International Rescue: The Next Phase


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1735 is a reply to message #1734] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lillehafrue Sent: 6/16/2007 8:00 AM

Tracy Island, Tuesday, September 4th, 10:45 PM

John sat down on his bed and opened his laptop. While it was loading, he thought back to the events of the last couple of days. Installing the med equipment on Five went well, but as with any new system, there were bound to be tweaks to work out. Hopefully nothing major.

Lena's security upgrade was a welcome relief. Calls from the island could come to Five freely, without the fear of being understood. As per Lena's instructions, John and Brains had downloaded the program to the rest of the ships and John felt he could breathe easily for the first time in days.

He had been so busy since he had gotten home that he hadn't had a chance to check his personal email. Calling up the screen, he scrolled through the messages. There were some from friends, a few from his publishing house wondering if he was interested in writing another book, and one from...What the heck? John opened the message.

Single female astronaut, desperately seeking mate. Please send me your name, picture and any physical attributes that you feel I should need. Hope to hear from you soon.

"Who is....Gordon!" John did some minor hacking and within minutes had traced the original email address. Sure enough, the sender's real name was "Capnahab". Shaking his head but chuckling under his breath, John sent back a reply.

Sorry, but I've been abducted by aliens. I suggest you try underwater. I hear the mermen are always trolling for a bite.

Still chuckling, his smile faded as he came across Kat's email. Skimming through, he thought back to his conversation with his brothers. I can't...break up with her with an email. I'll just have to talk to her when she gets back. Hitting the reply button, he started a message.

Kat,

Yes, the flight home went fine. And Tyler beat me at pinball so nothing much has changed here. In fact, I haven't stopped once since I've gotten home. Dad, Brains and I had some upgrades we needed to do. Things went smoothly though which should make all our jobs easier.

Sounds like the wedding went off without a hitch. The kids sound like they had a good time, too. The things they come up with...your poor mom, trying to keep everyone in line. Hopefully things will settle down a bit for your new sister-in-law. It's really too bad that her brother is being deployed, but I'm sure everything will be fine.

Also glad to hear you're having a good time, despite the worries with the trial. Hitting the clubs sounds like a great idea; wish the mainland were closer, I could use a little fun myself!

I hope the rest of your visit goes well. Good luck with the rest of the trial and remember to keep your chin up!

John


He scanned the message, and then sent it. He then shut down his computer and set it down on his night stand. Shutting off his light, he lay back down and closed his eyes. Within moments he was fast asleep.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1736 is a reply to message #1735] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: susanmartha Sent: 6/16/2007 11:05 AM

Anna put down the book she was reading. International Rescue had been called out on a rescue last night and almost everyone had gone. They still weren't back although she'd heard they hoped to be done soon. So she was stuck here until someone could be spared to take her home. Kyrano had offered to fly her home after lunch. He didn't want to leave before then because he needed to have something ready for everyone to eat when they did get in. She wasn't too worried about it; she'd called her husband to say she'd might be late. It wasn't like she had anything urgent waiting for her at home and the Tracys had a wonderful library.

As much as she enjoyed reading, she felt like she just needed to get out and stretch her legs. I've never walked down to the end of the island. Maybe I'll do some exploring. She headed up to her room and came back out after putting on a floppy hat and a light, long sleeved shirt over her t-shirt. There was a bottle of water in one pocket of her shorts and her book in the other.

Forty-five minutes of strolling brought her to a small beach. She noticed what seemed to be a log in the distance. That looks like a good place to sit for a while. I'll hear the boys coming back, although you can't see that side of the island from here.

However as she approached the "log' she noticed it had some distinct curves. And there were some strings wrapped around it. She broke into a run.

A soft groan came from the log as she knelt beside it. Anna did a quick once over, then helped the girl sit up. "Here drink this. Slowly." The girl gulped the water down. As she adjusted her hold on the girl, she noticed the skin where she had moved her hand. It's gone back to normal pretty fast. If she was dehydrated, it would still be white.

"Can you stand up?"

"I think so." Her eyes were wide in her tanned face. "Has anyone been looking for me?"

"I don't know. What's your name?" Anna helped her over to some shade.

"Oh, I can't tell you! They might find me!" She looked fearfully out at the ocean. One of the straps on her bikini started to come loose.

"Here, let me help you with that. We wouldn't want it to come lose at a bad time, would we?" Not that there's much left to reveal. This isn't a swimsuit; it's a pair of strings with gland conditions. Anna quickly took off her outer shirt. "Here, put this on. It will help make sure you don't sunburn." She's not burned anywhere. She couldn't have been out there too long.
"What's your first name at least? I need to call you something."

"Jasmine," replied the girl as she slipped on the shirt. It was way too big for her and covered her partway down her legs. She promptly tied the tail ends of it around her midriff, leaving her very trim looking waist showing.

"Well, Jazz, do you think you can make it up to the house? I'll help."

Jasmine looked pitiful. "Can someone come get me?"

"Sorry. There isn't anyone available right now. Most of the family is away on business. And I couldn't make it back to the house and send someone back without leaving you for too long."

"Oh." Was there a look of disappointment in her eyes? "I don't know if I can make it that far."

And just how do you know how far it is? I didn't tell you.
"Why don't you sit right here, in the shade. No one can see you from the ocean. I'll have Mr. Tracy send one of his sons out to help you."

With what was probably her first genuine smile of the day, Jasmine replied, "That would be wonderful. Thank you ever so much."

Anna nodded and walked briskly down the beach, thinking fast. When she had first been asked to come to Tracy Island, she had checked with some of her police buddies. Ron had been very helpful. She remembered the conversation well.

"No. we don't have any trouble with the Tracys. The older boys cut loose a little but not much when they visit. The one time we had to pull one in on a D&D charge, he didn't give us any trouble. He slept it off and one of the other brothers picked him up the next day. We just issued a warning. He was less trouble than the mayor's kid. In fact, the only problem they seem to have is the occasional beach babe. And that's not their fault."

"Beach babe? As in a girl they picked up?"

"I wish it were that simple. Every two or three months some sweet young thing washes up on one of their beaches. She's usually young, good looking and acts scared. She doesn't give a name and says she's too scared to leave. She'll claim she's scared of the police and might endanger her family if she tells them anything. It can take them a couple of days to get rid of them."

"They can't call you to remove them?"

"Nope. Jurisdiction problems. They've finally just taken to calling the Coast Guard to pick them up. Nothing else they really can do. If they get any bad publicity, no matter what happens, they lose."

As soon as Anna was out of sight of Jasmine, she pulled her cell phone from her pocket. "Mr. Tracy? I think you better implement Operation Cover Up. No, I'm ok. But you have a visitor. I think I can get rid of her before the boys are due back. No, leave it to me. Can I borrow Tyler and Alex for a bit? And Dom as well? And I'm going to need to talk to Gordon."

A half hour later, a beach buggy drove up to where the young woman waited on the sand. The two youngest, and arguably the cutest, Tracy sons hopped out, along with a tall, gangly young man with food stains down his shirt. The older of the two boys spoke up. "Hi! I'm Alex Tracy and this is Tyler and this is Dominic. You must be Jenny."

"Jasmine." She looked at the two youngest Tracy sons as if she wasn't sure if they were bugs or not. Then she looked up at Dom and smiled.

He smiled back. "Here, let me help you into the buggy." He pulled her up and started to help her into the car. She stumbled slightly and fell against him. Except he wasn't there, having stepped aside to get something out of the back seat. She hit her nose against one of the roll bars.

"Now," Dom turned back toward her holding a large cup. "I'm sorry! Did you hurt yourself? Alex, get one of the ice packs from the first aid kit, will you?" He helped settle her in the front passenger seat and handed her the cup. "Brains said that you need to drink all of this down."

She obligingly took a sip and nearly choked. "What is this!"

"Vinegar and potassium salts. Just what you need to get your electrolytes back up. Now drink it all down." Dom smiled at her so cheerfully that she stifled the comment she was about to make and took another sip.

"Finish it up. The doctor said we shouldn't start back until it was all gone." Jasmine took another sip and started coughing. She accidentally dropped the cup.

Dominic thumped her in the back while Tyler picked up the cup. "We can't have you choking," Dom chirped. "Now, Alex, give the lady the ice pack and let's go, shall we? There's more vinegar back at the house." Both boys climbed in, Tyler still holding the cup by its rim. The dune buggy went bouncing down the beach, somehow managing to hit every bump on the way, Jasmine holding tightly to the door with one hand while holding the ice pack to her face with the other.

When they reached the house, Dom parked the buggy and helped her out. Brains was waiting in the sickroom when Jasmine limped in.

She looked him over and smiled, but it was rather tentative. This may have had something to do with the pale pink scrubs with bright red hearts he was wearing. Dominic walked over to help her up onto the exam table. "Oh, are you hurt? Anna didn't mention any injuries."

"I'm fine. I just got bounced around a little while Dom was driving me here." Jasmine smiled up at Dom adoringly. Her smile was beginning to be a bit strained.

"Well, let's take a look at you." Brains moved over to the exam table. "Then we can all head up to lunch."

They did a full 15 minute scan. Afterward Brains pronounced her fine. He smiled at her in a big brother sort of way then added to Dominic, "But tell Kyrano she can't have anything heavy for lunch. She still needs to re-hydrate."

Dom nodded and helped her off the diagnostic table. "Let me take you up to a guest room. You can take a shower before lunch. And I'll try to find you some clothes."

Dominic led her down the hall to an open door. Anna was sitting on a chair in the corner. "How is she, Dom?"

"Brains says she'll be fine. She just needs to rest up a bit and get re-hydrated."

"Wonderful. Jane, do you think you will need any help in the shower?" Anna gestured toward a closed door. "Lisa just put new soap, towels, shampoo and conditioner in there as well as a brush and toothbrush. There's a robe on the back of the door. When you're done, why don't you lie down for a bit? Dominic can come get you when it's time for lunch."

"It's Jasmine. I think I can handle it myself." She smiled up at Dom. "And I'm looking forward to lunch."

"We'll leave you to it then. Lunch should be in about a half hour." Anna stood up and Dom held the door for her. He gave Jasmine a cheerful smile and pulled the door shut behind him.

Jasmine opened the bathroom door. A cat stood in the middle of the room, hissing at her. "Well, hello kitty. How did you get in here?" She reached down to pet the cat. The cat promptly reached out with a paw and proved that she had not been declawed. It hissed again, then ran past a yelling Jasmine into the bedroom. Seeing no escape from this new room, it hid under the bed.

Jasmine sucked on the puncture wounds on her hand. It took several minutes before they stopped bleeding. She found some baid-aids in the medicine cabinet. After putting them on, she took a fast shower, washing dried salt and sand off of her body and her hair. She dried herself off and put on the thick terrycloth robe she found hanging from the door. Then she went to work drying and brushing her hair.

Dominic and Lisa heard the shriek as they waited in the hall. "My hair!! What happened to my hair?"

Dom sauntered over and called through the guest room door. "Is everything all right?"

"No!!" The door opened to show a tearful Jasmine dressed in the bright red terry robe. It went very well with her now purple hair.

"Oh dear. Let me take a look at the shampoo you used." Dom moved past her into the room. He dropped a bundle onto the bed and went into the bathroom. He picked up the bottle of shampoo and poured a little into his hand. "This is John's shampoo." He looked at Lisa.

"Yes, I took it out of his bathroom. I knew he hadn't been home in months and figured it wouldn't matter." Lisa looked confused. "Was that wrong?"

"He's currently in a "punk' phase." Dominic turned back to Jasmine. "We're hoping he will grow out of it; twenty eight is a bit old for purple hair, but..." Dominic shrugged. "Personally, I think he does it just to annoy Anna. That's one of the reasons he's not on the island right now. If I recall correctly, it should wash out after a couple of showers."

"Then I'll get some real shampoo and wash it out right now." Jasmine's fury was evident on her face.

"You can't right now. I was just on my way to tell you. Lunch is ready." He smiled down on her. "I brought you some clothes." He pointed to the bundle on the bed. "I didn't think anything of Tin-Tin's would fit you." He held up a pair of baggy sweatpants and a t-shirt along with a pair of sandals. "These are just out of the dryer."

She took a deep breath and let it out. Then she smiled up at Dom. The smile wasn't quite as brilliant as before. "Ok. Just let me get my clothes on." She took the clothes from him, moved past him and closed the bathroom door.




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Re: Winds of Change [message #1737 is a reply to message #1736] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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A few minutes later, the three of them appeared at the table. The sweat pants were rolled up at the waist several times, but were still way too long. Even with the cuffs rolled up, she kept tripping on them.

The t-shirt was also too large. It fell down below her knees, or it would have if she hadn't tied it in front. It still came down past her waist. Between the t-shirt and the sweat pants she looked like a 4 year old playing dress up in her mom's clothes. That is, if a 4 year old could look pregnant.

Jeff Tracy looked up from his paper. "Hello. You must be Jackie." He smiled briefly and went back to his paper.

"It's Jasmine." Dom pulled out a chair for her, next to an elderly lady, and she slid into it giving him a smile.

"Whatever. Is there anyone you need to call, Jazzy?" Jeff never looked up from his paper.

Jasmine opened her mouth to say something then thought the better of it. Instead she said a simple, "No."

Dominic held out the chair on the other side of Jasmine for Lisa. Alex and Tyler were already seated just past her and beyond them was a young, oriental-looking woman. Dom sat down directly across from Jasmine. There was a 2 or 3 year old next to him. A girl with 2 pigtails, one on each side, and freckles was sitting on the other side of the child and helping him eat. Brains sat on the other side of Dom and another young man, a real hunk, sat next to him. Jeff was at the head of the table still hidden behind his newspaper. Anna sat at the other end managing to look like she disapproved of everything. For some reason she reminded Jasmine of a snapping turtle.

Tyler handed a salad bowl to Lisa. She picked up some tongs and put some lobster salad on her plate. But Jasmine didn't have a plate in front of her. Just then Kyrano walked over and put a plate in front of her along with a bowl. "Mr. Brains said you were not to have any rich or heavy foods. So I made a plate for you." He nodded at her and turned away. She looked down at the plate. It contained a tuna fish sandwich and a banana. The bowl contained chicken noodle soup.

She started to eat the sandwich but couldn't seem to get comfortable. No matter how she sat, she itched. She squirmed in her chair but nothing seemed to help.

"You don't look comfortable, my dear. Is anything wrong?" The older lady next to Jasmine smiled and added, "I'm Emily Tracy, Jefferson's mother. Can I help?"

"I think I might be allergic to your laundry soap or something. My, um, seat itches."

Across from her Dom was helping the toddler eat. Brains and the other young man were smiling at each other and talking.

Jasmine caught Dominic's eye and smiled. "Oh, what an adorable child. Is he yours?"

Dominic grinned broadly. "Yes. This is Joshua. Say "hi' to the pretty lady, Josh." Joshua smiled at the nice lady. He was having one of his favorite meals, a peanut butter sandwich.

"Is his mother around?"

Dominic froze for a second. "No. She and I were divorced soon after Joshua was born. She didn't want custody then." His lips tightened for a second, then he smiled down at Joshua, "But we do ok without a mom. Although sometimes I do think I should start looking for a new mom for him."

In the meantime, Joshua had finished his lunch and climbed down from his chair. He ran around the table to see this new person for himself. He smiled up at her and when she smiled back at him, he reached up toward her and grabbed her hair with his peanut butter smeared hands. Since he wanted to be picked up, he started climbing onto her lap, using her hair for support. Jasmine shrieked in pain.

"Joshua Aaron Kelly! You let go right now!" Dom started to stand up but Grandma Tracy had already grabbed Joshua. It took several tries before he finally released Jasmine's hair and settled on Grandma's lap.

"I'm sorry. Here, let me help you wipe that out of your hair." Dominic came over with a napkin and used it to get some of the peanut butter out of her hair.

