Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #262 is a reply to message #261] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:48   |
artisticrainey
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Emily took one last look at herself in her full-length mirror before she left, and patted a wayward strand of hair into place. I'm so glad I decided to have Lisa cut my hair short. I was getting tired of having to put that long hair up every day, and this is so easy to maintain. It amused her that neither her son, nor her grandsons had noticed yet. Dianne and Cherie had, almost immediately, when she'd visited her daughter-in-law in the sickroom, and found her granddaughter with her. They both exclaimed over it in approval.
She turned to check her lace over nylon tunic top and velveteen A-line skirt. They still fitted her well, even though she'd had them for several years. The pearl necklace and earrings that Grant had given her on their tenth anniversary were the perfect accessories, and she was satisfied with the ensemble.
She left her room and checked to see how things were going in the kitchen. She was reassured by Anna and Parker (on his way out with more champagne bottles), who seemed to be working very well together, and headed up to the lounge. She looked around in approval as she entered, thinking, Tin-Tin and Cherie did a wonderful job. The room looks lovely.
As she moved further into the room, she saw Scott approach her. "Grandma, you look lovely. I like that outfit. What do you call that color, anyway?" he said as he kissed her on her cheek.
"Eggplant. Why they had to name any colors after edibles, I'll never know." She smiled up at him. "And you look very handsome in your tuxedo. But then all you boys do; you take after your father that way."
"Thank you very much, ma'am," he replied, with a bow as the music changed to a ballad. "And now, may I have this dance?"
Post by Hobbeth on 2/6/2007
  
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #263 is a reply to message #262] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:49 |
artisticrainey
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Dianne looked around with pride at the beautifully decorated lounge. She smiled to see Scott dancing with Emily, and Alan dancing with Nikki. Even Cherie had picked up Joshua and was "dancing" with him. Maggie sat beside her, a glass of wine in her hand. Jeff and Drew had gotten Penny's attention after Kat had spoken with the aristocrat briefly. The birthday boy was nowhere in sight, but the cameraman was, filming Cherie and Joshua.
"Mom?"
Dianne glanced up at the whiny voice at her elbow. "Yes, Tyler?"
"I'm bored." The boy's demeanor was one of resigned endurance.
"And I'm hungry." Alex said. "When's the cake and ice cream?"
"Hm. I'm hungry, too. How about we eat something more or less nutritious before gorging on the desserts?" Dianne suggested.
Maggie took a sip of her wine, then handed the glass to Alex. "Here. You can carry this for me and I'll push your mom out of here. We'll head for the dining room and get some dinner, okay, boys?"
"Okay," Alex said, nodding, holding the half-full goblet carefully.
"Go tell your father where we're going," Dianne told Tyler. "We'll wait for you in the elevator."
"Yes, ma'am." Tyler hurried over to Jeff as Maggie pushed the wheelchair toward the study. They'd gotten up the steps to the smaller room when Jeff came over.
"Would you like me to come with you, love?" he offered, leaning over to give Dianne a kiss.
"Only if you're hungry," she replied, reaching up to draw her fingers over his smooth, freshly-shaven cheek.
"Andy and I were in the middle of a discussion with Penny about making a press release about that surgeon. I'd kind of like to finish it."
"Then go ahead," Dianne said softly, giving him a slight smile. "We'll be back soon."
"All right." He kissed her again. "Enjoy the food." He glanced up at his sons, one of whom -- Alex -- was waiting impatiently by the door to the hall. "Help your mom before you help yourselves."
"Yes, sir," Alex said with a nod.
"Tell Drew that I've gone with Dianne, would you?" Maggie asked.
"I will. See you all in a bit." One last kiss, and Jeff strode back to his conversation while Dianne and Maggie made their way to the elevator.
xxxx
"Alex, do you have to be so sloppy when you eat?" Dianne asked, shaking her head at her son.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Mom," the boy replied sheepishly. He wiped at the stains on his dressy vest with an already soiled napkin. "Maybe I should change my clothes when we're done eating."
"Maybe we should buy a big bib for you," Maggie said tartly. "Just like I threatened to when you were staying with me." She turned to her niece. "Is he always this way?"
Dianne sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. Especially when we eat out or there's a formal occasion. Though he'll get a stain or two on his shirt during a regular dinner time at least twice a week." She pointed to her face as she spoke to her son. "You have sauce... here."
"Thanks, Mom," Alex said as he wiped the stain off, smearing it across his cheek before managing to remove it.
"Tyler, aren't you hungry?" Maggie asked of the younger boy, who was pushing some of his food around on his plate.
"A little, I guess," Tyler replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't like these hot cracker things."
"Then don't eat them," Dianne said. "Get some more of the things you do like. It'll be awhile before we have dessert."
"Okay, Mom," Tyler said. He pushed his plate into the middle of the small, café-style table, and went off to the buffets again.
Dianne took a sip of her tea, watching him, then reached out to take a few of the uneaten canapés from his abandoned plate.
"At least you have a good appetite tonight," Maggie commented.
"Yes. The food is lovely and I'm enjoying it," Dianne said with a smile. "Just wish I could get some exercise dancing to burn the calories."
"You'll be out there dancing again soon enough, Dianne. Just focus on getting better first."
"I will, Maggie. I will."
Post by Tikatu On 2/6/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #264 is a reply to message #263] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:50 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
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During the party, Heather put her empty glass on a rapidly filling service cart. Tin-Tin and Kat followed her, and Tin-Tin, realizing, realizing Heather's dark red dress asked, "By the way, how did you find out that we were all wearing red dresses tonight? Did someone tell you about the party?"
"I found out about the party when I was shopping with Virgil and Kyrano on the mainland. I had no idea that all the women were wearing red. When I was at the Regis in Wichita, my girlfriend Andrea talked me into buying some gowns. At the time, I didn't think I was going to have any use for them--"
"Oh, there'll be need for them," Tin-Tin sighed with a grin. "Trust me!"
"So," Heather continued. "She picked out two of them for me, and I chose this one. It just looked comfortable, and flattering."
"Sure gives you some curves," Kat sighed. "All the men will be following you everywhere."
"Believe me when I tell you that is so not happening," Heather assured the gifted mechanic. To Tin-Tin she said, "It just happened to work out that my dress fits the color scheme quite nicely."
Why can't that happen to me? Kat thought to herself.
"It looks very nice, and I know Lady Penelope is going to really like it. That's a Lemaire design, isn't it?" Tin-Tin asked as she led the two women back over to where Jeff and Penelope were discussing something amusing. They were both laughing when Tin-Tin brought Heather up to Lady Penelope, introducing the redhead.
When the three young women walked up to them, Jeff smiled and drew Heather up closer. "Thank you for bringing her, Tin-Tin and Kat. Lady Penelope, I'd like to introduce you to our up-and-coming secondary Thunderbird 1 pilot. Let's see if I remember your bioscan correctly. She was born in Richmond, Virginia. Her father is James Kennedy and the finest architect I've ever seen. Her mother is Martha Kennedy and is active in high society. Heather's a former U.S. Navy Blue Angel pilot. How am I doing, Heather?"
With a delighted smile, Heather answered, "Very concise, Mr. Tracy."
"She moved to Wichita to be one of my finest test pilots only to lose her home to the tornadoes that hurt Dianne and my nurses as well as critically damaging Thunderbird 7."
Adjusting her pashmina, Lady Penelope took Heather's reaching hand, holding it with a comforting touch. Her ladyship's voice was rich with the cultured dialect of her English home. "I'm so sorry to hear this, Miss Kennedy. How very distressing."
Penelope lead her by the hand, much like an older sister might do, to a set of comfortable chairs where they felt more at ease. The boys' photos graced the back wall in front of Jeff's command chair. Heather longed to steal a look at them when they walked in, but it wouldn't have been polite. "I cannot imagine such a thing happening. Were you trying to decide whether or not to join International Rescue during that time?" asked Penelope, leaning forward.
Listening to the young woman intently, Penelope made rapid mental notes about her. Heather has breeding and knows what styles suit her. She has to have nerves of steel if she's been a test pilot for Tracy Industries and Jeff seems to truly like her.
"Yes," Heather answered. "I was. After the house was destroyed I went to the Regis Hotel in Wichita and made my decision there. I feel it might have been ill-timed."
"'Ill-timed'?" asked a surprised Penelope. "Why ever would you think that?"
Enjoying the way Lady Penelope's diamond earrings twinkled, Heather smiled. "I say ill-timed because I called to give Mr. Tracy my decision when Mrs. Tracy, Dr. Dianne, was injured so badly and had been airlifted to the hospital."
Standing close enough to hear, Jeff moved over to the three women. "We've had a rough time of it with Dianne's injuries and our nurses, but your answer couldn't have come at a better time, Heather. You are not to worry about it at all. I know Scott felt a lot better hearing from you."
"Yes, now you are not to worry about a thing," Penelope urged, looking up at Jeff. "You must allow her to come to the Creighton-Ward estates sometime, Jeff. I would love to have you, Heather. And I must say that your dress is especially becoming. It's a Lemaire design."
"Penny happens to know the designer personally and has modeled for him, too," Jeff replied to Heather's wide eyed looks.
"The color suits you very well. François will be most pleased when I tell him that you wore it."
"Now, if I can tear Heather away from you, Penelope, I need to ask Dianne if I can ask Heather to dance with me." His words had both women giggling.
"And I am going to go down see what wonderful selections there are at the buffet. Have a good time, Heather, and if you should lose his attention, tread on his toes firmly." With a smile, Heather received a kiss on the cheek and watched Jeff give Penelope his arm to help her out of her chair.
Laughing to herself, Heather mused, I told myself I would never allow anyone to charm me, and I've already blown it tonight. Lord have mercy!
Jeff offered his hand to Heather who accepted it. As she got up out of her chair, she asked, "How is Dr. Tracy doing?"
"Why don't you ask her yourself?" He leaned over and gave his wife a kiss, which she responded to. Then Dianne looked up and smiled Heather.
"Have a seat, Heather," she said, patting the empty chair beside her.
"Hi, Mrs. Tracy. It's nice to see you again. How are you feeling?"
"Oh, I'm doing better than I was," Dianne replied, glancing up to see Scott dancing by with Cherie in his arms. "I'm enjoying the party and being out and about again. Are you enjoying yourself?"
Dianne's softened accent was drawing out Heather's cultural blend of Virginian and Kansan accent. "Oh, yes. Ah haven't been to a good party in quite a while."
"Good! For a quickly thrown together event, it's turned out well," Dianne said firmly, nodding. "Have you met everyone here?"
"Not yet, but I'm making the rounds as I go," she answered as she got comfortable in her seat.
"Who have you met?" Dianne asked.
Trying hard to remember all the names, she wondered aloud, "Oh, all the boys save Gordon and Scott. I've been seeing Gordon a lot lately. I've seen the kids. I met Parker. He's such a wonderful character. I've seen Tin-Tin and Kat."
"Have you met Lady Penelope?"
Jeff answered her. "Just now."
"Ah, good. How about my nurses, Nikki and Dom? I know they haven't been out and about much."
"No, not yet," Heather thought out loud.
