International Rescue: The Next Phase


Home » The Archives » Chapter 6 » Celebrations and Challenges
Celebrations and Challenges [message #1410] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:13 Go to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
The extended Tracy family and the new recruits have dealt with the tsunami's physical aftermath, and resumed their normal (or what passes for normal) routine. Training is becoming more in-depth, and the old guard is handing more responsibility over to the newcomers as they continue to integrate as a team. It is autumn in this part of the world, but spring in the homelands of all the residents, and with that change of season comes a yearning for renewal and refreshment. The island's inhabitants have also entered a time of celebration, and the new recruits will face their first test as a team apart from the veterans of International Rescue.

From: Tikatu Sent: 7/22/2005 9:15 AM


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1413 is a reply to message #1410] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday, April 21, 2068, 2 p.m., Tracy Island.

"Ready to go, Brandon?" Jeff asked as he climbed into the cockpit of JT-1.

"Yes, sir!" Brandon replied with a grin. "I've been looking forward to this all month!"

Jeff grinned back. He was flying out to Los Angeles, heading for his conversation with his wife's uncle, Andrew Carmichael, about becoming an agent for International Rescue. Brandon, whose birthday they had celebrated at lunch, was headed home for a week's break with his family. Since they were both going to the west coast of the US, it was decided that they would fly together, essentially killing two birds with one stone. The plan was for Jeff to fly to LAX, and for Brandon to catch a quick commercial flight to San Diego from there.

"We'll be arriving around ten p.m. Pacific time," Jeff said as he checked out the controls of his jet. "I think the last flight to San Diego leaves at eleven, so you should have plenty of time."

"Sounds good to me, Mr. Tracy," Brandon said as he fastened his safety straps. "I can hardly wait to get home!"

"I'm sorry you have to take a commercial flight to Christchurch on the way back, Brandon. But we don't have anyone scheduled to fly back from the States at that point."

"It's okay, Mr. Tracy. I can't expect to be ferried around like this all the time."

Jeff smiled, and took his plane out of the hangar. "JT-1 to Control. Requesting clearance for take off."

"Clearance granted, JT-1. Have a good flight," Scott's voice rang out over the radio.

"Roger that," Jeff replied. And with that he taxied down the runway and took his blue jet up into equally blue sky of the April afternoon.

From Tikatu, July 22, 2005



Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1414 is a reply to message #1413] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island, April 22nd -- 3.30 p.m.

Kat was resting on her balcony; things had slowly gotten back to normal. She was just debating whether to join her friends in the games room, or write to her father when her door chimed. Kat wandered to the door and opened it. Standing there was John. Kat looked surprised. "Why John, how nice to see you! Please, do come in."

As he entered, John explained, "The day before we got the call for the tsunami, Gordon told me that you had had some rather bad news regarding your mother. We've been busy, but I thought I should come to see if you are okay, and also to ask how you Mom is."

"Mum is feeling better, thank you, she is home now and being spoilt rotten by Dad. In fact, I was just thinking of emailing him. Thank you so much for asking. Would you care to join me in a drink?"

John nodded, and while she was gone, he began looking at some of the books on the small table. Picking them up, he browsed through them.

"They're my favourites," Kat said as she handed him a glass of juice.

"I have to say I don't know these authors," John murmured.

"They are whodunits, sort of medieval Miss Marple," Kat explained. "You can borrow them, if you like."

John thanked her. "I will if I ever find the time," he said. He took a sip of the juice, then asked, "So, you really had no idea just how ill your Mom was?"

Kat shook her head. "No, I think that Mum kept quiet, because it was around that time that I was having an interview for this job. I suspect that she knew that I really wanted this, so didn't want to make me turn it down. But now she is on the way to a complete recovery. I would like to visit her, but at the moment, Dad has said that there is really nothing I can do. I may ask permission to visit her on my birthday later this month."

"I'm sure that'll be fine," John replied.

"That would be wonderful! If so, I may plan my visit as a surprise for her."

Looking at her, John asked, "So tell me; what made you decide on a career as a mechanic? Is your father a mechanic?"

Kat laughed, "No, actually my dad is a college lecturer in the building department. Carpentry and Joinery is his subject. When I told my mum and dad I was going to be a mechanic, my mother nearly had a fit. Of course, she blamed it on my dad. I can still hear her now, shouting at him that it was his fault. But I suppose in a way she was right. I used to spend hours watching him tinkering with old cars. I just loved to help, loved the hands on approach. Mum used to tell her friends that she was sure it was just a phase I was going through, but when I enrolled for college, she had to give in to the idea of a daughter permanently in oily overalls, smelling of petrol and oil."

John laughed. "Hard on your Mom. What career did she think you should have had?"

"Oh, you know. Secretary, Florist, Hairdresser, girly things really. Anything but a messy, dirty mechanic."

John chuckled and Kat smiled.

"Now it's your turn. If your dad hadn't started International Rescue, what would you have liked to have done with your life?"

John looked thoughtful. "Mm, that's a good question. I probably would have concentrated on astronomical research, or maybe have stayed with the NASA or gone to the WSA."

They chatted in general about her work with Lady Penelope. Kat explained how thrilled she was to have been offered a job with International Rescue, but how guilty she had felt leaving Lady Penelope. "After all," she explained. "I had been working for her for four years, and we had a mutual respect for each other. Sometimes it was more than an employer/employee relationship; it was a friendship that formed over those four years."

John looked at his watch. "I really must go and leave you so that you can email your dad."

Kat smiled. "You're welcome any time, John. I enjoyed the chat; it was better than just sitting on my own. And thank you again for enquiring about my Mum."

John picked up the books and headed for the door, followed by Kat. "See you later," he said as he left the apartment.

"Bye, John. Thanks for visiting," Kat replied, as she closed the door.

From Tawnyangel22 July 23, 2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1415 is a reply to message #1414] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Sunday, April 22, 2068; 12:30 AM; Silver Spring, Maryland (4:30 PM on Tracy Island)

Lena shut down her computer with a tired sigh. She'd checked her itinerary for her first visit as I&M coordinator to another branch -- Houston, Texas this time -- and made her choices for the next visits over the next few months. She looked at the clock.

It's Easter already. Well, I'd better get some sleep if I'm going to church wit my family. I'm looking forward to hearing Kevin and Naomi sing in de choir. Den it will be on to Mattew's house for dinner and a nice family celebration.

She did her usual electrical check and walked out of the room. She double-checked the security system and made her way to her room. Twenty minutes later she was in bed, and twenty one minutes later she was sound asleep.

From Hobbeth July 23, 2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1416 is a reply to message #1415] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island. Sunday, April 22nd, 6:00p.m.

SLAM!

"Do that any harder and the door will fall off completely."

Elise turned to look over her left shoulder as she made sure the door was indeed, shut. "Hi, Callie. You got laundry there too?" she asked, indicating towards the basket Callie was holding.

"Yep, just a small load, but I figured I might as well get it done as you never know when things'll change around here!"

Elise smiled as she went back to folding her towels.

"I must say, it's nice to have our apartments on the ground floor, not so far to walk to the laundry!" said Callie as she started to shove her clothes into the washer.

"Yes, it is." replied Elise.

The girls continued to idly chat while separating loads and folding clean ones. Once the last loads were in the washer and dryer respectively, Callie asked Elise to join her just outside on the patio. Elise grabbed some bottled drinks from her apartment and the two of them sat out on the chairs on the patio while their laundry tumbled and hummed inside.

"Can I ask you something personal?" inquired Callie.

"Sure, what?"

"How are you doing after that little run in with the wave in the boat pen?"

Elise looked at her friend. "Honestly?"

"Yes, honestly."

"I was scared to death when it happened. I thought I was drowning and it was all over. I felt like fate had finally caught up with me."

"I can imagine. Thank goodness Mr. Tracy was there to rescue you."

Elise chuckled a little. "Yeah, who would've thought he'd be rescuing me, just months after the helijet crash. I wonder what his boys thought of their 'old man' still being capable of rescuing people!"

This time Callie joined in the chuckling. "Seriously, Elise, I'm glad he was there to pull you out. And, I might add, I'm glad that you seem to be on the right track."

"Yes Callie, I am. Thanks to Dr. Tracy and some serious therapy with her, I'm getting back to my old self. It felt good to get back up in the air the other day; flying is what I do. I wonder what Virgil will think when I start taking his 'baby' for a spin? I've heard he's very, very protective of her!"

Callie rolled her eyes and laughed. "Let me know when the tickets go on sale for that show! I want a front row seat!"

Elise smiled. "I don't know if it'll be that much of a showdown, but hey, I can handle Scott so his brother shouldn't be too much trouble. I've spent some time training with Virgil and he seems harmless enough. Anyway, how about you? When do you get to flit around space again? That's got to be a trip in itself!"

Callie sighed contentedly. "Yes being up in that space station is certainly something to experience. All that technology was overwhelming when I first went up there, but John was patience itself, thank goodness. For every hot-tempered fibre that I've heard Scott has in his body, I swear John must have double that in patience!"

The two continued talking, and laughing and enjoying a pleasant evening until the resounding buzz of a dryer brought them back to the task at hand. They both sighed and stood, stretching their arms.

"Oh well, back to grind, I suppose," Callie remarked as she and Elise went in to finish the laundry.

From FrankieCTB2 July 23, 2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1417 is a reply to message #1416] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Sunday, March 22, 2068, 1:45 p.m., local time, Los Angeles, CA

Jeff sighed as he got out of his sports car and surveyed the sprawling hacienda that Dr. Andrew Carmichael called home. He knew he was expected; Maggie Carmichael had insisted he come for Easter dinner, and to get onto the premises through the ornate grille they called a gate, he had to announce himself. ~I just hope I haven't damaged this friendship by holding onto the secret of IR for so long, he thought. ~I trust Andy to keep quiet about what Dianne told him, but will he want to become an agent? I should have brought her along, but Tyler wasn't feeling well after coming back from Bongo-Bongo and she wanted to stay home with him. Poor kid; I guess lamb didn't agree with him.

The door opened before he could knock and a smiling Maggie Carmichael greeted him with, "Jeff! How good to see you! I'm so glad you could come!" She embraced him, then looked beyond him for anyone else he might have brought. "Where's Dianne?"

"At home, Maggie. Tyler's not feeling well."

"Ah, of course. Doctor Mom strikes again!" she exclaimed. "Come in, come in! Drew's in his study. Drew! Jeff is here!"

Andrew Carmichael came out of his study. Jeff could tell by the stiffness of his greeting that he wasn't best pleased to see his old friend and nephew-in-law. "Where's Dianne?" he asked, as he shook Jeff's hand, trying to seem normal. Jeff explained again where Dianne was and why, and Andrew nodded. "I'm sure she can take care of it."

Jeff was greeted by Regina, Andrew's youngest daughter, and her husband, Philip. The obviously pregnant woman was trying hard to keep their other three children in check as they raced around. The youngest looked up at the newcomer with wide blue eyes, then put up his hands with grasping fingers, signaling that he wanted the stranger to pick him up. Jeff glanced over at Regina for permission; she chuckled and nodded, and Jeff crouched down to lift the child into his arms.

"So this is what it feels like to be a grandfather," he said jokingly, as the tot squeezed his nose with wet fingers. "I'll have to get my sons working on making me one soon."

"How's the foot?" Andrew asked off-handedly, as they walked towards the dining room.

"Good, very good. I'm just doing a little bit of therapy each day to keep things limber," Jeff replied. He blew raspberries at the toddler, who squealed with delight.

Andrew ushered Jeff and his passenger into the dining room, where Regina took the tot from Jeff and sat him in a high chair. The Carmichael's older daughter, Grace, was putting the finishing touches on the table, and greeted him with a smile. "Uncle Jeff! It's been a long time!" She came around to kiss him on the cheek. "I think you remember my husband, Austin." The two men shook hands and muttered some pleasantries, then everyone sat down at the table to enjoy their Easter feast.

An hour and a half later, Jeff was more than sated, and anxious to deal with the real reason for his visit. Regina was busy putting her children down for naps, and Grace's children, who were older, repaired to the game room to play. The two sons-in-law did the same, but to watch sports on the television. The maid was cleaning up the dinner table, and Andrew steered Jeff to his study so that they could talk.

"I think Maggie should also hear what I have to say," Jeff said quietly.

"Oh? You trust her? I'm surprised," Andrew replied, a touch of bitterness in his voice.

"I'll deal with that as we talk. But I have a... proposal to make, and I think she should hear it, too."

"All right." Andrew left, and came back a few minutes later with Maggie. She smiled at both men, and when she got a tiny smile from Jeff and no smile at all from her husband, she frowned.

"All right, what's going on with you two? I've never seen you quite so... cold to Jeff before, Drew. And Jeff, you've been acting like you've got some important business and that dinner was something to endure, not enjoy."

Jeff sighed. "Was I that obvious?"

"To me, yes. To anyone else, probably not." She sat down in one of the smooth leather chairs and crossed her legs. "Now, what is it?"

Jeff sat down next to her, and Andrew sat down behind his desk, folding his hands and putting them on the surface. "Should I start?" he asked, "Or do you want to tell the whole tale?"

"Go ahead and tell your part, Andy," Jeff said. "I've heard it from Dianne, but I'd like your point-of-view, too."

"All right." Andrew proceeded to tell Maggie all about his encounter with the CMO of International Rescue while he was working with Doctors Without Borders in Samoa. When he got to the part where Dianne had turned around, Maggie gasped, and for the rest of the story, her wide eyes were on Jeff.

As Andrew finished, she asked, "Is this true, Jeff? Is your family really... International Rescue?"

Jeff nodded. "Yes, Maggie. We are." He gazed at Andrew. "You have every right to be angry with me for not trusting you enough with the secret. You've been a good friend, and a person I have trusted over the years. But... it has been difficult to open up about this, even to my closest friends. There have been... there are people out there who would stop at nothing to get even the slightest hint of who we are and where we're based, who would kill to get their hands on our technology, or even to... to destroy us as a family and as an organization for revenge's sake. That's why I've been very, very selective about who I tell, and when."

He blew out a breath. "Dianne forced my hand in your case, Andy, Maggie. It's her opinion that we need you on our side, on our team, in case... in case she herself is injured or we have need of medical facilities beyond what is in our infirmary at the island. I was angry at first that she had revealed us to you, Andy, but now that I know her reasons, I have to agree with her. Above and beyond that, you are family, and have proven yourself to be trustworthy for a long time. That's why I'm asking both of you now to join our organization as what we call agents." He held up his hands. "I don't know what else to say. You both look like you have questions, so go ahead and ask."

There was a moment of silence, then Andrew asked, "Did you marry Dianne to keep this secret of yours 'in the family'?"

Maggie exclaimed in shock, "Andrew!" while Jeff shook his head emphatically.

"No, Andy. I married her because I love her. Plain and simple."

"When you asked me for doctors, were you looking to recruit new members of... your group?"

Jeff shook his head again. "No, I wasn't. I was looking for exactly what I asked for, someone to take the medical end of things from Brains. Someone who could be discreet and who we wouldn't have to lie to if one or the other of the boys needed surgery. Someone we could take into our confidence on medical issues, both for the family, and for the boys as they worked on the field. I'll admit, I had toyed with the idea of adding a medical component, of having someone with more than just EMT or first aid training out there, but Dianne was the one who insisted I follow up on the idea. At first, she worked in our cargo carrier, which has a small sickbay. But then... then I built Thunderbird Seven for her so she would have better facilities to work in and with."

He swallowed and sighed. "If you must know, it was Dianne going out as International Rescue that saved my own life and that of my pilot when my helijet crashed in New Hampshire. If she had not been available, or she didn't have those facilities, I most likely would have died." He met Andrew's stormy gaze and said, "Let me ask you a question. If you had known then what you know now, would you have recommended Dianne to me?"

Andrew glared at him for a moment, then his expression changed and he sat back, his shoulders slumping. "Probably not." He sighed. "I guess I can understand something of why you kept this from us. But why are you here now? And why tell Maggie, too?"

"And what did you mean by the term 'agents'?" Maggie asked.

Jeff sat up straighter. "We have, throughout the world, a network of people who assist us in many different ways. Most of them gather intelligence for us. Some of them help with delivering communications and arranging for security when we're in their area. A very few actually undertake covert missions for us, doing things that we can't do for fear of exposure. We call them agents. I would like to extend to both of you the opportunity to help us out in this way. Your duties would be flexible, but mainly would be medical in nature. And I'm including you, Maggie, in this invitation because I believe that spouses have a right to know what's going on and the opportunity to participate if they want to."

There was a silence between the three again, then Maggie asked, "What would we need to be of help to you? Because I, for one, want in!"

Jeff chuckled, but Andrew didn't. His wife glanced over at him and said, "You're not going to let a little thing like hurt pride get in the way here, are you, Drew? Jeff has apologized for not telling us before, and truthfully, I'm glad he didn't. Now he and Dianne need us, and I want to help. But you're the one they really need, not an old gossip like me." She turned back to Jeff. "Does Lisa know about this?"

