pool.
The last of the paper fell away. Kat turned bright red and glared at Brains. The package contained a bright, sturdy, plastic fishing pole along with three plastic fish.
"Since, according to Ned Cook, you've become International Rescue's official fisherwoman, I wanted to make sure you had the right tools for your job." Brains tried to look innocent but didn't succeed very well.
Kat just glared at him for a second, then smiled. She suddenly dropped the package, leaped up and ran straight into Brains, pushing him backwards into the pool. He hit with a tremendous splash. As he came up sputtering, she smiled at him. "Sometimes the only tool you need is a little push." She picked up the toy and headed back to work.
Gordon and Dom both grinned. Josh clapped his hands and cried "Kat! Kat! Brains got wet!!".
My IR:TNP OTP!
[Updated on: Sun, 18 December 2016 00:07] by Moderator Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1197 is a reply to message #1196] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:24 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Nikki-browneyes1 Sent: 3/9/2007 1:46 PM
Alan whistled as the Cliff House lift ascended up to the upper level apartments. Since the accident, he found that he was visiting Nikki more than before...not that he was complaining.
Alan rapped his right hand fingers against his thigh as he waited for the door to open. He smiled when the door finally revealed Nikki and the apartment on the other side.
"Hey, Alan. When you said see you later, I was imagining a lot later."
"Were you busy?"
"Not really, just putting some clean clothes away." Nikki stepped aside and let Alan in. " Can I get you anything? A drink, something to eat?"
"It's ok, I just had lunch." Alan sat down and made himself comfortable in one of the seats in the lounge. He was soon joined by Nikki. "So, how are you feeling?"
"I'm getting there. I'm sure my ankle will be fine in a matter of days."
"And?"
"And what?"
Alan took a deep breath. Every time he saw Nikki, he always avoided asking about what he mostly wanted to know. Feeling that today was a good day, he bravely went on. "Well, that covers the physical side. What about up here?" He pointed to his own head. "How are you feeling...about the crash?" He noticed Nikki's eyes saddened a bit, but the rest of her face didn't give away any clues.
"I've dealt with it. I'm not seeing it every time I close my eyes if that's what you're asking." Nikki suddenly felt uncomfortable.
"Really?" Alan straightened in his seat. "It's just that my family, who weren't aboard Seven, are still dealing with it."
"Well, everyone deals with things differently and at a different pace."
Alan fell silent. He had a feeling that she was lying. Her eyes were a giveaway. "You know you can talk to anyone of us if you need to. There is even Mrs. Hanson."
"I know." Silence fell again.
"You know, I've been in situations where it nearly cost me my life. And I'm not just talking about during my racing career."
"Alan, I...," Nikki began. She stopped when Alan continued.
"Do you remember the incident where the Sun Probe was heading towards the sun?"
Nikki nodded. "I also remember hearing about Thunderbird Three being in the same predicament."
"Well, I was on that mission. I've got to admit I was scared. Not just for myself, but for Scott and Tin-Tin; it was her first mission." He looked down at his hands before looking at Nikki again. "Have you been back to see Seven yet?"
Nikki glanced down at the floor.
"I'll take that as a no." Alan sighed. "Maybe it'll help to see it." Nikki was about to say something when Alan interrupted her. "I know you said that you've dealt with the whole thing. Seeing Seven may confirm it for you and..."
"For you, too," Nikki finished. "That's what you were going to say, wasn't it?" She began to get agitated. "You don't believe me."
"It's not a matter of believing. It takes a while to get over something like that." Alan's hands moved as he spoke and his words flowed out quicker and quicker. "I know that from experience. It doesn't just happen over a couple of days or a week." He blew out a breath and slowed his speech down. "You don't have to go down there today or tomorrow and you don't have to go alone. Do it when you're ready and give me a call. I'll accompany you. At least think about it. Please?"
Nikki sighed, calming herself down. She had to admit, he had a point. If she saw Seven, she could show him that she was fine and she could confirm it for herself. "I'll think about it," she replied in quiet tones.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1199 is a reply to message #1197] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:25 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/9/2007 9:53 PM
Thursday, August 16, 1:30 PM, Tracy Island
"Dianne? Anna poked her head into the sick room. "You wanted to see me?"
"Yes. I want to talk to you about Elise. You talked to her yesterday, didn't you?"
"Yes, we had an appointment."
"How did it go and what do you think?"
"I think you're doing a good job and don't see any reason to change." At Dianne's surprised look she went on. "She trusts you and that can be very hard to get. She also trusts Gordon in the water. That's out and out amazing. If he ever wants a job as a physical therapist for trauma victims, I'll be glad to recommend him."
"Did you read my notes on her?"
"Yes, after I'd asked her if it was ok." Dianne raised her eyebrows. Anna replied to the unspoken question. "The more control a person feels they have over their life the better. If you had said this was an emergency or you didn't know what to do, I would have read them regardless. But by asking her, I gave her power. And, hopefully, some confidence that we both are trustworthy."
"What do you think?"
"Two things. She isn't just afraid of dying alone. She's also afraid of being the only survivor. I know it's irrational but she still subconsciously feels she should have saved them, somehow."
"That's perfectly normal for the age she was when they died. Cherie was that age when her father was killed. But she still feels that way now?"
"Cherie still had you. And her grandma and friends and the same school and church, Girl Scouts, etc. She was still in her own room, in the house she had always known. Elise went from a situation where she was loved and supported to live with a total stranger, in a new place."
Anna went on. "And there wasn't anyone there to tell Elise it wasn't her fault. Or even to notice she was having problems. I gather the aunt didn't have a lot of experience with kids and wasn't close to the family. I suspect Elise buried any feelings she had."
"I wasn't exactly 'there' all the time when Cherie's father died. And we didn't always get a lot of support."
"But it was familiar. And you were there for her to see. Plus, as I understand it, when she was attacked, others defended her and her father. And, the most important thing, you took care of them. So did Lisa. When you did leave, you came to a place that felt very safe. And with no unpleasant associations."
Anna looked down at her computer. "The other thing I wanted to ask you about-- is she still having flashbacks?"
"No, I don't think so."
"I see you taught her some relaxation techniques. Did you teach her to ground?"
"I've heard of grounding, usually when reading about PTSD. I've never done it," Dianne said slowly.
"It's a way of bring someone, or yourself, out of a flashback. You do something to reconnect yourself to the here and now instead of the flashback. Grounding is not hard. There are several different ways to do it. I would like to teach you, Elise and several other people how to do it."
"Who else?"
"Who would Elise go to if she started panicking?"
"Scott, Virgil or me probably."
"Them at a minimum. Also Gordon. She feels very safe in his company. And your husband. I'd also like to include Callie. I don't think she will start getting flashbacks, but it won't hurt. It can also be used if someone feels a panic attack coming on. And with any luck, Callie might start using it in her dreams."
"You didn't mind going through Callie's records?"
"Callie is an emergency. As her Doctor you have every right to ask my advice. Besides, you said she had given her permission."
"So had Elise."
"True, but she was here and I could ask. Callie -- we're trying to head off a problem before it gets out of control. I talked to Brains about the Hood. I'll talk to Tin-Tin and Kyrano later today or tomorrow. I also want to talk to Dom about finding her in the jungle. I may be out of my league here, but I can give her some basic tools. We'll see how well they work."
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1200 is a reply to message #1199] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:27 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 3/10/2007 7:44 PM
Tracy Island, Thursday, August 16th, mid-afternoon.
Virgil groaned as he walked into the sunlit filled kitchen. He sat down at the table and put his head on his arms. "I'm dying."
Lisa looked up from the stove. "Good afternoon, Virgil. How nice of you to join us today." Virgil merely responded with another groan. Lisa chuckled. "Would you like something to eat?"
Virgil looked up, his face green. "No," he said in a strangled voice.
"Coffee?"
"That would be great." He put his head back down on the table.
Lisa laughed again and poured a mug of strong, black coffee. She placed it on the table in front of Virgil. "Here you go. Bottom's up."
Virgil tentatively took a sip, shuddering. "Why, why did I drink so much last night?"
"You're the only one who can answer that, dear," Lisa responded.
Just then, Scott came bounding into the room. "Hey, Lisa! The kids are hungry; could you give me a hand making some sandwiches to bring down to the pool?"
"Oh, God, not so loud!" Virgil moaned.
Scott grinned at his brother. "Well, well, look who's risen from the dead? How ya feeling, Virge?" He clapped Virgil on the shoulder.
Virgil winced. "Are you trying to kill me?"
Lisa smiled. "Your brother had a little too much champagne last night."
Scott laughed, causing Virgil to wince. "The sugar will get you every time. Stick to beer next time."
"There's not going to be a next time," Virgil muttered. "I'll be dead soon."
Both Lisa and Scott shared a grin. "Famous last words." Lisa started pulling bread out of the cupboard as Scott rummaged through the refrigerator. "How many sandwiches do you need, Scott?"
"About half a dozen," Scott replied.
"Peanut butter, or cold cuts?"
"Cold cuts, I think, lots of mustard and mayo."
Virgil gave a choking gasp and fled the room. Scott and Lisa watched him go with grins on their faces. "Guess he wasn't hungry," Scott commented.
"I guess not! Come, let's get these done before we have a riot down by the pool." Together, they turned back to the sandwiches.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1204 is a reply to message #1200] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:32 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/10/2007 8:16 PM
Thursday, August 16, 2068, 5:30 p.m., Tracy Island
The working day over, a freshly showered and clothed Kat made her way to the Round House, where Lady Penelope was staying. She climbed the steps to the balcony, and entered the large, high-ceilinged lounge. She gazed up at the smooth beams that looked as if they supported the roof, their light colored woods adding to the spaciousness of the room. The floor to ceiling windows that made up one wall and looked out toward the sea gave the whole room an airy, fresh feeling. She sighed, contented, and passed through to the inner hallway.
She followed the curve of the round hall to the left, pressing the buzzer at the first room she came to. The door slid aside to reveal Parker.
"'Ello, Miss Kat," the chauffeur said amiably. He gestured her inside. "Milady is h'expectin' you."
"Kat, my dear!" Lady Penelope, looking fresh in a light blue linen suit and her signature pink pearls, rose from her seat to give Kat a quick kiss on the cheek. "I am so very glad to see you. Please, sit down. Have you had your tea?"
"No, I haven't. Tea sounds lovely," Kat said, smiling as she sat across from her friend.
"Parker? You may bring in the tea things, and we two shall have a nice chat."
"Very good, Milady."
Parker brought the tea cart in, laden with small cakes, tiny sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, fruit tarts, and a fresh pot of fragrant hot tea. He let Penelope pour out, and allowed Kat to fix a plate of goodies for herself. Then he retired to let the ladies talk.
"These rooms are so pleasant, don't you think?" Penny said, indicating her surroundings. "Jeff and Dianne are planning on reserving a suite for me when I come to visit." She leaned over and said in a conspiratorial tone, "I believe Jeff thinks it will cut back on the amount of luggage I carry if I leave a few things here between visits."
Kat giggled, and Penny sat back, smiling. "I am to have the choice of rooms, and decor. Although I appreciate how close this room is to the lounge, I believe I shall choose the rooms further down the hallway. The view of the island is far more pleasing from that angle."
"It sounds lovely," Kat said. She sipped her tea and added, "The view of the Pacific from my apartment is quite stunning, especially in the evenings when the sun sets. The colors are so vivid; it makes me wish I could paint." She glanced down at her plate. "I should like to invite you up, but I haven't painted the walls yet, so I feel it is still unfinished somehow."
"Then I shall see it when I next come to the island," Penelope promised. She sipped her tea, and asked, "Now tell me, what has kept you busy today?"
Kat sighed. "Brains and I are trying to pull as much salvageable material from Thunderbird Seven as possible, and determining what systems may still be in working order. To be frank, it is a depressing job, but Brains is of the opinion that we may be able to use the medical cabin in some capacity until a new one can be built." She shook her head sadly. "The cockpit is beyond repair, I fear, and I find it disquieting to work in. The thought of what happened that day... I saw the inside, you know, with Dr. Tracy still fastened in the chair, which was on the ceiling at that point." She shuddered. "They were all so lucky, Dom and Nikki especially."
"Yes, they were fortunate," Penny murmured. "Very fortunate to be alive and recovering... though I fear the long road to full recovery still lies ahead of them all." She took a bite of scone, and looked thoughtful as she chewed. "How does Brains feel the medical cabin could be used?"
"His plans seem to revolve around putting the cabin on caterpillar tracks and towing it with one of the pod vehicles. We must rebuild the back corner entirely; it is quite beyond simple repair."
"Ah, I see. Well, if Brains feels it can be done, he will find a way to make it so. That is his genius."
Kat snickered. "Would you believe that Brains has a sense of humor?"
Penny waved a hand. "My dear Kat, I know he does. A particularly peculiar brand of humor and whimsy all his own. I should tell you sometime of the Christmas when he made it snow here on Tracy Island." She smiled widely. "But I gather from your comment that you are thinking of a particular instance. Tell me all!"
"Well," Kat began, "This afternoon during our lunch break, he brought me a present..." She then went on to relate the gift that Brains had given her as International Rescue's official 'fisher woman". "I'm afraid I couldn't help myself, but my first impulse was to push him into the pool, so I did."
"Ah, I see," Penny said with a sage nod. "I was sure it was you the native referred to in his narrative of the incidents surrounding the tsunami. You are by far the tiniest lady to wear an IR uniform. But how did you catch the fish?"
"We were in a water-filled basement and it must have been deposited there by the wave. It gave me quite a start! The native man was the one who grabbed it and took it away."
"It sounds like quite the adventure." Lady Penelope poured more tea into her cup to freshen it, and asked, "More tea?"
"Yes, please," Kat held out her cup for Penny to refill, then sat back. "Besides Virgil's splendid birthday party, what brings you to the island? What adventures have you had recently?"
"Well, I was in Los Angeles for a time to oversee some of the security around Jeff and Dianne during her stay in hospital, both as IR and as her own self. I met and became acquainted with Dr. and Mrs. Carmichael, and looked in on the children while I was there. I saw John, Virgil, and Mrs. Tracy both times they stopped in Los Angeles on their way to and from the farm in Kansas." She sighed. "Mrs. Tracy had such a terrible time of it, trying to sift through the remainders of that house. I could not begin to imagine what it would be like if I had to do the same at Foxleyheath." Penny smiled slightly. "I was very surprised to see that she brought a mother cat and her kittens back with her. I don't believe there had ever been a cat on the island until Kyrano's Durian."
"Who was Christopher's Asterix," Kat was quick to point out.
"Ah, yes, I remember now. But there are now six, taking all into account." She cocked her head at Kat and smiled mischievously. "Have you seen them yet? I understand that they are all very pretty, and will need good homes and people to love them."
Kat shook her head. "I haven't yet had the opportunity. Perhaps I may ask Mrs. Tracy for a peek tomorrow after work. I should love to have a kitten."
"Then perhaps you shall," Penny said. She bit into a cucumber sandwich, and when her mouth was clear, asked, "Have you heard from your parents lately?"
Kat nodded. "My mother has been in touch via email, keeping me au courant with my brother Andrew's wedding plans." She smiled. "I am to be a bridesmaid as Melanie -- my brother's fiancée -- has two elder brothers and no sisters." She sighed happily. "I have had pictures of the dress; it is a lovely aquamarine velvet..." Kat went on to describe the dress in detail.
"It sounds exquisite, Kat," Penny said, nodding her head. Then she hesitated. "I wondered if you'd heard from them because three weekends ago your father and brother came to drive your car to their house. He knew you'd driven it to Foxleyheath after your birthday and said he did not want to impose upon me more than had already been done. I protested, of course, but he smiled and thanked me for my generosity, insisting that since Foxleyheath was no longer your home, he would take it to his. Since the car was not mine, I allowed him to do so."
Kat sat up in alarm. "Oh, dear! I hadn't heard!" Her face took on an angry frown. "I should think he would have consulted me before doing such a thing! I shall ring him tonight and demand to know why he didn't ask me first."
"I am so sorry, Kat," Penny said quietly. "I should have rung you myself, but he implied that you knew of the transfer and indeed had asked for it. I could not understand why you did not tell me yourself." She sighed. "Yet, when I recall the weekend, I had been in Paris all week, and had only come in an hour or so before. I wonder how he knew I was home."
"I wouldn't know, but I shall find out," Kat said decisively. She glanced at her watch. "I will have to wait to ring him up at work, it's early in the morning there."
"True, it is."
The two women sat quietly for a while, finishing their tea, then Kat smiled and asked, "What did you think of Virgil's party?"
Penny put her empty cup and saucer on the tea cart. "It was a very nice party, though I'm sure it would not have compared to Paradise Peaks, had we gone." She smiled back at Kat. "You did very well with the song you chose."
Kat blushed prettily. "Thank you. You should have had a go; I'm sure you would have done well."
Penny shook her head and looked skyward. "Had I done so, Alan or Virgil would have been falling over themselves to remove the microphone from my hand. I once posed as a torch singer at Paradise Peaks, it was -- and it became abundantly clear that I did not have the voice for it."
"Ah, yes, Tin-Tin told us about that when we picked out our dresses. It's too bad that you didn't go over well," Kat said. She shook her head. "Neither did Cherie or Alex last night, I fear."
"No, they are like their elder brothers in that respect; no Tracy son can carry a tune, not even Virgil. Though Gordon quite surprised everyone with that duet he sang," Penelope explained. "I understand that young Tyler has a nice voice. It is a shame he didn't sing last night."
"Perhaps he was shy," Kat said, quietly. Evidently I missed quite a bit by leaving early. "With whom did Gordon sing a duet?"
"He sang one with Ms. Kennedy. A current country music favorite, or so I gathered." Penny smiled dreamily. "She wore such a lovely Lemaire frock; I shall have to see François and request one for myself."
"She seems to be well-acquainted with the latest fashions."
"She does, does she not? I think that perhaps we two will become friends in time."
Kat fidgeted a little. "Yes, I'm sure you will." She smiled shyly. "As John and I are becoming."
"Ah, yes, John," Penny replied. "Such a pity that he could not attend the party last evening. But I am certain he will enjoy the recording of it when it is sent to him." She smiled at Kat. "Did you record a special message for him?"
"I did," Kat said, nodding. "I told him that I missed him and looked forward to seeing him again next month, and that I had a surprise for him when he returned home."
"A surprise?" Penny sounded a bit disconcerted.
"Yes! I thought I might prepare a dinner for him and give him clues to guide him to the location. A sort of mystery for him to solve."
"Ah! What a unique and clever idea!" Penny said, her face clearing. "If I know John, he will be intrigued by your little mystery game."
"I hope so. I also emailed him about the party. He said he was glad to hear from me," Kat said with a pleased sigh. She suddenly glanced at her watch. "Oh dear! It's much later than I expected. I should go; Brains wants us to get an early start tomorrow since we had such a late one today."
"I understand." Lady Penelope rose, putting aside her plate, and Kat followed suit. "This has been such a nice chat. Perhaps we can have another before I leave for home."
"I would like that," Kat said, smiling. The two women walked together to the door leading from the lounge to the balcony. "Goodnight, Lady Penelope."
"Goodnight, Kat, and take care."
Kat left, turning to wave goodbye to the aristocrat, who stayed within the Round House. The younger woman hurried down the stairs, and onto the packed pumice pathway. Lights hidden in the bushes and foliage along the path winked on as Kat walked briskly back toward the Villa. The air was cool, and the skies above clear and full of stars. She glanced upward, not knowing exactly where Thunderbird Five was amongst all that glory, but she smiled, and whispered, "Goodnight, John," on the evening breeze.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1205 is a reply to message #1204] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:33 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/15/2007 7:18 PM
Thursday, August 16th 2068, Tracy Island 10:30 p.m.
Grabbing her journal, pen and a cup of coffee, Elise settled down on her bed to write. She'd tried to keep up with the daily writing, but that had quickly developed into a weekly writing and now it was an I'll get to it when I can type of writing.
Gulping down a mouthful of coffee and setting the mug aside, she sighed deeply. Where to start? Today has had it's fair share of interesting moments, but last night...maybe I'll start there.
She laid down the journal and cast her thoughts back to events of the night before. She'd had her doubts about the party and her dress and the feelings of being out of place, but despite her misgivings, she'd enjoyed herself immensely. She smiled as she remembered Gordon and Alan and their antics with the camera. She picked up the journal again and started writing...
When these Tracys go all out, they go "All out"! The whole evening was wonderful. I ate entirely too much, but it was soooo good!
I was impressed with the way all the girls looked in red, and I think we seriously shocked the men! Who, I might add, weren't looking too shabby themselves! Definitely a great party.
It's at times like these you can really get to know a person, seeing who they are when they let themselves have fun. It felt good to be able to just "hang out" with the others -- the team, I mean. It's like our whole working/living relationship went to another level. Of course, the Tracy's themselves have always been courteous and welcoming; but last night felt different. There was no IR; it was just a close family celebrating a birthday with all those they care about with them.
I guess that's why when Jeff toasted Virgil and told him how proud he was of him, I felt so envious of Virgil. Maybe it was selfishness on my part, but for one moment, I wanted what Virgil had. I wanted my dad to be there telling me how proud he was of me.
I missed out on that. I always have, yet throughout my adult life I've managed to push it away. I saw birthdays as just watching time pass by. Sure, I went out with friends for a few drinks. We were usually on layovers! Pilots tend to stick together, so we enjoyed the downtime when we could. But last night, it hit home hard. Family. I lost mine, and Virgil seems to have more than an abundance!
Okay, enough pity party. I just felt a little left out, that's all. But hey, you live the life you're dealt. Maybe one day it'll change.
As soon as she'd written the last words, her mind pictured the dance with Virgil towards the end of the party. It had felt good to be in his arms, but then when the time for saying goodnight had come, something had changed. She looked down into her palm, seeing in her mind's eye Virgil gently kissing there, closing her fingers and whispering, "Something to dream on." She remembered gazing into his deep brown eyes and feeling like she could stand there forever. Later, she'd put those feelings down to too much drink, on her part and his, but now, thinking it all over again, she knew her relationship with Virgil had just changed. Starting to write once more, she put ...
Oh no, what have I done? I came here, correction, I was coerced here to fly planes and be part of the most elite rescue team in the world! This isn't supposed to happen!
Why now? Why him? Don't get me wrong; he's gorgeous, and has been a great friend that I can trust. God knows he's been there when I have had it rough some days...