Jeff chimed in. "And have you met Elise, my personal pilot? You'll be picking up the flying duties of Thunderbird One from her, leaving her to concentrate on Thunderbird Two." He caught a glimpse of Brains fetching Tin-Tin a drink. "And Brains, our chief engineer? Have you met him?"
"No, I haven't."
Dianne turned to him and shook her head. "Love, don't talk business tonight, please? And please make sure Heather meets Brains, Dom, Nikki, Elise, and Joshua." She turned back to Heather. "Two of our members are home on leave. You'll get to meet them when they come back."
"All right, Dianne. I won't talk shop, and I'll see that she meets everyone--provided I can remember everyone you haven't met, Heather," Jeff laughed.
Making a mental list of all the names she'd heard, she said with a wry grin, "I'm beginning to think I should have brought some kind of PDA. You have a very large support staff."
"There aren't that many here on the island. You'll be seeing them around, training with them, and you'll get to know them pretty quickly."
"It will come in time," said Heather. It took awhile to learn everyone at the testing grounds. I wonder what they're all doing?
There was a moment of quiet between them, then Dianne asked, "Have you settled into your apartment? Perhaps ordered things for your décor? You do get a decorating allowance."
Heather woke up when Dianne touched her hand. "No, I haven't had much of a chance to do that and there's not much to add to it really. I really enjoy the computer system and the plasma TV. It's nicer than what I had at home."
Dianne smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Kyrano, my mother-in-law, and my mother all had a hand in choosing furniture and the basic décor. If there's something you don't like, let us know."
Heather smiled again. "The bedroom is so comfortable. I'm not quite sure exactly how you did it. I've never slept better, although I had a bit of a start the first morning I woke up."
"Why was that?" Dianne asked, curious.
"Well, I forgot where I was at. I expected to be in my suite in the Regis Hotel. The sunlight there in the prairies is different than the sunlight here. That was the first thing I noticed. Then the sounds were different. Instead of screeching cars and horns blaring, all I heard was the wind and ocean. I woke up with a start and ran to the window thinking I was dreaming."
"You realized you weren't in Kansas anymore?" Dianne asked, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Heather laughed. "I did! My girlfriend, Andrea, has started to call me Dorothy."
Tyler chose that moment to come running up. "Mom, when is Virgil going to cut the birthday cake?"
"Soon, son. Very soon," Dianne assured him. She fixed him with one eye and scolded gently, "You did interrupt our conversation."
He looked down at his shoes. "I'm sorry, Mom."
"There's someone else you need to apologize to."
Looking up at Heather, giving her a bashful smile, he said, "I'm sorry, Miss Kennedy."
"You are forgiven," Heather said with a grin. "I'd like a bite of that cake, too."
"Have you had a chance to get something to eat?" Dianne asked after hearing a rumbling coming from the younger girl's stomach.
"Not yet."
"Neither have I, for that matter," Jeff said. "Why don't we both mosey on down to the buffet and get something?"
"Sounds good to me," Heather agreed.
He stood up, and turned to Dianne. "Can I get you anything, love?"
"Some of those chocolate cherries would be nice," she said and then giving Heather a wink, she added, "Though after tonight, I'll have to work extra hard in the gym when I'm finally cleared for normal activity."
"You and me both," said Heather.
"Come along, Heather," Jeff said, offering an arm. "The buffets await."
With a smile, Heather nodded. "I couldn't have a more handsome escort."
Post by AmandaTracy on 2/11/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #265 is a reply to message #264] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:50 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
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"Gordon! Stop it already! You need to put that camera down!" Elise tried to sound serious as she pushed playfully at Gordon and the camera, but all she managed to do was laugh.
"Oh, you love it!" Gordon replied, still filming and getting a close up again. "Here we have our lovely back-up pilot dressed to kill!"
"Back-up? I'll give you back up! Back-up right into the pool, pal!" Elise gave him a shove and Gordon got the message. "Okay, lady, you win!" With an overly dramatic bow he departed, going in search of another victim.
The patio had come alive with people and Elise couldn't remember ever going to such an extravagant affair. Not counting New Year's at a hotel, of course.
"I should never have told him he could be the cameraman!" Elise turned and laughed as Virgil came to stand beside her, shaking his head.
"He's definitely in his element, that's for sure!" she said.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"Yes, it's wonderful. I wasn't sure if we girls would be overdressed, but I don't think that's a problem!" Elise answered, giving Virgil an admiring glance. He gave her one of his winning smiles and she swore for a moment her knees felt like Jell-O.
"Champagne?" he asked.
"I'd love some!" she replied as he gently guided her towards the beverages. "Does your family always celebrate birthdays this way?"
"No, not all the time. Alan once celebrated his while driving in a racing competition. We were all there and when he won it was an added bonus to celebrate a little harder than we were already doing!" He gave her a wink as he handed a champagne flute to her.
"Uh-huh, a drunken binge you mean."
"Yeah, something like that!" They both laughed and continued talking, feeling totally at ease with each other. A little while later, Scott walked over.
"Hey, birthday boy, I think Dad's wanting to gather everyone in the lounge. Something about a toast." Virgil rolled his eyes.
Elise looked confused. "You don't want your Dad to wish you Happy Birthday?"
"Yes and no."
Scott started laughing at Virgil's answer. "Elise, wait until you see it, then you'll know what we mean." He started to turn away then added, "By the way, Elise, you look gorgeous tonight."
The way that Scott casually threw out the compliment and then walked away had Elise totally stunned! "Thanks," she managed to mumble, secretly smiling inside. A compliment from Scott Tracy! Wow!
It took her a few moments to realize they hadn't moved. She started to say something then stopped at the look on Virgil's face. She frowned, a little puzzled. "What?" Virgil asked. "He only said out loud what I was already thinking."
Elise grinned. Twice in one night! "Why, thank you, Mr. Tracy!"
"You're welcome, ma'am!" They both laughed and headed toward the lounge. Inside, people were gathering around in various groups. Some were carrying plates of food, which still seemed to be in endless supply, and others had drinks in their hands. Parker had busied himself with a tray of champagne flutes and was offering glasses to those who didn't have one. Alex, Tyler and Maggie pushed Dianne towards the center of the lounge so that she could see better. Emily came over and made sure the younger Tracys, along with their mother, all had a glass of sparkling white grape juice ready to toast Virgil.
Jeff, noticing the gathering crowd, excused himself from Lady Penelope and walked over to his wife. Bending down to give her a small but loving kiss, he whispered something in her ear and then with drink in hand he called forth his second son. "Virgil, come here, son." Virgil stepped forward.
"You'd better have that camera rolling!" Alan loudly whispered to his brother.
"Relax, will ya! It's on. I ain't gonna miss a thing!" Gordon answered.
Jeff placed an arm around Virgil's shoulder and gave him a fatherly squeeze. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please." The room became quiet as Jeff continued. "I had planned for us to celebrate this evening at Paradise Peaks, but my son had other ideas!" He smiled lovingly at Virgil. "Because of his unselfishness and consideration of others, we are here tonight celebrating at home. Son, I say this every year, but I'm prouder of you now than I have ever been. But every year I mean it more. Happy Birthday, Virgil!"
As Jeff raised his glass, everyone else followed and a chorus of "Happy Birthday, Virgil!" rang out.
So far, Elise hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary; and then it happened. It the midst of the well-wishing, Grandma Tracy rushed forward and gave her grandson a huge hug and planted a big grandma kiss on one cheek, while tweaking the other with her fingers as if he were 6 years old. "Happy Birthday, sweetie!" Virgil graciously put on a smile and bore the onslaught of his grandmother's affections!
"She does it to each and every one of us, every year," Gordon said as he appeared at Elise's shoulder with the camera, busy filming.
Elise looked back at Virgil and his grandmother and father So that's what Scott was talking about! Suddenly, she felt a pang of sadness. Most of her birthdays had been simple and she suddenly wished she'd had more family. She turned to leave and accidentally bumped into Gordon. "Sorry."
"You okay, Elise?" he asked, noticing the mood change.
"Yeah, I just need some air." She excused herself and walked toward the balcony.
Across the room, Virgil noticed her leaving and realized that it bothered him. Unable to excuse himself from his guests at the moment, he decided he'd ask her about it later.
Post by FrankieCTB2 on 2/13/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #266 is a reply to message #265] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:51 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
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"Did I ever mention how much I adore industrial dishwashers?" Anna turned from the sink where she had just loaded the last of the cooking utensils onto a tray. She slid it over toward the dishwasher.
"You shouldn't be doing this. We can handle most of the clean up tomorrow." Maggie brought a load of dirty dishes over. "Let me just put these in the sink. Then you get to come out and party with everyone else."
Ann chuckled and looked around the kitchen. "Everything is pretty much done. I can just check the food levels every ten minutes or so and slip in here to get some prepared trays when they're needed." She took off her apron and hung it from a hook.
"First you better go change." Maggie looked at Anna. She was wearing a heavy t-shirt and jeans. Both had large wet spots down the front.
"Way ahead of you. I brought a different outfit over when I came. It's hanging in Dianne's dressing room. I'll be out in a sec."
When she came out to the patio ten minutes later, she was wearing a blue silk shirt and a black skirt with black sandals. A silver necklace and matching earrings completed the outfit. She was carrying a plate of food from the buffet. She set her plate down on an unoccupied table and went upstairs to ask Parker for a drink.
"What will you have, Mrs. Hanson?" Despite her request while they were working in the kitchen together, Parker refused to call her Anna.
"White wine and a large glass of diet soda. Whatever flavor you have that's diet."
Parker poured her some wine and handed her a glass. "The soda is over by the punch bowl. Go sit down and I'll bring some to your table. You look all in."
"Thanks. I'll be fine once I've eaten something and relaxed for a bit." She went back to her seat and started to eat, watching everyone talking and dancing.
Alan went to refill his glass of punch. Nikki was over talking to Kat and Elise about something and he was considering getting some dinner for himself. He met Parker at the drink table.
"Who's that for?" he asked as Parker poured a can of diet cola into a glass already filled with ice.
"Mrs. Hanson." replied Parker. "She finally came out of the kitchen for dinner."
"Let me take it over to her." Alan had wanted to meet this lady. He knew both Gordon and Tyler liked her and that Tyler had started eating again. All of the older brothers knew what had happened with Tyler and Alan wanted to see what she was like.
"Parker sent this over. "
Anna looked up and smiled. "Thanks. Which of the boys are you?"
"I'm Alan. Up until two years ago, I was the baby of the family."
"Sit down, if you like. But I warn you, I'm in recovery mode right now. I may bite your head off for no reason, at least until I get more food in me, and about ten minutes sitting down."
"I have four older brothers and we go into high stress situations. I know all about low blood sugar and snapping at people. We all learned not to talk until we've eaten. Biting someone's head off tends to leave a bad taste in your mouth."
Anna grinned then attacked her steak. "I've been snacking on hors d'oeuvres but I need something more substantial. I tend to forget how long I've been working." They were both quiet for a few minutes while Anna ate.
Finally she paused long enough to ask a question. "Alan, who exactly is Parker? Family friend, servant or what? I can't place him."
"He's Lady Penelope's chauffeur, butler and all around anything she needs. He's been with her for as long as I've known her."