Jeff sighed again, but he smiled and nodded. "Yes, she does. Dianne was the one who didn't want to tell her; she knows her mother very well. Turns out that Lisa had figured it out for herself and kept it a secret, trying to prove to Dianne that she could keep a secret. We were quite surprised when we discovered that she knew." He paused, then said, "But Dianne's brothers don't know. There might come a time when they would have to know, but as Dianne said to me the other day, that time isn't now." He sat back and plunked one ankle on the knee of the opposite leg. "Lisa's been a big help, especially when she's come out to the Island to bolster our support team. Of course, the fact that she and Kyrano are an item doesn't hurt either."

"Of course not," Maggie said with a twinkle in her eye. "And it does explain why she's out at the island so often." Her face took on a more serious expression. "Perhaps that's a way I could help, too. And, if you ever needed a place for the kids to stay..."

"That's a great idea, Maggie, and a wonderful offer. Flying out to Greenville is quite a distance. Having a second place for the kids would be wonderful." He paused again, then added, "Well, a third place if you count the kids' other grandparents. We do try to let the kids visit every so often. But they don't know either, and won't." He turned to his friend. "What about it, Andy? Can we count on you? Can Dianne count on you?"

Andrew let out a long, quiet breath, then nodded. "Yes. You and Dianne can count on me. I can understand why you kept this from me."

"It really wasn't anything personal, Andy," Jeff assured him. "I have a lot of other friends that I've known for years that have no idea about the... ahem... 'family business'." He sat forward, and Maggie sat forward, too, her eyes eager and shining. "Now, let me tell you what happens next...." he began.

From Tikatu July 26, 2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1418 is a reply to message #1417] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
April 22, 8:45pm, McCain Residence, San Diego

Brandon stood in the backyard smiling happily, looking at the clear night sky. He had just finished celebrating his thirty-first birthday with his family and the feeling he had was a good one. He was deep in thought when his sister, Shannon, came up and stood beside him.

"Hey, big Brother, that was a nice party."

"Yes, it was," he replied, his thoughts miles away.

"So, do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

The question caught him off guard and he looked at his sister with curiosity. "I hadn't planned anything special. What did you have in mind, Sis?"

"Well, I was thinking of..."

************************************************************ **************************************************

The Next Day

"Whoa, the view up here is GREAT!" Brandon shouted into his radio to be heard above the wind. He was currently 60 feet above the water, strapped into a parasail harness, looking down at the crystal blue water of the Pacific reflecting the sunlight like a diamond.

"I thought you'd like it," Shannon remarked from her position behind the boat's steering wheel.

"You bet I do!" he shouted in exhilaration. He grinned broadly as his sister slowed the boat, causing the parachute to drop towards the water, only to be pulled back up as she increased the boat's speed. This went on all day, the siblings taking turns going up, both enjoying each other's company.

Next on his 'to do list' was get in contact with his good friend Aaron Bradshaw. When Brandon arrived home from parasailing, he called his friend, wanting to make plans to get together before he left. Unfortunately, Aaron was not at home and his roommate informed Brandon that he wouldn't be back until Sunday.

Too bad. I was really looking forward to seeing him. Oh well, there's always next time.

It was a totally exhausted Brandon that slipped between the sheets. He reached up, putting his hand behind his head, thinking about how his vacation had been so far and sighed happily. He then pulled the covers over his head, going to sleep, and dreaming pleasant dreams.

From MagicMaster8 7/26/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1419 is a reply to message #1418] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tuesday, April 24, 2068, 9 a.m., Tracy Island

"How was he, Nikki?" Dianne asked as she came into the sick room.

Nikki adjusted the I.V. as Dianne ran a scanner over the sleeping form. "He seemed to have a good night at first, but I think he had some nightmares. He didn't quite wake up, though. He's gone through a unit of glucose solution and his output has been consistent with that." She shook her head. "I tried him with a bit of lemon-lime soda, but he just couldn't keep it down."

Dianne sighed. "I think I know what's going on; it's just getting him to open up about it that's the hard part. I don't think he knows why this is happening." She turned to the nurse. "Thanks, Nikki. You've done a great job. Better get some sleep."

"All right, Dr. Tracy. I'll be back tonight." Nikki softly closed the door behind her and sighed. ~This is a tough job right now. I hope Dr. Tracy can get him to feeling better. It's always hard to see the little ones suffer.

Dianne logged herself in as physician/medic on duty and looked over the readings she had gotten. "He's lost some more weight, weight he couldn't afford to lose," she murmured to herself. "I wish it hadn't come to this. It seemed so minor when he first got back from Bongo-Bongo. But it's progressively gotten worse." She left the confines of the office and walked over to the bed, reaching out to stroke back the stiff brick red hair. Tyler stirred beneath her hand and opened his brown eyes.

"Hey, Spud," she said softly. "How are you doing this morning?"

He shrugged, his skinny shoulders lifting and falling. "It's morning?"

"Yes, Ty. It's morning," Dianne replied. "Ms. Nikki told me you had some nightmares."

He shrugged again. "I dunno. I don't remember any." He glanced with distaste at the needle in his hand. "When can I get out of here?"

"When you can eat solid food and keep it down, hon. You know that," Dianne reminded him gently.

"Mom, how come I'm so sick? I want to eat, but I keep throwing up," he asked, voice a tremulous whine.

At that moment, the door opened, and Jeff strode in. He smiled at his son, and the boy reached for him with a happy, "Dad!" He took the skinny body in his arms for a firm hug. Tyler seemed to not want to let go, so Jeff kept one arm around him while he reached out for Dianne and cupped her face briefly with his hand.

"When did you get back?" Tyler asked, still clinging to his adoptive father.

"In the wee hours of the morning, Ty. Your mom wanted me to sleep, and she wanted you to sleep before I came to see you," Jeff explained. "Now what's this I hear about you still not eating?"

"I try to eat, Dad, really I do. But I always throw it all up again," Tyler explained tearfully. "Now I have to have an IV..."

"I see that, Ty. They're not fun, are they?" Jeff asked. He raised the head of the bed and got the boy to scoot over towards Dianne, then put down the bed rails on his side and sat up on the mattress, his arm around Tyler's shoulders. "Now, your mom said she was going to tell me what she thought was wrong with you. What's the diagnosis, Dr. Mom?"

Dianne smiled at the little joke, then put down the lower rails on her side of the bed so she could perch at Tyler's feet. "Well, I've done a lot of testing on our Tyler here. All kinds of tests, everything I could think of, and none of it showed me what was wrong. No intestinal bugs, no nasty viruses, no terrible diseases, nothing like that. So, the only thing I could think of this possibly being is... stress."

"What makes you say that, Dr. Mom?" Jeff asked, squeezing his son to him.

"Well, for one thing, I've actually seen this before. Alex had it back in the days after Rick's death, back when people were blaming Rick for the bombing and I was... going to pieces. It took a while, but eventually he was able to realize that our family was still intact and that I was getting better. He learned some ways of dealing with stress, and I learned some ways to help him."

She reached out to stroke Tyler's skinny leg. "Now, our Mr. Tyler here has had a lot of stress over the past few months. His daddy nearly died in a helijet crash, there have been new people come to our island to live, and then a big wave threatened to wash us all away and he was shipped off to keep him safe without his mom or his dad to comfort him. That's a lot of stress for a nine-year-old to handle, don't you think?"

"Yes, I do," Jeff said quietly. He turned to Tyler. "What do you think of Dr. Mom's diagnosis?"

Tyler looked down at his hands, his tanned fingers twisting around each other. "I guess it might be right." He got quiet for a long moment as his parents waited to see what else he might say. Suddenly, he looked up at Jeff with big tears in his eyes, and nearly flung himself into his father's arms. "I was scared! I saw the pictures of the tsunami and what it did to other places and I was so scared that you might die and Cherie might die and Gordon might die! Alex told me I was being silly, and Grandma said I needed to be brave, but... I couldn't be! They told me you would be okay, but I didn't know until we got home... then there was all the junk in the boat pen and the smashed catamaran and... and... I heard you had to save Miss Collins and.... I was scared! So scared!"

Jeff held him and rocked him while Dianne smoothed the top of his foot. Tyler rested in his father's arms for a bit, then turned and flung himself at his mother, who enfolded him in her arms and rocked him some more, rubbing his back as she did. Jeff sat up and moved forward so he could encircle them both. She murmured, "It's okay, Ty. It's okay. It's okay to be scared."

She drew back for a moment and planted a kiss on his forehead. "I'm sorry that you felt you had to be brave, sweetie. And Alex should not have said you were being silly. Though if I know him, it was to cover up the fact that he was scared, too."

She stroked his hair again. "You know, whenever I wasn't really busy keeping track of patients and all, I was pretty scared, too. Scared for your Daddy and Cherie and Gordon. Scared and worried, worried for you and Alex and Grandma, too. And it was all right for me to be this way because it's natural. It shows how much we love each other."

Tyler looked from one parent to another and asked suddenly. "What would happen to me if you died? If you both died?"

Jeff glanced over at Dianne, then put a hand on his son's head, and sighed. "If we both died, Scott would become guardian to you and Alex and Cherie, depending on how old you were. If Scott was unable to be guardian, then Virgil would be, and then John, and then Gordon, and then Alan. If all of us died, then you'd go to either Lady Penelope or your Uncle Jared, depending on who was better able to take care of you."

"I hope that never comes," Tyler said, nestling in his mother's arms.

"Me, too, Ty. Me, too," Jeff replied fervently.

"Now, young man," Dianne said, giving Tyler a squeeze. "There are some things we're going to have to do over the next few days to help you deal with the stress and fear you've been feeling. For one thing, I'm going to make sure you get enough good sleep. That means some medicine to help you sleep and get the rest your body needs. Then we need to talk about the things that scare you, and not only what scares you about your Daddy and I, but what scares you about the rest of the family. We live a very scary life, Tyler, and we all need to know how to deal with it every day. I'm going to teach you some things that will help you relax your body so it's not so tense. And hopefully soon, you'll feel like you can keep your food down so you can get out of here!"

"Okay, Mom," Tyler said with a sigh.

Jeff reached out and ruffled his son's hair. "How about we try a little ginger ale right now? Would that be okay?" He glanced at Dianne, who nodded her head slowly.

"I think we could try it, if Tyler feels up to it," she said. "What do you think, Tyler?"

"Maybe later," the boy said. "I'm kinda sleepy right now. Can I go back to bed?"

"Sure, Spud. You can. We'll have something a little later." Jeff climbed off the bed and let Tyler lie back on the mattress. Dianne lowered the head of the bed back down and both parents put up the side rails. Jeff kissed Tyler on the forehead and Dianne bussed him on the cheek Then she lowered the lights in the sick room and, after giving Jeff as kiss of his own, went into her office. Jeff left, glancing back at the boy, who had turned onto his side, away from the door. He shook his head sadly. ~There are times when I forget that my dream comes with a cost. I just wish that my little ones didn't have to pay for it.

From Tikatu 7/27/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1420 is a reply to message #1419] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island -- Wednesday April 25th - 9.15 am.

Scott waited in Thunderbird One's hangar, impatiently tapping his foot, and looking at his watch: 9.15 a.m.. ~Where on earth is she? I specifically told her 8.30 a.m. There is a lot to show her.

Brains arrived, obviously looking around for her. "Isn't she here yet?

"No, she isn't," Scott snapped back.

"It's not like Kat to be late; she is usually very punctual." Brains tried to calm Scott.

Just then the sound of running footsteps was heard, and Kat appeared, very much out of breath.

"Kat, you're late," Scott said.

"Scott, I am so sorry! I overslept! You see, we were all up late last night chatting and...."

Actually, only part of her excuse was true. They had stayed up late chatting, but for the first time since she had been on the island, she felt nervous. She was suddenly worried. What if she couldn't learn everything? What if Scott got frustrated with her? He had been kind with her learning to fly, but she could sense that underneath, he was getting frustrated.

"Okay, okay," Scott interrupted irritably. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "So, let's make a start. There is a lot you have to know about Thunderbird One."

"Oh, yes!" Kat remarked brightly. "I have been reading the manual. I don't think it will be too hard to learn about Thunderbird One. I think I did quite well with Thunderbirds Two and Four."

"Really?" Scott remarked, an eyebrow rising.

"Kat," Brains looked at her and tried to diffuse the situation. "Thunderbird One is more complex than the other two crafts, you know."

For a split second Kat was going to say something, but changed her mind. Scott was looking rather annoyed. ~Maybe I have overstepped the mark, she thought to herself. Meekly she followed the two young men as they began maintenance work on the large rocket.

"We will begin at the front," Scott remarked, "We obviously can't do all that I had planned this morning since we are a little short on time."

Again Kat thought about saying how sorry she was for being late, but Scott and Brains walked ahead of her. "In the nose cone there is a computerised instrumentation system which uses 'nano' technology. This allows simplified control of the aircraft at high speed. There is also a forward radar and body-heat detection system."

Kat nodded, trying hard to appear as if she completely understood everything that Scott was telling her. But she had to admit, "I am not totally au fait with all the computerisation systems you use." Kat tried hard to keep a tremor from her voice.
Brains looked at her kindly. She was finding this hard; true, she had read the manual, but her remarks earlier had put her at odds with Scott.

Scott continued, "The rocket has a heat-resistant cahelium-bonded nose cone."

They headed for the interior. Kat was still feeling somewhat nervous. She had never experienced being as nervous as this before. Scott was not as easy going as his other brothers had been. Once inside the cabin, Scott pointed out the control console. Kat groaned inwardly, ~Another computerised system!

He pointed out that the pilot's seat rotates to remain upright when TB1 changes from vertical to horizontal flight. A folding ladder moves forward and unfolds telescopically downwards to allow access via underside exit hatch to pilot's cabin. Behind the cabin were the oxygen tanks, air-recycling duct, life support systems and atmosphere-recycling unit. He showed her the starboard window hatch.

"Okay, then," Scott said. "Now let's go outside and onto the gantry surrounding the rocket. I want to explain a few more things to you." He looked at Kat, who was by now looking distinctly unhappy. "Do you have any questions before we leave the interior?"

"Nnno... Scott," Kat mumbled.

Standing on the gantry overlooking Thunderbird One, Scott pointed out the remote-controlled hover camera, which uses anti-gravity technology to allow him to view the disaster area from the safety of Thunderbird One's cabin, also needed if there are poisonous gases or unstable ground. Heading back down the ladder through the body of the ship he showed her the service duct ladder, which was used when Thunderbird One was in the launch bay. Next they headed to the access hatch to the cargo bay, where a hover bike and Mobile Control are kept.

Scott went on relentlessly.
Kat found her voice, and asked Scott one or two questions. He answered her questions and then said, "I think that we'll leave the rest for another day. I suggest that we work again the day after tomorrow. I will give you a small test on what you have learned today, Kat."

Kat inwardly groaned. ~He is a hard taskmaster. Still, she thanked him.

Just as she was leaving, Scott called after her, "Kat, 8.30 am sharp."

"Okay, Scott," Kat answered as she hurried out of the hangar.
Scott watched her go and then said to Brains, "She has the makings of a good mechanic for the Thunderbird crafts, once she has settled down to the task. She seems to want to rush things though. She needs far more training."

Brains nodded in agreement. "I will arrange that for her. I intend to ask Tin-Tin to train her on most of the auxiliary vehicles. John and Alan can also help if they have the time."

From Tawnyangel22 7/29/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1421 is a reply to message #1420] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Thursday, April 26, 2068 10 a.m., Tracy Island.

Christopher walked the short distance to the dining room, one hand in his pocket. He had an empty bucket, and a chamois leather so he could clean the windows there. As soon as he entered the area, he heard voices in the kitchen. He stopped in mid-step.

"Well, Dad, did Uncle Drew say he'd join up?" John asked, fixing himself a cup of coffee.

Jeff sighed. "Yes, John, he did. He and Maggie are both going to be agents."

"You could have knocked me over with a feather when he came up to me at Samoa and made that comment about me 'not looking like a Maverick'," John remarked. "Why did Mom tell him about us?"

Jeff sipped his coffee. "She has her reasons, John. Mostly having to do with her own physical well-being."

"Did you straighten everything out in your 'discussion'?" John queried. "And is that why Christopher's disciplinary term got cut short?"

"Yes, it is. Seemed only fair." Jeff stabbed at his son with a finger. "But you are not to tell anyone, son. Not about any of it. I'll tell the family in my own good time."

Christopher's jaw clenched as he heard the words. ~So she breaks the rules as well and doesn't get so much as a slap on the wrist? he thought ~And my disciplinary term got cut short because it "seemed only fair"? His temper rose, but he fought to keep it down. He turned on his heel and left the area.

As he left, he hit the edge of the bucket against the old table standing there. The bucket made a clanging noise. He went directly to the monorail terminal and back to the Cliff House.

"Did you hear something? Is someone in the dining room?" Jeff asked.

John peered out, but couldn't see the bucket, which had rolled under the table. "I don't see anyone, Dad."

