Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #151 is a reply to message #150] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:27   |
artisticrainey
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Field Commander
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Lena had been watching the show, fascinated by what she'd seen. Dis puts tings in a whole different light. I know what dey do, but dis tells me even more. It's interesting to see it from otter people's perspective. She'd gone to get herself some tea during the commercials and returned just in time.
When the commercial break ended, Ned once again appeared, with the hospital and both pro and anti International Rescue demonstrators behind him. There were also police, preventing any of those people from rushing up to Ned to try to have their say on camera. Lena was about to take a sip of her tea when the little interview with the "Tyrikalicans" came up on the screen. For a few moments she watched, her eyes and mouth wide open in sheer astonishment, almost forgetting the teacup in her hand. As soon as Rae finished her last comment, she began to shake with laughter. The tea slopped out of the cup and she hurriedly put it aside, still laughing as she got up and fetched a dish towel to sponge up the spilled drink.
She sat down again, still chuckling and wiping the tears from her eyes. Aliens indeed! Dose people look more alien to me dan IR ever has. She picked up her cup and took a sip. Then she smiled again. I wonder what dey would do if dey saw de new uniforms. Change deir robes?
"Welcome back. Still later last month, International Rescue was needed in Malaysia. Here to report and update us, is one of the victims of that crash, reporter Solada Srisai."
The picture switched to a young women, standing at the edge of a jungle. She appeared to be very nervous, but determined. "This is Solada Srisai. Behind me is the jungle where the plane carrying King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Third, his wife, Queen Manya-Phathon, and their retinue -- including myself -- crashed, ending up in several trees, with no obvious way to get out and down to the ground. We were on our way back home to Thailand from a visit to Australia when it happened.
"So far, investigations have come up with no reason for the crash. The people in Australia who checked it out prior to our departure stated unequivocally that the jet was in perfect condition. The pilot and co-pilot were highly experienced and well trained individuals. They were also loyal to the royal family. There was no reason for them to deliberately crash the jet.
"We had no way to call anyone, as communications apparently went out, too. We are very grateful to whoever contacted International Rescue. And we were disbelieving at first that anyone had come to help. But once we realized that it was so, relief spread throughout the jet's cabin. It took some time, as they had to stabilize the jet so it wouldn't fall further to the ground while they got us out. They not only did, they took care of our injuries, at least enough to enable us to get to a hospital. The medical vehicle they had seemed to be extremely well equipped to handle just about anything."
She took a deep breath before continuing. "We have since learned that this area of the jungle has been the scene of many disappearances. The locals have become very afraid to go in, and say there is some kind of curse on the area, although they can offer no reason for it. But no one will venture in, which is why International Rescue was called.
"As for the passengers, we are all recovering physically. We have returned to our jobs and are trying to get back to normal. The king and queen couldn't be here with me, but sent a recorded message."
The scene switched to an elegantly furnished room. The king and queen were sitting side by side, with one bodyguard and the king's secretary standing behind them. The queen's secretary was also seated, a little off to the side. The king began to speak.
"I wish to thank all of the members of International Rescue for coming to our aid. If it had not been for them, I'm sure more of us would have died." He looked over at his wife and took her hand, squeezing it affectionately. "The queen and I have always felt that this organization serves a vital purpose in the world, and now we have firsthand proof of it. As you can see, three members of our staff who were with us in the jet are also here. They, as well as the other survivors of the crash are in agreement on this. I only wish there was more we could say or do to show our gratitude."
The scene switched back to Solada, who said, "I have nothing more to add, other than that I, too, am thankful that International Rescue was willing to help. I do understand that some of their operatives were injured recently. I believe I speak for the king and queen as well as all those they rescued on that day when I say that we wish them a speedy recovery."
The video ended, and Ned appeared on the screen. "Thank you, Solada. We'll return with more on the latest rescues after these messages."
Lena sighed. Dose poor people. It was very brave of dat woman to do dat piece. I wonder if Dianne and Jeff are watching dis. Probably. I bet dey all are. Even Christopher -- I wonder where he is and what he's doing now.
She paused to finish her tea, then smiled. But most of all I wonder if Dianne got my get well present yet. I hope she likes bot regular and butterscotch brownies. I'm glad I found a business dat does dat kind of ting. It's a good ting I knew about her uncle Andrew and was able to find de Carmichael's address; otterwise I couldn't have sent dem. She probably has plenty of flowers. I would be surprised to hear she hadn't awakened to tink she was dead and in a funeral home. But den, dey may not have allowed too many bouquets in her room. She grinned, remembering the card she included with the brownies. It read To Doc, from Agent 62 (PS. No one had better lay a finger on the contents before she gets it.)
She took her mug into the kitchen and rinsed it out, putting it on the drainer to air dry, then returned to the living room. She hesitated before sitting down and glanced at her office door.
Hmm; I wonder if....
Her thoughts were interrupted by the commercials ending and Ned Cook once again on the screen.
--written by Hobbeth, with a tweak or two from Tikatu on 11/22/2006
  
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #152 is a reply to message #151] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:28 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Luke turned on the TV while Barry was still packing his clothing. "Hmm, there's got to be something good on TV." After flipping channels, he happened to see something that caught his attention. "A crowd? Where is this?"
A group of people stood behind Ned, and as the camera panned across the crowd, some of them yelled, "Down with International Rescue!" Another man added, "They may rescue people, but they don't do it without getting money and special government favors!"
"I don't believe them!" Luke said angrily. "The nerve, saying International Rescue's only doing it for the money. They're out rescuing people because they want to make a difference in the world. I hope he gets arrested!"
Barry shook his head. "Sorry, Babe, but he has the right to say it, even though he's completely wrong about IR. They started it to help people in situations so dire conventional rescue would be impossible."
"I would love to meet those people and maybe help them out somehow."
Ned sat at his chair amidst the improvised outdoor studio in front of Mercy General. "When this month started, International Rescue already had two major rescues under their belt. We'll discuss the Kansas tornadoes which led to the three operatives' injuries a little later. The other rescue involved the International Space Station. Joining me live via satellite are Colonel Peter Roberts aboard the ISS; Bryce Cullen and Jenna Welkins, two technicians at ElecSignal, Incorporated, in Silicon Valley, California; and Doctor Rose Windham, head of International Space Control in Upham, New Mexico."
The four faces soon appeared on the TV screen in a triple split-screen effect. Peter was on the left, Bryce and Jenna in the middle, and Rose on the right.
"Good evening to you all," said Ned.
All four greeted him at the same time.
"Bryce and Jenna, let's start with you. You were working your job when something happened to your high-definition TV satellite."
Bryce nodded. "That's correct. Jenna had just walked in to start her shift when one of the thrusters on the satellite became defective. It suddenly shot downward toward the space debris."
"I see. Jenna, what did you do then?"
"I was keeping track of the satellite while Bryce contacted ISC about the satellite."
Rose was next to speak. "He explained the situation, and we started keeping track of it just before it collided with the old GOES-4 weather satellite. The collision resulted in the two satellites fusing together. Amazingly, the thruster on the HDTV satellite was still functioning, resulting in the pair moving in geostationary orbit around the equator."
"Colonel Roberts, please explain the moment you received the call from ISC," Ned requested.
"They contacted us on the emergency frequency, and we knew this wasn't a drill. The fused satellites at first wouldn't have been considered a threat. Because they were in geostationary orbit, and the ISS travels north to south, we were faced with a possible collision. We didn't have the necessary means to prevent the collision, so ISC contacted International Rescue for help."
Ned asked, "Did you know they were already out on a rescue mission in Kansas?"
"No, sir, we had no idea IR was busy with the Kansas tornadoes. We assumed they would respond quickly, and they did. They sent their space rocket to the satellites."
"Why didn't they send it to the station instead, since it was in danger?" Ned questioned curiously.
"Because, Mr. Cook, stopping the satellites was much easier than bringing the station to a stop." Peter became slightly annoyed with Ned's line of questioning. "We're moving at a constant speed of over 17,000 miles per hour. We can't exactly hit the brakes."
Rose spoke up. "Colonel Roberts is correct, Mr. Cook. ISC would have to program the ISS to stop, and that would've taken at least three to four hours to make it come to a complete halt. International Rescue went to the satellites instead to get them out of Earth orbit completely."
Peter said, "The gentleman who communicated with us explained that two others were working to shut down the satellites. After they stopped the thruster, they were able to move themselves and the satellites completely out of the way. As a result, we were saved without having to halt the station. Those two should receive a commendation from the WSA for their actions."
Ned turned back to Bryce and Jenna. "What about the HDTV customers who lost service for a couple of days?"
Jenna sighed and said, "We did have several customers send us e-mails complaining about the loss of service, but our company responded by explaining the faulty thruster on our satellite. We just launched the replacement yesterday, and service to the West Coast should be completely restored by tomorrow evening."
Luke said, "I know Ned wants to make IR look good, but he doesn't quite understand that getting the satellites out of the way saved the people aboard the ISS."
"I agree," Barry said. "The people in that organization get to the brunt of the threat most of the time, like they did when they had to stop the Crablogger from destroying that dam near San Martino."
"Colonel Roberts, Mr. Cullen, Miss Welkins, Doctor Windham, thank you very much for appearing on here this evening," Ned said. "Now don't go anywhere, everyone. The dramatic rescue mission that went terribly wrong will be discussed as soon as we return from this commercial break."
As the camera again panned around the crowd, which included several protesters, Luke rolled his eyes. "Why are they there in the first place?"
"Because they think IR's being selfish, but we know that's not true. They're only protecting their technology from enemy hands."
"I know, but still. They'd change their tune if they ever had to be rescued by IR--or any other specialized rescue service."
Post by TracyFan4Ever on 11/25/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #153 is a reply to message #152] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:28 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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"Welcome back to International Rescue -- The Year's Amazing Rescues." Ned smiled slightly at the camera, and nodded just a touch. "Just a few days ago, International Rescue faced one of its toughest challenges. While events were in motion high over the Earth that resulted in danger to the International Space Station, the IR operatives were busy digging out a very special group of people from the aftermath of a violent tornado. Here with the details is MWAN's Gavin Belle."
The scene changed to that of a parking lot with a large, destroyed building behind it. Jeff, clutching Dianne's good hand, frowned at the sight. "That's the school?"
"Yes," Dianne said, bringing up her hand, and leaning her head so that she rested against the back of Jeff's hand.
Gavin Belle walked into the camera's view, and motioned toward the building. "Behind me, you see the remains of Murray Gill High School, in the little town of Murray Gill, Kansas. On Saturday, August 4, this sports field was the site of a Special Olympics Challenge Day. A group of special-needs children, all under the age of seven, had gathered - along with their parents, caretakers, and several troops of Boy Scouts -- for a day of outdoor competition, where everyone was a winner.
"At around 11:30 a.m., the town's tornado sirens went off, and Murray Gill's mayor, Tom Riverton, organized the evacuation to a place of safety: the school's basement."
Gavin moved to his left, and standing there was Tom Riverton. His name and title appeared at the bottom of the screen. "Mayor Riverton, describe for us the retreat to the school's basement."
"Well, Gavin, it was hard to be heard over the winds, but we got the crowd started in the right direction. Able-bodied people were carrying equipment and the Scouts were helping the parents get their children moving toward the school. Suddenly, we could hear the twister coming. I ordered everyone to pick up those kids, and run for it!" He turned to point at the hole left by IR's digging machines. "We all headed for the doors that used to be there. It was a really close call; the tornado ripped through just seconds after the last man was inside."
"Were there injuries? Fatalities?"
"There were injuries but, thank God, no fatalities. The worst of the injured was Michael Hart, who was buried under some rubble. We located some battery-operated lights and the uninjured men and older Scouts started carefully digging him out. The nurse who had come for the day started to assess the injuries, and did what she could to stabilize those who'd been hurt. Several people tried to call our emergency services with their cell phones, only to get busy signals or no connection at all. Finally, one of the Scoutmasters, Brian Guillaume, gave me his radio, and suggested we call International Rescue."
The pictured shifted once again to show another man, dressed in a neat shirt and tie. "Standing next to Mayor Riverton is Henry Dolan, one of Murray Gill's structural engineers. Tell us what happened next, Mr. Dolan."
"Well, the mayor here managed to get a call out to me after he got hold of International Rescue. Told me to get some plans of the school for them. I also got a front end loader and a couple of bulldozers over to the school to do what we could while we were waiting for IR. We hadn't been working more than ten minutes when that Thunderbird One showed up. I talked to the pilot and gave him the plans. He told us to keep at it; that anything we did was a help. The second ship, the big green Thunderbird Two, took a little longer to arrive, but once it did... man! Did they get to work fast! They had all kinds of equipment and enough people, I guess, men and women both. There was this one gal standing on top of the debris, guiding the big grabs from Thunderbird Two as it pulled some of the bigger pieces off. Took some guts to do that, I'll tell you. And it didn't take them too long to get inside."
Gavin moved again, and the camera pulled out to reveal Lynne Feller, who smiled nervously. Her name and title appeared at the bottom of the screen, the letters "R.N." displayed prominently.
"This is Lynne Feller, the nurse who was responsible for first aid at the Challenge Day. Ms. Feller, can you give us your side of the story?"
Lynne clasped her hands in front of her. "Well, I had pretty much triaged and treated everyone I could, including Mr. Hart, who seemed to be unconscious. Still, I could only do so much and some of the children were really hurting. We all cheered when IR broke through. The first person they sent in was one of their nurses. He was very professional in every way. They had the most amazing equipment; a stretcher that floated on air, it seemed! It didn't take them long to get everyone organized. Every child was given a bracelet with a code printed on it, and their ambulatory equipment, whether it was wheelchair, walker, or crutches, was given a matching one. That way they could pull the children out first, and the equipment wouldn't get mixed up once it was all gathered together. The Scouts did a great job in helping to carry the kids out while IR kept the way clear." She smiled. "There was this one husky, dark-haired IR gent who always had a smile when he was working with the kids. Always a good word, a little joke; he'd make a terrific father. I was proud to be working with them that day."
The screen returned to Gavin, who held a piece of paper in his hand. "Michael Hart, a local entrepreneur whose name has been mentioned more than once in this broadcast, is still hospitalized, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Earlier today, he gave me this statement: 'I have long been a supporter of International Rescue, and of what they do. From the bottom of my heart I thank them, not only for rescuing us all from the basement of the school, but also for the hope they bring to people all over the world every day. Their motto is: 'Never give up' and I sincerely hope they never do'."
Gavin nodded to the people who were standing next to him. "Ms. Feller, Mr. Dolan, Mayor Riverton, thank you for speaking with us today." They murmured their responses, and moved off to their left, out of camera range. "Back to you, Ned."
Ned appeared on camera once again. "After these messages, we'll go back to Kansas -- and Gavin -- to give you the details on how two simultaneous rescues became a horrifying three."
The commercials came on, and Jeff turned to Dianne. She was looking anywhere but at the screen... or at him, so he got up from his seat, sat down on the edge of the bed, putting himself between her and the televid screen. He reached out and he cupped her face with his free hand. "Are you up to this?" he asked. "I can always turn it off, see it later on at Drew's."
"I... I don't know," she murmured, finally looking up at him. "I guess we'll see."
Post by Tikatu on 11/25/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #154 is a reply to message #153] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:30 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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The commercials ended, and Ned came back on screen. No panning across the crowds now, just a tight, close up of the man from the waist up. He was somber and professional as he spoke.
"Since International Rescue made their debut three years ago, the public has grown accustomed to hearing about the amazing Thunderbird crafts. Thunderbird One, speedy and first on the scene. Thunderbird Two, the mighty cargo carrier craft. Thunderbird Three, the sleek space ship. And the tiny but important submarine, Thunderbird Four. No one has seen or heard much about Thunderbirds Five or Six; we can only surmise that they exist and that they are so technologically advanced and of such great importance that IR keeps them under tightly under wraps."
"I wouldn't say that about Thunderbird Six," John murmured.
"Don't let Brains hear you," Virgil warned him. "You know Six is his baby."
Ned continued. "But less than a year ago, a new Thunderbird vessel was unveiled to the public. A sophisticated, mobile hospital, complete with scanners and surgical bay, first appeared at a fatal chlorine leak in New Zealand. At first using a sturdy caterpillar tractor arrangement, then later a sleek hovercraft design, Thunderbird Seven made a big impact on the types of rescues that IR took on, as well as dramatically cutting the mortality rates involved in those operations. Until recently, its sole occupant was a woman known as 'Doc', a physician with a tender bedside manner and tremendous skill in treating the injuries sustained on the field. Within the past few months she has been joined by at least two nurses, both every bit as professional as she is. Those were the pilot and passengers of Thunderbird Seven on August 4, when disaster struck, turning two intense rescues into a harrowing three, and showing the world that even International Rescue must bow to the might of Mother Nature. Gavin Bell tells the tale."
The scene shifted to a farmer's field. Large swathes cut through the dirt and grass scarred the field, yellow "Do Not Cross" tape fluttered in a light breeze. Gavin Bell squatted low and looked directly into the camera.
"I'm here in the fallow field where the severed halves of Thunderbird Seven were deposited after being picked up by what has been classified as a F3 class tornado." Gavin rose. "The tornado was one of two that were ripping through the just south of Wichita at the time, and though it seems Thunderbird Seven managed to outrun one of them, in doing so, it was caught by the other. Here's some eyewitness footage taken of the scene." And the recording that Gavin Belle made while en route to Murray Gill began to run.
In his apartment, Dom stared at it in horror, blood draining from his face. He made a small, strangled noise, and Gordon looked back at him. "Dom? Are you okay?"
"No." Dom stood up suddenly and ran for the half bath. Gordon glanced back at the scene, shuddered from head to toe, then picked up Josh and went after Dom.
Downstairs, the girls gathered around Nikki, as she watched in horrified fascination. "I'm turning it off," Elise said firmly.
"No," Nikki whispered. "I want to see... I have to see."
The girls glanced at each other, and Callie, who had been blocking Nikki's view of the televid, stepped away. Kat sat close to Nikki and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "Tell us if you can't take anymore," she murmured.
In the lounge, Scott watched, stony faced, as Alan's eyes grew wide. "Oh, God," he whispered. He glanced over at his oldest brother. "I had no idea it was that bad."
"There's worse," Scott stated flatly.
At Andrew Carmichael's house, Cherie screamed and covered her face, while Alex made a little moaning cry and ran from the room. Maggie knelt down beside the girl to draw her close. "Drew! Kyrano! Go after Alex! Elisabeth! I need you... now!"
Her sharp commands sent her husband and a shell-shocked Kyrano after the boy, while a pale Lisa stumbled over to her granddaughter's side. The teenager all but threw herself into her grandmother's arms, and Maggie moved in to support them both.
"Oh, dear Lord in heaven!" Emily cried as the film showed Thunderbird Seven split in two. She kept shaking her head, murmuring, "No, Lord, just... no." Virgil tapped a shocked John on the shoulder then put his arm around his grandmother. After a moment, John followed suit, still gazing at the screen.
In Thunderbird Five, Brains shuddered as he saw the sections separate. "How did this happen? What did I do wrong?" he asked to no one in particular.
Jeff glanced over his shoulder at the sight, and closed his eyes as he held Dianne tight. Her face was buried in his shoulder, and she trembled in his arms.
The tape ended, and the camera returned to Gavin, who had moved to one of the scarred areas. "I'm standing where the cockpit, containing three injured International Rescue personnel, landed. The surgery and patient module," he pointed to a spot hundreds of yards away, "ended up over there, just by that stand of trees. The IR crew had just dropped off victims from the Challenge Day at Wichita General Hospital, so the patient module was unoccupied at the time. My crew and I ran up to see if anyone was alive inside the cockpit, and this is what we saw and heard."
The camera bounced up and down as it followed Gavin, still talking a mile a minute, to the cockpit. "Is anyone in there? Are you all right?" he called. There was no view of the cockpit's interior, but Nikki's voice called back, sounding angry, yet garbled enough that you couldn't make out what she shouted.