"You better find a woman to help raise that young hellion soon." Jeff Tracy had never looked out from behind his paper.

Jasmine waved Dominic away. "That's fine. I'll get the rest out when I shower." She gulped down some iced tea, looking as if she wished it was something stronger. Her voice was considerably less friendly when she added, "You called him Joshua Aaron Kelly. I thought your last name was Tracy?"

Dominic took Joshua away from Grandma Tracy and sat back down at his place. "No, I'm not a family member. I'm a private nurse they hired when Mr. Tracy had his accident last winter. I stayed on to help with the kids."

Jeff snorted and put down his paper. "Those brats of mine from my first wife couldn't be bothered to stay when I needed help. They don't come here much since I remarried. See if they get anything in my will."

Jasmine looked around desperately. "And who is your friend, Brains?"

Brains beamed back at her. "This is my friend, Luke. Luke, meet Jacquelyn."

"It's Jasmine," she smiled. He looked good wearing an unbuttoned short sleeved shirt, but there was more fabric starting at the middle of his chest. "I'm pleased to meet you. Do you live here too?"

"I came over here to help decorate the house. But Brains and I became such good friends I just sort of stayed." He looked adoringly at Brains, who had a "cat that ate the canary' look on his face. "He has such a brilliant mind. And such a nice body. And, of course, he doesn't need his glasses at night. We've had such a wonderful relationship these past two years...." Luke leaned against Brains and snuggled up. Brains looked even smugger, if that was possible. Jasmine suddenly realized Luke was wearing a sarong and it didn't quite fit all the way around. The pink flowers on it matched Brains' scrubs.

Kyrano brought out dessert. Plates of chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream covered with chocolate shavings and topped with a strawberry were set in front of people. It looked simply divine. But when Kyrano reached Jasmine, he put down a small bowl of plain vanilla ice cream. He smiled at her. "No heavy foods." She returned a wan smile and started eating.

Anna looked at the clock and cleared her throat. "It's almost time to start today's Bible lesson. Then I really need to get home. I'm giving a lesson to the fallen women staying at the Salvation Army shelter tonight."

Tyler piped up, "What are we learning today?"

"We'll be continuing with the different levels of Hell. We're on the sixth level, which contains liars, cheaters and those who bear false witness. We may also talk about the seventh level, which is for loose women and people caught in adultery."

"Cool," said Tyler. "Are you going to join us, Miss Joan?"

Next to Tyler, Alex leaned forward in his seat. "Afterward, I can show you my bug collection. I've got some really neat tarantulas I caught right here on the island." His face shone with excitement.

"Can I feed the mice to Mr. Hiss this time?" Cherie asked.

"Hey. You got to do that last time. It's my turn now." Tyler looked ready to fight for his snake feeding rights.

"Don't forget to feed the alligator. We don't want Little Snapper climbing out of his pond again. It upsets the kittens," Jeff said distractedly. "Damn. The Royals lost again. They won't be in the Series this year."

Dominic wiped off Joshua's hands. "I'll just give Joshua a bath and settle him down for a nap." He looked at Jasmine. "If you want, you can come help."

"Ah, no," Jasmine replied. "I don't think I'd better go with you. I really need to go downstairs and wash my hair again. To get the peanut butter out."

"Let me get you some different shampoo. You can use some of mine." Cherie smiled at her from across the table.

"Was there a problem with the shampoo?" Anna looked at Jasmine as if it was her fault the shampoo had caused problems.

"She accidentally got some of John's. Look at her hair," Dominic called from the door.

"I thought we got rid of all of that evil stuff," Anna sniffed. "That young man will come to a bad end."

"Well, he won't come to it here. I've forbidden him to come to the island while his hair is that color." Jeff stood up, folded his paper and walked toward his study. "Nice to have met you, Jake."

"Jasmine."

"Kyrano," Anna snapped. "When will you be ready to fly me home?"

"As soon as the dishes are done, Mistress Anna. That should be in about an hour."

"I'll be down at the plane waiting. I certainly don't want to have to stay here until the supply plane next week."

In a small voice, Jasmine asked, "Can I come with you? I really need to be on my way."

Anna glanced at her. "If you're ready when we leave. Tin-Tin, don't we have anything that will make her look less like a harlot?"

"I'll see if I can find one of my muumuu that will fit." Tin-Tin smiled at Jasmine. "I'll bring it by the guest bedroom while you're taking a shower."

"Thank you." Jasmine quickly got up from the table and headed for the door. She could still hear Anna talking.

"Youth today. They have no manners."

Forty-five minutes later Dominic drove the golf cart up to Tracy One and dropped Jasmine off. She was wearing a muddy brown, shapeless dress that came down to her feet. She climbed up the stairs into the plane like she was scared it might take off without her.

Ten minutes later, Kyrano was just finishing the pre-flight checks. Anna walked up with a small overnight bag. "Our passenger on board?"

Kyrano grinned. "I do not think the combined engines of Thunderbirds 1, 2 and 3 could get her out. Do you wish to copilot?"

"This time I think I will. If for no other reason than to be sure I don't start laughing so hard I rattle the plane apart." She suppressed her own grin and went up the steps into the plane. Kyrano followed and closed up the plane behind him.

Thirty minutes later they landed at Christchurch's main airport. Kyrano opened the door and lowered the steps. Jasmine was down them like a shot. As she walked as fast as possible toward the terminal, Kyrano called after her, "I hope you enjoyed your stay on Tracy Island, Miss Josephine." She started running.

Kyrano climbed back into the cockpit. Anna grinned at him from the copilot's seat. "Is she gone?"

Kyrano replied, "I believe the correct phrase is 'she took off like greased lighting'. I shall enjoy watching the boys when we tell them about this."

"Too late. A message just came over the radio. The boys landed 10 minutes after we left. I expect Alex and Tyler are already filling them in. I reminded Jeff that I promised Gordon immunity for telling me where the itching powder and shampoo were hidden."

She changed the subject. "You don't have to fly me to the Lake Colendge airport, you know. I can call my husband and have him pick me up here."

"I do not wish to run the risk of Miss Jasmine seeing you in the airport. Also, your car is there. And, truthfully, I wish ask you some questions. How did you know she was a fake?" Kyrano taxied the plane into the line waiting to take off. Anna waited until they were in the air to reply.

"I knew she was a fake as soon as I looked at her hair." Kyrano looked at her, inquiringly. Anna went on. "It was dry. With every hair in place. Well, actually in 'artful disarray'. If she'd been in the water, it would have dried in clumps."

"This is why you started your plan before we had checked her fingerprints."

"Yes. I told Tyler to give the cup to Tin-Tin as soon as we got back to the house. She was able to lift the prints and check the New Zealand fingerprint database before Brains was through with the medical check. If I'd had to contact someone in the Police department, I would have taken a lot longer. Considering what her record was like, I'm happy we checked."

"Most of the crimes on her record were minor things." Kyrano frowned.

"Most of her convictions were minor. The attempted extortion was never proven and charges were dropped. When I saw that, I made sure she was never left alone with any of the men. Tin-Tin, Lisa, Cherie and Emily helped me there. I wanted to be sure she had no basis for any charge she might try to bring. The Tracys don't need that type of publicity."

"Now I have a question for you. I can understand Tin-Tin having the sarong. But where did she get that burqua?"

"Two years ago, she went on an around the world trip with Alan and Lady Penelope. As a joke, Alan purchased for her a dress of the type women wear in Muslim countries. She was cleaning out her closet last week and put it in the pile of things to go to charity."

Kyrano called the tower and started to land. Anna kept her eyes on the instrument panel until they were safely on the ground. When he taxied off the runway, Anna continued, "Do you really need to do some shopping? I'd be glad to drive you around."

"No. The supply plane comes tomorrow. I need to get back to Tracy Island to be sure there is enough food for all the hungry young men and women there." They both moved to the back compartment and Kyrano lowered the steps. "But I will look forward to seeing you next week."

Anna grinned, waved and headed for the parking lot and home.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1738 is a reply to message #1737] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: susanmartha Sent: 6/16/2007 11:10 AM

Scott stepped away from Thunderbird 1's entrance. The rescue had been exhausting and he wanted nothing more than something to eat and a shower. Base had told them to wait before coming back because Operation Cover Up was in effect so he had flown with Thunderbird 2. When the all clear had been given, he landed ASAP and Virgil had been right behind him. He headed for the kitchen and noticed Cherie waiting for him. "Sis, did you develop more freckles while we were gone? And what's with the pig tails?"

"Sandwiches and cake in the dining room. And this is part of my disguise. You can use make up to emphasize freckles as well as hide them. We," she said, grinning, "had a beach babe while you were gone."

"Oh, no," Scott groaned as he headed straight for the coffee pot and sandwiches already on the table. "Where is she?"

"Where is who? And where is Kyrano?" Virgil walked in followed by the rest of the crew.

Tyler was bringing another plate of sandwiches in from the kitchen. Luke followed with more coffee and some more mugs. Alex came last with some lemonade.

Scott did a double take. "Um, I may regret this but, Luke why are you wearing one of Tin-Tin's sarongs over your swimsuit?"

Just then Brains came in with the cake, still in his pink scrubs. The entire group seemed to freeze.

Gordon recovered first. "Mom, isn't that the set of scrubs Dad gave you for Valentine's last year? The ones you wear as pj's sometimes?" Whatever had happened, he had a feeling the explanation was going to be good.

"To answer Virgil's question first, 'who' is the young lady Anna found washed up on the beach about four hours ago," Jeff said. "And as to where she is, she's on the plane with Kyrano and Anna, headed home."

"Four hours!! You got rid of a beach babe in just 4 hours!!! How?" Scott put his drink down on the table before he dropped it.

"A beach babe? What, pray tell, is a beach babe?" Elise looked like she was trying to decide if she wanted to hit Scott or laugh at him.

"A bbbwbb. A Beach Babe Bimbo with Balloon Boobs," Gordon explained. "One of the hazards of being rich. Every 2 or 3 months some poor helpless thing 'accidentally' washes up on one of our beaches."

"She always seems to be scared of something and doesn't dare tell us her full name. She couldn't 'endanger' us." Alan sat down and grabbed a sandwich. "Her name is always something exotic, like Angelica or Melusine."

"Or, in this case, Jasmine." Jeff leaned back in his chair. "So do we debrief your rescue first, or do you want to hear about ours?"

"Yours first. This sounds too good to pass up." Virgil had already finished one sandwich and was working on his second.

"All right, then," Jeff took a sip of his coffee then began. "Anna discovered her on the beach, wearing what she described as 'strings with swollen glands'. According to Anna, the young lady acted like she was exhausted but she wasn't dehydrated or sunburned. What little there was of her swimsuit seemed about to fall off. So Anna told her to wait there while she went for help. When she was out of sight, she called and alerted me."

"That's why you told us not to leave the Danger Zone until we had all rested," John said. "We couldn't come home until she was gone."

"How long could that take?" Nikki shrugged. "Just load her on a plane and send her off."

"It's not that easy. If we put her on a plane against her will, it could be considered assault or even kidnapping. And even if no charges came from it, she could still sue." Gordon shook his head. "We can't afford the bad publicity. It usually takes three or four days to get rid of them."

"I've never decided which offends me more -- the assumption about our lack of intelligence or the assumption about our lack of taste." Virgil had finished off a third sandwich and reached for a piece of cake.

"And there was the time our bbbwbb turned out to work for a tabloid. She even found a way to smuggle a camera in with her," John added. "Her photographer was on a boat with a telephoto lens, filming the whole thing. Although," John had a predatory gleam in his eye, "it was amazing how all his film was ruined."

"One of the few times I've authorized using IR equipment for personal use. And I've never regretted it," Jeff put in.

"All right, I understand about beach babe bimbos, but how do balloon boobs come in?" By this time Nikki was actually curious.

Virgil answered. "There was this turn of the century science fiction artist named Phil Folio, or something like that. He always drew women with giant boobs. They looked like someone stuffed a basketball under their shirt. I never believed anyone could actually look like that, until this one beach babe showed up. What was her name?"

"Azeezee," answered Tin-Tin. "Although I was never sure if that was her name or her bra size."

"I still don't know how she walked with those things." Scott shook his head in amazement. "They hung out in front and to the sides and she didn't believe in bras. I kept expecting her to fall over, she looked so top heavy."

"Then Brains came up with the theory that they were actually air sacks filled with helium to hold them up. So Alan and Gordon started to come up with a plan to stick a pin in them to see if they would actually pop." Jeff shook his head. "After she 'accidentally' fell into the pool wearing nothing but a t-shirt and a bikini bottom, I was ready to help them."

"So was I." Emily Tracy didn't normally stay for debriefings, but this time she had. After all she had been part of the 'rescue' on Tracy Island. "Fortunately, the Coast Guard showed up and took her off our hands that afternoon."

"We've finally started to call the Coast Guard as soon as one shows up. They've started calling it the 'Tracy Island Taxi Service'." Gordon grinned, somewhat viciously. "There is this one female captain who has this 'look'. She comes onto the dock, starts at the top of the girl, looks all the way down, then slowly all the way back up. Then she just looks at the girl, and smiles. She always makes me think of a third grade Sunday school teacher who just caught you taking money out of the collection plate. Usually they go with her without a problem after that."

"But it can take 3 or 4 days for a cruiser to have time to get here," added John. "We've always been terrified that there would be a rescue while one of them was here. That happened once."

"Don't remind me." Gordon shuddered. "I had to take her down to the theater and keep her occupied long enough for Thunderbird 3 to launch. Then Virgil flew Tracy One off, so we could claim that he, Scott and Alan had left for the mainland for a couple days. Alan and Scott stayed on Five until the Coast Guard could come get her." Gordon shuddered. "That hour was enough to make me want to be gay."

Luke grinned. "Having met a bbbwbb myself, I don't blame you. Although," he looked at Brains and his voice changed as he went on. "Sitting and staring into to the wonderful eyes of my beloved was," deep sigh, "such rapture." He fluttered his eyelashes at Brains.

Virgil choked and nearly spit some cake out. Scott spilled his coffee. Luke grinned. "I had a friend in college who loved to flame any chance he could. He was always winning the 'Best Poof' award at the annual P-Flag picnic."

"P-Flag?"

"Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. They had a Best Butch award, too. The year I attended it was won by a girl I was friends with. She worked on her car when she got upset. I called her when ever I needed help with an engine."

"Maybe we should just let you us tell what happened," John said, picking up his own cake.

So Jeff started with the phone call from Anna. Tyler and Alex jumped in with picking Jasmine up from the beach. When they got to the vinegar and potassium salts, Dianne started laughing. "That would actually work, but I don't think I'd prescribe it."

When they got to the purple hair, Gordon grinned. "So that was why you called me during a rescue."

"I knew you were wrapping it up by then," Jeff replied. He went on to explain about John's 'punk' phase, and the whole group started sniggering. By the time he got through with the itching powder in the sweat pants, Joshua's hair pulling, and Luke's comments, both Gordon and Alan were rolling on the floor. The Bible study sent John down there with them. When Tyler, Alex and Cherie did their 'snake feeding' routine, Dianne put her head in her hands and shook.

Gordon finally stopped laughing and caught his breath. "Hey, Dad. Does this mean I need to keep some itching powder and shampoo around at all times? For International Rescue's sake?" He put on his best innocent look. "And I can get some soap that will dye your skin blue."

"Only if Dad gets to keep it under lock and key." Scott tried to glare at his brother, but couldn't sustain it. "Dad, did you dump the rest of the shampoo and itching powder?"

Jeff shook his head. "Sorry. Anna promised him immunity if he would tell her where it was. And anyway, she wouldn't let me see where he hid it."

"Are you sure you can't get her to move to the island? We could use someone with that devious of a brain." Alan pushed himself off the floor.