Christopher got back to his room, and got all his suitcases out from the cupboards. He started shoveling all the clothes into them. He threw one of the cases against the wall, stopping to try and calm down. Asterix just lay on his cushion and gave him an uninterested look.

Sitting down next to his cat, he said, "Asterix mate, looks like your life of luxury may soon be coming to an end." Getting up, he went over to his phone, and dialed Mr Tracy's number.

Jeff had just settled back down at his desk with his coffee when the vidphone rang. He frowned when he saw the number and recognized it as one that had been assigned to the Cliff House. He pressed a button and the face of a scowling Christopher appeared. "Mr. Jordan," he said amiably. "What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to talk to you, Mr Tracy." Christopher inwardly screamed at the calm, collected face looking at him. "Regarding the shortening of my disciplinary term."

Jeff frowned a bit. "What about it?"

"I'd think it would be best if I discuss it in person."

Christopher disconnected the line. He went to his bathroom and smartened himself up. Putting on a fresh shirt and his RAF jacket, he put his tie on also. He checked his appearance and then went to the monorail. Getting on, he was breathing deeply to keep himself calm. He walked from the monorail to Mr Tracy's office.

"Mr Tracy," he said as he stood in front of the older man's desk.

Jeff stood and came out from behind his desk. "Mr. Jordan... Christopher... what do you want to discuss? Do you think your treatment has been unfair?" He leaned up against his desk, his hands on the top at the front.

"No." Christopher looked at Jeff. "I only think it is unfair that when your wife does exactly the same thing as I did, she doesn't get the same punishment as me."

Jeff's slight frown turned into a scowl. "Where did you hear this, Mr. Jordan?" he asked.

"I just happened to hear you and John talking earlier." Christopher smiled thinly. "didn't you hear the bucket?"

"That was you?" Jeff huffed out an exasperated breath. "Look here, Mr. Jordan. Dianne is Chief Medical Officer of International Rescue, not some trainee with an eye for a pretty face. She made a judgment call on letting a member of her own family in on the secret of International Rescue. A family member, I might add, who I have known and trusted for years. There is no comparison between her situation and yours!"

"Of course it's the same!" Christopher snapped. "It's security! You were giving me all that talk when you chewed me out before, and it doesn't apply to your family? That's hypocritical!"

Jeff stood up abruptly and stepped forward. His face grew red and he spoke in a low, dangerous voice. "If my wife had been stupid enough to talk to a television reporter, she would have merited the same treatment. So would any of my sons. But telling a trusted member of the family is not the same as blabbing it all over the BBC! And you're damned lucky that, as a result of my wife's so-called 'security breach', I took stock of my treatment of you and lessened your disciplinary period!"

"Don't give me that!" Christopher snarled back. "It's one rule for your family, and another for us! I cocked up big time, and I'm not ashamed to admit it, and I'm doing my punishment! What would happen if Gordon blabbed? Or Kat? Who would you punish? And who would you let off with a 'dear dear don't do that again?" He crossed his arms, daring Jeff to continue.

Jeff stood still, glaring at the pilot. Then he raised his arm and activated his telecomm. "Jeff to John."

John's face appeared on the tiny screen. He did a double take at his father's red, angry face, but said, "Yes, Dad?"

"Please come to the lounge immediately."

"Right away." John's picture winked out.

Jeff turned his hard eyes back to Christopher again, who stood there defiantly. "Obviously, you aren't listening to me. If either of them spoke to a reporter, they would be punished, and fairly. But I think that this has gone too far."

"Really?" Christopher looked at Jeff. "You need to take a long hard look at things. When I was in RAF, we were treated the same, even the officers. If they made a mistake, they were punished as well. You can't have favourites, Mr Tracy, and I don't think that your wife's case is any different to mine at all. Who knows who it could have been?"

"My wife's case is different because she made no mistake," Jeff countered. He raised his eyes as John came into the room. The younger man looked from Christopher to his father and back again, noting the angry postures. "John?"

"Yes, Father?"

"Prep Tracy One for a flight to Christchurch. Mr. Jordan is leaving our employ, effective immediately. He can catch a commercial flight from New Zealand." Jeff ignored John's gasp of surprise and held out his hand. "Your telecomm."

"Don't worry." Christopher tossed the telecomm on the desk. "I was packing anyway." He turned and walked out of the office.

Jeff watched him go, still glaring. John watched, too, and then turned to his father. "What was that all about?"

"I'll tell you later, John," Jeff growled as he settled back behind his desk.

the beginning to an end, by The Wrong Trousers and Tikatu 7/30/2005



Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:29]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1423 is a reply to message #1421] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Christopher stomped back into his flat and resumed his packing. He threw his clothes angrily into the cases, then got the collapsible storage boxes from the cupboard. "What first?" he asked, looking at Asterix.

Asterix got up to sniff the open box, then jumped inside. He immediately sat down in the box to groom his nether parts.

"All right," Christopher said and smiled. "You can stay in there for a while, but then I've got to put you in your box." He stroked the little cat, then started to pack his books and films. His kitchen gear came next, and after a while his flat was looking very bare. "I'll miss it here," he said to himself. "But I don't feel part of things here. Maybe it was time to move on anyway."

The door buzzed. "Now who's that?" Christopher muttered. He answered the door to find Scott standing in the elevator.

"My father sent me over to give you a hand," Scott explained coolly.

"Really?" Christopher raised an eyebrow, not wanting to say what he really thought. "You never really liked me, did you Scott? Come in," he said as he gestured. "I'm nearly done and I'll be out of your hair forever."

"My personal feelings toward you are irrelevant. You're a talented pilot, and you and my father must really have gone at it for him to fire you like this," Scott said, almost conversationally. Christopher noticed that Scott had a PDA in his hand.

"Are you checking to see if I don't take anything I shouldn't?" Christopher exclaimed. "I don't believe it!"

"Don't worry!" He snarled as he put Asterix into his box. "I won't steal the silver!"

"It's not the silver I'm to inventory. It's your uniforms and other IR-issued materials and tech," Scott explained. "Please show me where they are?" He added, "You can understand this, can't you? When you left the RAF, there were things you had to return to them, right?"

"Yes, I understand." Christopher pointed to the items on the table. "All there, and the uniforms are ironed and hanging up." Asterix mewed from his box, "sorry mate, time for us to go"

Scott carefully examined the materials Christopher had left on the table. "You have some Tracy Industries identification to turn over as well."

"Forgot that." He got his wallet out and extracted the I.D card from it. "There you go."

Scott added that to the list, and put the ID with the other items. "I'll go get a float to help you with your things."

"Thank you, Scott."

It took about ten minutes, but Scott came back with an anti-gravity float, and Kyrano. As the older man looked into Christopher's face he said, "I will miss your presence, Mr. Jordan. I wish you well in your next endeavor. Please, take the time to make your farewells to my daughter."

"Thank you, Kyrano." Christopher bowed. "Do you know where she is?"

"I believe she is in the lab. Perhaps you should go there while we load Tracy One."

They took the elevator down to the first floor, and dragged the float out onto the wide patio and over to the freight elevator in the cliffside. Callie and Elise were on the patio, and looked over at the parade. "What's going on?" Elise asked.

"I'm leaving I'm afraid." Christopher looked at them, he walked over. "Nice to have known you both." He hugged both girls. "Good luck with whatever you do."

They watched, perplexed, as the three men disappeared. Then Elise nudged Callie. "We'd better tell the others."

"Right," Callie agreed. "You get Dom and Nikki, I'll track down Kat."

Meanwhile, the freight elevator door opened, and the three men maneuvered the float over to Tracy One, where John was finishing up his preflight checks.

"Here's the cargo," Scott said. He nodded in the direction of the passage from the hangar to the pod repair bay. "You'll be faster if you take the ramp up to the pod repair bay and access the lab from there."

Christopher walked to the ramp, and entered the pod repair bay. He walked a little further, climbing the stairs to the lab. He saw Tin-Tin there, and his breath hitched in his throat. Breathing deeply, he walked into the lab. "Hello, Tin-Tin. I've come to say goodbye."

Tin-Tin gave him a puzzled look, then glanced over at Brains, who shrugged. "Goodbye? I don't understand, Christopher. Where are you going?"

"I'm leaving the Island for good." He smiled sadly. "My fault really; I said some things I shouldn't have. I just wanted to say...." He paused, not sure of what to say. "I just wanted to say that I love you. There! I said it!" He laughed. "I was too scared to do so before."

Tin-Tin gasped at his words, putting both hands to her mouth as she stared at him. "Oh, Christopher," she cried. "I... I don't know what to say!"

Brains stopped what he was doing and turned to watch the conversation, his eyes fixed on Christopher. "Perhaps I'd better leave," he suggested.

Christopher walked up to the shocked girl and kissed her squarely on the lips. "If you are ever in the UK, look me up. I'm sure you could find me if you looked hard enough."

She put a hand to her lips again and stared at him with her big, brown eyes. Then she swallowed and said in a soft squeak, "Goodbye." Her eyes filled with tears and she hurriedly left the room.

The two men watched her go, then Brains stepped over and held out his hand. "I don't know why you are leaving, but it has been nice working with you."

"I'm sure someone will tell you." Christopher smiled as he shook the bespectacled scientist's hand. "Goodbye, Brains, it's been nice knowing you." And with that, he walked out of the lab and back to the hangar.

He was surprised to see that there was a group waiting for him at Tracy One. Kat had Asterix out of his box and Joshua, settled in Dom's arms, was petting the cat, saying in his childish lisp, "Kitty. Kitty." They all turned to him as Nikki noticed him approach. Kat quickly put Asterix back in his crate, and the small group waited for him.

His eyes filling up with tears, he walked over. "No publicity," he tried to joke. "No photos." He leant down and got Asterix from his box, the cat noticing his mood. "It's not fair on you to keep moving you about. Dom?" He looked at him. "Would you like this terror?"

"If you feel you must leave him behind, I will take him," came a voice from the tail of the plane. Kyrano stepped up.

"He always liked you more than me." Chris smiled as he handed Asterix to Kyrano. "Besides where would he get his endless supplies of chicken?"

"Mrrroow?" Asterix didn't want to go, and tried to get back into his master's arms.

"You go with Kyrano now." Christopher sniffled. "He will love you so much." He directed Scott to which of the boxes contained the cat's things then, taking a deep breath, Christopher turned and walked over to the assembled group. "Well," he said, trying to smile, "this is it."

"I don't understand why you're leaving," Kat said. "What happened?"

John watched Christopher carefully to see what he would say.
"I'm not really cut out for life here," Christopher said. "I'm going to try some new challenges. It's been fun knowing you all though." He walked to the girls and hugged them, then shook the hands of the other men.

"It's time to go," John said quietly.

Scott held out his hand. "It was good to work with you."

"And you." Chris shook Scott's hand. "I hope whoever you get to follow me isn't as handsome and as good looking as me."

Scott snorted a laugh, as John climbed into the cockpit.

"Bye, all," Chris said as he climbed into the co-pilot's seat. "Bye, Asterix. Look after Kyrano for me."

John started the engines, and Christopher waved from the window. Slowly the jet taxied out of the hangar, the small craft door opening slowly before them. The small group turned to watch the plane leave, some waving. Scott watched them go, too, his face creased into a thoughtful frown. ~I'm going to have to ask Dad what this is all about, because I know the others will be asking me.

a final farewell by The Wrong Trousers 8/1/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1424 is a reply to message #1423] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Thursday, April 26, 2068, 1:45 p.m., enroute to Christchurch in Tracy One.

The air in the cockpit was strained as the two men flew westward. John was itching to ask Christopher what had happened. He had an idea; his father would usually deputize Scott to fly someone to or from the island and for him to be sent, especially during lunchtime, was highly unusual. That meant this had some significance that only he would know.

Christopher, for his part, was feeling miserable. He had put on a brave front, and tried not to blame Jeff Tracy for his dismissal, but the words they exchanged still smarted, and he still felt it was all inherently unfair. Not only that, he missed Asterix. He was beginning to think that leaving the cat behind wasn't a good idea, not because he thought Kyrano wouldn't take good care of the furball, but because he was fond of the little bugger.

Finally, John could stand it no longer. They didn't have much farther to fly and he wanted to know. He turned to Christopher and asked, "So, what happened?"

Christopher glanced over at John, then turned his attention out the cockpit's windshield. "I'd rather not talk about it," he said, the words coming out clipped and much more harsh than he intended.

John made a deduction. "Were you in the dining room when my father and I were chatting?"

Chris started, and John grimly thought, ~Gotcha!

"Well, if you must know, yes, I was. I overheard you talking about your... your stepmother's indiscretion."

"And?" John asked, challenging the man.

Christopher scowled and his voice turned angry. "And it was not fair! Your stepmother should have been subjected to the same treatment I was! And for your father's shortening my discipline? That was only to assuage his guilty conscience!"

John could see that this man, disgruntled as he was, might pose a security threat of an entirely different kind. So, he decided to tackle the subject head on.

"Do you know the situation my mother was in, Jordan? Do you?"

This brought Christopher up short. "Not entirely, no," he admitted.

"She was about to come face to face with her own uncle. My Grandma Parkhurst's brother. Someone who she has known and who has known her all her life. Someone who was going to recognize her no matter what she did to try and camouflage who she is," John explained, his voice tight. "He's also a very old and dear friend of my father, and was the one to recommend Dianne for the post with us."

He paused to gather his thoughts for a moment. "This is a man that my father trusts, and has trusted for years. Now, before you go saying, 'Well, why didn't he tell this man sooner', it's because very, very few of my father's most trusted friends know about International Rescue. It's to protect them from people who might try and get to us through them. My father has enemies, people willing to kill for our secrets. Doctors, lawyers, accountants; those kinds of people can't defend themselves well against these enemies. So he keeps them in the dark unless he absolutely has to tell them."

"Dianne... Mom knows this, and she had to make a decision. Tell him upfront, or don't tell him and run the risk of him recognizing her anyway. She didn't have much time to decide or enough time to ask for instructions. Telling him was actually safer, since then he knew what was going on and wasn't going to be speculating about it out loud. He knew he had to keep quiet, and Mom knew he would. Why? Because she knew him and trusted him to. So, she seized the moment."

"But...," Christopher tried to interrupt, "it was still a breach of security! And your father can't afford to play favorites."

"Technically, yes, it was a breach. But it was a minimal one, a calculated one, and a decision made consciously, based on the people involved. Believe me, if that man had been anyone but Uncle Drew, Mom wouldn't have said a word." John looked forward. "Contrast that with your own 'indiscretion'. Caught off guard, forgot the protocol, talking to a stranger whose very purpose was to get a 'story', to plaster our secrets all over the news. Which one would you say was the bigger breach?"

"I wasn't aware of the entire situation," Christopher muttered. "Still, he wasn't being fair..."

"Who said he has to be?" John shot back. "It's his organization. He calls the shots, he makes the rules. But, seeing as he knew he really couldn't justify keeping you under discipline when he knew he couldn't really discipline his own wife, he cut back your sentence." John snorted. "Think about it. If you were the CEO of a company and your wife were, say, head of your I & M department, and she came in late to work three times because she had a meeting with some hardware supplier, could you give her the same dressing down and docking of pay that you'd give someone on your assembly line floor who did the same thing because he had a hangover? I don't think so. It's like comparing apples and oranges."

Christopher had nothing to say to this. John sighed and said, "Look, the only reason I'm hashing this out with you is because I can see you're disgruntled about the whole thing. I felt you really needed to know the big picture. I think, that when you think over what I've said, you'll realize that my dad was being generous to you." John stopped, then called into his microphone, "This is Tracy One to Christchurch Tower, requesting permission to land."

From Tikatu 8/1/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1425 is a reply to message #1424] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Washington D.C.; Friday, April 27, 2068; 5:45 PM (9:45 AM April 28 on Tracy Island)

Lena left her office and headed outside to go to the Foggy Bottom Metro station. She had decided to take the train to work that day and was glad not to have to drive home. She figured that at this time, most of the riders would already have left, and she would be able to get a seat -- at least she hoped so. She was halfway to her destination, when she heard an unfamiliar voice call her name.

"Mrs. Matumbo."

She stopped and saw a pale, thin man in a limousine, beckoning her over. She didn't move, but said, "Who are you, and what do you want?"

"I am a friend of your brother-in-law, James. I'd like to talk to you. I have an offer to make, one I believe you might find to your advantage. Look, I can take you wherever you wish to go."

"I don't tink so. Being a friend of James doesn't recommend you to me. He isn't de type to have friends I can trust. So I wouldn't be interested in your offer." She turned to walk away.

Giles grew frustrated. He remembered his conversation with his sister a few days before.

"You imbecile! First we get nothing from the virus you sent to that silly little friend of yours and now this! It's been nearly two weeks since James Matumbo visited that woman and there have been no results! That man either planted the virus wrong or he doesn't know his sister-in-law as well as he thinks he does!"