Oh God! Maybe I just haven't seen what's been standing right in front of me!
She put down the journal and pen and sat back against the pillows. "What am I supposed to do now?" she asked to the air.
It was some time later that she went back to add her thoughts on the conversation she'd had with Anna earlier that day...
She called it 'grounding'; not sure exactly what that all entails, but if she thinks she can help me with my PTSD I'm willing to give it a try. Although now, I think I may need 'grounding' in more ways than one.
She snuggled down to sleep and just before she closed her eyes, her fingers curled over her palm where Virgil's kiss lay.
--Elise journals the party, by FrankieCTB2[/color]
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1210 is a reply to message #1205] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:37 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/15/2007 7:25 PM
Tracy Island, Thursday, 16th August, late night
Kat put down the book she was reading, and yawned. Looking at her watch, she was amazed to see that is was almost midnight. That's the trouble when you're reading a good book; time just seems to fly by.[ Heading for the kitchen, she began to make herself a hot drink. Going back in the lounge intent on enjoying the hot chocolate, her thoughts returned to the conversation she had had earlier in the day with Anna. Did her parents have a perfect marriage?
I guess that when you are young, you tend to view the world through rose tinted spectacles, she thought.
She began to wonder if she had been too sheltered during her life? Yes, on reflection, she probably had. A blanket of love and protectiveness had certainly surrounded her; maybe being the only girl had meant her parents had been too protective over her. Certainly her brothers had got away with more things than she had been allowed. She remembered how her mother had fussed over her whenever she'd fallen off her pony. It could be quite embarrassing at times, and she had tried to ignore the grins and comments from her fellow competitors.
Thinking about those early days made her remember the time when her father had spent money buying a wreck of a car. It had been his intention to 'do it up' as he had told her mother. However, her mother had seen it as a complete waste of money. Kat had never heard her parents argue as much as they had done that day.
"We could have gone on holiday with that money," her mother had shouted.
"Think of it as an insurance," her father had calmly replied. "It'll be worth a great deal when I've finished with it."
But her mother had remained adamant. "Insurance indeed! At the rate you work, it'll never be finished. You've got no incentive to get on with things."
Kat smiled at that recollection. True, her father was very laid back; his philosophy on life was, "Live for the day, let tomorrow take care of itself."
The air had certainly been chilly for a while. Kat could not remember how the situation had resolved itself. But she was sure that her mother must have backed down, because the car remained. In fact, she had helped her father work on it. But she had to admit that her mother had been right, because when she had left home to work for Lady Penelope, the car was still far from finished.
Kat took her empty mug back to the kitchen. Trying to think about other things had had happened, she went once more into her lounge, and began searching through cupboards. Finally she found what she had been looking for, a small photo album. Curling up on her sofa, she opened the album and began turning the pages. She smiled to herself, as the first photo was a family group. There was her father, mother, Timothy, Andrew and herself. That was the last time we were on holiday together as a family, she recalled. After that, girlfriends and work seemed to take over.
Turning the page, she studied the picture of a young girl sitting on a pony, her hair in two short pigtails and wearing a crash cap that looked too big for her. She was grinning from ear to ear and clutching a blue rosette. That was my very first rosette I won with Rosie. Mum and Dad were so proud that day. Other pages revealed pictures of her as a young girl. There was a photo of her and her mother... Taken the day before I left to work for Lady Penelope. She remembered that day as if it was yesterday. It was the first time I would be living and working away from home. Mum was so proud that I would be working for the 'nobility', as she called it, but so sad that I was leaving.
At this point Kat's eyes were a little misty. Blinking a few times, she turned the page. There was a photo of her dad and his 'wreck', as her mum had referred to the car that he intended working on. I wonder if he'll ever finish it. I must remember to call tomorrow about my own car. She kept turning the pages, sometimes chuckling as photos would prompt good memories to surface.
The next thing she knew, it was morning. As she looked through her French doors, she saw the sun shining far off at sea, glinting on the waves. She stirred; the album had fallen to the floor. Gracious! I've been here all night. Stiff, she got up from the sofa, and headed for her bathroom to freshen up before getting her breakfast.
--Reflections by TawnyAngel22
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1212 is a reply to message #1210] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:38 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 3/15/2007 7:37 PM
August 16th 6:30 a.m. San Diego (August 17th 1:30 a.m. Tracy Island)
All was quiet as Brandon made his way to the computer. He couldn't sleep, so he decided to do some research on the convalescent homes Dr. Stanfield had recommended. He wanted to select the best one for his parents to stay in until he and Shannon could make the necessary arrangements for them to come home. Looking at the screen, he checked out the places the doctor had recommended, noting the location of each facility as well as the amenities each had to offer, highlighting names that caught his eye. That makes three that would be good for Mom and Dad.
After he was sure he had the information he needed, Brandon turned his attention to finding nearby businesses that could supply him with the equipment he needed. As he continued his task, his thoughts wandered to the man that had struck his parents' car. What was that guy thinking when he got into his car that night? Does he even wonder how Mom and Dad are doing?
A rustle interrupted his thoughts, and he looked up to see his sister standing behind him, two steaming mugs of coffee in her hands. "Here you go, bro. You look like you can use this." Shannon handed him one.
"Thanks," he replied, taking it and sipping appreciatively.
"You're up early; it looks like you've made good use of the time," she remarked as she looked over her brother's shoulder.
"I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd get the ball rolling." He told his sister what he'd found so far.
"Good job, bro, I'm impressed. It's amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it."
"Gee, thanks for your vote of confidence," he said sarcastically.
Shannon chuckled, giving him a playful punch. "I'll go fix breakfast. How about afterward, we go check out the places you highlighted?"
"Good idea, Sis. You're on."[/color]
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1213 is a reply to message #1212] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:41 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/16/2007 2:46 PM
Friday, August 17th, 9:30 a.m., Tracy Island
"'Recently, International Rescue was made aware of a situation involving Dr....' What is the man's name?" Jeff hunted over his desk, looking for the article he'd clipped and the notes Drew had given him on the situation. He found the article, then looked back at his work and shook his head. "That won't do. I have to be more general."
He scanned the notes and the article again, tapping his stylus on his chin as he did so. Then he erased what he'd started, and began to write again. "'International Rescue wishes to offer its support...' No, that won't do either." He took a deep breath, sitting back to stare at the screen, taking off his reading glasses as he did. Shaking his head, he murmured, "Maybe I'd better give this to Tin-Tin. She's taken so much of my dictation she could probably write this and make it sound more like me than I can!"
A small window popped up in the corner of his computer screen, and a light chime sounded. He put his glasses back on and straightened up. "Contact the Killdeers with ETA." He sighed heavily, tossed his glasses on the desktop, and slumped back, rubbing his temples. As if on cue, Kyrano appeared at the door from the study, a tray holding a coffee carafe, cups, and condiments on it in his hands. "Your timing is perfect, Kyrano."
"It is a gift," Kyrano gently quipped as he set the tray on a nearby table and poured a cup of coffee for Jeff. As he passed it over, he observed, "You are troubled, Mr. Tracy."
Jeff nodded, a rueful expression on his face. "You have that right. I'm having trouble composing a letter to show our support of Mercy General, despite Dr. Willis's actions." He paused to take a sip from the cup, then went on. "I've also been reminded of the vacation Dianne and I promised the younger kids." He shook his head. "There's no way we can do it; Dianne simply isn't up to it yet. I guess I have to discuss it with her, then break the news to the children... and Dianne's relatives. Jared will be fairly easy, but Douglas?" Jeff shook his head again.
"You may find it easier to deal with him than with the children," Kyrano said with a warning tone. "Perhaps Lisa and Dr. Carmichael could be of some assistance."
"I hope so. I know the children will be disappointed; they were looking forward to this. So was I, to tell the truth. But that damned crash..." He took a sip of coffee to keep from sighing. "It changed everything."
"Indeed it did, as all such things do," Kyrano said, catching Jeff's eye with his own sympathetic gaze. "But you... but we must go on. Learn from it, and use what we learn in our lives for the future."
Jeff stared at Kyrano for a long moment, then smiled slightly. "You're right, as usual, Kyrano." He glanced down at the screen. "I think I'll take a break and go discuss the vacation with my wife, then come back to this later." He took another sip, placed his coffee cup in the saucer, and rose. "Thanks for the coffee, and the advice, Kyrano."
"You are most welcome, Mr. Tracy," Kyrano said. "Good luck in your discussion."
"Thanks," Jeff said again. He stopped at the partition between lounge and study, turning and pointing. "You can leave the carafe there. I shouldn't be too long."
"Very good, Mr. Tracy."
As Jeff left, Kyrano picked up the soiled cup, and put it on his now empty tray. "I will return with a fresh carafe in twenty minutes," he murmured. "I fear it will take longer for the discussion than Mr. Tracy believes."
xxxx
Jeff entered the sick room all in a rush, only to stop short at the sight of Maggie straightening up one of the empty beds -- the one Dianne usually slept in.
"Oh hello, Jeff," Maggie said, glancing up from her work. "She's on the patio outside the dining room. She needed the change of scenery and I needed some quiet to work in."
"Ah, okay," Jeff replied, blinking. "Where's Andy?"
"In the surgery, getting ready for the follow up appointment for the nurses. He's looking over the files they brought back with them from the hospital." At Jeff's sudden frown, Maggie added, "He's one of the doctors on record as treating them; they might as well be in his own files back home."
"Ah, I see. I need to talk with him for a minute."
"Sure. Drew?" Maggie called. "Jeff's here. Needs to talk to you."
"Coming!"
It took a moment for Drew to appear. He was wearing a button down shirt and slacks, and had a data pad in his hand. "If you're wondering where Di is..."
"Maggie already told me," Jeff replied. He glanced from Drew to Maggie and back to Drew again. "I need your professional opinion."
Drew put the pad down on the bedside table, while Maggie went back to straightening up the bed clothes. "Go ahead."
"Before all this happened, Dianne and I had planned a vacation in the States with the younger kids. We were going to take Stephanie with us to the ranch in Wyoming, then the twins to our place in New Hampshire." Jeff slid his hands in his pockets. "I've gotten to the point where I have to confirm our arrangements or cancel them." He moistened his lips with his tongue. "I need to know: is Dianne fit enough to go?"
"When did you plan this for?" Drew asked, reaching out a hand to smooth it idly over the folded down sheet.
"We planned to leave Sunday, arrive in the States on Saturday...."
Drew shook his head. "No. She's not ready. I haven't even released her from the sick room yet."
Jeff paused, nodding. "How about next Sunday?"
Drew frowned. "Why do you ask that? You know it's still too soon."
"I know, Drew, but I need to hear it from you. The kids... they'll want to salvage some of the vacation if they can...."
"Ah, I see," Drew said, nodding sagely. "I get to be the bad guy here."
Jeff gave his friend a rueful look. "Uh, well... maybe... a little. The decision will still be mine and Dianne's to make, but I'd like the backup of medical authority." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Not only for the kids, but for Jared and Douglas, too."
Drew snorted. "If you have any trouble with Dougie, you send him my way. Or Lisa's. We'll straighten him out."
"I hope I won't have to, but I'll remember your offer."
Maggie shook her head. "You know Doug," she said, her tone one of slight disgust. "He'll be on the horn to you and to Lisa, trying either to get you to make Jeff change his mind, or to gripe about it."
"Just as long as it's me and not Dianne," Drew said stoutly. He glanced up at Jeff. "Do you need anything else?"
"Let me know when the nurses can go back to duty. But don't rush them. I'd like them to be healed fully before they go back on active status."
"I'll let you know. And depending on how things look tomorrow morning, I'll likely be releasing Dianne from the sick room."
Jeff grinned. "That's good news!"
"I thought you might say that," Drew said dryly. He picked up the data pad. "Now, I'd better get back to work."
"And I'd better find my wife so we can discuss the change in plans."
"Then I'll see you at lunch." Drew waved a hand and headed back into the surgical area.
Jeff turned to leave as well. "The patio outside the dining room?" he asked.
"Yes," Maggie replied. She paused, and just before the door closed behind Jeff, she called to him. "Jeff?" He stopped and turned back to her, a questioning look on his face. "She's feeling kind of low today," Maggie explained, her voice dropping in volume. "Today... it would have been her wedding anniversary with Rick. She's got their wedding album out and is looking over the pictures..."
Jeff's face took on a look that Maggie couldn't quite place. It was concern mixed with sadness and perhaps a bit of stubbornness. He realized she was watching him, and gave her a smile, one that didn't reach his eyes.
"Thanks for the heads up, Maggie. I appreciate it." He turned to step outside again.
"Jeff?"
Something in Maggie's voice made him glance back again. "Yes?"
Maggie gave him a troubled look. "Don't be upset with her."
Jeff smiled again, and shook his head. "I won't be. Not now... not about this." He raised a hand. "See you later."
The door finally closed behind him, and Maggie sighed.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1214 is a reply to message #1213] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:43 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: TracyFan4Ever Sent: 3/17/2007 5:51 PM
***Thursday, August 15, 2068; Opp, Alabama; Spencer Family Home, 4:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m. Friday, August 16 on Tracy Island)***
Helping her mother with the laundry, Callie knew this was her last full day with the family before she had to return to Tracy Island and her duties with International Rescue. Of course, to her family she would return to Honolulu and her duties with Tracy Industries.
Earlier, her father, Richard, planned on having a family dinner outing at a local restaurant.
As she folded her t-shirt, Callie sighed.
"What's the matter, honey?" asked Lorraine.
"It's going to be hard leaving tomorrow. I don't even know if I'll be able to come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas."
Patting her daughter on the shoulder, Lorraine said, "Callie, it's okay. You know what it's like to make sacrifices. Remember when you spent Thanksgiving in Rio de Janeiro a couple of years ago, and then last Christmas up at the space station?"
"Yeah. It was so strange eating Christmas dinner way up in space. That's what makes it hard for me sometimes, having to work so far away from home."
"Hey, sweetie. You will always have your home and your family here. If you ever need anything, we'll always be there for you."
Callie hugged her mother. "Thanks, Mom. That really helps me get through it all." After releasing the embrace, she saw the mail truck passing by. "Oh, mail's here. I'll go get it."
"All right, dear."
Walking out to the mailbox, she took the contents out and discovered a piece of mail she never expected to see. "No way...Roger Smithers? The creep who hurt me when he dumped me for that fraternity? How the hell did he get our mailing address?"
She quickly opened the envelope and started reading it carefully.
Dear Callie,
I'm probably the last person you'd expect to hear from. The last time we spoke was pretty bitter, and you were really angry at me. But I was driving through Opp the other day and thought of you. It made me realize I'd left something undone, and that was apologizing to you.
Yeah, apologize. I know that sounds strange, but for me, it feels like the right thing to do. I was pretty self-centered back then, blind to what I had, and could have had. I let the excitement of belonging to Alpha Psi become everything to me and I lost someone important: you.
I'm sorry for that, Callie, I truly am. I hope that you can forgive me someday.
She thought back to the time she was dating Roger at the University of Alabama.
Callie had believed in her heart she had found her "Mr. Right" in Roger Smithers, a sophomore majoring in architectural design. The pair had started out friends as freshmen, but in a matter of months, they had developed a relationship.
"Roger, you're amazing," she would say at all the times they had spent together.
Unfortunately, within a year, Roger had dumped her because of the time devoted to being a part of the popular Alpha Psi Epsilon fraternity. She confronted him one evening and gave him an ultimatum: it would be either her or the fraternity. Choosing the fraternity, Roger had left her behind.
Since that time, she never felt comfortable in a relationship because she couldn't tell whether she would be dumped all over again.
She continued reading the letter.
I've been hearing good things about you. Working for the World Space Agency and on the ISS must be exciting! I knew you'd go far. As for me, I'm married, with a little boy. Finished school, and am working as an architect in a firm up Atlanta way. I hope you found someone much better to settle down with; you deserve only the best.
Don't worry about responding to this. I expect you'd like to put me and that part of your life away for good. I just wanted to give you closure, and some for myself as well. Still selfish, I guess.
Have a good life, Callie, and take care.
Roger
Lorraine could see something was wrong when her daughter slowly walked back inside. "Honey, is everything all right?"
With a deep breath Callie answered, "I don't know. I just read a letter...from Roger."
"Roger Smithers? The man who basically dropped you off a ledge so he could be in that fraternity?"
"Yeah, but he's married now, with a family. He wrote a letter to apologize to me."
Her mother's eyes widened. "He actually wrote a letter of apology? I'm surprised he mustered the courage to do it."
"Yeah, but I can't completely forgive him...at least not yet."
Holding her daughter's hands, Lorraine said, "Time will heal the wounds. You need to put it behind you and move on with your life."
"You're right, Mom. Thanks. Now, I'm gonna go freshen up for dinner tonight at Joey's."
With a chuckle, Lorraine said, "We'll make sure you go out with a full stomach when you leave tomorrow."
As Callie walked upstairs to her room, she thought about the letter. I haven't even bothered trying another relationship since Roger. I need to stop running scared and try again. My Mr. Right may be out there somewhere.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1215 is a reply to message #1214] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:53 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: ArtisticRainey Sent: 3/18/2007 2:53 PM
Friday August 17, 10.30am, Tracy Island.
The mail plane had come and gone without anything of interest for Dominic. He hurried down the outer steps with Joshua in his arms. The young boy was clamouring to be let down, but there were too many steps, and they were already late. Joshua's disgruntled murmuring vibrated with each descending step, and Dominic suddenly realised that the lift would have been quicker -- and less hassle -- than his current choice. The mixture of beach toys and water bottles clunked in his backpack, and Josh's diaper bag was swinging at his side. Horsey, in Joshua's grasp, was brushing against his forearm. He reached the ground floor and entered into the common area to find Nikki half-heartedly viewing some of the art on the walls.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry pet," he said, and finally let Joshua down.
The small boy immediately ran over to Nikki and attached himself to her leg.
"Ikie-Ikie-Ikie!" He shouted with a wide grin.
"It's okay," Nikki said, and ruffled Joshua's fluffy white-blond hair. "I didn't think I'd been stood up," she added with a grin.
Dominic smiled and clapped his hands.
"Well, shall we get going?"
He gestured for Nikki to go ahead of him, and she managed to extricate her leg from Joshua's grasp and offer him her hand instead. The merry party made their way to the monorail, beginning their journey to the beach.
The scent of sun block was heavy, and Dominic glanced down at his bare, glistening arms. He had always been pale and skinny, and while the extra gym training was beginning to make him visible to the naked eye, even the tropical sun didn't seem able to tan him. Joshua was even more heavily covered than himself, though the boy had inherited his mother's more tanned complexion. The boy was chatting to Nikki, barely able to see her over the brim of his peaked cap. Horsey was being carried along by the left hind leg. His glass eyes glinted in the morning sunshine, and he almost looked sad.
There was a light smell of chlorine and tropical plants in the air as they reached the poolside, and Horsey was suddenly swung around wildly as Joshua waved in greeting to Virgil, who was sitting in the shade with a glass of water. It looked like it was sweating.
"Hi, Virgil," Nikki called, and waved along with Joshua.
Dominic gave a salute to the other man.
"Off on an adventure!" he said.
"Before you get going, come over here," Virgil said, and sat up. "There's something here you might find interesting to say the least."
Nikki looked over her shoulder to Dom, who shrugged, and they made their way over to the other man. Virgil held up an open copy of Newsweek. Nikki shook her head with pursed lips, and Dominic rolled his eyes.
"That's just marvellous," he said.
Emblazoned across two pages in bold, red writing, were the words: INTERNATIONAL RESCUE: NO MORE LIES, SAVE MORE LIVES!
"There's a whole section about us in here," Virgil said. He flicked through a few more pages. "There's stuff for us, against us. Heck, there's even an article on those crazy people who think we're aliens and their theories about us."
"Ugh. People can be so dumb," Nikki said. "I mean, why would anyone take notice of that kind of nonsense?"
"Makes for an entertaining story," Virgil quipped, "even if it is complete sh -- garbage," he said, eyeing Joshua.
"May I?" Dominic said, and reached out for the magazine.
Virgil acquiesced, and Dominic shook his head as he flicked through the pages. He came to the first article Virgil had shown them, trying to stop a sneer of contempt reaching his face. Didn't they save more lives than anyone thought possible in such situations? He huffed out a breath, and read some of the lines.
"...International Rescue, a humanitarian, philanthropic organization, has repeatedly ignored calls for them to release details about their technology. Their equipment does a fantastic job, so why not share? If each country could equip its own emergency services with this incredible machinery and technology, it is doubtless that more lives would be saved than International Rescue could ever manage. Even they themselves have increased their numbers in the past year at least; surely this is a sign that the state of the world is too much for even this extraordinary team to cope with..."
"Who wrote this rubbish?" Dominic said, and cast his eye upon the by-line and reporter's photograph.
His hands tensed up so much that the magazine crumpled at the edges, and if it were possible, he went even whiter. He felt a vaguely ill feeling creep into his stomach, and read the name again.
"Are you alright?" Virgil asked, and stood up.
"Yes," Dominic said. "I'm fine." He handed the magazine back to Virgil. "If you don't mind, I'd like to have a better look at that when you're done with it."
"Sure," Virgil said, frowning slightly and glancing over Dom's shoulder at Nikki, who looked equally as confused.
"Thanks." Dom turned to Nikki and his son, who had grown restless. His expression brightened, but looked strained. "Shall we head on?"
Nikki nodded, and the party waved their goodbyes, and walked on down to the beach. Joshua continued to babble half-coherently and soon found a spot on the beach that he declared was his 'favourite'. Dominic firstly pulled a bucket and spade from his backpack, which set Joshua and Horsey digging, and then he and Nikki set up camp on a large, soft beach blanket. Nikki didn't waste any time.
"What's wrong, Dom?" She asked, pinning the man with an "I'm-not-taking-any-nonsense-from-you" look as soon as he glanced up.
"That article, the one about sharing the tech? It was written by a Thomas E. Hawkins. And that was definitely his photograph."
"Your brother?" Nikki asked incredulously.
"Yeah. Tom. Man..."
"That's...that's...just...oh my..."
"I know." Dominic watched as Joshua flung sand across the beach, covering himself in the process. "Careful son!" He shook his head, and focused on Nikki again. "How am I supposed t' even talk to him again? He doesn't know who I work for -- he can't -- but now... I guess I just don't know how to deal with this. Tom's my best friend, y'know?"
"I understand," Nikki said. "Look, maybe it was just a one-time thing. Maybe he doesn't even believe it but took the job anyway."