Anna put her fork and knife down and leaned back in her chair. "He wouldn't call me Anna. It was always Mrs. Hanson."
"Yeah. He's pretty old school about a lot of things. He'd be welcome to the party on his own but he wouldn't come. Normally Kyrano is the same way. Never join the party, always serve. But with Lisa here, he's staying with her a lot."
"Lisa? Your step-grandmother? What does she have to do with it?"
"They're engaged."
"Ah. Young love is always so romantic." Alan snorted. Anna took another sip of wine. "Does everyone here know about your 'family business'?"
"Tonight, yes. Very few people who don't know actually come here. If someone who doesn't know is on the island we do 'Operation Cover Up'. Among other things, the portraits in Dad's study will change."
"Thanks for the warning. Are all of your older brothers involved?"
"Yeah. I usually fly Thunderbird 3 and relieve John on Thunderbird 5. Scott flies Thunderbird 1 and is in charge at the danger zone. Virgil flies 2. Gordon pilots 4, that's our submarine. He and I go along whenever they need an extra hand."
"Does Tyler want to be part of International Rescue? For that matter, what about Alex and Cherie?"
Alan looked surprised. "I never thought about that. We were in it with Dad from the beginning. I never thought about the kids joining. We realized just this past year we needed more help with rescues."
"So all the new people have been here for less than a year?"
"Most of them joined us in February or March. Elise came here to recover after the crash and wound up joining. Heather, that's her with the red hair, just came yesterday."
"Are you still bringing in new people?"
"If we can find them. We still would like a few more. People with specialties we don't currently have."
"Isn't that dangerous? From a security standpoint?" Anna could hear someone using the karaoke machine above them.
"We usually have people pretty well checked out before they come here. By both Tracy Industries and by Penny."
"Penny handles your backgrounds checks? Why her?" Laughter and clapping came from upstairs as the song finished.
"She handles all our security. She was an agent in the Federal Agents Bureau in England. And Parker was the best safe cracker in Europe."
Anna raised her eyebrows. "Interesting. I'm going to have to meet her."
"I'll introduce you. Come on."
"Thanks, but maybe later. I just want to sit and unwind for a bit longer. At least until my feet stop hurting."
Post by susanmartha on 2/13/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #267 is a reply to message #266] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:51 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
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******Wednesday, August 15, 2068; Tracy Island; 7:25 p.m.******
Sporting her own beautiful red dress, Lisa entered the party with Kyrano. "Ah, what a great party this is," she said happily. "It's nice to see everyone in high spirits."
"I agree," said Kyrano as he adjusted the blue silk cuffs in his native clothing. "I have not experienced this kind of atmosphere in quite a long time."
"Ah, if only Callie and Brandon were here, but they're both home with their families."
"Yes, they would have enjoyed this party."
Lisa looked at him and said, "Don't worry about them, love. They'll be fine. Let's not worry about anything right now. I feel like partyin' and gettin' down."
Finding himself in a strange position, he said, "There is something I must admit. I have never danced like this before."
"Well, don't worry, honey. I'll lead, and you follow." Lowering her voice, she added, "I'll show you step-by-sweet-step."
She put her arms out and asked him to take her hands.
Watching carefully, Kyrano followed her movements and soon started dancing during a slow song. "I hope you do not think I have...I believe the expression is 'two left feet'?"
"You're doing fine. At the rate you're learning, you'll be a master dancer by the end of the evening."
As the slow song continued playing, Tin-Tin sat down in a chair and noticed her father and Lisa dancing. "I don't believe it," she happily said to Brains, who settled down next to her. "Father is actually dancing. I never expected him to do so well."
Kyrano started feeling the music, but suddenly he swung Lisa around and caught her with one arm. "How is this?"
Lisa was surprised at this move. "Where did you learn--?"
"I watched a classic movie last week, with a pair of dancers named Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. I studied their movements carefully so I could try this."
Lisa blushed. "That's great, but this isn't the right kind of song to do it with."
"Is it not?" he asked, a surprised look on his face. "Oh, um, I did not realize this was the case."
Filming the scene, Gordon smiled. "Oh, wow! This is definitely going to be a party to remember! Kyrano doing a dance with his fiancée a la Fred Astaire is so cool!"
Post by TracyFan4Ever on 2/14/2007
[Updated on: Mon, 23 July 2012 15:52] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #268 is a reply to message #267] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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John glanced over at the video feed from the camera Gordon was toting around. The music that was playing filled the control room, and he smiled as he watched Kyrano and Lisa dancing. There was no conversation going on, just the video and the music; because the signal still wasn't secure, and people would be using real names, not code names, it had been decided to mute the microphone as much as possible. He was looking forward to the upload from Gordon; it would have a lot more conversation in it.
He could, however, hear the karaoke, and applauded when each and every performer finished their attempt at singing. It pleased him that Kat took a turn; from what he could see, she was having a good time without him. He sighed a little when he thought of it. She's entitled to have a good time. I do wish I could share it with her, but... I think I miss sharing the good time with Virgil and the rest of the family more.
The thought made him frown. He tapped a stylus on his chin as he thought about the idea, and squirmed a little in his chair. I like being around Kat and visiting with her. I've enjoyed talking with her about books and such... but somehow, this isn't going the way I'd envisioned it. There's been so much drama involved. So many misunderstandings. I don't really know what I feel about her anymore. I know I've always wanted friendship first, but she seems to want more... He ran a hand through his hair. "Stop it, Tracy. You're over analyzing things again."
The picture shifted, and he sat up. "Hey! There's Ty! He's waving... and he has a piece of cake!" He laughed as Alex stuck his head in and made a silly face. "Look at those two, frosting all over! Mom's not going to be happy about their dress clothes, that's for sure! But at least Ty's having a good time, too."
John settled back as Gordon passed the camera over to Alan, who immediately began filming the former photographer, then panned slowly across the room to take in the people, finally settling on Nikki, who rolled her eyes at him and made as if to bat him away. The music stopped, changed, and Virgil came up beside Nikki. John could tell he was asking the nurse to dance with him. She smiled, nodded while speaking, and waved at the camera, then blew a sassy kiss... one that he was sure wasn't exactly meant for him.
"Looks like she's feeling better," he murmured as he turned up the volume, letting the sound of the classic dance music wash over him.
Post by Tikatu on 2/16/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #270 is a reply to message #269] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:53 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Together, Jeff and Heather walked into the dining room where there were several long tables dressed in egg white linen, bearing the food Heather had seen earlier that morning. Lady Penelope was filling her tray rather daintily. The smell of the filet mignon caught Heather's nose. They both made their way to the tables with the entrees. "Are you as hungry as I am?" asked Jeff as he picked up an white oak tray and placed a dish on it.
"Yes, I am. Especially looking at all this," answered Heather.
Heather decided the sushi looked so good that she made a separate plate for them, sprinkling a soy sauce on them. A small glass vase held chop sticks for the sushi. One set went on Heather's tray, along with a green salad with cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, and ranch dressing made with crumbly bits of feta cheese. "It all looks so good. This is really nice."
"I'll have to let the kitchen crew know. That would be Kyrano, Maggie and Anna. I thought I saw Kyrano and Lisa dancing. They did a very impressive job," agreed Jeff.
After filling their plates and picking up Dianne's candy, they walked back upstairs. When they sat down with Dianne at her table, Heather didn't wait for Jeff to start up a polite conversation. "Now that I have you in a comfortable position, I always wanted to ask you something," she began.
"All right. Shoot," Jeff answered. It was obvious what she was going to ask about. Everyone asked the same questions. What gave him the idea to create International Rescue? Which ship was his favorite? How did he find the island and how did he manage to keep it so exclusive for so long? Heather's question surprised him.
"Mr. Tracy, what was it like to land on the moon? What did it feel like when you stepped on it?"
Both women studied him with grins, ready to listen. "I'll be honest. I didn't think I'd get those questions," the Commander teased. Heather liked his steel blue eyes that seemed to be prominent in most of his sons.
"Well, it was long, long ago, and no, I'm not going to tell you how old I am!"
Raising her hands, Heather shook her head. "Wouldn't think of it."
"Right! Sure you weren't!"
Laughing with Dr. Tracy, Heather remarked, "He's as bad as my dad back in Virginia."
"How old is he?" Jeff asked, laughing.
Heather interrupted their mirth. "He's fifty-four."
The grin on her face instantly made Jeff think how old he was and he decided to go back to answering her earlier question. "Let's see, the moon is definitely not made of--"
"That is so old, Jeff," Dianne interrupted.
"Anyway, when I stepped out of the newly designed shuttle and found myself in world that nothing could have prepared me for. The ground, if you want to call it that, was covered with a fine dust. My boots sank down a couple inches. The low gravity made it so easy to travel. Our spacesuits were designed to allow us to spend more time on the moon's surface and after I had all the scientists' experiments completed for that day, I decided to go exploring."
Both ladies listened eagerly. "I couldn't believe how reflective the surface was. The boulders nearby were the size of twenty story buildings. Plateaus were vast. What little water is up there is frozen as you know. There's no protection from the solar radiation that protects the earth's surface. Walking into it, I was amazed at its stark and cold beauty, but at the same time, I thought how lonely it felt. Neil Armstrong came to mind while I was there. The astronauts of the 20th century were far braver than myself or the men that followed in my footsteps. Those early astronauts were professionals and lucky. Millions of things can go wrong."
"Did you drive a golf ball across the surface?" Heather asked with a grin. The story of Alan Shepard bringing out a golf ball and a driver while exploring the moon himself was her favorite. She watched as Alan came up the stairway carrying the movie camera. What is it with those two and that movie camera? she wondered as she clutched a round piece of sushi in the tips of her chopsticks. What is that changes a person when you put a camera in their hand?
"No, but I'm sure you heard about me throwing a frisbee on the moon. Well, I had to one up Shepard somehow. What I've always wondered is why he didn't call a hole-in-one when he did it."
The observation had both Dianne and Heather looking at each other thoughtfully. "I get it!" sighed Dianne, echoing Heather's groan. "Jeff, that's terrible."
"I read that you were entered into the Guinness Book of Records for the longest distance covered using a frisbee. I heard it was an old glow-in-the-dark frisbee."
"Uh, no. It wasn't a glow-in-the-dark frisbee. It did cross my mind though." Jeff laughed.
Hearing the dance music starting up, Jeff asked Dianne, "Do you mind if I ask Heather to dance with me, dear heart?"
"Of course not, love. Have fun." Dianne answered with an inward sigh, wishing she was well enough to claim all his dances.
As Jeff slipped Heather into a lively, upbeat dance tune, he gave a stern look at his fifth son which Alan read perfectly. The focus of the camera aimed at Cherie instead. "Smile, Cherie! You're on candid digital camera--"
Cherie gave Alan's request a dirty look that had Scott chuckling to himself. "Just ignore him, sweetheart."
"I will, Scott. I can't wait till we go on vacation!"
Her face radiated a glow as she talked about it. She's really looking forward to this. I wonder if she realizes that Mom isn't going to be up to that sort of thing, mused Scott.
"We'll be going horseback riding," Cherie said excitedly. "And Stephanie is coming. I haven't seen her in a long time. This will be the last chance I have to see her before she moves away from Greenville."