"He had to have planted it correctly, Des. There's no way he could have made a mistake. And it wouldn't have mattered then if she had trusted him or not. It was in her computer."

"Then she has a virus protection program that can stop even my latest upgrades. We want her, so you'd better get her!"

Wincing inwardly at the memory he got out and hurried over to her. He took her by the arm. "I'm sorry, but I don't take no for an answer. You aren't in the vicinity of Tracy Industries, now. Who around you at this point would come to your protection, especially if I told them you were an employee of my family who had been stealing from us?

Her chin came up at that, and she looked at him coldly. "Dere may be a few people who might buy your story at face value, but not many. And from dat little speech, I gatter you are a Hightower."

He looked at her in surprise. "Your brother-in-law underestimates you. But my chauffeur here," and he indicated the black man who had gotten out and now stood by the open rear door, "would agree with me. Look, Mrs. Matumbo, I don't want to cause a scene. Just get into the car. I promise solemnly that neither of us will hurt you."

She looked at him with thinly disguised contempt, but felt she had no choice. She yielded to his gentle but insistent tugging and walked to the limo and got in. He followed her in and the chauffeur closed the door, then walking quickly around the car, got behind the wheel and soon smoothly merged in with the traffic.

Giles turned to Lena. "Now, Mrs. Matumbo, I understand you are very good at what you do, and what you do is work with and on computers. I also hear that you like a challenge."

"Dat would depend on what de challenge is."

"True. Well, you would be making upgrades to many programs, possibly creating your own, some to -- ah -- merge with others, modifying still others (which I understand you are already good at) and so on. The pay is very good, the benefits are excellent, and there's no telling how far you would go."

"You put dat in a good light, making it sound like a wonderful opportunity. . ."

"It is."

"But what you really mean is dat I would be upgrading viruses created by someone else, hacking into de computers of otter businesses and modifying stolen information to sell to someone else witout dose businesses being able to make a valid accusation."

"Why, Mrs. Matumbo! You make it sound so -- sleazy! And all I'm saying is that you'd have a greater chance to use your creativity."

Lena looked away from him, muttering something in her native Swahili. She happened to glance at the rear view mirror and saw the chauffeur's eyes widen. So he understands me, she thought. Interesting. I might be able to use dat to my advantage.

"I've heard your offer, and it isn't anyting I'd be interested in accepting. Now would you please pull over and let me out?"

He leaned toward her instead, and turned her head so that she had to look straight at him. "I told you before, I don't take 'no' for an answer. I suggest you give it serious consideration. My -- associates -- might not take your refusal well. I'd hate to see anything happen to you or someone you know because of it."

She pulled away angrily. "How dare you treaten me? Do you tink I would whimper and cry and immediately agree to your -- offer? I tell you now, if anyting bad happens to anyone I know, I will hold you and your 'associates' personally responsible, and I will retaliate. Make no mistake, I have de resources to do so."

"Are you threatening me now?" he said in surprise and anger.

"No. It's a promise. So I suggest you make it your business to see dat notting goes wrong for anyone in my circle of family, friends or co-workers."

She then said something else in Swahili, and the chauffeur immediately pulled over. They were just outside the Dupont Circle station, and she got out before Giles could stop her. She turned and said, "Don't forget what I told you. Dis has been an interesting meeting, but I don't ever want to see or hear from you again. Good bye." She shut the door firmly and walked away into the station.

Giles looked at the back of the chauffeur's head. "What the hell did you pull over for? You let her get away!"

The African man looked impassively into the rear view mirror at Giles. "That woman is the daughter of warriors," he said. "You don't mess with them."

From Hobbeth 8/4/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:32]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1426 is a reply to message #1425] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Friday April 28th 2068, 12.47pm, Tracy Island

"Knock knock," Dominic said, poking his head around the sickroom door as it slid open. "Anyone home?"

Dianne looked up from her work and gave him a small smile. Tyler, propped up on some pillows, looking tired and wan, glanced over at this unexpected visitor.

"Good afternoon, Dom," Dianne said, putting down her data pad. "To what do we owe this pleasure? You're not on duty until tonight."

"I just thought," he said, stepping over towards Tyler's bed, "that Tyler here might be interested in reading an old book of mine. I first read it when I was sick when I was around his age, maybe a bit older."

Dianne looked over at Tyler, who nodded gently.

Dominic sat down on the chair beside the biobed and handed an old, yet still in surprisingly good condition book to Tyler, who took it and read out the title.

"Under the Hawthorn Tree, by Marita Conlon-McKenna." He surveyed the cover art and read the blurb on the back.

"Me ma gave that book t' me when I was sick in hospital, and told me that she expected me to make a full recovery so I could tell her all about it." Dominic said. "It's about the Irish famine waaaay back in the 1840s. We had t' learn about it in school. I guess you probably don't. I think you'll like it though, and if you do, I have the two sequels in my apartment. I've got a boatload of books you might like. I've heard that you're something of a bookworm."

"How'd you know?" Tyler asked, shooting a glance over at his mother, who looked unconvincingly innocent.

Dominic tipped him a wink.

"Anyway, just thought you might be interested. Don't have to read it, like. If you do, I won't ask you to give me a full account of the story, considering I know it off by heart, but I will ask you your opinion, if you don't mind."

"I'll try it," Tyler said around a yawn, "when I can stay awake to read it." He managed a smile, and Dominic grinned back.

"Righty-o. See you later, Tyler."

"See you later, and thanks," said the boy.

Dominic sauntered over to Dianne and leant down on the desk.
"How's he doing today?" He asked.

"Much the same," Dianne said. "At least we know what it is now, more or less."

"That is something."

She shot him a questioning look, and before she could say anything, he said, "I'm a book hoarder as well as a book worm. I've kept a lot of my old books. Sometimes they were the only friends I had, what with all the moving about."

"Well, I'm sure Tyler will give it a read, at some stage, anyway."

"Marvellous." Dom clapped his hands and stood up. "Right, I've a little terror to track down. Last I heard he was running riot in Kat's apartment -- she's very keen to have him around, which is useful, I can tell you. See you later, Doctor."

"See you, Dom."

Dominic saluted Tyler on his way out, and went in search of his own wayward child.

From ArtisticRainey 8/6/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1427 is a reply to message #1426] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday 28th April 2068, Tracy Island

Callie and Nikki walked along the beach, contemplating Christopher's sudden departure from the Island and International Rescue.

"Why would he leave so quickly? I know he said that he wasn't cut out for life here but there has to be more to it than that, right?"

Callie shrugged at Nikki's question. "I don't know. I wish I did though." She shook her head. "He must have been thinking about his decision for some time. He could have told us in advance. Maybe we could've talked him out of it or at least given him a goodbye dinner."

"I know I haven't known him for long, but he just didn't seem like the type to give up on something like this. Maybe Mr Tracy knows more to Christopher's quick departure."

"Are you going to ask him?"

Nikki shook her head. "No. If there was something more to this, and he wanted us to know about it, then he would tell us. I'm not going to go and start questioning him. You never know; it may be nothing and Christopher really wasn't cut out for life here." Both were silent for a while, trying to think of something other than Christopher leaving. Feeling the heat from the sun bearing down, Nikki spoke up. "I need a drink. Want to come up and join me?"

"Sure."

From Nikki-browneyes1 8/8/2005



Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:32]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1428 is a reply to message #1427] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday, April 28, 2068, 5:30 p.m., Tracy Island

"He shoots, he scores!" Virgil crowed as he leaped into the air and stuffed the basketball into the goal.

"Woo hoo! Nice one, Virge," Gordon praised as he gave his partner a high five. "Oops!" He leaned over, waving his arms to cover John as he dribbled the ball before him. The covering strategy didn't work, as John faked turning one way, then quickly pivoted in the other direction, and handed the ball off to Scott.

Scott's blue eyes met Virgil's brown ones as they moved back and forth, up the court a little, then down, the Thunderbird Two pilot matching his brother's moves step for step. Suddenly, Scott faked a pass over Virgil's head. The younger man reacted, and Scott broke away, dribbling the ball down the court and stuffing it into his own basket.

"Had enough?" he asked Gordon and Virgil. They were all perspiring heavily as the current court where they played was the outdoor one.

"Nope. Bring it on," Gordon challenged with a cocky grin.

"Scott, you're going to have to go one on one," John said regretfully. "I promised I'd eat dinner with Tyler. Hopefully get him to keep something down."

"Oh, okay," Scott said, absently bouncing the basket ball as he walked toward his brother. "How's the Spud doing?"

John sighed. "It's hard to say. I haven't seen him or spoken to Mom since breakfast. He didn't have a good night, though."

"I hope Mom can get him to eat, and soon. He's already pretty skinny," Gordon commiserated.

"Yeah, well, I'm going to try and help her this evening," John said, grabbing a bottle of Gatorade from the cooler they'd brought down. "But first I want a shower. See you guys later."

"Later, John," Virgil echoed as John walked off. He looked at his remaining brothers. "I'm with him. Plus I need some practice of another kind and if I can get a few moments in before dinner..."

"G'wan with ya! Who needs ya!" Gordon teased, waving him away. "Ol' Scooter an' me, we're gonna play for the championship of the universe!"

Virgil snorted a laugh, grabbed his own bottle of Gatorade and a towel, and headed off in the same direction John had taken, calling to him to wait up.

"Okay... Minnow," Scott said, grinning. "One on one."

"Suits me fine... Scooter," Gordon returned.

They played for several minutes. Scott had the reach and height on Gordon, but the aquanaut was sneakier and often managed to steal the ball from his brother. Thus, they were pretty evenly matched.

"Hey, Gords!" Scott said as he dribbled the ball down the court slowly. "What did you think about Dad's briefing about Christopher's departure?"

"I dunno, Scott. I mean, yeah, Mom technically caused a security breach. But really, it was her call to make as CMO."

"Yeah. It was her call. And I agree with Dad that it was the right one. But can he convince the new recruits of that?"

"Hasn't he told them yet?" Gordon asked, incredulous.

"No, he hasn't." Scott stopped dribbling the ball. "And I don't think that's wise. Scuttlebutt travels faster than light, you know."

"Yeah, I do. Have you talked to him about telling the newbies?"

Scott shook his sweaty head. "No, he's been a wrapped up with Ty, and with that expansion opportunity in Lima. Not to mention the upcoming celebrations. He's been online ordering furniture for the place in New Hampshire."

"Hope that doesn't bring back some nasty memories." Gordon said with a sigh. "And I hope that when he does tell the newbies, they'll understand. Sure sounded like Christopher didn't."

From Tikatu 8/8/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1429 is a reply to message #1428] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday, April 28, 2068, 6:30 p.m., Tracy Island, the sickroom

"Hey, Spud!" John called cheerfully as he walked into the sickroom bearing a tray. "How's it going?"

Tyler looked up from the book he was reading. "Okay, I guess." He held the book up to John. "Mr. Dom lent me this. It's pretty cool."

John put the tray down on the rolling bed table, then took the book and looked at it carefully. "Sounds interesting. Maybe I'll ask him if I can borrow it after you're through." He shot a glance over at Nikki. "How are you, Nikki, and how's the patient?"

"I'm fine, John. As far as Tyler's concerned, you'll have to ask the doctor... or the patient himself," Nikki replied.

John nodded in understanding, and ruffled Tyler's hair. "So? How are you? What have you been up to?"

Tyler sighed, but managed a small smile. "Mom let me go to her relaxation techniques class this afternoon. Ms. Collins was there and so were Alex, Cherie, and Gordon. We were all learning how to relax our bodies. Ms. Collins has done it before; she just came to... to encourage us, that's the word she used. Gordon was serious about it; said he didn't want to spend anymore time in New York because of his back. Then Mom gave me some ginger ale afterward and... I kept it down!"

"Good news then!" John said. He leaned over and gave Tyler a playful punch on the arm. "You ready for the next step, Spud?"

"What's the next step?" Tyler asked.

John reached out for the tray and whipped off the cover that sat on the plate. "Strawberry-kiwi jello!"

"Ooh, my favorite!" Tyler exclaimed.

"Take your time with it, now," Nikki cautioned.

"I will," the boy promised. John made his little brother scoot over so he could join him on the bed, then picked up his own bowl of jello, and the two chatted while they slowly ate.

From Tikatu 8/8/2005



Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1431 is a reply to message #1429] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island, Sunday, April 29th - morning

Kat looked at the wok, a leaving present from Lil. She had never unpacked it, being unsure about cooking with it. However, wanting to make a meal for her friends, she took it out of its box. ~Mm, I think I could do with some help to cook. She left her apartment and headed for the villa and the kitchen. Opening the kitchen door she looked inside and saw Kyrano alone. Coughing to get his attention, she smiled. "Good morning Kyrano."

"Good morning, Miss Kat. How are you today?"

"I'm fine Kyrano, but I have come to ask you a favour. I need some help."

"How can I be of assistance?" Kyrano queried.

"When I left Lady Penelope's employment to come here, her cook, Lil, gave me a wok as a leaving present. To be perfectly honest, I have never used one before." She hesitated, and then continued. "I thought I would like to cook a meal for my friends, and wondered if perhaps you could give me a lesson on how to use it."

"I can do that," Kyrano said, smiling. "I am not very busy. There is no time like the present, so let us see what we can do." He fetched the family wok from the store cupboard. "Now, you are vegetarian, so I assume that you will cook vegetarian meals."

Kat shook her head. "I could add some meat or fish for my friends."

At that moment, Cherie appeared. "Hi, Kyrano. Hello, Ms. Kat. What brings you here?"

"Miss Kat is having some lessons on cooking with a wok."

"Hey cool! Can I watch?" Cherie asked. "You never know; maybe I could cook for Mom and Dad."

Kyrano nodded and Cherie sat on a chair, ready to watch and help if needed. The chef explained about seasoning a new wok and then began going through the ingredients. He listed items, some that Kat had never heard of and certainly did not possess in her larder.

"Oh, Kyrano!" Kat looked crestfallen. "I don't possess any of the ingredients needed. When you next do a grocery run, could you possibly get some of these ingredients for me?"

"Miss Kat, do not worry. I have more than enough. I am sure that I could let you have sufficient to cook for your friends."

"Really? That would be brilliant! Thank you so much." Kat sounded relieved.

Kyrano explained about horizontal slicing, diagonal slicing, roll cutting, dicing and chopping the various vegetables.

"Can I try to slice some veggies as well?" Cherie asked.

Kat and Cherie began slicing and dicing onions, potatoes and carrots. When everything was ready Kyrano explained about the actual cooking.

"Now," Kyrano stated. "The most important technique in stir-frying is pre-heating the wok. This prevents the food sticking and absorbing excess oil. Place the wok over a moderate heat, and wait for a few minutes until the wok is very hot, then add the oil and swirl it to quickly coat the bottom and sides."

Kat listened carefully, taking in what Kyrano was saying.

"For recipes that begin by adding the flavouring ingredients, such as garlic or ginger, the wok should be only moderately hot, or these delicate ingredients may burn. If, however, the first ingredient is a meat or hearty vegetable, then the oil should be very hot, just below smoking point. As other ingredients are added, stir-fry over a high heat by stirring and tossing them with a metal spatula or spoon."

Satisfied that Kat was confident in giving it a try, Kyrano let Kat and Cherie add ingredients to the wok, stirring and tossing the vegetables. He then found a bag and placed in it ingredients that he thought she would need, along with some slices of meat. Kat thanked him and left the kitchen. Just as she headed out, so Gordon was coming in. They collided.

"Oh sorry, Gordon."

"Hi, Kat. That's okay. What are you doing here?" he asked, looking at the bulging bag.

"Kat has been having a lesson on cooking with a wok," Cherie explained, as she followed Kat out.

"When's the invite for a meal?" Gordon joked.

"Mm, I am going to have a dummy run first," Kat replied.

Heading back to her apartment Kat tried to remember everything that Kyrano had told her. Back in her kitchen, she seasoned the wok as Kyrano had told her, and then set about slicing a few vegetables. Placing the wok on the heat, she waited until it seemed very hot, then added the oil and swirled it around, coating the bottom and sides. ~Now it has to get hot before I add the vegetables~ she thought to herself.

In her rush to get the vegetables ready, she knocked over a glass dish. Fetching a dustpan and brush to brush up the pieces of glass, she totally forgot the wok. Suddenly, there was smoke in the kitchen. Her smoke alarm went off. Panicking, Kat rushed for the French windows and threw them open. To Kat's dismay the sprinkler system went off, soaking her and the kitchen.

Back at Kat's apartment, Nikki had seen the smoke, and was banging on Kat's door. Dom and Brandon had heard the commotion and had gone to fetch fire extinguishers.

"Kat, Kat, are you okay?"

Kat opened the door, with streaming eyes and coughing. "Yes, I am okay. I was trying to cook with my wok , but I knocked a dish over and while I was clearing up, guess the oil got too hot. Everything seems to be okay now."

Just as she was explaining, Dom and Brandon appeared, fire extinguishers in their hands. A very wet, red faced and embarrassed Kat had to explain to them that she had been trying to cook, and had let the oil get too hot.