The piece suddenly stopped, and Gavin was seen again in the field. "It was at this point that Thunderbird Two arrived and my camera was blocked. The IR operatives began to cut open Thunderbird Seven and, with the help of local EMS workers, freed the medical crew. Thunderbird One arrived late; speculation is that it was returning from their base after bringing key personnel there to aid in the rescue of the ISS. I tried to speak with the on site commander, but he steadfastly refused to say anything. However, our helijet managed to get a brief bit of aerial footage as Thunderbird One lifted off, carrying the three occupants of the cockpit away for medical treatment."
There was a brief, thirty-second shot of the site as seen from above, and the helicopter pilot could be heard to murmur, "Oh, sweet Jesus! What the hell happened to that?" The two halves of Thunderbird Seven were clearly shown, the cockpit sitting nearly upside down, exposing the hoverjets, and the medical cabin on its side, the large dent in the back corner clearly visible. As the helijet moved over the two lead Thunderbirds, giving a tantalizing, split-second view of them, the screen went dark. Someone could be heard to say, "Da...", then the sound cut out as well.
Alan drew in a sharp breath. "I see what you mean, Scott," he said, casting a troubled glance at his eldest brother.
Scott nodded. "At least Virgil was able to cut off the helijet's feed. I wasn't sure he could."
Back as the center of attention, Gavin paused for a moment. "When Thunderbird One left the area, its destination was unknown. But within five minutes, it had arrived at Mercy General in Los Angeles. However, they left a crew behind to salvage what they could. I have with me, John Forrest, who owns this field. Tell me, Mr. Forrest, what happened after Thunderbird One left?"
Farmer Forrest, a tall, rangy man with a bit of a pot belly, pulled up his cap to scratch his balding head a little, then put the cap firmly back on. "Well, the people who were still here had a little powwow, and then some ran off to the big green Thunderbird. One or two of them stayed behind, looking over the situation, and makin' plans from what I could see. And a couple of 'em worked on the motors, tryin' to get them workin', I guess. The body of that Thunderbird pulled up, and left a little Quonset-hut of a barn behind. Out of that barn came the oddest assortment of vehicles I ever did see!"
"What did they do with those odd vehicles, Mr. Forrest?"
"Well, first thing they did was pull that big square part of the ambulance off its side, so it stood upright. Then me and my boys helped them put chains around it; this pretty girl with a funny accent told us where to put them so they wouldn't slide. She was a smart one! Then they used a big plow with a hole in the blade to smooth the way so they could tow one part to the other. While the towin' was goin' on, they righted the smaller bit, and then we chained 'em together, and they got the whole shebang into the barn. Then they put everything away and took off."
Gavin glanced around, and motioned toward the obvious scars left in the field. "Looks like they did a good bit of damage to your land here."
Farmer Forrest waved a dismissive hand. "Pffft. T'weren't nothin'. I was letting this field lie empty this year anyway. Before they left, one of the men came up and asked who owned the land. When I told him I did, he apologized for the mess, and shook my hand. Far as I'm concerned, they saved me some plowin' come spring!"
Gavin smiled slightly. "Thank you, Mr. Forrest, for your time today."
"You're welcome, Mr. Belle, and to the guys of International Rescue, hope y'all get back to normal soon!"
Virgil smiled. "That man was great. Volunteered himself and his sons to give us a hand. I was glad to know that the field was his. If it hadn't been, I would have taken him with me to whoever's it was while I apologized."
"Glad to know he's not looking for compensation," John said. "So many people would be."
"Well, you wouldn't find too many folks like them in Kansas," Grandma snapped. "Most are like Mr. Forrest there; hard-working, salt of the earth people. Give you the clothes off their back - and the back to go with them - if they thought you needed 'em!" She gave each of her grandsons a sharp look. "I certainly hope I helped raise you boys to do the same!"
"I think you did, Grandma," Virgil said softly, squeezing her gently to his side. "After all, we're part of International Rescue."
The camera pulled to one side so only Gavin was in the picture. "This has been Gavin Belle reporting. Back to you, Ned."
"Thanks, Gavin," Ned said as the feed went back to him in Los Angeles. "Back with more after this commercial break."
Post by Tikatu on 11/26/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #155 is a reply to message #154] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:32 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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The woman was not young. Her shoulders slumped and she moved slowly, shuffling her way down the sidewalk. She paused in front of the wall surrounding the hospital where a make-shift shrine had been put together. There were candles, flowers, stuffed animals, cards, posters, all saying "get well" in as many ways as there were people to say it.
She bent low and added a small white votive candle to the pile. Then, she straightened and took a set of rosary beads out of her purse. She closed her eyes and began to pray.
"Excuse me."
Startled, the woman opened her eyes, and took a step back. "Yes?"
Rae smiled. "I would like to ask you a few questions, if you don't mind." The woman paused a moment, then nodded. "Thank-you. I notice you placed a candle here; would you tell me why?"
"They are always the ones who help us. Now it is time for us to think of them," she said simply before turning away and resuming her prayers.
Rae faced the camera. "And there you have it. We've seen many opinions towards International Rescue today. From hate and fear, to thanks and love."
The camera zoomed out, showing the front of the wall covered with its offerings. Rae's voice continued off camera. "But, no matter what you believe, there can be no denying that without International Rescue, the world would be a much more perilous place. This has been Rae McCormick reporting for Ned Cook."
Post by lillehafrue on 11/26/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #156 is a reply to message #155] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:33 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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"Oh my Lord," Dianne breathed, shaking her head gingerly. "I had no idea."
Jeff took a tissue to wipe away the tears that had slid down her cheeks. "Neither did I. There have been so many flowers that each patient here could have three or four bouquets," he murmured, squeezing her hand gently, and waving toward the flowers that were already there with his free hand. "I've made arrangements for them to be distributed in nearby nursing homes and veteran's centers. There are teddy bears and stuffed animals by the score. I've chosen a few to keep, and the rest will be given out to the children here in the hospital and distributed to police and fire departments to be used for traumatized children. The hospital staff will collect the hundreds of notes and poems for us to look at later." He kissed her hand. "As hard as this has been, it's also been a good thing just to realize how the public views us. It's heartening, and at the same time, humbling."
The camera went back to Ned in his outdoor studio. "Thanks, Rae. So there you have it, folks. It's been a year of changes for International Rescue. There are definitely more operatives, as evidenced by the presence of nurses in Thunderbird Seven. It appears that some of these new operatives are women. There are new uniforms, and new technology is being utilized. But more importantly, with the downing of Thunderbird Seven, we see how truly international the scope of their operations has become."
The camera angle shifted. "There have been rumors before, some more reliable than others, of IR craft being brought down, and its operatives being injured..."
"I guess no one believed Wilson and Lindsey about my crash in the desert," Scott said wryly, over Ned's comments
"... They've come close to death, as in the incident with the Sun Probe..."
"That was a close one," Tin-Tin murmured. The other girls looked at her.
"You were on that?" Elise asked, eyes wide. Tin-Tin nodded slowly.
"... And there was a rumor that the U.S. Navy had once shot down Thunderbird Two."
"Unsubstantiated, of course," Virgil muttered. "There's no way that the Navy would admit to that!"
"But never before had a Thunderbird been brought down so publicly. Never before have we actually had footage of it. And never before has International Rescue openly taken their operatives to a public hospital." Ned waved toward the building behind him. "Ever since IR's chief medical officer and her companions were brought here, there have been people surrounding the hospital campus. Some are here to protest, some are here to gawk, but the vast, vast majority are here to lend their support and add their prayers and best wishes for the injured, and for International Rescue overall."
He shifted in his chair, and lifted the data pad he had in his hand. "Many, many dignitaries from around the world have sent messages of support and get well wishes. I have here an official statement from the office of the World President, Her Excellency Maria Ynez de la Vega."
The screen changed to show a small picture of the President in the corner, and the text of her message beside it. Ned read in voice over, "'To the members of International Rescue, I would like to tender my personal prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your injuries. Our world owes you much, and I hope its citizens will join me in expressing thanks for the hope you bring and the lives you have saved. May you long continue in your good work.'."
The screen went back to Ned, who took a deep breath before speaking again. "As someone who has been rescued by IR, I must second those sentiments, and I ask that those around the world whose lives have been touched by them - as mine has been -- would be at the forefront of those wishing them well at this difficult time." He paused once more, then smiled and said, "As we wrap things up, we'll leave you with a sampling of the notes and messages that have been sent to the hospital for International Rescue. Until next year, this is Ned Cook, saying goodnight from Los Angeles."
A montage of rescue venues, taken from edited bits of the many reports, began to flash across the screen. Superimposed over them, in text that would show up easily, were the messages from various heads of state, and even from celebrities they had rescued in the past. An alternating male or female voice read them off.
Jeff smiled. "I'm glad we had this recorded. It's not easy to keep up with the messages." He turned to his wife, only to find her asleep. "Wore you out, did we?" he said softly, giving her a fond look. He brushed the hair away from her forehead and gave her a light kiss there, hoping that the bristles of his fake mustache wouldn't wake her. "Sweet dreams, love."
Post by Tikatu on 11/26/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #157 is a reply to message #156] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:33 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tuesday, August 7, 5:35 PM, Tracy Island (Monday, August 6, 10:35 PM, L.A.; 12:35 AM, August 7, Kansas)
Light slowly filtered in when Nikki opened her eyes. She rubbed the fogginess from them and looked around, taking in her surroundings.
She sighed after remembering what her dream had been about. It wasn't the first time since the accident that she replayed the medical team's close up experience with the tornado.
Part of her hated the fact that she had fallen asleep. After the show was over, and she'd gone back to her apartment, she'd felt slightly drowsy, so she decided to lie down for a little bit. What she hadn't expected was to blink one second and be asleep the next.
Getting up, Nikki made her way to the bathroom and ran the bath. After getting undressed and taking the bandage off her foot, she sat in the bath and let the warm water caress the tightness in her neck and foot away.
She allowed her mind to wander for a while. That could've been it. The end for us. If it came to the worst, how would it be explained to my family? Would they be told the whole story or a cover up version?'
Nikki fully submersed herself into the water before resurfacing five seconds later. She ran her hands over her hair gently and swept it out of her face.
All too soon for her, the water began to get cold. Taking it as a sign that she had been in the water long enough, Nikki pulled the plug and vacated the bath. As she toweled herself off she thought about her family and friends back in England and the promise she made to keep in contact more often. I'll do it as soon as I'm dressed.
--recovery begun by Nikki-browneyes1 on 11/29/2006
[Updated on: Sun, 22 July 2012 19:34] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #158 is a reply to message #157] |
Sun, 22 July 2012 19:33 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tuesday, August 7, 2068, 6:20 p.m., Tracy Island (Monday, August 6, 11:20 p.m., Los Angeles; 1:20 a.m., August 7, Kansas)
Nikki sat down in front of her computer and read the latest e-mail from her friend Emma back in England.
She had to laugh at the last paragraph. Emma's cousin announced to the family that she was engaged to be married. Emma was pleased for her cousin, but she dreaded what the bridesmaids' dresses would look like. Especially since she had been chosen to be one of them and her cousin didn't have the best taste in style.
She read the paragraph again.
'They better not catch me on camera when the big day arrives. I'll probably look like I'm wearing one of her curtains (you remember what she wore to my birthday last year). Kind of glad you won't be here. I'd never hear the end of it. Hopefully the maid of honor will steer Rachael in the right direction.'
Nikki opened the reply to message window. She smiled as she began to type.
Hey you,
Two words of advice. Stop stressing. I'm sure she wouldn't dress you up to match her curtains, unless she's feeling extra cruel. For your sake, I hope you haven't done anything to bug her recently. And as for being caught on camera, you know it's going to happen. You can't get away. It'll always find you, ha ha ha.
Moving on, my friend, I hope you and your family are well. I'm doing ok, just feeling a bit sore. Must be working too hard (I can hear the 'pfft' escaping your lips, cheeky). At the moment I'm just relaxing while thinking about home and other things.
Could you spare some advice for me please? Asking you this makes me feel like I'm back in school. Ok, straight to the point. There's a guy who I'm friends with, I also work with him. I talk to him lot on and off duty and I really enjoy his company. Emphasis on the really. I'm wondering if I should tell him that I've developed feelings for him or not. Part of me keeps thinking that by telling, I'd ruin the friendship or working relationship.
If you were in my shoes, how would you handle it?
Nikki re-read the e-mail to make sure it made sense before sending it. Opening up another window, she began to write an e-mail to her mother.
--news from home by Nikki-browneyes1 on 11/29/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #176 is a reply to message #158] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 08:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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(Tuesday, August 7, 10:00 a.m. Wichita, KS; Wednesday, August 8, 3:00 a.m. Tracy Island)
Tuesday afternoon, Andrea's eyes lit up when Heather asked if she'd want to help her go shopping.
Heather met Andrea during a late night organ donor flight three years ago when Andrea had been sent by the Meteorology department of the local television station to cover one of Heather's flights. Heather had to coax Andrea in the co-pilot's seat and as soon as the iced box with its precious cargo was locked down, Heather taxied the Blue Streak to the runway. Up until then, Andrea had only flown on commercial flights and she hated flying. Heather settled her down as they flew, and by the time they returned with their mission accomplished, Andrea hated flying even more, but appreciated Heather's work, and the two became fast friends. The meteorologist's report gave a rare glimpse into organ donor flying and the need for more planes and pilots.
Andrea hurried over to the Regis with a limousine and two glasses of champagne. Handing a flute to Heather when she stepped in, Andrea asked, "Okay, what's going on? Why am I picking you up at the hotel and not in El Dorado?"
"A tornado took the house," Heather said simply. "And knowing how much you like to shop, I thought you might like to come with me."
"That beautiful brick home of yours?!"
"The whole thing and everything in it," Heather replied. "More than likely it's flattened a wicked witch wearing ruby slippers. I would like to have the slippers if nothing else."
Andrea broke into giggles. "Okay, 'Dorothy' let's see what we can find! I'm so thrilled you called me!"
The ever efficient Mr. Howe drove the women in style to Harriman's department store. Knowing Andrea's sense of adventure in clothing, Heather wasn't ready for micro-mini skirts, mini dresses, and platform shoes. Putting up her hands, Heather announced, "Hold it! I'm not going for anything radical!"
Andrea gave her a look of comic alarm. "Nothing? Not even for the bedroom? Come on! Let me find something radical at least for lingerie."
Her nose twitching from the bubbles in the champagne, Heather relented. The word radical to Andrea meant sex kitten style. "Okay, I'll let you go radical for lingerie, but it's got to be comfortable." Heather winced. "I cannot believe that I've got to redo everything! This will take forever!" she said as they walked in.
They both grabbed catalogs. "Will you need an evening dress?" Andrea asked. "They've got some drop dead gowns on the third floor! I might just pick one up."
"Or two," Heather replied.
In the dressing room, Heather stripped down, while Andrea began choosing outfits. "Just remember, I don't have a man I'm trying to impress here!" Heather called out.
Finding three outfits, Andrea gathered them up and threw them over the door. "Try these, and you darn well ought to! So, are you going to rebuild then? How about a split level?"
"Well--I've gone ahead and accepted Jeff Tracy's offer." Heather said over the dressing room door.
"Jeff Tracy? So you're leaving?!"
"Uh--well--yes. I am," Heather answered. I've finally admitted to it. thought to herself.
Miffed slightly by the news, Andrea thought about the possibilities. "Well, you won't be too far away. Rumors at the station say that Jeff Tracy's brood live somewhere around Kansas City," she said as Heather wiggled into an outfit.
Heather studied her reflection in the mirror. "They're a little bit further out than that." She walked out of the dressing room so Andrea could look at the design. Andrea shook her head. Going back into the dressing room, Heather tried a silk white babydoll set. With rhinestones running up and down the two straps of the halter, and the skirt coming down just barely to her thighs, Heather thought it had some merit. If I did have a boyfriend, and he saw this, it would be shredded to pieces in twenty minutes! Andrea thought the same thing when Heather came out with it on.
When Heather and Andrea reached the next department, filled with the finest evening gowns, they were set down in soft, comfortable chairs by a tall, elegant, woman. She had flashing ebony eyes and soft blue-black hair carefully coiffed and dressed as if she walked directly out of a French fashion magazine. She made Heather feel slightly underdressed.
"My name is Monique and we'll run through each design until you find something you like. This first design is called the 'Emerald Isle'." The model was a strawberry blonde, dressed in a shimmering green gown with an empire collar. Heather shook her head. "This next design is called 'Opalescence'."
"You know," Andrea spoke hopefully. "Jeff Tracy has all those sons of his. You might get hitched up with one of them. Maybe Virgil or Scott?"
"What? You mean as husband material?" Heather stifled a bad need to laugh. "Much as I hate to be so deflating, I met four of them and not one of them had any interest in me--at all. Besides, you know how much Jeff Tracy makes. I wouldn't have a dowry big enough to offer!"
Andrea laughed. "More than likely, he'll marry them off to women to seal business deals!"
Heather wasn't laughing, and pretended to study the next dress. Andrea's words reminded Heather a little too much of her mother's desires.
Continuing on with her work, Monique looked at her cue card. "This next design is called 'Champagne For Two'." The next model was tall like Heather and wore a dress that seemed to be poured on pale yellow crystals. As she did a slow pirouette, the dress was ablaze with flash and sparkle.
Both girls turned to look and Andrea's eyes lit up. "That's it! That's perfect!" she cried out, waving a finger at the model.
Heather released a concerned breath as she gave it a critical study. "Andy, do you think I've got the figure for that?" This comment had Andrea and Monique looking at each other wide-eyed. "Doesn't leave much for the imagination.
Andrea looked at Monique and said, "We'll take it. Trust me, Heather. A dress like that will trigger more imaginations than you'll know what do to do with!"
"This next dress is a stunning masterpiece created by Francois Lamaire called 'Lady In Red'."
The dress was simply a turtleneck floor length dress in a rich dark red velvet. With a simple jewel necklace, Heather thought it looked comfortable. "I'll take that one."
As Monique recorded Heather's choice, Andrea asked, "I wonder what the Tracys are really like. The tabloids have them as a bunch of playboys, carrying on all over the place."
"That's because they can't get to them. I've met them, and they are so normal, they could be your next door neighbor that you hope invites you over for the occasional drink or a party."
"You've met them?! What's Virgil like?"
Me and my big mouth! I've got to remember that Andrea works for a televid station. "He's a lovely pianist, very gracious, and his eyes twinkle."
"How about Gordon?"
Heather thought back for a moment as the dresses continued to be paraded. "The Olympic swimmer? He's a bit of a tease, but he's very caring."
With a gleam in her eye, Andrea asked, "What about Jeff? I would die to meet Jeff. He is so good looking! He's married, isn't he?"
"'Fraid so."
Heather chuckled as Andrea looked sad. "Wouldn't trade up, huh?"
"'Fraid not."
Both of them suddenly laughed as Monique rolled her eyes at them.
Finally, they made their way to the Casual Corner where Heather could buy the things she felt used to. Boots, slip on pumps, sandals, jeans, silk shirts, three suits, and everyday underthings. By the time they finished in the shop even Andrea was tired. "Okay, it's a small core of things. That should at least give you the ability to run around with something other than your lounge slippers. Let's get these to the limo, and get you back to the Regis. In about an hour and a half, I'll be due on the set."
Soon, they'd gotten back to the Regis where Andrea's driver went in to find a baggage cart and piled Heather's things on it. Before Heather was given a hand out of the limo, she hugged Andrea. "Thank you for everything."
"There's something special in one of the bags for you. Bye!"
Heather got out suddenly wishing she wasn't leaving. As the door closed to the limo, Heather waved goodbye, wondering if it would be the last time she saw her excitable friend. A bellhop followed her into the elevator with her packages.
As the last bag was brought in, Heather slapped her forehead. "Oh no. I forgot to get luggage!"
The bellhop, Craig, waved a hand. "We're hooked up to the broadband internet through the vidtv communication system. Just order at your leisure and the parcels will be brought to your door." Handing the bellhop a handsome tip for his help, Heather walked into her room.
As soon as the last bag was pulled into her room and Craig had gone, Heather flopped herself on the bed. "Oh man, I'm tired. Think I'll order room service with a drink from the bar," she groaned. "All that training in the naval academy and she wears me out!"