"Her father is being transferred out of state, isn't he?" Scott asked her. This is getting worse and worse. She won't be seeing Stephanie before her family moves. I don't envy anyone's task of telling her she won't be going if Mother and Dad decide that Mom isn't well enough to make the trip.
"Cherie," Scott began cautiously. "What if Mom isn't well enough to go on the trip? She was hurt pretty badly back in Kansas when Thunderbird 7 got caught up with that tornado. We were lucky to get her out in one piece."
"Well, she wouldn't have to join us in anything. She could sit back at the lodge and just rest." Cherie pouted slightly. "Mom's not that bad. Alan! Get out of here!" With that, Cherie let Scott go, swatted Alan in the arm and ran out of the lounge.
Observing her daughter's behavior, Dianne called out, "Cherie! No running!"
"Yes, Mom!"
Without a dance partner, Scott looked around as Alan walked up to him, lens pointed towards the floor. "Looks like she flew," Alan remarked with only a little sympathy.
"Alan, what is it with you and Gordon? I know Virgil assigned the camera to you, but you've been a bit of a nuisance to everyone. Why don't you let up a little? I'm sure there'll be lots to edit."
Chuckling, Alan agreed with a shrug. "You know how Dad always says if we do something, we should do it to the very best of our ability."
"Not to the point of being a pest at the party and making people run every time they see you," Scott admonished while he watched his father dancing with Heather. He found himself fascinated with the hem of Heather's dress as it flowed like water as Jeff caught her in a sweeping step. Might be fun to cut in on Dad. Turning his attention on his mother, Scott saw the tiny lines around her eyes crinkling from fatigue. Yup, maybe I should cut in. Mom's getting tired. "Gotta go, Alan."
Walking over to Jeff and Heather, Scott tapped Jeff's left shoulder. "May I cut in?" Scott asked.
With a mock look of surprise, Jeff looked at Heather for her opinion. "Well, how do you like that?" he said. "Heather?"
Nodding her permission, she eyed Scott. "Why not?"
With grace, Jeff gave Heather's hand to Scott, and the younger pair slipped smoothly into the music together. Walking back to Dianne's table, he remarked to her, "They move well together."
"They do, don't they?" Dianne said with a grin. "Why don't you take a rest with me?"
"Sounds delightful. I'm getting old, I think," said Jeff, sitting down in his chair, continuing to watch the couple performing a smooth waltz.
From the moment Heather slipped into Scott's arms, she felt a tingling in her fingertips. What the heck is wrong with me? she thought as he led her around the dance floor with ease.
"You dance divinely," Scott spoke with a sparkle in his eye.
"As do you," she replied with a twinkle of her own. "Come here often?"
"Oh, on occasion, yes," he answered. Their steps became smoother as they grew used to each other.
"You're easy to follow. You're the first dance partner I've met where I didn't have to actually think of where I was at."
"It's natural for you to lead which is what you've been trained to do, of course," he said thoughtfully. And she is telling me on another level that she trusts me. I couldn't do it.
"Scott, when I talked with you back in Kansas, what was going on?"
With a sigh, Scott answered her, "When you rang up, Dad and I were waiting for news about Mother. The doctor came out to give us the news, and he gave me the phone. Rescuing others is normal and what I've been trained to do, but when it's your own mother, father, or family, that's a different situation altogether. It's the worst when you've just rescued so many people, you're absolutely exhausted and then you turn around and find out your mother and her nurses need rescuing. That's too much. I never want that situation again."
"I hope not either. From the looks of Mrs. Tracy, she's getting tired already, and the night is still young as it were."
"That's why I cut in," he agreed. She gave him a wide-eyed look that put him on the defense. "But I wanted to dance with you, too." Fell right into that one, Tracy! Scott thought to himself when he saw the corners of Heather's mouth curl.
"Uh huh," Heather teased. "Sure you did." Heather, one. Scott, zero! This is gonna be fun! she decided. What else can I do to whittle down that cool reserve of yours, Sugar?
Post by AmandaTracy on 2/22/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #271 is a reply to message #270] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:54 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Maggie came to sit by Jeff and Dianne between dance numbers. "Whew! You sure know how to throw a party! I haven't had this much fun since New Year's... and I threw that one!"
Jeff chuckled and Dianne smiled. "Where's Drew?" she asked, looking around.
"He's going to dance the next one with Lisa," Maggie explained. She shifted a little, and said hesitantly, "I would have asked Kyrano, but... well... he's so reserved. I got to know him some while he was staying at our place, but I just didn't know how he'd respond to me." She shrugged. "Besides, he ducked out and headed downstairs before I could catch him. I think he wanted to check on the food."
"I think he'll find himself in a position where he'll have to be more outgoing," Jeff said. "God knows he'll need it with your family."
Maggie and Dianne exchanged glances, and shook heads in unison. Dianne rolled her eyes.
"Well, I'm going to be forward and outgoing, and ask you to dance, Jeff, since my husband is otherwise occupied." Maggie winked at Dianne, who chuckled.
"Go ahead, ask," Jeff replied, an eyebrow raised, and his arms folded.
Maggie huffed out a frustrated breath. "All right. Jeff, would you dance with me?"
Jeff glanced over at Dianne, who gave him a little push. "Go," she said. "Go dance with my aunt."
He got up, kissed her on the forehead and the lips, then offered his arm to Maggie. Dianne watched as the two of them moved out onto the balcony. She sighed, a noise born of frustration and longing.
Alan came along with the vid camera. "Here's Mom, enjoying the party... or so I hope."
"Yes, Alan, I'm enjoying myself. Hi, John!" she said waving at the camera and smiling. She blew a kiss at the lens, and both signed and said, "Love you!"
On Thunderbird Five, John saw the wave and the smile, and read her signing and her lips. He drew in a a sharp, quick breath, then swallowed against the lump in his throat. "Damn, I wish I could reply. She looks so much better, yet so tired. A bit melancholy, too. I'll have to do something. Maybe something silly in an email would cheer her up." He nodded to himself and set about composing one to send.
The balcony wasn't as crowded as the lounge, but Jeff took Maggie down to the poolside, just to be safe. As they danced, she asked, "Are you still planning on going to the ranch?"
Jeff snorted a laugh. "Where'd you hear about that?"
"Cherie," Maggie explained. "She was talking about it at our place -- once she'd seen Dianne, that is. She's really looking forward to this last fling with Stephanie."
Jeff sighed. "I may have to disappoint her," he said, a rueful expression on his face. "I think Dianne's just not up to the trip."
"As her nurse, I have to agree," Maggie replied. "I'm sure she'd want to go; she's bored stiff in the infirmary. But she's being a good patient and not complaining too much. This infection -- and the news about Dr. Willis -- threw her for a loop."
"I know. That's another thing I need to deal with: support for the hospital with the revelation about Willis."
"Don't think about it now, Jeff. Just dance and have fun."
He smiled wryly. "Not as much fun when I can't dance with my wife. Not that present company isn't acceptable, but..."
"I know," Maggie replied softly. "Don't think I didn't know your ulterior motive for coming down here to dance, instead of in the lounge where she could see." She cocked her head. "Why don't you pick her up and swing her around a little?"
Jeff shook his head. "No. She'd be afraid I'd hurt myself, and I do want to spare her ribs. I think her little meltdown of the other day was as much due to pain as to my poorly-timed joking." He smiled. "I've got plans ticking away in my head for when she's released. We'll do plenty of dancing then."
"What about her rings? Did you find them? She's been worried about them."
He nodded. "Yes, I found them, but don't tell her that. I want them checked over thoroughly by a jeweler and cleaned before she wears them again. Haven't had a chance to do that yet." The smile turned sly. "Besides, I have plans regarding them, too."
"All right, mystery man, I'll keep quiet," Maggie said in an exasperated tone. "Just don't wait too long, okay?"
"I won't."
The music ended, and the dancing couple stopped. They clapped for the music, out of habit, then Jeff offered his arm. "How about we get something to drink, then I'll return you to Andy. I should check the buffet anyway to make sure Alex isn't making a pig of himself."
"Good idea. I noticed that he tends to use food to deal with stress."
Jeff grimaced, and the pair moved up to the dining room together.
Post by Tikatu on 2/23/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #272 is a reply to message #271] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:54 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Later that evening, Kat was standing beside the disco, watching the others dancing and enjoying themselves, when Virgil approached her. "Care to dance, Kat?" he asked, offering his arm.
"I saw you dancing with Elise and Lady Penelope earlier," she said, as they began to dance.
"Yeah, I'm dancing with all my female guests," he replied.
Kat grinned at him. "You'll have a pair of aching feet tomorrow," she remarked and he nodded.
"We haven't danced together since Alan's birthday," he said.
"We haven't had the occasion to. It certainly would have been a little difficult at Scott's birthday do," she replied.
"You're looking very nice," he commented.
"You don't scrub up too badly yourself," she replied cheekily.
He smiled at that, and commented that there weren't many dressy occasions.
"I bet you'll have some fun watching this on video. Gordon and Alan have been very busy."
"Yeah, maybe we can have a movie night, so we all can watch it," he replied.
Kat smiled at his remark, and they continued dancing and chatting, until the music came to an end. Thanking her for the dance, he walked her back to where Lady Penelope was seated talking to Cherie and Tin-Tin. Then he headed to where Nikki and Heather were chatting.
"Your singing was fine," Cherie remarked.
"Oh, I was rubbish," Kat replied. "Singing is not my forte."
"Well, you did far better than I could," Lady Penelope said.
At that moment Tyler and Alex joined them. "Are you two going to sing for us?" Kat asked.
"Yeah," Alex replied and smiled. "And I bet I'll do better than Cherie."
Tyler just shook his head and said, "Excuse me," before he walked away.
"Perhaps he's a little shy," Kat commented.
"Perhaps," Cherie murmured.
After listening to Cherie and Alex, Kat went back to her apartment. Once there, she realised that she had enjoyed the party, even though John hadn't been there. She'd sung at the karaoke and thought she'd made a right fool of herself, as well as dancing with Virgil, and the other men. Slipping off her shoes, she felt some sympathy with Virgil, as her feet, too, were beginning to ache.
But now suddenly she was feeling guilty at having enjoyed herself without John. She began to feel that she had done something behind his back. She decided to email him and tell him about the party. Getting out of her dress and putting on her nightclothes, she sat down at her computer, and began to write.
--First to leave by TawnyAngel22 on 2/23/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #273 is a reply to message #272] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:55 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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"Mom?"
Dianne looked up to see her three children standing by her, hopeful expressions on their faces.
"Mom?" Cherie asked again. "Can we stay up until the party is over?"
Dianne looked for Jeff, but he wasn't in the room. She didn't feel like fighting, but she knew that if the children didn't get enough sleep, they'd be hard to deal with in the morning. "Honey, I..."
"It's time you boys were in bed." Emily came up, holding a sleeping Joshua in her arms. "I told Dom I'd take him and put him down in my suite," she explained. "I can wait up until he's ready to leave."
"You said 'the boys'," Cherie piped up, sounding hopeful. "Does that mean I can stay up later?"
Dianne nodded wearily. "Yes, you can stay up."