"Remind me not to take up any invitations to come to dinner," Dom quipped. At Kat's devastated look, he frowned. "I wasn't being serious," he said.

"Seems like everything's okay in here..." Brandon said. "Is there any damage?"

"No, just sooty walls and ceiling and flooding," Kat answered.

"If you need help cleaning I am available," Nikki offered.

"Me too," Dom and Brandon said in unison.

Kat thanked them, and sighed as she regarded the mess.

From Tawnyangel22 8/9/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:46]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1432 is a reply to message #1431] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
April 29th, Late Afternoon

"So, how was your vacation?" Scott asked as they left for Tracy Island.

Brandon turned his head, looking at the pilot. "It was great, Scott! I got to see most of my friends, and the highlight was the paragliding. It was fantastic! My sister, Shauna, knew where to go for the best view. The water shimmered like diamonds and the feeling of freedom I had made me feel like a bird in flight."

"Sounds like you had fun."

"You bet I did. I hope I don't have to wait so long to go back."

"I hope you don't have to either," Scott replied. They spent part of the journey back talking about the vacation and what was happening, then Brandon closed his eyes for a little nap. Next thing he knew, they were landing.

After freshening up and taking to the Tracys for a few minutes, Brandon excused himself and joined the others by the pool for drinks, telling them about his vacation, especially the parasailing. "I tell you, the feeling I had while I was up there was nothing short of fantastic. It's the nearest thing to being a bird that you can experience."

"Sounds like you had a ball," Callie interjected.

"Yes, I did. And I hope to be able to share the fun with you guys sometime. I'll have to remember to tell Dom and Nikki about it before I go to bed. Hey, where's Chris?" Brandon suddenly asked, looking around. "I thought he'd be here."

"You don't know, do you?" Callie asked.

"Know what? Heck, I just got home a few hours ago."

"Well, it's like this," Callie said and proceeded to tell Brandon what had happened while he was gone.

Brandon sat in one of the deck chairs by the pool, his knees pulled to his chest, deep in thought. Chris needed to give himself more time. You can't learn everything in two months. He heard a small meow and looked down to find Asterix standing there. The cat looked up at him and meowed sadly. Brandon reached down, picking up the marmalade tabby. Amazingly, the feline curled up in his lap and began purring. Brandon began stroking the cat softly, listening to the sound. "Hey big guy, it looks like you got left behind." The cat continued purring contentedly.

"You aren't so bad after all, Asterix," Brandon said as he stroked the cat's soft fur. After a few minutes he stood up, taking the cat in his arms. "Come on. Let's see if Kyrano has anything for you to eat."

From MagicMaster8 8/10/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1433 is a reply to message #1432] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tuesday, May 1, 8 PM; Silver Spring, Maryland

Lena was relaxing for a change, when the phone rang. She answered it, and found a tearful Naomi on the other end. "What's de matter, honey?"

"Oh, Nyanya, something terrible has happened. One of the assistants at our church got an anonymous email, supposedly from some woman, accusing me of making improper advances to her daughter. They are saying that I should leave the church until this has been cleared up."

"Who is 'dey'?"

"The minister and some of the lay elders came here about an hour ago. Mom got really angry and told them that if they wanted to believe a message from some anonymous person over a family that had been going to that church since before I was born, then maybe we shouldn't go to that church at all, ever again."

Lena smiled at her. "Dat sounds like your motter, child." She became serious again. "I have an idea as to why dis happened. I'm sorry it happened to you. I'll see what I can do to correct de situation."

"You really think you can help? That would be wonderful!"

"Where is your motter?"

"She was so angry that she went out for a run after they left."

"Okay. You tell her dat you talked to me and I'll call her later."

"Will do, Nyanya. Thanks for hearing me out. You didn't even ask me if it was true!"

"I know you better dan dat, Naomi. You aren't dat type of person. Now, go wash your face and dry your tears. Tings will work out for de best."

"I will. Talk to you later. Bye."

Lena sat thinking for a few minutes. Then she went into her office; there were two things she wanted to do. First she looked up the minister's phone number. Then she turned on her computer and started a search. While the computer was doing its thing, she dialed the number.

There was an answer on the third ring. It was the minister, himself. "Mrs. Matumbo, if you're going to verbally assault me for what happened earlier today, I assure you that your daughter has already done so, and I'm not really prepared for another."

"Reverend, that isn't de reason for my call. I tink I can shed some light on dis situation. I tink dat my granddaughter has become de victim of someone who is trying to get to me."

There was a pause. Then, "Go on."

Dere is a business out dere dat is not entirely etical. Dey have tried to hack into de computers of de company I work for, as well as de personal computers of de family dat owns de company. Recently dey tried to recruit me to leave my job and join dem. When I refused, dey made veiled treats, saying dat my family -- and otters - might suffer unless I reconsidered. I told dem I'd hold dem personally responsible for anyting bad happening to dem. It sounds to me like dey didn't take my statement seriously."

"Are you sure they sent this message?"

"An anonymous email? How many people in your congregation know how to do dat?"

There was another, longer pause. "You are probably right. I-we should have realized that this wasn't on the up-and-up. I've known your family for many years, and to even consider it to be valid shows a serious lapse of judgment on my part. My only defense is that the shock of seeing an email like that caused me to falter; this church has never had that happen before. I'm sorry we didn't think this through more. We could have saved your daughter's family and ourselves a lot of grief. I'm very sorry this happened. I will need to apologize to your daughter, and in person."

"Reverend, a bit of advice. Wait until tomorrow at least. Give her time to calm down; she might not even give you de chance to speak until den."

There was a slight chuckle. "Yes, I've seen her temper before. I'll take your advice; I should talk to the others first, anyway. Thank you for calling, Mrs. Matumbo."

"Tank you for answering, Reverend. Goodbye."

She then turned to her computer and noticed it hadn't found anything. After trying a few different search keywords, she got what she was looking for. "De website of de Hightower's 'business'. Good. Now for my retaliation, as I promised."

She took out a CD and put it into her computer. On it was a program she had used only once, a long, long time ago. She'd kept it in case she ever needed to use it again, and she felt that now was a good time. She looked over the program, made a modification here and there, then satisfied, accessed the website. She transmitted the program to the website, and once it was downloaded, closed out the window and removed the CD.

"Dere, dat should keep dem busy for a substantial amount of time."

From Hobbeth 8/13/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1434 is a reply to message #1433] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Thunderbird Two Hangar, April 30th.

For the second time that morning Elise landed in the pilot's seat in a fit of giggles. The first time had been more from experiencing the unexpected, and now it was because she found the whole episode hysterical. Virgil shook his head, laughing along with her.

"Ohmigod, this is soooo much better than a ride at Disney World, Virgil!

"Yeah, and I don't charge as much for the ride!" he answered humorously.

The training session that morning had begun with Elise learning how to 'ride the chute' from the lounge down to Thunderbird Two's cockpit. Being tipped upside down threw her initially, but once she'd landed feet first into the pilot's seat with Virgil already there waiting for her, she'd collapsed into giggles.

"Believe me, Elise, the novelty wears off eventually."

She looked at him and suddenly asked, "Have you ever gotten stuck? You know, like halfway down the chute?"

He thought for a moment and replied that he couldn't remember any time he'd gotten stuck, but did tell her that once or twice Brains had while testing it. They both laughed, picturing the engineer stuck on the chute.

After that, she settled into the command seat and went through the pre-flight check procedures and pod selection format. Elise had graduated from the simulator training and was now learning how to handle the actual craft. Virgil had been impressed at how quickly she'd familiarized herself with the controls and at how comfortable she was with them.

"Pod selection complete." Her fingers quickly programmed information into the telemetry computer which, through sophisticated technology, transferred piloting commands from the simplified control cabin interface to the aircraft's complicated flight systems. She pushed a button on the console and the huge green transporter slowly descended over the pod. The clicking sounds heard in the cockpit indicated the pods electromagnetic docking clamps had activated and the pod was in place.

"Pod secure," Elise announced as she powered up the engines. "Proceeding with taxi to take off ramp position."

"FAB," Virgil answered.

Thunderbird Two steadily made her way to the launch ramp. Elise put on the brakes and waited for the ramp to rise. She quickly glanced over at Virgil who smiled and winked. "You're doing great!"

She let the breath out she'd been holding. The ramp rose and remained in take off position for a few minutes.

"Good work, Elise. Now let's see how you are at backing up!" Virgil grinned.

Once the ramp was lowered, she reversed the engines and slowly backed up the runway and into the hangar. Powering down the engines and raising the telescopic legs, Elise raised the main fuselage clear of the pod and shut down Thunderbird Two. She looked at Virgil. "Well? Do I pass?"

"A little slow reversing, but that takes practice. Yes, you passed."

She beamed a smile back at him and added, "You're definitely easier to please than Scott!"

Virgil laughed and replied, "Now don't go telling everyone I'm easy! I'd hate for my reputation to be ruined."

"It'll be our secret," she playfully answered. "Talking of Scott, how much of this whole Christopher thing did he know about before CJ left?"

"I don't know, Elise. I know Christopher was angry about the punishment for the security breach, but as to why he left and the details of it... well, I guess Dad's the one that's going to have to tell the rest of the team. I don't think Scott knew any more than the rest of us on the day that CJ left."

"It was quite a shock, that's for sure," Elise said as her thoughts drifted back to that day...

She and Callie had been out on the patio when Christopher, Scott, and a large amount of luggage emerged from common room hallway.

"What's going on?" Elise had asked.

Christopher told them he was leaving for good and hugged them as he said his farewells. Scott said nothing but continued on walking Christopher and his luggage to the freight elevator.

Elise had tracked down Dom and Nikki and, together with Callie and Kat, they'd assembled at the hangar with various other Tracy family members and Kyrano. Elise remembered more fond farewells and watched as John and Christopher boarded Tracy One and took off.

The second they were airborne, she marched over to Scott. "What the hell's going on here?" she demanded. "Are you going to just stand there and let him go?"

Scott took a deep breath and looked her in the eye. "I don't have a choice, Elise. It's out of my control."

He'd started to walk away, but she put out her hand to stop him. "Wait just a sec. You're telling me that the back-up pilot for TB1 just quit? Just like that?" she snapped her fingers for emphasis.

"No, I'm saying that I don't have all the details and it was a command decision." Scott tried not to sound snippy, but he was not at all happy at being put on the spot when his father should be the one explaining what had happened.

"Fine. I guess we'd all better watch our backs then, in case one of us is the next one put on a plane off this island."

Scott knew by the look on her face that she hadn't believed him about what he knew. He needed to talk to his father, the sooner the better, and so left the hangar before anyone else could corner him.

Elise wasn't satisfied with Scott's answers and, although she'd tried, she hadn't been able to get 2 seconds alone with him since then to ask him again.

"Hellooo? You in there?"

Elise snapped back to the present at the sound of Virgil's voice. "What? Oh! Yeah, I'm ready to go." She stood and the two of them made their way back to the lounge.

From FrankieCTB2 8/13/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1435 is a reply to message #1434] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
******Thunderbird Five, Wednesday, May 2, 2068; 8 a.m.******

Callie awakened from a sound sleep after spending her first night alone on Thunderbird Five. "That felt surprisingly good," she said to herself. She pulled herself out of bed and got dressed before grabbing herself some breakfast. She sat near the window, looking down on planet Earth. My first time alone up here, she thought seriously. I'll be used to this every couple of months, but it feels odd. She smiled. It was sure nice of the others to give me the party the other night.

******Flashback to Monday, April 30, 7 p.m. on Tracy Island******

Callie had finished packing her clothes and necessities, as the next day would be her flight to the space station to be the solo space monitor.

Her workmates decided to throw her a goodbye party that evening, and Callie was pleasantly surprised. "I don't know what to say," she said with tears in her eyes.

Virgil said, "You'll be space monitor by yourself this time. Just know this, if you need any help or don't understand something, don't be afraid to call for help. John and Alan are the two best to assist you for space station issues, but any of us are available for whatever you need help with."

"I just hope I do everything all right. I don't want to let any of you down."

Jeff gave her some words of reassurance. "Callie, just have faith in yourself and your abilities. I trust you to use your best judgment to decide what calls are important."

"I guess I'm just a little nervous."

"I know you'll do just fine."

******The next morning aboard Thunderbird Three******

As John piloted Thunderbird Three with Callie sitting next to him, he noticed her becoming slightly unnerved. "Callie, just relax. You'll do fine on your own. You've proven to be a fast learner, and we trust you."

She breathed a nervous sigh. "I don't want to mess anything up," she said softly.

"Callie, just have confidence. If you're not sure about something, we're always available at Base. Now get ready for docking sequence."

"F-A-B."

After they had docked, they were joined by Alan in bringing fresh supplies into the station.

As Alan was about to leave, he said, "You know what to do. Flag any calls--"

"Flag any calls of high priority and possible emergency. Contact Base if any of those calls require International Rescue. I think I've got it." Callie laughed lightly.

"Okay, Callie. It's in your hands now. Take care of this baby until John comes back up next month."

"Right. I'll call Base to let them know you're on the way home."

When Thunderbird Three undocked from the station, Callie made the call. "Base from Thunderbird Five, changeover complete, and Thunderbird Three is on its way back to you."

Jeff smiled. "F-A-B, Ursa. Good luck."

******End of Flashback******

Callie continued looking out the window as she completed her breakfast. "It sure feels a little lonely up here, being so far away from friends and family. I know why I'm here, though, and I know what I have to do." She took her plate and placed it into the sink. "Well, time to start flagging calls." She went to the radio and started listening to various calls from all over the world, checking if any would need International Rescue's assistance.

******By TracyFan4Ever (after a long stint of being offline) with helpful editing assistance from Tikatu.******
From TracyFan4Ever 8/13/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:49]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1436 is a reply to message #1435] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island - Wednesday, May 2nd - mid morning

Kat sat on the balcony of her apartment. A gentle breeze made the air seem cooler and ruffled her hair. The manual on her lap seemed very heavy, and before long she closed her eyes and began to think about everything that had happened in the last three months. Of the new friends that she had made: Callie, Dom and little Josh, Brandon, Christopher, Nikki and Elise.

Her thoughts went on to the Tracy family. Scott, who was teaching her the mechanics of Thunderbird One. Virgil and Gordon who were teaching her about Thunderbirds Two and Four. Yes, they had all been kind to her, even when she suffered bouts of homesickness, and self-doubts after her first rescue, and also her low blood sugar problem. She opened her eyes, stood up and leaned over the balcony rail, looking out to sea. ~What would my parents think if they really knew what their only daughter was doing. She sighed; she wished that she could tell them. They would be so proud, but she knew that she must never mention anything to them.

She wandered back into her apartment, and looked at her computer. Maybe she could send a short message. She sat down in front of the screen. She sighed to herself again. She felt restless, but she didn't know why. It seemed so quiet. Maybe she could invite the others to have a meal with her... Though after Sunday's disaster, she doubted anyone would trust her cooking skill. She liked to cook, but had to admit that living on her own had made her lazy. She used to rely on her microwave quite a bit when she was working for Lady Penelope and living at the West Lodge.

Intent on seeking out her colleagues, Kat headed for the main house. Mr Tracy was seated at his desk. He acknowledged Kat's "Hello!" with a smile and, "Hi, Kat. Nice to see you."

Kat headed for the pool, intending to think about asking her friends for a meal and saw John was seated on a lounger by the pool. Kat looked at him and wondered, ~Dare I? Of course! Why not?

"Hi, John." She sat down on the edge of the pool, kicking the water with her feet.

"Hello, Kat. How're you doing?"

She glanced at him. "Fine, thanks. Actually, I was wondering, er, that is to say, do you think you could possibly have dinner with me one evening? Just a simple meal; my way of thanking you for talking me into staying and also for showing me the stars."

John looked surprised, but he said, "Thank you, Kat. I'm sure I can squeeze it in. When were you thinking of having it?"

"Would Thursday at about 7.30 pm be okay for you?"
John shook his head.

"Sorry Kat, I can't make that day. It's Cherie's birthday and my Mom's is on the 5th. We are having a family celebration.

Kat hesitated. ~Could I invite him earlier, tonight in fact? She took a deep breath. "Could you make it this evening about 7.30pm?"

John grinned. "Sounds good to me. You have a date."

Kat smiled. "Then I'd better go. I have to plan what to have. See you this evening."

After she had left him, Kat suddenly realised that she had made rather a rash offer. What on earth could she give him? All her products were vegetarian and she knew that he liked steak. Could she borrow some ingredients from her friends? Maybe she could ask Kyrano. ~No, she decided, ~This is going to be a meal made by me. She looked in her fridge and store cupboards and smiled to herself. She knew exactly what to offer him.

From Tawnyangel22 8/14/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:49]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1437 is a reply to message #1436] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Wednesday, May 2, 2068, 3:15 p.m., Tracy Island.

"Mom?" Alex called as he poked his head into the infirmary. "Hey, Ty."