She touched a button on the control console by the computer which called room service directly, careful not to snap at the operator. Heather began to feel the uncomfortable sense that she was in transition. Shopping with Andrea had done it. Her home near Aunt Jenny was gone, her life at the testing grounds was now gone, she'd said goodbye to Andrea realizing it was for good.
"Room service!" a young male voice responded. "This is Michael."
"I'd like dinner brought up to me including sushi and a lobster. A bottle of white wine and a glass of crème de menthe, please. I guess I need comfort food tonight."
"In that case, I'll send up some chocolate covered cherries. They're imported. You like them."
Laughing, Heather thanked Michael, realizing she was suddenly feeling lonely and homesick. "I sure hope to heck I know what I'm doing."
Post by AmandaTracy on 11/29/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #177 is a reply to message #176] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 08:57 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tuesday, August 7, 11:45 AM; Denver International Airport
"Lena! Over here!"
Lena looked in the direction of the voice calling her name, and saw the petite woman standing on a chair, waving her hands. She grinned and waved back, and moments later they were hugging.
"Welcome to the Mile High City, although, technically speaking, you aren't there yet."
"Helen Morrow! I didn't expect you to meet me yourself!"
"Are you kidding? I told you once that I was going to get you to come to my neck of the woods, and when you did, I'd meet you. Anyway," the younger woman continued, "do you have more luggage or is this it?"
"For de short time I'm here? Dis is it." Lena indicated her carry on and her laptop as they headed toward the elevators.
"Well then, we can go straight to my car. What about lunch? I don't know about you, but I'm getting a little hungry. I came in early, so I could have everything done before I left to come here. But it's two hours later for you, so you must be starving, unless you had a good meal on the flight. Well?"
Lena grinned. Helen had been one of her staff people, until she had been recommended for a supervisor position in Denver. She loved to talk then, and hadn't changed, it seemed. "On a two hour and fifteen minute flight, dere isn't much time for more dan a snack, even in first class. So yes, I am hungry."
"Great! I know of this wonderful Italian place on the way to the office where we can savor some of the best food, and get caught up. I love to eat there whenever I can, which isn't as often as I'd like." She pushed open the door and held it for Lena, then led the way to her car. Shortly afterward, they were out of the parking lot and on their way.
"I know there's a small apartment at the top of the building, and you're supposed to stay there," Helena said. "But that seems to me like you'll be at work the whole time you're here. Wouldn't you like to stay in a hotel or something? I'd love to have you stay with me, but I'm in the middle of moving, and the place is total chaos."
"No, it's fine staying dere. I won't have to get up so early to be on time, and won't have to fight traffic or anyting like dat."
"Okay, if you're sure. Oh! I'd better give you a heads up. Someone else from the D.C. offices is here; Don Wilson."
Lena looked at her in surprise. "What's he doing here?"
"Beats me. He showed up yesterday, and has been in meetings the entire time. They were taking a break about the time I was leaving to pick you up, and walked by when I told my staff I was on my way to pick you up. He asked my why you were coming here and I told him. Boy! That man sure has a loud voice. I bet he could talk to someone in another state without using a phone. Of course, everyone would know his business then."
"Dat's strange. I was sure he was aware of dis facet of my job. I hope he isn't getting senile; he isn't old enough to." She chuckled. "But you are right about his voice. Ah well, maybe we can avoid him most of de time."
"Avoid him? Why, outside of getting your eardrums permanently damaged?"
"I find him pompous and arrogant much of de time, aldough he is a good V.P. I make it a point not to be in his vicinity as much as possible."
"That shouldn't be much of a problem, Lena. I think he's only supposed to be here for another day." Helen grinned. "I wonder if he knows about your living arrangements."
"I hope not and I hope he doesn't while we're bot here. I hate to tink of what might happen."
Helen laughed. "Well, don't worry. I'll be behind you all the way."
With a mischievous grin, Lena replied, "How far behind?"
The women laughed, and continued to chat until ten minutes later, when Helen pulled into the parking lot of an attractive looking restaurant. They went in and, while they ate, filled each other in on what they'd been doing since they last saw each other.
Post by Hobbeth on 11/29/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #178 is a reply to message #177] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 08:57 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Brandon and Shannon walked a familiar path down the hospital corridor leading to their mother's room. It had become a daily routine for them since the accident and, as they made their way to Sarah's room, Brandon heard snatches of conversation about the Ned Cook retrospective.
"How do the International Rescue people handle it?" "I hope the ones that were injured in the tornado are going to be okay." "Can you believe the nerve of those protesters?
If they knew what it was really like, the protesters wouldn't be so quick to judge, Brandon thought to himself.
As they continued walking, Shannon stole a glance at her brother, noting the worry lines creasing his face. "Hey, bro," she said, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder, "are you all right? You've hardly said three words since we got here."
Brandon let out a heavy sigh. "I'm sorry, sis," he replied. "I have a lot on my mind and not sleeping well last night didn't help." The truth of the matter was that he hadn't slept well since he'd arrived. Concern for his parents' well-being, coupled with the guilt he felt at not being there sooner made for sleepless nights.
Arriving at Sarah's room, Brandon and Shannon found her talking on the phone and they both stepped inside the door, waiting for her to finish her call.
"I tell you, Marion," Sarah said, talking to her friend, "International Rescue is a godsend. If it weren't for them, a lot more people would die. I hope their people will be okay." Looking up, she saw Brandon and Shannon waiting patiently for her to get off the phone. "Listen, I've got company; I'll call you later." Hanging up, she smiled at her children.
"Hello, Mom," Shannon said, reaching down to give her a kiss. After her brother did likewise, she asked, "How have you been?"
"I've been doing much better, thank you." Sarah shifted, making herself more comfortable. "Dr. Stanfield is amazed at how well my hip is healing. I'm already up and walking short distances and she said I should be able to go home in a week to ten days."
"That is great news," Brandon said with a smile. "Rocky'll be glad when you and Dad finally get home. I'll be sure to tell him," he said. Rocky was the family dog, a Lab with a shiny, jet black coat. He knew something was amiss and had been moping and whining for days.
A couple of hours later, Brandon excused himself, heading out to get some fresh air, assuring his sister and mother that he'd be back shortly. As he walked down the hallway, he heard more people talking about the retrospective and the people International Rescue had saved from certain death.
Brandon thought back to the multi car pile-up in the Ural Mountains in March. He and Scott had been searching the mangled vehicles for survivors. Some people had survived the avalanche, albeit with severe injuries. Others had not. We managed to save most of them; I wish there were a way to have saved them all.
Post by MagicMaster8 on 11/30/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #179 is a reply to message #178] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 08:59 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Wednesday, August 8 into Tuesday, August 7, crossing time zones over the Pacific Ocean, Thunderbird Two.
"You sure you know how to fly this baby?" Elise asked from her position in the passenger seat.
Gordon didn't turn around, but the tone of his voice spoke more than his eyes could. "Woman, I'll have you know I was flying this monster since before you were in diapers."
Elise snorted. "I'd believe it, 'Grandpa', if we didn't buck everytime you hit a pocket." She could see him wince when they hit another pocket of turbulence and Thunderbird Two shuddered a little. "And she doesn't like being called a 'monster'."
"Sheesh, Elise!" Gordon replied peevishly. "You are sounding more and more like Virgil every day!"
Elise just smiled slightly, and glanced upward. "He didn't mean it, baby. He really didn't," she murmured. In the pilot's seat, Gordon shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Can't you keep her steady, Gordon? I swear you've hit every pocket of turbulence in the sky." Alan came onto the flight deck, and took a seat beside Elise, who was dressed in her Tracy Industries flight uniform but with her IR jacket, cap and visor handy. "The sickbay's ready to go. It'll be good to see Dad and Dianne again. I hear Dad's wearing that beard."
"Your dad with a beard... what an image!" Elise said, shaking her head and smiling widely.
"You may not get to see it," Alan warned her. "He'll probably take it off the moment Two is airborne again."
The trio had gotten up early on Wednesday morning, around 5:30, with take-off from the island around 6:00. The plan was for them to fly between cruising and emergency speed to a rendezvous on the Pacific coast, where Elise would be dropped off. She was supposed to be met by Hernando Garcia, who would take her to a Tracy Industries hangar not far away. Thunderbird Two was then to continue on to Los Angeles and pick up "Doc", who was to be discharged on Tuesday around 2:00 p.m., US Pacific time. Elise would get a Tracy Industries helijet, and would rendezvous with Two at a different locale. Dianne would be transferred to the helijet, and then returned to the hospital, but this time as Dianne Tracy, auto accident victim. Then Elise would return the helijet, and again rendezvous with Two for the flight home.
xxx
"She's really not ready for discharge from the hospital," Drew had argued.
"We need to take the heat off of your hospital and the L.A. police," Jeff had insisted. "By removing 'Doc', with a press release that she's being taken either back to base or to a different, unnamed hospital, we'll do just that." He'd sighed and asked, "She's strong enough to endure a couple of hours away, isn't she?"
Drew had thought about that for a couple of long, hard minutes, then had sighed and nodded. "Just as long as you bring her back quickly. I'll do what I can to expedite her admission under her real name."
Jeff had smiled wearily. "Thanks, Drew. The hospital has been great, but it's time to take the pressure off and let you get back to business as usual."
"There's the rendezvous," Gordon said, homing in on a secluded bit of woodland. There was a glade big enough for the cargo carrier to set down, and an old logging road as access. A flash of light showed him that Hernando awaited them.
Elise and Alan got up and headed to the lower level, Alan making sure of his ordnance as he did so.
"You expect trouble?" Elise asked, her eyes narrowing.
"No, but that's when it usually happens, when you don't expect it," Alan said grimly. "Especially after that last encounter with the Hood." He helped her attach the winch cable to the rescue cage. "You have everything you need?"
Elise hefted her duffel. "My ticket to the helijet is right here. I'll remove the IR stuff and put on the rest of my Tracy Industries gear on while en route."
"Sounds good. I'll come down with you and introduce you to Hernando." Alan stepped into the rescue cage as Thunderbird Two landed with a wholly unexpected bump. He glanced upward. "Virgil would have his hide."
"Hey, I might have his hide! She's now my baby, too!" Elise quipped. Then her voice softened. "But I understand. He's in a rush to get this over with so you two can see Dianne."
"True," Alan admitted. He tapped his earphone and said, "Cousteau, we're ready down here."
"F-A-B," Gordon said. "I'll be right down."
Post by Tikatue on 12/3/2006
[Updated on: Mon, 20 April 2015 01:48] by Moderator Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #180 is a reply to message #179] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 09:00 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Mercy General Hospital, Los Angeles, Tuesday Aug 7th.
The nurse entered the room quietly and smiled at Jeff. Dianne was starting to wake up slowly. "Just here to check your vitals and make sure that everything is set for your transfer."
"Thank you," Dianne groggily replied.
The nurse set about her work and adjusted the oxygen cannula then made sure Dianne's cervical collar was comfortable enough. "The IV fluid is almost gone, so we'll be removing it shortly. We'll send another with you, just in case you need it." Dianne smiled her thanks and the nurse returned one of her own before turning to Jeff. "Carol Ferris will be in charge of the transfer and has made the arrangements. She'll be here soon to finalize everything."
"Thank you. You've all done a great job, and we truly appreciate it."
Not sure what to say, the nurse smiled again and left the room. Jeff walked over to Dianne, taking her hand and gently massaging it. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" he asked softly. Dianne nodded. "I promise you it'll get easier once we have you back here."
"I know, love, I know. I just miss the kids." She sighed deeply. Talking was still exhausting and she was worried about the kids, especially after the Ned Cook show.
"The kids are holding up well. They're being well cared for," Jeff said, trying to reassure his wife. Moments later, there was a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Jeff asked, releasing Dianne's hand.
"Carol Ferris."
"Come in."
The security chief poked her head in, then -- at Jeff's nod - walked to Dianne's bedside. "We're all set for the transfer. We'll have you leave the same way that you arrived. You'll be transported on a gurney, along with three nurses to the helipad. I've been assured that the International Rescue aircraft will be waiting, and we'll get you safely on board as quickly as possible. Do either of you have any questions?"
Dianne shook her head 'no' and Jeff also answered no.
"Right then, I'll double check everything and we should have you out of here right on schedule." She smiled and left.
Jeff leaned over to Dianne, gently stroking her cheek. "Indy and Cousteau have been itching to see you. I hope they can contain themselves when they bring Two here."
Dianne smiled and tried not to laugh, knowing full well how Alan and Gordon could be when left alone to their own devices for too long. "Frankie will keep them under control," Dianne whispered.
"Lord, I hope so," Jeff scoffed, trying not to smile.
xxxx
"Frankie, this is Agent 97," Alan said as he introduced her to Hernando Garcia, the IR agent/cabby.
"Buenos dias," Elise said graciously.
"No need for the Spanish, ma'am," Hernando replied with a chuckle and a deep Texas accent. "I was born and bred here in the US of A." He glanced at Alan, then back at Elise. "You ready, ma'am?"
"F-A-B," she replied.
He opened the cab door for Elise and then closed it once she was inside. The drive to the airport wasn't long and he was allowed to pull the cab up next to the helijet. Opening the door for her, he bid her farewell, and Elise thanked him. "I'll see you later, Hernando."
He nodded and returned to his cab.
Looking up at the helijet, Elise took a deep breath. This would be the first time she'd flown a helijet since the crash. She knew she could do it, but her emotions were still raw and she had to tell herself several times to get it together. She boarded the jet and familiarized herself once again with the cockpit and controls. She placed the headphones on and started up the jet, noticing that her palms were sweaty.
Rubbing them on her pants, and closing her eyes, she tried to calm and reassure herself. C'mon, Collins, this is a piece of cake. You used to fly these things daily for a living!
Once she started talking to the control tower, she found herself calming; the professional pilot in her had taken over.
Meanwhile, Gordon had lifted up Two the moment Elise was in the clear and turned in the direction of Mercy General.
Alan called Jeff. "ETA, fifteen minutes, Boss," he said.
"F-A-B," Jeff replied. "We'll be waiting."
"Give Doc our love, and we'll see you soon."
Jeff smiled and shook his head, and Dianne smiled with tears in her eyes. "Make sure you land gently, or Van Gogh will have your hide." Jeff warned.
"If Frankie doesn't get it first," Gordon groused in the background.
Carol arrived with the three nurses and they prepared Dianne for transport, helping her into a set of the hospital's scrubs. Drew Carmichael was also with them, checking Dianne over from a medical point of view.
"You're as good as you can be under the circumstances," he said, a tight smile on his face. "Follow my instructions when you get to your destination."
Dianne squeezed his hands in thanks. "Yes, Doctor."
"I hope you don't need medical assistance of this nature again, but if you do... we're here for you."
"We'll remember that," Jeff told him.
Carol came in. "They're on approach."
"We're ready," Jeff told her.
"Okay, then, here we go," Carol said as the nurses and security people closed in and they left the room. As the elevator stopped, Jeff heard the mighty roar of Thunderbird Two as she put down in a cleared area of the parking lot. It seemed like only moments before Dianne was safely aboard and secured in the sickbay for the flight.
"Nice beard, Dad," Gordon quipped, before gently adding, "Hey, Mom, we've missed you," and giving her a small kiss on the cheek.
"Can't wait for you to get back to the island, Mom." Alan added, also kissing her cheek.
"Okay, boys, I know you missed her, but let's get going. This is strenuous enough for your mom without having you two to worry about!"
"F-A-B, Dad!" Gordon answered cheekily.
Jeff rolled his eyes as his two sons headed for the cockpit, leaving him with the task of helping his wife change over to "Dianne Tracy" clothing.
*******
"Tracy helijet from Thunderbird Two, we are returning to rendevous point." Alan's stern voice made Elise jump. She'd been waiting patiently and daydreaming a little to stay calm when Alan called.
"F-A-B, on my way." She lifted the helijet up with ease and flew towards the clearing area. So far, so good, she thought as she left the city behind and approached the landing area.
Thunderbird Two was already there as she set down the helijet. Jeff and the boys were assisting Dianne, who had been placed on an anti-gravity stretcher.
Jeff smiled when he saw Elise. "Everything okay?"
It was a simple question but she knew he was asking about her own state of mind as well as the flight.
"Yes, sir. No problems, considering."
Jeff smiled again and nodded, fully understanding her reply.
She turned and looked at Dianne and smiled. "Good to see you Doc. You've been missed."
The patient nodded as if to say, "I know."
"Well, let's get Mrs. Tracy aboard and to the hospital." The four of them made short work of getting Dianne onto the helijet and secured once again. Jeff had changed from his uniform and disguise back to civilian clothes while he was on Thunderbird Two.
"Don't you two dare get into mischief while I'm gone," Elise warned Gordon and Alan, both of whom merely put on innocent,"What? Us?" looks. Jeff winked at his sons and the helijet took off once more.
Although tired, Dianne had felt better than she had in days. She'd seen two of her sons, and Elise, and knew her family was taken care of.
Landing back on the helipad once again, a team of emergency room nurses -- and Dr. Carmichael - were there to meet her. He and Jeff shook hands and transported "Mrs. Dianne Tracy" into the hospital. Elise watched them go and once the elevator doors closed, she lifted off and headed back to the airport.
Hernando was once again waiting for her and drove her back to the rendezvous point.
"Thanks, Agent 97," Elise said as she got out to board the green machine.
"My pleasure, ma'am," Hernando replied, tipping her a wink.
As she entered the cockpit, she announced, "Gordon, move your butt."
"What? Why?"
"Because I'm flying this baby home, and don't you even think of arguing with me."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Gordon replied, getting up from the pilot's seat. "Besides, this way Virgil can blame you if his baby happens to get scratched."
"Yeah, right, like that's even gonna happen," she growled. "Strap in. We're headed back to base."
--a change of identity by FrankieTB2 and Tikatu on 12/9/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #181 is a reply to message #180] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 09:00 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tuesday, August 7, 3:30 p.m., Los Angeles (Wednesday, August 8, 2068, 10:30 a.m., Tracy Island)
The conference room was standing room only again, when Geraldo Montoya took the podium again. He had gotten used to this daily press release and was rather sad that this was the last he would be making on this particular subject.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you are all aware of the arrival of the International Rescue craft known as Thunderbird Two. The craft was here to remove the CMO of that organization from our care and take her to another facility for recuperation."
A woman down front raised her hand. "Where have they taken her? To another hospital? To their base?"
"International Rescue declined to tell Mercy General where they were going, so your guess is as good as mine," Geraldo said with a smile.
"Does this mean that Doc is fully recovered?" One of the reporters to Geraldo's right asked.
"I really can't answer that, due to patient confidentiality, but I will say that part of the move was occasioned by the increased police and security presence needed to keep the hospital operational. IR wished to take that burden from us and from the Los Angeles Police Department, though the hospital was willing to continue to provide care for as long as was necessary."
"So, Doc may be traveling to another medical facility?" a man at the back shouted.
"As I said, IR declined to tell us their plans," Geraldo reiterated.
"Is she dead?" came another shout from the back.
Geraldo's face became stern. "I can confirm that IR's CMO was alive and stable when she left here." He glanced around the room as if daring someone else to question him, then his voice became more pleasant. "I hope you will all join me in wishing Doc, and the organization she serves, a speedy recovery from this accident."
He glanced around the room again quickly, then said, "That's all I have. Thank you for your attention."
Outside, the police were removing barriers and hospital staff were collecting the last letters and stuffed animals from the makeshift shrines. The few people who remained after seeing Thunderbird Two's approach began to disperse, hearing through the grapevine that Doc was no longer in residence. Rumors began to fly, most of which were quickly quelled by Geraldo's statement. And through the newly reopened drive came a limousine, carrying the first members of the famed Tracy family to see their mother, who had been newly transferred to her uncle's care.
Post by Tikatu on 12/9/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #182 is a reply to message #181] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 09:00 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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PM [/b]Tues, Aug 7, 4:00 PM, Mercy General Hospital, L.A. (Wed, Aug 8, 11 AM, Tracy Island)
"Mom!"