Cherie clapped her hands a little, and bounced just a bit, making a small squeeing noise. She was about to run off, when Dianne reached out and grabbed her arm, keeping her there.
"How come we have to go to bed and not Cherie?" Alex said, pouting.
"Because Cherie's older and doesn't get so cranky in the morning. Still," Dianne added, giving her daughter a stern look. "There's no telling when this party will end, so your curfew is 1 a.m. If I hear you're up later than that, you'll hear from me and go to bed before your brothers all next week! Understand, girl?"
Cherie nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mom! I understand."
"Okay, you can go." Cherie spun and took off. Dianne reached out to stroke Alex's cheek, then ruffle Tyler's hair. "Y'know, I think I'm going to head for bed right now, too. And since I don't see your father to ask him to tuck me in, how about the two of you do it tonight?"
"Can we?" Tyler asked, his expression one of surprise and delight.
"Yes," both Dianne and Emily said in unison. "I'll just put Joshua down, then come and help your mother get ready for bed, then you two can tuck her in. But," Emily added, "you need to get into your pajamas while I help her into hers, okay?"
"Yes, ma'am," Alex said. He tugged on his brother's sleeve. "Let's go now and get ready."
"Right! We'll be down soon," Tyler said as the two boys hurried off.
"I'd better go now," Emily said apologetically, shifting her sleeping burden in her arms.
"I'll get Scott to help me out. He can keep an eye on Cherie for me, too."
Emily nodded, and left, while Dianne rolled her wheelchair over to where Scott was getting a drink from Parker. "Scott, could you help me back to the sickroom? I think I'm going to call it quits for the night."
"Sure, Mom," he said. Glancing around, he asked, "Where's Dad? Wouldn't he want to do this?"
"I'm not sure where he is and I don't want to disturb him. Just get me up to the study..."
Her instructions were interrupted by Jeff, who joined them. "Cherie told me you had sent the boys to bed and said that she could stay up until 1." He made it a vocal statement, but they all knew it was actually a question.
Dianne nodded. "Yes, I told her that. The boys have gone to get dressed for bed; they're going to tuck me in. I've asked Scott to help me down to the sick room."
"I'll do that, Scott," Jeff said, nodding. "If you could keep an eye on Cherie, I'd appreciate it. I'll be back after I see this lady off to dreamland."
Scott's head had gone back and forth between his father and step-mother as if he were watching a tennis match. "Cherie? Sure. I'll see what she's up to. Do you need any help?"
"You could help me get Dianne up the steps into the study, son," Jeff said as he began to wheel his wife toward far end of the lounge. Dianne began to call her goodnights as she passed people, and Jeff found he had to stop as kisses or hugs were exchanged.
"Hey, Mom," Virgil said as he came up to her, smiling. "Thanks for the gift. You, too, Dad. That week in Paris will be just what I need to get the creative juices flowing." He leaned down to hug her gently and kiss her on the cheek. "I'm sorry we didn't get to dance tonight. I'm trying to dance with all the ladies."
"I'm sorry, too, Virgil," was all Dianne could say on the subject. "I'm glad you like your gift and happy birthday, son."
"Thanks again, Mom. Goodnight."
Scott and Jeff finally got Dianne and her chair up the steps to the study. "You hitting the hay, too, Dad?"
Jeff shook his head. "No, I'll be back soon."
"F-A-B," Scott said with a wink. He embraced Dianne gently and kissed her on the cheek. "Goodnight, Mom. See you in the morning."
"Goodnight, Scott, and thanks."
They passed through the study door, and Scott turned back to the lounge just in time to hear Gordon call, "Okay, who's next? Come on, folks, we need some more talent up here!"
Post by Tikatu on 2/23/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #274 is a reply to message #273] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:55 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Searching the lounge, Gordon had to find someone to take over the karaoke, because if he couldn't, he'd have to do the singing. The last time that happened, he was pushed into the pool. Tin-Tin passed not far from him. She went to sit at a large circular table with Nikki, Maggie, Lisa, and Lady Penelope who were all leaning in to hear what Heather was saying.
Tin-Tin watched Heather slip off her black kitten heeled pumps and wiggle her toes. "I think a wonderful way for all of us to get to know each other is to hold a Langtry lingerie party--!" Heather suggested.
"That is a lovely idea, Heather," said Tin-Tin, looking for a chair to sit down in. From his post at the wet bar, Parker found one and helped her sit down at the table.
"Thank you, Parker," Lady Penelope said with a nod.
"Milady," he responded simply with a bow. "May I bring something to you, Miss Tin-Tin? Miss Heather?"
"Yes, thank you," said Tin-Tin. "I'll have hot tea for myself--"
"I'd like a tall glass of iced tea, Parker," Heather said. Turning smartly on his patent leather shoes, Parker went to the wet bar to fulfill their orders. To her table mates, Heather sighed. "First, I'm cold, and then next, I'm hot."
Nikki frowned slightly. "I hope you're not coming down with anything. Maybe you should stop by the aide station."
"You might be just trying acclimate to the tropical weather," Maggie suggested.
Gordon smiled as he spied Heather. "There's my next singer. I know she hasn't been asked yet." As Parker entered the wet bar to look for a tea cup, Gordon walked up and stood at the corner, furthest away from the table of giggling females. "Parker, when women laugh and giggle like that, you know they're up to something nefarious."
"Indeed, sir?" intoned Penelope's manservant.
Unaware of Gordon's intentions, Heather moaned, "Oh my feet hurt. I'm afraid I haven't gone to too many parties in the past few years, unless you count county fairs, hoedowns and the like."
"Don't look now, but Gordon's got the mike and he's hunting for a victim," Lisa whispered to the circle.
"Come on, Gordon. Who's the lucky gal?" Maggie said with more volume. Caught in the act, he walked over, combing his hair off his face.
"Gordon, so help me I'm going to come over there and whack that hair off!" Lisa warned him.
"I'd do it," says Heather, "but I left my Bowie knife at home--" Realizing what she said, Heather sighed. Tin-Tin held her friend's hand sympathetically.
"There's one lady here I would like to hear sing," said Lady Penelope.
"Who's that?" asked Maggie, hoping it wasn't her.
"Gordon, give the mike to Heather," said Penelope.
"Me?" Heather replied as the mike was placed into her hands.
"Yes. There is a musical quality to your voice. You've had some vocal training, I believe."
"Well," Heather shrugged. "Yes, I did--"
Showered with claps and cheers, Heather accepted the mike good naturedly. "Whatever happened to the solidarity of women?" This was met with laughter as she had Gordon show her where the karaoke machine sat.
Gordon led her to the balcony outside and to the machine. "Here you go," he said with a grin. "Do you want me to set the song for you?"
"No, I can manage." She made a quick study of the electronic equipment and found the small keyboard where she could search for the song she had in mind. As she hit the search key, she asked with a wry grin. "Tell me; am I going through some kind of initiation? I get the feelin' you're after me."
"What could possibly make you think such that? Other than the fact that I've been picking on you all night," Gordon chuckled.
A series of beeps told them both that the song couldn't be found. With determination, Heather tapped the keyboard again and threatened the machine. "All right. Cough it up, or I'll turn you into a food processor!" Tapping the enter key again, Heather looked confidently at Gordon.
"If it beeps like that, it doesn't have the song in its mem--" In three seconds there was a small ping announcing that it had found the song. Heather beamed at a surprised Gordon.
"Give it up, Gordon." Picking up the karaoke machine remote and making sure she had the mike, Heather walked back into the lounge with Gordon next to her. She saw Virgil at the wet bar getting a Black Russian before he sat down in the lounge to listen to the next singer. He was surprised to see Heather and Gordon walking in, noticing the mike in the her hand.
"Aren't you going to need to see the words, Heather?" asked Cherie as Heather faced the party goers. The ladies at the table became silent as Heather aimed the global remote towards the air, causing the background music to begin. Knowing that the song she was about to sing had a long introduction with lush orchestration and background singers, Heather shook her head without further explanation.
"Virgil?" she warned him, causing the audience to laugh. "Don't get too comfortable."
As the intro continued, Heather began her explanation, timing it perfectly to the beginning of the song. "This was written back in the year 2007 by a would-be author, Dena. She wrote the song in about an hour, and gave it to a friend in music publishing. A few months later, it made No. 1." At the swell of the music, Heather began to sing softly, giving Gordon a wink. During the first verse, she moved over to Virgil and demurely sat in his lap singing to him in the guise of a disappointed lover.
TELL ME YOU LOVE
by Dena Lawless (2007)
Please, Please tell me you love me
Please, Please tell me you love me, baby
Please, Please tell me you love me
Or you'll be walkin' out the door.
I never looked at another man.
I have done all that I can.
I wish you'd try to understand--
what this means to me!
All you do is walk on by,
And I just can't seem to cry,
I knew this day would finally come,
Just go on out my door!
Please don't tell me you love me,
Please don't tell me you love me, baby.
Please don't tell me you love me!
Cuz' I'm walking out the door!"
Virgil laughed when, at the second verse, she pushed him back, got up and walked away. Getting into the act, Virgil began to follow her, pretending to beg her to stay. She kept pushing him back and shaking her head, while she sang the last chorus three times, varying the melody, making it more interesting.
At the end of the song, she gave Virgil a kiss. "Happy Birthday, Virgil." The pair was met with laughter and hand claps. As the next dance number's first few measures played, Virgil took the mike from Heather and handed it to Gordon who'd walked up to retrieve it.
"Heather, would you like to-," Gordon started to ask, but Virgil slipped his hand around Heather's velvet covered waist and whisked her off to the balcony. Gordon was left standing with the mike in his hand, watching a strong breeze fan her long hair. The chief aquanaut was no longer in a jovial mood.
Post by AmandaTracy on 2/25/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #276 is a reply to message #275] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:56 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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"Goodnight, Dad." "Goodnight." Virgil and Elise replied in unison. They watched Jeff leave and returned to their conversation.
"A week in Paris, huh? You'll enjoy that."
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to some R & R and it's been a while since I've been to Paris." He went on to tell her about the evening he and his brothers spent with Lady Penelope in Paris, and enjoyed the way Elise was enjoying listening to him.
"Listen, I'm sorry I missed you cutting your cake earlier," Elise said a little while later, "I went out for a little air, and..."
"No need to explain, I understand," he said, softly. "I felt like joining you once my grandmother started in on me!"
Elise smiled in sympathy.
"I swear she still thinks we're six, and Dad lets her do it every year!" Virgil chuckled. "By the way, I heard you earlier on the karaoke, while I was dancing with Nikki, or was it Kat? "
He shook his head, laughing, he'd lost track of where and when and who he been dancing with at the time. "You sounded really good."
"Oh, stop! I wasn't that good!"
"Yeah, you were!" He was referring to her singing the song "Just Breathe" an old country ballad originally sung by Faith Hill, many years ago. "I enjoyed listening to it. You have a natural talent for singing."
Elise could only look at him, and reply, "Yes! In the shower!" They both laughed out loud.
"OOWWW!" The protest echoed around the room.
"Sorry, guys, I didn't mean for it to screech like that," Alan offered as an apology, holding up the microphone of the karaoke machine. "So, now that some of the tamer bunch have headed for bed..."