"Hi, Alex. She's in the office," Tyler said. He was sitting up in bed, playing a vid game on the single televid in the sick room.

"Okay, thanks." The older boy made his way into the office. "Mom? When is Tyler getting out of here?"

"Hello, Alex," his mother said distractedly, as she updated the sickroom inventory. Then his question registered. "I'm sorry, honey. Ty should be released tomorrow. Just waiting to see how he does with solid food tonight, that's all."

"Oh, good," the boy said. "I've kinda missed him." He looked down and scuffed his sandal on the floor. "I've kinda missed you, too, with you being down here so much and all."

Dianne stopped what she was doing and turned to face her son. "C'mere," she said opening her arms wide. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much for you. Believe me, when you've taken sick, I've been down here just as much for you."

Alex stepped over to her and accepted her embrace. "Yeah, I know. And Dad's been trying to fill in. But he's got a merger or something coming along...."

"Yes, I know," Dianne said emphatically.

"Well, anyway, I came down here to tell you that my banjo catfish doesn't look too good," he explained. "I don't know what to do."

"Honey, you're going to have to ask Gordon about it, or maybe Brains. You know I don't know how to fix a banjo catfish."

"I know. But you usually tell me what to do to make the water better," Alex said.

"Have you done the usual chemical checks and balances?" she asked.

"Yeah, but he's still not looking good."

She gave her son a sympathetic gaze. "I'm afraid you may lose him, hon. And I'm not talking about losing sight of him in the tank either."

"I know," the boy admitted. "If I do, can we go to Wellington and get a replacement? Maybe one of those panda corys?"

"We'll see," Dianne answered. "But any trip to Wellington would have to be either with one of your brothers or after your father and I return from my birthday celebration."

"I don't see why you and Dad have to go off together without us," Alex pouted. "We'd like to see the new place, too."

"You have school," his mother reminded him. "Besides, your Dad and I need to get away for a bit, just the two of us. We'll bring you to New Hampshire sometime during the school break, okay?"

"I guess so," Alex said with a sigh. "I guess I'd better go find Gordon."

"After you have the fish doctor look at the banjo, why don't you come back down and play a game with Tyler. You've barely been down to see him since he's been sick," Dianne suggested.

"Okay. I will. See you later, Mom," the boy said as he turned and left the office.

It took a few minutes to sink in, but Dianne looked up from her inventory, realizing that she hadn't heard the sick room door open and close. She poked her head into the infirmary section and saw Alex and Tyler sitting side by side on the bed, playing the video game.

"I thought you were going to find Gordon," she said as she came over to watch.

"Yeah, but I figured; hey, my brother's more important than a fish," Alex explained, not looking over at her.

Dianne smiled and ruffled his hair, then went back to work.

From Tikatu 8/14/2005 2:58 PM


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 21:49]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1438 is a reply to message #1437] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Wednesday May 2, 2068. 3:45 pm. Tracy Island.

"I do it!"

"Now, Josh, you know you can't."

"I do it!"

"Josh, listen to me -- "

"I do it!"

"Fine, fine, go ahead and try."

Joshua's little fingers fumbled around the inflated water wings as he struggled to put them on his arms. The task of fitting his hand through the tight space was, as Dominic knew, something he couldn't do quite yet, and the toddler's temper began to rise. Averting the oncoming crisis, Dominic quickly pushed his son's arms through, and proceeded to tickle the life out of the little blond. Joshua immediately buckled with laughter, his consternation vanishing with the strokes of his father's fingers. Thank God for short memories, anyway... Dominic thought. Joshua bounced back up and ran over to the internal lift, reaching up for the 'call' button. Dom picked up the bag containing their towels and other essentials and headed to the lift himself.

He went to press the button himself, but Joshua shook his head.

"I do it!"

"Now, can you reach it, Josh?" Dominic asked, but Joshua simply continued to stretch.

Dom lifted the child up, and Josh hit the button with relish. He jumped back down, and ran into the lift as soon as it opened. Dominic shook his head.

"I'm getting too old for this..."

***

It was another sweltering day on the island. There was barely a breeze. Scott and Virgil were casually moving their chess pieces around the board, too hot to pay much attention to their game. Gordon and Elise were lounging under the big umbrellas by the pool. Elise was deep in a magazine, taking mental notes on new styles and accessories, while Gordon was contemplating whether he should stay where he was, or go for a dip in the pool. He closed his eyes, the heat sapping his energy and effectively making his decision for him, when a familiar voice drifted by through the still air. He looked up, and grinned at what he saw.
Scott glanced up as he heard footsteps coming down from the villa, and went back to his game. He did a double take, however, his face incredulous.

"What is that?" He asked, a teasing smirk on his face.

Virgil glanced up and grinned.

"That is a shirt worthy of Gordon, am I right?"

Indeed, Dominic and Joshua had arrived, the former wearing what was probably the loudest, most garish Hawaiian shirt either brother had ever seen. Dominic set his bag down and shrugged off the shirt, tipping them a wink.

"Every man needs a shirt louder than the sound of his voice," Dom said.

Scott barked out a laugh at the soft-spoken Irishman. Simply a striped shirt would have done in that case, he thought.

"What is that?"

It was Gordon this time, the smile wiped off his face, replaced by a look of sheer astonishment.

"Hmm?" Dominic asked, before realizing Gordon was staring at his back. "Oh, that. It's a tattoo, laddie," he said.

"It's huge!" Gordon said, his eyes seemingly on the verge of popping. "My God, that must have hurt."

"Aye, it did."

Dominic quickly followed Joshua into the pool before the wayward child decided to go for a walk in the deep end. He cornered the child on the shallower steps, and leant over to grab a nearby beach ball.

"Why did you get it?" Elise asked.

She had looked up at Gordon's exclamation. Most of the newbies had seen it before, due to a certain night-time emergency call, but the sight was still something to behold. Across Dom's shoulders and all the way down his back was one huge, intricate tattoo of a pair of silvery wings.

"Why does anyone do anything when they're a teenager?" Dom asked, throwing the ball back to a delighted Josh. "I admit it wasn't the smartest thing I ever did, but I thought it was cool at the time. Now... not so much."

Gordon shook his head.

"You're insane." He said.

"Would you like to know how may piercings I have as well?"

"No, thank you." Gordon said, shaking his head again. "In-sane. Totally."

Dominic laughed and caught the ball enthusiastically thrown by Joshua, which nearly flew over his head.

"Nice arm," he heard Scott comment.

From ArtisticRainey 8/14/2005



Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1439 is a reply to message #1438] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island, Wednesday May 2nd, Kat's apartment

At 7:30 the doorbell chimed. Kat wiped her hands on her apron, and taking if off, answered the door.

"Come in, John." She smiled. "Go through to the balcony. I have laid the table out there."

The table was laid with a bright red and white check tablecloth. "A goodbye gift from my aunt," Kat explained as she saw John looking at it. "I have made a fruit punch, or would you prefer juice?"

"Punch would be great, thanks," he said, and Kat poured two glasses, handing one to John. She went into the kitchen and returned with a bowl of mixed lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and radishes, together with a smaller bowl of Waldorf salad and some pots of cottage cheese. "I'm sorry that it's vegetarian," she said apologetically.

"Kat, I am quite happy eating veggie, as they say," John smiled at her.

They ate for a while in silence, only broken when Kat asked John if he wanted any more. To finish off with, Kat brought out a fresh pineapple. After they had finished, Kat began to clear away. John took some things into the kitchen and helped her fill the dishwasher and put other things away. Then Kat filled their glasses up again and they both wandered back out to the balcony.

"John," Kat began, "Thanks for coming over this evening. I just wanted to say thank you for making me welcome on the island."

"Thank you and you're welcome, Kat. It was a very nice meal and a very nice thought."

John told her about his stay on Thunderbird Five, and how lonely it could be, and that it would be great being on Earth for two months at a time now that Callie could take her turn. They talked about their families. Kat mentioned her two brothers, both younger than her but how she would have loved to have had a sister. John told her how his three youngest siblings had certainly brightened up life on the island. Slowly the sun began to sink and one or two stars began twinkling in the darkening sky.

"Do you remember when you came to Lady Penelope's to bring me back to Tracy Island? Little did I know at that time just what was in store for me," she said

"Yes, I remember. And I remember how you chatted almost the whole journey."

"Oh, yes, and when I arrived, I was so sleepy! I yawned and Doctor Tracy sent me to have a rest," Kat replied. "I was so embarrassed." They both smiled at that. "Everyone here has been so kind and helpful, except...."

John couldn't see her face. "Except?"

She returned to her chair. "Sometimes I annoy Scott. I really don't mean to, it's just that I made such a mess when I first flew in the simulator, and I am beginning to have qualms about learning Thunderbird One. I am really worried about training with him. You see, when I get nervous I tend jump in with what little I know. Mum used to say I should get my brain in gear before I say anything."

John laughed at this.

"It's true," Kat continued. "It can be so embarrassing."

John said seriously, "Kat, I don't think you have anything to worry about with Scott. True, he is a perfectionist, but he will take things very slowly with you. Just try to listen carefully. Maybe taking a notebook will help. You can jot down things you learn, and things you need to ask for the next lesson."

Kat smiled. "Thanks for that, John. I will do as you suggest."

John looked at his watch. "Do you know what time it is? It's way past midnight. I'd better be going. Thank you again for a lovely meal, Kat."

"It was a pleasure, and I am glad you enjoyed it," Kat responded.

"I must do the same for you, although I shall have to ask Kyrano for some vegetarian food," John added

Once he had left, Kat suddenly realised that she was thinking more and more about him. How nice he was, how friendly and caring. She hugged her arms around herself, going back onto the balcony and staring out into the inky blackness. She went over in her mind their conversation. Yes, she was sure that he would make her a meal. Maybe, just maybe, who knew what the future would hold.

From: Tawnyangel22 Sent: 8/14/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1440 is a reply to message #1439] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
London; Wednesday, May 2; 10 AM (10 PM on Tracy Island)

Desdemona Hightower was in Jacques' office, updating him. He had agreed to let her send the email attacking Lena's granddaughter, although his brother had strenuously objected. "If that doesn't get Mrs. Matumbo to realize that we mean business, nothing will," she said with a great deal of satisfaction.

"Perhaps," he replied. "But Giles seems to think otherwise."

"Giles!" she retorted contemptuously. "He is--"

Just then Jacques' phone rang. He answered it, listened to the panicky voice at the other end, and replied, "What? When did this happen?" There was a pause, then he snapped, "Well get as many people as you need on it fix it, and make it fast!" He slammed down the phone. "Damn!"

"What's wrong?"

"Someone has flooded our website with useless information! It seems that every byte of space is full! Every time someone clears space, it fills up again! This is intolerable!"

"I don't believe it! Who could have done such a thing?"

"I can think of one person right off. It seems that our little brother was right and we should have taken her statement more seriously."

"Lena Matumbo? Do you really think that old lady is capable of such a thing?"

"It is because of her abilities that we've been trying to recruit her, sister dear.

"When I get my hands on her, I'll --"

"You'll do nothing, Dez! She is exactly what we need to get into the Tracy Industries computer system. And if you try to harm her or her family in any way -- as she told Giles -- we'll lose our best chance of succeeding! Now I suggest you get on your computer and see if you can help them find and stop whatever she downloaded into our website. We've been effectively shut down because of this!"

"It could take hours! I have other plans!"

"I suggest you call her and tell her you'll be late. This is more important. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can leave to be with your latest fling. Go!"

From: Hobbeth Sent: 8/14/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1442 is a reply to message #1440] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island; Thursday, May 3, 9:30 AM

Brains had already breakfasted and was in the lab. He'd been there for a while, and his computer was analyzing his latest experiment, so he decided to pass the time by checking his email.

There were several messages from colleagues all over the world, and he went through them, replying to this one, saving that one, until he had one left. It was from Lena, and had been sent very recently. He opened it and read:

There have been a couple of incidents in the last few days, and although at first I thought it wasn't necessary to bother you with them, I've changed my mind. Please forward this to whomever you feel should know about what occurred.

Last Friday, I was accosted by a tall, slender, pale man, whom I later realized was a Hightower. He coerced me to get into his limousine, where he attempted to convince me to leave Tracy Industries and join his family's company. When I refused, he threatened me by saying that something bad could happen to a member of my family. I got angry and told him I would retaliate. Then I was able to persuade his chauffeur to pull over -- I won't tell you how. As luck would have it, he stopped just outside one of the Metro subway stations, and I got out, telling this Hightower I never wanted to see or hear from him again.

Apparently the man didn't believe me, because yesterday I found out that one of my granddaughters had been slandered by an anonymous email to the church she attends. I called the minister and advised him generally of the situation, which effectively closed that matter. Then I kept my promise.

You have probably heard of a program that sends useless information, trivia and gibberish to websites, flooding all of their empty space. I have a copy of that program, having used it many years ago to put an end to the harassment from a certain business. I looked it over and made a few modifications, then uploaded it into the Hightower's website. It will continue to send garbage to the site for 72 hours, unless they find the code buried deep within the program that will stop it. That is highly unlikely, even for the Hightower's best computer programmer.

I get the feeling, however, that this will not stop them. That is why I'm notifying you.

Please give my best to the Tracys and to Tin-Tin. I'll be in touch soon.

Lena


Brains reread the message, and thought, I'm sure glad she's on our side. If she teamed up with the Hightowers, no business would be safe. And if the Hood got hold of her, no one would be safe.

Hmm. I think I'd better let Mr. Tracy know about this. And Tin-Tin, too; she has a rapport with Lena. I'll forward the message to their mailboxes.
He immediately did so, adding a foreword at the beginning. By then his computer was chiming to signal that the analysis was complete. He shut down his mailbox and got back to work.

From: Hobbeth Sent: 8/14/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1443 is a reply to message #1442] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:56 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Thursday, May 3, 2068, 7:30 p.m., Tracy Island

Scott glanced over at the happy face of Cherie, who had just turned 14. She had his gift in her hand and was just opening the card that went with it.

She rolled her eyes, "'To my favorite little sister, love, Scott'. You guys don't get tired of this, do you?" she exclaimed. "I am everyone's favorite sister, little or big, because..."

Gordon held up his arms as if conducting an orchestra and gave the downbeat as she started to say the expected, "I'm your only sister!" Then everyone at the table burst into laughter.

Cherie made a face, slightly peeved to be caught being as predictable as her brothers, then she tore open the package. "Oooh! A unicorn charm! And a tiny ladybug!" She glanced over at Scott and said a bright and heartfelt, "Thank you!"

"You're welcome!" Scott had given her a sterling silver charm bracelet for her first birthday as a Tracy, and each of his original brothers had purchased a charm for it that year with the agreement that after the first year, Scott alone would buy the charms for her birthday and Christmas. He usually purchased two at a time, and afterwards, would solder them on the bracelet for her himself. He had a plan that for Cherie's sweet sixteenth; he would upgrade the bracelet to a gold one, and all the brothers could contribute that year if they wanted, but then after that, he alone would buy the charms again.

He found it a comforting thing to know he had a plan for her gifts, because, though he loved Cherie dearly, he didn't always understand her, especially now that she had entered puberty and was maturing physically and emotionally. It was strange to him that this young girl, who sometimes chafed under his brotherly care, so often turned to him for advice and even comfort. But then, all of the brothers turned to him for advice, with the possible exception of Tyler, who usually called on John, his proclaimed favorite brother. Even Alex had come to respect Scott's wisdom and if he didn't get the kind of answer he needed from their father, who he idolized, he would come to Scott first, then go to Brains, with whom the budding scientist had a special rapport.

"Ooh! I've been wanting this manga book!" Cherie said as she opened the gift from Virgil.

The chestnut-haired brother grinned. "So you've mentioned... more than once."

Everyone laughed again. Virgil's gifts were always music or art related or both. Artistic talent was something that Cherie shared with him, a legacy of the girl's natural father. And somehow he was more attuned to her tastes in music than the others were. The art classes that he taught his youngest siblings were fun, he told Scott, and all three kids had some talent, but Cherie was serious about her art, while the other two dabbled in it, their interest waxing and waning as other things diverted attention.

Scott glanced over at Dianne, sitting close to his father. Now that is a gift of a different kind, he thought, not thinking so much about what he had given his stepmother, (several different bath items in one of her favorite fruity scents) but what his stepmother had given him, and particularly his father. As a far as he was concerned, Dianne was the best thing to happen to his dad in a long, long time. Scott had always had the impression that his father's whole view on life had been colored by his grief over his own mother, Lucille. There was always that edge of sadness in his eyes, even at the happiest times, and there had been periods of depression as well, especially at the beginning. But those periods were gone, and so was the sadness. Now there was an underlying joy in his father's eyes and in his step. It was as if Dianne had turned on the light. And Scott had the definite impression that she had given him back his father, the one he remembered from childhood. It was a gift he would always remember.

"So, who's going with me to the ranch?" Cherie asked.

"Alan and I are!" John exclaimed. "We missed out on Alex's birthday party and since we're both here, we're going!"