"That's possible... I mean, Newsweek is a big breakthrough for him. He might just have thought it was a more attention-grabbing story."
"That could be the case. I guess you're not going to find out for sure unless you ask him."
"I guess I'll have to," Dom said.
He tried to shake the frown from his face and the feeling from his stomach, and suddenly dashed across the beach to snatch his son and twirl him high in the air. No sense in running this day for Joshua, he thought, as the tiny blond boy squealed with delight.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1217 is a reply to message #1215] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 20:59 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/18/2007 3:01 PM
Friday, August 17, 2068, 10:30 a.m. Tracy Island
Dianne lifted her head as the mail plane zoomed away, watching it fly off over the ocean, the sun glinting on its wings. She breathed a little sigh, adjusted the light sweater she wore, and went back to the book in her lap. A family picture looked up at her; her mother, brothers, sister-in-law Angela in bridesmaid's dress, her uncle and aunt, her newly minted in-laws... all smiled widely for the camera. But the focal point was the woman in white, and the man in silver gray tuxedo beside her. I keep forgetting what he looked like before he grew the beard.
The sound of a door opening behind her made her turn her head. She couldn't quite see the door, or who came out, but a warm hand sliding across her shoulders as he passed told her who it was. She smiled as Jeff pulled up a chair to sit beside her. He kissed her before he sat down, and carried a book in his hand which he balanced on one knee.
"Maggie told me where to find you," he said, taking her hand. "She also told me you weren't in a good mood."
Dianne made a little "humph" and looked down. "Just a bit melancholy, I guess. It suddenly hit me that today would have been our 18th wedding anniversary if Rick had lived." She indicated the album. "Decided to relive a few memories."
"So I see." There was a pause, then Jeff ventured, "I don't remember you doing this last year."
Dianne smiled a little. "Last year I was busy training for Thunderbird Seven's debut and still enjoying being a newlywed. I didn't have time to think." Her smile faded. "This year, I've had nothing to do but think."
"Ah," Jeff said, nodding sagely. "Now I understand." He scooted his chair closer and looked over at the album. "Hm. I think I recognize everyone in this picture but this guy. Who is he?"
"Rick's brother, Walter."
"The one who lives in China?"
Dianne nodded. "I should probably should make some arrangements for the kids to visit with those cousins, or ask Charles and Martine when they'll be back in the States..." She sighed. "It's hard to keep in touch."
"I know," Jeff said. He pulled out the book he'd brought. "You made me think about my wedding to Lucy."
"Is that your album?" she asked, closing her book and looking toward his.
"Yeah, it is." In fact, it was his mother's copy of the album; his own was buried somewhere in a box that hadn't been gone through in years. He opened it at random, and happened upon a picture of the wedding party.
Dianne chuckled, then glanced at Jeff's hair. "It's odd seeing you with such dark hair. You look so much like Scott!"
"That's what most people say," he replied wryly. "Though they usually put it the other way around."
She chuckled again, then her voice got soft. "You wore your uniform."
"I was still in the military. It was appropriate." He glanced over the faces, struggling to remember names. "This is Tim Casey. I still keep in touch with him from time to time. In fact, he was the reason for one of our more covert rescues." He shook his head. "I've lost touch with the others. So many years have gone by."
"How many?" she asked. "I know it's at least thirty-three... unless Scott was born before you and Lucille got married."
"Thirty-five," he said, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out, somewhat shakily. "Can't believe it's been that long."
"You've never mentioned your anniversary or wedding to Lucille before."
He squeezed her hand. "Like you last year, I've often been too busy to remember." He sighed a little. "And I've had more practice pushing the memories away."
They sat in silence for a few moments, then Dianne reached over and turned the page. "Is that Lucille's family?"
Jeff nodded. "Yes, it is. There's another example of a relationship falling by the wayside. Though I can't take all the blame; they've not exactly tried to keep in touch with me or the boys either -- even when Lucy was alive."
"Why not?" she asked, frowning.
He sat back in his chair, letting go of her hand and draping his arm over the back of the wheelchair. "I've never been sure. Lucy once told me that her father was a very competitive and possessive man. The fact that I 'won' her and that she became 'mine' galled him, it seems. He was pleasant enough to me whenever we met... but no real relationship developed. The fact that the Air Force, then the WSA, moved us around several times early in our marriage didn't help either. We exchange Christmas cards and that's about it."
"That's sad," Dianne said, still looking at Lucille, radiant in her wedding dress. "Means the boys missed out on a set of grandparents."
Jeff agreed. "Sort of like the way the young ones are missing out on knowing their maternal grandfather..."
Dianne suddenly sat up straight. "Jeff, don't go there. Just... don't."
He held up his hands. "All right. I won't mention it again." There was a pause, then he said, "But we do have to make a decision concerning your family. Namely, what do we do about the vacation we'd planned."
She sat back suddenly. "I guess we cancel or reschedule it or something. I know I'm not ready to travel."
"So Andy has said. We'll need to tell the children. And we should do that together."
"I agree. Tell them after lunch?"
"Sounds like a plan. Then I'll call the Killdeers and your brothers to let them know."
Dianne looked at him with a troubled expression. "Don't you think I should call my brothers?"
He shook his head. "No. You don't need the stress right now. I'll be the bad guy and call." He smiled. "I've already been promised backup from Andy."
"And Mom will ream Dougie out if he needs it," she added.
He chuckled. "I hope it doesn't come to that. We'll make other arrangements for the kids to see each other. I'll just have to give it some thought."
"All right."
Jeff glanced at his watch. "Speaking of lunch, it's nearly time for it. Here." He put his photo album in Dianne's lap. "Let's go inside and put these away."
"Good idea."
He rose, and she reached an arm up, indicating she wanted him to lean over. He obliged, and she kissed him softly. "Thanks," she said.
"For what?"
"For sharing. And for cheering me up."
He kissed her again, and said, "Anytime, love." Then he moved behind the chair. "Hang on." And with that, he wheeled her back inside.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1218 is a reply to message #1217] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:02 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/18/2007 4:47 PM
Tracy Island, August 17th, morning
"Grandma? Can we come in?" Tyler opened the door to his grandma's room.
"Come on in, Tyler. But be quiet. Big Momma is still jittery." Emily Tracy put down her knitting as Tyler came in followed by Alex, then Anna Hanson.
"Tyler offered to show me the kittens," Anna said with a smile. "Where are they hiding?"
"At the moment, under the bed. She may move them back to the closet, though."
Tyler lay down on the floor and lifted up the bedspread. "There they are" he whispered as Alex lay down beside him. "They're up against the wall."
Anna lay down next to them. "How old are they?"
"The vet said about four to five weeks. That was a week ago." Emily picked up her knitting. "They should be coming out from under the bed to explore soon. I've been putting mom's food right next to the bed. The litter box is on the other side. I know she's used it."
"Have you planned on what to do when they come out?" Anna didn't take her eyes from the kittens.
"I'll handle them as much as I can. I've tried to touch them when mom's not looking, but she almost never comes out from under the bed. I've thought about moving the food into the closet but I suspect she'd just wait until I've left the room before eating." Emily looked at her two youngest grandsons. "Now, when they do start exploring, I need you to come in a play with them as much as possible. Mom will probably hiss at you, but she won't attack unless you're hurting one of them. I've got some cat toys already; some small balls with bells inside, a kitty fishing pole and a ball in a circular tube. And a cat tree should be here sometime this week."
"What's a cat tree?" asked Tyler.
"It's kind of like a cat playhouse/tree house combination," replied Anna. "I have one at home. It has toys and places for them to climb and to hide. Cats like them, although my last kittens liked toilet paper tubes and empty 12 pack boxes just as much." Anna pushed herself up to her hands and knees and from that position stood up. "I'm getting to old to crawl on the floor anymore."
"I wouldn't put your hand under there, Alex. At least not in range of Big Momma." Grandma Tracy looked at the clock. "I better go out and help with dinner. Now boys, you can watch them as much as you want, like I told you before. It will get mom used to you. But don't try to grab the kittens. When they're a bit older they'll come out to sniff your hands. Pet them for a few minutes, then leave them alone. Wait another week before you try to pick them up. By then they should be exploring on their own."
A muffled "OK, grandma." came from under the bed. It was impossible to tell which brother had spoken.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1219 is a reply to message #1218] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:03 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Hobbeth Sent: 3/18/2007 4:55 PM
Thursday, August 16, 9 PM; College Park, Maryland (1 PM August 17 on Tracy Island)
Lena sat in the lounge chair in her room at Matthew and Amelia's house, her laptop on her thighs. I tink I should email Dianne first ting. I might not otterwise have a chance to before Amelia checks in on me. She opened her computer. In minutes she was typing one-handed.
Dear Dianne,
I'm sorry I haven't been in contact with you before now, but -- as you well know -- it's difficult to get anything done when you have watchdogs keeping an eye on you to make sure you are following doctor's orders. Plus it isn't easy to type one-handed.
I was so sorry to hear about your accident, and I hope you are well on the way to recovering completely. I heard through channels that your uncle was one of the doctors who worked on you in the operating room. Nice having family who can be there to help, isn't it?
I'm currently staying with my son and daughter-in-law, since the doctor feels I can't handle day-to-day chores on my own just yet, due to the concussion I received in the crash. They have been wonderful to me, but I miss my home and my privacy (among other things). It's very frustrating, not being able to do what I want when I want, for as long as I want. I'm beginning to get antsy. But you probably know the feeling, too. So we can commiserate with each other.
When you are able, please give me a holler and let me know how you're doing. Maybe we should make a bet: whoever is declared by her doctor to be fully recovered, the other one buys lunch for both of them, the next time you are in the states on the East Coast. How about it? Are you game?
Give my love to everyone, and keep plenty for yourself.
Lena.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1220 is a reply to message #1219] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:09 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/18/2007 5:16 PM
Thursday, August 16, Afternoon, Tracy Island
"John, I'd like you to meet Anna Hanson." The picture of John in his IR uniform had been replaced by a video screen showing John with a background of blinking lights. "Mrs. Hanson, meet my son, John."
"Ms. Hanson." John looked at his father. "How's Tyler doing? I saw him eating cake at Virgil's party."
Jeff sighed. "Much better than a few days ago. He's eating again and keeping it down. I was pretty worried for a while there, though. Dianne had been considering bringing Ms. Hanson on board to help with Callie and Elise before this. I called her and asked for her help with Tyler. She came here instead of asking me to bring him to the mainland."
"And I got several surprises while here. Including an explanation of why you left NASA. Get Tyler to tell you the story." Anna leaned forward in her chair. "I wanted to talk to you because I understand you are the brother closest to Tyler. Had you noticed anything?"
"Yes. He was too well-behaved when I visited him in LA."
"Maggie told me. Any time a kid wants to go to bed early any mother worries." John nodded and Anna continued. "How was he after the tsunami?"
"He kept getting quieter and quieter, and eating less and less. He's always been a picky eater so I didn't notice it at first. But he started losing weight."
"Do you do things together a lot?"
"We usually do things together whenever I can. I always play pinball with him the first night I'm home." John hesitated a second then went on. "The last time I was down, I'd agreed to have dinner with Kat. Tyler wanted to play pinball the same night. He was pretty upset when I said I couldn't. He hasn't mentioned it since then, though."
"Gordon told me about that," Anna commented.
"Gordon?" John looked surprised. "How did he get involved?"
"Apparently Kat went looking for you one day. She asked Tyler where you were and got the brush-off. According to Gordon, Kat said she was being friendly to Tyler but he was rude. Tyler told Gordon Kat was making 'goo-goo eyes' at you and she was only trying to be nice to him in order to get on your good side. He doesn't like her. By the way, Gordon said he has already talked to Tyler about his behavior, so please don't bring it up. It's been handled for now. He didn't talk to Kat about her behavior. I met her over lunch yesterday and I want to talk to her later to see what she has to say about this. Apparently Tyler has met and liked all of the other new hires. He's done things with all of them outside of the normal interaction at parties and such. But not Kat. And Alex hasn't been all that impressed with her either, although he likes everyone else."
Jeff was surprised. "I hadn't realized there was a problem with Kat."
"There isn't, not really. But the others have done things with your two youngest boys. Kat hasn't. It's not that she's done anything wrong; it's more like she's missed opportunities. Right now Kat is not a problem. Tyler's feeling that she's coming between him and John is the problem. And we need to work on Tyler's side of it before we work on Kat's." Anna looked thoughtful for a moment. "John, when are you due back here?"
"September first. Do you want me to come back sooner?"
"No, for two reasons. I don't want Tyler to feel he can misbehave and get you to come down to be with him, and I want more time to figure this out. I need to talk to Kat as well as to Tyler and Gordon again. Does Tyler talk to you while you're up there?"
"We email, but we don't use the communications set up. That's for IR business only."
"What about regular phone calls? Are you set up for those?"
Jeff hit his head with his hand. "Talk about overlooking the obvious. I never thought about letting Tyler call you!"
Anna raised an eyebrow. John was amazed how much polite disbelief she could put into that one movement. "No one here ever wants to talk to anyone on TB5?"
John answered. "When we started out, Alan and I would call home once a day using the IR communications system you're on now. Sometimes someone would call me, just to talk. It kept me in touch with everyone. Alan and Tin-Tin used to talk a lot when he was up here. When we started to worry about someone tracing our transmissions, we cut back on the number of calls and usually used email for anything not IR related."
Jeff picked up the subject. "Before Thunderbird Five was operational, we had to set up our own communications satellite to allow cell phone calls, or any other sort of long distance communications to and from Tracy Island. We're just too far from anywhere else. We lease part of it to NOAA and to various communications companies. A security protocol was put into it to recognize when the cell phone being called was for whoever was on TB5. A quick code punched in by the person on duty would let the satellite know what phone was there. The satellite would do a security check on any incoming calls to that phone, then send the call on. As far as the phone network is concerned, the cell phone is on the island. A program is also in place to have the satellite detect when the emergency call frequency is in use. It automatically transfers personal calls to voice mail."
"It also helped hide the Thunderbirds from any other satellite surveillance while we were building Five. But now Five handles that. We really haven't used the satellite for anything in quite a while except for the usual phone traffic. The system hasn't been updated for some time. I need to talk to Brains to see if we need any upgrades. But as long as they aren't talking about IR business there shouldn't be any problems with them talking on the phone."
"Does Tyler have his own phone?"
"No. I didn't want the kids to have a phone until they were older. Dianne agreed with me on that. It's not like we need them to have phones to keep in touch with them while at school or visiting friends. Plus, we had some problems with the older boys and cell phones."
"What, Scott was on the phone all the time with his girlfriends?"
John cleared his throat which sounded suspiciously like a laugh.
Jeff grinned and continued. "No. Now Virgil's girlfriends were a different matter. But someone got Gordon's cell phone number when he was eight. The guy was smart; he only called once a week or so and he made friends with Gordon. He knew who Gordon's scout leader was, who the pastor of our church was, the name of Alan's favorite stuffed animal, everything. So Gordon figured he must be ok. It was 3 months before we found out what was happening. He was trying to get Gordon to meet him somewhere and bring Alan."
Anna whistled. Jeff nodded. "I was out of town and Virgil overheard him on the phone. Virgil called me in Paris and I was on my way home in a half hour. After I'd called the police."
"Mrs. Magnusson was staying with us. Unfortunately, Mrs. Mags was out shopping that night and Scott was at football practice," John added. "Dad told Virgil not to let anyone in the house until Mrs. Magnusson was there. Virgil made the police wait outside for three hours until they found her. He didn't let the FBI guy inside either."
"Good for him."
"That's what the FBI agent said. He told Virgil he'd get him a job as an agent anytime he wanted. Virgil strutted for a week. When he wasn't being terrified." Jeff took a deep breath. "This could have happened without Gordon having a phone. But the phone made it easier. Dianne and I have considered getting Cherie her own phone for her next birthday. She is getting to the age where calling friends is important and is old enough to be responsible. But not the boys."
"Could Tyler call John from a household phone?"
"Sure. We have three different lines that can be picked up on any of the phones around here. There's one in my office, another in the sick room, our bedroom, the kitchen and a couple of others. He could use any of them. We just never thought of that."
"And, of course," John added, "I could call him."
"OK. I don't want Tyler feeling he can get whatever he wants if he's sick. I do want him to feel secure. So I would like you to call him just to talk for a bit. Make sure he knows he can call you. Don't call him more than every two or three days for now. But make sure he knows you're thinking of him."
John nodded. "I should be reassuring. And this is just a normal, everyday sort of call. I'm not checking up on you or anything."
"Exactly. Ask about the kittens. I have a feeling that will be a major topic of conversation for a while. Later, when the phone system is secure, get him to tell you about showing me Thunderbird 3." Anna cocked her head. "By the way, how did you feel during the trouble with Gordon? You must have been about ten?"
John thought for a moment. "I wasn't sure what was happening. It was exciting, with the police car out front with its lights on. Gordon and Alan kept sneaking looks at it out the window. Virgil just sat there watching them and looking stubborn. He made me stay with Gordon when he took Alan to the bathroom. He wouldn't let him go alone. We all fell asleep on the living room couch. The next day we didn't go to school. Then Dad came home early and he was crying and hugging us. Scott and Virgil were really jumpy for a while. Scott almost quit football. Virgil played the piano a lot instead of going out with friends."
Anna looked at him and said softly, "John. I didn't ask how everyone else felt or what they did. I asked how you felt."
John froze for a second. Then slowly, as if he had to hunt for the words and drag them out, he said, "It was exciting. I knew Virgil was scared but I wasn't sure why. Then I realized Dad was scared, too. I tried to stay out of everyone's way. Whenever I'd been upset before, I would go look through my telescope. But I couldn't concentrate on it, so I sat by the window and just looked out at the stars. Even on the cloudy nights. Then we moved to Grandma's and I felt safe again." He looked surprised as if he hadn't realized he'd felt that way until he'd said it.
Anna turned back to Jeff. "Is this why you moved to Kansas?"
"Partly. We'd had some trouble with the press before this and I had considered moving the family to Kansas then, or just sending the boys to Grandma's for a while. Most of the press coverage had died down by the time this happened; this stirred it up again. I thought about sending the kids to private boarding schools, but I didn't want them to grow up without each other, or without me. They'd already lost one parent; I didn't want them to feel like they'd lost the other. I didn't want to break up the family. The boys supported each other. And," Jeff smiled, "I'd have missed them."
John looked out at Anna from the screen. "Do you always analyze the whole family like this?"
"Yes. I do work with trauma patients. Any sort of trauma affects the whole family. Besides," Anna grinned, "you meet the most interesting people. I think that's enough for one day though. I do want to talk to you some more when you get back to earth."
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1221 is a reply to message #1220] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:13 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/18/2007 7:32 PM
Friday, August 17, 2068, 2:30 p.m., Tracy Island
Nikki stepped into the sickroom. It felt odd to be in there as a patient, and not as a nurse. The signs of Dianne's occupancy were there, as was Maggie, dressed in her pink flowered scrubs. She looked up as the door opened.
"Come in, Nikki," she said with a smile. "They're waiting for you."
"Thanks," she said, then paused to frown a bit. "They?"
"Drew and Dianne," Maggie said, shaking her head. "Dianne would not let Drew alone when it came to your follow-up. Dominic's, too. He finally caved and said she could observe, but from her wheelchair." She shook her head again. "Stubborn... just like the rest of her family, and the one she married into!"
Nikki chuckled a little, thinking of Alan, and stepped into the short corridor that led to the surgical suite. She knocked on the door jamb, and Drew, who was poring over a data pad, looked up.
"Come in, Nikki," he said. Turning, he handed off the pad to Dianne. "Here, girl. Make yourself useful."
Dianne snorted, then smiled at Nikki. "Good to see you again, Nikki."
"Good to see you, too," the nurse said, coming to give her erstwhile boss a hug. "You're looking better, even better than you did at the party."
"You're looking fit, yourself," Dianne replied, glancing down at Nikki's ankle. "No limp that I can see."
"You'd have been appalled the day after the party," Nikki replied. "Swelling, pain... I danced too much."
"Well, let's see if you've recovered from that night of excess," Drew interjected dryly. "There's a gown behind the screen."
Dianne rolled her eyes, and Nikki shrugged, then disappeared behind the screen. She emerged a few minutes later in one of the sick room gowns. Drew patted the scanner, and Nikki climbed up awkwardly.
"Let's see how your neck is doing." Drew had Nikki turn her head first one way, then the other. He told her to drop her chin, lean her head to the left then the right, then lean it back. "Any pain?"
She raised her hand to one side. "Just a twinge when I turn my head this way."
"All right." He probed her neck with firm fingers. "Does it hurt to the touch?"
"No," Nikki replied.
Drew nodded, and glanced toward Dianne. "No edema or tenderness felt on light palpation." She nodded and added it to the data pad.
"Now, let's look at this ankle." He helped Nikki turn so she was sitting on the scanner bed with her leg outstretched. "Looks like the swelling's gone down." He applied pressure. "Does this hurt?"
"No," she replied.
He nodded, and began to move Nikki's foot around gently. "Any pain?"
"Not really. Perhaps a dull ache."
"Got a bit of sand between your toes here," he said with a grin.
She returned the smile. "Took a trip to the beach today. It was lovely."
"All right." He patted the scanner. "Let's take a deeper look." He helped her lie back, then covered her with a sheet. Dianne keyed in a code, and the scanner began its work. Both Drew and Dianne watched it as it moved beneath Nikki's neck and shoulders.
"Everything looks good, actually." Drew nodded at the scanner. He turned to Dianne. "Skip down to the ankle, please."
"Yes, Doctor," Dianne replied with a smirk in her voice. It was Drew's turn to roll his eyes and shake his head. Nikki saw this and chuckled.
The scanner moved down quickly to the ankle, then slowed as it scanned the afflicted part. Both doctors glanced up at the screen. "A little bit of swelling left in the tendons. I think that some anti-inflammatories and a bit of continued rest will help clear this up." He motioned to Dianne to turn off the machine, then helped Nikki sit up. "Stay off your feet as much as possible for the weekend, and take aspirin, then light duty for the rest of next week."
"What if there's a rescue?" she asked.
The two doctors exchanged glances. Drew turned back to Nikki. "Not over the weekend. If there is one before the end of next week, let Jeff's decision be your guide."
"All right, Doctor," Nikki replied with a sigh.