Alex ran through the door, past Jeff, straight to the bed where his mother lay. He slowed as he saw the I.V., oxygen cannula and cervical collar, and leaned over the edge of the bed to gingerly kiss her. Dianne smiled, and reached out an arm to draw him closer and give him a gentle squeeze.
"Mom, oh, Mom," Cherie said as she came up behind her brother. She was trying hard not to cry, and Dianne reached out a hand to cup her daughter's face.
"It's okay, Cherry, it's all right," she murmured. "I'm going to be okay. Let me kiss you."
Cherie leaned her head down near her mother's mouth, received her kiss, then laid her head for a moment on her mother's chest. "I was scared, Mom, especially after I saw..."
"I know," Dianne said, cutting off what her daughter was going to say. "That scared me, too, but we can't talk about it here, okay?"
Cherie lifted her head, and nodded. "How come you're talking so soft?"
"Because of the accident," Jeff said as he closed the door and joined Dianne by her bedside. "She's bruised in places that make it painful for her to breathe, never mind talk." He glanced around and asked, "Where's Tyler?"
"He's back at Drew's, with Maggie," Lisa said as she came to give her daughter a kiss of her own. "How are you feeling?"
"Exhausted," Dianne admitted. "The transfer took more out of me than I expected." She frowned and asked, "What's going on with Tyler?"
Lisa shook her head. "I don't know. He's been particularly well behaved, but he won't talk about what happened. He didn't watch the show, so he didn't see the... you know what. But I can't get him to talk to me. And he has no appetite, either."
Jeff sighed. "I hope we don't go through what we did after the tsunami," he said, shaking his head. "I don't know that I can handle that again." He gazed down at Dianne, and took her hand. "I know you won't be up to it either, love."
"We will do what we can," said Kyrano, who was arranging the bright flowers he had brought along in a crystal vase. "Perhaps I can tempt him with some of his favorite foods."
"Thank you for the flowers, Kyrano," Dianne murmured. "They make the room look brighter. Though there were already flowers here when I arrived."
Jeff chuckled. "Yes, flowers courtesy of the public... and International Rescue. I gather things are quieting down outside?"
"Yes, they are," Kyrano told him. "We had no trouble getting to the hospital."
"Good." Jeff blew out a relieved breath. "That was... eye-opening, to say the least."
There was a general murmur of assent from the adults in the room, and a pause in the conversation. Alex took advantage of it. "Hey, Mom! Guess what?"
"What?" Dianne replied.
"Grandma Tracy has some kittens!" Alex told her, his eyes bright with excitement. "And she says I can have one!"
Dianne gave her husband an inquiring look, and he shrugged his shoulders. "It's true. I heard about them from Virgil. He says they rescued a mama cat and four kittens from the remains of the barn. She's adamant about bringing them back to the island, and truthfully, I don't see any harm in it." He paused, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Besides, I'm too tired to argue with her right now."
"The house?" Dianne asked. "What happened there?"
Jeff sighed. This was a piece of information he'd kept from her, not wanting to upset her. "It's... it's gone. Twister took it and half the barn." He shook his head sadly, and squeezed her hand. "I'd like to say it's only a house, but... it was much more than that to me, to Ma. I don't know that I'll be able to go back there. The boys got footage... I haven't looked at it yet."
"Marion wasn't there, thank God," Lisa said gently.
"That's a blessing, anyway," Dianne whispered.
"Come, children," Kyrano said. "Your mother is tired, and we should go."
"Can we come back later?" Cherie asked.
"Yes, you can." Jeff leaned over and gave Dianne a kiss. "I'm going with them this time, love. Tyler needs me, and I need to spend time with the kids and catch up with life outside the hospital."
"Go." Dianne gave him a wan smile, and squeezed his hand.
"Virgil, John, and Em said they'd be by later," Lisa told her. "They're going back to the island in the morning, but wanted to see you before they left."
"I'll be glad to see them," Dianne said. "Give Tyler a kiss from me."
"I will," Lisa assured her.
"Goodbye, Mom. See you again soon," Cherie said, kissing Dianne once again.
"I'll be here."
"Bye, love," Jeff added. "I'll be back this evening."
Dianne nodded as much as the cervical collar would allow, then Jeff, Lisa and Kyrano herded the children out and the room was quiet. For the first time since the incident, Dianne thought about all that had happened, and how fortunate she was, and she sent up a prayer of thankfulness for her family, her husband, and her very life.
[b]Post by Tikatu On 12/9/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #183 is a reply to message #182] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 09:02 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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(Wednesday, August 8, 2068 Tracy Island, 9:11 a.m./ Tuesday, August 7, 2068 Wichita, KS 4:11 p.m.)
Wednesday morning, Scott sat at the command post, tapping a stylus on his father's desk. The field commander stared at the duty list that he made for himself every day. On his electronic notebook, Heather's name was highlighted in electric blue. First, Scott needed to call the testing grounds to start affecting Heather's transfer to the island, and perhaps, he could satisfy his curiosity as to why Heather was staying at the Regis. He suspected that she had been driven out of her home due to a tornado. There were a few reasons he could come up with as to why she didn't want to tell him. Being in the military for so long, she probably had the stiff upper lip drilled into her. Technically speaking, it wasn't his place to insist on her telling him, but that warred with his natural instinct to care. From the short amount of time they had to talk, she seemed to genuinely care that his family was enduring so much trouble after rescuing the disabled kids. Scott, himself, complained little and was surprised to find himself confessing his troubles to her.
Well, I best get this going, Scott thought to himself. The clock on his father's command console read 9:11 a.m. Searching the phone listings, Scott found and dialed the testing grounds.
Before the vidphone completed its first ring, the tough scraggy face of Commander Langley appeared on the screen. "This is the Tracy Testing Grounds; Commander Langley speaking."
"Commander Langley, this is Scott Tracy, calling on behalf of my father Jefferson Tracy--" His voice was strong and heavy with practiced authority.
"Scott! It's wonderful to hear from you! How are you? How's the family?"
"We're all doing pretty well, Commander. I won't take up much of your time, but we're transferring one of your test pilots to serve as a family pilot at our facilities."
"Who's this?" Commander Langley asked, curiously as he leaned in his black leather office chair. Grabbing his electronic notebook and a stylus, he prepared to write. There would be one person to transfer and that meant there would have to be a new test pilot brought in.
"Heather Kennedy," Scott answered.
"Kennedy?" Hearing Heather's name surprised Langley. "Well, when you gotta go, you gotta go. We'll get to work on it."
Scott grinned. "Great. By the way, I was wondering if you might know what it was that caused her to move to the Regis Hotel?"
"No idea, Scott, but I could transfer you over to her direct supervisor. That would be Kenneth Blake. He might know."
"Do that for me, would you?" asked Scott. "And thanks."
"Anytime. Give my regards to Jeff."
"I will, Commander," Scott agreed.
A few minutes later, Blake came on the screen. "This is Kenneth Blake."
"Mr. Blake? This is Scott Tracy calling. I've put in a transfer for one of your pilots. Her name is--"
"Heather Kennedy?" Blake finished.
"Yes. She applied for the family pilot position with us; she's been interviewed, and she's accepted."
"Okay," said Blake. "The commander knows about this?"
"Yes, he does. I wanted to ask you--how's she doing?"
Blake shook his head. "Well, if you mean her work here, she's doing just fine. Exemplary, in fact. If you mean her life away from work, that's not so good. I don't know if you've heard or not, but we've had a unusually strong thunderstorms come through last Sunday. Several tornadoes touched down between Wichita and El Dorado. After the first siren went off, Heather left to make sure her aunt was okay. On the way, she was chased by one tornado. When she arrived home, she discovered a second tornado had taken her house. I didn't find out what happened, until I found out she was late for work and I called to check on her. She's so punctual that if she's late for work, I get worried."
"Thank you, Mr. Blake. It confirms what I suspected. I'll see to it that Tracy Industries offers its help to her."
"Glad to hear it, Scott. When I called, she was still pretty hyper."
"Hyper?" Scott asked.
"Well, she had just realized that she was supposed to have reported for duty the day after that crazy storm hit so bad. That's how any of us found out about what happened. I told her to just relax and not worry about coming in."
"That's the best advice she could receive. Thank you, Mr. Blake. That's all I needed to know."
"You're welcome."
Sitting back in his seat, Scott rubbed his chin thoughtfully, frowning with concern. Remembering the still fresh feelings of losing the Tracy homestead made him think about what Heather must have lost. That explains why she's at the Regis. She's going to have to start all over again. Maybe I can talk with Tin-Tin to see what we can do, but for right now, we can at least help with hotel expenses for her.
With a satisfied smile, Scott got to work. Pressing the vidphone, he called the Regis in Wichita and talked with the manager. Without her knowing, Heather's hotel bill would be paid for through Tracy Industries. Second, he ordered a bouquet sent to Heather's room with a note of encouragement.
Ordering the bouquet of flowers for Heather got him to thinking of his mother in the hospital. Scott put in one more order for a bouquet full of roses and carnations. "I'm sorry I can't be there, Mom. At least, you'll know I'm thinking of you."
Next order of business? Call Heather, Scott thought. He punched in her number, and waited for her to answer.
Hearing the televid ring in her room, Heather tapped the receive button, causing Scott to appear on the screen. His sea blue eyes still had a hooded look to them. I wonder if he's gotten much sleep? Either there's another storm brewin' or that's pretty strong coffee he's drinkin', Heather pondered. "Hi, Scott. This is Heather."
"Hi, Heather. Tin-Tin volunteered to be your co-pilot. I told her what sort of plane you fly and she got pretty excited. Your Jet Star is faster than my father's jet."
"I shouldn't be, but I'm rather fond of it. Dad helped me finance it, so it means that much more. And I'm glad Tin-Tin's coming along. I'd like to discuss with her this thing she has for 'water mambas'." Heather tried to explain the fact that 'water mambas' were in reality elapids designed for existing in warm tropical waters and were built with their own singular swim fin, but Scott was bent over laughing so hard he couldn't hear what she said. That was one thing he liked about her already. Heather had a wonderful natural gift for deadpan.
As he got control of himself, Scott gave her a warning. "Just to let you know; Dad might insist on testing out the product in question, just to make sure it's living up to its performance requirements." He took a deep breath. "Heather, are you settling down okay?"
Now, that's an odd question. she thought. "Yes, I am."
"The reason I asked is that when I initiated your transfer with your supervisor, Blake, told me how you nearly lost your life, and lost your home to the tornadoes. I'm sorry."
Heather sat down heavily in the lounge chair, wishing she had a glass of crème de menthe straight. "Lost my home? Yes. Nearly lost my life? It wasn't that dire of situation. Fortunately, the tornado turned away before it could destroy El Dorado. There were several people who had to get out of the tornado's path along with me," she admitted.
"Heather, is there anything we can do for you?" he asked kindly, knowing full well that there was more to her story than that.
Several things came to mind, such as a foot massage, a back rub, a shoulder to cry on and a monster teddy bear. "No, Scott. I can't think of a thing. This is where I need to travel lightly, anyway. Thank you for asking. How's your mother doing? I know it's a bit soon to ask."
"Father has gone up to stay with her. My last update said she was already doing better, but Dad has to make sure she's staying put. Hopefully, Mom will be able to come home soon."
"Doctors make the worst patients, or so I hear," she said, laughing.
"Father is actually worse than that." Scott chuckled.
"Who's the worst?" Heather asked, curious.
"Me!" Scott answered without hesitation. "We'll see you on Saturday. Fly safely and may the skies be clear for you."
Post by AmandaTracy on 12/10/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #184 is a reply to message #183] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 09:04 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, August 8th, midday
It had been a couple of days since Nikki and Dom had returned to Tracy Island. Nikki had had plenty of visitors; she had been very pleased to see everyone.
Looking around her apartment she groaned to herself at the hamper of clothes. The lid was partially open, due to the amount of clothes in it. The young nurse was just contemplating how she could do some washing, when her door chimed.
"Who is it?" she called out.
"It's me, Elise."
Picking up her crutches, she hobbled to the door and opened it. "Hi, Elise. Come on in."
"I was wondering if you wanted any help at all," her friend asked.
"Gosh! You must've read my mind. I was just wondering how I could get my washing done." She pointed to the hamper.
"I'd be more than happy to help," Elise said, piling the clothes into a basket.
"You don't have to," Nikki began to protest.
Elise grinned at the young nurse. "I don't mind. And anyway, how are you gonna put your clothes into the machine while balancing on crutches?"
Nikki hobbled beside Elise as they headed for the lift. Entering the laundry room, Elise separated the whites from the dark colours, putting the different piles separate machines before adding the detergents and setting the controls
"It must have been one heck of an experience being tossed about in Thunderbird Seven. Gordon told me how he helped Alan and Kat to move some of the intact pieces out of the pod, which I think was traumatic for them all."
Nikki half smiled at her friend. "Yes, that's something I don't want to repeat in a hurry."
Switching the machine on, Elise remarked, "Why don't you come to my apartment for coffee and a chat while we wait for your clothes to wash?"
Nikki accepted Elise's invitation, and soon the two young women were seated in Elise's apartment, sipping hot cups of coffee. "So," Elise commented. "How're you coping?"
Nikki hesitated. "I thought at first, I'd be okay. But last night I had a pretty dreadful dream."
Elise looked concerned. This is becoming too regular. First me, then Callie and now Nikki. Maybe Dom is suffering as well. I found both Dr Tracy and Virgil helpful, but neither of them is here right now.
"Well, I guess in the absence of Dr Tracy, you could talk to either Gordon or Alan. They've had a lot of experience on rescues. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to talk things through with you."
Seeing that her guest had finished, Elise offered her another cup. Conversation then turned to Virgil's birthday.
"I'm so looking forward to seeing Paradise Peaks," Nikki remarked.
"Yeah," Elise replied. "I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see the guy's faces when we all turn up in the same coloured dresses."
Nikki smiled at that, and then added, "At least I should be able to dance by then."
"Well, if not, I'm sure that someone will keep you company," her friend replied, grinning at her.
They talked for a while longer, before Nikki got to her feet. "My washing should be ready to go into the dryer now."
"Hey. You stay here. I'll switch your stuff to the dryer."
"Thanks, Elise. But there are some things that shouldn't be tumble dried."
"Okay, come along and show me what clothes can't be put in the dryer, and then we can come back here to wait until your clothes are dried," Elise suggested, as they left her apartment together.
--simple assistance by TawnyAngel22 on 12/10/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #185 is a reply to message #184] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 09:43 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Wednesday, August 8, 2068, 9 p.m, Tracy Island (2 a.m., same day, Los Angeles)
"I hate the IDL," Emily Tracy was heard to say when she disembarked from Tracy Two. "You leave at one time on one day and end up back home at nearly the same time the next... or the previous day."
"Hi, Grandma," Alan said, smiling as he helped her out of the jet. "How was the flight?"
"It would have been noisy if we hadn't sedated them," Virgil said as he came out, a large hard-sided case in his hand.
"'Them'?" Gordon asked as he brought up the luggage float. "Who are 'they'?"
"The cats," John said with a sigh as he opened the luggage compartment. "One semi-feral, injured momma cat and four kittens." He pulled out, one by one, six 20 pound bags of cat litter. "We found them in what was left of the barn, and brought them home."
"And what did Dad say about this?" Alan asked, peering into the dark case.
"Nothing, really," Grandma told him. "He was too busy tending to Dianne to give me any lip."
"How's Mom?" Gordon asked as he pulled three new, automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes from the cargo hold. "We didn't get to see her long. Just a few minutes while we were transferring her from the hospital. She looked tired, and didn't talk much."
Grandma sighed. "Yes, she's still very tired, and talking is still painful. We saw her for about a half hour this evening, before we left." She shook her head. "I hope we can bring her home soon."
"Did you get to see the squirts?" Gordon asked. "How are they holding up?"
"I called before we left for Kansas," John said. "And paid a brief visit in the morning, when we got back to L.A." He shook his head, and closed the luggage compartment. "Cherie and Alex were getting antsy about seeing Mom, but Ty? I'm not sure. Something's wrong there, though he was pretty well-behaved. He didn't see the show; Grandma P. said he went to bed early."
"Good thing," Virgil said. "That footage of the tornado... gave me the shivers!" He, Emily, and John entered the elevator... with the cat case.
"Where you going to put those cats?" Alan asked, leaning on the handle of the antigravity float.
"My quarters for the moment," Grandma said. "Got to get momma cat used to living indoors." She smiled wearily at her grandsons. "Bring up the luggage for us, please, and bring the litter boxes to me so we can get things set up."
"Sure, Grandma." Gordon grinned. "See you in a few minutes."
Post by Tikatu On 12/10/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #200 is a reply to message #185] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:49 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Thursday August 9th, 11:45am...
John stood in the doorway of the repair bay. He ran a hand nervously through his hair, then taking a deep breath, opened the door and stepped inside.
Scanning the area, he repressed a shudder as he gazed upon the pieces of Thunderbird 7. He ran his hand lightly over the metal and shivered. Too close...way too close. A figure in overalls caught his eye and, squaring his shoulders, he walked over to her.
"Kat? Can I talk to you for a minute?" John called out.
Kat looked up, her eyes growing cold. "I'm a bit busy at the moment, John. Perhaps later." She turned back to her work.
John placed a hand on her arm. "I'm heading back to Five right after lunch. Kat, please?"
She stared at him a moment, then put down her wrench, folding her hands across her chest. "All right. What is it, John?"
He sighed. "I just wanted to apologize for the other day. I didn't mean to snap at you like that. I was just...stressed, and I took it out on you. I'm sorry."
Kat didn't move or reply and John paced around Seven. "Look, Kat, you have to understand how it looked to me! I hadn't slept in twenty-four hours, my mother was...badly hurt. Simultaneous rescues are hell on the best of days...this one was the worst." He shook his head. "Having dinner with anyone, not just you, was the absolute last thing on my mind."
He turned and looked at her. "I'm sorry."
Kat's expression softened. "You just looked so...worn, like the weight of the world was on your shoulders."
"It was," John said quietly.
"All the same, I just wanted you to know that I was here for you. That's all," she told him simply.
John sighed again. "Kat, I really appreciate your friendship, you know that." He glanced over at her, his blue eyes troubled. "You must know how the whole thing looked. It seemed as if you were only asking about my mother as a round-about way to get me to have dinner."
Kat flushed. "That is not true," she said indignantly.
"Isn't it?" John replied simply. "Kat, I'm not trying to be cruel. Right now, my family comes first. If you and I are ever going to have something together, you have to understand that."
She didn't reply, but nodded, her eyes looking at the floor.
"Thank-you, Kat," he said, smiling. "How about we take a rain check on dinner? Maybe next time I'm down?"
She finally met his gaze and smiled back, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice. "That would be fine."
"Good." John glanced down at his watch. "I'd better go. Alan's taking me back." He glanced over at Kat. "Talk to you soon?"
"Yes, of course. Have a safe trip, John," she told him.
"I will. Bye!" John waved as he walked out the door. Well, that went better than I thought it would. He started whistling a tune of his brother's as he made his way up to the house.
Post by lillehafrue On 12/10/2006
[Updated on: Mon, 23 July 2012 14:50] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #201 is a reply to message #200] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:49 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Wed Aug 8, 7:05pm, SARS cabin, outside of Boulder, Colorado...(Thurs Aug 9, 1:05, Tracy Island)
Luke sighed as he leaned on the rail up on the lookout at the SARS cabin. He'd gotten back that morning and managed to avoid everyone by volunteering to muck out the stables. It was good, back-breaking work and it meant he didn't have to think.
The sun was still high, though from the way his stomach was growling, Luke knew he had missed dinner. Rommel, his German Shepard, gave a moan as he rolled onto his back. Luke smiled. "At least I've still got you, right, mutt?" he rubbed the dog's stomach and Rommel's tail thumped in pleasure.
"Luke? Hey, you up here?"
Luke turned to see his friend and co-worker, Irwin Jones, step up on to the deck. Rommel gave a 'woof' and trotted over to him. "There you are. What's up?" he asked, idly scratching Rom's head.
Luke shrugged. "Not much."