"I wonder if I could recruit her to help with something." The look on Gordon's face sent alarm bells ringing in everyone's head. The "No!" was a chorus.

"'My first wife's brats'. I can imagine Lucy's response to that." Emily Tracy looked at her son.

He smiled, if a bit ruefully. "She'd have been rolling on the floor with everyone else. Gordon didn't get his sense of humor from me, you know."

"Oh, I don't know about that. Your father could have kept a straight face through it all. I can just hear him going, 'youth today have no manners'. But afterward, he would have been rolling on the floor himself. The idea of popping the "balloon boobs' would have appealed to him, too."

"Maybe we need to decide how to handle beach babes ourselves." Nikki looked like she still didn't quite believe what she had just heard.

"Pretend this is Paradise Island and we're all Amazon warriors? Send all the men into hiding and tell the beach babe she's now in basic training?" Elise looked around at the other women. "I can do a great basic training sergeant if I need to."

Nikki grinned. The ladies moved from the dining room to the lounge and started tossing ideas around.

"Mr. Tracy? I hate to say this, but I think you may have just created a monster." Dominic left the table to check on Joshua.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1739 is a reply to message #1738] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 6/17/2007 11:02 AM

Tuesday Sept. 4th 6pm: San Diego [Wednesday Sept. 5th 1pm Tracy Island]

Brandon sat across the table from his parents. They had ordered from their favorite Mexican restaurant. While they waited for their food to be delivered, the family discussed all that had happened and what was to come.

Shannon looked at the paper she had in front of her, reading off what was written on it. "We've made arrangements for a visiting nurse to come in and help Dad and the therapy appointments have been set up for three times a week starting Monday."

The doorbell rang and Brandon excused himself, coming back a couple of minutes later with two large bags.

While eating, Sarah and Eugene talked about things they wanted to do after therapy. "I'm looking forward to working in the garden full time again. I miss taking care of the flowers; how about you, Eugene?"

He thought a moment. "I'd like to take Rocky to the dog park every day. I'm looking forward to chatting with my friends. I have an unfinished discussion with a couple of them - about the Chargers." Unseen by the family, Rocky walked over to the table and laid down next to the wheelchair, letting out a small sigh. "What's the matter, Rocky? You feeling left out?" The dog stood up, letting Eugene scratch his ears.

"Oh, Eugene," Sarah said, "you get so worked up over that team."

Brandon smiled, listening to his parents' answers. That's so like them. They just want the simple things, nothing fancy.

"Son," Eugene said, interrupting Brandon's thoughts, "have you requested a transfer back to San Diego yet?"

The question took him by surprise. "I hadn't thought about it. I've already contacted Mr. Tracy and let him know I'm coming back. I've booked a flight to Honolulu for Saturday; when I arrive, somebody will be there to pick me up."

"So soon?" Sarah exclaimed.

"Still, it's something I think you should consider," his father continued. "I've been listening to everything, and it seems most of the burden is on your sister. She'll be the one taking us to our appointments, putting her schooling on hold so she can take care of us."

Brandon replied, "If I did decide to transfer back here, I'd still have to stay at my job until it comes through. Transfers take time, and it would be unfair to leave my co-workers in a tight spot."

Shannon spoke up. "Mom, Dad, please listen." Both parents looked at her attentively. "Brandon and I discussed this at length and came to an decision. I decided to stay home and take care of you so Brandon can go back to work."

"What about your education?" Sarah asked. "You've worked so hard; it would be a shame to miss classes."

"Already taken care of, Mom. I can take my journalism classes online. That way I can be here if you two need to go somewhere."

Sarah turned to Brandon. "We miss you so much," she said. "It would mean so much to us if you came back home."

"I love you both very much and miss you a lot. But I love my career, too. It's a dream job and I really don't want to leave it."

Eugene turned to his wife and said, "It sounds like they've got this all worked out. And we don't have the right to force him to leave something he loves."

Sarah sighed. "I suppose you're right. But I don't have to like it."

Brandon said, "I promise to keep in touch and try to make regular visits home. I'll email you once a week and call when I can."

"Please do, son," Eugene said. "We worry when we don't hear from you."

"Now that that's settled," Sarah said, "who's up for dessert?"


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1740 is a reply to message #1739] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 6/17/2007 1:38 PM

Wednesday, September 5th, 2068 around 3:30 pm Tracy Island(Tuesday, 4th around 11:30 pm locally)

As Cassie walked up the steps leading from the subway station to the sidewalk, her cell phone rang. She dug the phone out of her pocket and looked at the screen. It was her brother calling.

"What's up?" she asked, answering the call.

"Hey, Cass, just wanted to let you know I'm working late tonight. I didn't want you to worry."

"Okay," she told her brother. "Be careful."

"Who me?" Mark asked innocently. They both laughed as the remark. "Anyway, I probably won't catch ya in the morning before you leave as I'll probably be sleeping. The car key will be on the kitchen table next to the napkin holder."

"Okay. I guess I'll see you Thursday when I get home, then."

"Drive safely and enjoy your trip. I know you'll knock them dead at those interviews."

"Thanks, Mark," Cassie said, a smile coming to her face. "I'll see you Thursday."

"Okay, bye."

Cassie ended the call and put the phone back into her pocket. She walked the rest of the way to the apartment. Once there, she packed her duffel bag for her trip and set it next to the front door. Having showered at the station, Cassie changed into the shorts and oversized T-shirt that she slept in, and undid her hair from the braid she wore it in at work. She made herself a cup of hot chocolate. She turned on the radio, switched it to a soft rock station, then sat down in front of the computer. She had a couple of emails she wanted to write.

Cassie first emailed her best friend from high school who was a missionary in Egypt. She had enjoyed seeing the pictures her friend had sent. She then sent an email to her one cousin. Jean had just started college and had sent a whole bunch of family members a long email about her first week there. Cassie was glad her cousin was enjoying college life so far.

Finally, she got to the email that she'd been trying to find the time to reply to since Friday.
Hey Luke,

Glad to see Smokey the Bear didn't kidnap you after all!
Got your email last Friday, but though the Friday shift started out slow, the weekend made up for it. Seemed to be one call after another. Jackie - you remember her from California right? Well she spent last night in the hospital for observation due to smoke inhalation from a five-alarm fire in an abandoned factory we were called out to. She went home this morning. The doctors have cleared her to return to work in a couple of days.

Sorry to hear about you and Barry. Believe me, I know how hard it is to end a relationship. There are times I still miss Alex, times when I cry myself to sleep over him, but I know it's for the best. We had some good times, but overall it was an unhealthy relationship for both of us. Sometimes, I wonder if we were both just trying to hold it together for Nathan. I'll pass along some advice to you from my therapist - take it one day at a time, and you'll find it slowly gets easier.

You quit SAR! Good for you! Derek was a jerk and I don't think any job is worth putting up with him. I'm sure you'll land on your feet wherever you end up. Hope you enjoy the new job. Did you take Rommel with you? How's he dealing with the change of environment? I'll try to be patient with hearing back from you, though it won't be easy. Hearing from you always reminds me of happier times and Lord knows I can use those happy memories some days.

Got a couple of interviews set up for the next couple of days. I'll see if anything pans out. Leaving the city is going to be a big step and I want to make sure I make the right decision. I love my job and the people I work with, but I need a change. No reason to go from a job I love to one I'll be miserable at just to leave behind some bad memories. I want to find another job that I'll enjoy and I know that might take a while. Hopefully, if they contacted you, you telling them all about me doesn't hurt me. You could tell some embarrassing stories that I think I'd rather them not know.

Well I should end this and head off to be. I'm heading upstate tomorrow morning for my first interview, followed by one Thursday morning with Tracy Industries. I'll let you know how things go.

Take care and stay safe. Give Rommel a hug for me.

Cass


She sent the email and turned off the computer. She downed the last swallow of hot chocolate, rinsed the cup out in the kitchen sink and, turning off the radio and lights, headed for bed. She wanted to leave by seven in the morning. The town officials in Thornville had arranged for her to stay at a bed and breakfast up there. She wanted to stop by, and settle in before her interview.
[/color]


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1741 is a reply to message #1740] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/17/2007 5:51 PM

Wednesday, September 5, 2068, 10:30 p.m., Tracy Island (spice warning)

Dianne closed her eyes and laid her head back with a contented sigh. The hot water and massaging jets of the Jacuzzi were working to relax her after a long rescue and a strange afternoon. Fortunately, Lisa had been willing to oversee the children's afternoon classes and give her daughter a chance for a nap. Now nap and dinner had been long dealt with, the youngest children were in bed, and Dianne needed the opportunity to wind down.

"Here." A goblet full of white wine appeared in her vision, and she lifted a dripping hand to take hold of it. As she took a sip, Jeff came around to the other side of the hot tub and, placing his own glass on the tiled edge, eased himself into the bubbling waters. Once seated, he picked up his drink and sipped it. "So, how are you feeling?"

She sighed and took another sip before answering. "Stiff and sore... at least, Ah was stiff and sore before Ah got in here." She gazed at him, her eyes half-lidded. "Ah'm surprised you let me go on th' rescue. Ah haven't exactly been cleared for duty yet."

It was his turn to sigh. "I know, but it was late, Dom looked so weary, and Joshua was hollering so loud that I felt he probably should stay home this time." He took another sip and cocked his head. "Do you think we made a mistake in hiring him?"

Dianne shook her head emphatically. "No. Absolutely not. This is a phase Josh is goin' through an' it'll pass. What we need to do is be as supportive as possible." She took another, longer sip of her wine. "Ah think he usually has Kat's help t' give him some respite. With her gone..." She shrugged slightly.

"Yes, I'm surprised I haven't heard from Kat lately," Jeff said, his tone showing a touch of irritation. "As I recall, the wedding was Saturday. I'd have thought she'd let us know when she was returning."

"Doesn't she have some sort of legal doin's over there?" Dianne asked. She put her wine glass on the tiles, draping her hands on the edges of the tub and leaning her head back. Her eyes closed and she let out a low, short, "mmmm".

"Yes, she does, but still, she should have told us something by now." He took a large gulp of wine, emptying his goblet. Making a noise of satisfaction, he put the glass next to Dianne's. The slight clink of glass on tile didn't disturb Dianne, but Jeff's warm wet hands taking hers made her chuckle deep in her throat. She raised her head slowly, a sultry smile on her lips.

"Jeff, love, don' you worry about Kat right now," she drawled as their fingers intertwined.

"All right, I won't." He grinned, his eyes meeting hers as he moved across the tub, lifting her hands and arms from the water and spreading them wide. He let go as he reached her, allowing her to wrap her arms around him as he zeroed in to plant a hot kiss on her eager lips. "After all, I've got something far more pleasant to worry about right now," he murmured before trailing his lips down his wife's exposed neck.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1742 is a reply to message #1741] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/17/2007 5:52 PM

Thursday, September 6, 2068. 11 am. Tracy Island. (August 5, 11pm England, local time)

The house was quiet once again, and Kat had gotten back from an evening on the town. She'd needed it after the grueling day with the solicitors as they went over with her again and again what happened with Ernie. She'd been close to tears then; she was close to tears again as she considered what she knew she must do.
"I'll just ring him up and ask his advice," she murmured to herself as she pulled out her satellite phone. "But this will be so hard!"

She looked at the phone, gathering up her courage, then took a deep breath and speed-dialed his number. The connection took a few moments longer to make, then she heard the distinctive clamor of the ringing phone.

John was lounging on the sofa in his suite, reading and enjoying the morning sunshine streaming through the windows, when his satellite phone started ringing. He set his book down on the seat beside him, and picked up the handset. The caller ID told him it was Kat, and he quickly figured out the time difference. It's late there, he thought. I wonder what's up...

"Hey, Kat. How's it going?"

"Oh, hullo, John. It's good to see you!" Kat smiled, a tad nervous. "Things are going well here, though I've had a beastly day at the solicitor's office. It seems that the case is going to trial, and I am required to be a witness."

She paused, and decided she should ask how people were on the island. "How are you? How is the family? Are things going well there?"

"I'm fine," John said. "Nothing out of the ordinary to report. Our newest recruit Luke is settling in well. The kids are all back at school. Mom, Nikki, and Dom are all recuperating nicely." He shifted forward in the seat a little. "I'm sorry to hear you're going to have to be a witness at the trial, but at least that guy'll get what's coming to him. So, what can I do you for?"

"Well," Kat said, then paused slightly to get her words just so. "I was out with my friend, Thomas, and a few friends of his twin, Teresa, this evening." She smiled, and waved a hand. "After such a beastly day as I had, I needed a bit of fun to make things better." She paused for a breath, then resumed, "Anyway, one of Teresa's friends owns a taxi company. It's an all-female concern. All the drivers are female, as are the supervisors." She bit her lower lip slightly. "As we were talking, this friend discovered I was a mechanic by trade, and was very excited. The upshot of it is that she is interested in hiring me."

Kat looked away briefly, and when she brought her gaze back to the phone, her eyes were moist. "I... I don't know what to do. The offer is very generous; not as generous as working for your father, of course, but still, a good wage. And I would be close to home, able to keep an eye on my mother. But..." here her voice dropped to a softer, more sultry tone, "I should miss the island, and my friends there, and particularly... you."

She straightened up a little, then smiled sadly. "So, could you give me advice as to which way I should go?"

John blinked in surprise. He hadn't been expecting what he had heard. He set one hand on one of his knees as something clicked inside of him, and he paused briefly before answering as he processed it. I really wouldn't be that upset if she left. I mean, I'd miss her, but definitely only as a friend and colleague. I guess this is the confirmation.

"Well Kat," he said, straightening up. "When it comes down to it, only your opinion matters on this. Of course we need you here and we'd miss you, but, it's your life. You've listed a lot of positives there: a good wage, close to home and your mother, and you seem to be having a good time despite all that's going on." He took a deeper breath. "Joining our 'family business' isn't necessarily a lifelong commitment, and you know it. If you feel like you'd be happier living back at home, with your friends and family, then no one is going to scorn you for making the decision to leave. It's up to you."

Kat sat back, a hurt look on her face. I would have supposed he'd be at least the tiniest bit jealous! But no, he'd be happy to see me leave! Perhaps I was right about him and Callie after all.

What she said was, "I see. So you think I should take the job? Leave your family in the lurch, to put it bluntly?" She couldn't help the hurt, slightly sarcastic tone of her voice.

John's eyes widened a little, and he cocked his head slightly to one side. Uh oh. I think she wanted me to say something else. But...I'm telling her the truth.

"Kat, no one's going to be glad to see you go. You've got experience and knowledge of the equipment, and being on rescues. You're an important member of the team." He stood up, and began walking around the room as he spoke. "Your leaving certainly would leave us 'in the lurch', as you say. But you need to think about yourself. You only get one life. And if International Rescue isn't for you, then you need to let my father know."

He stopped in the middle of the room, and pinned Kat with a firm look.

"It'll take time to get someone else who's suitable to fill your shoes, but your first concern should be for your own well-being. No one is going to scorn you for doing that, because no one should expect you to do otherwise. As far as whether I think you should take the job, I've already given you all the advice I can: do what's best for you." He frowned a little. "Do you understand what I'm getting at here?"

Kat nodded slowly. Not a word about him missing me at all. "Yes, I do. You've told me all I needed to know." She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, then went on, sounding much more formal. "I still have not made my final decision; however, when I do, I shall be certain to inform your father. Thank you very much for your advice, and your time." She glanced pointedly at her watch. "I fear the hour is getting late here, and I must retire. Good day, John."

"Goodnight, Kat. I hope you sleep well. And good luck making your decision."