Drew took a deep breath before asking his next question. "Have you been down to see Thunderbird Seven yet?" Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Dianne sit up straight as if stung.
Nikki moistened her lips, then said softly, "No. I haven't."
The doctor folded his arms. "I'm not saying you have to, but if you're having trouble with nightmares or flashbacks, you should tell someone, or talk to someone. Mrs. Hanson is here, and will continue to come here to help anyone who needs it. Consider speaking with her about it."
"I will," she replied with a sigh. "I'll consider it."
Drew nodded sharply. "Good. Now, I think we're done. Do you have any questions, Dianne?"
Dianne shook her head. "No."
"Then I'll let you get dressed, Nikki, and wait for my next vic... uh, patient." Drew's grin and quick quip broke the tension in the air. "If you have any questions, I'll be staying through the weekend at least."
"All right, Doctor." She took his hand to slide down carefully from the scanner. "Thanks for the follow up... and the advice."
"You're entirely welcome, Nikki." He picked up the data pad, and left the room. Nikki went behind the screen to change back into her clothes.
Dianne finished downloading the scanner results, deep in thought. She almost didn't hear Nikki come out again.
"I'll take care of the gown," she said, smiling at Dianne.
"Huh? Wha?" Dianne looked up, startled. "Oh, yes. Thanks."
"You all right, Di?"
Dianne drew in a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm okay. It's been a rough day, that's all."
Nikki frowned a bit. "You sure? I mean, if there's anything I can do..."
The doctor smiled. "I'm sure. But thanks for the offer."
"Okay." Nikki took the gown and headed for the door to the surgery. "Talk to you later."
"Yes, later."
The nurse left, and Dianne sighed. I'm just not ready... all the way around.
A noisy squeal from the other room announced the arrival Dominic... and Joshua.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1222 is a reply to message #1221] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:17 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/18/2007 7:48 PM
Tracy Island, August 17th, late afternoon
Lady Penelope came out of the house and looked down at the pool. Anna was lying in the sun with her eyes closed and a book on the table next to her. Penny sat in a lounge chair near her and put her drink on the same table. She lowered the back of the lounger a few notches and sat down leaning back and relaxing in the sun.
Anna gave a contented sigh and opened her eyes.
Penelope smiled at her. "Ms. Hanson. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to you last night. Do you prefer Ms. or Mrs.?"
"I'll answer to either. Or just Anna, as long as I'm not working. I somehow don't think you are likely to become a patient of mine."
"Since I don't live here, I doubt I ever shall. How is Tyler doing? And of course poor Elise?"
Anna hated hearing anyone being referred to as 'poor' so-and-so. To her it felt patronizing, as if the person was a lesser being because of their problem. "You would have to ask his parents about Tyler. And Ms. Collins is capable of speaking for herself."
"I see. Patient confidentiality. But Tyler is just a child."
"Confidentiality is even more important to a child. It is extremely important that he feels he can trust me. In fact, even if Tyler was my patient and I had reason to believe you already knew Tyler was my patient, I wouldn't confirm it."
"Why would you think I already know?"
"Jeff told Dianne you were coming while I was visiting her. I gather you are a good friend of the family?"
"Yes. And I know about Jeff's 'family business'."
"Indeed." Penelope waited for Anna to continue, but Anna didn't say anything more. She simply leaned back in the chair and closed her eyes again.
Penny watched her and waited. When no further comments were forthcoming she decided to try again. "I understand you are retired?"
Anna didn't open her eyes. "Sort of. I retired from the city of Christchurch last month after 30 years of working for the government. I was setting up a private practice when Jeff contacted me. I understand you are also retired?"
Penny's eyes narrowed. Parker wouldn't have said anything. Is she fishing or does she know about my work for the Federal Agents Bureau? Out loud she responded, "Oh, no. I still model for dear François sometimes. I enjoy it. You've probably seen me in some of the latest fashion magazines."
Model. Right. Read anorexic/bulimic. Now be fair, Anna. She doesn't show any signs of any eating disorders. She's not underfed. And she ate sensibly at Virgil's party.
"I don't follow fashion much. I'm afraid the last time I looked at a fashion magazine I was 15. My mother bought it for me. Were you around then?" Anna, get a grip on yourself. That was uncalled for. Why does this lady set your teeth on edge? She seems nice enough. Mr. Tracy obviously likes her and he's no fool.
Penelope's lips thinned. She was past thirty, but really. "I noticed you didn't have anything appropriate for the party." Her voice hadn't changed in the slightest. A lady never loses her cool.
Anna never claimed to be a lady. "I only brought one suitcase when I came. I hadn't expected a party. When do the rest of your things arrive?"
"The rest of my things?" Penny put a look of mild interest on her face.
"Yes, from the amount of luggage brought to the Round House, I assumed you were moving here." Anna had finally figured out what was bothering her. She reminds me of Shelly. That 'I am a lady, you are a peon' manner.
Shelly had been the bane of Anna's high school existence. She didn't look at all like Penelope but had carried herself with the same 'admire me' air. As if the adoration of all the boys, including Anna's older brother, was simply her due. No, not her due. More like it was the natural order of things. If she'd been empty headed or even just average Anna could have stood it.
Unfortunately, she was just as smart as Anna and could beat her in several subjects. They could have been friends; they shared several classes each year. But Anna was already plump and Shelly despised anyone who 'let herself go' and she didn't mind saying so to Anna's face. She also said it to her brother where Anna could hear. Anna was simply not worth knowing. If there was one thing Anna had never been able to stand it was being dismissed as unimportant.
She undoubtedly is a nice person. Jeff likes her. So do Dianne and Alan. Apologize and start over. She opened her mouth to do just that.
Unfortunately, she'd waited a bit too long. Penny was fed up with comments about the amount of luggage she carried with her. "Oh, my luggage!" She smiled. "I had been traveling before this; it seems Tracy Island is my final stop, though I had been given to understand that I would leave for England from Paradise Peaks. I do like to be prepared for every contingency, and it is so difficult to find a good dry cleaner when one is traveling. Don't you agree?" She decided it was time to take Ms. Hanson down a peg. "If you'd like help choosing clothing, I'd be happy to be of assistance."
Anna's lips thinned. Penny had just said, almost word for word, what her mother had said every time she wanted Anna to go shopping. The tone of voice was the same, too. Somehow everything Mom insisted on buying wound up making her look either fatter or washed out. Then Mom complained that she never wore what she bought. A counselor in college once asked her if her mother had ever actually looked at her and seen what she really looked like instead of what Mom thought she should look like.
I can't afford the type of clothing that she wears. And I don't want them. Sorry dear, but I work for a living. Out loud she replied, "I wear clothes appropriate for what I'm doing. Part of my old job included helping the families with whatever they needed help with. Sometimes that included watching the kids while mom and dad were seeing the doctor, mowing the lawn, fixing dinner or whatever. Pant suits are simply needed for some of the things I did. They made me look more approachable to people. And more trustworthy."
"I see. Lure them into a sense of security."
Anna had used that phrase herself several times. But when Penelope said it, Anna felt she heard a note of scorn in her voice.
"I'm here to help them in any way I can. To do that, I need people to trust me. And I need to be worthy of that trust. Moreover, I need to be reliable. I can't leave after a few years just because I get bored. I am still occasionally seeing patients from ten years ago."
"Ten years? And they still need help? I hope you don't take that long with Tyler. He'll need to leave for college before then."
Anna thought about the multiple rape victim whose husband couldn't figure out why she wasn't over it after a month, whose parents said it was her fault, and whose sister wanted her to 'just forgive' i.e. pretend nothing happened. She was one of the most incredibly courageous people Anna had ever met. It took a lot to make Anna lose her temper but Penny had just managed. "It shouldn't. He is usually surrounded by a very supportive family and has made friends with almost all of the other inhabitants of the Island. You don't visit too often, do you?"
Penny didn't usually lose her temper either. At that comment, she started to. "Jeff and the entire family are old friends. I normally trust his judgment." The anger in her voice was obvious.
"Dianne interviewed me, and Jeff agreed with her assessment after meeting me. He trusted me enough to show me around." Anna kept enough of her cool to not be more explicit about Thunderbird 3. You never confirm private information, even if someone apparently knows about it.
"Well, I am not sure I agree with him telling someone about International Rescue without my doing a background check. Particularly someone who had a breakdown for no apparent reason, even if it was twenty years ago!" Penelope's voice was icy.
Anna went white. She stood up, shaking, and stared down at Penny with a look between fury and pain. "You know, Jeff doesn't strike me as a man who normally hires incompetent people. He must have been very lucky to not have any security breaches while you've been around. If you want to know what caused my 'breakdown' I suggest you read the newspapers!" She turned and stalked off towards the beach. Penelope sat frozen, watching her.
Thanks for Tiquatoo and Liz for help with Penny's dialog
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1223 is a reply to message #1222] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:33 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/18/2007 7:51 PM
Tracy Island, August 17th, Dinner
"Isn't Mrs. Hanson joining us for dinner tonight?" Gordon looked around the table. It was full, except for one place next to Tyler. The place was set but the chair was empty.
Kyrano set his platter down in front of Jeff. "She said she would be here when I asked her at lunch. In fact, I told her I was fixing salmon. She had told me it was one of her favorite dishes."
"She was out by the pool earlier. We were talking then she walked off toward the beach. Perhaps she just lost track of time." Penelope sipped her wine.
When she hadn't returned by dessert, Jeff began to worry. "Gordon. Why don't you check her room? See if she is taking a nap or something. We can send a tray over."
Gordon nodded and left the table. He returned a half an hour later. "She's not there. She's also not on any of the beaches I could see. And she's not with any of the recruits either. None of them have seen her since this afternoon." He hesitated for a second. "Dad, the tide is just starting to come in. It's going to be a high one, so she shouldn't stay out there too long. She doesn't know the beaches and could get trapped."
"She was going to help Alex and me play with the kittens tonight. She said we need to be around them a lot so they get used to people." Tyler sounded upset.
"Well then, Tyler, you and Alex will have to help me play with them. I'm still trying to make friends with Momma. Kyrano, was there any salmon left over?" Emily Tracy stood up and moved toward the kitchen.
"Yes, Mrs. Tracy. I put some aside for her. Durian wanted it all and complained mightily when I would not give it to him."
"A cat is always hungry when there is fish to be had. Come along, boys." Emily led them out to the kitchen.
"Dianne, you need to go back to the sick room. In fact, you should have gone back a while ago." Drew stood up and went to take the wheelchair. "You are looking tired."
"In a moment. Jeff, Drew, Anna has a heart problem. It is minor, and it shouldn't be giving her any trouble, but I'm beginning to worry. She's not the type to have forgotten a promise to Tyler."
"Jeff." Penny's eyes were troubled. "Ms. Hanson and I exchanged a few heated words while we were by the pool. She was fairly upset when she marched off."
"What did you say?" asked Jeff.
"I made a comment about her unexplained time off twenty years ago. She went white, stood up, and made a cutting remark. She told me I should read the papers. Then she marched off."
Drew swore. "Maggie, get your jacket. Find an extra one for Anna. Jeff, she's probably all right, but we should find her. It is getting dark and she doesn't know her way around."
"You know something you're not telling us."
"I didn't just recommend Anna to you because I'd met her once. She's actually fairly well-known in her field. She's written several papers. One of them gave a short biography."
"I will come also." Penny stood up.
"No. Right now, you would only make things worse. If you really want to know about the 'unexplained' time off, I suggest you read the Christchurch newspapers for the period just before then. She was using her maiden name professionally at the time. I'm not sure what it was."
"You're sure she went toward the beach?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, although I'm not sure she went all the way down."
"Ok. Scott, Virgil, get the hover bikes and check the trails that branch off from the beach trail. Gordon, Maggie, take one of the beach buggies and search toward the pier. Drew and I will look in the other direction. If you find her, give us a call."
"She should be fine," Drew added. "But she may not realize how much time has passed. She may also still be upset. Don't worry about it. Just tell her we were worried and she needs to come back. Tell her Tyler missed her."
A chorus of "FABs" came from around the room. Coats were grabbed and people headed out various doors. Jeff went over and kissed Dianne. "Back to bed for you, dear."
"I want to stay up until she's found." Dianne had a stubborn look on her face.
"You can stay up as late as you like as long as it's in the sick room," Drew replied. "We may be rather late, though. I don't think she's in any trouble, but I don't want her spending the night outside. And what happened isn't my story to tell. Although she will probably tell you if you ask." Drew leaned over and kissed her cheek.
Lisa and Tin-Tin helped Brains wheel Dianne down to the sick room and put her to bed. Tin-Tin stayed to keep her company while Lisa went to start getting the boys ready for their bed. Penny went over to the computer on Jeff's desk. She found the website of Christchurch's newspaper and started reading the headlines from 22 years ago. Every so often she would skim an article but didn't find anything. Finally she saw a story from about two weeks before Anna's leave started. Four paragraphs down, she came across the name Anna Peterson. Her face went pale as she read the story.
xxxx
Drew and Jeff found her about a mile up the beach. She was sitting on the sand with her arms wrapped around her knees, watching the waves. Jeff stopped the cart and called the other searchers. Drew got out, grabbed a blanket he'd put in the cart, and sat down beside her.
"Here," he said, handing her the blanket. "I thought you might get cold."
"Oh. Thanks." She took the blanket and looked at it for a minute. Then she looked around her. "It's dark. I hadn't noticed." She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.
Jeff came over and sat on her other side. They sat in silence for a while then Anna gave a shudder and pulled the blanket closer.
"Are you all right now?" Jeff asked.
"Yes. I will be. I guess I missed dinner." She made no move to get up.
"More importantly, you missed playing with the kittens with Tyler. He was getting worried."
"Oh dear. I better go talk to him." She started to get up but Jeff put a hand on her arm.
"He's just getting into bed. The official story is that you went for a walk on the beach, went farther than you thought, and you couldn't get back before dark. This has the advantage of being mostly true. I talked to him and told him we'd found you. He's should be in bed and asleep by the time we get back. You can grovel tomorrow." She smiled briefly at that then settled back into silence. After a moment, Jeff continued. "Penny sends her apologies. She said she looked at the papers and, quote, is appalled at her behavior, end quote."
"It wasn't entirely her fault. We were both being rude and losing our tempers. She couldn't have had any idea her comment would affect me like that. Still, I think I better avoid her for a couple of days. I'm going to be sensitive for a while. Maybe I should go visit the kittens. A purr fest might be just what I need."
"As long as you're sure you won't take out you anger on them," Drew cautioned.
Again, the brief smile. "I spent a half hour throwing rocks at the cliff back there. I broke a few, too. I think I've got most of the anger out of my system for now. I'm sorry, Mr. Tracy. I haven't reacted like this in over ten years."
Jeff looked at her. "If you don't want to answer this, you don't have to. I won't ask again. But what were you reacting to?"
Anna was quiet for a long while. Just when Jeff was ready to suggest they go back to the house, she answered. "I started out as a social worker. Helping people on public assistance, checking handicap claims, helping make insurance claims, that sort of thing. I found I was really good at talking to the people, but was getting frustrated. Sometimes it seemed nothing ever changed.
"I was assigned to help a battered wife. She was filing for divorce. She had left him a year ago and was currently six months pregnant by someone else. I was helping her get through the court system and arranging for transitional housing. She was living in the domestic violence shelter.
"The day of the divorce hearing, two volunteers from the shelter brought her to the courthouse. The primary social worker met them there. They went upstairs to the courtroom. Her husband was waiting outside the courtroom door. I was running late and was just getting out of the elevator.
"I never found out how her husband got the gun through security. But she belonged to him and he wasn't going to let her get away. He put the first bullet through her head. He put the next one through her abdomen, killing her unborn child. He then shot the two volunteers who had 'helped steal his wife from him'. The social worker tried to grab the gun but he shot her before she could reach him. He saw me on the steps and was just pointing the gun at me when a police officer who was in the courthouse to testify in another case shot him.
"I knew all the victims. The social worker had been a colleague for 5 years. I knew both volunteers; one of them was from my church. I'd helped to persuade the wife to leave. And I'd helped her pick out a name for the baby.
"I didn't have a breakdown, but I couldn't return to work. I started seeing a counselor. But she specialized in grief therapy. I knew both trauma counselors personally and didn't like either one.
"You know, the best drug and alcohol counselors are people who've been through it themselves. That's one of the reasons AA works. They know what it's like and can understand, but you can't B.S. them. I started doing research into trauma to try and help myself. I joined survivors of violence support group. I watched what the leader was doing. I took over when she went on vacation. And I found out I was good at it, and liked it. So I went back to school and got my second Master's degree.
"My husband and I talked about moving somewhere else and starting over. I was having problems with the notoriety. But my main support system was here. I'd always used my maiden name professionally. There had been a problem changing the name on my original degree. So all the news stories said 'Anna Peterson'. I went back to college as 'Anna Hanson'. My supervisors knew; it wasn't a secret exactly, but the press never found out -- or at least they never mentioned it. Except for one article in 'The Journal of Modern Psychology' that had a short biography. Not many people read medical journals for fun.
"I think it was the unexpectedness of Penelope's comments that upset me so much. She really didn't say anything that far out of line. I got out of the line of fire and did what I needed to do to take care of myself. I just didn't realize I had been gone so long. And I'm sorry if I upset you."
"We were more worried than upset. I'm going to have to figure out what to tell everyone, though. Ready to go back?" Jeff stood up and offered her his hand.
"The truth usually works. Tell them Lady Penelope said something that upset me and I went for a walk to calm down. I lost track of time. I should probably tell Dianne the full story. Do you think hearing this will upset her more than wondering?"
"Let me worry about Dianne. I'll give her the 'official' version and tell her there was more to it than that but you aren't up to telling the story twice," Drew replied, standing up. "She'll accept that from me, for now. You can tell her what you want later when you're both stronger. Come on. Let's get you someplace warmer."
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1224 is a reply to message #1223] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:51 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/18/2007 8:09 PM
Friday, August 17, 2068, 10:45 p.m., Tracy Island
"'International Rescue wishes to thank all of those involved in the treatment and care of our personnel following the recent crash of our medical vessel. We would like to particularly extend our gratitude to the Kansas Region II EMS team, to the staff of Mercy General Hospital in Los Angeles, including Dr. Theresa Mercado-Tucker, Dr. Andrew Carmichael, Dr. Rajeev Singh, Dr. Stephen Mansfield, Mr. Geraldo Montoya, and to Mercy General's Ms. Carol Ferris and the LAPD for their sterling work in helping us maintain our security.
"'Our personnel are recovering well, with no complications whatsoever. We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks for the letters, gifts, prayers and support from so many people in the Los Angeles area and around the world. We appreciate everything you have done, and it gives us the strength and courage to get back on our feet, and back out doing our job. On behalf of International Rescue, God bless you all.
"'The Commander'"
"That sounds good, Jeff," Emily said as she listened to him read it aloud. "But how are you going to send it?"
"I plan on having our transportation gurus in both Los Angeles and in New York hand deliver it," Jeff explained as he saved the final draft and attached it to an email.
"New York?" Emily asked, puzzled. "Why New York?"
Jeff glanced up at his mother. "Confirmation. If Ned Cook gets a copy of this at the same time that the hospital does, it's more likely to look like it has come from us, and not be something concocted by the hospital. I was also thinking of having Scott call, or add a recorded, 'Yes, this is legit' bit for Cook. He'd recognize Scott's voice as the man who helped save his life."
"I see." Emily nodded. "Shouldn't you get Scott up here, then?"
"He'll be here in just a minute," Jeff said, frowning. "Hm. When did that arrive?"
"When did what arrive?" Emily asked, a slight exasperation in her tone.
Jeff paused to rub his temples. It had been a long day, one filled with drama and high emotion, and it occurred to him that he and Dianne still hadn't spoken with the children about their vacation. Finally, he stopped his massage and replied to his mother's question. "An email from the human resources department. I asked them to flag Luke Morel's application and interview if or when it came through. Seems he had an interview with the Los Angeles office yesterday afternoon -- their time." He put his fingers on the keyboard again. "I'll read it over, then decide if I want to have him come out."
"Luke Morel? Who is he? And why do you want him out here?"
Jeff sighed. "Since you're so all-fired curious, Ma, Luke Morel is a rescue expert, one of the people who pulled Lena Matumbo out of the ravine where her plane crashed. He applied to Tracy Industries for the position of Environmental Specialist. Lena suggested he'd make a good addition to the IR team, and with the uncertainty of Brandon's return, we could use another hand or two."
"So, you plan on bringing him out here?" Emily folded her arms. "How's he going to get here? And when? We have so many guests here already... and I'd like to know where I'm going to put him!"
Jeff sounded weary. "There's plenty of room in the Round House, Ma. And if things work out, he could be here as early as Saturday. Callie's due to return; maybe we can work it out that he flies out with Alan and Elise when they pick her up in L.A." He glanced at his mother. "I'll let you know one way or another. But first, I have to read over his application and interview results."
Both mother and son glanced up as the sound of someone opening the grillwork door reached them. "You wanted me, Dad?" Scott asked as he came down the steps. He stopped to give Emily a kiss on the cheek. "You're up late, Grandma."
"I know. I needed to get a few things straightened out with your father. Now that you're here, I'll say goodnight." She glanced up at Jeff. "Let me know if this Morel person is coming and when."
"I will, Ma," Jeff replied. "Goodnight and sleep well."
"I'll try, but with Big Momma and those kittens crying..." She shook her head and her words trailed off as she left the room.
"Goodnight, Grandma." Scott watched his grandmother go. "Morel?" He hooked a thumb over his shoulder as he turned back to his father. "What was that all about?"
"I'll explain later. Right now, Scott, I need you to record something for me..." Jeff began to explain to his oldest son just what he wanted.
A few hours later, two emails, one with an attached sound clip, appeared in the IR email boxes of Hernando Garcia and Bernie Levine for printout and hand delivery to their respective destinations. And an email also appeared in the Tracy Industries box of Bob Rawlings, Human Resources director in Los Angeles, informing him of his employer's desire to meet personally with one Luke Morel.
--thanks to both Lillehafrue and Hobbeth for their help on this one.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1225 is a reply to message #1224] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:53 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: TracyFan4Ever Sent: 3/19/2007 8:07 PM
***Friday, August 17; Dothan Regional Airport, Alabama; 6:45 a.m. (Same day, 11:45 p.m. on Tracy Island)***
Her family accompanying her to the airport, Callie felt sad to have to leave them again.