"You do realize that Cherie's friends will be drooling all over you?" Gordon commented. "Adolescent girls just love handsome older brothers."

"And combine that with horses, and we won't be able to blast them out of there with dynamite," Scott commented. He remembered the party last year and how the girls giggled about him and the semi-whispered conversations between them about how "hot" he was. Not that he didn't want to be admired for his looks, but these girls were more than a bit young for him.

"Horses?" Kat perked up. "You have horses? I love to ride." The new recruits had been invited to the birthday celebration and told very emphatically that they didn't have to come or to bring gifts unless moved to do so. Most of them were enjoying the meal and chatting around the table.

"We have a ranch in Wyoming, a good sized spread," Jeff explained. "We have people raising horses and cattle for us there. That's where we get our beef. It's a refuge of sorts for us."

Scott remembered the occasional summer visits to that ranch. All five of the elder Tracys had worked hard during the visits and proven themselves. They had all learned to ride horses, and now the caretaker's eldest daughter was gently teaching the younger ones how. Cherie loved the place and often wished they lived there year-round.

"So, Dad?" Alan asked. "Where's your gift to Mom?"

"In New Hampshire," Jeff said, putting his arm around his wife and drawing her close.

The resulting silence was profound. All of a sudden, Scott found his mind's eye filled with the cold bleakness of a New Hampshire hillside, the tangled wreckage of his father's helijet spotlighted in Thunderbird One's belly lights and the figure of his stepmother running across the snow, disappearing inside.

"Are you sure that's such a good idea?" Virgil asked quietly.

"Yes," Dianne said with certainty. "It is. The final step in healing."

There was another silence and Elise spoke up softly, "Will you be requiring my services, Mr. Tracy?" Scott could tell from her voice that she dreaded his answer.

"Not this time, Elise," Jeff replied. "Dianne and I will be taking Cherie's guests home from the ranch, then flying on from Greenville by ourselves."

Elise nodded slowly. Scott's keen eye saw the white knuckles of the hand that had grasped the table relax. I'm sure she needs to go up there, he thought. But she's not ready yet.

Slowly the conversations began again, not as loud as before, and that's why Scott was able to catch the next bit of conversation.

"Can I go to the ranch?" Tyler asked, his voice hopeful. Scott looked on the boy fondly. His youngest brother had given them quite a bit of concern in the days after the tsunami; who would have thought that the stress of the situation would have such a profound impact on the child? To Scott's eye, he was much too thin now, but he ate his dinner with relish and seemed to be pleased to be back in the company of the whole family.

"Yes, Ty, you're coming," Dianne said, reaching out to ruffled the short, stiff hair. "If only so I can keep an eye on your food intake. But you'll be coming back to the island with everyone else. You have a lot of school to catch up on."

School. Scott groaned internally. Now that Christopher was gone, it seemed that he might have to train Elise on the intricacies of Thunderbird One, at least until they got a new pilot candidate. He had trained her before and knew exactly what to expect: trouble.

Well, no reason to cross that bridge before we get there, he reminded himself as he sat up. He realized that he hadn't finished his cake, and he reached out to take another forkful, savoring the flavor and relaxing in the company of his family and friends.

From: Tikatu Sent: 8/17/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1444 is a reply to message #1443] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
"Cherie, sweetie, wait up!"

Cherie turned around at the call and stopped.

"Hey Dominic," she said brightly. Her birthday euphoria was still running strong.

The thin man caught up with her and held out something long and thin, wrapped in crepe paper, with a little tag -- simply made of cardboard with a rather crudely drawn shooting star on the front.

"Happy Birthday," Dom said with a grin.

Cherie was taken aback. She hadn't expected anything from any of their new friends.

"Thanks, Dom, but you really didn't-"

"I know, I know. But how could I not give a present to my best babysitter, eh?"

Cherie laughed, and Dom waved the package a little to get her to take it. She could barely make out the Irishman's scrawled, tiny handwriting on the tag. His grin turned sheepish as she glanced at the picture on the front.

"Best I could do," he said with a nervous laugh. "I was never much of an artist."

Cherie unfurled the dark blue crepe -- where had Dom gotten it from? -- and into her hand rolled two long, thin, smooth sticks with simple flowers at the top.

"They're hair chopsticks," Dom said quickly, and Cherie assumed it was in case she didn't get, for she already knew.

"They're wonderful!" She said. "Where did you get them?"

"I, uh, made them, but credit has to go to Kyrano for getting me the sticks, Brains for the sandpaper and Alex for getting me the modelling clay. I know the flowers look a little silly but as I said, I'm not much of an artist."

Cherie let him ramble on before giving him a hug. Dom seemed taken aback.

"They're really, really cool," she assured him, admiring the hardened, varnished flowers on the top. In truth the flowers were actually much better than the drawing. "Thank you so much!"
Dominic grinned widely.

"I'm really glad you like them," he said. "Now," he clapped his hands briefly and gave her a wink, "I'm off to tell Josh that he's going to get to see some horsies. And," he added, "that he'll have to give his babysitter a break for the day."

Cherie laughed, and Dominic strode around a corner and out of sight, his own chuckling resounding in the hallway.

From: ArtisticRainey Sent: 8/18/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1445 is a reply to message #1444] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Thursday, May 3, 2068, 9:30 p.m., Tracy Island

"Come," Kyrano said simply. He had finished the cleanup of the kitchen and dining area and was now relaxing in his favorite chair with a tiny glass of cognac (a habit left from his days in Paris). Asterix lay across his lap, purring as the retainer stroked the soft fur.

The door to his suite opened and Tin-Tin walked in. She leaned over to give her father a kiss on the cheek, then flopped down in the chair next to him. "The birthday party went well," she said in a careless tone.

"It did indeed," he replied. He continued to stroke the cat, and Tin-Tin leaned over to scritch the feline between the ears. "I am thinking of giving this little one a new name," he went on. "I have yet to choose one, however. I think something in Malay or perhaps in Chinese... what do you think, Tin-Tin?"

"It doesn't matter to me," she said, sitting back in the chair with a sigh. He kept stroking the cat, waiting for his daughter to unburden her heart.

When no words were forthcoming, he asked, "Will you be going with the family to the ranch?"

She sighed heavily. "I don't know. Alan will be there." She drew her knees up and put her arms around them. "Father, why can't I find a nice man? I mean, first there's Alan, who leads me on for years then drops me, saying his life is 'too dangerous' to share with anyone." She let go of her knees long enough to make her first and second fingers into little crooks, emphasizing the "too dangerous". "Then there's Giles Hightower, who I thought was witty and charming and who turns out to be a complete cad and only wanted me so he could get into the Tracy computer system."

She paused and shook her head. "Then... there was Christopher. He liked me, and I liked him and other than that disastrous first dinner, things seemed to be okay. Going slowly, but okay. Then all of a sudden, he mouths off at Mr. Tracy and leaves... gets thrown out... whichever way you want to look at it... and before he leaves, he kisses me and tells me that he loves me! Why couldn't he have said something before that? Why did he have to be so stupid as to get himself in trouble in the first place?" She lay her cheek down on her knees. "I'm such a failure."

"Come here, my child." Tin-Tin looked up to see that her father had put the cat down and had moved to a settee, and was patting the cushion next to him. She sighed again, got up and joined him. He put an arm around her shoulders and drew her to him.

"You are not a failure. It is the men who fail to see what they are missing. There will be a man for you, my daughter. One who will love and cherish you for all the right reasons, and who will not be afraid to share his life with you. It may not be soon, and you may wait a long time, but love will come to you. I know it will."

"Yes, it will probably come when I'm too old to enjoy it," Tin-Tin groused.

Kyrano shook his head. "One is never too old to enjoy love, my sweet one. I know that for a fact."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Father. I sometimes forget about you and Lisa," she said contritely. "Will she be coming to visit again soon?"

"Yes, she will. She is to return with the children from the visit to the ranch. Mr. Tracy and Dr. Tracy will be picking her up with Cherie's guests in Greenville."

Tin-Tin laughed a bit. "If only I could have the kind of relationship that you two have."

"Our relationship is fun," Kyrano said solemnly. "But we have both seen much pain in our lives, and that is why we do not hesitate to love. I would spare you such pain if I could."

"Mmmm," Tin-Tin said drowsily. "Do you think I should go to the ranch?"

"I do, daughter. You have been working hard lately and could use the change of scene. Besides, Dr. Tracy will need extra female hands to keep those girls in check."

Tin-Tin chuckled. "All right, Father. I will go." She kissed him again on the cheek, and got up from the settee. "I'll tell Dr. Tracy right away."

"Good," Kyrano said, smiling at her. "Good night, my sweet one."

"Goodnight, Father," Tin-Tin returned the smile as she left the sitting room.

Asterix leaped back up into the old man's lap and snuggled down. The retainer began to stroke him again. "Now as for you, little one, what shall I call you?"

From: Tikatu Sent: 8/18/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1446 is a reply to message #1445] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island, Thursday May 3, 9:30pm.

"Do you think our daughter enjoyed her birthday celebration this evening?" Jeff asked his wife as he slipped an arm around her waist, gently pulling her to his side.

Turning her face upwards to meet his gaze, Dianne answered, "Absolutely! She adores her older brothers and her new friends on the team. But most of all she adores you." Jeff smiled softly and kissed Dianne tenderly.

"And how did you enjoy yours?" he asked, reluctantly pulling his lips from hers.

"Ah'll enjoy it more when you and I are alone in New Hampshire." She replied, her eyes twinkling. Jeff smiled knowingly. "I suppose we had better start packing for the trip in the morning or we'll never make it to the ranch!" Dianne reluctantly eased herself away from Jeff and started to walk away. She'd only gone a few steps, then turned back with a questioning look at her husband. "Are you not coming?"

Jeff walked to her and sighed. Taking her upper arms in his hands and gently rubbing them he spoke. "Honey, I need to debrief the team about Christopher leaving. I've put it off too long as it is and, now that the team is all here, I think I need to do this before we leave tomorrow."

Dianne sighed, fully understanding his job as Commander of the team, yet begrudging what he had to do because she wanted her husband to herself for a couple of hours tonight. "Ah understand, Just try not t'be too long," she replied with a twinkle in her eye as she caressed his face with her palm. He turned his face to kiss it and promised her he wouldn't be long.

As Scott got up to get himself another helping of cake, he noticed Tin-Tin walking out of the lounge and then caught the exchange between his father and Dianne. He smiled, walking towards them.

"Goodnight, Scott." Dianne smiled as she also left the room.
"Guess the party's over then?"

"Yep," replied his father noticing how large the slice of cake was Scott was helping himself to. "Son, where do you put it all?" Scott looked up innocently as he shoveled a bite into his mouth.

Jeff rolled his eyes and then became serious. "Scott, I want to have a short briefing with everyone in here in about 5 minutes."

"Christopher, right?" the son asked, reading his father's thoughts. Jeff nodded. Scott didn't need any more words.
Instead, he finished the cake and started rounding everyone up.

The team members sat around the lounge in various places waiting for their commander to begin. Jeff stood behind his desk, drew in a breath as he looked around, and began. "First, please forgive my short notice for this briefing, but in light of my travel plans over the next few days I wanted you all to be clear about the reasons for Mr. Jordan's departure from International Rescue." The room was silent; all eyes and ears were on the Commander.

"I'm fully aware of how things may look at the moment, but let me make this one point clear before I continue. International Rescue has zero tolerance for security breaches! One slip could mean the end of this organization and the end of saving people's lives." Jeff looked around as he spoke. Not even his own sons dared say a word. They knew better. "Am I making myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" came unified reply.

Jeff paused before continuing, choosing his words carefully. "Recently, two team members, under two completely different sets of circumstances, risked the security of IR. Both were addressed and handled as I saw fit. Unfortunately, Mr. Jordan did not agree with some of our policies and my handling of each situation. As a result, he and I both thought it best if his continuation with IR be terminated."

"So it was mutual?" Scott was the first to speak up.

"Yes, Scott, it was. Mr. Jordan had apparently been re-thinking his position with us for a while and didn't think he could continue to be an asset to the team." Jeff noted how some of the new members glanced at each other.

"So where does that leave us for a second pilot on TB One?" This question came from Brandon.

"At this point we will need to cross-train some of you while we look for another pilot candidate."

At those words, Elise, who happened to be sitting next to Virgil and within earshot of Scott, groaned softly. Scott had been right with his earlier prediction to himself that trouble with blonde hair was coming his way.

Virgil spoke up next. "So who do we start training on One first?"

"Virgil, we have 3 active pilots right now, you and Scott and Elise..."

~Oh no, here it comes~ Elise groaned inwardly this time.

"What about Alan?" Nikki asked.

"Alan is capable of handling One, but only as a last resort. His main duties and responsibilities are with Three and manning the space station in rotation with John and Callie. Tin-Tin and Brains are certainly qualified, but I need them here or in Thunderbird Two."

Dom was the next to speak up "Sir, I'm a qualified pilot, not on large aircraft mind you but I'm willing to be of assistance."

"Thank you Dom, I appreciate that and will keep it in consideration, but your first priority is on Thunderbird 7 as part of our essential medical team; but in the event that push comes to shove, I may need you." Dom nodded his understanding.
"At this time I want Elise to start training on One as well as continuing with Virgil on Thunderbird Two. " Jeff looked in the direction of his 3 pilots.

The chestnut haired one was looking at the other two. Elise muttered, "Oh joy," rather dejectedly. Virgil fought to hide a smile. Scott wasn't exactly jumping with excitement either.

"Think you can handle that, Elise?" Jeff asked.

"Yes, sir," was her short, confident reply.

"Scott? Any problems that you can see with that?" Jeff dared his eldest to speak now or forever hold his peace.

"No, Sir!" came the practiced reply of a military man.

The commander smiled knowingly. "Are there any other questions?"

Various headshakes and mumbles of 'no' assured Jeff that the briefing was at an end. "Obviously, we will eventually be training some of you to be back up on One, as Elise can't be in two places at once, but for now I appreciate your attention and questions and concerns. Scott will be in charge while I'm gone. Thank you for your attention, and I'm glad everyone enjoyed the evening. Now, if you'll please excuse me, I have some packing to do. " With that Jeff headed off in the direction his wife had gone earlier, intending to keep his promise to her.

As the team dispersed, Elise turned and glared at Virgil. "What are you smirking at?" she all but demanded.

He looked almost too happy as he replied, "I was just thinking that now Scott gets to teach you how he flies his Thunderbird 'straight to hell'!"

Elise winced as Virgil's statement reminded her of where she'd told Scott he could fly to when she'd found out she wasn't going back to New York. "Funny, very funny!"

Scott watched the exchange with amusement. "If you two children are done squabbling, I guess we'd better figure out a schedule for training. Don't want to tire out the little puppy on her first day!" Scott grinned, turning on the famous Tracy smile.

Elise turned her icy glare from Virgil to Scott. Then shaking her head to herself, she announced she was going to bed and left.

Both brothers watched her go and, the second she was out of earshot, Virgil threw down the gauntlet. "Fifty bucks says you can't get through the first day without wanting to kill her!"

Scott, never one to back down from anything his brothers threw at him, replied, "Make it a hundred Bro, and you're on!"

Jeff had retired to the suite he and Dianne shared to find she'd already packed all but a few things. Slipping his arms around her from behind, he hugged her closely.

"Ah take it that ahll went well?"

"Yes, actually it did."

Later, as Dianne lay sleeping in his arms, he was satisfied that he'd done the right thing by having the briefing now instead of waiting. Kissing her cheek gently, he drifted off to sleep.

From: FrankieCTB2 Sent: 8/20/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1447 is a reply to message #1446] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Wednesday, May 3, sometime in the late afternoon, over the US, en route to Greenville, SC (having crossed the IDL)

"I hate the International Date Line," Cherie groused as she sat in her seat in Tracy One.

"I can't imagine why," Dianne replied with a roll of her eyes.

Thinking this was a legitimate question, Cherie hastened to explain. "We leave early on the fourth, fly all the way to Greenville, get to Grandma's in the early evening on the third and I have to wait a whole day for my friends to be out of school so we can go to Wyoming. However, my brothers get to go straight there together and get there earlier and have a whole extra day at the ranch!"

"Don't you want to actually be there when we pick up your friends?" her mother asked.

Cherie made a grumpy face. "Well, yeah... but I'd like to spend some extra time at the ranch, too, instead of going back with Grandma and the boys while you and Dad bring my friends home." She sighed heavily, the weight of a teenaged girl on her shoulders. "Couldn't we stay an extra day? Please?"

"We've talked this over already," Dianne reminded her daughter. "You have school and exams are coming up fast. You can't afford to miss much more than you're going to. And Tyler has a lot to catch up on since he was sick."

"I think he got better just in time to go the party," Cherie groused, folding her arms across her chest emphatically.

"You're pushing it, girl. You know very well that's not true," Dianne warned, her voice getting tight with annoyance. "The way you're talking, it's as if you didn't worry about him at all."

"Hmph." Cherie said, turning her swivel chair around.