The connection cut from her end, and John set his phone back on the table. That really wasn't what she wanted to hear from me. But...what was I supposed to do, lie? Tell her I'd dearly miss her and our...'special' friendship? I will miss her; there's no doubt about that. I'll miss teaching her about astronomy and languages and seeing her improve. And I was honest; I would prefer her to make a decision based on her own wants and needs, not just because she thinks she has a shot with me, especially when I know nothing will come of it. Maybe I'm being self-centered here, but I can't help feeling that was partially what all of that was about... He rubbed his hand over one side of his face, and propped his chin up on his palm. Damn...

Kat gazed a long time at the screen on the phone, then carefully folded it up and placed it on her dresser. She didn't trust herself not to fling it across the room and break the thing, and seeing as it was not her property... And never was mine. None of it. Not the job, not the apartment, not... him. Well, I think my mind is made up. I shall begin the process of disentangling myself from the Tracy family and International Rescue in the morning.

But despite her reasoned internal arguments, a terrible sadness and anger overtook her, and she flung herself down on her bed to weep bitter tears into her pillow.

Decision, by Tikatu and ArtisticRainey


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1743 is a reply to message #1742] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 6/17/2007 5:56 PM

September 7th, 2068, 4:45 am Tracy Island (Thursday Sept. 6 th, 2068 12:45 locally)

Mark was sitting on the couch watching the afternoon news when Cassie walked into the apartment.

"So, you made it back," Mark commented, looking in her direction. "How was your trip?"

"Not bad. The bed and breakfast in Thornville where I stayed last night was lovely. The food was fantastic. By the way, thanks for letting me use your car," she told him as she walked over to the couch and handed his car key to him. As he took it, she noticed the brace on his right wrist. "What happened?"

"It's nothing. Just a bad sprain," Mark told her with a shrug. "I don't recommend trying to grab a metal baseball bat that someone is swinging, with your bare hand, though."

"Oh, that was smart!"

"Now you sound like Mercy. She kept telling me what an idiot I was all the way over to the emergency room. She's my partner; you would think she'd be on my side. No, instead she chews me out about not handling the situation right. I've got the Captain to do that! What was I going to do? Let the guy keep hitting his wife with the bat even though we were right there?"

"You're lucky that's only a sprain," Cassie told him, shaking her head. Mark had a tendency to react to a situation without really thinking things through. It had landed him in the emergency room quite a few times, but he had saved a lot of lives through his actions, too. His tendency to react first and think later paired, with Mercy's level head, was what made the two a good pair.

"Okay, enough about me. How did the interviews go?"

"Well, they loved me up in Thornville. They wanted me to take the job right there and then. It's a nice town. A lot of open area. Helping them start a fire company would be a new challenge, though, and the town needs a fire company closer. The closest one right now is a half hour away. I asked for time to consider the offer and they gave me a week. I'm supposed to call next Thursday with an answer."

"What about the interview this morning with Tracy Industries? Did you finally figure out what they wanted with a firefighter?" Mark asked her. He had been curious ever since she had told him about the position.

"The position is an instructor position. Evidently, other countries don't have as strict fire and safety protocol requirements as the United States does. Tracy Industries wants someone that would be able to help establish and promote those protocols in these countries. Teach the workers over in the other countries exactly what to do in the case of a fire. They said the position would entail a lot of traveling. That in itself would be fun. I'd get to see other parts of the world."

Mark nodded. Cassie always had wanted to travel but, other than going with their mother to Japan, hadn't had the opportunity. She and Alex had spent their honeymoon in the Poconos and Cassie had enjoyed it. Alex had always said that he'd take her other places but business had always seemed to get in the way.

"The pay would be more than what I'm making now," Cassie told him as she sat down on the couch next to him and kicked off her shoes. She hated dress shoes but they were a necessity for interviews.

"That's not hard, considering what this city pays. When will you hear back?"

"They said they'd call back in a couple of days and let me know if they want me to come back for a follow-up," Cassie said as the phone in the kitchen rang. She looked at her brother, not wanting to get up. With a smile, Mark stood up to check the caller ID. "The benefits are decent and it might actually get Dad off my back, too. He keeps wanting me to get off the streets. To take a desk job or instructor position here in the city."

"Speaking of Dad, it's either him or Mom. Want me to answer it?" Mark asked, indicating the phone. He knew they were calling for Cassie. Neither of his parents had said so much as a hello to him since he had told them he was gay six years ago. His brothers weren't much better, but at least they'd call on Christmas and his birthday, though the calls were always short.

"You might as well," Cassie said with a sigh, as she stood up. "They'll only keep trying."

"Hello," Mark said, picking up the phone.

"Is Cassie there?" his father asked.

"Hold on," Mark said, holding the phone out to his sister. "Like I said, for you," he told her, not caring if his father overheard the comment. Mark took a few steps and leaned against the counter, listening to his sister's side of the conversation.

Cassie took the phone from him. She was bracing herself for another lecture about how she needed to stop being a firefighter. That it was too dangerous.

"Cass, just wanted to tell you that Philip and Lisa's baby was just born! A healthy baby boy! Jason weighs 7 lbs, 2 ounces and is 20 inches long. Your mother and I are going to drive up to Hartford to see him."

"That's wonderful news," she said, hoping that she sounded more upbeat than she was feeling. She was happy for Philip and Lisa; she really was. However, hearing about a newly born baby had suddenly made her start missing Nathan. "Tell Mom to get pictures of him for me. Do you have a number for Lisa at the hospital? I'll call her later and give her and Philip my congratulations."

Her father gave her the hospital number and, after saying a few more words, the two ended the call. Cassie hung up the phone and turned to her brother.

"You're an uncle again. Philip and Lisa just had the baby," she told him, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"Guess I'll send them some money like I did for the other two rascals," Mark replied. He noticed the sad look that had come into Cassie's eyes. "You okay?"

Cassie nodded. "Just missing Nathan again," she managed to get out.

Mark went to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"Why?" Cassie said as she started to cry. "Why did I have to lose him?"

"There's no reason to some things, Cass. They just are," Mark told her softly, holding her tightly as she cried for the son she had recently lost.


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[Updated on: Fri, 27 July 2012 22:54]

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Re: Winds of Change [message #1744 is a reply to message #1743] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/17/2007 8:35 PM

Friday, September 7, 2068, 10 a.m., Wellington, New Zealand (same day, same time on Tracy Island)

"Okay, now flex your foot." Ed Haenga held on to Dianne's leg, feeling the muscle as she flexed her foot at the ankle. "Good. Now, raise your knee towards your chest."

Dianne, who was lying down, obeyed. Ed watched the range of motion, the speed, her expression, and a dozen other little tell-tale things that signaled to him whether or not a patient was moving smoothly and the muscle was working properly and without pain. He nodded slowly as Dianne held that position, then said, "All right, rest your leg."

His patient propped herself up on her elbows, watching as Ed poked at the data pad he held with a stylus. Nikki and Gordon sat nearby, waiting for the verdict on their three weeks of physical therapy.

Finally Ed offered his hand, and helped Dianne up from the floor. Together, they walked over to the other two, Ed following Dianne and watching how she walked. "Your stride has improved, Dr. Tracy, but I see that you've still got a slight limp," he said, as Dianne sat down. "I think that you can continue to do the first exercise set for two more weeks, and spend plenty of time in the pool. That'll not only help with the leg, but with the arms and the abdominal muscles. You've nearly regained your strength, physically; only a bit more work to get you back to 100%."

"What about my work?" Dianne asked, setting herself to hear the worst.

"Well, a lot depends on what Dr. Carmichael says, of course, but I think you could go back to regular duty, with the caveat that you lift no more than half your body weight."

"In other words," Nikki said with a grin. "Let us nurses do the heavy work... not that we don't already."

The small group chuckled, and Ed stabbed at his pad again. "Okay. I've sent my recommendation to Los Angeles." He smiled at Dianne. "Now it's between you and Dr. Carmichael." He pointed at her with the stylus. "I will want to see you again in two weeks for a final evaluation."

"Yes, sir," Dianne said as she stood up, the cane in one hand.

"Oh, one more thing." Ed gestured towards her. "Ditch the stick."
Dianne smiled widely, and gave the cane to a surprised and fumbling Gordon.

11:30 a.m., Tracy Island (4:30 p.m. the previous day, Los Angeles)

"Stop fidgeting," Brains warned. "I for one don't want to do this again!"

"I'm sorry, Brains," Dianne said curtly. "But I itch!"

"Where do you itch?" Jeff said, getting up from his seat. "Maybe I can help..."

"Sit down!" Dianne and Brains said in unison. "I appreciate the offer, love, but I'll tough it out," Dianne added. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to still her body.

Brains looked up from the scanner screen. "That's better," he said, the edge gone from his tone. "Just lie still for a bit longer. We're almost through."

"I got the report from Ed Haenga earlier, Di." Drew Carmichael's voice came over the computer's speakers. "You've come a long way in just three weeks if he's recommending sending you back to duty."

"Well, he doesn't know what all my duty consists of, now does he?" Dianne replied.

"No, that's true enough," Drew admitted. "I do, however, and I'll be taking it into account when I make my own evaluation."
The room was quiet for a while after that pronouncement. Jeff, sitting apart from Dianne and watching the proceedings, couldn't stay still. He stood up to lean against the wall with his arms folded for a little bit, sat back down and put one ankle on the opposite knee for a while, then got up, turned the chair around, and straddled the seat. Dianne saw this going on out of the corner of her eye, and resisted the urge to shake her head.

"Jeff, you there?"

"Yeah, Andy, I'm here."

"I don't suppose you and my niece have been observing that little ban I put on you before I left, hmm?"

Jeff raised his eyes ceiling-ward and huffed. "What do you think, Andy?"

There was suppressed laughter in Drew's voice. "Uh-huh. I get the picture. How long did it take for you to break it?"

"That, Doctor Carmichael, is none of your damned business," Jeff replied firmly. Behind the computer screen, Brains smiled, and Dianne stamped down firmly on the desire to laugh.

At last, Brains let out a relieved sigh. "The scan is complete." Both Tracys followed his example and sighed in relief, then Jeff was on his feet and heading to the scanner, while Dianne levered herself into a sitting position.

"Where's that itch?" Jeff asked.

Dianne put her left arm behind her back as far as it would go. "On my right shoulder blade... no, not there... a little higher... to the right... aaaahhh!" She closed her eyes as Jeff gently ran his fingertips over the troublesome spot.

"Let me know when you have the file," Brains said to Drew, whose face finally popped up on the computer screen.

"I have it, Brains, and thanks." In his Los Angeles office, Drew began to look over the data he'd just been given, paying special attention to the trouble areas and comparing them to the last scan he'd done a few weeks previous.

"Get dressed, honey," Jeff said as he helped Dianne down off the scanner. She nodded, and headed for the screen, stopping to kiss him and smooth a hand over his cheek before disappearing from view.

"How does it look, Dr. Carmichael... quality-wise, that is?" Brains asked.

"It's nice and clear, Brains, thanks," was Drew's distracted reply.

"Then I'll head down to the dining room for lunch." Brains paused at the door. "Should I tell Kyrano you'll be late?"

"Yes, please, Brains, and thanks."

"You're welcome. See you there."

Brains left, and Dianne, now dressed except for her shoes, took his place before the computer. "So, what's the verdict?"

"I'm still looking," Drew said. With his screen already split between the two scanner images, there was no room for him to have Dianne's picture up, so he asked, "Is Jeff still there?"

"I'm still here, Andy," Jeff came up behind Dianne, thinking he'd be picked up by the camera.

"Could you step outside for a moment, Jeff? I have something I need to discuss with Dianne in private."

The Tracys exchanged frowning glances. "What do you need...?" Dianne began.

Drew cut her off. "I want to know how things are going with your counselor."

"Ah." Dianne nodded in understanding, then turned her gaze to Jeff. "Love, if you'd just step outside for a minute?"

"I don't understand." Jeff's puzzled frown made that statement very clear.

"It's okay, love," Dianne said softly. "Protocol between doctor and patient."

"Oh." Jeff's face cleared somewhat. "All right. Let me know when I can come back in."

"I will."

Jeff headed out and the door swished shut behind him. Drew heard it and asked, "Is he gone?"

"Yes, Drew. He's gone." Dianne put her ankle on her knee and began to put her shoe on.

"So, how are things with Mrs. Hanson?" Drew sounded distracted and Dianne wondered how much he'd remember.

"Going well enough. I've had appointments with her for two weeks now, and we've mapped out a plan that will hopefully help me deal with getting back into... driving." She knew to be careful now; the line they were on wasn't necessarily secure.

"Good," he said, squinting at something on the screen. A touch of the mouse zoomed into the area in question. "Is there anything I need to know about this plan? Anything you need me or Maggie for?"

She shook her head, and started putting on her other shoe. "No, I think we can handle it here." I won't tell him that part of that plan was visiting Thunderbird Two, and that it went off prematurely with the recent rescue in the Gobi desert. "You should have seen her the other day, Drew. We had a... an unwanted visitor and she helped us get rid of her in record time."

"Oh, one of those washed up girls?" Drew sounded amused. "Jeff's told me about them."

"Yes, one of those."

"Well, I just wanted to make sure that things were going well in that area and address any concerns you might have had. You can give me the details later if you want."

"All right, Uncle Drew. I'll keep that in mind." She figured that he didn't want to hear any details while they were talking like this.

"Now, go get your husband. I'm ready to pass judgment."

Dianne got up and opened the door. "Jeff, he's ready."

"Okay." Dianne sat back down in the chair and Jeff went to get the one he'd vacated so he could sit beside her. "All right, I'm here, Andy. What's the verdict?"

"Well, the ribs have finished healing entirely; the bone scar looks good. The abdominal muscles could use a bit more toning, but the bruising is resolved. The leg looks good; the muscles a bit on the tight side still, but Ed talked with you about it."

Drew looked right at the camera. "I'd say that, physically, you're good for regular duty around the Island, and light duty elsewhere. Like Ed said, no heavy lifting quite yet, though I doubt I can count on you adhering to that."

"I'll try, Uncle Drew," Dianne said contritely.

"Yeah, sure." Drew did not sound convinced. "However... before you go elsewhere, I want you that plan you were talking about completed and for you to have a relatively clean bill of health from Anna. It's important that you can... uh... drive, and not get into some sort of flashback situation. Do you understand me?"

Dianne nodded slowly. "I do, Uncle Drew."

"Jeff?"

Jeff sat up as if startled. "Yes, Andy?"

"Do you understand me? Can I count on you to rein her in when she's chomping at the bit to go... driving? Can you wait until Anna gives the okay?"

Jeff exchanged a long look with Dianne. She seemed weary, but gave him a little smile. "Okay, Andy. When Anna gives the word, and not before."

Drew smiled. "Good. Now about that little ban..."

"Quit while you're ahead, Andy," Jeff said wryly, making Dianne laugh.



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Re: Winds of Change [message #1745 is a reply to message #1744] Fri, 27 July 2012 22:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Hobbeth Sent: 6/17/2007 9:46 PM

Friday, September 7, 10:30 AM; Silver Spring (2:30 AM Saturday on Tracy Island)

Doctor Bennett raised Lena's left arm straight up, then brought it down and across her chest. "Any pain?"

"No, none."

"Any discomfort at all?"

"Not even a little."

He moved her arm back behind her, then out to the side. "How does that feel?"

"Fine. No problems whatsoever."

He let go, and she put her hands in her lap while he turned to check her latest x ray. "Well, it looks good; you can barely see where the break was. You heal well."

"It's a family trait, Doctor. So, what's de verdict?"

He looked at her and smiled. "Okay, you can go back to work. But take it easy the first week or so. It's been more than a month since you were there. If you feel any pain or discomfort, I want you to take a break and rest, for as long as it takes."

"All right; I will."

He turned and picked up a data pad. "I'm entering the results into your file, and the front office will send it to your company's physician. He may want to clear you himself. I presume Dr. Miller is still working there."