"Alan!"
Laughter ensued to the remarks made and all Alan did was wink and flash a grin. "Why don't we have some real fun with this?" He waved the microphone for emphasis.
"Whatchya got in mind, bro?" shouted Gordon from his comfy spot on the sofa. Alan looked around the room and spied Elise and Virgil.
Alan turned the mike on. "I think it's time we had the ladies back up here singing some of that country music they promised us earlier!"
Various hoots and howls followed the announcement. Out of the corner of his eye, Alan noticed that Elise had turned away from Virgil and was now looking at him. Nikki was too.
Interesting! This is going to be good!
"Who's first?" He offered the mike out to the group.
"C'mon, Elise! Go for it!"
"Shut up, Gordon!" She laughed.
"Aw, c'mon, relax will ya! It's a party, we want to hear you sing some more country, girl!"
Elise glanced back at Virgil, silently pleading for help. None was forthcoming. Instead, he simply threw his hands up and laughed, "You're on your own with this one!"
"Thanks!"
"You've got a good voice; you'll have no problems."
"Uh-huh." He winked and she tingled slightly. "Fine!"
"Woo-Hoo!" Gordon and Alan both started clapping as Elise walked up to the makeshift stage. After a few moments conferring with Alan she was ready.
"Okay, guys. This is one from a while back. It's been re-recorded over the years, but I kinda like the original version, so, er, here it goes!"
The music came on and Elise put her mind into the song. Her voice was different from earlier, this time she became more sultry and sexier, with raspiness to some of the words as she sang.
{i}Right now he's probably slow dancing with a bleach-blonde tramp, and she's probably getting frisky.
Right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink 'cause she can't shoot whiskey.
Right now he's probably up behind her with a pool stick, showing her how to shoot a combo.... And he don't know..
That I dug my keys into the side of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive, carved my name into his leather seats....
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights, slashed a hole in all four tires... And maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.[/i]
As she swayed and kept in rhythm with the beat, she captured the attention of the room. Virgil sat back on his piano bench; thankful he was somewhat away from the rest of the room because he knew he was pretty close to drooling!
Whatever it was Elise was doing, she was doing it right! Her voice didn't miss a single change in notes.
He'd been impressed earlier that evening when she'd sang, but this was so much more passionate; it resonated throughout his whole being. He'd had no idea she was so musically talented. His gaze continued as she went into the second verse.
[i]Right now she's probably up singing some white trash version of Shania karaoke.
Right now, she's probably saying 'I'm drunk' and he's a 'thinking that he's gonna get lucky.
Right now, he's probably dabbing on three dollars worth of that bathroom Polo.
Oh, but he don't know.... That I dug my key...{/i}
The chorus continued and Gordon's grin got wider. He was lapping this performance up like a cat that got into the cream!
Alan had parked himself close to Nikki and was enjoying her reaction to her friend's singing.
Scott was leaning back against the wall, legs crossed in front of him. A grin was on his face as he shook his head in almost disbelief. 'Almost' because he knew, when given a dare or challenge, Frankie Collins usually didn't disappoint.
"This is one of your pilots?" Scott turned to the red-haired who'd appeared at his side. He had to laugh at the look on Heather's face.
"Yes, ma'am, I'm afraid it is!" They both looked back toward Elise who was near the end of the song.
I might have saved a little trouble for the next girl, 'cause the next time that he cheats...
Oh you know it won't be on me....
Ohh, no, not on me....
The applause was instant, along with catcalls and whistles, courtesy of a certain red-head Tracy son. Elise took a mock bow, thanked her 'fans' and handed the microphone to Nikki. "Your turn!"
Nikki's expression was priceless.
Post by FrankieCTB2 on 2/26/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #277 is a reply to message #276] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:57 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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"Oh, no, you don't," Nikki said, trying to hand the microphone back to a retreating Elise. Elise just grinned and stepped quickly out of range, taking refuge behind the piano.
"I am not singing again," Nikki stated flatly. "I've done my turn." And she had earlier, singing a pop number made famous by Cass Carnaby and his band. She gave Elise a glare, then her eyes drifted over to Virgil and a soft, sly smile crossed her face. "I've just realized; the birthday boy hasn't done his bit this evening." Turning to the rest of the room, she asked, "Well? Who else wants to hear Virgil play and sing?"
There was a general round of laughter and clapping, and Gordon shouted, "Play, but not sing!" Alan and Scott both added, "Hear, hear!" to that comment and the laughter rolled around again.
"All right, all right!" Virgil put up his hands. "I get the message!" He put out his hand and took the microphone from Nikki, turning it off. "We won't need this." Glancing around, he spied Maggie. "Aunt Maggie, you're a special guest tonight. What would you like to hear? I can't guarantee that I know it, but tell me, and I'll try."
Maggie had sat up in delight. "Me? I get to choose?" Her face turned thoughtful. "Hmm. Let me see. Something to give you a real workout." Her expression brightened. "I know! Linus and Lucy by Vince Guaraldi."
"Oooh, that is a tricky one," Virgil said. He locked his fingers together and stretched his arms, the palms of his hands outward. He ran a quick scale while people quieted, then began to play.
Unlike most pieces, the melody was a chord on the middle to upper ranges of the keyboard, while a rhythmic fingering in the lower keys kept a steady beat. At one point, the lower notes all but disappeared as his fingers danced over the high notes in what sounded like a jazz improvisation. Finally the bass rhythm returned, and the piece continued until it quieted down to a single low note.
The room erupted into applause, and cries of "Bravo!" Virgil stood, took a bow, and Gordon moved over to take up the microphone, and went to the sound system.
"Now, in honor of all the lovely ladies tonight, a very special number."
Post by Tikatu on 2/26/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #278 is a reply to message #277] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:57 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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As Gordon moved toward the podium, the clock on the study wall caught Scott's eye. "Uh oh," he muttered. "Time to be the stern big brother."
He sidled around the outskirts of the dance floor until he caught up with Cherie, who was moodily sitting next to Lisa. Dom had left, saying he would pick up Josh and head back to his apartment. Alan was waiting to give Gordon the camera again as the latter tried to find the song he wanted. Nikki sat nearby, discreetly covering a yawn with her hand. Heather was chatting with Penelope, exchanging notes on François' latest designs, Scott supposed. Brains was talking to Tin-Tin, and Kyrano was sitting on Lisa's other side, murmuring in her ear. Maggie's head was resting on Drew's shoulder. Elise was standing by Virgil, waiting for this special number.
Scott eased behind his sister's chair and murmured in her ear, "Cherie, it's nearly one. It's time to say goodnight."
"I want to stay for the special number," she whined.
Scott knew that whine; it meant she was at the juncture of becoming stubborn for no reason whatsoever. He sighed, and slipped into the chair beside her.
"I know you want to stay up later, but you remember what Mom said. One a.m." He smiled a little. "I may risk my life doing dangerous things on a regular basis, but I am neither brave enough nor stupid enough to risk Mom's wrath."
Cherie sighed heavily, and her shoulders slumped. "Okay. I'll go. Just let me say goodnight to John, okay?"
Scott glanced over at Gordon, and turned back to her. "Deal."
They stood, and approached Gordon, who said, "Ah hah!" just as they came up.
"Gords? Take this please?" Alan said with some urgency. "I'd like to have this dance..."
"With me?" Gordon quipped.
Alan rolled his eyes, and Gordon said, "Okay, okay. I've almost got the music... there. It'll queue up in a moment or two."
"Good." Alan handed him the camera. Gordon immediately began to pan the room with it.
"Gords? Cherie wants to say goodnight to John," Scott said.
"Oh, okay." He stopped the camera at Cherie's face. "Go ahead. He can't hear you, but say something anyway."
"All right." Cherie put on a tired smile and waved a little. "Goodnight, John. Love you and wish you were here." She blew him a kiss, and waved again.
"Okay, now," Scott said. "Time for bed."
"Aw, do I have to?" Gordon whined. He winked at Cherie.
It was Scott's turn to roll his eyes. "C'mon, sis. Let's get you to bed."
"G'night, Gordon," she said, smiling wearily.
"G'night, hon. See you in the a.m."
Scott guided the teenager across the room and up the steps to the study. "Heading for bed, Scott?" Drew asked as they passed.
"I'm not, but Cherie is," was his reply.
"Then I think that's our cue to head on out, too," Maggie said. Drew rose from his seat and helped her from hers. They began to say their good nights as Scott and Cherie continued on.
The door to the study opened, and Anna walked in. She glanced at the teenager, then the young man, and said, "Bedtime, huh?"
"For one of us, anyway," Scott told her.
"Goodnight, then," Anna replied, passing by with a slight wave. The Tracys duo heard her greet the Carmichaels as they passed each other.
"Wonder what song Gordon was going to play," Cherie said with a sigh. The sigh turned into a wide yawn that she didn't bother to hide.
"Don't know, but you'll find out in the morning." Scott walked his sister to her room, which was situated next to his. He opened the door for her, then took her by the shoulders and kissed her on the forehead. "You looked really pretty tonight, Cherie, and very grown up."
"Thanks, Scott." She gave him a hug, which he returned. "Goodnight."
"Sweet dreams, sis."
The door closed, and Scott turned back. He met Maggie and Drew on his way back to the party. "Goodnight, Aunt Maggie, Uncle Drew. See you in the morning."
"It is morning," Drew quipped.
"Oh, Drew," Maggie replied in an exasperated tone. She turned to Scott. "Don't mind him. Goodnight, Scott. We'll see you later."
"Right. See you later."
They parted, and Scott headed back to the party, hand in his pockets. Hm. Who can I ask to dance this time?
Post by Tikatu on 3/2/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #279 is a reply to message #278] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:58 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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John kept an ear on the jumbled background noise that made up his job, and kept an eye on the vid feed from his family. Virgil's piano number had him tapping his feet in time with the jazzy piece, and he was looking forward to the "special number" that Gordon had announced.
"Hm," he murmured. "Where's Kat? I don't see her in the lounge." The camera, held by Gordon, was panning slowly across the room again. Cherie's tired face suddenly appeared and she waved, mouthing words at him, then blowing him a kiss. He smiled, and watched Scott guide her out from the room, heading up the few stairs into the study. They were followed by the Carmichaels, saying their good nights, Drew's hand resting on the small of Maggie's back. A dark-haired woman passed by them, greeting them soundlessly, then stepping down into the lounge. She sat down beside Lisa, who turned briefly from Kyrano to speak with her. "Who's that? The counselor?" he wondered, frowning a little. "I still don't see Kat," he said again, his frown deepening. "Where could she be?"
A soft chime to his right, signaled an incoming email. He craned his neck over, and saw the address pop up on his computer screen. "Kat?" He rolled his chair over, and opened up the missive. A soft dance tune that John didn't recognize started up in the background.
Dear John,
I suppose you are puzzled as to why I am writing now, when Virgil's party is very likely still in full swing. It's not that I wasn't enjoying myself; I was, very much so. But I have never been one for dressing up in glad rags or wearing heels, and my feet were beginning to ache, most likely from my new shoes. I wanted nothing more than to put them up and have a quiet moment or two to myself. Also, I found myself missing you. As much fun as the party was, I would have found it far more enjoyable had we been together.