Dianne shook her head with an exasperated sigh and got up, heading for the cockpit. "Mind if we change places for a bit, Tin-Tin?" she asked the Malaysian girl. "I'm tired of being the mother of a teenager. I'd much rather be a co-pilot at this point."

Tin-Tin chuckled. "Of course, Dianne. Be my guest. I'll go back and see if Cherie would like some 'girl talk'."

The two women switched places, but not before Dianne bestowed a kiss on the pilot's head. "How're you doing, dear?"

Jeff rolled his shoulders one at a time. "I"m okay. A bit stiff, I guess. I'll be glad to get to Greenville."

"How much longer?" his wife queried as she put on her headset.

"An hour, I figure. We're halfway across the US by now."

"What's the weather like?"

"Clear all the way to the eastern seaboard, but there's a low pressure system over the upper tier. The boys'll be in for some rain."

Dianne chuckled. "Well, how about that? Maybe Cherie will feel better if she knows her brothers won't be out horseback riding without her."

Jeff snorted a laugh and got back to his piloting.

From: Tikatu Sent: 8/20/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1448 is a reply to message #1447] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Friday, May 4, 2068, 6:30 p.m. local time, north of Cody, Wyoming

"Come and get it!" shouted Naomi Killdeer, one of the caretakers of the Tracy's Wyoming ranch. She rang the large triangle with enthusiasm and people started to arrive back at the main house.

"Dinner!" Alex shouted as he rubbed the mud off his cowboy boots. He did it as quickly, yet as carefully as he could. He knew that Naomi didn't like dirt in the house, and neither did his mother or his grandmother for that matter.

Jeff, Dianne, Lisa, Cherie and Cherie's five friends had arrived around 4:30, just about the time they had left Greenville. The flight from south to northwest took roughly an hour at Mach 2, and then there was an hour's drive from the Yellowstone Regional Jetport to the ranch itself. Cherie had been anxious to go riding, but first settled in with her friends and spent an hour or more talking and catching up so that by the time they were through, it was too late to ride that day. It didn't stop the girls from going down to the barn to moon over 16-year-old David Killdeer, who was brushing the horses and helping Alex and Tyler take the tack off their mounts from their trail ride with Alan and John. But once the girls set their eyes on the blond Tracy brothers, that was it. David couldn't hold a candle to the older men, and both brothers' faces turned pink at hearing these adolescent girls giggling over them.

Dom was there with Joshua, who was fascinated by the horses. His father encouraged the toddler to say, "Horsey," a word he was sure his son would learn by the end of the trip. Jeff had gone off to talk with Quentin Killdeer, the foreman of the ranch, while Dianne and Lisa had offered to help Naomi and her 12-year-old daughter, Miranda, prepare dinner. Not one to turn down help, the Shoshone woman put her employer's wife and mother-in-law to work and soon the kitchen was filled with happy chatter.

The girls had been there the year before, and knew something of the layout of the ranch. They also knew the rules: no riding after dark and no riding without an adult. So they knew they'd have to wait for the next morning to fulfill their hearts' desire.

"So, Fruitcake," skinny, bespectacled Erika asked Cherry. "Who's the guy with the baby?"

"That's Dominic Kelly and his little boy, Joshua," Cherry explained. "My mom hired him on as a nurse for when we get sick."

"Are you going to introduce me to that cute brother of yours?" tall, gangly Ellen asked.

"Which one?" Cherry replied. "Alex? Tyler?" She got a playful shove from Ellen for her pains, and a bunch of groans from the other girls.

"No, the tall, blond one," Ellen clarified.

"Oh, John!" Cherry said as if it had just occurred to her. "Yeah, I suppose so. I'll introduce you all... at dinner."

"Where's Scott this year? I thought he'd be here," petite and garrulous Maggie remarked. It had been very embarrassing to Scott to be the center of Maggie's attention the year before, especially considering that the girl had worn braces. Now the braces were off, but Cherry supposed that Maggie's attentions would probably be as well-received this year as the previous.

"Scott, Virgil, and Gordon went on Alex's party in February, so they stayed home this time," Cherry said.

"Is Gordon the redhaired one?" Lorena asked. "He was cute." Lorena's Eastern European accent wasn't as strong as it had been, but it was still noticable.

"Yeah, he is," Cherry responded as she and her friends entered the dining room. "Come on. Enough about my brothers. Let's eat!"

From: Tikatu Sent: 8/25/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1449 is a reply to message #1448] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
]******Saturday, May 5, 2068, Thunderbird Five, 11:20 a.m.******[/I]

Callie had checked calls for three straight hours without even knowing it. "I never expected to listen to this many calls in a short amount of time." When she heard her stomach growling, she looked at the clock. "What!? I've worked that long already? No wonder my tummy was telling me something."

She put down the clipboard and went to the refrigerator to build herself a cold-cut ham sandwich. "I've got to remember to take a break so I don't get that bear growl again." She sat back and ate her lunch next to the window. She made a mental note to check her e-mail as soon as she finished lunch. After she took the last bite of her sandwich, she went to the computer. "Ah, a message from the Boss."

Ursa,

I called a spur-of-the-moment briefing with the team last night regarding Mr. Jordan. Since it was so last minute, I wasn't able to include you. Here's the gist of it.


She read the details of what caused Christopher's sudden parting of ways with International Rescue. She was surprised. "That's strange. I was sure he was doing well, especially after the tsunami. I guess I don't know people as well as I thought."

I just wanted to let you know the whole story, and I apologize for not allowing you to be part of the briefing last night. It was too sudden for me to contact you. You do understand the security policy, so I won't "yell" through the e-mail.

Good luck on your first solo run as space monitor.

The Boss


"Thanks, Mr. Tracy. I'll do the best I can." She went back to the console to start checking on calls again. There were a few that caught her attention, so she flagged them carefully. "Hmm, there's a forest fire in Spain and a tornado outbreak in the Plains again." She flagged those particular calls. "I have to be careful because any call could be the one sending us out."

From: TracyFan4Ever Sent: 8/27/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1450 is a reply to message #1449] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday, May 5, 2068, 10:30 a.m., the Tracy ranch, Wyoming

Tin-Tin was having fun. Lots of fun. Far more fun than she thought she'd have. Almost too much fun, she thought with a giggle.

She was on a trail ride with Cherie and her friends. Tin-Tin had come along as a chaperone, and the leader of the ride was none other than... Alan. As the horses had been prepared for the excursion, Tin-Tin had listened in on the giggling girls as they had fun ogling the fifth Tracy brother and making comments on his "natural endowments", as Erika had put it. After breakfast, she had been in the kitchen helping Naomi, Dianne, and Lisa with the clean up, and she had overheard mother and daughter giggling, too, laying bets on which of the adolescent females would end up with a crush on Alan, and which would swoon over John.

So far, Bonnie was in the lead for Alan. She had that sickeningly sweet tone that teenaged girls get when approaching someone they think is "minty" and she contrived to ride beside him as often as the trail would permit. The other girls tittered at her, "Oh, that's so fascinating, Alan," and more than once Erika had done a sotto voce rendition of it.

But the best part of all, Tin-Tin thought was the way that Alan was reacting to it all. He was used to the adulation of women from his racing career but the puppy dog-like adulation of teenaged girls was something that was beginning to make him very... uncomfortable. It's strange, Tin-Tin thought, Last year I would have been annoyed and possibly angry at these girls and the way they're making Alan squirm. But this year? It's just too funny!

Cherie dropped back to pace Tin-Tin, her face a study in annoyance. "Why are they going so ga-ga over Alan?" she groused. "I mean, I can see it over John, but Alan? Don't they know how they look?"

"You must admit, Cherry, you've become part of a family of very good-looking men. And I'm sure you'll look a boy that way sometime yourself. But right now, I'm more interested in how Alan looks," Tin-Tin admitted. "I'm enjoying how Bonnie is making him squirm."

"Hey!" Cherie said, comprehension dawning. "You're right! He is... squirming, isn't he? Maybe I should encourage Bonnie."

"Not too much, Cherry. Don't want to leave your friend with a broken heart," Tin-Tin said.

Cherry gave Tin-Tin a perceptive look and nodded. "Right. I'd better move up and join them."

Cherry gave her mount a little kick and trotted up farther in line. Tin-Tin watched her fondly. I do believe, she thought happily, that I am finally over Mr. Alan Tracy. And it feels so good to be that way.

From: Tikatu Sent: 8/28/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes

[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 22:00]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1451 is a reply to message #1450] Thu, 26 July 2012 22:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday May 5 2068, Tracy Ranch, Wyoming

"Horsey!" Joshua bellowed.

Dom smiled; the kid was a quick learner. Unfortunately, he had also become enamoured with the beautiful, powerful animals, and was constantly trying to sneak away towards them.

At that moment, he was held securely in his father's arms, but straining towards the horses, reaching his hands out.

"Horsey! I want...I want..."

Joshua's face contorted as he tried to say what he wanted to say, but the words would not come to him.

"I want..."

He burst into angry tears, his fists pulled into tight little balls.

"Aw, it's okay son, it's alright," Dom said in his most placating voice.

Joshua buried his face into his father's shoulder, a clear sign of his rage at himself, not the world around him. Dom gently patted the back of his head and began to rock him a little. It pained him to see the child so frustrated, but at least it was a good sign. He was learning.

David Killdeer, the son of the ranch's keepers, emerged out of the stable at the racket. Dom nodded at him, and the young man came over, somewhat wary of the sobbing child.

"What's the matter?" He asked.

"He's just a wee bit frustrated. I think he wanted to ride the horses like all the big boys and girls, but he couldn't say it, isn't that right, Jak?"

Joshua snivelled a bit and kept his face firmly turned away.

"I guess he'll be a rider when he's older," David commented with a grin.

Dominic shrugged.

"We'll see. In any case, I think I'm going to have to add another animal to the stuffed menagerie. We'll get a Horsey to go with all the rest, won't we?"

Joshua sat up a little, his tear-streaked face blotchy.

"Will we get a horsey just for you? A nice baby one you can play with?"

Joshua nodded. Dominic grinned at David.

"I think I'd better get on with that, or there'll be murder," he said.

"See you around," David said, and retreated into the stable once more.

"Now," Dom said, beginning to walk, "who do you think would be the better rider, Ducky or Squeaky Bear, eh?"

From: ArtisticRainey Sent: 8/29/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1452 is a reply to message #1451] Thu, 26 July 2012 22:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Tracy Island

Brandon sat on a rock looking out at the ocean, sketch pad in hand. Occasionally he would look down at what he was drawing, changing minor details until he was satisfied with the results.

I'll never match Virgil in the art department, he thought to himself as he gathered up his materials, but I think I do pretty good.

He'd gone back to the Cliff House and was heading to his apartment when Virgil called out to him.

"Hey, Brandon, where've you been? I've looked everywhere for you."

"Sorry, Virgil. I needed some alone time so I went down to the beach." He shifted his sketchpad to his other hand. "So, what do you need?"

"I need to talk to you about the cross-training. I know your specialty is Thunderbird Four but Dad and I feel that everyone should know how to operate one of the other ships in case something incapacitated the pilot."

Brandon nodded in agreement. Christopher's departure had left a gap in the team that needed to be filled. "I'm ready whenever you are," Brandon said enthusiastically.

"Good, I'll let you know when and what the training schedule is."

They arrived at the apartment and were about to part company when Virgil noticed the sketch pad in his friend's hand. "I didn't know you were an artist," he remarked.

Brandon blushed with embarrassment. "I dabble in drawing a little. I'm not even real good at it."

"Come on, friend, I bet it's good. Mind if I take a look at your work?"

Brandon shook his head and handed the sketch pad to the younger man.

Virgil looked at the sketches and was surprised at the detail that was apparent. "What do you mean they aren't very good? Brandon, they're great. I couldn't have done a better job myself." He looked at the ocean picture, noting the ripples in the water.

"Thanks. That means a lot to me," Brandon said, his face not quite so red.

"I'm not kidding around with you. The talent's there." Virgil thought a moment. "How about I give you some pointers to help you improve?"

"That would be great," Brandon replied, "Just let me go put this up."

As the aquanaut went inside, Virgil smiled, knowing he had found a friend with artistic talent.

Post by Magicmaster8 Sent: 8/30/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1453 is a reply to message #1452] Thu, 26 July 2012 22:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday, May 5, 2068, 3:30 p.m., Tracy ranch, Wyoming

"Hey, John!" Ellen said, spurring her horse up to trot next to John's mount. "How much longer?"

John sighed internally. Tall, gangly Ellen had attached herself to John over the past few hours and he was beginning to believe he should have taken the other option he had been offered. His father had approached him earlier and asked him if he wanted to take the girls on horseback up the tougher, more scenic horseback trail or drive them to the mall in Cody for dinner. He'd chosen the ride, mostly because he hadn't had much chance to ride himself, just a quick excursion with his younger brothers earlier the day before. And he did like to ride. He wished they got out to the ranch more often. ~Maybe I'll ask to have my birthday here with some of my friends, he thought. ~It would be beautiful in October. And no bugs.

"Another twenty minutes, Ellen," John replied, giving her a smile. "But you know you're supposed to ride single file up this trail, so you'd better drop back into place now."

"Okay, John. Thanks!" she said, letting her mount drop behind his... right behind his. He could almost feel her eyes watching his every move. ~I can see now what Scott was talking about. Next year, Virgil gets to do this!

Lisa gazed fondly at the white-blond who was leading them up the scenic path. She understood perfectly what was going on with the girls and how John felt, too. ~My boys went through this, and so did Dianne once upon a time. It brings back so many memories, good ones, of my kids as they were growing up. She shifted her gaze to her granddaughter, whose dark blonde hair shone in the sunlight. ~And now I get to see my grandchildren, especially Cherry, mature into such wonderful people. She shifted in the saddle. ~Oooch. I am going to be stiff come morning. This horseback riding is all right, but only on special occasions! I hope this scenic view is worth it!

Twenty minutes later, they had come to a ridge that looked out over the valley where the Tracy ranch sat. The girls oohed and aahed over the view, and Lisa walked over to John. "Thanks for being our escort up here, John. The view is almost worth the aches I'm going to feel tomorrow."

"Almost, Grandma P?"

"Almost. I'll have to have your mother work her massage magic on me tonight when she and your father get back from the shopping trip." She stood closer to him and murmured. "Don't let those girls get to you. It's only once a year. And their crushes are fleeting things."

"Thank heavens," John sighed. "Still, next year, Virgil is doing this!"

Lisa laughed and put an arm around him to hug him. He reciprocated, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "It's nice to have another grandma again," he said with a smile.

"And I'm happy to have so many handsome, well-trained grandsons," she replied. "Now if you could only train your youngest brothers to behave... especially while Jeff and Dianne are gone this week."

"We're working on it, Grandma P. We're working on it."

From: Tikatu Sent: 8/31/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Re: Celebrations and Challenges [message #1454 is a reply to message #1453] Thu, 26 July 2012 22:01 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
Saturday, May 5; London, 10 PM

"Aarghhh!"

Desdemona sat up in the bed she occupied with her latest paramour. On her face was a mixture of anger and frustration. Her bed partner was awakened by her cry and sat up as well, immediately put her hands on the woman's shoulders, massaging them and her neck.

"Let it go, cherie. You are so tense. This is not good for you."

"I can't! I've tried. How dare that woman do this to me!" She quickly got out of bed and paced the room. "And I can't even be sure we have it cleared out! I swear, if when I get back to the office, that garbage has filled up our space again, I'll ignore my brother and go see that woman myself. I'll make her wish she'd never heard of the name Hightower!"

"This is not like you! Why are you so angry?"

"No one gets the best of me, do you hear? No one!"

There was a pause as the younger woman considered how to phrase what she felt she had to say. Finally, she asked, "Are you more angry because of what this woman did to your company's computer system, or because she may be your equal in programming, if not possible better?"

Desdemona turned toward the bed, eyes flashing. "How dare you suggest that this woman is even my equal? No one is equal to me! Don't you ever forget it!"

The other woman cowered back in the bed. "I didn't say she was; I said she might be, only to understand your anger and frustration better. Please, please try to calm down. There is nothing you can do about it now. You need to rest and refresh yourself. Come back to bed."

Desdemona looked at her with contempt. "Do you think I can calm down just like that? That woman sent that garbage to our computers, and every time we thought we had a space cleared out, it filled up again. Only late last night did we seem to have it stopped. But I won't know until I go back on Monday. "

"Then come back to bed and let's spend some of the time thinking of things you could do to this person to make her regret what she did."

Desdemona's look changed to one of surprise. "An excellent idea, my dear. " She moved quickly and flung herself back onto the bed. "But first, I am going to make you regret what you said about her."

Before the other woman could realize what was about to happen, Desdemona moved on top of her and proceeded to make good her promise.

From: Hobbeth Sent: 8/31/2005


Dom plainclothes heartbeat Luke plainclothes
Next Topic: Feedback - 6
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Fri Mar 29 03:23:14 EDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01937 seconds