"I just came up from the stables; they look good."
"Thanks."
Irwin frowned. Luke was quiet and reserved by nature, but this was out of character even for him. "Luke, you've been avoiding us all day. What's going on?" he persisted.
Luke turned away. "Nothing."
"Don't 'nothing' me, pal. Something's bothering you; spit it out." The young black man folded his arms across his chest, and waited.
Finally Luke sighed. "Barry and I...we broke up."
Irwin's expression softened. "Oh, man, that sucks. I'm sorry."
"Thanks."
They both stood quietly for a few minutes. "What happened?" Irwin asked.
"Remember that big promotion he got a few months ago?" Irwin nodded. "Well, they transferred him to the LA office."
"You guys couldn't work something out?"
Luke shook his head. "We tried. It just didn't work."
"Man, I'm sorry," Irwin said again.
Luke straightened up. "It wasn't this big blow up kind of thing. We're smart enough to have recognized that it was over before things got really ugly. At least this way, we're still friends."
"Yeah, but it still sucks." Irwin smiled and Luke sent one in return. Irwin clapped him on the shoulder. "Look, don't mope up here all night. The Rockies game starts in a few minutes. We've got hot wings and stuff downstairs. I know you didn't eat all day, so I expect you to join us." Irwin tried to glare, but failed miserably.
Luke laughed. "Thanks, I'll be down in a little while."
"You'd better be. Or I send Jesse up to find you!"
Luke threw his hands up in defeat. "Anything but that!"
With one last wave, Irwin vanished down the steps, leaving Luke and Rommel alone again. Luke sighed and turned back to face the forest, one hand on his dog's head. "Guess it's just you and me now, pal. Maybe it's time we broadened our horizons, too."
Post by lillehafrue On 12/11/2006
[Updated on: Mon, 23 July 2012 14:50] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #202 is a reply to message #201] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:51 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Thursday, August 9, 2068, 4:30 p.m., Thunderbird Five (same time and date on Tracy Island)
The flight up in Thunderbird Three was smooth. It helped John to put his last meeting with Kat aside to focus on piloting and making plans for the remainder of his stay. Alan, as co-pilot, wanted to talk about the new inhabitants of the household.
"You should see them, John! They are so tiny, and when I went to look at them, two or three of them actually hissed at me! They've got the sharpest little claws, too. Next time I visit, I'm wearing that leather jacket you guys brought back."
John rolled his eyes. "I know all about their claws... and their teeth!" He held out his hand, which still showed the marks of his struggle with the kitten. "I was there when we picked them up, remember?" Shaking his head, he added, "As far the leather coat is concerned, it's not as much protection as you'd think. Just ask Virgil." After a pause, he asked, "Did Grandma tell you about the little guys getting first pick?"
"Yeah, yeah," Alan said, waving a hand. Then he turned thoughtful. "Hey, John? How do you think a cat would do in space? Y'know, like on Thunderbird Five?"
John laughed. "Wouldn't want to change the litter box in micro gravity!"
But as they approached Five, it became evident that something wasn't quite right. Brains, when he spoke to them, sounded distracted, and there was a lag between requests for various docking protocols and their implementation. So instead of beginning the unloading procedures right away as usual, the Tracy brothers went looking for the chief engineer.
"Brains?" John poked his head out of the lift that connected the lower level of the station with the upper level. He glanced at Alan, who shrugged.
They found him in the monitor room, staring at a computer screen. "Brains?" John said again. "Are you okay?"
There was a pause, then Brains looked up and did a double take, startled. "Oh, ah, I didn't know you were there, John. Hi, Alan." He gestured at the screen. "Take a look at this, will you?"
The footage of the tornado picking up Thunderbird Seven played once again on the screen, this time in slow motion. Brains zoomed in on the image, showing a blurry close up on the vortex where an occasional glimpse of the ambulance could be seen. "See! There!" Brains froze the frame. "That's when the two sections separated. I'm trying to find out what happened and why they separated." He shook his head. "I did something wrong in the design of this vehicle and I need to correct it so this doesn't happen ever again!"
John and Alan glanced at each other, concerned at the anguished tone in their friend's voice. "Brains," Alan said, very matter-of-fact, "you're not going to get your answers here. You need to get down to base and talk with Nikki, Dom and Mom. Take a look at the black box, too." He punched a few keys, and the screen went to the standby mode, with the IR logo plastered across it. "Now, give us a hand. The faster we get Three unloaded, the faster you and I get back to base and you can pursue this."
Brains blinked owlishly at Alan, then sighed. "You're right, of course." He stood and stretched. "I'll come help." Rubbing the back of his neck, he said, "Sorry that I was so distracted, but I can't stop thinking that I did something wrong here."
"Personally, I doubt it. No one can think of every possible scenario, not even you, Brains," John told him. "But you'll get more pieces of the puzzle down on Earth than you'll find here. Now, come on."
"F-A-B," replied the weary scientist as he followed the brothers down to the lower level.
Post by Tikatu On 12/11/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #203 is a reply to message #202] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island --Friday 10th August, 7.30 a.m.
Virgil and Scott were waiting in the gym for Alan and Gordon to appear. "Do you know what this is all about?" Virgil asked.
"No idea," his brother replied. "All I know is that Alan asked if you and I would be judges at some sort of competition they're undertaking."
Virgil laughed. "I've never known these two to compete against each other. Maybe it's to do with male testosterone. You know, showing off in front of our new female members."
"I doubt it," his brother replied. "There's no one else here. I'm sure that if the others had been invited they'd have been here by now."
At that moment the two competitors came into the gym.
"Now guys," Scott said. "Care to let us know what this is all about?"
"Alan has challenged me to a couple of gym exercises and a race along the beach," Gordon answered.
Virgil raised his eyebrows.
"Well," Alan continued. "Gordon came in and remarked that I seemed a little out of shape, but he would have been red in the face as well, if he'd been working out as long as I had. So I challenged him to a couple of exercises and a race along the beach."
"Of course the reason for him being out of breath wouldn't have had anything to do with the fact that he was stuffing himself full of Grandma's apple pie the evening before." Gordon chuckled.
"Okay, that's enough. Let's get on with it. What's first?" Scott said.
"The first exercise is to see how many sit ups we can do in two minutes," Alan answered.
"Okay," Virgil agreed, "but I think that you should add a twist. Touch your right knee with your left elbow and vice versa."
Both brothers sat down on the floor and then lay flat on their backs. Bending their knees, at the same time placing their feet flat on the floor and their arms bent allowing their fingertips to touch the back of their ears, they looked to Virgil to start the timer. Scott and Virgil held Alan and Gordon's feet, so that they didn't rise off the mat.
"Okay, ready, set, go!"
Both men simultaneously began the exercise, grunting each time they twisted to touch the opposite knee.
"Alan, that was nowhere near your right knee," Virgil said. "Touch your knee with your elbow each time."
Before long, Virgil called out, "Three, two, one, stop!"
Both brothers lay on the floor, breathing deeply.
Virgil and Scott compared numbers.
"Alan, you did 35 and, Gordon, so did you," Scott said.
Gordon fetched his towel and laid it around his neck. "Are you sure that Alan touched his knees every time?"
"One was nowhere near his knees, but he still managed to do the same number as you, Gordon," Virgil replied.
"So, if there hadn't been one where I didn't touch my knee, I would have beaten him," Alan said.
"Okay, little brother; shall we continue? Next is bicep curls using a 25-pound weight in each hand. Let's see who can do the most," Gordon said.
Both brothers picked up the weights and at Virgil's "Go", began the next event.
This time when they had finished, although neither could continue for more than two minutes, it was Gordon who managed to do three more than Alan.
Both young men headed for their water bottles and each took a few sips of the cooling liquid.
"Okay, let's head for the beach," Alan said.
"No, you need to do some stretching exercises," Virgil stated. "Otherwise you won't be able to move tomorrow."
Both brothers stretched their arms and abs before following Virgil and Scott to the beach. Scott was driving a hover bike. While they were deciding how far to run, they began some leg stretches, knee bends and arm circling.
"I say we run as far as that funny shaped rock, the one just out of sight, and then return," Gordon suggested.
"That's not very far," Virgil observed. "Why not run the length of the beach as far as the caves and back?"
Gordon looked at Alan. "Are you up for it?"
Alan nodded.
"And I intend following on the hover bike," Scott explained, "just to make sure that neither of you cheat."
Both competitors nodded in agreement.
"Ready, set, go!" Virgil shouted.
Both brothers sprinted off, running almost neck and neck, followed by Scott. While the brothers were gone, Virgil tied a tape across from one palm tree to another, to create a finishing line.
"What's happening here?" Dominic asked, as he and Josh came along the beach towards them.
"Alan and Gordon are trying to see who is the fittest," Virgil explained.
"A bit of sibling rivalry?" Dom queried, smiling at Virgil. "Where are they now?"
"Running the length of the beach and back," Virgil replied, "followed by Scott on a hover bike so make sure neither of them cheat."
Josh tugged his dad's hand. "We watch?"
"Of course you can," Virgil said, smiling at the youngster.
It wasn't too long before the runners came in to view. Alan was a little ahead, but Gordon was making up ground fast. Unfortunately, Alan slipped on some seaweed, and half stumbled, allowing Gordon to overtake. Gordon sprinted for the finishing line, arms above his head.
"Yippee, Gordon!" Josh shouted, jumping up and down.
"Looks like Gordon is the overall winner," Scott remarked.
"You owe me, kiddo," Gordon said, holding out his hand.
"Well, I haven't got the money on me; I'll get it to you," Alan said a little huffily.
"Just don't forget," Gordon said, laughing at him.
"I won't," Alan called out as he turned and headed back to the villa.
"Somehow, I don't think Alan is a very good loser," Gordon chuckled, as he and his brothers followed his competitor.
Josh ran ahead of his father as they continued along the beach. "Hey, not so fast. We're not racing." Dom caught the little boy up and swung him onto his shoulders. "I think it's time we headed back for breakfast."
--sibling rivalry by TawnyAngel22 on 12/11/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #204 is a reply to message #203] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island... Friday, August 10th, 8:00 am...(Thursday, August 9th, 1:00 pm Los Angeles)
Brains stared intently at the computer screen in front of him. This should not have happened. What did I miss?
He ran the video again, watching as Thunderbird Seven was tossed about in the wind as if she were a child's toy. He paused the video at the part where the cabin tore from the main unit and jotted a few notes down on his data pad. He then started the footage over and watched it again.
And again.
And again.
"Hiram?"
Brains shook his head and zoomed in closer for a better look. There, that's when it starts to break free. But why? We ran test after test. She should have held together.
"Hiram?"
"I'll have to examine the metal fragments. Could I have mixed the formula wrong?" he muttered to himself, adding more notes to his pad.
"Hiram!"
Brains looked up, startled, to see Tin-Tin standing next to him. "Tin-Tin, I didn't see you there."
"I know. I've been watching you for the last ten minutes." Tin-Tin took in his bloodshot eyes and rumpled appearance. Her voice softened. "It's not your fault."
Brains shook his head and turned back to the computer. "I designed her."
"Yes, with input from Dianne, Virgil, and even myself."
"But the final decision was mine." Brains put his face in his hands. "They could have died," he said in a choked voice.
Tin-Tin knelt next to him and took his hands in hers. "But they didn't. We can't predict everything, Hiram. No matter how many simulations we run, or tests we do, we can't anticipate what will happen. No one can."
"But..."
"But nothing! Hiram, don't you think that if you had overlooked something, someone would have noticed? You may have designed Thunderbird Seven, but Jeff had the final say on her. If he had seen anything, anything out of the ordinary, she never would have been built!"
"I-I suppose you're right," Brains said, after a few moments thought.
"You know I am." Tin-Tin smiled, her green eyes soft. "Why don't we go get something to eat. I know you haven't left here since you got back yesterday."
Brains shook his head. "I can't. I have to finish my report first," he said as he turned back to the computer.
Tin-Tin leaned forward and pushed the button on the console, effectively shutting the system off. "No, you don't," she said forcefully. "It can wait until you've had a decent meal and a few hours' sleep. Nothing is going to change before that."
"But Jeff will be waiting."
"Then he can wait a few hours more. Dianne's transfer was completed earlier, and I'm sure he's at her side. Right now, your data must be the last thing on his mind."
"I know, but..."
Tin-Tin interrupted, "Has he asked you for your report?"
"No, no, he hasn't. But he'll want me to call him as soon as I have something."
"And do you have any new information to give him?" Tin-Tin folded her arms across her chest.
Brains shook his head. "No," he said quietly.
"Then a few more hours won't matter, will it?"
Brains looked a bit taken aback at Tin-Tin's outburst. Then, seeing the concern in her features, he smiled. "Perhaps, you're right."
Tin-Tin's lips curved upwards in a smirk. "I'm always right." She reached out and took his hand. "Come, breakfast is ready. We were only waiting for you."
Brains squeezed her hand affectionately. "Thank-you."
The worry faded from her face and she smiled softly. "You're welcome."
Post by lillehafrue On 12/19/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #205 is a reply to message #204] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:53 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, August 10, 2068, over the Pacific (after 10 p.m., same day, Tracy Island)
"How's it going up here, Callie?"
Callie took in a deep breath and smiled at Scott. "It's good, Scott. Been a while since I've flown a private plane. With so many pilots on the island, I've often felt like my skills were kind of redundant. So it's nice to put them to use again."
"It's not Thunderbird Three," Scott said as he settled in beside her.
"No, it's not," she admitted. "And, for once, I'm happy to be suborbital and in the atmosphere."
Scott smiled and nodded. "And I'm glad to have someone else flying me somewhere, too."
That made Callie chuckle. "Feeling like the family chauffeur?"
"Yeah, sometimes... lately," Scott replied as he automatically scanned the instruments. His hands were itching to take the controls, but he steeled himself. I'll be doing enough flying after we get to Wichita. Instead, he changed the subject. "Looking forward to this family time?"
Callie took in and let out a deep breath. "You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to this. A chance to just put... to put things behind me and not have to be on call."
Scott caught the slight emphasis on the word "things" and extrapolated what she meant. "It has been a rough week for all of us," he said quietly.
"More than a week," she murmured softly. Then, realizing that he'd probably heard even that, she smiled ruefully. "Hopefully the change of scene and pace will do me some good."
"I think it will," Scott agreed. "Just like getting the rest of the family back home will do us a lot of good." He glanced back toward the cabin and frowned a little. "Does Tin-Tin seem a bit... preoccupied to you?"
"She wasn't too terribly talkative, if that's what you mean," Callie said. "She looked kind of sad, and worried." She paused for a moment, than asked, "Do you think she could be worried about her father? About him getting remarried? Or about what's been going on in Los Angeles and what he might be going through there?"
Scott thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I don't think she's worried about her father. He's a pretty level-headed guy and I know she's thrilled about him getting married again. She might be worried about Brains, though."
"Hmm, yeah, I guess I can see that," Callie said, nodding. "He's got a lot of work ahead of him with Seven being damaged and all."
Scott smiled slightly; he wasn't sure if he should spill the beans on what he himself knew about the engineer and his assistant. "Yes, he does. They both will have a lot to work on as far as Seven is concerned; in fact, we'll probably all be involved in repairing and rebuilding it at one point or another."
They sat in a companionable silence for a moment, then Callie asked, "Have you seen it?"
"Seen what?"
"Seven. Since you've been back. Have you gone down to see it?"
Scott let out a breathy sigh. "Yeah. I have."
It hadn't been easy either. Jeff had mentioned Dianne's wedding and engagement rings. They weren't in her personal effects at the hospital, and Jeff had thought it wise not to ask at that point. Scott had mentioned it to Virgil, who checked through all of Thunderbird Two's sickbay and lockers, and found nothing. So, he himself had gone down to Seven to see if he could find the missing rings.
He couldn't do it. He just couldn't go inside. He took a quick glance in the cockpit from outside the cut off door, but no one had gotten into the medical cabin and Scott couldn't bring himself to get out the oxyhydnite equipment. It was all still too fresh, too close. When we get to Wichita, I'll give Nikki a call. She's most likely to know if the rings are in Seven. Wish I'd talked to her before about it, but... it's probably still to close for her, too. For all of us.
"Scott?"
He was shaken from his reverie by Callie's question. "Are you all right?" she asked when she got his attention. "You seemed lost out there for a bit."
"I was, Callie. Thanks for bringing me back." He smiled at her, a tight, slightly strained smile, then glanced over the instruments again.
"Would you like to take over?" she asked dryly. "Don't think I haven't seen you checking out the readings."
"Curses, foiled again," he said, snapping his fingers in mock annoyance, then waving a hand at her. "Nah, you can keep going. I'll have plenty of flying to do after we get to Wichita."
Post by Tikatu On 12/19/2006
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #206 is a reply to message #205] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:53 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, August 10, 2068, 10 a.m., Los Angeles (Noon, same day, Kansas; 5 a.m., August 11, Tracy Island)
"Good morning, love," Jeff said as he entered Dianne's room, smiling. He dropped an overnight case on the chair, and made his way over to the bed.
"You're a sight for sore eyes," she replied, smiling back, reaching out for him.
"Ready to get out of here?" he asked as he gently hugged her.
"More than ready." A puzzled frown crossed her face. "Where are the kids?"
"I've got them packing up for the trip home," Jeff explained, sitting on the edge of Dianne's hospital bed. "Scott should be here soon. He's dropped Tin-Tin and Callie off at the base in Wichita. Tin-Tin's supposed to escort Heather Kennedy back to the island, and Callie's gone for a little vacation over her birthday."
Dianne sighed. "I feel so out of the loop."
Jeff cupped her face with a hand and chuckled. "You and me both, love." He leaned forward to touch his forehead to hers. "We'll both get up to speed once we get home."
"Well, there you are," a voice called from the doorway. They both glanced over to see Drew come in, a data pad in his hand. "I was wondering when you'd show up, Jeff. Surprised you're not out pestering the nurses to hurry things along."
"Not when it comes to Dianne," Jeff said mildly. "Besides, I knew the head honcho would show up soon enough."
Drew chuckled. "I guess we know each other too well, huh, Jeff?" He glanced over the notes again. "Looks like you're good to go this afternoon, Di. I have a meeting in about a half-hour, then I'll be by to process your discharge... as long as no emergencies arise."
"Close the door, will you?" Jeff asked. "I need to talk to you about something."
Drew turned and closed the door, then locked it. "If it's about the donation..."
"It is," Jeff said quietly, relief in his tone. "Did it arrive?"
"Yes," Drew replied, his voice also dropping to a murmur. "That's what the meeting is about, announcing the donation." He shook his head. "I don't know how you did that, really. The bean counters are trying to trace where the money came from, Gerry's running around in circles trying to trace the message you sent, and Dr. Taylor's just sitting back in stunned -- but pleased -- surprise."
"I hope it covers the bill," Jeff said, grinning.
"More than covers it, I'd say." Drew returned the grin. "I hear that the police also heard from International Rescue, and their benevolence fund's coffers were quietly filled as well."
"They did stellar work," Jeff said. "It was the least we could do."
"And when were you going to share the details with me?" Dianne asked, one eyebrow raised.
"On the way home, if you weren't too tired," Jeff told her, stroking her cheek.
"And with that I'll make my exit and leave you two lovebirds alone," Drew said, turning toward the door.
"You're coming out to the island soon?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, as soon as my schedule allows," Drew replied, opening the door. "Maggie's planning on going with you to help with the kids, and I'll need to drag my bride away from your tropical paradise." He raised a hand in farewell. "I'll be back later with the discharge papers." As he left, he closed the door behind him again.
Dianne drew a deep breath in through her nose and let it out in a loud, shaky sigh. "I can hardly wait to get out of here."
"And I can hardly wait to get you home," Jeff said, resting his hand on the side of her neck. "Though you're going to find it hard to get around for a bit with your leg still healing and all."
"I know. But even the sick room at home will be better than the hospital here," she told him. "For one, the food will be better..."
"I could have snuck in something from Maggie's kitchen," Jeff remonstrated. "You should have asked."