In any case, I thought I would write and tell you all about it. I went over to the party with Heather Kennedy, our newest recruit. She and I share the elevator between us, and she needed someone to guide her to the fête. She wore a lovely red velvet gown and a ruby necklace. I was quite pleased with my own frock, though it was not a full-length gown as hers was. I hope you were able to see me in it.
The buffet was full of delicious food, some of it catered and brought in from Christchurch. Parker was pressed into service as barkeep and server. Kyrano, Lisa, Mrs. Carmichael and Mrs. Tracy were assisted by Mrs. Anna Hanson. I have heard she is a counselor and is here to help those involved in Thunderbird Seven's crash.
Lady Penelope was there, of course, looking very chic in black. She was quite taken with the fact that we girls all wore red; I made a joke that, on Tracy Island, red was this year's black. I wish I could have spoken longer with her, but we are to have tea tomorrow and a good long chat to each other.
Gordon was quite the nuisance at times with the vid camera, and Alan only less so. Both were very busy filming and making silly comments about this and that. I am sure the recording will be very funny; Virgil suggested that we might have a movie night and view it. I shall ask him to wait until you are back on earth so you can view it, too.
I sang at the karaoke, and felt very foolish doing so, though I had many kind compliments about my singing. I chose the song, "The Closest Thing To Crazy". It was interesting to hear each of the other singers. I noticed that your brothers shied away from the karaoke, except for Alex, who, I am sorry to say, does not sing well. Cherie also took a turn, but does not have a good voice. Perhaps as they grow older, their musical talents will develop. Tyler did not sing, but I believe Joshua tried to. Oh, he was so adorable in his little fireman's suit! Dom told me that when Josh heard the words, "Dress up," he took it to mean a costume, and would not settle for anything else.
Your father made a lovely toast to Virgil, and your grandmother insisted on pinching his cheeks! He took it well, and later on, we danced together. He said he was dancing with all of his lady guests, and I told him his feet would ache at the end of the night. I managed to dance with nearly all the gentlemen, save your father and Dr. Carmichael. I even danced with Brains! However, had you been there, I should have saved all my dances for you. Well, perhaps I would have let the birthday boy cut in.
I hope enjoyed what you saw and heard of the party. I miss you, and hope to hear from you again soon.
Love,
Kat
John shot a look at the vid screen. A slow dance was going on, and for not the first time, he wished he were there with his family. Still, it was nice that Kat missed him. He listened to the music as he replied to her email.
Dear Kat,
Thanks for telling me about the party. I'll have to admit that the vid feed and music are better than nothing, but it makes me want to be there, too. I did see you in your dress; you looked very pretty, and the dress was very flattering. I'm sorry to hear that your feet ached so much, but you did do a lot of dancing, and perhaps had your toes stepped on once or twice. If it was Gordon, believe me, he does it to annoy and not because he can't dance! He'll be uploading the vid to me later on, so I can hear the conversation as well as see what else I missed. Too bad he can't upload some of the food; just hearing you talk about it made my mouth water!
I have been able to hear the karaoke piped up here. You did very well with your song and have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm afraid that you're right about Alex and Cherie, and the same goes for me and all of my brothers. We are not singers! Only Tyler can carry a tune. I'm surprised Mom didn't try and get him to sing. I was surprised that she didn't sing either, but I suppose that singing would be a bit painful still. Grandma P sure belted out a song though, didn't she? And watching her dance with Kyrano! Wish I knew where he learned that move! That is not like him at all!
I take it that Mrs. Hanson was that dark-haired lady I saw. I got the email about her coming on board. You're right about Josh, he sure was a bundle of firefighting energy. I'll have to ask Dom where he got his suit. I might try something like that for our next formal event... of course, Grandma would have my hide if I did. As far as the "pinching cheeks" business is concerned, she does that to all of us, every year, just as if we were six again. Tyler makes the funniest face when she does it and he's still young enough for it to be sort of permissible. He and Alex sure got smeared with cake and frosting. Mom is not going to be happy about that.
Well, I'd better get back to work. Thanks again for telling me about the party. I'm sorry to have missed it, but... well, I feel good knowing that Callie's had a birthday celebration with her family, too. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Regards,
John
He checked his spelling -- being an author, he was particular about that -- and sent the missive off. Then he rolled his chair back over to where he could see what was happening on Tracy Island.
Post by Tikatu on 3/2/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #281 is a reply to message #280] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:59 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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The song, "Lady in Red" began to play. As she watched Virgil and Elise dancing, Tin-Tin was startled to feel a hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked up to see Brains standing behind her. He smiled down at her.
"Since you went to the trouble of making sure I was appropriately dressed for this party, as well as getting me here, I wondered if you might be brave enough to dance with me, too."
She giggled and began to rise from her seat. "Bravery has nothing to do with it, Brains. I'd be delighted to dance with you, even if it meant just moving a little."
He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor in the lounge. "It's a good thing this is a slow song. I'm not good when it comes to dancing to a fast beat. Besides, I enjoy holding you in my arms."
She looked at him in surprise. "That's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you."
He didn't reply; he just held her slightly closer. She relaxed even more as they moved slowly from side to side.
Kyrano was dancing with Lisa again and they both noticed the younger couple. "They are cute together," she said to him. "Are they a pair?"
"They may become so," he replied. "They are good friends, and I know he wishes to become much closer. But he is an honorable man and I trust him as I do my daughter. She is unsure of herself, though, due to some unhappy experiences with men. So if anything develops, it will take time."
"Well, they have several interests in common. If their feelings for each other do grow stronger, they will be happy together, I'm sure."
"As will we, my love."
Post by Hobbeth on 3/2/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #282 is a reply to message #281] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:59 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Surveying the lounge for potential problems, Scott made sure that Virgil was having fun at his birthday party. Having everyone showing up in their best dress turned out to be a great idea, Scott reflected as couples danced slowly. Virgil displayed a satisfied smile as he danced with Elise. He really deserves a good time, Scott reflected. Please, Lord, let's not have any rescue calls right now, thank you.
Brains held Tin-Tin in his arms, while Nikki had her head on Alan's shoulder as they danced. I hope you're happier now, Tin-Tin. Don't think I haven't noticed that Mona Lisa smile when Brains looks at you. Scott smiled himself.
Over at the wet bar, Parker poured a rich looking red wine into a short glass with shaved ice and took it to Heather who was rubbing her toes again. Must be new shoes. She must have rushed to buy clothes for herself before she flew here with Tin-Tin. Scott thought. Walking over to where Heather was sitting, the thought reminded him that he meant to discuss Heather's situation with the Malaysian engineer to see if there was more they could do for their new supplemental pilot. To his surprise, Heather didn't seem to recognize him right away and appeared lost in thought. "Hello, again," Scott greeted her with a warmer smile. As he sat down, Parker brought along Scott's favorite drink on a tray and set it down on the table front of him. "Thank you, Parker."
"Hi Scott," Heather said when the glass hit the table, waking her up.
"New shoes I take it," he remarked. "Your feet must really be sore."
Shaking her head, she confirmed his thoughts. "'Fraid so. I picked up my shoes on my concentrated shopping trip in Wichita, but I haven't had time to break them in. I'm good for one more dance in them, and after that, I'm going barefoot, and I don't care if it's breaking the rules of polite society," she said. "Oooo!" The comment had Scott laughing. There had been at least a couple times where he had had the same situation. Only in her case it was worse, because she wore heels.
"Hey, Heather. I know this will sound a bit strange, but would you sing one more song?" 'Lady In Red' was slowing down to a fade out and the dancing couples were reluctantly separating.
Heather threw him a curious look, thought for a moment and then smiled. "I think I've got just the one. It's that number one song on the country charts."
"Hmm," Scott said thoughtfully. "You mean the song 'Let's Stop For Awhile'?"
"That's the one. Care to help me on it?"
"Oh, not me! You should have heard me a couple Christmases ago when Dad told us to 'harmonize' for Lady Penelope. I told him 'that's the first time and the last time'! I'll scrub Thunderbird 1 by hand before I do it again."
Heather laughed. "Well, I'm not a whole lot better. I'll see what I can do for you, though. Maybe I could rope Virgil into this."
Studying his younger brother from a distance, Scott shook his head. "Definitely, don't count on that one," he warned her.
With an exaggerated sigh, Heather sang, "'Alone again, naturally'!"
Not to be outdone, Scott responded, "'Save the last dance for me'."
Slipping her shoes back on, Heather made her way to the karaoke machine, tapped the keys again and looked for the mike. Unable to find it, she found a spare inside the little cupboard. Knowing that few were paying her any attention, she thought it appropriate. I really should have done this song first. At the same time, they need a little waking up, anyway.
"Doing an encore?" asked Gordon as she made her way to the front, carrying a tall chair to sit on so she wouldn't be on her feet.
"Yup--I mean, yes," Heather answered. "Someone requested a song."
Holding the primary mike Heather had been looking for, Gordon asked puzzled, "Who was that?"
"Scott," she answered, looking puzzled herself.
Looking over to where Scott was sitting, Gordon saw his eldest brother giving him a sharp wave. While Heather tapped the key on the aerial remote, Gordon felt slightly miffed at Scott's expression. Oh, tryin' to bug me, huh? Just wait, Scotty--
The air filled with an electric slide guitar, a rhythm guitar, a violin, and banjos. Gordon warmed to the song right away. The song's intro barely gave time for Gordon to yell, "Cut loose!" before Heather dove into the first note, startling everyone. Brains sighed as Tin-Tin hurried to find a chair as the music galloped into the beginning chorus. A surprised Penelope joined the group and laughed at the verses as Heather sang. Standing cool and aloof behind the wet bar, Parker's right foot began to tap the floor in a rough rhythm.
LET'S STOP FOR AWHILE
D. Lawless
(Chorus-Woman)
Let's stop for awhile,
and think this whole thing through.
Let's stop for awhile,
and give a gal her due.
Don't wanna be all left alone
But I don't wanna be left holdin' the phone.
Let's stop for awhile,
and think this whole thing through.
I need a man who will love me anytime of day
whenever I feel blue.
I need a man who's gonna comfort me,
when the baby's comin' due!
He's gotta be nice; He'll have to shave
and I expect him to behave.
That's what I expect of you if you wanna be with me!
(Chorus-Man centered)
Let's stop for awhile
and talk this whole thing through.
Let's stop for awhile,
Now give a man his due.
Don't wanna be sloppin' hogs and pitchin' hay,
If you won't let me have my say!
Let's stop for awhile
and talk this whole thing through!
I need a woman to give me a hug at night
whenever I'm home from work.
I need a woman who will coo and lavish me
with love all through the night.
She's gotta be cute; she's gotta be sweet
and smoother than my whiskey neat.
(Chorus)
And you need a woman to give you a hug at night,
whenever you come home from work.
You need a woman who will coo and lavish you
with love all through the night.
I know I'm cute; and I'll be sweet,
but I'm not as smooth as your whiskey neat.
You need a man who will love ya anytime of day
whenever you feel blue.
You need a man who's gonna comfort you
when the baby's comin' due.
Ah know ah'm nice; okay, I'll shave,
and I guess I'll go ahead and behave,
Cuz' that's what you expect of me
if I wanna be with you.