The drive to the airport had been silent, until her brother Joseph mentioned a joke about someone swallowing a large amount of dollar bills. He then said, "No change is expected." That caused everyone to laugh hard, which broke the sadness for a little while.
When they arrived, Callie went through the motions of getting her plane ticket and all. Before she walked through the security gate, she turned to face her family. "Well, I guess it's time." She sniffled as a small tear came down her right cheek.
Her father Richard hugged her tightly. "Oh, honey, don't be sad. You know where you come from, and you know where you can always go home to. Even if you can't make it home for the holidays, that's okay. A simple call's enough for us."
Her mother walked up and said, "I've packed some homemade lemon cookies in your carry-on. They'll give you some sustenance during the flight."
"Thanks, Mom. I'd rather have these than the ordinary airline meal. I hope I won't have to buy any food from here to Honolulu." She embraced her mother.
Her two older brothers, Joseph and Brian, both walked up to Callie and hugged her. "Hey, Sis," said Brian, "take care of yourself out there, okay?"
"Don't worry, Bri. I will. You and Joe have to take care of yourselves, along with Mom and Dad. Make sure they're okay, all right?"
Joseph smiled. "Count on that, Callie. And maybe we'll watch the Alabama game at the same time."
I only wish that could work, she thought. It'll be the wee hours of the morning by the time the game comes on live. "Hey, Joe. No matter where I go, it's always 'Roll Tide' all the way."
"Yeah, even in Hawaii!" He couldn't resist giving her a bear hug. "Be careful, Sis."
Feeling the hug, she said, "I will, but can I breathe first?"
He let go of the hug quickly. "Oh, yeah, sorry."
Lorraine gave her a kiss. "We love you, Callie. Take care of yourself."
"I will. I love you all, too."
After one final hug to all her family, she walked through the security gate and started the long journey back to Tracy Island.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1226 is a reply to message #1225] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:56 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 3/21/2007 7:50 PM
Tracy Island, August 18th, 8:30 AM (August 17th, 9:30 PM, England)
Kat finished rinsing her teacup and placed it on the rack to dry. She turned and grabbed her work gloves off the table and started towards the door. A sudden ringing startled her.
"What on earth?" She quickly identified the sound as coming from her satellite phone. "Who could be calling me?" She answered. "Hello?"
"Katy?"
"Mother? This is a surprise! Is everything all right?" Kat asked. "It's not your heart, is it?"
"No, dear, I'm fine. But I am afraid I have some news," Kat's mother answered.
"What is it?"
"Well, you remember Melanie's brother, Colin? His RAF squadron is being deployed ahead of schedule so the Winchesters have decided to move up the wedding. It will take place in two weeks."
"Oh no! I shall have to ask Mr. Tracy if I can get the time off." She frowned in thought. "I don't think it will be a problem."
"Good, then I will tell them that you will still be able to be in the wedding party. Melanie is frantic over this. It's all your brother can do to keep her calm."
"Poor Melanie," Kat sighed.
"There is one more thing."
Mrs. Williamson had a strange note to her voice. "What is it?" Kat asked.
"Well...it seems that that man who harassed you has been arrested. He assaulted a young lady and the police arrested him. When they talked to Mr. Patterson, he mentioned that it had happened before." She paused. "Katy, darling, the police want to speak to you. They are planning on pressing formal charges against that awful man and want you to testify in court."
Kat felt the color drain from her face and her legs went weak. She sat down at the table. "No...I can't..."
"Oh, sweetheart! I know how awful that was for you. But I'm afraid you have to. I have a letter here from the solicitors. They're expecting you next week."
Kat bit back tears. "I suppose I have to then."
"As soon as you get your flight information, let me know. I will have your father pick you up at the airport."
"I will. I'll go talk to Mr. Tracy now and let you know as soon as I can," Kat told her.
"Very well. I look forward to hearing from you. Good-bye for now, dear."
"Good-bye, Mother." Kat hung up the phone and put her face in her hands. I don't want to have to face Ernie again. And what if they don't believe me? After all, no one did when it happened. She took a deep breath and sat up. "Pull yourself together, Kat. He can't hurt you again." She got to her feet and marched towards the door. "Now I just have to explain all this to Mr. Tracy."
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1227 is a reply to message #1226] |
Wed, 25 July 2012 21:58 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 3/21/2007 8:01 PM
Los Angeles, August 17th, 1:45 PM, (August 18th, 8:45 AM Tracy Island)
Luke peered into the refrigerator with a frown. I know Barry is a health nut, but he must have something sweet around here. He closed the door and tried the cupboards next. I'm going to kill someone if I don't find a chocolate bar soon.
Finally giving up, he snagged an apple out of the bowl on the table and plopped down on the couch. He grabbed a magazine off the coffee table and scowled. It was the latest edition of GQ. Luke rolled his eyes at yesterday's memory...
"You are not going on a job interview at Tracy Industries wearing that," Barry stated firmly.
"What's wrong with this?" Luke asked, hanging his navy suit coat on the back of the door.
Barry just shook his head in disgust. "Four years I have you. Four years! And you still dress like a redneck."
Luke grinned. "But you love me for it."
Barry groaned. "Come on, babe. We're going shopping."
Barry had dragged him down to a department store and Luke spent the most part of the afternoon trying on suit after suit until Barry found the one that he said was perfect. And grudgingly, Luke had to agree it did look good.
His interview this morning had gone well. The woman Luke had spoken to seemed impressed with his credentials and he felt he had answered her questions well. She told him they would be in touch with him in a few days.
He sighed and tossed the magazine back on the table. Well, with any luck, I'll get the job. Who knows, maybe Barry and I can work things out after all. He got up and paced the room, too antsy to sit still.
Barry's apartment was nearly double the size of the one they had shared in Colorado. This one had a good sized spare bedroom, which was where Luke was currently staying. He looked out the window, unused to seeing cars and buildings. He sighed again and rested his forehead against the glass, closing his eyes.
Could I do this? Could I live in the city? And what about Rom? It wouldn't be fair to keep him locked up inside all day. It's weird not having him around. Feels like part of me is missing. He opened his eyes and stared, unseeing, out the window. Maybe Mom's right. Maybe I have to stop thinking about Barry and start thinking about me and what I want for a change.
The buzz of his cell phone startled him out of his reverie. He pulled it out of his pocket, not recognizing the number. "Hello?"
"Mr. Morel?"
"Yes."
"This is Mr. Rawlings from Tracy Industries." Luke held his breath. "Mr. Tracy would like to talk to you. Is it possible for you to meet with him today?"
Luke was startled. "Yeah, sure." He glanced at his watch. "What time?"
"I'll send a car to your address in two hours. Please pack an overnight bag."
"An overnight bag?" Luke raised an eyebrow in question. "Where am I going?"
"To Mr. Tracy's place of residence. Where should I pick you up?" Luke rattled off Barry's address. "Very good. I shall see you soon."
Luke hung up the phone, and just stared at it for a minute. "Jeff Tracy wants to talk to me?" He shook his head in disbelief. "Well, guess I better go get packed then."
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1568 is a reply to message #1227] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:22 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 3/23/2007 10:55 AM
August 17, 1:45 PM, San Diego; 8:45 AM August 18 on Tracy Island)
Brandon walked down the quiet path of the cemetery, stopping in front of his siblings' graves and putting a bouquet of flowers next to the headstones.
"Hey, Sis, Bro," he said, sitting down in the cool grass. "I'm sorry I haven't been to visit you in a while, but a lot has happened since I talked to you last. You wouldn't believe what I've been through in the seven months I've been with International Rescue." Brandon thought back to the situations he'd been in and one came to mind.
"One of the most dangerous rescues I went on was a rescue in the North Sea," Brandon said, describing it to Shauna and Thomas as if they were sitting next to him.
"After Gordon and I cut the mine loose, Captain Bowers wanted to thank us for saving him and his crew. But, before he could, we were washed overboard. It took time for me to find him; it took the team a bit longer to find us. But, thanks to the team and a bit of McCain tenacity, we both survived the ordeal."
He went on to tell them about a couple of other rescues he'd been on and his feelings about living on a tropical island.
"I wish all the news was that good, but it isn't." Brandon took a deep breath and said, "Mom and Dad were involved in a car accident. Some guy decided to drink and drive and broadsided their car. Mom broke her hip and Dad suffered temporary paralysis." He stopped to collect his thoughts then continued, a light smile on his face.
"Shannon and I thought Dad wouldn't be able to walk again. However, with determination and lots of physical therapy, he should be able to stand on his own again; it's just going to take time. As for Mom, her hip is healing quite nicely. She should be able to work in her garden soon."
After getting them caught up on 'current events', Brandon stood up to leave. Looking at the headstones, he said, "Well, that's it for now. I'll be back when I can." Then he turned, walking back the way he had come.[/color]
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1569 is a reply to message #1568] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:24 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/23/2007 9:28 PM
Saturday, August 18, 2068, 9:30 a.m. Tracy Island
"You wanted to see us, Dad?" Alex asked as he entered the study, his younger brother in tow.
"Yes, I needed to see all three of you," Jeff told him. "Sit down please."
Alex stared pointedly at his sister, who was sitting comfortably on the love seat. She gazed back at him, a sweetly stubborn look on her face. Instead of asking her to move, the older boy plunked himself down next to her, folding his arms, and leaving Tyler as last man standing.
Dianne, recognizing the situation, sighed and said, "Theah's room enough foah all three o' you on that sofa. Cherry, Alex, move ovah. Tyler, sit down. None o' you are contagious."
There was some sotto voce grumbling, but the children obeyed. Once all of them were more or less settled, Jeff sat back. He took Dianne's hand and squeezed it lightly. "I'm afraid I don't have good news for you all. Your mother and I have decided that it's wisest if we postpone our vacation..."
"What?!" Cherie threw herself forward, consternation on her face. "We're canceling our vacation?!"
"Postponing it, Princess," Jeff said calmly. "Your mother isn't ready to travel..."
"That is so unfair!" Cherie cried, jumping from her seat. "How am Ah gonna see Stephanie befoah she moves?"
"Cherie! Sit down!" Dianne said sharply. The teenager folded her arms belligerently as she sat down sharply, making her brothers shy and lean away. She turned her face toward the door and refused to make eye contact.
"As I said before I was interrupted," Jeff began again, his voice showing his irritation. "We are postponing our trip because your mother is not up to traveling." He softened his tone. "We will make arrangements at some other time to see your cousins and bring them to the ranch or to the lodge in New Hampshire."
"When?!" Cherie demanded to know, her face red and her voice sounding both defiant and on the verge of tears.
"I don't know yet. I'll have to contact your uncles and find out when their vacations are..."
The teen shook her head vehemently, all but screaming, "No! You'll nevah find the time! We're nevah goin' on this vacation! And Ah'll nevah see Stephanie again!" And with that she lunged from her seat and ran out through the lounge, slamming the metal door behind her in her fury.
As the clang of the door faded, Jeff closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, sighing heavily. "That could have gone better."
Dianne laid a hand on his arm. "Ah'll have a talk with her latuh, when she's calmed down." She turned her attention to her sons. "Boys, do you have anythin' to say? Any questions to ask?"
"Ah thought you were getting better," Alex said simply. "We thought maybe you could rest on vacation."
"Ah am getting' bettah, Alex," Dianne said with a small smile. "Uncle Drew is gonna look me ovah again latuh today and maybe release me from the sick room." She shook her head. "But Ah've still got a long road ahead of me. Physical therapy to build up mah strength... an'... well, an' some othah things have gotta happen before Ah can even go back to work. Besides," here she gave her sons a wink, "d'you really think Ah wanna stay at the lodge while you and yoah cousins go out and do all the fun stuff? Ah wanna be able to go horseback ridin' too!"
"I want you boys to understand that we're not doing this because we're being mean or anything," Jeff said. "We're doing this because it's what's best for your mom, and for all of us as a family." He squeezed Dianne's hand again. "I know I wouldn't have half as much fun if I knew your mom was sitting back in the lodge and not out on the trail with us."
"Wouldn't you have fun with us?" Tyler asked, sounding slightly hurt.
Jeff smiled. "Yes, Ty, of course I'd have fun with you. Just not as much fun as I'd have if we were all together, like we should be on this vacation."
"Oh." Tyler sat back, slumping on the couch.
"Alex? Do you understand why we're doing this?"
Alex shrugged, a sort of one shoulder motion. "Yeah, I guess so."
"Tyler?" Dianne asked. "Do you understand now?"
Tyler nodded. "Will we go when you're all better?"
"I'll do what I can to make sure we do," Jeff told him. "I have to talk to your uncles today. We'll discuss it."
"Promise?" Alex suddenly asked.
"I promise." Jeff said, nodding.
There was a sudden silence, then Dianne opened her arms. "C'mere, you two. You both need a hug and so do I."
Each of the boys came to her arms in turn; Alex's hug was more dutiful, while Tyler's was heartfelt and sealed with a kiss. Tyler also turned to hug Jeff, while Alex asked, "Can we go now?"
"Yes, you can go," Jeff said, nodding. The boys left, Alex plodding behind his more animated brother, his hands in the pockets of his jeans.
Jeff let out a long breath, and slumped against the back of his chair. "That could have gone better, too."
Dianne sighed again. "Yes, it could have. But I think they understand that it's best for us all."
"I hope so." Jeff rose from his seat, groaning a little as he stood and stretched. "Well, I'd better get on the horn to your brothers. I think the time zones are fairly well aligned for it; it should be around six in the evening... yesterday."
"If you need help with Dougie, let me know." Dianne undid the brakes on the wheelchair.
"Your mother has already offered her assistance," Jeff told her. "And, remember, I have Andy as back up. You don't need to raise your blood pressure; it might put your escape from the sick room in jeopardy."
"All right, all right," she replied, waving a hand. "I'll go ask if anyone has seen where Cherry went. She and I need a little mother-to-daughter talk."
"Tell Scott what happened and send him after her," Jeff counseled. "He might be able to get through."
"You may be right. I'll also let Anna know. She might have some insight into how to deal with Cherry."
"Good idea." He leaned over to kiss her. "I'll see you at lunch."
Once outside the study, Tyler tugged on Alex's shirt. "Hey, wanna play some air hockey or some foosball? I bet I can beat you."
Alex shrugged once more. "Nah. Not right now. I think I'm going to go see if Grandma has some cookies or something. I'm kinda hungry."
Tyler shrugged. "Okay. Suit yourself."
Meanwhile, Cherie had finished her headlong run down to the airstrip and the beach beyond, and now sat on the sand, sobbing, her arms wrapped around her knees.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1570 is a reply to message #1569] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:27 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: TracyFan4Ever Sent: 3/24/2007 1:36 PM
***Friday, August 17th, 2068; Memphis International Airport; 9:55 a.m. (2:55 a.m. Saturday, August 18 on Tracy Island)***
Callie was about to board the commercial flight taking her to Los Angeles International after laying over for about 30 minutes. Her flight from Dothan Regional to Memphis was about as smooth as it could possibly be.
The plane took off about 15 minutes later, and she was on her way to meet with whoever would be picking her up.
Sitting in the window seat, she enjoyed looking out over the open land from a high altitude.
However, the passenger next to her in the aisle seat was slightly unnerved. She was breathing heavily and looking around nervously.
Callie looked at the passenger. "Excuse me, Miss. Are you okay?"
The brown-eyed, brown-haired passenger looked at her with anxious eyes. "I'm trying to be. It's only the third time I've ever flown in my life, and just the second by myself."
"Oh, where are you going?"
"I'm going to Los Angeles to meet up with a couple of friends. I'm going to a comic book convention there. First time for me going to the West Coast."
Callie looked at the passenger calmly. "Hey, just think about the fun time you'll have at this convention. That should take your mind off being on the plane."
"Maybe you're right. I'm probably worrying over nothing. I'm Deanna."
"Nice to meet you, Deanna. I'm Callie." She put out her hand, and the two women shook hands. "I'm having a layover in L.A., on my way back to Honolulu."
"Now that's a challenge for me. I don't know if I could handle flying over the vast Pacific."
Callie smiled. "Believe me, I understand. When I first had to fly places, I was just as nervous. Nowadays I'm fine."
Just then, an announcement came over the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your pilot speaking. We're at our cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, and the weather looks clear all the way to LAX. In fact, these winds should get us there about 20 minutes early."
Deanna said, "That'll be great. My friends may not have to wait that long for me."
After talking for another 20 minutes, Deanna decided to take a nap while Callie looked outside the window again.
******20 miles east of LAX, 11:25 a.m. PDT (6:25 a.m. the next morning on Tracy Island)******
Awakening after a good nap, Deanna looked outside the window. "We're close to the airport, and I'm looking forward to seeing my friends."
"I can tell you're excited about this trip," said Callie, noticing Deanna smiling.
Suddenly, the plane shot upward, causing Deanna's stomach to retch badly. "Oh, man...my stomach..."
Callie quickly gave her the air sickness bag. "Here, use this."
Deanna had lost some of the food and water she had eaten during the flight. Her complexion becoming pale, she asked, "What's...going on?"
The pilot spoke again. "I apologize for the sudden raise in altitude, folks. We ran into some clear air turbulence. This is a common occurrence. We'll just have to come in a little faster in our landing."
"It's common?" Deanna asked in disgust. "How about for someone who isn't used to flying all the time?"
Callie patted her shoulder. "Take it easy, Deanna. Everything's going to be fine."
Deanna lost her food three more times before the plane finally came in for a landing.
After getting off the plane, Callie accompanied her to her waiting friends. "She's suffering a bad case of air sickness. Make sure she doesn't eat anything heavy for about 24 hours."
Deanna looked at her fellow passenger. "Thank you for helping me keep calm. If you weren't there, I probably would've gone crazy."
"I'm glad I could help. Just remember, no heavy foods or drinks until you get better."
After the three friends left, Callie went to the baggage claim to pick up her luggage. After doing so, she started walking to the private air terminal, where she would wait for one of the Tracys to pick her up and head back to the island.
Meanwhile, Luke was sitting in the private air terminal, watching the planes take off. He had called Barry and explained the situation, then his parents, asking if Rommel could stay a few more days. Now, he was waiting for the plane that would be taking him to meet Jeff Tracy. Despite having asked, no one would enlighten him to where exactly, that was.
He heard the door open and turned to find a blonde haired, green-eyed woman, her arms full of bags, looking at him in surprise. "Hi there!" she said.
Luke smiled. "Hi. I'm Luke Morel."
"Callie Spencer." She put the bags down and shook his hand. "Are you lost?"
Luke shook his head. "No, I have an interview with Jeff Tracy, of Tracy Industries. I was told to come here and someone would be flying me out to talk to him."
Callie's eyes opened wide in surprise, but she recovered quickly. "That's terrific. What position are you applying for?"
"Environmental specialist. I guess the company is looking for someone to scout out areas for potential building sites. They want a liaison between the company and the towns involved. Also I'd be checking the environmental impact on the surrounding region."
Callie nodded thoughtfully. "I see." Then she smiled. "Well, Luke. I hope you get the job!" And I mean that. What a hunk!
"Me too." They both turned as the door opened again.
"Hey, Callie! How was the visit?"
"Great, Alan! I did some shopping while I was home," she grinned sheepishly at the young man who walked in the room.
"Yeah, I can see that," Alan replied. Then he turned his attention to Luke. "Hey there, you must be Luke Morel. Dad said I'd be bringing you back. I'm Alan Tracy."
They shook hands. "Pleased to meet you." Luke glanced at the two of them. "Can either of you tell me where we're headed?"
Alan grinned. "You'll see soon enough. Is that your bag?"
The smile faded from Luke's face and he folded his arms across his chest. "I'm not going anywhere until someone tells me where I'm going."
Alan didn't waver. "Please, there's nothing to worry about. We live on a private island in the South Pacific. Helps to keep the press away. I promise you, we're got no hidden agendas up our sleeves." Well, not many anyway, Alan thought to himself. "If it makes you feel any better, you can call your family at each refueling stop. Let them know where you are."
Luke stood still for a moment, then nodded. "That will be fine." He picked up his bag. "After you."
Alan winked at Callie and together they picked up Callie's luggage. Alan then led them both outside to the plane. Callie quickly climbed aboard, and after a wary glance around, Luke followed. He'd never been in private jet before and stopped to stare. The seats were large and comfortable looking, with quite a bit of space between them. At least I won't be twisted like a contortionist for however long this flight lasts. There was a small refrigerator on one wall, and another door that lead to what Luke guessed was a bathroom. The door leading to the cockpit was opened and the copilot waved a greeting.
"Hey there! I'm Elise and I'll be your co-pilot today." Her grin was contagious and Luke found himself smiling despite his nerves.
"Hi, Luke Morel." He held out his hand and Elise shook it.
"Welcome aboard, Luke. Callie, how was your trip?"
Callie smiled as she buckled herself in. "Great! I'll fill you both in as soon as we get to the island."
"Can't wait to hear it," Elise said.
Alan had entered the plane and seated himself in the pilot's seat. "Everyone all set?"
Luke quickly sat down and stowed his bag under the seat. He fastened his seat belt and nodded to Alan.
"Off we go then." Alan started the plane and within a few minutes they were airborne.
Luke watched the coastline disappear and the blue waters of the Pacific sparkled in the late afternoon sun. Why all the subterfuge just for a job interview? He sighed to himself as Alan, Callie and Elise started talking and laughing. He pulled a book out of his bag, and settling himself more comfortably in the seat, prepared himself for a long flight.
***Luke and Callie meet in L.A. on the way to Tracy Island, by TracyFan4Ever and Lillehafrue***
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1571 is a reply to message #1570] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:29 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/24/2007 10:19 PM
Saturday, August 18, 2068, 2:45 p.m., Tracy Island.
"Well?" Dianne turned her head toward her uncle, who was reading the scanner data.
"Patience, girl, patience," Drew said, good-humoredly. "I'm nearly through."
Jeff wasn't sitting next to his wife this time; he was peering over his friend's shoulder and trying to make sense of the readings from the scanner. Drew glanced over his shoulder to frown at Jeff. "Do you mind? You're getting in the way." He pointed to a rolling stool behind him. "Sit there so I can finish my work."
Jeff blinked, frowned, then sighed and sat down where Drew had indicated. "You may be the CEO of one of the largest companies in the world, but here, now, you're being a pain in the neck," Drew said, a note of teasing and satisfaction in his voice. He peered at the scanner's screen one last time, then gave a sharp, satisfied nod, and pressed a couple of keys. "Okay. I'll save this, and we're done."