"De last I heard, he was. I'll stop in and see him when I go to de office on Monday."

"Good. Well, Lena. I don't expect to see you back here for some time, when it's time for your regular checkup. You've already made that appointment, haven't you?"

"Oh yes, before I went to Denver. And I have it in my computer, to remind me. So I'll see you den."

"That's fine," he replied as he helped her off the examination table. "I'll expect to hear that you've had no trouble, either with your arm, or your head." He shook her hand and turned to leave.

"Tank you, Doctor." She picked up her purse and followed him out the door. Five minutes later, she was in her car heading home. She thought about calling her office, but decided not to. If I did, dey'd probably try to have a party, and I really don't want a fuss made over me. So I'll just surprise dem on Monday.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1746 is a reply to message #1745] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/17/2007 9:54 PM

Saturday, September 8, 2068, 4:30 p.m., Tracy Island

Blacktuft was scared. O.K., that was an understatement, Blacktuft was downright terrified! One of the smaller two-legged giants was attacking him!

He had been wandering, in search of adventure, when he made the mistake of trying to cross the Barren Flat Stones. Then out of the blue, he heard a vicious shriek, and the pounding of a giant's feet. Hoping for the best, he scurried onward.

xxxx

Alex was overjoyed! Grandma Lisa had seen a tarantula by the pool and asked him to capture, kill, or least relocate it.

Knowing tarantulas can feel vibrations, he snuck up as quietly and lightly as he possibly could. Then, seeing his quarry, he raised his net and brought it down.

Xxxx

Blacktuft scurried away as a huge ring with mesh attached landed a hairsbreadth away from him. As he moved, he spun around to see his assailant. He didn't like what he saw.

The two-legged giant brought the ring down again, this time more accurately. So much more, in fact, that Blacktuft was nearly trapped. As the ring smashed down again and again, Blacktuft found he had only one option, and that was to turn tail and flee. He did. Fast.

xxxx

As Alex gave chase, he formed a plan. He would chase the spider into the pool, where it'd be an easy target.

"I can't wait to tell Mom," he said to himself as he made his prey turn with his net.

xxxx

All of a sudden, Blacktuft was flying! He had been so worried about his pursuer that he didn't watch where he was going, and had run off some kind of cliff.

No sooner did the sensation of flying come over him, than he got the sensation of falling. He landed in a sea of foul smelling fluid, presumably water. The water suddenly turned turbulent and he saw the ring coming towards him. He couldn't dodge.

xxxx

"Yes!" Alex cried as he removed his prize from his net and placed it in a jar. "Now to show Mom!"

xxxx

Blacktuft panicked! He was in a clear stone cage! Even worse, it was moving, and he was being taking toward the two-legged giants' stronghold! He suddenly felt nauseous; what were they going to do to him? He'd heard stories from snakes, lizards, crickets, butterflies, scorpions, and one singularly huge centipede, of what they were capable of. Oh! If only he hadn't tried crossing the Barren Flat Stones!

xxxx

"Hey Mom, look what I found!" Alex was saying. "It's a tarantula!"

"That's great, Alex; what are you going to call it?"

"Take some pictures..."

"Can I keep it?"

"No. Let it out in the jungle after taking pictures of it."

xxxx

Blacktuft was falling again, only this time onto a hard white surface. Before he could scurry away, he was nearly blinded by a sudden blast of light. Then again, and again.

xxxx

"That's enough photos. Time to get you back to the jungle," Alex was saying as he lifted the spider and put him back in the jar. He then took it out into the jungle where he released it.

xxxx

Free, and relatively safe at last! Blacktuft was so overjoyed to be back in his jungle. Unfortunately that didn't last, and soon he was itching for more adventures; or did he just need to shed?

written by Tikatu's Boy #1, aka "Alex"


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1747 is a reply to message #1746] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 6/18/2007 4:56 PM

September 8, 9 AM; the McCain home (4 AM September 9 on Tracy Island)

Brandon put his luggage in the trunk of the car, then shut the lid. Turning, he saw his parents standing just outside the front door, looking sad.

He walked over to them. "Hey, it's not like I'll be gone forever. I'll be back."

"When?" Sarah asked.

"Can't say right now; I've been away so long, I can't say when I'll get my next time off. But when I do, you know where I'll head. Besides," he replied with a grin, "this way you'll get a break from having me around all the time, and appreciate my visit even more."

He hugged them both and kissed his mother as Shannon walked out. "C'mon, bro. It's time to get you to the airport. You don't want to miss your flight."

"Be patient, sis, I'm coming." Brandon walked to the car and got in. As the car pulled out of the driveway, he waved goodbye to his parents and saw them wave back.

The drive to the airport was silent for the most part, with Shannon concentrating on the road, and Brandon thinking about what lay ahead for him. A little over half an hour later, she pulled up in front of the terminal.

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay with you until you have to go to the boarding gate?"

"I appreciate the offer, but you know how I hate long good-byes." He got out of the car, going to the trunk to retrieve his luggage.

She had popped the lid open and now was scrounging in her purse as he pulled his bags out and closed the trunk. He returned to the passenger side of the car and putting his bags down, leaned in to hug Shannon.

Instead, she said, "I almost forgot. Here, take this." She handed him a sheet of paper folded up.

As he put it in his carry on, he asked, "What is it?"

"It's a list of things you need to do over the next week or so."

"Another one? Sis, you make lists of everything," he kidded her. "You even have lists of your lists. And I bet you haven't thrown any of them out."

"Of course not," she replied in fond exasperation. "How else is anyone going to know what's been done and what needs to be? Maybe you should make a few lists of your own," she teased back. "Then you wouldn't forget to call people when you should."

"Hey, I'm normally not that forgetful," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. "I guess that's what happens when you start getting old." Brandon looked at his watch, noting the time.

"If you're that forgetful now, maybe you should get tested for Alzheimer's," she replied with a laugh. "Now give me a hug and go, so I can get back home."

He complied, then closed the door and stepped away. He watched her wave as she pulled away, then turned and went inside.

Collaboration between MagicMaster8 and Hobbeth


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1748 is a reply to message #1747] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:14 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: ArtisticRainey Sent: 6/21/2007 5:19 AM

Sunday, September 9th, 2068. 6am, Tracy Island.

It had been one week exactly since Dominic had received the correspondence from his ex-wife's solicitor, and he had done...nothing. Apart from Nikki, he had told no one. He had looked at the floors throughout the apartment, and vaguely wondered if any more pacing would start wearing them down. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about it. Mags. Mags. Mags. He couldn't stop thinking about her.

The sky was beginning to lighten as the sun started to rise. Dominic, still in his sleep clothes - though he hadn't done a lot of sleeping - walked out onto the balcony and leant on the rail. He unclenched one of his fists, and stared at the small, mildly sparkling ring sitting on his palm. He could still remember the look on Mags' face when he gave it to her. At the time, he had seen love; in retrospect, it was just relief. Now I can bring you and the baby home to Daddy... Of course, she hadn't. She eventually saw that her plan to marry Dominic, and pretend to her parents that they had been husband and wife before the pregnancy was madness. They had been married just shy of one year when she left, and two years after that, they were finally divorced.

The problem was - a problem Dominic was very aware of - that somewhere within him, for some insane reason, he was still in love with her. He shook his head and clenched his fist again. The woman had used him, betrayed him, and cost him thousands of dollars. How was it that he still felt like he wanted to be with her? He shook his head again. What was wrong with him?

A surge of anger rose up within him like a cobra, ready to strike. She was trying to take away his baby. His baby, not hers. Where the hell does she get off thinking she has any right to see Joshua? She hardly even held him after he was born. She didn't want anything to do with him, and now she thinks she can take him away from me?! Not a chance! I'll bankrupt myself if that's what it takes to get her out of my life! He could feel his face going beetroot red as adrenaline pumped through his system. She wasn't worthy of his love. I would have done anything for her, and she threw it back in my face. He stomped back into the apartment and went straight for the legal papers. Prepare for a fight, Margaret, one that you'll lose!


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1749 is a reply to message #1748] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 6/22/2007 9:01 PM

September 9th 2:30pm

Waking up, Brandon stretched his arms and looked out the window at the ocean below. I'll be glad to get back to the island. It'll be great to see everybody again. And I bet I have a lot to catch up on, too.

He smiled, thinking about Shannon and her lists. He remembered the one she had given him and got it from his carry-on.

Unfolding it, he read the list of things she had written down. There were six items, and, at the top, in big bold letters were two words: PHONE HOME!

A few minutes later, he felt the plane descend and heard the flight attendant's voice come over the loudspeaker.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are on final approach to Christchurch International Airport. Please fasten your seatbelt and make sure your seat backs are forward and trays are in the upright and locked position."

Forty-five minutes after they landed, Brandon got through customs and retrieved his luggage. He was looking around for his colleague thinking, Man, where is he? He said he'd be here.

"Over here!"

Brandon looked around, spotting the familiar face. Grinning, he walked over to Gordon. After greeting each other, the two men took the transport to the terminal where the Tracy jet waited.
On the way, Gordon asked, "How are your parents doing?

"They're doing much better. Mom and Dad are continuing their therapy. With a lot of hard work, we're hoping they'll be back to their normal routine soon."

"That's good. We were wondering since we only heard from you once while you were gone."

"Sorry, there was a lot to do." Brandon looked away, thinking of a way to change the subject. Finally he asked, "Anything happen while I was gone?"

"Scott and Elise got into a big argument and I was the one that had to listen to it."

"Really? I didn't think she'd go that far. I'm just sorry you had to listen to it."

They arrived at the terminal and a few minutes later continued to the plane. Brandon stowed his luggage and climbed into the seat next to Gordon.

Gordon spoke into the radio. "Tracy One to Tower, request permission for takeoff."

"Tower to Tracy One, you're clear for takeoff."

Once they were in the air, Gordon said, "Now I can tell you; we had three rescues while you were gone, and you wouldn't believe what happened on the island during the last one!"



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Re: Winds of Change [message #1750 is a reply to message #1749] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 6/24/2007 3:56 AM

Sunday, September 9 th, 2068, around 8 p.m. locally (Monday, Sept. 10 th, 12 p.m. Tracy Island)

It was a slow shift. There hadn't been a call for the 124 th Ladder Company since the third shift had taken over at three o'clock that afternoon. The game of Risk, which had been started after dinner, was now being cleaned up. Frank Calloway had gotten sick of the arguing and called an end to it. He had just disappeared back into his office, having just suggested that the group use their time constructively and clean out the refrigerator.

Neal Grant exchanged a look with Cassie. "How long until he figures it out?" he asked her.

"Not long," Cassie replied with a grin.

"Okay, who switched my pen with one that writes in invisible ink?" Frank asked, having popped his head back out of his office. "Grant, was it you?"

"I was wondering where that got to," Neal responded with a grin. "Last time I saw it, Cassie had it," he added, looking over at his accomplice.

"Sorry, Chief, must have dropped it while I was in there," Cassie answered, trying hard to keep a straight face.

"Yeah, well, that's okay. I was only writing a recommendation for you, Grant. Guess I won't have to rewrite it," Frank told him. Still holding the pen in his hand, he disappeared into his office, closing the door before laughing. Neal and Cassie could be a dangerous pair, but they always liked to take credit for their pranks, so you knew when they were up to something.

"'Must have dropped it while I was in there,'" Neal said with a shake of his head. "Good one, Cassie," he said, giving her a high five over top of Jackie's head who was still sitting at the table.

The group finished cleaning up the game and then looked at the fridge. No one was even sure when it was cleaned out last.

"Maybe we should get our masks," L.J. commented.

"Oh, it can't be that bad," Jackie said standing up and marching toward the refrigerator. She opened the drawer with the fruit in it. "Or maybe it can?" she amended, holding up a bag of soft, black and green spotted oranges.

"Here," Lexis said, holding out an empty trash can for her coworker. Jackie dropped the bag into it. Soon a half bag of apples followed them.

Reaching past Jackie, L.J. pulled out a red bowl. He took off the lid and looked in.

"Anyone remember what this was?" he asked.

"I think it was the chicken," Neal commented, looking over L.J.'s shoulder. L.J. dumped the chicken into the trash can and put the bowl on the counter to be washed.

"I really hate this task," Jackie commented as she pulled out a carton of eggs from behind some bottles of soda. Checking the date, she saw that they were good to 5/2068. She added the carton to the trash can.

"What is in that one?" Jeff asked, pointing to a clear container in the back of the top shelf.

"I don't know, but I think something just moved in it," Cassie said.

"You know, I haven't seen our furry friend, Mr. Mouse, lately. Maybe he got thirsty," L.J quipped.

"Ewww! Someone else get that thing. I'm not even touching the container," Jackie said, standing up and moving away from the fridge.

"I'll get it," Neal said. Neal stepped forward and grabbed the container. "I think my high school served this as their mystery meat," he said, taking a closer look at it. He dropped it in the trash can without opening it.

Shortly, the task of pulling things out of the fridge was over. They looked from the pile of containers on the counter to the trash can of bad food. A grin came to Neal's face as he looked at the trash can, where a chicken leg was still visible.

"You know, I was always wondering how far a chicken leg could fly. I've got a sling shot in my locker, and the East River would make a good firing range. Anyone up for a game?"

"I bet I can get one further than you!"

"No way, Kishi!" Neal told her.

"Get your slingshot, Grant," L.J. said, picking up the trash can. "I'll meet you on the roof." L.J. headed for the stairs.

"You guys are crazy," Lexis told them, even as she followed L.J. to watch the festivities.

Neal grabbed his sling shot and joined the rest of his coworkers on the roof of the fire station. They gathered on the side that was along the East River.

"I'm going first," Neal said as he joined them.

"You may want a pair of these," Cassie told him, handing him a pair of vinyl gloves she had grabbed from downstairs.

"What are you doing with a sling shot anyway?" Jackie asked as Neal slipped on the gloves.

"It's my son's. He was shooting marbles at the cat, so I confiscated it on the way out the door," he replied. He eyed the trash can of bad food and selected his ammunition. Taking out the chicken leg, he stepped to the edge of the roof. "Bombs away!" he commented as he took aim and fired. The rotten chicken leg sailed through the air and made a splash as it hit the East River. "Beat that!" he said turning around.

Gloves on, and egg in hand, Cassie took the slingshot from him.

Thanks to Lillehafrue for batting around ideas with me on this post!


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1751 is a reply to message #1750] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: MagicMaster8 Sent: 6/27/2007 6:00 PM

September 10th, 5:30 P.M.

Brandon walked down the path leading to the beach. Wanting some time alone, he was heading to his special place. As he continued down the path, he tuned into the jungle sounds, listening to the birds and various insects. A sound behind him made him stop.

Thinking it was Gordon trying to sneak up behind him, he turned quickly around. Instead of the copper-haired prankster, he saw a German Shepherd sitting there, looking at him quizzically, his tongue hanging out.

"Well, hello there, big guy. You must be Rommel; Gordon told me about you." Brandon put his hand out for the dog to smell. After a few sniffs, he licked the back of Brandon's hand.

"Hey, Rom likes you. Of course, he likes everybody he meets."

Brandon turned his attention from the dog to its owner, introducing himself. '"Hello. You must be Luke Morel. I'm Brandon McCain. Gordon mentioned you on our flight back from Christchurch."

Luke held out his hand and grasped Brandon's firmly. "Nice to meet you. I heard something had happened to your parents. Hope things are looking better now."

"Things are looking better. My parents are undergoing more therapy and, with luck, should be back to a normal routine soon."
Rommel grew tired of the lack of attention and began nudging Brandon's leg. Without thinking, he reached down and scratched the dog behind the ear.

"You're just a big love, aren't you?" Brandon said, continuing to scratch Rommel's ear. "I think you and Rocky would get along just fine."