Dianne shook her head. "It's okay. She had enough to do feeding the rest of the family. But thanks for smuggling in those brownies that Lena sent. They were soooo delicious. I'll have to send a thank you." She glanced over at the overnight case. "Are those my clothes?" She pulled back the covers and maneuvered herself carefully to the edge of the bed.
Jeff got up to give her room, and fetch the case. "Yes, I hope they'll suit. Your mother picked them out, with Cherie's help."
"I'm sure they'll be fine, though I'm not going to be walking down any fashion runway anytime soon... if ever." She took the case from his hand and began to pull out the clothes.
"I think Cherie wanted to feel needed. She and the boys have had a rough time."
"I know. It's been rough for all of us."
Jeff moved behind her and began to untie the strings of the hospital gown. As he did, he kissed the back of her neck, and smoothed his hands gently over her still-bruised shoulders.
"Mmmm." Dianne let out a soft groan. "That feels so good.... but..."
"But," Jeff said, his voice sounding husky, "you're in no condition to go any farther, right?"
"Unfortunately true," she replied, turning her head to look at him.
He came up close to kiss her, making sure that she didn't have to twist to reach his lips, holding onto her upper arms. "We'll find a way... soon."
"Ah'll hold you to that, suh," she murmured as she kissed him back.
Post by Tikatu on 1/5/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #207 is a reply to message #206] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:54 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Plop.
Plop.
Plop.
Tyler threw another stone into the Pacific, and watched as it skipped across the surface of the water, before disappearing under a wave. He sighed and picked up another.
"Tyler! Hey Tyler!"
He looked up from where he was sitting to see Cherie waving from the top of the sand dune. He sighed to himself and turned back to the water.
Cherie, huffing and puffing from her trek through the sand, frowned down at him. "What are you doing? You know you're not supposed to come down here alone."
Tyler shrugged and muttered something Cherie couldn't hear.
"What did you say?" she asked.
"I just wanted to watch the tide come in," Tyler replied, skipping a rock over the waves.
"You heard what Dad told us before he left. Uncle Drew is discharging Mom. Scott's on his way back from Wichita and we're all heading back home. You need to finish packing," she told him.
Tyler mumbled something again.
"What?"
"OK! I'll pack!" Tyler sighed and sat there, his legs swinging.
Cherie sat down on the boulder next to him. "Mom's OK, Tyler."
"I know."
"Then why are you down here moping?"
"I'm not moping," Tyler replied shortly.
Cherie rolled her eyes. "You'd better get back up to the house and pack. I want us to be all ready when Mom gets here." She got to her feet and started back up the dune. She was at the top when she turned to look back at her brother. Tyler hadn't moved off the rock. "Tyler! Let's move it! Now!"
Tyler threw one last rock into the water, then got to his feet and shuffled after his sister.
Post by lillehafrue On 1/7/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #208 is a reply to message #207] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:54 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Fri, Aug 10; Dothan Regional Airport; 1:45 PM (Sat, Aug 11, 6:45 AM on Tracy Island)
Joseph and Brian Spencer had just arrived at the airport when they saw a commuter jet making its final approach.
"We'd better hurry, Joe! I don't want Callie to think we were late."
Getting a strong grip on Brian's shoulder, Joseph said, "Will you take it easy?"
"How can I?" Brian started surging ahead of him while saying, "Callie's coming home for the first time since she started working for Tracy Industries! Aren't you the least bit excited?"
"Yeah, but this is overdoing it. Calm down or I'll lose you."
Brian finally slowed down and said, "Sorry, bro. I can't help myself."
"You were always the most impatient out of the three of us."
As they entered the airport, Joseph looked at the flight arrival screen. "Yeah, her flight should be landing any minute now. Let's get to the lobby and wait for her. The airport's busier than usual today."
"That's unusual. I--wait a minute, I know what it is. A lot of people from the area are leaving for Canton, Ohio, for the Hall of Fame Game."
"I forgot that game was coming up next Saturday. Alabama's playing...Penn State, right?"
"Yeah. I'd give an arm and a leg to go to that game."
"Bro, we've already got tickets to the Alabama-Florida game for next month. Don't worry about it."
Meanwhile, Callie had walked through the boarding ramp from the plane and into the terminal. I hope I didn't get here too early, she thought. Knowing Joe, he'll probably burn rubber if he thinks they'll be even a minute late.
The two brothers waited in the lobby near the security checkpoint. "Well, here we are," said Brian. Seeing his sister, he yelled, "And there she is!"
Joseph could see her as well. "Callie! Callie!"
She walked into the lobby and saw them waving their arms wildly. As they ran toward her, she yelled, "Joe! Bri!" When all three met, she greeted them with a tight hug. "I'm glad to see you guys."
With a big smile, Brian said, "Me, too, Sis. It's great you could come home for your birthday."
"I know it. I can't wait to see Mom and Dad, but they're probably at work right now."
Joseph said, "Hey, it's okay, Sis. We've got the house and your room already set up for ya, so you can enjoy time at home through your birthday."
"I appreciate it, Joe. I really appreciate it." A lot more than you could possibly imagine.
After the brothers helped her get her luggage to the car, Joseph asked her to sit in the front passenger seat. Brian didn't mind being in the back.
On the drive back to their house in Opp, Brian asked a lot of questions about her job at Tracy Industries. "Relax," said Callie, "I'll tell you all about my job when we get home. Right now, I'm a little tired from jet lag." And a whole lot more. I needed to get away from my Hood-related nightmares. I don't want anyone to know I'm even on these meds Doc gave me. If they find out, I don't even want to think about what my folks would think of me then...
Post by TracyFan4Ever on 1/7/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #209 is a reply to message #208] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 14:55 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, August 10; 2:25 PM; Denver International Airport (8:25 AM Saturday on Tracy Island)
Lena settled back in her seat on the aisle and fastened her seat belt. I should feel guilty about flying first class, but if de boss insists, who am I to argue? She smiled to herself and pulled the airline catalogue from the seat pocket in front of her, while the rest of the passengers boarded.
When she heard the cabin door close, she looked around. There were some empty seats and one of the attendants, noticing the look of surprise on her face, said, "It isn't a holiday weekend, and those who are on vacation now are either at their destinations or not coming back until Monday. We're about two-thirds full today. So you can spread out, if you like."
"Tank you, but I tink I'm just fine like dis."
The attendant moved on to make sure everyone's seat belt was fastened, as the plane began to move away from the terminal. The usual instructions were announced, and the plane taxied to the end of the runway.
*****
In the cockpit, the crew was doing their last minute checks. They were next to take off, and received permission from the tower. Everyone heard the engines powering up, and soon the jet was speeding down the runway, into the afternoon sun. Takeoff was smooth, then the pilot received instructions to bank right and was given a heading.
"Tower, will you please repeat? There's a storm along that heading."
"Yes, but it is moving north rapidly, and will be all but gone by the time you reach there."
The pilot and co-pilot looked at each other, then the pilot looked back at the navigator, who shrugged. "Roger, tower. I'm turning now."
The course change was made, and it looked like it would be a smooth trip all the way to Maryland. But the co-pilot looked out the side window a few minutes later and said, "Oh, my God, Paul! Look!
The pilot glanced to his right and saw the storm. It was indeed moving rapidly north, but had been much farther south than the controller indicated, and would soon envelop them. He called the tower.
"The storm's heading right for us, and it's a bad one. I need instructions."
"Figure it out for yourself, Captain Conner. That's what you get for trying to take my sister away from me."
Everyone in the cockpit was stunned. "Don? You gave me this heading because I'm dating Chris? Do you realize how many people you've put in jeopardy?"
"I don't care about that. Get yourself out of it, if you can."
Communications went dead, and the pilot and co-pilot worked together to get away from the storm. They tried to climb above it and turn back, but it was on them before they got very far. The thunder and lightning shook the plane, and the captain made an announcement to the cabin to put away any loose articles and make sure their seatbelts were fastened, while the co-pilot sent out a mayday.
*****
Lena looked out the window to see roiling dark gray clouds. A bright flash of lightning startled her, and the plane shook again. She followed instructions, but made sure her palm pilot and cell phone were in her jacket pocket, the one which buttoned.
Suddenly, there was a bright flash of lightning, and the plane shook violently. It sheared off to the left and began descending rapidly. There were screams, and one of the attendants got on the intercom. He reminded the passengers of the emergency procedures and asked them to follow them. The other attendants immediately went to their areas to help anyone who needed it, and make sure the rest were following orders.
Lena looked at her watch, then braced herself as instructed. She heard a roar, screams, then after what seemed like hours, crunches, bangs and the sound of metal tearing. Then the passengers were jostled violently as the jet broke in two, and the screams grew louder. Something hit Lena in the head and she was knocked out.
When she regained consciousness, she was still in her seat, but not in the jet any longer. The whole seat assembly had been torn from its mooring. Her left shoulder was causing her a great deal of pain, as was her head. She was soaking wet, but it was no longer raining. Slowly she opened her eyes. It was still cloudy and somewhat windy, too. She carefully looked around, but saw only the broken fuselage and people scattered, some sitting with their heads in their hands, crying. Other people were moaning and calling for help. A few were on their feet, but wandering around aimlessly, not paying attention to anyone else.
She tried to raise her left arm to look at her watch, but the pain increased and she gave up. Instead she reached over with her right, and gingerly got the watch off her wrist. She held it up to so she could see it. Only fifteen minutes had passed since she had last looked at it, in the plane. It seemed like it took much longer for de plane to go down, she thought, amazed.
Her headache caused her to close her eyes again. She felt the rain start again, falling on her. She shivered slightly, then began to pray for help. Finally, realizing no one had shown up, she opened her eyes again and looked at her watch. Two hours had passed since she last checked the time.
I wonder why no one has come. We can't be dat far from de airport. She came to a decision and unbuckled her seat belt -- marveling that it was still there - then slowly unbuttoned her pocket and reached into it. No one was near her, or even looking at her, so she pulled out her palm pilot, raised it so she could see the screen, and activated the emergency signal.
Almost immediately, John's face appeared. He looked at her, puzzled, and said, "Ma'am? Who. . .?"
Lena interrupted, quietly saying, "I am Agent 62. And you are, I believe J-, er, Quasar, right?"
"That's correct. How did you know?" He brought up her file as they talked.
"Br- Einstein sent me your code names when he advised me of mine. And you're de only one of de originals I've never met." She looked around again to see if anyone was near, then closed her eyes as her headache intensified.
"What's wrong? You look terrible; and you're all wet!"
"De jet I was flying home from Denver in crashed shortly after take off, a little over two hours ago. No one has shown up to help us. Can you get word to de right people, so dey can come to de rescue?"
"I was contacted earlier by the airport tower. They saw the jet go down, and got a mayday from the co-pilot, but the storm was preventing them from getting a fix on it. And they couldn't get any readings from the emergency transmitter. They called here for help in locating the jet. I didn't know you were on it. Are you okay?"
"I've been better, but I'll live. But please tell dem to hurry. Dere are a lot of people who need medical attention, from the moans and groans dat I'm hearing."
"Including you, I take it."
She smiled wanly. "Yes, including me. Also, many of us are wet, and it's getting colder here. All I would need is to get pneumonia, too."
He smiled back at her, then muted his end of the transmission and turned away. A minute later, he returned and turned the volume back on. "They've been informed of your location. Contacting me was the best thing you could have done; the jet's emergency transmitter isn't coming through at all. They'd better check it out. So you hang in there; help is on the way."
"I'm glad to hear it. By de way, how is your -- how is de medical team doing? I heard dey were injured."
John looked at her, mildly astonished. There she is, obviously in pain, and still concerned about the team and the family. He replied, "Two of them went back to base the next day, and the third is on the mend. But you should be thinking about yourself now. A rescue team or two is on the way to your location and will take care of you."
She winked at him. "F-A-B."
He chuckled as she terminated communications, then immediately sobered as he considered whether or not to inform base. He decided to wait. They have enough on their plate to think about and handle. I'll give them a little time, then let them know, when I make my end-of-the-day report. Another thought occurred to him. I wish I could notify her family, but how could I tell them without revealing how I know? I'm sure they don't know about her involvement with IR, so I can't say she called me; she'd have called them first. He sighed in frustration, then continued to monitor communications from the planet.
Post by Hobbeth On 1/7/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #210 is a reply to message #209] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:09 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Saturday 11, 9:30 am
Gordon found Alan sitting by the pool. His younger brother was sprawled in a lounge chair, a tall glass of lemonade on the table next to him. He was engrossed in a book; Gordon couldn't make out the title from where he was standing. He jogged down the steps and sat down on the chair next to Alan.
"Hey."
"Hey," Alan replied without looking up.
Gordon rolled his eyes. "C'mon, you're not still miffed at me, are you?"
"Nope," Alan replied unconvincingly.
Gordon plucked the book out of his brother's hand. "Look, it was all in fun, and you know it." Then he grinned. "Though that fifty will help with my new dive mask."
Alan scowled and snatched his book back out of Gordon's hands. "I'm trying to read here." He quickly found his page and turned his attention back to his reading.
Gordon sat back on the chair and watched Alan out of the corner of his eye. Alan didn't move. After a few minutes, Gordon started whistling.
Off-key.
On purpose.
After two minutes, Alan slammed the book down on the table. "What? What do you want?!"
Gordon grinned. "I was just thinking..."
"I thought I smelled smoke."
Gordon ignored the jibe. "Since the...accident, things have been pretty tense around here."
"Yeah? No kidding," Alan snorted as he picked up his book again.
"Anyway, like I said, I was thinking. Dad's still on the mainland with Mom, and Scott's away..." Gordon's voice trailed off.
Alan looked up, a wolfish expression on his face. "Go on."
Gordon leaned back and put his hands under his head. "Did you know that wet spaghetti, applied to...for instance, the edge of a bureau drawer, when dry, achieves the consistency of hardened cement?"
Alan smirked, his blue eyes twinkling. "No, Gordon, I didn't know that. Are you sure?"
Gordon shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, not one hundred percent. It was just something I read once."
Alan put his book down and got to his feet. "Then I think we'd better go and investigate this, just to be positive."
Gordon got up and bowed, one arm extended towards the house. "After you."
Post by lillehafrue on 1/8/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #211 is a reply to message #210] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:14 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, August 10, 2:45pm, SARS Cabin, outside Boulder, CO (8:45 AM Saturday, Tracy Island)
"I can't believe you're taking this so calmly!"
Luke barely looked up from the piece of wood he was carving. "There's nothing to get excited about, Jess," he replied quietly.
Jesse Hanson sat down in the chair across from him. "C'mon, Luke, you and Barry were together forever. Aren't you at least a little upset over this?"
More than I'll ever let anyone know. Luke shrugged. "It's not like we'll never see each other again. I'm off to L.A. for a few days anyway."
"You're serious about that, too?" Jesse picked up the newspaper from the table and read the circled ad.
"Environmental Consultant needed.
An exciting career opportunity with one of Fortune Magazine's top 500 companies. Tracy Industries has long been known as one of the most innovative, diverse, forward thinking and ethical companies in the world today. The successful candidate for the position of Environmental Consultant will further our goals to preserve the environment by researching potential development sites and presenting ideas to maximize the functional capacity of a new site while minimizing the environmental impact. Extensive traveling may be involved. Five years of experience in natural sciences a must. Piloting skills optional."
"Tracy Industries, huh?" She shook her head. "Somehow I don't see you working in an office, Luke."
"I won't be in an office, at least not all the time. I've done some background checking on the position. It's mostly fieldwork." He carefully shaved off another strip of wood. The twig was starting to look more like the chain he had envisioned, than an aspen branch. "I think it's just time for a change. Besides, it's just an interview. There's no promise that they'll hire me."
"Here's hoping that they won't. We don't want to lose you!"
Luke ignored her, and after a few minutes, Jesse sighed and picked up her book.
Suddenly, Luke's German shepherd, Rommel, got to his feet and walked to the window, whining. "What's up, boy?" Luke asked, walking over and glancing out the window. "Rain's gotten worse."
A loud rumble sounded over the cabin, fading away as fast as it had come. "What was that?" Jesse asked.
Luke shook his head. "I have no idea. Sounded like a plane, but too low." He peered out into the storm, his blue-grey eyes straining to see through the storm.
"I'll get Irwin to call headquarters. See if they know anything." She got up and left the room.
Luke ran his hand over Rommel's head. "Well, boy, think we'll have to go out?" The dog merely wagged his tail and gave his master a quick lick before going back to stretch out in front of the fire. "Nice, Rom, lazy thing. No more treats for you."
Jesse came back in, followed by Irwin. The tall black man smiled. "We're clear. Headquarters has received nothing about a plane going down anywhere. They'll keep us posted if that changes."
"I'm sure they will." Luke sat back down and got back to work on his wooden chain.
***
The crackle of the radio, almost two hours later, startled them all. Irwin hurried to the other room. He returned a few minutes later. "We should have listened to Rom. A jetliner went down somewhere in the vicinity. For some reason the plane's emergency transmitters aren't working. One of the passengers managed to get a hold of International Rescue and they pinpointed the location. I've programmed it into our equipment. It's not far, probably about 2 miles or so."
Luke was already fastening a bright orange vest around Rommel. "Let's get going then. Even though the storm's stopped, we haven't got much time before nightfall."
"Right." Jesse ran off to get the other members of their team ready.
Luke pulled on his own jacket and hurried out the door. He opened the garage door and quickly started the ATV. While the engine warmed up, Rommel leapt on the back of the bike and lay down on the pad attached to it. Luke fastened a pair of straps around the dog's hips and shoulders. Then he turned to the rest of the team. "You've all got the co-ordinates on your GPS?" The team nodded in unison. "Then let's move out. Go as fast as you can. The other teams will be converging at the same time. Irwin, how many did they estimate were on the plane?"
"Roughly 200 passengers and 8 crew. It's an off weekend, so the plane wasn't full." Irwin replied.
"Thank God for small favors. All right then, people, move out!" Luke climbed onto his ATV, and gunning the engine, led the others into the forest.
Post by lillehafrue on 1/8/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #212 is a reply to message #211] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:16 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, 11th August -- 8.30 a.m.
Kat had just finished folding the last piece of clothing and had put it into her basket, when Dom and Josh entered. "Hi, Dom; hi Josh." She smiled at them.
"Want to go," Josh said, trying to pull his Dad away from the machines.
Dom sighed. "I have to wash your dirty clothes; you've been a lot messier than usual lately. You've even managed to spill things on my clothes as well."
"Dom," she said, glancing at her rather tired looking friend, "would you like me to take Josh out for a while?"
"That would be a help, but I'm afraid he is not in a very good mood."
Kat knelt down in front of Josh. "Hey, Josh, would you like to go with me back to my apartment? We could make some cookies."
"No," he said, moving to the other side of his father.
"Okay then, how about we go and build sandcastles?"
"No!" he shouted back.
"Maybe looking after him is not such a good idea, Kat," Dom said wearily.
But she refused to give in; she could see that her friend needed some respite. Picking up her laundry basket, she turned as if to go, and said to Dom, "Well, I was going to walk on the beach and look at the rock pools. I had hoped that Josh would come along, but I guess I shall have to go alone."
Suddenly a little hand grabbed her jeans, and tugged gently. "Me come?" Josh said, smiling at her.
"Then you'll need some buckets," Dom said. "Let's go back to the apartment. I know we have two in your room. We'll get them while Kat puts her clothes away."
Kat joined Dom and Josh at their apartment, where Josh found two buckets and carrying them in each hand, walked with Kat to the monorail. He began to get excited, asking Kat all sorts of questions about what they would find. Getting out of the monorail, they headed towards the pool and walked in the direction of the beach. They wandered to the far end where there were plenty of rock pools.
"Careful!" Kat warned. "Those rocks can be slippery."
Josh knelt down at the edge of one, and peered into the water. "Kat, look."
She bent down beside him. Around the edges was seaweed. He picked some up, and flapped it at her. It smelt horrible.
"No, Josh, that's awful," she said. "Throw it back in."
Josh threw it back in but as he did so, he splashed water all over her. She tried to retaliate but he ran away, laughing. To get his attention, she called him back, saying. "Look at the starfish and crabs moving around in the shallow water."
He rejoined her and tried to grab a crab.