"Well?" Dianne asked again, this time struggling to sit up. Jeff strode over to offer his help, but she managed to get into a reclining position under her own power, propping herself up with her elbows.
"The infection is gone," Drew told her, referring to his notes. "Your ribs are well on their way to healing, though they'll need another couple of weeks before they're back to their full strength. They should be strong enough for you to use crutches or a cane. You'd better make sure you've got enough calcium in your diet for the growth stimulator to work with."
"So, I can sleep in my own bed tonight?" Dianne asked pointedly.
There was a pause, then Drew nodded. "Yeah. You can. Consider yourself released from the sick room." He held up a finger. "But... not back to duty. You're officially grounded from rescues. You can go back to light medical duty sometime next week. And by light, I mean no lifting whatsoever."
"I have at least one new recruit I have to do a physical for," Dianne warned.
"As long as she can get herself on and off the table, you can schedule that for late next week." Drew put the data pad down and folded his arms.
"What else?" Jeff asked, rubbing his fingers over Dianne's shoulders.
Drew snorted. "Do I have to paint a picture for you? Those ribs have got to heal more before you can resume sexual relations, okay?"
"Andy..." Jeff sounded dangerous.
Dianne hushed him. "There are ways, love," she whispered. "There are ways."
Her uncle pretended not to hear. "In anticipation of this blessed event, I set up an appointment for you with the physical therapist you have listed as a referral. You go Monday and Tuesday morning to learn the basics. You can take who you like with you to learn the routine and keep you on track when you return."
The couple glanced at each other. "Gordon?" she asked. Jeff nodded.
"Any more questions?" Drew asked.
"When did you say I can get back to rescues?" Dianne asked as she cautiously got down from the table. Jeff offered his support, but she waved it away, grimacing as she stood by herself, one foot flat on the floor, the other gingerly touching the tile with toes and ball. She stepped forward slowly, limping, heading for the screen where she would change back into her regular clothes.
"I didn't. But I'll expect Brains to run a scan on you in two weeks and to upload it to me without comments. I'll give you an answer about your return to full duty then."
Dianne disappeared behind the screen, and Drew left the room. "The first thing I want to do is soak in the Jacuzzi until I'm a prune," Dianne said.
"Sorry to disappoint you, love, but we have a guest coming." Jeff leaned up against the wall near the opening to the little dressing room alcove. "Alan and Elise should be bringing him and Callie here around four."
"Callie's coming home?" Dianne's voice was full of surprise, with just a hint of concern. "I'd better let Anna know."
"I already have." Jeff reached in to help his wife fasten a button on the back of her top. He planted a kiss on her neck and smoothed his hands over her shoulders again. "Work before play, I'm afraid."
"Yoo hoo!" Maggie bustled into the room and both Tracys came out from behind the screen. She leaned a cane, smooth and black, with a bird's head, and a pair of strong, light gray metal crutches against the scanner bed. The crutches were made with a single, slightly curved stem, but were still adjustable. "Drew says you have your choice."
"That looks familiar," Jeff murmured, indicating the cane.
"They both do," Dianne said. She stepped over gingerly and chose the cane. "Maybe we can get something more stylish when I go for my therapy next week. But for now, this will do."
"All right. You know where the crutches are if you need them," Maggie said. "Now you two scoot so I can clean up in here."
"Yes, ma'am," Jeff replied, giving her a salute. He followed Dianne, who haltingly made her way out to the sick room. The bed she'd been occupying was already made up with fresh linens and there was a bag holding the many items she'd used to while away her time. Jeff picked up the bag. "I'll take that."
Drew came out of the office. "Be careful. Don't overtax yourself."
"Don't worry; she won't," Jeff promised.
Dianne shook her head and sighed. She motioned to her uncle to come to her. When he did, she kissed him on the cheek and gave him a long, firm hug. Her eyes were filled with tears. "Thanks, Uncle Drew," she murmured. "For everything."
"You're welcome. What else is family for?" he replied, smiling. He returned her embrace with a quick hug, then let her go. "I'll see you at dinner, if not before."
"Right."
The couple left the sick room, and no sooner had the door closed behind them than Jeff wrapped his arms around Dianne, and planted a deep kiss on her lips. "God, Di, it feels good to kiss you standing up."
Dianne began to chuckle and raised her face toward Jeff for another kiss. "And it feels good to have my arms around you properly again," she replied, placing her head briefly on his chest. They stood that way for a moment, then Dianne said, "Let's go spread the good news. Since I can't sit in the Jacuzzi, I'll settle for a quick sunbath on the balcony, if it's not too cool out."
"Sounds good to me, love." Jeff kissed her once again, then the two of them made their way down the hall toward the lift.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1572 is a reply to message #1571] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:30 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 3/25/2007 6:14 PM
Tracy Island, Saturday, August 18th, 4:00 PM
The plane touched down lightly on the runway. Alan guided it deftly and soon they came to a stop. He turned and grinned. "Well, here we are, home sweet home!"
Callie yawned and stretched her arms over her head. "It's about time!"
Luke nodded. "I agree." He stood up, wincing at the kinks in his back.
Alan opened the door and Callie and Elise quickly stepped outside. Luke followed, blinking in the bright sunlight. The first thing that hit him was the heat and humidity. "Wow, big difference from Colorado."
Alan laughed. "I would think so." He looked up. "And here's Dad. Luke Morel, Jeff Tracy."
Luke held out his hand, "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Tracy."
Jeff took it, smiling. "Welcome to Tracy Island, Mr. Morel." They shook hands, and Jeff turned to Callie, grinning. "Welcome back, Callie." He gestured to the cart where Kyrano waited. "Let's get your luggage and go up to the house. Then we can get Mr. Morel settled."
"I can take Callie's bags up to the Cliff House for her," Elise offered.
"You sure?" Callie asked.
"Yeah. I'm sure Dianne wants to see you, and hauling this stuff up there is counter productive."
Alan helped load Callie's luggage onto an antigravity float, then Luke's bags onto the cart for the trip up to the house.
"Please, sir, call me Luke." Luke looked around. "Wow, this place is beautiful." He loosened his collar, "Bit warmer than what I'm used to at the moment though."
Jeff chuckled. "And we're in winter now. It gets a lot warmer in the summer."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Warmer?" He shook his head. "Give me snow any day." He was about to say something else when a huge yawn interrupted him. "I'm sorry. I'm still on Colorado time. In fact, I don't even know what time it is!"
"It's around 4 in the afternoon... Saturday," Jeff replied with a smile. "And I understand fully how the time zone changes wreak havoc on your system."
"That's for sure." Luke stifled another yawn.
"Would you like me to show you where you're staying, or would you like to conduct your interview now?" Jeff asked.
"Now would be fine," Luke replied
"All right. Get business out of the way first," Jeff said. He glanced up to the top of the steps, where two people were waiting. "Luke, I'd like you to meet my second oldest son, Virgil, and my wife, Dianne."
"Dianne!" Callie cried. She ran quickly up the steps. "You're looking so good! You're even walking!"
Dianne chuckled as she embraced Callie. "You're looking pretty good yourself, much more relaxed. Come on, tell me all about your vacation."
"Dianne, Virgil, this is Luke Morel," Jeff said, corralling his wife before she could hobble off.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Morel," she said, offering her hand.
Luke took her hand and shook it gently, his eyes taking in her posture and the cane next to her. "Mr. Morel is my father; I'm Luke."
Dianne chuckled. "Welcome to Tracy Island, Luke."
"Thank-you."
Virgil stepped forward. "Hey there, how was the flight?"
"Long," Luke replied wryly. "But not as uncomfortable as I had thought it was going to be."
"We'll talk to you later, Jeff." Dianne turned to Callie. "Come, let's get you unpacked. I want to hear everything." They wandered off into the house via the door to the dining room. The men jogged down the steps to the pool area, then back up the curved flight to the balcony. Kyrano stayed behind, and took Luke's things to the Round House.
Jeff led Luke inside the villa and into a large office. Luke looked with interest at the portraits lining the walls. Jeff sat down behind his desk and gestured for Luke to sit down. Virgil took a seat next off to the side.
Jeff opened up a folder, and scanned it, then leaned back in his chair. "First, I want to say that I don't usually interview people from my home; however, your application intrigued me because your name was mentioned by a high-level employee of mine: Mrs. Lena Matumbo." At Luke's puzzled look, he added, "You recently rescued her from a downed plane in the Rockies. She spoke very highly of your skill and the way you related to the passengers on the plane."
Luke shook his head. "I'm sorry; I saw a lot of people that day."
"Ah, yes. Of course," Jeff replied, nodding. "The fact is that she remembered you, and when your application came through, I was interested." He tapped a stylus on his desk. "Tell me, Luke, why are you applying for this job?"
Luke paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "I wanted a change, sir. I've been with the Forest Service for over ten years now. I took a few courses in college on environmental studies. When I saw the job in the paper, I thought I would look into it and see. I did some research on your company, Mr. Tracy. You always take the time to assess your surroundings before you build anything. There were even a few instances where you scrapped your plans because of something your surveyors had found. I'd like to work for a company that thinks like that."
Virgil shifted his position a little and asked, "Does this mean you're dissatisfied with rescue work? Looking for better hours? Less danger?"
"No." Luke turned to Virgil. "Mostly I want to get away from the politics." He faced Jeff again. "I'm good at my job, sir, very good. I was offered a desk job, but turned it down. Unfortunately, the person who got the position and I didn't often see eye to eye."
"Did you feel that the conflict hindered your work?" Jeff asked, his tone one of polite inquiry.
"Truthfully? Yes." Luke sighed. "There are times in rescue work were the dead are just as important as the living. Take that plane crash you mentioned. There was this girl, college student. She and her boyfriend were on their way back to school. He was killed instantly. She wanted to stay with him, apparently he was afraid of the dark. I told her I would stay with him until the forensic team came. It calmed her down and allowed us to get her treatment. I kept my promise and stayed until they got there. The rescue was under control, I wasn't needed at the time. Derek, my boss, didn't like that. I tend to overstep authority on occasion."
"Hmm." Jeff looked thoughtful. He glanced at the application again. "I see you've had training with rescue dogs. Do you have one?"
Luke laughed. "More like he has me, but yes, Rommel is a three year old German Shepherd. Only, don't mention the fact that he's a dog around him. He thinks he's human."
The Tracys both laughed, and when the laughter had died down, Jeff asked, "What would you do with him? Would you perhaps volunteer your services if there were an emergency of some kind?"
Luke nodded. "I would. I'm only a few courses shy of a full paramedic certification. But this job entails a lot of traveling; it would be hard to join a group not knowing when I would have to leave. Rescues don't exactly wait until the opportune moment."
"True," Jeff admitted.
The Tracys continued to ask Luke questions, surprisingly focused on his rescue experience, then out of the blue, Virgil asked, "How do you feel about learning to fly?" At Luke's surprised expression, he added, "It's not required for the position, but you may find it helpful, especially to some of the more remote places we're considering."
"I never thought about it really. I mean, I'm usually on the jumping out of them end as opposed to piloting." He grew thoughtful a moment. "I guess it wouldn't be a problem. Might be kind of fun, actually." He shifted in his chair. "Can I ask you something, sir?" Jeff nodded. "Why all the questions about my rescue experience? I mean, that's not really going to be an issue in this position, will it?"
Jeff smiled a little. "No, Luke, it's not going to be an issue. Understanding how you look at your old job gives me insight into how you may regard your work with us... should we offer you the position." He took in a deep breath, and glanced toward Virgil. "Do you have any more questions for Luke here, son?"
Virgil shook his head. "None that I can think of."
"Good. Do you have any other questions of us, Luke?"
"No, sir, none that I can think of right now." He stifled a yawn. "I'm sorry, jet lag is getting to me."
"Not to mention the whole dateline thing," Virgil added.
Luke groaned. "That's right, I forgot about that. It's Saturday here."
"That it is." Virgil got up. "Come on, I'll show you to the guest rooms."
"Dinner's at seven," Jeff said, rising to shake hands with Luke again. "We'll send someone to get you then. You should have an hour or so to rest."
"Thanks." Luke followed Virgil out the door, and only half listened as the Tracy son pointed things out on the way to the guest rooms. Luke's mind was foggy with fatigue and he wanted nothing more than to crash on a bed for a while. Finally they reached the room.
Virgil opened the door and stepped aside so Luke could enter. "I had someone bring up your bag; if there's anything you need, please feel free to ask. I'll be back to take you to dinner in a bit."
Luke entered the room and looked around. It was well decorated, a large bed near the windows, with a couch and desk at the other end of the room. He wandered into the bathroom and took a quick shower before throwing himself down on the bed. He lay there with his hands under his head, thinking back to the interview.
I don't think it went too badly. All the rescue questions confused me though. I thought this was for an environmental specialist? Who cares if I have a rescue background? Unless they somehow talked to Derek and he badmouthed me. They could be wondering about those insubordination marks. Luke sighed and shut his eyes. Well, what happens, happens. For now, I'll just enjoy my brief stay in paradise. Within moments, he was fast asleep.
Luke's Interview, written by Tikatue and Lillehafrue
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1573 is a reply to message #1572] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:31 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: ArtisticRainey Sent: 3/25/2007 6:25 PM
Saturday August 15th, 8.30pm, Tracy Island
Dominic leant against the doorframe and watched as Joshua slept. The child's breathing was deep and quiet. He kicked and stirred a little, before settling down again and turning so Dominic could see his face. He was a little cherub with his round cheeks, blond downy hair and serene expression. It made a nice change from him being a little terror. Dom watched for some time before he leaned the door over and walked into his own bedroom.
His sheets hadn't been changed for a while, and he hadn't made the bed that morning. A half-full laundry basket sat in one corner, and some of the books on one of his shelves had finally fallen over, leaving a spill of pages and ink just inside the door. Dom sighed and stepped over them, and sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes landed on one particularly large and thick book. It wasn't a text, but a photograph album. His mind ordered him not to pick it up, but his hands disobeyed, and it was suddenly lying open on his lap.
The first picture was of himself only hours after birth, his mother cradling him in her arms. A tall, hawk-nosed man with jet black hair and a fine complexion had his arm around her shoulders, but his smile was clearly half-hearted. It was one of the only photographs of his mother and father left intact. There had been quite a few to begin with, but whenever Dominic began to ask why he didn't have a daddy like the rest of the boys in school, Roisin told him the truth, and the rest of the photographs had their eyes scratched out. Dom turned the page with a set face, and watched as time passed before his eyes.
He grew taller; his mother grew greyer. Sometime just before his sixteenth birthday the photographs had stopped. His mother had sold their only camera and drank the proceeds, and even between working two jobs, Dominic couldn't afford to buy a new one. His mother stopped going to work. The next photo wasn't until his graduation at twenty-one, where Roisin looked older than his grandmother. It was followed by a few pages of assorted photographs from family functions that had been donated by his grandfather, but then they stopped again, and there were no more in the album. Roisin had died.
Dominic closed over the book with a sigh, and rested his elbows on its cover. She would have been fifty-five that day. Dominic rubbed his eyes, stood and set the album on the newly-empty shelf, before reaching into his chest of drawers for an old half-burnt candle and a matchbox. The candle was set inside a plastic tube, with a decorative gold-coloured top, and a picture of some saint or other on it. He wasn't religious generally, but he thought it couldn't hurt to pretend on his mother's birthday. He struck a match and lit the candle. He pressed a few fingers to his lips. She would have been fifty-five.
The tiny flame flickered briefly before settling down. Dom sighed. His mind started to wander, and he slid one hand up to cover his face. He had nearly died. It was only beginning to hit him. He had been worrying about Dianne and Nikki, recovering from his own injuries. And then there was Joshua, who was a distraction from the moment Dom stepped back on the island. Then there was the party. But now...this particular day seemed to bring it all home. He closed his eyes briefly. He had nearly died.
Get out of this mood, Kelly, he thought. It does you no good. Usually all he had to do was call up Tom, and his wisecracking brother would lift his spirits right back up. But now he wasn't so sure he wanted to. I don't understand where Tom comes off with all of this anti-IR stuff, he thought. We talked about it before and he was in total support of us. Maybe Nikki's right. Maybe he did just make it up. After a few more minutes, Dom stepped forward and blew out the candle, before going to his satellite phone and dialling Tom's number.
It rang for quite a while before he got and answer, but Dominic knew one would come. It was two-forty-five am in Kansas, but Tom didn't keep regular hours.
"Dak! Wassssssssaaaaaap!"
Dom smiled.
"Hey Tom. Just thought I'd give you a buzz. It's been a while."
"Yeah, man! How are you? How's Josh? Still a terror? Bet he is. You look pretty tired. What's up? Anything wrong?"
"Ack, just general lethargy," Dom lied, "nothing in particular."
"That sucks."
"Josh is grand. Gettin' bigger by the day."
"I'm sure he is! I'm sure he is! I still miss having the little guy around. How's the job going?"
"It's cool. It's challenging, and I've met a lot of great people."
"Anyone in particular?" Tom asked, wiggling his eyebrows.
"No, nothing like that," Dom said with a chuckle.
"That also sucks. But I'm glad things are good with you. Things are GREAT here. You will never guess what's happened to me, so I'll just spit it out. I landed myself an article in 'Newsweek'!"
Dom's lightened heart sank like a stone.
"Oh, great!" He said, trying to sound convincing. "What, uh, what was it on?"
"They were doing this special on International Rescue, you know, because of that big crash?"
You don't know how well I know...
"Well, I got myself right in there with a bit on how greedy they are with their technology, and how they're 'philanthropic' and yet won't share it to save more lives."
Dom pretended to consider his brother's point's validity, and tapped his chin.
"I don't think they're greedy," he said. "I mean, what if the technology got into the wrong hands?" He found himself thinking of the Hood and his yellow glowing eyes.
"Lots of countries have gotten the tech for nuclear weapons," Tom said, "and yet none have been used in attack since 1945. That was one hundred and twenty three years ago, Dak. In this case, the tech would be actively used to save lives. Think about it."
"I don't really think it's fair to compare International Rescue's technology to nuclear weapons, Tom," Dominic said, feeling the hairs rise on the back of his neck. "It's not really the same thing."
"How is it not? Just because there would be a potential for harm doesn't mean there will be definite harm."
"I just... I just can't agree, Tom. I can't see your point."
Tom was silent for a moment.
"You can't see my point? So what, you're saying I can't express myself properly?"
"No! That's not what I meant at all!"
"Yeah right. You know what? You're just jealous because I'm getting ahead in my career. Unlike you, who can never be anything but a plain old nurse!"
The screen abruptly flashed up the call ended screen, and Dominic sat dumbfounded for a moment.
"What the hell was that?!"
He growled and put his hands on his hips, shaking his head.
"What on earth is wrong with that child?"
Tom usually had a strong tendency to overreact but never that quickly. I guess he's just really touchy about his article, Dom thought. I shouldn't have bothered calling. What a bloody waste. He sat back in his chair for a moment, before going to check on Joshua one last time and heading to bed himself, feeling much the same as before.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1574 is a reply to message #1573] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:33 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 3/25/2007 9:04 PM
Tracy Island, Sunday, August 19th, 9:30 AM...
Knock-Knock
Luke opened the door to find Alan smiling up at him. "Good morning! Mom and Dad sent me to see if you wanted any breakfast."
"Breakfast sounds great. Lead the way." He followed Alan out the door and down the steps towards the villa. When they got to the dining room, there seemed to be a large group of people there. Luke paused in the doorway for a moment.
Dianne looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Luke! Please come in and join us."
Luke stepped into the room, uncomfortably aware of all the eyes upon him. He took an empty seat near Dianne. Kyrano approached him. "Would you like some coffee, Mr. Morel?"
"Yes, please. And it's Luke." Kyrano merely smiled and placed a steaming cup in front of Luke. He picked it up and took a sip, smiling in contentment.
Dianne chuckled. "One of those, huh? Need your caffeine to wake you up?"
"That's for sure. Ba-a friend told me a grizzly was easier to talk to than me in the morning," Luke answered.
Jeff chuckled. "I know someone like that," he said with a sidewise glance at Scott. Scott merely grinned and held up his mug in a toast.
Kyrano stepped in again and placed a large plate of pancakes in front of Luke. "Thank you," Luke said and turned his attention to his breakfast, unobtrusively listening to the conversation around him.
Dianne reached across the table, trying to reach the maple syrup. She gave a wince and she pressed one hand against her ribs. The table went silent.
"Di?" Jeff asked, concern evident in his voice.
"Ah'm fine," Dianne replied as Virgil passed her the syrup. "And no, Ah'm not going to go lie down," she stated firmly.
"Never thought to mention it," Jeff muttered, turning back to his own plate, but keeping a sharp eye on his wife.
Luke watched Dianne closely. "Mrs. Tracy?" he started.
"Mrs. Tracy is my mother-in-law. Dianne or Dr. Tracy will do fine." She sighed. "It's all right, Luke. I was in an...accident a few weeks ago. Still a bit sore."
Breakfast continued, if a bit more subdued. Jeff pushed back from the table and walked over to kiss his wife on the cheek. "I have some work to do. Make sure you take it easy."
"Ah will." Dianne smiled up at him.
"You'd better," he winked, then straightened up. "Luke, would you mind joining me? Virgil, you too."
Luke nodded and, thanking Kyrano for breakfast, followed Jeff out the door.
Jeff led them down the corridor and around two corners to a wing with doors leading to the outside at the end. Just before he reached those doors, however, he stopped and put his hand up to the wall. Luke's eyes widened as a panel slid back, and Jeff laid his palm on a dark panel. The palm was scanned, and he keyed in a code for good measure. A door slid open, revealing an elevator car.
"What's all this about?" he asked, frowning. "Where are we going?"
"Not everything on this island is above ground, Luke," Virgil said as he stepped inside the car. "And there's something important we need to show you. It has to do with the job... which we're offering you, by the way."
Luke looked over at Virgil, who had a grin on his face, then turned to Jeff. "I got the job?"
"Yes," Jeff replied. "But there are just a few more things we need to go over with you. Please."
Luke got into the car next to Virgil. Jeff climbed in after them and closed the doors. The elevator rocketed downward at a high rate of speed. Moments later, the elevator came to a stop. Jeff opened the doors and Luke found himself in a small room cut from the very rock itself. Before them stood a pair of red cars, suspended on a single rail.
"What's this all about?" Luke asked, sounding suspicious.