Luke merely rolled his eyes. "He's a vicious killer, isn't he? Rom, come." He snapped his fingers and the dog instantly trotted back to Luke's side. "We were out exploring," he explained. "It's a lot different than the Rockies."

Brandon smiled widely. "If you like, I can show you around the island some time. I've done some exploring myself and can point out some interesting places."

Luke nodded. "That'll be great, thanks." He sat down on a nearby log and pulled a chocolate bar out of his pack. "So, you're an aquanaut? Did you serve in WASP?"

Brandon nodded. "I was assigned to the Tigershark for ten years. After that, I served with the Rescue Patrol."

"Nice. Did you see any action?"

"I saw some action. The biggest incident I was involved in was the rescue of some scientists at an underwater research station off the coast of Africa."

Luke's eyes widened. "Wow. Sounds like some rescue." He idly scratched Rom's head. "I've done a few rough ones. Snow and rock stuff mostly." He shook his head. "The plane crash about a month ago was pretty bad." His eyes took on a faraway look as he remembered. Then he shook himself. "But there's always the good stuff to win out over the bad."

"I know what you mean. You get out there and do your job, wondering if what you do is worth it. Then you see the results of your efforts and know all your hard work paid off."

Luke nodded. "Right." Then he chuckled. "I never thought I'd be working for International Rescue though. Talk about hard work!"

Brandon laughed. "Tell me about it." He looked up, noticing the setting sun. "We'd better head back. It'll be dark soon."

"Good idea. I don't know the area well enough to go tromping through the jungle at night." He stood up and Rom stood with him. "I guess I'll see you around then."

"Probably will, since we're neighbors." Brandon replied as he and Luke, with Rommel between them, started down the path.

Post by Magicmaster8 and Lillehafrue


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1752 is a reply to message #1751] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Hobbeth Sent: 6/27/2007 9:31 PM

Monday, September 10, 7:30 AM; Tracy Industries D.C. offices (11:30 PM on Tracy Island)

"Lena!"

She looked up to see Tom standing in the doorway, his look of surprise changing to one of delight. She got up and smiled back at him as she walked around the desk. "I know; why didn't I tell you I was returning? I didn't want a fuss made. My doctor cleared me to return last Friday, and I saw no reason to postpone it."

He moved into the room and hugged her. "Well I, for one, am glad you're back. I don't know how you were able to do everything. Louise and I ended up splitting things between us. She took care of representing the department at those meetings you were always going to, while I handled things right here. And somehow we were able to muddle through without causing the whole place to come crashing down around our ears."

She chuckled, then asked, "You never went to any of de meetings?"

"Well, I did go to a few at the beginning, and I've been to them when you've gone on your other trips. But I found myself growing impatient faster and faster. I asked Louise to take over going to some of them, and she was able to handle them a lot better. She even gave me very concise overviews of what went on. So we decided that she would take the meetings, and I would cover things here. It worked out well. I hope you don"t mind."

"No, I don't. Has anyone else said anyting about dis arrangement? I mean have any otter supervisors said anyting?"

His smile was rueful. "Only one. And I bet you can guess who."

She snorted a laugh. "I'm sure I can. So I won't take dat bet."

"Lena!"

She and Tom turned to see Louise in the doorway. "Yes, Louise, I'm back. And before you ask, I didn't tell you all because I didn't want you to make a fuss."

"Well, okay," Louise replied, as she moved into the room and hugged Lena, unconsciously imitating Tom. "But I do think it's mean of you," she continued with a twinkle in her eye, "to deprive us of a chance of having a party."

When the chuckles died down, Lena said, "Okay, you two. Go take care of anyting you need to at your desks. I promised my doctor I'd go see Dr. Miller, and I'll be heading to his office shortly. When I return, I'll want you two to come in and fill me in on what's been going on while I was gone. Let's say, around 10."

They agreed and left her office. She finished checking her emails and walked out around 8:30. She was spotted by another member of her team, who led the calls of "Welcome back", peppered with a "You should have told us you were coming back" or two. She dealt with them, and fifteen minutes later, was on the elevator, heading to the floor where the company doctor had his office and clinic.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1753 is a reply to message #1752] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/27/2007 9:39 PM

Tuesday, September 11, 2068, 1:30 p.m., Tracy Island

"Hello, Anna," Jeff said as he offered his hand to the counselor. "Welcome back."

"Nice to be back, but from what I've seen you won't be enjoying the sunshine for long," Anna said as she stepped out of the mail plane. "We flew through some rain on the way here. It's moving east."

"That's what Brains told me this morning," Jeff said as he took her bag. They fell into step, crossing the tarmac and heading for the cart. "You've got a choice this time; the guest room at the main house, or your new bedroom-slash-office suite in the Round House. Lisa and Mother put the finishing touches on the latter over the weekend."

"Well, since you went to all that trouble..." Anna replied with a grin.

Jeff 's reply was cut off by Juan's approach. "I've got some registered mail for you, Mr. Tracy," he said, holding out a small stack of thick plastic envelopes. Jeff put Anna's bag in back of the cart, and took each of the pouches, one by one, affixing his thumb to the little scanner lock on each of them. The stiff plastic container would open with a small sound, and Juan extracted the contents, placing them in the bin that sat on the cart's back seat. Anna had taken the passenger's spot, and was watching the process with mild curiosity.

"That's it, Mr. Tracy," Juan said when Jeff had put his thumbprint on the last one. "If you'd just sign here..." Jeff took the proffered data pad and added his signature, as Juan continued, "The rest of the mail is already in the basket. There's a cargo plane due out on Thursday."

"All right, thanks, Juan. We'll see you Thursday, then."

"You certainly get a lot of registered mail," Anna said as they headed up to the Round House. Behind them, the little mail plane taxied down the runway and up into the darkening sky.

"Occupational hazard," Jeff said with a shrug and a chuckle. "Even these days there are contracts and such that need physical documents."

They pulled up to the Round House, where Emily waited at the bottom of the steps. "As soon as I saw Juan taking off, I'd knew you wouldn't be long. Dianne's a bit busy with the children's schooling, so maybe you and I can have a chat over lunch, and I can show you your new quarters."

"Sounds like a plan to me, Emily," Anna said as she alighted. Jeff handed her overnight bag to his mother, while Anna shouldered her laptop's case.

"I'll see you two ladies later," he said as he got back in the cart. "Give me a call if you need the cart."

"See you later, Jeff," Anna replied. Then she turned and fell in step with Emily as they climbed the stairs together.

On arrival back in the lounge, Jeff pulled the pile of registered letters from the bin. He knew Cherie would handle delivering the rest of the mail once school was over. Sitting behind his desk, he began sorting through the envelopes. Hmm. This one is pretty hefty. Wiltshire, England? Why does that ring a bell?

He opened the padded envelope, and peered inside, then dumped the contents on his desk. A wristcomm, a satellite phone, and a business sized envelope, addressed to him. He frowned as he put the two bits of hardware aside, and opened the letter.

Dear Mr. Tracy,

This letter is to be considered my resignation from your employ and from the larger concern in which you are involved. I have given the matter much thought, and on the advice of your son, John, I have decided to stay here in England and pursue a career here. My decision is not due to any misstep or abuse on your part; it is in response to my own needs and some unexpected opportunities that I have been offered. I am returning the technology you generously loaned to me, and respectfully ask that my things be packed up and shipped to me at the address above.

I wish you and your family all the best and hope that we might meet again at some other time. Best wishes for all your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Katy-Jane Williamson


Jeff huffed out a frustrated breath and shook his head, then read the letter through again. Laying the letter down, he reached over and toggled a switch. "John?"

In Thunderbird Three's silo, John touched his watch and replied, "Yes, Dad?"

"Please come up to the lounge immediately. I need to speak with you."

"Yes, sir." He exchanged a glance with Alan, who shrugged. "I'm on my way."

A few moments later, John entered the lounge. Jeff was reading a letter, but he looked up and beckoned his son to come closer. When John reached the desk, his father handed him a piece of paper.

"Read this through carefully, John, then tell me: just what did you say to Kat?"


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1754 is a reply to message #1753] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 6/27/2007 10:23 PM

Tuesday, September 11, 2068, 3:30 pm Tracy Island

"So what do you two think?" Jeff asked his two oldest sons, as Virgil placed the last of the applications on the desk. "Any of the applicants HR sent us stand out."

"Well, Robert McFall has the most experience of any of them, and being from San Francisco, has experience in both the city and with forest fires."

"But he doesn't have any EMT or language skills," Virgil countered.

"We said those were a plus, not a necessity."

"Virgil has a point though, Scott," Jeff said to his oldest son. "The other two candidates both have some of the extra skills that could come in handy out in the field. Etienne Boucher knows German and English as well as his native language, and Cassandra Kishi knows Japanese along with being a paramedic."

"A paramedic out in the field could come in handy," Scott conceded. "She only has five years experience as a firefighter though, compared to Etienne's nine years. Any idea how good she is?"

"HR has talked to her current supervisor, Frank Calloway. He says Cassandra Kishi is one of his best. I also noticed that she listed Luke Morel as one of her personal references. I've asked Luke here to get his opinion," Jeff replied.

"I noticed Etienne has a wife and three children too. Once he finds out what the job really entails he may back out," Virgil pointed out.

Before any of them could say anything else there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Jeff called out. As he expected, Luke walked into the lounge.

"You wanted to see me, Mr. Tracy?" Luke said. Seeing both Scott and Virgil there he wondered what was going on.

"Yes, Luke. Do you know a Cassandra Kishi?"

"She's a good friend of mine. I met her three years ago during those wildfires out in California. Why?"

"Well, she's applied for a position with Tracy Industries, a position that is actually another cover position for IR. I'd like to know your opinion of her."

"Like I said, I met her three years ago. She came out with a group of firefighters from New York City to help. We were part of a group that was sent out to find some missing hikers. She's very focused and knows her profession well. She can be a bit set in her ways when she knows she's right, but when she isn't sure of something she isn't afraid to admit it or ask for advice."

"Do you think she'd be a good fit for the team?"

"Definitely," Luke said confidently. "Cassie is a person who rises to a challenge. I know she loves her job. She likes being able to help people."

"If she likes her job so much, why is she looking for another one?" Scott asked.

"That's something you'd have to ask her," Luke said, not feeling it his place to reveal that kind of information. "I do know she's applied elsewhere. One place wanted an answer from her toward the end of the week."

"I think she's the best choice of the three, Dad," Virgil said speaking up.

Jeff nodded. "I agree. Scott?"

Scott nodded. Virgil had a good point when he said Etienne might be unwilling to take the job due to his family. Not to mention, Cassandra had the paramedic skills that the other two didn't possess.

"Okay then, I'll contact Marley and tell him to set up bringing Cassie out to the island for an interview. Seeing as she has other offers, I'll tell him to get it set up as soon as possible," Jeff said, looking at his schedule. "Friday looks good. Luke, if you can figure out a way to tell her not to accept any other offers before talking to me, without raising suspicion, it would be helpful. Marley will probably contact her tomorrow about the second interview so it would be best to wait until then."

"I'll see what I can do," Luke told him.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1755 is a reply to message #1754] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 6/27/2007 10:24 PM

Tuesday, September 11, 2068 12:30 p.m. locally (Wednesday, September 12, 2068 4:30 a.m. Tracy Island)

"Pizza is ready," Cassie called from the kitchen to the two in the living room.

Mark was playing Candy Land with his seven-year-old neighbor, Megan. Megan lived in the apartment next door with her mother, Elise. Elise had gotten the opportunity to work an extra shift, and being a single mom, could use the money. She had asked Mark to watch Megan and, as it was Mark's day off, he had been more than happy to.

"Perfect timing," Mark told his sister as he followed Megan into the kitchen. "I was getting beaten for the seventh time."

"You never were any good at Candy Land," Cassie commented, as she put a plate with a slice of pizza and a glass of Kool-aid down on the table in front of Megan.

"Don't rub it in," Mark told her, as he got his own pizza off the pan sitting on the stove.

"Can we play Go Fish after lunch?" Megan asked Mark, as he sat down at the table next to her.

"Sure," he told her. He was glad she didn't still want to play Candy Land. Maybe he'd have better luck at the card game.

Cassie was about to sit down with them when the phone rang. She walked over to the phone and checked the caller ID. Tracy Industries, it read. Growing excited, she picked the phone up.

"Hello."

"Is Cassandra Kishi there?"

"This is she," Cassie replied.

"Ms. Kishi, this is Robert Marley with Tracy Industries. We spoke last Thursday at your interview. I'm pleased to inform you that Mr. Tracy himself would like to interview you. Would you be able to leave Thursday? You'll be gone for a few days."

"It shouldn't be a problem," Cassie told him, making a mental note to talk to the Chief as soon as she got to work.

"Good. Mr. Tracy will interview you at his home. We booked you on a 9:00 a.m. flight out of JFK Airport on Thursday morning. We'll arrange for a cab to pick you up at your home at 7:00 a.m. that morning."

"Exactly where am I flying to?"

"For security reasons, I can't give you that information over the phone. Just give your name to the person at the ticket window for Delta Airlines when you get to the airport. You'll find out where you're going then."

"Okay," Cassie said, starting to feel a little uneasy. She didn't like not knowing where she was going. She had a feeling her brother would like it even less. "So, that's a flight this Thursday, at 9:00 a.m. and a cab will be here at seven that morning to take me to the airport."

"That's correct. Hope your flight is pleasant and good luck with your interview. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here at the office."

"Thank-you. Good-bye."

"Good-bye, Ms. Kishi."

Cassie hung up the phone. She looked toward the table to see her brother looking at her expectantly.

"That was Tracy Industries. They're asking me back for a second interview, this one with Mr. Tracy himself. I leave on Thursday!"

"That's great, Cassie! What are you going to do about the Thornville offer? Didn't they want an answer by Thursday?"

"Not sure yet, but I've still got two days to think about it," she told him as she grabbed her pizza and drink off the table and joined Mark and Megan.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1756 is a reply to message #1755] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: ArtisticRainey Sent: 6/28/2007 7:43 AM

Wednesday, September 12, 2068. 9:30 a.m. Tracy Island.

Jeff held up his arm as his watchcomm bleeped.

"Jeff Tracy here," he said.

"Mr Tracy? It's Dominic. There's something I need to discuss with you. It's rather important. Would it be possible to meet with you at some point?"

"Of course, Dominic. Come see me in my study at 9.30 tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, sir," the younger man said.


Jeff thought back on the exchange as he sat behind his wide, polished desk in the study. Dominic had been looking progressively haggard over the past week or so and he had been on the verge of asking his wife to call Dominic in and find out what was wrong when he had received the man's call. I hope this isn't something I won't like hearing. Especially since Kat has just quit.

The door knocked, and he beckoned Dominic to enter. The gangly dark-haired man seemed paler than usual. He was clutching a mess of papers in his hands.

"Hullo, Mr Tracy," he said. "Thanks for seein' me."

"Have a seat, Dominic. How can I help?"

Dominic perched on the edge of the chair on the opposite side of Jeff's desk.

"Mr Tracy, the papers on my divorce finally came through. It's official; I'm a single man again."

Jeff was about to congratulate him, but the look on Dominic's face told him not to, and he let the man continue uninterrupted.

"Unfortunately, my now official ex-wife is trying to sue for custody of Joshua."

Jeff was silent for a few moments, before shaking his head. This explained everything.

"I can't see that she'll have a leg to stand on, Dominic," he said. "I'd be happy to extend the services of one of my lawyers."

"I can't see that she'll have any luck either, and thank you for your kind offer. I've gotten in touch with my own back in Kansas. He's handling things for me right now."

"I appreciate your keeping me up to date on things," Jeff said. "Any leave you need, you can have."

"That's exactly what I was about to ask you about. I may need a few days to go back to the States. Hopefully she'll get the hint and quit while she's ahead. I mean, she only saw him on the day he was born. After that, she was gone."