(Chorus)
Let's stop for awhile
and think this whole thing through!
Let's stop for awhile
and think this whole thing through.
We don't wanna be all left alone
Don't wanna be left holdin' the phone.
Let's stop for awhile
and think this whole thing through!
At the end of the song, Heather took a deep breath, sharing a grin with Gordon. Okay. That's all I'm doing from now on, she promised herself while the party goers clapped enthusiastically.
"That was wonderful!" Tin-Tin said brightly. "I wish Grandma Tracy could have heard that. She would have enjoyed it immensely."
Heather nodded, watching as Gordon got a few slaps on the back. "She would have. So would my Aunt Jenny. In fact, Mrs. Tracy and Jenny would have really gotten along well together if they ever met. They're quite alike in some ways, although Aunt Jenny has a lot of pepper in her."
"You miss her?" Tin-Tin asked as she saw Scott talking with Gordon about his rendition of the man's part in the song.
"Yes, I do. She's always been such a help, and makes the meanest, sweetest pecan pie," Heather confessed as Scott passed the girls and walked over to the bar where Gordon ordered another whiskey and soda.
"I have to say I'm impressed, Gords," Scott complimented his younger brother. "You really did a great job."
Appreciating Scott's compliment, Gordon responded, "Thanks, Scott. You could have gone up there yourself. You're not that bad."
Scott had a ready answer for that comment. "You remember a couple Christmases ago? The first year we opened International Rescue for business? Lady Penelope and Parker were there and that family portrait was done? If you remember, Dad had us singing behind Virgil."
Thinking for a moment, the uncomfortable memory had Gordon turning up his nose, groaning. "Oh, you would have to remind me of that. I heard the recording and almost turned the CD into dust and ashes."
The insightful remark had Scott laughing heartily. "Now you know why I won't go up there."
"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to ask Heather for a dance with me. Pardon moi!" With that, Gordon gave Scott a friendly wave. "Bye!"
Scott felt a rare feeling of jealousy as Gordon took Heather around the room and out to the balcony, but shook his head. Here I am acting as if I were a jealous lover. Gordon, you've got me acting like there's something to win here. I'm not going to treat Heather like an object to be won. With that mindset, Scott went over to talk with Virgil who had gone back to giving the women his attentions.
Post by AmandaTracy on 3/8/2007 7:28 PM
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #283 is a reply to message #282] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 16:00 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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The night was winding down at last, and he had to admit it. He'd had a wonderful time. Lots of dancing, good music (and some bad). Great food, nice gifts, and his family around him. Yes, Virgil had to admit, this was the best birthday in a long time.
He also had to admit he'd had a bit too much to drink. Just a bit. Enough to make him act silly, as it always did.
"Thank you ever so much for coming to my party, your Ladyship," Virgil said, smiling. He bowed elaborately over Penelope's hand, then lifted it to his lips, giving her a wink.
Penny's eyebrow went up, and she tried hard to smother a smile. "Thank you ever so much for inviting me, dear boy," she replied, trying to sound even more posh than usual. Behind her, Tin-Tin giggled a little.
Virgil dropped Penny's hand, his attention captured by the little giggle. "Ah, my dear Tin-Tin! I hope you've had a wonnnnnnderful time at my party!" He grasped both of her hands, and kissed each in turn.
"Of course I did, silly," Tin-Tin replied, giggling again.
"I am sooo very gratified to hear it." He pulled her closer, and putting his mouth right next to her ear, whispered the word, "Kumquat."
She laughed aloud, and Virgil put a finger to his lips. "Shhhhh! Don't want Brains getting jealous now, do we?"
Brains, who had come up behind Tin-Tin, shook his head. "Personally, I don't see anyone here to be jealous of."
"Ooooh!" Virgil wasn't the only one who uttered that syllable. Elise and Nikki joined in, which brought Virgil's attention to Nikki, as Brains and Tin-Tin said their goodnights, and the engineers began to leave.
"Parker?" Penelope said. "Please bring the cart up, and inquire whether Mrs. Hanson would like a lift."
"Mr. Kyrano h'already took care 'o that, Milady," Parker said as he headed for the door. "'E drove 'er t- th' Round 'ouse h'earlier, before 'e an' Mrs. Parkhurst said goodnight."
"Excellent." Penny turned to the others. "Goodnight to you all. And, again, happy birthday, Virgil."
"Thank you, Penelope." Penny's goodnight wishes were echoed through the small crowd. As the rest watched the aristocrat leave, Virgil reached out grasped one of Nikki's hands in both of his, and she obligingly allowed him.
"My dear, dear Nicole," he said dramatically, pulling her hand up to his chest, clasped in his. "Please, tell me that tonight was the most exciting night of your life!"
She gave him an incredulous, slightly suspicious look. "I've had a wonderful time, Virgil, but I don't know I'd go quite that far."
"I am wounded!" Virgil said dramatically. "Well, then, perhaps I can change your mind." He kissed her hand, then her wrist, then began up her forearm.
"Okay, okay," Alan said briskly, moving to take Nikki's hand from his brother's and put himself between the two. "We've had enough of that."
The others laughed at the exchange, and Alan turned to Nikki. "Can I escort you to the elevator?"
"Sure," Nikki replied, smiling. "Goodnight everyone!"
The few who remained responded with their own goodnights, then Virgil turned to Heather. "Oh, Heather, darling! You sang such a wonderful song this evening! Let me return that heavenly kiss!" He grasped her hand and kissed it, withdrawing quickly when Heather retaliated with a quick swat.
"You seem to be a card or two short of a deck, sugar," she told him, an amused look on her face.
Gordon hooted with laughter, as Virgil shook his injured hand and exclaimed, "Yow! Dangerous woman!"
"So right, Virge." Gordon said, grinning. "And that's the way I like 'em, tall and sassy!" He turned to Heather and offered his arm. "May I escort you to the elevator, ma'am?"
"Certainly, sir!" Heather took his arm. "I've had a wonderful time, Virgil. Happy Birthday!"
The two strolled out of the lounge, Heather carrying her shoes and going barefoot. Scott was fixing himself something at the bar, when Virgil turned to Elise.
"Saved the best for last," he murmured, taking her hand. She laughed as he bowed over it, just as ornately as he had Penelope's.
"Are you always this silly when you're drunk?" she asked, grinning as he straightened up, her hand still in his.
"Drunk? Drunk? I'll have you know, mademoiselle, that I am most indubitably not drunk. I'm merely a tad tipsy," he replied with a false haughtiness. His raised eyebrow and mock affronted look made her giggle. Perhaps she'd had a bit too much, too; she wasn't quite sure.
"Right, Virgil, sure," she replied. "Can you put your finger on your nose?"
"Why don't I put your finger on my nose instead?" Taking her hand in both of his, he gently extended her forefinger and tried to put her fingertip on his nose.
She helped out a little, and when he finally managed to accomplish his goal, she ran her finger lightly down the ridge of his nose. He let go with one hand and gathered in her loose finger with his thumb, then kissed her knuckle. His brown eyes met her green ones, and he drew in a sharp, quiet breath. In an instant, something had changed between them. He let the breath out slowly, knowing what it was that had happened. His mind was suddenly cold sober, and all he wanted to do was keep gazing into those green eyes. He considered kissing her on the lips... but a small voice inside him said, "Not yet. Too soon. She may not feel the same."
Instead, he put his free hand to her cheek, and with his other hand, put hers to his face. His fingers toyed briefly with a lock of blonde hair before he slid his palm down and away. Turning his head toward her hand, he kissed her palm, then took the hand away, curling her fingers over it. "Something to dream on," he whispered.
Elise looked down, breaking their gaze. Her fingers still tingled from brushing over the slight stubble on his face. She glanced up again, and smiled softly, murmuring, "Thank you."
They stood there, neither knowing what to say next, when Scott came up. "Virge, you look all in. Why don't I escort Elise down to the elevator while you head for bed? You were up pretty early this morning."
Virgil swallowed, and moistened his lips. The feeling of confusion was growing on him, as well as a bone weary feeling. He was coming down off the buzz, and was soon going to crash, something that Scott could see from across the room.
Nodding, Virgil said, "Sure, Scott." He still held Elise's hand, and he lightly squeezed it. "Thanks for coming."
"Thanks for inviting me," she said softly. "I had a good time."
"I'm glad."
Scott herded Elise toward the study with his arm, but she looked back at Virgil standing there, looking different than he ever had before. More mysterious, more alluring, more confusing. She raised a hand and said, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Elise."
She gazed over her shoulder at him until she reached the steps and had to pay attention to where she was going. Then she and Scott entered the study and were gone.
With the room now empty, Virgil made his way to a chair and sat down heavily in it. He swept his hands back through his hair and sighed heavily. With his elbows on his thighs and his hands dangling in the open space between them, he shook his head. "Why now?" Turning his head to glance at the study, he asked the air, "Why her? Not that I'm complaining or anything; she's a great lady. But I certainly didn't expect it. And it's hit me like a ton of bricks." He snorted a laugh. "And I asked Scott who'd be next. Never thought it would be me."
He got up, stretched and yawned noisily. Then, feeling more exhausted by the minute, he shuffled off to bed.
Post by Tikatu on 3/8/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #284 is a reply to message #283] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 16:00 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Thursday, August 16, 2068, 3:10 a.m., Tracy Island
Scott yawned widely and stretched as he headed back to the stairs. He'd met his brothers on their way back from escorting Heather and Nikki, and they'd said a last goodnight to each other. Elise had responded to him in monosyllables on the way to the elevator, and he'd thought briefly about accompanying her all the way back to her apartment. But when the elevator door opened, she stopped long enough to say, "Goodnight, Scott," then stepped inside and was gone.
Before he could turn the first corner, he was surprised to see his father at the door to the sick room, dressed in pajamas and robe, pillow in hand. Jeff was using his master key to open the door.
"Hey, Dad."
Jeff looked up, startled. "Oh, hey there, Scott. Party over yet?"
"Yeah, we've just wrapped it up." Scott gave his father a puzzled frown. "What's up with you?"
Jeff sighed. "I couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come down here and keep Dianne company for the rest of the night." He smiled a little. "We may not be able to actually sleep in the same bed, but her presence is still soothing. She did it for me when I was stuck down here."
"Oh. I didn't know that."
The door slid open. A dull glow lit the interior of the room; a low light shone so Dianne could see if she needed to. A soft, rhythmic beeping could be heard. "I'd better go, son. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Dad. Sleep well."
"You too, Scott."
Jeff disappeared inside the sick room, and Scott shrugged, then continued on his way. He intended to check on Virgil first, then get to bed himself.
Once inside, Jeff moved to the empty bed. He put his pillow on it, and removed the pillow that was already there. Then, he put down the rails on one side of Dianne's bed, and on both sides of his. He pushed the empty bed next to hers, and climbed in. It was awkward leaning over to kiss her; her healing ribs required her to sleep reclined instead of supine. But he bussed her forehead and her cheek. She sighed slightly and turned her head toward him. He smiled, pulled his blankets up, then reached out to take her hand in his before closing his eyes and drifting off.
Post by Tikatu on 3/8/2007
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