"Careful, Josh," she said. "That's a crab; it could nip you."
"Take home, show Da," he replied.
"Hmm, I don't think so," she answered. Standing up, she said. "Let's see if we can find any more pools." Reluctantly he scrambled to his feet and followed her further along the beach.
They came to a larger rock pool. Josh began prodding something soft.
"Kat, look?" he said, trying to pick up the jellylike thing.
"Looks like some kind of jellyfish," she replied.
"Take home, show Da?" he asked, trying in vain to grasp the slippery thing.
"Josh, I don't know much about jellyfish. Leave it alone; it may sting you."
"No," and he leaned precariously over the pool. She tried to stop him but in doing so she slipped on the wet rocks and tumbled headlong into the pool.
"Kat wet, Kat wet." He was jumping up and down.
"I think we had better head for home," she said, as she wiped some seaweed from her face, and clambered out.
"Take cwab, please, Kat," the youngster begged. Resignedly, she scooped up a small crab and placed it in one of the buckets, filled with water. She then filled the other bucket with water, just in case Dom let him keep it. It would have plenty of water.
The two trailed back along the beach, Kat feeling distinctly cold and uncomfortable. To her horror, just as they reached the base of the steps leading to the swimming pool, they met Virgil and Gordon.
"Hey, Kat, isn't it rather cold for swimming?" Virgil laughed at her.
"No, Virg, she's all right; she's kept her clothes on," Gordon replied chuckling.
She looked embarrassed, as Josh shouted, "Kat fell, Kat fell, all wet." And he began jumping up and down.
Virgil looked at the dripping wet young woman and raised his eyebrows. By way of an explanation, she said, "I offered to take Josh out and give Dom a break."
"What's in your bucket, Josh?" Gordon asked.
"Cwab, for Da," Josh said as he proudly showed the two young men his catch.
"Kat, I hope you didn't touch that crab." Gordon looked serious.
"Why? What if I did?" she asked suspiciously.
"Because it's one of the most deadly crabs there is. Just one touch can cause terrible pain and swelling of the body, followed by...." And he rolled his eyes upwards.
She looked rather white. "But I feel okay."
"It takes time for the poison to work. Sometimes several days," he continued.
"Isn't there an antidote?" Kat asked sounding nervous, and then she saw Virgil's lips twitch.
"Gordon, you beast; you really had me going." And with that she flung the bucket of sea water at him.
Gordon looked at his brother. "Did you see that?"
"Yes, I did, and it serves you right," Virgil replied grinning.
"Come on Josh," she said, "I think we had better head for home." Taking hold of his hand, they headed back to Cliff House.
"Hey, Kat, that seaweed in your hair is quite becoming," Gordon called after her, as he and Virgil went on their way, chuckling at her expense.
Post by Tawnyangel22 On 1/10/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #213 is a reply to message #212] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:16 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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August 11th Tracy Island: 11am
Virgil sat by the pool, enjoying the quiet, as he thought about the events that happened in Kansas.
We came so close to losing Mom as well as Dom and Nikki. We were lucky this time; we may not be so lucky next time. I don't think Dad could stand losing someone close to him again.
He grew restless. Wanting to banish the thoughts that bothered him, he went to his room and gathered up his painting supplies. Returning to the pool area, he set up his easel and, after a few moments thought, began to apply paint to canvas.
"It's too beautiful a day to stay inside," Elise remarked as she put on her shoes. Leaving her apartment, she went to the monorail, taking it to the Villa. Exiting, she started down the steps leading to the pool. Noticing Virgil painting, she approached him, slowing her pace. She stopped for a moment to look at the painting and was surprised by what she saw. Instead of bright vibrant colors, the painting was done in shades of brown and grey. In one corner of the canvas there were two white spots.
"Interesting painting," Elise said so she wouldn't startle Virgil. He turned around to face her.
"I'm sorry," he said, wiping the paint off his hands, "I didn't hear you come up."
"I was going for a walk and saw you painting." Elise looked at the canvas again. "I don't think it will make it into the Louvre any time soon."
She gave the painting another look, recalling the ones she had seen in the lounge.
"Do you prefer to paint with dark colors?"
"Depends on my mood," Virgil answered honestly. "I've been so caught up in what's happened that I've kept things bottled up. This painting is my way of venting."
"I know what you mean. When I'm upset, I try to find something to help me vent, whether it's cleaning my place, going for a walk or..."
"Giving somebody an earful?"
Elise saw the grin on Virgil's face. "That too," she replied dryly.
The two continued talking until Virgil's stomach growled loudly. He looked at his watch. "Man, I was so busy painting that I lost track of time."
"In that case, I'll let you go get something to eat while I continue my walk."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Virgil replied.
"See you later," Elise replied as she went to continue her walk.
Post by MagicMaster8 on 1/10/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #214 is a reply to message #213] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:17 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, August 10, 6 p.m. Local time, Colorado Mountains (August 11, noon, Tracy Island)
"Someone's coming!"
Lena opened her eyes when she heard the shout, just in time to see a couple of men appear, followed by several more. A dozen or so people, fortunate enough to escape serious injury and able to walk, hurried over to them. There were faint cheers mixed in with cries for assistance. Lena kept quiet, but she watched the rescuers.
It wasn't long after the first team arrived when two others showed up. She tried to count the number of people in those teams, but gave up when her headache increased. Dere must be at least fifty rescuers. Good; maybe we'll get out of here soon. She shut her eyes until the pain diminished somewhat, then opened them to see if she could focus on one or two people, to take her mind off her situation.
One man caught her attention, probably because he had a dog with him. She watched as he moved from one person to another, saying a brief prayer when he realized he couldn't help this one, talking softly to another, giving them comfort. Once she saw another man -- possibly his superior -- tell him not to waste time on something (she couldn't hear all of the conversation), and saw him argue with the man.
She continued to watch him, her respect for him growing. She became more and more impressed with the way he worked, both alone and with his dog. He'd make a good addition to International Rescue. I must remember to let someone know, when I'm able to do so. Her headache increased a bit, so she closed her eyes.
She opened them suddenly, when a cold, wet nose touched her right cheek. "Hello dere," she said softly, lifting her hand to let the dog sniff it, then scratching the side of his neck.
"I see you've met Rommel." Lena looked up into a pair of kind blue eyes. "I'm Luke, how're you doing?" He knelt down next to her and took her wrist in his hands, taking her pulse. "Hmm.... it's a little higher than normal, but given the circumstances, I wouldn't worry about it." He looked closely into her face. "You seemed unconscious when Rom found you. How do you feel now?"
"My name is Lena Matumbo. And my eyes were closed because I have a headache. I was unconscious for about ten or fifteen minutes. I tink something hit me in de head, because I don't remember my seat being torn loose, or de plane crashing. When I woke up, I was here, still buckled in my seat. My left shoulder hurts badly, but any otter pains I have are mild, like scrapes or bruises -- dat sort of ting."
Luke nodded. "OK, I'll get a medic over here to give me a hand, and we'll get you out as soon as we can."
She closed her eyes again, only to open them when he said, "Hey! Stay with me!"
"I am not losing consciousness. I am praying," she replied.
"I've been doing a little of that myself," Luke said quietly to himself, his eyes scanning the wreckage. Then he turned back to her and smiled. "I'll go get that medic. Want me to leave Rom?"
"Dat would be fine. He is a beautiful animal." Lena lifted her good hand and ran it over the dog's head. Rommel whined, his tail wagging in pleasure.
Luke grinned. "Yeah well, don't tell him that. It'll go to his head. Back in a flash. Rommel, stay," he commanded, then got to his feet and quickly disappeared among the other rescue personnel.
Post by Lillehafrue and hobbeth on on 1/10/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #215 is a reply to message #214] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:18 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Saturday, August 11, 2068, 5:50 p.m., Tracy Island
"Tracy One requesting permission to land."
"Permission granted and welcome home!"
"Sweetest words I've heard all day, huh, Kyrano?" Scott asked as he banked the jet around to approach the runway.
"Indeed, Mister Scott. Very sweet." Kyrano, who had piloted part of the way home, gave the young pilot a weary smile. It had been a long week, full of anxiety that had only eased near the end, when it was plain that things were looking up again and the end of the stressful visit was in sight. He enjoyed getting to know his future brother-in-law, his wife and family, and watch his bride-to-be allow herself and her grandchildren to be surrounded by their love and support, support extended to him as well. Jeff himself was enveloped by it when he came to them from the hospital on those rare occasions he could be torn away. Now it is time for us to come together as a family to support each other, and not only ourselves, but Mr. Dominic and Miss Nikki, too. How I wish Tin-Tin were here.
Scott brought the jet down like a feather, earning a pleased smile from his father and a murmured, "Nice landing, son," once he'd taxied the plane into the hangar. The kids got off first, tired, but happy to see their brothers. Brains was there to take over guiding Dianne upstairs. "Dr. Carmichael emailed me and told me you're to go to the sick room..."
"I know, I know," Dianne said with a weary smile. "It was part of my discharge orders, too." She turned to Jeff. "Coming?"
"In a moment, love," Jeff said. Lisa had whispered in his ear that she needed a moment of his time, in private.
"Hey, Spud!" Gordon said with a happy grin as he tousled Tyler's hair. "I think Grandma's got some macaroni and cheese in the oven. Wanna go find out?"
Tyler smiled slightly and nodded, but his lack of enthusiasm was swallowed up by Alex's eager, "Where are the kittens? Are they okay?"
"Yeah, Alex. They're just fine. They're in Grandma's room. We can see them later, okay?"
"Aww, I wanted to see them now!"
"Grandma's making dinner, and she'll want us up there just as soon as we get the luggage squared away," Virgil said. He stacked another bag on the antigravity float, then paused to drop a kiss on Dianne's cheek and whisper, "Welcome home, Mom."
"Thanks, Virgil. It feels good to be home... even if all I've seen of it has been the hangar..."
"And on that note..." Brains said, taking charge of the wheelchair that he'd brought down.
"Jeff?"
"In a moment, love," Jeff said, flashing a smile her way before returning to the conversation with his mother-in-law. "You're sure? He was vomiting?" he asked, lowering his voice.
"Yes, Jeff. Cherie heard him and he admitted it to me," Lisa told him. "I don't know when it started... he wouldn't tell me that. Just said that his tummy hurt -- but somehow, I think there's more to it."
Jeff glanced over at his youngest son, being herded upstairs by Gordon. "I agree. But none of us are in any condition to deal with this right now." He shook his head slowly, then turned back to Lisa. "Thanks for telling me, Lisa. I'll see what I can do."
"If I can be of any help..."
"You already have -- but I'll keep your offer in mind, too." He glanced over again to see that Brains was already wheeling Dianne toward the lift. "I've got to go. See you later."
"Right."
Jeff hurried off in pursuit of his wife, while Alan came up to put an arm around Lisa. "Good to see you again, Grandma P. It feels like ages since we saw each other."
Lisa turned and smiled, giving Alan a firm hug. "Good to see you, too, Alan. Now, let's help get Maggie upstairs and settled, huh?"
"F.A.B."
Post by Tikatu On 1/10/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #216 is a reply to message #215] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:18 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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(Saturday, Aug 11, 6 a.m. Wichita, Kansas/ Sunday, Aug 12, 11 p.m. Tracy Island)
As the rays of the sun glowed just above the horizon, Heather's taxi pulled into the parking lot. The door was held open for her, and the little that she had she carried on her left shoulder; a medium sized leather bag hung from her right hand. The cabbie offered to carry everything to wherever she wanted to go, but she shook her head. She paid him handsomely, and then walked slowly towards the hangers. Her slip-on pumps tapped against the cement. Stopping briefly, she stared for a moment and then walked a little faster. Her Jet Star sat just outside of her hanger.
"That's strange. I was planning to do that myself." Reaching Blue Streak, she opened up a hatch and stowed her luggage, making sure to leave plenty of space for Tin-Tin's luggage. "She'll need more room than I will." The vase she received her flowers in from Scott she put in a cubbyhole in the pilot's cabin.
The sun rose further, highlighting the silent airfield. The smell of cut grass permeated the air, tugging her around her aircraft. She walked out towards the field until she reached the edge of the parking area and stepped into the grass. Heather wanted to remember everything she saw. Now, knowing the Tracy family's secret, she began to wonder if she'd ever come back. A yellow feathered meadowlark chirped nearby. I'll miss Aunt Jennie most of all. How long will it be before I see her again?
Turning around, she walked towards the airfield's terminal near the control tower. Walking in, she discovered a roomful of pilots, Richard, Langely, and Blake. Richard walked over to give her a hug and pushed an envelope into her hands. "What this? Am I getting all my vacation pay in cash now?"
"If we did that," said Ken. "We'd have to bring out armed guards and send a couple of stealth bombers out as your escort--" This had everyone laughing. "We'll be sending all your pay by direct deposit. Before you leave, make sure we get your new address. We all heard about what happened to your house, and wanted to pitch in and help."
Richard gave her a hug. "Ken and I were the ones who brought out your plane. We got here early so we could surprise you."
"But how did you know when I was coming? I came at the crack of dawn!" Heather asked in surprise, her prairie accent flavoring her words. "That means y'all came before the crack of dawn."
"Well, knowing you as well as I do--" Rich grinned, eliciting a few whistles. "I figured you'd try to get out of here without saying goodbye. Especially knowing that the Control Tower has to be open at this time to do its recalibrations. I did the checks on Blue Streak, but feel free to double check me."
"I assure you I wasn't trying to sneak away, and I'm going to miss all of you," she said sadly as she went through and hugged everyone who was there, including two other women pilots.
"We collected the funds before we knew you were going to pilot for Jeff Tracy. By the way," said Ken. "Scott Tracy called to check on you. He asked to have a transfer put in for you and we took a chance to tell him what happened to you. Hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, Ken. I appreciate it." Heather smiled, thinking of the flowers sent to her. She'd been surprised to find them in her room along with the card. Speaking of sneaks, she thought. I hope Dr. Tracy is doing all right. I'll have to check with Scott when we get there to see how she's doing. Everyone must be worried sick. Even if Mother does drive me nuts, I'd be worried sick, too.
After she'd made her final goodbyes to everyone and she'd given her new address, Richard walked out with her to her plane. In the cool of the dawn's light, Richard gave her one last hug. They both turned to observe another cab drive through the security gate. "You know, I'd always thought it would be you and me for a long time--" Richard said with a trace of a frown.
Sighing quietly, Heather looked at him with fondness. "Well, you had umpteen number of chances. I figured you didn't at least offer me the pleasure of a date, because I beat you so badly at poker!"
Richard laughed. "Well, y-y-yeah," he agreed reluctantly. "No man likes a woman to clobber him that bad, I guess. I did get over it though." With further thought, he admitted, "Eventually."
The cab they'd spied earlier pulled out and Richard observed a green-eyed Far Eastern beauty he could have melted all over the cement for. Noticing his attentions wavering, favoring Tin-Tin, Heather swatted him. It figures. I'm just 'one o' the guys'. Shaking her head, she whispered, "So sorry. She's taken."
"Figures!"
Turning his attention, she insisted, "Richard, keep the organ donor flights going. Don't be afraid to hire someone new, and for Pete's sake; make sure you at least offer to take her out. More than likely she won't beat you at poker."
"Okay, okay! I will. Won't be the same though."
As the cabbie brought up Tin-Tin's luggage and set it next to the Jet Star, Heather introduced her. "Tin-Tin, this is Richard Tate. He is--was--my partner for the organ donor flights."
With a delighted smile, Richard offered his hand which Tin-Tin accepted, and gave her a firm handshake. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Richard," she said in a silky voice.
Noticing that Richard hadn't let go of Tin-Tin's hand and was staring into her eyes, Heather rolled her eyes and smacked her hands together twice. "C'mon, Richard! We've got to go!"
"Oh--uh--yeah. See ya' round," he said. "Don't be a stranger, lady."
"I won't, Richard. I'll miss you." As Tin-Tin joined Heather, she raised her eyebrows causing Heather to raise hers in response. After Heather stowed Tin-Tin's luggage--which was as light as hers--they climbed into the Jet Star, strapped in, and Heather touched the button that would cause the Blue Streak's canopy to slide forward and lock into position. "And into the wild blue yonder we go," said Heather with finality.
Checking her instruments quickly and finding them properly set, she started up the engines to warm them. When the engines quickly roared to life, Heather could see Richard's hair blowing up from the winds caused by the Jet Star. She gave him a hearty wave. Moments later, she taxied up to the beginning of the runway. "Blue Streak to Control Tower," she radioed in after slipping on her headset. To her surprise, Ken answered.
"This is the Control Tower. Go ahead," answered Ken.
"This is NGC-3524 requesting permission for takeoff."
"Permission granted, Blue Streak. Be careful and have a nice flight."
"Roger that, Control, and thank you."
Heather guided the plane quickly down the runway. Dropping the flaps on the wings, Heather and Tin-Tin soared into the fresh morning air.
Post by AmandaTracy on 1/11/2007 7:26 PM
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #217 is a reply to message #216] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:19 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Sunday August 12, 8:13 AM
Scott wasn't sure what woke him, the chill emanating from his open window, or the squawk of the birds outside said window. He cracked one eye open and squinted at the clock. It was later than he usually slept, yet earlier than he had wanted to get up.
Groaning, he rolled over and pulled the covers over his head. He lay there under the blankets, shivering and listening to the birds until he couldn't stand it any longer. Whipping the blankets off, he strode over to the window and slammed it shut. He threw himself back on the bed and closed his eyes.
Ten minutes later, Scott gave up trying to go back to sleep and headed for the bathroom. Last night he hadn't done much more than grab a bite to eat and a quick shower. He hadn't even the energy to put on his pajamas, just crawled into bed. Now he took his time, first shaving then indulging in a long, hot shower.
Getting out, he wrapped a towel around his waist and made his way to his bedroom. He walked over to his closet and pulled the door open.
Or tried to anyway. It seemed to be stuck.
"What the..." Scott tugged again, harder this time, but the door wouldn't budge. "The wood must have swelled or something," he muttered as he struggled with the door. Swearing under his breath, he turned from the closet and headed to his bureau. He grabbed the handle, pulling open the drawer. It too was stuck.
"Dammit!! What is going on here?!"
He fought with the drawer, pulling as hard as he could. Suddenly, the handle flew off and Scott went sprawling to the floor. Swearing, he got to his feet and pounded on the bureau. When that failed, he tried prying the drawer open from the edges.
Still nothing.
Finally, after struggling with it for another ten minutes, Scott sat in the middle of the floor glaring at the bureau. If looks could kill, the furniture would have been reduced to cinders by now.
"Well, now what do I do?" he griped to the room at large. All his clothes were in his closet and bureau. Sometime during the early morning, Kyrano had come and taken his dirty ones from the day before, so he didn't even have those to put back on. Scott had never even grabbed his bag off the plane, figuring he'd do it when he cleaned up and refueled it today.
He got to his feet for one more try. As he knelt in front of the dresser, something on the floor caught his eye. Frowning, he picked it up and examined it closely. Suddenly realization dawned and he got to his feet. "That son of a...I'll kill him." He tightened the towel around his waist and rushed out the door.
"...Grandma's calling her, Big Momma." Gordon leaned back in his chair, his arms behind his head. "It's kinda nice having another cat around. We had them everywhere on the farm, remember, Dad?"
Jeff nodded. "I do. And I remember you talking Alan into climbing up into the hayloft to look for kittens and he got stuck up there."
Gordon grinned at Dianne. "How was I to know that he would be too afraid to climb back down the ladder?"
"Because he was six!"
Dianne let out a low chuckle as she shifted on the bed. "Gordon, you haven't changed much, have you?"
Gordon winked at her. "Nope. And I don't inten..."
"GORDON COOPER TRACY!!!"
They all looked up, startled at Scott's bellow. "That's my cue! Later Mom!" Gordon scrambled to his feet, and bolted out the door.
A heartbeat later, Scott burst into the room, his face beet red in anger. "Where is he?" he growled. Without waiting for either of them to reply, he spun and around ran out the door in pursuit of his brother.