Jeff nodded in agreement.

"Well, keep me informed about the situation. And if there's anything else you need, just ask."

"Thank you very much, Mr Tracy," Dom said. "I appreciate it."

Dominic stood and made his goodbyes, and Jeff watched him retreat with a straighter back and seemingly unburdened with his troubles. I recall Dianne warning of this back in April. I wonder what she'll have to say now...


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1757 is a reply to message #1756] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/30/2007 12:17 PM

Wednesday, September 12, 2:30 a.m. Beijing, China (same day, 6:30 a.m., Tracy Island)

The huge aircraft sat on the jetport tarmac, but not in its usual spot. It was being readied for two very distinguished and precious passengers. Spotlights surrounded the plane, moving occasionally to illuminate various sections as needed. Workers in HAZMAT suits cleaned the special cargo hold thoroughly, making sure that the passengers would not pick up some stray virus or bacteria en route to their new home. Others hosed the plane down, scrubbing the worst places, making sure everything looked clean and sparkling for any possible photo opportunities connected with this particular flight.

In all the hubbub and the intermittent darkness, no one noticed the men who were scrubbing the outside of the engines. No one noticed as one used a long pole to reach far inside the turbines, a dangerous procedure. The men did this not only once, but twice, targeting two of the jet's four engines. Then they finished their scrubbing, and departed with the rest of the cleaning crew. It would be another hour before the jet was given its final inspection, and the special passengers were loaded for transport. The inspectors would find nothing amiss with the engines; the devices that had been planted were relatively small, and placed in the turbines as to be virtually undetectable. All that the men -- and those who paid them so handsomely -- had to do was sit back, and wait for disaster to strike.

to be continued...


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1758 is a reply to message #1757] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/30/2007 1:14 PM

Wednesday, September 12, 2068, 3 p.m. on Tracy Island (Tuesday, September 11, 2068, five hours after take-off, somewhere over the Pacific, locally)

"China Airways flight 7002, Beijing to Santiago, what is your ETA?"

Cao Liang glanced over at the pilot, graying veteran Xu Cai, who sighed. She turned her head to glance at the communications officer, her companion for so many trans-Pacific flights.

"Please tell both Santiago and Beijing that we are on schedule."

"Yes, Captain." Liang gave the pilot a grave nod and turned back to the radio bank.

"Do you think both cities are asking?" queried Dou Cheng, the young co-pilot. He was new to the team, and although he had already made several flights with Cai and Liang, Cai still felt he was wet behind the ears.

"With what we are carrying within the fragile goods hold? Yes. Both will ask." Cai turned back to her instruments, then said, "Please ask Han Xiong how our most delicate passengers are faring."

"Yes, Captain," Cheng responded. He toggled a switch to change the frequency to an interior one, and clicked his microphone twice. "Han Xiong? The captain would like to know how the pandas are doing." As an afterthought, he added, "And their attendants, too."

Xiong, a good-looking flight attendant, answered the call. "I am about to descend to the hold with the attendants' meals. I will be able to tell you more when I am finished."

"Understood. Cheng out."

Xiong smiled at his co-worker, Na Shu Bai. "It seems the captain is anxious on this flight."

Na Shu shrugged, and pulled a tray of food from the warmer. "She has been taking care to make the flight smooth. I don't think we've hit even one pocket of turbulence so far."

"Watch," Xiong said with a chuckle. "Now that you've said it, it will happen."

"Here," Na said, handing him a tray, which he slid into a padded carrier. "You'd best go down to the hold and feed the pandas' attendants. I will start over the wings." She glanced up. "Mei and Shan have started with the forward section already."

"All right," Xiong replied. He closed the carrier and held it firmly as he opened a hatch across from the rear galley. "I will be back in a few minutes, then I can help."

Na nodded, and positioned the cart for the starboard aisle, then started rolling the cart down the port aisle. Xiong would do the starboard side when he returned.

Xiong carefully navigated the narrow stairs down to the fragile cargo hold. It was pressurized and climate controlled, made for handling animals, fragile plants, and the occasional odd bit of delicate technology, in any weather. Usually a cargo handler from the airline would be stationed here to keep an eye on things, but not this time. This time the two built-in seats were occupied by a husband and wife, Lang Zhen and Lang Jiao, both employees of the Beijing Zoo. The cargo, a pair of pandas, one male, one female, were a gift from China to Chile at a time when the two countries found themselves in a rather delicate diplomatic state. Because of the pandas' presence, no other animals were permitted to fly in this hold on this flight, though Xiong knew full well there were at least two Search and Rescue dogs on the main passenger deck.

The flight attendant had wrinkled his nose at the musky animal small as he descended, but made sure his face was schooled into a pleasant expression by the time he reached the hold's floor. He found Jiao, the veterinarian of the pair, inside the large, well-ventilated boxes, checking the vital signs of her charges. Zhen was reading the flight magazine and looked up with a smile at Xiong's approach.

"Ah, dinner... or luncheon perhaps?" he asked as Xiong set up the side tray and swung it around in front of the trainer.

"Luncheon, if you go by Beijing time," Xiong replied with a smile. "Very late supper according to Santiago."

"Ah!" Zhen said as he opened the pre-cooked, pre-wrapped meal. "No matter. I am hungry."

"So am I," said Jiao. "But I must wash my hands first. I will return in a moment."

Xiong nodded, and placed her meal on the tray. "I will leave this here. I must return to the passenger deck. If you need anything..."

"I know," Zhen said, pointing to an intercom over his shoulder. "Just call."

Xiong smiled, then followed in Jiao's wake as she climbed to the deck to find the lavatory. He himself washed his hands in the galley, then started pushing his cart down to begin feeding the other passengers.

While Xiong was in the hold, Na began to distribute the meals she had warmed. A few people had requested special plates, and one of these was Hua Chen-Ramirez. She and her son, ten-year-old Diego, were returning from China after having been to her brother's wedding. It had been a joyful time, and a stressful one, too, as Hua was diabetic, and the meals cooked by her mother were not exactly conducive to a diabetic diet. Diego had insisted on a seat where he could watch the engines, though now, five hours into their flight, he'd lost interest and was instead reading one of the comic books he'd purchased in Beijing. It was in English, which Diego was learning in school, and he was working hard to pick out the words in the dialog balloons.

"Here you are, madam," Na said as she laid the meal tray in front of Hua. Diego already had his, and was diligently eating, taking an occasional sip from his cup of soda.

"Thank you, miss," Hua replied with a smile. She tore off the protective cover. "This looks very tasty. I'm sure I will enjoy it."

"You are welcome," Na replied, still smiling as she moved on to the passengers on the other side.

The cabin was full of delicious smells, and people quieted as they were fed. Na emptied her cart and headed back to the galley for more trays and drinks. She glanced across the middle bank of seats. Xiong wasn't far behind her.

She had just gotten the cart into its locked position, ready for refilling, when the plane gave a mighty lurch, one that slammed Na into the galley's wall. People on the port side screamed, and one cried out, "The engine!"

to be continued...


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1759 is a reply to message #1758] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:38 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/30/2007 2:25 PM

Diego had just looked up and out the window when he saw it. The engine nearest the plane exploded, spewing bits of metal. He screamed out, "The engine!", his shout added to other screams as the plane bucked and shuddered. He glanced again, and added, "It's on fire!" as he backed instinctively away from the long trail of flame.

In the cockpit, Captain Xu and her crew felt it too. Warning lights blinked fiercely red and sirens whooped all around them.

"Number Two engine is on fire!" Cheng shouted above the clamor.

"Shut it down!" Cai cried, fitting action to words. The engine stopped running, and the warning lights went out abruptly. The sirens ceased, but an urgent beeping showed that all four attendant stations were calling, trying to discover what had happened.

Back in the passenger section, Diego's eyes widened and he shouted again, "The engine! The fire's out!" All around him people echoed his cry; some sighed with relief, while others called loudly, demanding to know what happened. The plane began to dip toward the left, banking through some clouds.

"Restart engine Two!" Cai said sharply. Cheng nodded curtly and did so. The red engine indicator blinked furiously, flickered green, blinked red again, then finally flashed green and stayed that way.

Cai checked her instruments. "Good. Two is back on line." She breathed a relieved sigh, then speared her co-pilot with a look, and swore. "What happened?"

Cheng shook his head. "I don't know. Engine Two is functioning on half power," he squinted at one of the controls, "and we are losing fuel from the port tanks."

Liang chose that moment to speak. "Santiago reports we are off course and asks the reason."

"Tell them that we had a mechanical problem with engine Two. It has been restarted, and we are correcting course. Then answer the cabin crew's calls." She glanced at Cheng. "Go back and see to our cargo personally. Report to me when you get there."

"Yes, Captain." Cheng unbuckled his restraints, and slipped between the seats. He paused at the door from the cockpit. "Should I visually check for damage to the wing?"

"Yes," Cai said, nodding. "It would be helpful to know how bad it is. I will set the computer to record and estimate fuel loss. We need to know if we can make it to Santiago or can turn back and land elsewhere." Her lips thinned. "Then I will make an announcement to the passengers."

"Yes, Captain." Cheng nodded once and left the cockpit.

"With your permission, Captain, I will set up the computer," Liang said firmly. "Your announcement cannot wait."

Cai sat still for a moment, then sighed. "You are right, Liang. I will make the announcement now. I hope they will understand my; my Spanish is not good."

"At least your English is passable," Liang replied with a grin as his fingers flew over the computer's keys.

"For that I am thankful." Cai reached for the microphone, and in Mandarin, began, "This is your captain speaking. We are experiencing difficulties with one of our engines..."

to be continued...


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1760 is a reply to message #1759] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 6/30/2007 2:34 PM

The walk back to the hold access was harder than Cheng thought it would be. The flight attendants were all busy with the passengers, helping to mop up meals, and tending to injuries. He spoke with each one on the starboard side as he made his way back. Disentangling himself from the passengers was difficult at first; he couldn't remember how many times he said, "Sir/Madam, please sit down and buckle your restraint", to someone pleading or demanding to know what was happening. Then Cai began her series of announcements, and he found the going easier as people began to listen to her. He was surprised to find Na working on the starboard side instead of the port, where she could usually be found.

"Xiong's gone down to the hold," she told him when he asked. "Mei's helping me out on port while he checks on the pandas."

"That's where I'm heading, then I'll be going back up through the port aisle to check on the damage." He frowned as he noticed her favoring her left arm. "Are you hurt?"

She smiled wearily. "Just bruised, I think. It hurts, but..." She gazed out over the passenger, and shrugged with her right shoulder. "They're more important now."

"True, but make sure Xiong or Mei take a look at it soon," he directed. "I'll be back up shortly."

Na nodded, and Cheng went on his way.

xxxx

Diego and his mother looked up as Mei stopped by their row, a young man in uniform at her elbow. She smiled, and sketched a small bow. "Could I trouble you to stand up for a moment?" she asked, using Mandarin first. "Our co-pilot needs to ascertain the damage to the wing."

"Of course," Hua said, replying in the same tongue. She switched to Spanish. "Diego, come with me. This gentleman needs to see the wing."

"Yes, Mother," Diego said dutifully. He slid out into the aisle with his mother, and watched Cheng slip into his seat. Cheng frowned, and shook his head.

Diego cleared this throat and asked, "What is that stuff coming from the wings?"

Hua tried to shush him, but Cheng looked at her with a questioning glance and asked, "What did he say?"

"He asked what that liquid was that's coming from the wing," Hua translated.

Cheng was caught between telling the boy the truth, which would likely spark a panic among the passengers, or a lie, which was uncomfortable for him personally, but might keep things calmer. "Hydraulic fluid," he said after a moment's hesitation. He ruffled Diego's hair. "Don't worry about it."

Hua translated again, then Diego, full of the things he had seen, said, "You should have seen the big ball of fire..."

Now, Hua shushed him more firmly. "Do not speak of it. This man is busy and must return to the cockpit."

Diego sighed heavily, and nodded. Cheng, though puzzled by the dialog, nonetheless realized that the mother was clamping down on the boy. He slid out of the seats and stood aside, letting the passengers return. "Thank you very much for your assistance," he said, giving them a little bow.

Mei moved in briefly. "Are you comfortable? Please fasten your restraints." When satisfied that the pair was settled, she ran interference for Cheng on his way back to the cockpit.

xxxx

Liang made a noise that caught Cai's ear, a sort of strangled sound born of frustration and something more. "Report, Liang."

"According to the computer, we're losing fuel at a rate which will make it impossible to make landfall."

Cai let that set in, blinking a bit. "Impossible? We cannot make it to an airstrip or land anywhere?"

Liang shook his head. "We will go down in the ocean."

The captain took a deep breath and began to swear, long and creatively. When she was finished, she asked, "Do you know what this will mean?"

"Yes, I do."

Their conversation was interrupted by Cheng's return. "Report," Cai instantly demanded.

"The pandas are well, and their keepers are shaken but unhurt. Xiong was already there when I arrived." Chang returned to his seat and fastened himself in.

"And the wing?"

Cheng made a face before turning his attention to the instrument panel. "Fuel is draining from a number of small holes in the bottom of the wing. Shrapnel must have hit the underside. It doesn't look bad from here."

Cai and Liang exchanged glances. "It is bad," Cai said bluntly. "We will not be able to make land."

Cheng looked up sharply. "No? Not at all?"

Liang shook his head, and Cheng turned to see him. "Not at all. We will have to take her down on the sea and pray we don't break up."

"We shouldn't do that, Liang," Cai said waving a hand. "This plane's built as solidly as the Fireflash. Two of them went down in one piece. And, as a result of the Fireflash's crash record, we have flotation devices."

"But night is falling," Cheng argued. "One misstep, and those flotation devices won't do any good."

"Plus we are far from the shipping lanes," Liang added. "It will take time for ships to find us, possibly too long."

"And there are the pandas," Cai said sourly. "If we take on water..."

The three crew members looked at each other, the Cai sighed. "Liang, to prevent an international incident, we need international help. Let Santiago and Beijing know, then call International Rescue."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1761 is a reply to message #1760] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: TracyFan4Ever Sent: 7/1/2007 4:31 PM

******Wednesday, September 12, 2068; Thunderbird Five; 3:10 p.m. (Tracy Island time)******

After eating a good lunch and watching SportsCenter in the lounge, Callie was busy flagging calls, checking if any would require International Rescue's services. In the back of her mind, though, was what her college alma mater would have to face the following Saturday. Alabama's won both their games, she thought, but the team's had its troubles with Florida's tough defense. The coaching staff really needs to concentrate on stopping them so the offense can penetrate and--

"Calling International Rescue. Calling International Rescue, this is China Airways Flight 7002. We have an emergency."

Oriental by the voice, she thought as she quickly ran to the controls and pressed a button, making communication with the plane. "This is International Rescue, receiving your call strength five. Please state your emergency."

"One of our port engines has exploded, and we are losing fuel from the tanks."

"Do you have any injuries on board?"

"From what our flight attendants have reported, no one is seriously injured at present. However, we will have to crash into the ocean. There are no available places to land at this time."

Callie knew this wasn't a good situation. They're over open ocean. "Flight 7002, please give me your present position, speed, and direction."

After receiving the information from the communication officer, she said, "Thank you. Please stand by for further information."

"Wait, please; there's something important you must be told. We have two pandas on board, along with their trainer and their veterinarian. They are on loan from the Beijing Zoo to Santiago, Chile. If we don't get them to the Santiago Zoo alive and well, this could create an international incident."

"I see. All right, we'll get help to you as soon as we possibly can." She pressed the button to stop communication with the plane and pressed another to contact Jeff. "Base from Thunderbird Five. Base from Thunderbird Five, come in please."

******Tracy Island (in the Lounge)******

Jeff was typing an order for supplies to the office in Chicago when he saw John's eyes light up in the portrait. He pressed a button to open communication. "Go ahead, Callie."