"As Dad said, there's something we need to show you, a component of the job that you should know before you make a decision." Virgil gestured toward the car. "This takes us to our desalination plant, our power plant, and a couple of other beauty spots beneath the mountain."
"Caves?" Luke asked.
"Lava tubes," Virgil told him.
"Hm," hummed Luke as he got into the car.
The little car took them along a well-lighted track. Branches split off in tantalizing directions, but finally the car stopped at a junction to some stairs.
Jeff and Virgil stepped out of the car and Jeff gestured to Luke to follow them. He led the way down a dimly lit corridor. It opened up into a giant cavernous room, also in near darkness.
"Luke, I'd like you to meet my baby." Virgil stepped in front of Luke and hit a switch on the wall. Floodlights blinked on, illuminating the space, making Luke realize that it was even bigger than he first thought. Then his gaze fell on the giant green ship in the center of the room.
"No..." his voice trailed off. He stared at the ship, his eyes taking in the giant "Thunderbird Two" emblazoned on its side. "You have to be kidding me."
"I can assure you we're not," Jeff replied.
Luke finally tore his gaze away and looked at Jeff. "You're International Rescue?" Jeff nodded. Luke turned back to the ship. "Holy..." His head snapped back to Jeff. "Then Mrs. Tracy's injuries. She was the operative in that tornado crash, wasn't she?"
Boy's quick, Jeff thought to himself. "She was. As you know, rescue work can be dangerous."
Luke nodded. "So this job you're offering me; it's not really for an environmental specialist, is it?"
"Well, that will be your official title, on the books. We all spend some time in the office, for appearance sake," Virgil told him. "But no, that won't be your primary job focus."
Luke looked back out over the hanger bay. "Amazing, absolutely amazing."
Virgil grinned. "I like to think so."
"And the others? Callie, Elise? They're part of this too?"
"Everyone on the island is part of our organization. We have another operative on personal leave at the moment, and another of my sons, John, is manning our space station, Thunderbird Five," Jeff said.
"Space station? You have a space station?!" Luke shook his head. "This is almost too much to take in."
Jeff chuckled. "There's plenty more to see. We have five other ships here on the island. Well, Thunderbird Seven is out of commission at the moment, but we're working on that. Plus the pod vehicles and equipment."
Luke shook his head. "Wait a sec, I'm not going to have to fly that thing, am I?"
Virgil looked slightly offended. "Eventually yes, but for now you'll be assigned to her to assist with the rescues. We all know or are being trained to operate all the equipment. Never know what will happen out there."
"Wow," Luke breathed. "I-I don't know what to say!"
"Take your time. Think about it. I don't need an answer today," Jeff told him. "But I do have to insist that no matter what your decision, you reveal this information to no one. Not your co-workers, not your family, no one."
Luke nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Do you have any questions?"
Luke started to shake his head, then paused. "Just one, sir. And I'd like to talk to you in private if you don't mind." He nodded towards Virgil.
Jeff sent a puzzled glance in Virgil's direction. Virgil merely shrugged. "I'll see you later then. Feel free to come find me if you have any questions, Luke."
"I will, thanks." Luke waited until Virgil had left before turning back to Jeff. He took a deep breath. "I have to tell you something about myself that may affect the dynamics of your team. I'm gay. It's not something I'm ashamed of; it's who I am. None of my friends or family have a problem with this, but some of my former co-workers did."
"I see." Jeff nodded thoughtfully. "Was one of these co-workers your boss you mentioned?"
"Yes. Derek never came out and said it, he's too smart for that, but I'm sure it was a sticking point." Luke glanced back at Thunderbird Two, then back at Jeff. "Before I even consider accepting your offer, I need to know if my preferences will be detrimental to your team."
Jeff stood still for a moment, thinking. A person's sexual preferences, to him, had always been a matter of "don't ask, don't tell". Not that he had any personal problem with homosexuals; he judged people on how they acted with other people, not what they did in private as consenting adults. He had to admit that if one of his sons came to him one day and told him he'd rather sleep with men, it would knock him back a bit, but wouldn't change the love he had for that son. But he didn't know how the others would take it.
"I'm not going to jump in here and say it definitely wouldn't be a detriment, Luke," he finally said. "I don't know the minds of the rest of my team on this matter. However, should there be a problem, I will treat it as a sensitivity issue in the workplace, just as I would if it were in Tracy Industries." He spread his hands. "I can't say anymore than that. Personally, I'll judge you by what you do, not who you are."
"That's all I ask, sir. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to go think this through. I'm sure I'll have questions at some point. At least after the shock wears off." Luke grinned good-naturedly.
Jeff chuckled. "Come and find myself or one of my sons. We'll be happy to help you out."
"Thank-you, sir." They started back towards the tunnel. Luke took one more glance back. "International Rescue...man, never saw that one coming."
---An Unveiling, by Tikatu and Lillehafrue---
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1575 is a reply to message #1574] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:44 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/25/2007 9:55 PM
Tracy Island, Sunday, August 19th, 11:00 AM...
"Callie? I'm Anna Hanson." Anna held out her hand and Callie took it. "Please sit down."
Anna sat back down in one of the easy chairs. Callie sat on the small love seat across from it. "Dr. Hanson. Did Dr. Tracy talk to you about me?"
"First, I'm not a 'Dr.' I have a Master's in counseling. Actually I don't want a PhD. And yes, she has talked to me about your physical problems."
Callie still wasn't sure what to say to this lady. She'd never been through any type of counseling before. She said the first thing that popped into her head. "Why don't you want a Doctorate?"
"Because PhD's either get the major cases like multiple personality disorder, or get into theory. I like working with everyday people who have everyday problems. Granted, some of the problems are major, but they are the problems that are a normal part of life."
"Well, my problem might not qualify as 'normal'."
"Dr. Tracy told me about your encounter with the Hood. I've also talked to Kyrano, Tin-Tin and Brains about him. Why don't you tell me about your encounter?"
Callie retold the story of her encounter with the Hood. Anna listened intently and took some notes on a notepad sitting on the arm of the chair. When she finished, Anna stared down at her notes for a minute.
"You don't believe me," Callie said flatly.
"It doesn't matter if I believe you," Anna started to say.
Callie cut her short. "Yeah, I only matters that I believe it. I know."
Anna looked at her mildly. "Actually, that wasn't what I was going to say. What does matter is: how is this affecting your life? Can you still function? And how can I help you deal with it? Dr. Tracy told me you were having nightmares. Are the sleeping pills helping?"
"Yes, they seem to be."
"Tell me about the nightmares. What happens in them?"
Callie described her latest nightmare. "The Tracys and the other recruits are hunting for me. They want to punish me for betraying them. All the nightmares were like this but they've been getting worse. In the last one they all had glowing yellow eyes, and they shot me for betraying them."
"How do you feel when you wake up?"
"Scared, terrified, ashamed."
"Why ashamed?"
"I should have been stronger. I should have resisted him." Callie balled her hands into fists and hit her legs. "I wasn't physically hurt. I should be over this by now!"
Anna though for a minute, then asked, "Callie, if the Hood had kidnapped you, taken you somewhere, tortured you, and you told him just what you did, the code names of everyone, would you feel like you had breached security?"
Callie froze for a second, then a look of surprise slowly came to her face. "No. I didn't tell him anything he could use."
"Exactly. But if he had done that, you would have major emotional and physical problems to deal with. No one would be surprised at them. But, since there were no physical injuries, it's easy to pretend nothing happened."
"I get a lot of patients who are told they should put it behind them, and move on. But what a lot of people mean when they say that is you should pretend it never happened. And that is a recipe for disaster."
"In a lot of ways, what happened to you is closer to rape than assault. You lost control over your own body and mind. You were helpless even to think your own thoughts. Most of the problems you are having are normal for that kind of assault. And you should be able to deal with them with a little help."
Anna entered something on her computer. "I want to talk to Dr. Tracy about a possible prescription for anti-depressants. I don't think you will need them for too long, but they will help you through some of the rough patches."
"I hate the thought of being on pills."
"Makes you feel like you are weak?" When Callie nodded, Anna went on, "If you broke a leg you wouldn't feel that way about a cast and crutches, would you?"
Callie smiled. "Mr. Tracy felt that way when he was in a wheelchair."
"Typical former military. 'My body will do what I want it to do; I'm in charge here' attitude. But if he hadn't used them he would be crippled for life. Or he would have had to stay in bed until they healed. And then had to do a lot more work to get his legs back in shape."
"You know, depression is a physical disease. You can measure the difference in body chemistry. Anti-depressants just help you body to cope while you heal. If you choose not to take them, that's fine. You can still heal. It will just hurt more. Fortunately, that's not my problem."
"It's mine?" asked Callie.
"No, it's Dr. Tracy's. I'm not a doctor. I can't prescribe anything." Anna looked at her watch. "The hour's up. Do you want to meet again next week?"
"I think so," said Callie. "You've given me a lot to think about."
"One other thing," said Anna as she stood up. "Do you keep a diary?"
"No."
"You might want to write your feelings down each day. Handwritten is better, but a computer journal will do. You don't need to show it to me, but some people find it very helpful. Write about whatever you want. Just try to write at least once a day."
Callie nodded and left the room.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1576 is a reply to message #1575] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:45 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: AmandaTracyandFred Sent: 3/25/2007 10:04 PM
Sitting on the beige striped couch with pink and blue threads, Heather sat studying the near empty walls. Dressed in the lounge clothes she bought at the Regis, she gazed about the living room. Every room in the apartment was tastefully furnished, but there were no pictures to hang on the walls. Her favorite family photo, her Naval Academy graduation photo, and Jeff Tracy's official NASA photo had all been destroyed. On the whole, the apartment was beautiful, but she had no good way to personalize it.
"I'll have to write Mom and Dad and Aunt Jenny for new photos to be made of everyone. I might be able to write to the academy about my graduation picture. Maybe Mr. Tracy would be able to print his official NASA photo for me, and I'd have a perfect opportunity to get it signed. Hopefully, he won't be too busy to do that, but that will have to be the last thing on my list, of course. His hands must be too full right now, I imagine."
Annoyed with herself for such sad feelings, she walked over to the window controls and cleared the opaque sheers. The glass cleared, displaying a grey and misty morning. "Oh great. Looks like a perfect day," she murmured, leaning on the window. The white capped ocean waves slapped the beaches in the distance and the palm trees seem to droop.
Heather thought back when she lived across from her aunt. Jenny would make a pie for a friend who was worn out over caring for a brand new baby, or a injured farmer next door to her own farm. That thought had Heather thinking about Dianne. After getting dressed, she set about making two batches worth of cookies. Dr. Tracy has to be a bit moody herself. She must still be pretty sore, and the weather won't help matters I'm sure. I think I have all the ingredients to make my rum and chocolate chip cookies. If I don't do something nice for somebody, I'm going to have a perfectly maudlin day!
As she grabbed bowls and ingredients out of the various cupboards in the kitchen, a beeping sound came from the living room coffee table. Uh oh...there goes the cellphone. I hope it's Tin-Tin. If not, I should call her. She's really gone out of her way to help me blend in with the others. I ought to come up with a way to thank her.
Setting the ingredients down on the kitchen counter, Heather walked into the spacious living room, and picked up the phone she left on the coffee table. Looking at the number, Heather crossed herself and answered it. "Hi Mother. I love you. How--?"
Martha's grating, scolding voice interrupted her daughter's greeting. "Heather, do you want to explain to me why your father and I have only received a post office box number to send mail to you?"
Deep breathing, Heather said brightly, "Hi Mother. How are you?"
"I'm fine, but your father is upset and so am I!" Martha answered sharply.
Honestly, Mother! If Dad was that upset, he would have called me directly! "Mother," Heather began patiently. "I'm under contract not to give out any other address. I have to honor it in order to take on the work. Working for Mr. Tracy is a dream a lot of people have and can't get. He pays very handsomely. I'm getting probably three times what I was making at the testing grounds."
"Where exactly are you?" Martha asked again, ignoring Heather's explanation.
"I just can't give out that kind of information. Mr. Tracy is quite adamant about that," Heather insisted. "That's all there is to it."
"Do you know I found naval academy brochures in Amy's room?! So help me if she's got any idea of following you--"
Suddenly, Heather's hard earned patience drained out of her. This is all I need. Heather thought to herself. "Mom? Why can't you just once say 'I love you'?" she sighed wearily. Just once I wonder what it would be like to have another mother--
"What do you mean by that?!" Martha said with righteous anger. "I am appalled at what you just said and I want an apolog--"
Heather cut the connection on her satellite cellphone and looked at it, concerned. "I'd better check with Jeff and see if my cellphone could be traced out here."
A moment later, her cellphone rang again. This time it was her father. When they're united on one thing, it's almost impossible to fight against. Two against one is not fair, she decided. "Hi Father," Heather said, preparing for the coming battle she knew she had to win. "I take it you talked with mother?"
"Uh--yes, Heather. I have to say that I agree with her on this--"
"Will wonders never cease!" Martha called out in the background, causing both Heather and Jim to roll their eyes.
"Martha! Let me get a word in edgewise!"
"All right!" Heather heard over the phone.
With a deep breath, Jim began, "Heather, all we have is a post office box for you. I would feel a lot better if I knew exactly where you were. What if something happened to you? How would we find out? You could be anywhere in the world, and we wouldn't know--"
"Dad, I signed a contract with Mr. Tracy not to ever give out the location. If something happened to me, he would call you immediately. I can't say any more than that."
On the screen of Heather's cellphone, Jim ran his fingers through his hair. "All right. Since it's Jeff's idea for all the cloak and dagger, I'll talk to him directly. He can explain it to me."
"Dad, he's taking very good care of me. Trust me. Dad," Heather insisted.
"Bye, honey." The contact was broken and Heather stared at the ceiling. There was nothing more she could do, and she trusted Jeff to be able to deal with her father. Going back to the kitchen, Heather began dumping ingredients into the biggest bowl on the counter.
Two hours later, Heather pulled out the last pan of cookies and filled two large plates with the warm gooey treats. With a chuckle, Heather found a small basket that would fit both plates. "One for the men and the other for Dianne. We slip the first plate in the lounge where the boys will make like bumblebees in the honeysuckle vines. While they discover the first plate, I sneak the rest of them in Dianne's room. Might be the first time she ever got that many cookies all to herself!"
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1577 is a reply to message #1576] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:46 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatue Sent: 3/25/2007 10:20 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2068, 12:45 p.m., Tracy Island.
Kat sat before her computer, staring at the letter on the screen. She had started the email the evening before, after she had discussed the matter with Jeff.
"If you're needed at home to see justice done, then certainly you should go," Jeff had told her. "We can leave the time frame open-ended -- at least two weeks so you can attend that wedding." He'd smiled and given her a wink. "Just keep us posted so we can arrange your flight back."
When she'd spoken with Penelope about the matter, the aristocrat had been very supportive. "I am so glad that the man who had harassed you has been arrested, Kat," Penny had said. "As for flying home, you shall come with me when I leave on Monday."
Kat had begun to protest, but Penelope was adamant. "There is no reason why you should not fly home with me. We are, after all, going the same way."
"Thank you," Kat had finally said, smiling. "I am very grateful for your offer."
Now she was trying to explain herself to John. She read over what she had already written.
"Dear John,
"This morning - Better change that to yesterday morning -- I received a telephone call from my mother. She had two pieces of news for me. One was that the date of my brother's wedding has unexpectedly been moved forward. His fiancée's brother - who is with the RAF - is to be deployed soon, and the wedding will be held two weeks from now so that he may attend.
In addition, the man who..."
Here was where she had stopped. The memories of the harassment were still uncomfortable and upsetting to her; the situation had come up so quickly, too. She could still smell the miasma of Ernie's sweat, mixed with cigarette smoke and motor oil. She shuddered slightly, then swallowed, and sat up straighter. She was past that now, well past it, and now she had an opportunity to say her piece to people who would listen. She put her hands on the keyboard.
"In addition, the man who..." She read the words aloud, then continued to type, "... harassed me at the garage where I worked before being hired by Lady Penelope has been charged with assaulting a woman. I have been called to testify against him. I am not quite sure if this will be at his trial or not, but the solicitors have written my mother and I must go. I am to leave on Monday with Lady Penelope.
"I don't know how long this will take, but your father has generously allowed for at least two weeks' leave so I may fulfill my role as bridesmaid. I am so sorry I will not be here to greet you on your return from Thunderbird Five; I shall miss you dreadfully. But I expect to be back soon after the wedding so we may resume our visits and our times of getting to know one another."
She smiled as she thought of the surprise she had planned for John. I can still do it, but I shall have to postpone it until my return.
"Please take care. I will write again soon.
"Love, Kat"
She reread the missive, then addressed it to John and sent it off. I am sure he will understand, she thought, sighing. She headed for the kitchen to get a quick snack, and sniffed the air appreciatively. The aroma of some fresh-baked treat had begun to filter into her apartment. Mmmm! I wonder if Heather is the one doing the baking, or if it's Nikki, or even Elise. Whoever it is, what they're making smells simply divine!
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1578 is a reply to message #1577] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:46 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: susanmartha Sent: 3/26/2007 10:30 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2068, noon p.m., Tracy Island.
"Mrs. Hanson," Jeff said, as he waved her toward a seat, "sit down, please. Ready to return home?"
"Yes. My daughter is due to return to college in a week and I do want to spend some time with here before she goes," Anna replied. "Plus, their royal highnesses, the cats, are undoubtedly waiting to show their disapproval of my leaving them. It certainly has been an interesting week, though."
"I asked you in here to talk about two related things. One is to arrange payment. The other is about becoming an IR agent."
"IR has agents? What do they do? Sell insurance policies in case Thunderbird 2 has to land and messes up someone's lawn?"
Jeff sniggered. How can she say things like that with a straight face? I wonder if she plays poker? "No, although I have considered issuing policies against Gordon's practical jokes. Mostly what they do is keep an eye open for anything that might concern IR. You remember the imposter problem a couple of years ago?" When she nodded, Jeff continued. "Lady Penelope and another agent tracked down the culprits and cleared IR."
"But what most of out agents do is much easier. They liaison with any local officials and arrange for security for our machines. They let us know about any potential problems. Generally they do whatever they can to help make the rescue easier and to hide us from prying eyes."
"You would receive a monthly stipend beyond what I would pay for your counseling work. It would be up to you to decide if you wanted to tell your husband. Some agents work with their spouse, some don't. We would also install some communication gear in your home and add a security system." Jeff leaned back. "Are you interested?"
"It sounds like I would enjoy it. Would the stipend come from Tracy industries?"
"We usually set it up that way. Or it could come from my household account."
Anna leaned forward. "So I would receive a monthly amount deposited in my account. I would have to tell my husband where it came from. My husband, the engineer. Who for the past thirty years has worked for Boeing, in the satellite division, one of Tracy Industries biggest rivals."
Jeff let out an exasperated sigh. "I hadn't even thought of that. Would your seeing my family be considered a conflict of interest?"
"Not really. As long as I'm paid by you, not Tracy Industries. But I'd rather not put him in an awkward position, so I'd rather not tell him anything. He knows I can't talk about my work except in very general terms, so if I don't say anything he won't be surprised. But I think we would both be better off if I simply bill you for hours spent working with patients. Keep it simple."
"All right. I know you haven't set up a private practice yet, so I checked into the billing rates of some of the other counselors my wife had appointments with." He passed a sheet of paper over Anna. "Is this acceptable to you?"
"Honestly? It's about twice what I had expected to charge."
"It's what the doctor my wife calls 'Oh, I would be happy to help the Tracy family' charges. He's the one that she claims had cash registers in his eyes." Jeff grinned at her.
"I think I know the one you mean. He not only has cash registers in his eyes, he has 'best selling book' in his heart. You spelled my name wrong, though."
"I did?"
"It's HanSON, S-O-N, not Hansen. It's not a problem." Anna hesitated. "There is one thing I need to ask you though."
"Go ahead."
"Did Gordon tell you about how I feel about computer security?"
Jeff nodded. "He said you were almost paranoid about it."
"With good reason. I'm sure you don't want to risk anyone breaking into my notes about your family or IR. I will need to either keep my laptop here or have a very secure place in my house to keep it and any disks. If I leave it here, I will need to come here for appointments. And I would definitely need an office."
"Hmm." Jeff looked thoughtful for a minute. "Do you have any problem coming here once a week?" Anna shook her head. "We have some guest rooms in the Round House. Why don't I just assign one to you permanently?" Jeff continued. "We are going to be doing some remodeling there soon." Jeff thought it might be better not to mention that the remodeling was being done to give Lady Penelope a permanent guest suite. "We could design one of them to have an office with an attached bedroom. We'll have a safe built in. You can leave all your records there, along with anything else you want to leave here. It will also give you a neutral place to meet with your patients. Or will the walk be a problem with your heart? I assume you would still eat with the family; there isn't a kitchen in any of the guest rooms. We could send dinner over, of course."
"Sounds wonderful. I'm supposed to walk some every day. Although, if I'm tired, it might be a problem."
"If you need to, someone can run you over to the round house with the cart. Or I could set you up with a bedroom here and an office there."
"Sounds like you're running out of bedrooms. This isn't the Biltmore. No, a suite in the Round House would be fine. That way, if I need to get away from everyone, I can. I can be a real witch, spelled with a 'b', if I let myself get too tired. If I want to troll for patients, I can hang out around here or out by the pool."
"Troll for patients?" Jeff looked at her, taken aback.
"A lot of people need to talk about something, but wouldn't dream of calling a counselor. That's for 'sick' people. If I sit in a public place, they tend to stop by and talk. Ask any pastor about it. Usually they just need to get something clear in their own head. All I need to do is listen. I helped a lot of family members of trauma victims just by being available. Calling it 'trolling for patients', well," she shrugged, "it just seemed to describe it perfectly."
"Now," she continued, "coming here once a week for appointments. Does anyone make regular trips to the mainland?"
"Not really. Kyrano has fresh food items flown in once a week. And the mail plane comes by a couple times each week."
"Could you arrange for me to fly back and forth on one of them? I hate the idea that someone has to fly and pick me up and then do it again to drop me off." Anna smiled slightly. "I suppose it's a hold over from the energy crisis, but it just seems so wasteful. And setting a certain day of the week for appointments is usually a good idea."
"That might work to get to the island. If the boys were out on 'family' business, I wouldn't need to worry about sending someone to pick you up." Jeff looked up at her again. "Would it cause a problem if you were late getting back sometimes?"