Dianne and Jeff stared at each other for a few moments in stunned silence. "Why do you think our eldest son just ran through here wearing nothing but a towel?"
Jeff took her hand and kissed it. "I have no idea, but if I had to guess, I'd say things are getting back to normal."
Post by lillehafrue on 1/11/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #218 is a reply to message #217] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:20 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Saturday, August 11, 10:30 AM; Denver General Hospital (6:30 AM Sunday on Tracy Island)
Joy got out of the taxi, followed by her twins. They got their luggage from the trunk, and Matthew finished paying the driver, thanking him for his advice about nearby hotels. He joined the others as they walked into the hospital together, carrying their bags. At the front desk, they got Lena's room number (412), and the name of the doctor taking care of her, learning that he was currently on that floor.
They took the elevator up to the fourth floor and as the emerged, Joy took her brother's arm. He felt her shaking and looked at her, patting her hand. "Hang in there, sis. You know how tough Mom is. She'll be okay; I know it, and so do you."
"I do, Matthew," she replied quietly, "but we've rarely seen her when she's weak. In fact, I can only think of two times: when Dad died, and when she finally came home after being kidnapped. It tore me up to see her like that. I don't know if I can handle it, seeing her in the hospital bed."
"Of course you can; you have to. Besides, you're a lot like her; tough when it counts. And your kids are going to take their cue from you, so you have to buck up for them, if not for Mom."
Joy sighed. "I know. But I don't have to like it."
"That's the sister I know and love."
"Mom! Uncle Matthew! Here's her room!" Naomi exclaimed in urgent, but hushed tones.
"Well go ahead and knock," Joy replied.
Naomi did so, and heard a muffled "Come in", then pushed open the door. She went in and saw her grandmother with her left arm in a sling, and a bandage on her head. "Oh, Nyanya!" she exclaimed, bursting into tears and dropping her bag just inside the door. She rushed over to the bed.
"Be careful, Naomi," her uncle said sternly as he and the others put their bags with Naomi's. "Don't hurt her any worse than she already is."
Naomi stopped just in time, and took her grandmother's right hand which had been extended toward her. She held onto it tightly, and kissed it. "I was so afraid when I heard you'd been in a plane crash, Nyanya. We all were."
"I know, child. It's natural to be." Lena smiled as her son, then daughter leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, followed by her grandson. "But find some chairs and sit down. Naomi, please loosen your grip, before de nurses come in to find out why de heart monitor isn't working."
Naomi giggled, partly at her grandmother's words, but mostly from relief. She released the hand, and Lena reached out and drew her close, kissing her on the forehead. The girl reciprocated with a kiss on the cheek, then sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Mother, how do you feel?" Joy asked.
"Not bad, considering. Dis is a good hospital, wit a very caring staff. I am on pain medication, but don't feel too drowsy. De doctor says I can leave in two or tree days, if I continue to improve."
There was a sigh of relief all around, and Kevin asked, "What did he say were your worst injuries?"
"Dis broken collarbone, and a concussion, honey. I was knocked out for a little while, about ten minutes." She chuckled. "After de rescue teams got to de site, dere was one who, whenever I closed my eyes, would tell me not to go to sleep, to stay wit him. I finally told him I wasn't losing consciousness; I was trying to pray."
"So you were unconscious for only a short time?" asked Matthew. Lena nodded. "Then the concussion, though serious, isn't as bad as it could have been, thankfully," he continued. "Remember the time I fell off my bike and hit my head on the sidewalk? That doctor gave me more information about head injuries than I wanted or needed to know, including a scolding almost as bad as yours for not wearing my helmet. Has your doctor seen you yet today?"
"Yes; he left about half an hour before you all arrived."
Her son stood up. "I'm going go see if I can find him. I want to let him know that you now have family here with you." He headed for the door and opened it, then turned. "I won't be long."
Lena turned back to her daughter. "You look exhausted, and de twins don't look much better. Didn't you get any sleep last night?"
"Not really; I was worried about you. Once we leave here, we'll go to a hotel, and I'll sack out for a couple of hours. Then we'll come back for another visit."
Meanwhile, Matthew was successful in his search. "Doctor Sloan? I'm Matthew Matumbo, Lena's son."
"Ah, good," the other man replied. He was in his mid fifties, slightly taller than Matthew, with dark blond hair. "I expect you want to know her condition. Well, I haven't kept anything from her, so what she told you is pretty much it. The worst injuries were a broken collarbone and a grade four concussion. She was in obvious pain when they brought her in, but didn't complain. In fact, she kept trying to get us to take others before we checked her out. We finally told her no one else had worse injuries than she did, and it was her turn. She finally allowed us to look her over. Once we took care of her collarbone and head injuries, we gave her medication for the pain. It made her drowsy, and she said some interesting things -- about you and someone named 'Scott'."
"Really? What did she say?"
The doctor grinned at him. "Did you really convince your sister that it was okay to go trick-or-treating as Eve, before she ate the forbidden fruit?"
Matthew looked ruefully at the doctor. "Oh man! I thought I'd lived that down. It was when we were both eight years old. That's a lifetime ago." He paused, remembering, then said, "Scott is the son of the man who owns the company Mom works for. What did she say about him?"
"Nothing much. She just told him he had to get some sleep so he wouldn't land them in the ocean. Said it a couple of times. Also something about him being too sick to go anywhere."
"And she's better now?"
"Pretty much. We changed her pain medication, so the sleep she gets will be natural. I want to keep her another two or three days for observation, and to satisfy myself that she is well enough to travel. I understand you all live in Maryland."
"That's right."
"Well, she may have some qualms about flying again, so soon after being in a crash, even though she might not show it or say anything. Giving her a few days to rest up and heal is a good idea, but the emotional and psychological aftereffects will still be there for some time to come. I suggest you keep an eye on her."
"Thank you, doctor. We will."
Matthew headed back to his mother's room and opened the door just in time to see Lena suppress a yawn. "It looks to me like you need some rest, Mom. And I know we all do, as well as a meal. I suggest that we go get something to eat and rooms where we can sack out for a few hours. We'll be back later to visit again."
"Dat's a good idea, Mattew. You all look like you need rest more dan I do. And Joy told me dat you came straight here from de airport. You should have gotten rooms first."
"No, we wanted to see you first, as I already told you," replied Joy. "But I could use a meal, a hot bath and a long nap. And so could these two. I won't speak for my brother, though."
He grinned at his sister, the doctor's words still fresh in his mind. "We'll be back when we're more refreshed. You get some rest, too." He leaned over Lena and gave her another kiss on the cheek. "We're all glad to see you here instead of the morgue."
"Silly boy! Go on wit you. Get your sleep and food, and I'll see you again later." Lena winked and smiled at him, as he joined the others at the door. They picked up their bags and with calls of "Bye, Mom", "See you later", and "Bye, Nyanya", they left the room.
Post by Hobbeth On 1/11/2007 8:58 PM
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #219 is a reply to message #218] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:20 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, August 12, 9:30 AM; Tracy Island (3:30 PM Saturday in Denver)
Scott finished up his coffee, wiped his mouth and looked around. Everyone had finished and left, except his father and grandmother. "Thanks for the loan of some clothes, Dad. I really appreciate it. As soon as Gordon and Alan have removed the spaghetti, I'll change into my own things and have Kyrano clean yours."
"My pleasure, Scott. No hurry."
Scott smiled. "Well, I'm going to call the hospital where Lena is, and see if I can talk to her," he told them. "John was able to find out where they took the survivors of the crash, and let me know. He even got their phone number."
"Okay, son. Good idea," Jeff replied. "I'll join you as soon as I've checked on Dianne."
Emily added, "Give her my love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. I'll go check on your brothers' progress."
"I'll do that, Grandma. And thanks." He stood up and headed out of the room. He decided to use the vidphone at Jeff's desk and once there, he dialed the hospital, and learned that she was able to accept calls; they put him through. He heard three rings, then the phone at the other end was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Lena? It's Scott."
"Scott! Hold on; I'm going to switch de video on, too." He heard faint sounds in the background as she continued. "First time I've seen vidphones in a hospital. And dey're not too hard to operate, eiter."
As the picture came on, Scott's breath caught in his throat. I've seen both Dad and Mom with injuries this year, but I still can't get used to it when someone I personally know is hurt. He had to swallow hard before he could continue. "The picture is coming in just fine, Lena. Can you see me okay?"
Yes, I can. Don't look so worried. I'm doing fine. It looks worse dan it feels."
He shook his head, chuckling slightly. "Don't try to fool me, Lena. Remember, I've seen injuries, and been injured. I bet you are hurting right this minute."
"Only a little. Dey give me something for de pain every six hours, and I had my dose just a little while ago. So it's fading. How is everyone doing dere? I heard dat some of you had a rough time recently. Are you okay?"
"Pretty much," he replied, while thinking, John was right. She is amazing, thinking of us even while she's in pain and alone. "What about your family? Have you talked to them?"
"More dan talked," she replied, smiling. "Mattew, Joy, Naomi and Kevin showed up here dis morning. It's good to see dem, aldough de circumstances could have been better. Can you believe it? Dey came here before dey even found a hotel to stay in!"
"Of course they did! You come first with them; they love you. Wouldn't you have done the same thing if one of them had been in an accident?"
"You're right, of course," she said, her smile growing slightly bigger. "But dey were so tired; I don't tink any of dem got a wink of sleep last night. I hope dey are resting now. I expect to see dem again later on."
"That's good. I hope you've been treated well, both at the crash site and in the hospital."
"Yes, I have, Scott. In fact, you just reminded me of someting. One of de men who came to rescue us impressed me a great deal. He was caring, efficient, humorous when it was needed, and not afraid to speak up when he felt dere was a better way. Plus he had a dog who appeared to be trained in rescue scenarios. I wish dere was a way I could contact International Rescue and let dem know; he'd be a great addition to deir organization."
"Hmm. Maybe I could find a way; you know, a friend of a friend of a friend type of thing." He grinned at her. "I'll see what I can do. Do you know his name?"
"Luke Morel."
"That name sounds familiar. I think he put in an application for a post with Tracy Industries; I seem to remember seeing his name in that context."
She smiled at him. "Well, I tink he'd be an asset to eiter organization. He certainly impressed me."
Scott smiled back, then glanced to one side. "Dad's here. He wants to speak to you, too. Hold on." Lena watched as he stood up, then Jeff took his place, with his son behind him, but in view.
"Lena, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Don't take this wrong, but do you feel as bad as you look?"
She grinned. "Actually no. A concussion and broken collarbone are de worst injuries, and what's keeping me in de hospital for a few more days. As I told Scott, four members of my family are here, and we'll leave togetter." She paused to take a sip of water. "Oh, I heard about Dianne's accident in California. How is she?"
"She's doing much better. She was discharged from the hospital yesterday, and is resting at the moment. She sends you her best wishes for a speedy recovery. And her thanks for the brownies. Says they were delicious."
"Grandma sends her best wishes, too," Scott added.
"Tell Dianne I said de same, when you talk to her again, and tank your grandmother for me," Lena replied. She paused, and both men recognized the mischievous twinkle that appeared in her eyes. They braced themselves for what she might say next. "You know, since meeting you and your family, working for Tracy Industries has become a very adventurous career choice, in more ways dan one."
A startled laugh exploded out of Jeff. He hadn't quite expected that comment. Then he looked ruefully at her. "We never intended any of your adventures to happen; you know that, don't you?"
"Of course I do, Jeff. But I had to say dat." She chuckled, then looked puzzled. "Do you two get your close at de same place?"
Jeff was surprised at the question. "Why do you ask?"
"I feel sure I saw you wearing de same shirt Scott has on now, de last time I visited."
Jeff chuckled as Scott's face became a study in mixed reactions. "He is wearing my shirt, Lena. It seems things are getting back to normal, courtesy of Gordon and Alan." He related the latest practical joke, played on his eldest son, and was pleased to hear Lena chuckle.
A thought occurred to Scott. "Lena, do you know what hotel your family is staying at?"
"No, Scott. Dey didn't tell me. I tink it's one near de hospital, dough. Why?"
He grinned. "You'll find out later."
Jeff said soberly, "Lena, I'm sorry this happened. Maybe we should make sure a private jet is at your disposal when you take these trips."
"Now Jeff, don't you tink like dat. De chances of something like dat happening to me again are pretty slim. It was a lucky ting the jet wasn't full. I heard dat most of de passengers and crew survived."
"I can't believe your pilot flew into a storm like that. What was he thinking?"
"It wasn't his fault. I take it you haven't heard de news reports on de aftermat."
"No, I haven't. Why? What happened?"
"It seems dat de captain had been dating de sister of de air traffic controller who directed de jet into de storm's pat. De controller wasn't happy about de relationship. He deliberately set us on a course dat would ensure we ran into de storm."
"My God, Lena! Is he insane?"
"I don't know. From what I heard, he raised his sister after deir parents were killed. It sounded like he may be obsessed wit her."
"And everyone on that flight became victims of that obsession, including you. That's terrible!"
"Yes, it is." She smiled again. "But if I read de sister correctly, he'll be hearing from her, and probably tink dat whatever de law does to him, will be easier to endure."
"Good for her, then. I hope the pilot wasn't killed."
"No, but his injuries are such dat he won't be able to fly again." She paused, remembering the last news broadcasts. "But I tink he'll be okay; most of de news clips that had her in dem, she was wit him. And she looked like she really cared about him. I just hope he doesn't try to push her away. If not, dey'll be fine." She sighed.
"Lena, we've kept you on long enough. I think you need some more rest. But the next time we talk, I expect to hear that you're doing much better and either being discharged, or already out of the hospital and home, recuperating."
They grinned as they saw her almost say, "F-A-B", but she changed it immediately to, "Okay, Boss. I hear and obey." They both chuckled as the connection was terminated.
Jeff stood up and looked at his son. "I have some things to do elsewhere. I believe I know what you are planning to do, and I approve. You can go ahead and do it from here." He turned and left, as Scott took his place at the desk.
"What a lady," Scott said to himself as he began checking out the hotels in the area, to locate the one Lena's family was staying at. When he did, he told them that all their expenses would be paid for by Tracy Industries, and to make sure they received every courtesy. Then he placed a few other calls. When he left the lounge, he wore a smile of satisfaction.
Post by Hobbeth On 1/11/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #220 is a reply to message #219] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:21 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, August 12, 10:30am Tracy Island (3:30 pm, the previous day, LA)
Jeff listened to the phone ringing. Just as he was about to hang up, someone picked it up.
"No, I'm sorry; I have no further comments about International Rescue."
"Well, I have several things to say about it but not over the phone. Still having problems with the media?"
"Jeff! Just a second." A picture of Drew, looking rather harried appeared. "That's actually an advantage. Everyone thinks I'm visiting you to get away from them. What's up? Is everything ok?"
"Not exactly. Dianne's fine but something else has happened. I need your advice."
"Go ahead."
"Cherie caught Tyler throwing up yesterday on the flight home. He didn't eat much last night despite having his favorites. I made sure he ate this morning, only..." Jeff hesitated, "I think he was throwing up again a couple of minutes ago. I didn't catch him at it, but his bathroom smelled like he had been."
"Damn. Dianne doesn't need this. And neither do you." Drew closed his eyes for a second. "I'm not going to be able to get there any sooner than Tuesday. And this isn't my specialty. How did Dianne's counselor search go; Lord, was it only two weeks ago?"
"She found one she wanted me to meet. But she's a specialist in trauma cases not children."
"This is a trauma case. Who is it?"
"Anna Hanson. Dianne said you recommended her."
"Yes. I only met her once but she seemed sensible. Not too caught up in psychobabble. I think you need to make an appointment to take Tyler to see her. Tell her what's been happening. You don't need to mention anything else. See if you feel ok with her or if she can recommend someone else."
"Would she recommend someone else if I didn't like her?"
Drew grimaced. "Counselors do that all the time. There are very good reasons why an otherwise great counselor won't work out for a person. Set up an appointment with you and Tyler. See if you feel she's more concerned about Tyler than anything else. If she doesn't work out, I'll help you find a different one when I get there."
"I'll give her a call right now."
"What time is it there?"
Jeff looked at the clock. "10:42. Why?"
"Wait a bit. If I remember correctly she's a lay minister in the Episcopal Church. She might be helping out at the service right now. Call this afternoon. Set up an appointment for tomorrow morning."
"I'll call after lunch. Thanks."
"I just hope it all works out ok. I'll see you in a couple days."
Post by susanmartha on 1/12/2007
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| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #221 is a reply to message #220] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:21 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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8/12/2068, Sunday afternoon, Tracy Island
Jeff sat at his desk, a picture of frustration and concern. He looked through his calendar until he found the canceled appointment with Anna Hanson. He still wasn't sure about trusting her but Tyler needed help and he needed it now. He couldn't afford to wait. I will have to be the one to take him and I don't want to leave Dianne right now. He punched in the number. A middle aged man answered the phone.
"I was trying to call the office of Anna Hanson. Is she there?"
The man smiled slightly and answered, "She doesn't have a separate line for her office. I'll get her. Who should I say is calling?"
"Jefferson Tracy. She talked to my wife last week."
"Oh yes, the interview. She's in the library. Just a sec." The man put down the video phone. A minute later a dark haired woman with white streaks in her hair picked it up.
"Mr. Tracy? I'm Anna Hanson. How can I help you?"
"Mrs. Hansen. I believe my wife mentioned a problem with our son, Tyler." When Anna nodded he went on. "She was badly injured a few days later, while visiting her uncle in the States. I believe you know him, Andrew Carmichael?
"Yes, I met him during the clean up after the tsunami. We conferred about a couple of his patients before he left."
Jeff was surprised at this but went on. "Tyler refused to go see her in the hospital. He avoided her during the plane ride home." Jeff took a deep breath. "This afternoon one of his brothers found him throwing up after lunch. No one can remember him eating much recently and I suspect he hasn't been keeping down what he does eat. My wife is in no shape to deal with this and I'm at the end of my rope. Could you possible talk to him? I know children are not your specialty but both Dianne and Drew like you..." His voice trailed off.
"Actually, I work with children all the time. I work with the families of trauma victims as well as the victims. You want me to see Tyler?"
"Yes, please. I can bring him to see you tomorrow." Jeff did not want to leave Dianne but Tyler needed his dad right now much more than Dianne needed him.
"Tyler has enough upset in his life right now. Why don't I come to you? Where can I catch a flight to the island you live on, Mr. Tracy?" She grabbed a note pad and pen and got ready to take notes.
"You don't. It's a private island with no commercial air service. I'll arrange for one of my boys to fly over and pick you up tomorrow morning. You might want to pack a bag, although we could get you back the same day if necessary. What's the nearest airport to you?"
"My husband flies out of the Lake Colendge airfield. I can meet someone there at 7:30 tomorrow morning."
"Fine. Someone will meet you at the terminal." Jeff hesitated. "I don't know how long you can stay. I hope at least one night, but could you stay longer if necessary?"
"I'll pack for a longer stay. I can stay up to a week if needed."
"Good. I'll meet you tomorrow then. If anything happens and you need to change arrangements or if your husband needs to contact you, you can reach me at this number."
Anna took down the number and repeated it back to Jeff. "I do have one question that needs to be answered now, Mr. Tracy. Have you talked to Dianne about this?"
Jeff had braced himself for questions about possible abuse of his wife and kids. That subject had been raised before. But this was unexpected. "No, I didn't want to worry her. She needs to concentrate on getting better."
"Tell her tonight. She is an intelligent woman and had probably already noticed the lack of visits from Tyler. She's probably worried about it and doesn't want to worry you. Telling her you are aware of the problem and have called me will relieve her mind about it. Tell her I'll talk to her about Tyler sometime tomorrow, after I've seen him. And I will want to spend some time talking to you before I see Tyler."
"Right. I'll see you tomorrow." Jeff hung up the phone. Anna sat at the desk for a moment then picked up the phone again.
"Hello, directory assistance? I need to find the number for someone in the Los Angeles area of California in the US. Dr. Andrew Carmichael. He works at Mercy Hospital in L.A. Home or office will do. Also I need the number of the L.A. office of Doctors without Borders."
Post by susanmartha on 1/12/2007
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