Anna shook her head. "As long as I'm back by Sunday if I'm assisting in the service. And I do volunteer work Monday afternoon and night at the women's shelter. Other than that, my time is free."
"All right. Let's set you up to get here Tuesday on the supply plane and have someone return you Wednesday. That gives you Tuesday afternoon and evening as well as Wednesday morning and afternoon if you need it."
"Great." Anna chuckled. "Tuesday is my husband's poker night. I have a feeling they will be meeting at our place from now on."
Jeff grinned and stood up. "Mrs. Hanson, it has been a pleasure meeting you. I want to thank you again for all you've done."
"Thank you for all you've done. Giving people hope in a sometimes bleak world is a treasure beyond price. We all need heroes," she paused for a second and stood up, "and something to remind us to think of more than just ourselves, to strive for something and to dream." She smiled wryly at Jeff. "For me the space program did that. That and old 'Star Trek' reruns."
Jeff chuckled and offered her his arm. "It's time for lunch. May I escort you, ma'am?"
"I never say no to cute gentlemen." Anna put her hand on his arm and they went to lunch.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1579 is a reply to message #1578] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:53 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatu Sent: 3/28/2007 8:51 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2068, 1:30 p.m. Tracy Island
With the basket hanging off of Heather's right arm, she envisioned herself as Little Red Riding Hood. The basket came with two compartments. The bottom compartment was built for putting silverware, dishes, and cups for two. Dianne's plate of cookies went there. A flat divider covered the first plate, while the boys' cookies sat on top of it, making it look like she had only one plate.
One plate for 'Grandma' and the second for the 'wolves'.The best scenario I could hope for is to have an empty lounge. All I'd have to do is leave the first batch on a table and duck out to the sickroom, provided she's there. She might have gone back to her bedroom, but I'll try the sickroom first. That would be the easiest. If there is even one man in Jeff's office--just one--then I offer the cookies as a gift, drop the plate on the table, and politely ask how Dianne is, guiding the conversation to find out what her location is. There is just one hang up with all this, Heather thought to herself. Rum and vanilla flavoring makes for an irresistible smell. I'll have to work fast either way it goes.
Slipping into the elevator, she could smell the odor of the cookies pooling in the elevator. Hopefully, I won't meet anyone taking the monorail to the Villa. When the door of the elevator opened, she was pleased to discover that the monorail was empty. Wincing slightly as she stepped into the car, she quickly found a seat upfront. Her left foot rubbed against her right. Her feet still suffered the aches and pains of walking and dancing the night away at Virgil's birthday party.
Serves me right dancin' in brand new heels fo' the first time! My feet hurt, my legs hurt--and I'm almost to the Villa. First step--make a beeline for the lounge the moment the doors open. So long as I don't see Gordon or the Tracy kids I should be home free!
The monorail car came to a stop and the door slid open for her. She took the elevator to the Villa, the smell of the fresh baked goods filling the compartment. A quick duck into the sickroom, then on upstairs if necessary.
There was no one in the sickroom, at least, no one Heather could see. Both of the beds were made up and unused. Onward and upward then.
Now this is a real mission impossible. Faint voices could be heard as she entered the hallway that would take her past the lower bedrooms, and to the lift and stairs to the upper level.
Running International Rescue as well as his own high tech business, Jeff must run to his master bedroom often for peace and quiet. I can sure relate to that. Maybe I'm just imaginin' things, but it just seems like Mother never stops. One phone call and all I can think about is how far away I kin git! Maybe when Jeff isn't busy, I'll ask him if he's got an island fo' sale.
Scott sat in his customary easy chair with a magazine called the Air and Space Aeronatics. He knew the the jet aircraft he'd designed, the X-Star III, would be featured in it. Heather had meticulously inspected and tested the military aircraft to a fault and had given it her own personal rating according to author.
I'll have to let Heather know about the article and tell her she's been mentioned in it. That would make her day. I know it did--mmmmmm! His thoughts were interrupted as a rich, sweet smell wafted into the lounge, growing stronger by the moment. Looking around, he became aware that someone was coming, but couldn't hear their footsteps.
"Hi, Scott," Heather greeted him, looking around carefully.
"Hey, Heather." Scott couldn't help noticing the basket that she carried. He got up from his seat and wandered over, magazine in hand. "Did you happen to see this issue of Air and Space Aeronautics? There's an article on the X-Star III. They even mention your name."
Shaking her head, Heather forgot the basket on her arm and glanced at the magazine eagerly. "No I haven't. May I borrow it after you're done? Or would Jeff mind if I hung around after I see Dianne? I'd love to read that. Look at that ancient B-52 on the cover. I can't get over how that thing could fly during World War Two. Just looking at it makes me wonder how they even got it off the ground."
"Oh, sure. No problem. You can look at it now, if you like." Scott peered at the basket, not quite daring to lift the lid. "Something smells great!" He glanced up at her and gave her a charming smile. "Been doing some baking?"
"Yes, I have. I came bearing gifts." Lifting the lid off the basket, she revealed the plate of cookies that held the first batch. "This is for everyone in the lounge--"
"That's great," he said. "What are they?"
"Chocolate chip cookies with a touch of rum," answered Heather with an innocent smile. I wonder if I dare consider him 'the wolf'? She almost chuckled at the thought.
"Sounds delicious!" Scott started to reach in and, remembering his manners, asked, "May I?"
"Certainly. Here ya go." She handed him a cookie. "By the way, is Dr. Dianne out of the sickroom yet? I thought I'd go see her and see how she's doing."
Scott took a cookie, reveling in the fact that it was still warm. He took a bite. "Mmmm. That is GOOD." He glanced at Heather again. "Mom? You want to know where Mom is? Well, she is out of the sickroom; Drew released her the other day, but I don't know where she is right now." He took another bite, thought a minute, then added, "Gordon might know. Let me ask him."
He walked over to the balcony doors, cookie still in hand, and went outside. Gordon was down at the pool, doing the daily balance testing, and Scott waved to him. "C'mere, Gords! Got a question for you!"
Dressed in his swim trunks, Gordon heard Scott's call and saw him holding something in one hand. Scott bit into whatever it was, waving his other hand.
"Just a second! I'll be up in a flash!" he yelled back.
Gordon entered the lounge where Heather caught his physique. I must say he looks better in swim trunks than a tux!
"Hey, what smells so good?" he asked. He peered at the plate. "Cookies? For me?"
"Answer the question and you get a cookie," Scott said, raising an eyebrow.
"What's the question? I know! The answer is: forty-two!"
Scott rolled his eyes. "The question is: do you know where Mom is right now? Heather would like to know."
"Oh, hey there, Heather!" Gordon said brightly. "Didn't notice you there. Did you happen to make these cookies?"
"Yes, I did. I was getting moody sitting around and decided to make like a mad scientist in the kitchen. So take one and tell me what you think." Heather sighed inwardly wondering how patient she'd have to be for the answer to her question. I'm really having to go all out to find out where the good doctor is. For Pete's sake guys, I didn't think it would be this hard to bait the question with cookies.
"Hm." Gordon took a cookie, and looked thoughtful as he bit into it. Then his eyes widened with delight. "Mmmmm!" He took another bite. "Ooh. This is so good!"
"Yeah, yeah, the cookies are great. But do you know where Mom is?" Scott asked.
His mouth occupied with cookie, Gordon shook his head. "Nmph." He put up a finger, finished chewing, then said, "Pardon me. No, I don't. But Alan might."
"Where's Alan?"
"He said something about needing some caffeine. Probably down in the kitchen, making coffee."
Scott went to the Villa intercom and called to the kitchen. "Hey, Alan! You down there?
"Yeah, Scott, I'm here." Alan poured a cup of coffee into his favorite mug. "Why? Do you need me for something?"
"Yeah. Wait right there." Scott came across the room and offered his arm to Heather. "Let's go down and ask Alan. I could use a cup of coffee right now."
"So could I," Gordon said, thinking of another cookie with the coffee.
Heather sighed inwardly. When I said it would be a 'mission impossible', I didn't think it would be this bad! Come on, guys! Somebody's got to know! Continuing her patient look with all the innocence she could muster, Heather admitted, "Boy I could sure use a cup right now."
"Well, then, let's go." Scott said, smiling and opening the door for her.
The trio traipsed downstairs, Scott being very careful with Heather so that none of the cookies fell off the plate. They met Alan, who was coming from the dining room, mug in hand. "Hey, what's going on?" he asked. His face brightened when he saw the plate. "Cookies? May I have one?"
"Hi, Alan!" Heather said. At Scott's baleful expression, she added, "Okay, Scott. It's nice to share." She turned back to Alan. "Now, do you know where Dr. Dianne is? I wanted to go see how she was doing," she asked with the patience of St. Theresa.
Munching on a cookie, Alan thought a moment. In mid-munch, he said, "I haven't seen her since lunch. Other than that--oh man these rate--other than that, I don't know. Maybe the squirts do. They're in the game room."
I'm going to scream! thought Heather.
"Okay. That's just over here... have you seen our game room yet, Heather?" Scott asked, guiding her to the door just down the hall.
The door slid open to reveal the well-stocked room... and two little boys intent on playing a game of foosball. Intent, that is, until Alex looked up and cried, "Cookies!" He abandoned the game and hurried over. "Can I have one? They smell so good!"
Tyler, not to be undone, came up behind his brother saying, "What about me? Can I have a cookie?"
"Yes, you can have a cookie, both of you, but first: do you know where Mom is?" Scott asked.
"I dunno," Alex replied, shaking his head.
Of all the men I've ever known, this bunch could strain even St. Peter! Heather mused.
"Me neither," Tyler said. "But maybe Cherie does. She and Virgil are in the theater. I'll go get her." He dashed off to the door at the far end of the room. There was a loud, offended shriek, then Cherie emerged, chasing Tyler. Virgil hurried after her, but both stopped as they saw the small group gathered around Heather.
"Hey, Sis," Scott said with a smile. He held up one of the treats. "Wanna cookie?"
"I suppose so," Cherie huffed ungraciously.
"Hey, I'll take one," Virgil said with a smile.
"Do either of you happen to know where Mom is?" Gordon asked.
"Not me," Virgil said as he took a cookie.
Scott felt Heather dropping her head on his shoulder. "This is getting--I can't think of a good word for it," she remarked.
Cherie sighed, an exasperated huff. "She's up in her suite, catching up on her ice skating recordings."
"Yes! Finally!" Heather replied. "Enjoy the cookies!" Good thing I made such a large batch. Grief! They watched as the redhead hurried up the stairs with basket swinging on one arm. Time I made a very hasty retreat!
"What was that all about?" Virgil asked as they all watched her rush out of the room.
Alan shrugged. "I dunno." They went back to eating the cookies.
Finding Dianne's suite, Heather touched the annunciator. "Dianne, this is Heather. May I come in?"
Dianne paused the program she was watching. "Heather?" she said to herself. "Just a minute!" she called, heaving herself to her feet and picking up her cane. She was determined to get as much exercise as possible, and hobbled over to the door to unlock and open it herself. "Heather! What a nice surprise!" she said with a smile. "Come in!"
Heather walked in with her basket, being mindful of Dianne's injuries. "You might want to lock that door again. I'll explain as soon as you sit down. I'm on a secret mission and it's imperative that no one knows why I'm here. It cost me a great deal of patience getting this far."
Dianne locked the door with an amused look on her face and hobbled back to her chair. Facing Heather with the air of a wise queen, she waved a hand at the seat opposite to where she sat. "Okay, I'll play along. What does this secret mission entail? Sounds interesting!" she asked, curious as to why Heather brought a basket within the confines of the room. A wonderful aroma came seeping out of the basket.
Heather replied, "I have gone through a great deal to bring you these." She opened the basket and the aroma came out full force.
"Ooh, what is that?" Dianne asked, her eyes wide as she peered into the basket. "It smells delicious!"
Heather pulled up the divider in the basket that revealed the the hidden space underneath. The prairie gal lifted out a full batch of cookies. "My own concoction. Chocolate chip cookies with a touch of rum. It draws mouths to the plate like bumble bees to Hibiscus flowers."
"Oooh." Dianne picked up one of the cookies, then looked down at the plate. "Are these all... for me?"
"Every last one of them. I got these in here by making two big batches. I hid your plate in the bottom of the basket and then put the second batch on top. That way, when the boys saw the cookies, I could sneak away, making sure you had the first plate entirely your own."
Dianne laughed. "And how many cookies did you have to give out before you got an answer?"
"Good jumping fireflies!" Heather answered with a deep sigh. "First I went to Scott. Scott called to Gordon. Gordon suggested Alan would know. Virgil was next, and he suggested the kids might know. No, wait. Not Virgil. Alan suggested the kids. Finally, Cherie gave me your location. I should have asked for a latitude/longitude reading!"
"Ah yes. Rule of thumb: always go to the girl first," Dianne said wisely. "Baked goods tend to cloud men's minds." She bit into the cookie. "Oh, that is sooo good." She sighed heavily with satisfaction. Cocking her head to one side, she asked, "Hey, are you into figure skating?"
"Oh yes, I am. When I was living in Virgina, I took lessons. Dad got me a pair of professional skates. Unfortunately, I grew out of them, and went on to other sports," Heather said. "I enjoy watching."
"Well then, why don't we enjoy these cookies and this recording of the European women's program together?"
"I'd love to, and thank you. You know, I haven't had any yet. I figured being a mother you didn't get too many cookies, because of the kids. That's why I made sure they were kept busy so I could bring these to you. They are all for you and you won't have to share. You'll have to swear Jeff to secrecy or there'll be trouble with a capital T and you won't get any rest."
"Thank you so much!" Dianne said with a grin. "You're right. I don't often get many whole plates of cookies all to myself. In fact," she dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "I'd be surprised if Jeff gets any of these at all!"
--Mission Impossible by AmandaTracy and Tikatu
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1580 is a reply to message #1579] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:55 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Tikatu Sent: 3/28/2007 9:35 PM
Sunday, August 19, 2068, 11:15 p.m., Tracy Island
It was late that evening when Kat received an answer from John.
Hello, Kat,
Just wanted to let you know I got your email. Are you okay? It sounds like all of this came on pretty suddenly.
Your brother and his fiancée must be going crazy trying to get everything in order for the wedding. An event like that takes a lot of time and effort; I know, we went through it with Dad's second wedding. I'm sure Melanie can count on you to give her a hand in making things work. It's nice of them to make the sacrifice so her brother can be there before he's deployed to who knows where.
I went to the 'Net to try and find the case where you'd be testifying. I didn't remember you mentioning his name, or what the assault was, but the closest case I could find in the media for your area was a rape involving a mechanic named Ernie Grover. Is he the guy who harassed you? Seems like a nasty piece of work from what I was able to glean. If your testimony will put this creep away, then more power to you, Kat. And if you have the opportunity to press charges against him yourself, go for it.
It's too bad that this all has come about just now, but I'll be home for an entire two months. We'll have plenty of time to talk and stargaze and what have you... rescues permitting, of course. Take care and keep me updated on the situation as you have time.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon,
John
Kat sighed, smiled slightly, and printed out the letter. She tucked it into her handbag, and looked around her apartment. Everything was neat; the crockery was washed and put away, and she'd done a final load of washing that afternoon. She had spent some time with her friends earlier that evening, saying her goodbyes. Her bags were packed, and she'd been invited to have breakfast with the family before she left.
She glanced at the clock. Breakfast is to be very early as Lady Penelope wishes to get an early start on our flight, and it is late. I shall write John again when I arrive home.
With that thought, she had a warm, milky drink, washed out the cup, then brushed her teeth, and put on her night clothes. She glanced over the email on the screen one more time before shutting down the computer. Then with a melancholy feeling, she climbed into bed. She lay there for a little while, listening to the wind as it came off the sea, and slowly it lulled her into a deep, dreamless sleep.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1581 is a reply to message #1580] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:58 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: Hobbeth Sent: 3/28/2007 10:14 PM
Monday, August 20, 8:00 AM; Tracy Island
Kat signaled the elevator, then went to where she'd left her bags. She swung her carry-on over her shoulder and picked up her suitcase as a chime let her know the elevator had arrived. She headed to the door and, just after opening it, looked back into her apartment to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Then she headed to the ground floor, and to the area where FAB-4 waited.
She'd said her good-byes to Heather, Callie and Dom the night before. When she expressed her uncertainty at being able to testify, Callie unexpectedly spoke up.
"Don't worry, Kat. You can do it. All you have to do is tell them exactly what happened."
"What if I have to do it with him in the room?"
"Don't look at him. Look at the lawyer instead," Heather had replied. "He can't hurt you now, remember."
"Kat go bye-bye?" She looked down to see Josh standing next to his father, looking up at her with sad eyes. She squatted in front of him.
"Yes, I'm going bye-bye for a while. But I'll bring you back a present when I return. Okay?"
"Kat bring present?" Joshua looked up at his father.
"Yes, Jak. Kat c'n bring you a present." Dom turned to her and said, "Don't make it anythin' fancy, okay? Just a little something. And have a good time, too."
"I will." She hugged Joshua, saying, "You be a good boy while I'm gone." Then she stood up and hugged each of the others.
When she arrived at the plane, she found all four of the older Tracy brothers helping Kyrano and Parker loading Lady Penelope's bags into the jet. Brains, Tin-Tin, Dianne and Jeff were chatting with Penny; Elise and Nikki were talking to a man Kat had never seen before.
"Here, Kat. Let me take those." She looked over to see Virgil coming toward her. She handed him her suitcase and slipped the other bag off her shoulder. He took it as well, and headed back to the jet.
"Kat?" Elise walked over to her, followed by the man. "I want to introduce you to Luke Morel. He'll be flying with you as far as L.A. Luke, this is Kat Williamson, our mechanic."
"A pleasure, Miss Williamson."
"Call me Kat, please," she replied, while thinking, What am I going to say to him on the flight to the States? I don't know a thing about him. I hope Lady Penelope will be able to find something we can all talk about.
"Of course, Kat. And I'm Luke." He smiled and turned to see if he could help with the loading.
Kat chatted with Nikki and Elise for a few more minutes, then noticed the brothers and butler/pilot heading toward them.
"H'everything's h'aboard, Milady," Parker said. "We can leave when-h'ever you're ready."
"Thank you, Parker." Penny hugged Dianne and Jeff, then turned to Tin-Tin. "I hope you can get time to join me when François comes out with his newest collection."
"I do, too, but if I can't come, I'll depend on you to tell me all about it," the young Malaysian replied with a smile. They embraced, then Penny turned to Kyrano.
"I have high expectations when I visit, and you always exceed them. The cuisine was excellent, as usual. Thank you for pampering me so beautifully."
"It is always a pleasure." Kyrano bowed slightly, then stood aside to allow her to go to her jet.
As Kat said her good-byes to Elise and Nikki, Brains and Tin-Tin joined them. Kat turned to her immediate superior and said, "I hope things don't get too hectic around here whilst I'm gone. Although I know you can handle it, I also know how busy you already are."
"Don't worry about that, Kat. Just take care of your business in England." He grinned. "I'll try to have plenty for you to do when you return. But you're only going to be gone for two weeks, so I don't know what I'll come up with."
She laughed. Then she heard Lady Penelope calling her to board the jet, so they could leave. Giving Tin-Tin a quick hug, she waved to Jeff, Dianne and Kyrano. "Good-bye, all. I'll be back as soon as I can. And I'll miss you in the meantime."
Followed by Luke, she climbed aboard the jet, hearing choruses of, "Good-bye, Kat", "Have fun at the wedding", "If you catch the bouquet, we'll want to see it", and "Take care of yourself". Then she went to the seat indicated by Lady Penelope and belted herself in.
Parker taxied the plane to the runway, and a few minutes later they were airborne.
My IR:TNP OTP!
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| Re: Winds of Change [message #1582 is a reply to message #1581] |
Fri, 27 July 2012 14:59 |
Tikatu
Messages: 813
Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
Karma: 0
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one |
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 3/29/2007 8:33 PM
Tracy Island, Monday, August 20th, 8:30 AM
Jeff watched until Penny's jet cleared the runway and was airborne before glancing down at his watch. A little over an hour until we leave for New Zealand. Just enough time for a quick meeting. He turned back to his desk and punched a few buttons on the phone, "Boys, Dianne, can I see you in my office, please?"
A few minutes later, they were all gathered. Dianne was seated comfortably on the couch, her leg propped up on a pillow. Gordon sat next her, and Alan had grabbed the recliner. Virgil and Scott sat in the office chairs. Jeff finished up on his computer then turned to face them. "So, Luke Morel, first impressions."
Alan spoke up first. "Cautious. You should have seen him in L.A. He wasn't getting on the plane until he knew where we were going."
Virgil chuckled. "Got a taste of that myself, Al."
"There's nothing wrong with a little caution." Jeff looked pointedly over at Gordon. Gordon merely grinned.
"I liked him," Scott spoke up. "He'd be a hell of an asset to the team. Not often we get someone that well-trained. I'll bet he could even teach us a thing or two."
Virgil frowned. "I didn't like the whole insubordination issue. What if he balks during a rescue? Can we afford someone like that?"
Jeff shook his head. "I don't think that will be a problem. I think it was merely a conflict of personalities between Luke and his superior."
Virgil nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, maybe." Then he looked up. "What did he want to ask you anyway?"
"Nothing of any concern. Dianne, what about you?"
"My first impression is that yes, he's cautious. He's not going to jump in head first to something without knowing all the details. He's very quiet, not as boisterous as some we have around here." She winked over at Gordon.
"Hey! Starting to feel picked on here!" Gordon protested.
"If the shoe fits...," Scott drawled.
"Boys," Jeff said warningly. "Does anyone have anything else to add?"
"What did he think when you showed him Thunderbird Two?" Gordon asked.
"Surprise mostly." Virgil's eyebrows furrowed. "He called her a 'thing'."
Scott snickered. "Sounds like he has good taste." They all burst out laughing. All but Virgil.
"All right, dismissed. Gordon, you're still coming with us?" Jeff asked.
Gordon nodded. "Just have to go prep the plane."
"Get to it then. I want to leave within the hour." Gordon nodded again and he and his brothers left the room. Jeff walked over and sat down on the couch next to Dianne. "Are you all ready?"
She leaned into his arms and turned her face up for a kiss. "As ready as I can be." She pressed her lips to his again.
Jeff pulled back a few minutes later, his eyes dark with emotion. "Patience, love. Soon, I promise." He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her, resting her head on his shoulder. "Soon."
My IR:TNP OTP!
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