"Sir, we have an emergency call from China Airways Flight 7002, en route from Beijing, China, to Santiago, Chile. One of their port side engines exploded, and fuel's leaking from the wing." After she gave pertinent details, including the two pandas, she added, "There's nowhere for the plane to land...except the ocean."

"If that plane takes on water, those pandas won't survive." Hitting the emergency button, he added, "I'll get the team organized immediately. In the meantime, I want you to contact the plane and tell the pilot to change course so the plane can get closer to the shipping lanes. Afterward, lock on to the plane's GPS signal."

"Yes, sir. Anything else?"

As he noticed some of the others entering the lounge, he answered, "Yes. Get an estimation of the probable crash site and send those coordinates when you use the maritime emergency frequency to send out a general call to all ships within 50 miles of the area."

"F-A-B. I'll contact the plane immediately. Thunderbird Five out."

As soon as the portrait changed back to John, Jeff was concerned. "Now this is really a job for International Rescue."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1762 is a reply to message #1761] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/4/2007 8:51 AM

Wednesday, September 12, 3:30 p.m., Tracy Island

"Where's Scott?"

Jeff's terse question made everyone in the room glance around for the pilot.

"He's gone to take Anna home and to do some shopping," Emily answered as she closed the door to the study behind her. "Dom, let me take Joshua for you."

Dom handed his son over. Standing next to him was Luke, who'd been gathered up by Virgil, their tour of Thunderbird Two cut short. The newcomer was taking in the atmosphere, which was getting increasingly tense.

Jeff's face went sour for a split second, then he sighed. "All right, folks, here's the run down. We have a commercial jet liner, flying from Beijing to Santiago, and it's going down. One of its engines exploded and they're losing fuel. They'll have to ditch in the Pacific. On board are two giant pandas, a gift from China to Chile, along with their trainers. We have to reach them before they hit water, help them get down safely, evacuate the passengers - including the pandas - and stick with them until transport arrives. Callie can give you up-to-the moment coordinates en route. Alan..."

Alan perked up and started for Thunderbird One's hangar, when Jeff called out again, "No. Not Alan. Elise."

Elise stood straighter in surprise. Jeff smiled grimly. "You should be right in your element with this one, Elise. You flew commercial jets, didn't you?"

"Yes, sir, I did!" Elise said crisply.

"Then on your way." Jeff indicated the entry to Thunderbird One's hangar, and Elise strode up to it. She put her back to the wall, pressed the tiny buttons on the wall sconces, and disappeared from sight.

Luke let out a tiny, "Whoa!"

"We'll need Four for this one, won't we, Dad?" Gordon asked, his expression eager.

"Yes. Virgil, off you go. Gordon, take Brandon with you." The two aquanauts made their way to the back of the room. Luke watched them, but turned around just in time to see the wall in the fully tilted position, then drop down smoothly. His eyes widened as he remembered what Virgil had told him about just how the pilot got into the Thunderbird Two's cockpit.

Jeff glanced up as Dianne quietly entered the room. "Nikki, Dom, you're our medical team on this one. Alan, John, there are well over 400 people on the plane; we'll need you two to help, especially John with translation. Tin-Tin?"

"Yes, sir?" She turned her green eyes in his direction as people began to disappear, leaving to catch the passenger elevator.

"I think you'll should go along. We may need an extra diver, and you're best at figuring out the logistics of getting those pandas out." He paused, then added. "Make sure you take some of that blue, waterproof goo of Brains's along. It may be of some help."

"F-A-B, sir," Tin-Tin said as she hurried off.

"Thunderbird One, requesting launch clearance." Elise's voice came over the radio.

Jeff put his earphone in, and took a quick glance at his computer screen, bringing up the scan of the surrounding area. It was clear of traffic. He motioned to Luke. "Look out towards the pool. You might want to see this." He tapped the earpiece once. "Launch clearance granted, Elise. Thunderbirds are go."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1763 is a reply to message #1762] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/5/2007 4:36 PM

Luke's eyes widened as he watched the pool retract and steam started billowing from the opening below it. The office gave a slight tremor and suddenly Thunderbird One shot out from her silo with a roar. He took an involuntary step backwards as the jet-wash briefly blocked his view. Almost instantly the giant rocket had disappeared from sight.

"Holy..."

A few moments later he heard another rumble and the green form of Thunderbird Two appeared, banking around in a tight circle as she made her way after her sister ship.

Luke turned to Jeff, his eyes still wide. "Sir, that was...I mean...Wow!"

Jeff chuckled. "Wow, indeed." He turned back to his desk. "Thunderbird One, what's your ETA?"

"About twenty minutes, Base," Elise replied.

"FAB." Jeff looked back down at his computer. "Now the hard part; we wait."
______________________

Elise kept Thunderbird One on an even course, following the co-ordinates Callie had sent down from Five. "Thunderbird One to Base, I'm almost in range....got them!" She circled around the jet, eyeballing the damage for herself as the onboard computers scanned the stricken vessel. "Ursa, can you patch me through to them?"

"FAB...Go ahead, Frankie."

"China Airways Flight 7002, this is International Rescue, can you hear me?" There was a brief pause.

"We are hearing you, International Rescue," a distinctly oriental voice replied. "One of our engines exploded and is at reduced power and the fuel is running low as well." There was a brief pause. "We do not have enough to make land."

"We'll take care of you, don't worry." She glanced down at her computer read-out. They have enough fuel for another hour or so, provided nothing else goes wrong. She quickly forwarded the information back to both Tracy Island and Thunderbird Five. She then opened communications with the plane again. "Ma'am, the rest of my team is on their way. Hold on a little longer."

"Thank you, International Rescue."

Elise matched her pace to that of the plane's and crossed her fingers. Virgil, hurry.

--first encounter by Lillehafrue


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1764 is a reply to message #1763] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/5/2007 4:39 PM

Wednesday, September 12, 2068. 4 p.m. Tracy Island time, en route to Danger Zone

The conversation amongst those in Thunderbird Two had been concentrated on one thing: pandas, pandas, pandas.

"I've never seen a panda before," Dom said. "Apart from in pictures, obviously."

"Me neither," Nikki replied.

"I saw a pair when I went to the National Zoo in D.C.," John said. "Xiu-Xiu and Bao. They were captivating to watch, even though they didn't really do anything."

"Are they as cute in real life as they seem on TV?" Nikki asked.

"Yeah, I guess they are."

"Well, I haven't seen any pandas, but I did see a rat as big as a Scottish terrier once," Dom said. "It was pretty cool, apart from the fact it was in my kitchen."

"Gross!" Nikki said. "What did you do?"

"I got one of those metal shopping baskets -- I think my mother 'acquired' it from a supermarket -- and fired it on top of it, and weighted it down with some phone books. It still managed to move the whole thing though! I sat on it until pest control arrived. Ick."

Dominic shuddered theatrically. Nikki still looked disgusted. Tin-Tin, slightly less affected, decided to change the subject back to pandas, as Alan looked like he was going to start quizzing the Irish nurse about the monster rat.

"The poor bears," she said. "I hope that they are all right."

"So do I, Tin-Tin, and not just because they're innocent animals," John said. "The diplomatic situation here is so delicate, they're not just a fancy present. If they don't get delivered, who knows what progress will be reversed?"

"Right," Gordon said. A small smile developed on his face. "Well, whatever happens, the politicians will just have to grin and bear it." There was a collective groan around the cockpit, and Gordon held up his hand for a high-five. "Anyone, anyone?"

John sat forward and reached out his hand...only to smack Gordon upside the head.

"Aw, man!"

--animal anecdotes by ArtisticRainey


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1765 is a reply to message #1764] Fri, 27 July 2012 23:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/7/2007 5:49 PM

"Look, Mama!" Diego's eyes were wide as saucers as he glanced out the window. "It's a Thunderbird!"

"A Thunderbird!" "Where?!" "I want to see it!" The word spread quickly, and people in the middle portion of the passenger's section began to get up, unbuckling their seat belts and moving toward the windows. Na and Xiong glanced at each other.

"I'll get Mei to help. You tell the captain." Xiong moved into his aisle, reminding people that they were to remain seated and to go back to their seats. He was stopped more than once by passengers who wanted to argue with him about it. Mei began to make her way toward the back along the port aisle, saying much the same thing. Na, meanwhile, had grabbed the microphone, and pressed a button to put her in contact with the cockpit.

"Captain. The passengers know that there is a Thunderbird out there and those in the center section are trying to see it..."

Cai spat out an oath. "Acknowledged, Bai Na. I will... deal with it." She signed off, and heaved a heavy sigh. "Please put me on the intercom, Liang, then advise the Thunderbird pilot of our small problem."

"Yes, Captain." Jiang flipped a few switches, then nodded toward Cai.

She picked up the microphone, and began, in Mandarin, "Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats and fasten your belts..."

Jiang picked up his own microphone. "Thunderbird One, this is China Airways flight 7002. We need your assistance..."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1766 is a reply to message #1765] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Hobbeth Sent: 7/9/2007 9:39 PM

September 11, 5:30 PM, aboard the world cruise ship Ocean Voyager, out of Brisbane, two time zones east of the IDL (3:30 the next day on Tracy Island)

"Bridge"

"Captain Rogers, this is Ensign Beck in the radio room. We've just gotten a call on the M.E.F. about a jet in trouble. One of its engines exploded, putting holes in the wing. They are losing fuel fast, and will be going down in the ocean. They have changed course, to get closer to the shipping lanes. International Rescue is helping, but has put out a call for assistance from any ships in the area."

"Did they give the approximate coordinates of where the jet would hit the water?"

"Yes, sir. I'm downloading them to the navigation computer on the bridge now."

"Hang on." The captain turned as the navigator on duty headed to him, with a piece of paper on which he had written the coordinates. "Ensign, did they say how soon the plane would crash?"

"Less than an hour, sir. International Rescue said they would advise of any changes in coordinates or time period."

"Advise them that we are heading to the current coordinates and monitor the M.E.F. for any updates. Keep me posted."

"Aye aye, Captain."

Captain Rogers hung up the phone and turned to the bridge crew. "There's a jet going down, and since International Rescue is assisting, there will be survivors, probably a large number of them. Lieutenant, advise our doctor that we may be receiving injured. Helm, change course, seven degrees to port." He picked up the phone again, dialed two digits and after a moment, said, "Engine room. We've received a rescue call. All ahead, full."

He received confirmation, disconnected, then picked up the phone again and dialed into the ship wide intercom. "Attention all passengers and crew. This is the captain. We have received a distress call that a jet is going down into the ocean and are changing course to assist. This will cause a delay in arriving in Santiago, which will mean your stay there will necessarily be shortened. Also, we will be taking on survivors, and could receive more than we have empty cabins for. If anyone can handle more people in their cabin, please let your purser know, so we can make the appropriate arrangements. Thank you for your cooperation."

xxxx

"Oh, dose poor people, Samuel. We must share our cabin wit dem. Don't you agree?"

"Of course, Delilah. Let's find de purser."

Samuel and Delilah Kitayi - Lena's parents - were aboard, on another leg of their world cruise. They were on deck reading, when the announcement came. Sam gave his book to his wife, who put it and hers in her bag. He helped her up and they headed inside.

They hadn't gone far, when they saw their purser, Joseph, being accosted by a tall blonde woman, expensively dressed. She was in a temper, and was lashing out verbally at him.

"This is unacceptable! How can the captain just arbitrarily make a decision like that?"

"It's maritime law, miss. Any ships in the vicinity of another transport in distress are legally bound to render any assistance. This will mean only a day or so delay in our arriving in Santiago. You won't be required to pay extra."

"Hmph! I'd better not. And don't expect me to take in any of your so-called survivors. I won't have it!"

"Shame on you, miss! How would you like it if you were one of de passengers on de jet, and couldn"t get saved because someone was too selfish to assist you?"

The purser and the woman turned and the woman looked down her nose at Delilah. "And just who are you to say such a thing to me?"

"This is Delilah Kitayi and her husband, Samuel, Miss Hightower. They have been on this cruise from the beginning. Mr. and Mrs. Kitayi, this is Desdemona Hightower, who joined us in Brisbane."

"Well, Mrs. Kitayi, I suggest you not butt in on a private conversation. This is between myself and the purser."

"Den I suggest, Miss Hightower, dat you not have such a loud conversation in a public area." Delilah turned to the purser. "My husband and I were coming to find you and let you know dat we are willing to share our cabin wit any of de survivors."

"Thank you, Mrs. Kitayi. If it becomes necessary to have you share, I'll see to it that cots are placed in your cabin." He touched the rim of his cap to them as they turned to head back to the deck.

Dez huffed and started to walk away. "Just don't bring any of those cots anywhere near my cabin, or there'll be hell to pay!"

As her husband held the door to the deck open for her to go through, Delilah said to him in Swahili, "What a bitch!"
He choked as he followed her back to their deck chairs.


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[Updated on: Tue, 20 December 2016 00:02]

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Re: Winds of Change [message #1767 is a reply to message #1766] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Nikki-browneyes1 Sent: 7/14/2007 9:39 AM

Aboard Thunderbird Two, en route to the Danger Zone

Nikki rolled her eyes at Gordon's comment. "He would be the one to say that,' she thought.

Nikki was glad for Tin-Tin's earlier subject change from the story of the rodent that lived in Dom's kitchen. After hearing about it, she felt as if little tiny feet were making their way down her back. She shivered slightly and thought about the pandas. A slight smile played on her lips which didn't go unnoticed by Brandon. He also noticed the faraway look she had.
He caught her eye. "Got something on your mind?"

Nikki blinked back to reality. "Oh, just thinking about the pandas. I hope they stay friendly."

"I'm sure they'll be sedated," Brandon replied.

"If my niece knew about how close I"m going to be to these pandas, she'd be jealous."

"Likes animals?"

"That would be an understatement. She loves them," she said. Nikki smiled again.

"It's a shame you can't take any pictures for her."

Nikki was about to reply when Virgil interrupted with the ETA. The nurse and aquanaut's conversation was soon abandoned when Gordon approached Brandon. He placed his hand on Brandon's shoulder. "We better get Thunderbird Four ready for action."

"FAB," Brandon answered before following Gordon to the yellow Thunderbird he shared with him.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1768 is a reply to message #1767] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/14/2007 12:59 PM

Wednesday, September 12, 4:45 p.m., Tracy Island (Tuesday, September 11, approx. 7:15 p.m., locally)

"Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One, what is your ETA?"

Virgil couldn't help but notice the tension in Elise's voice as he tapped his earpiece. "Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Two. ETA three minutes. We have you on visual."

"F-A-B, Thunderbird Two. I have you on visual as well." Elise still sounded tense though there was a dollop of humor in her voice when she added, "And you're a sight for sore eyes, too!"

Virgil grinned, but before he could respond, a blossom of flame shot out from the far side of the jet that Elise was pacing. "Holy...! What the hell was that!?"

"Looks like number four engine exploded," Elise said grimly, all trace of humor gone. "This plane is going down right now!"

The plane's angle increased sharply, and it banked toward Thunderbird One, the plume of flame trailing out like a tail beside it. Virgil upped his speed by a fraction, coming into line with the plane on the port side.

In the cockpit, Cai and Cheng were trying frantically to shut down number four engine. "Cut fuel to the engine!" she finally said. "See if that will allow the flame to burn out."

"Yes, captain," Cheng replied breathlessly. He flipped several switches, and suddenly, some of the strobing warning lights and piercing alarms cut off. A few lights still blinked balefully, and Cai took notice of which ones.

"Open up the fuel again. I will try to restart the engine."

"Yes, captain." Cheng flipped two switches, and Cai pushed a few buttons of her own.

"Captain, International Rescue asks for a status report," Liang called over his shoulder.

"Tell them we are trying to restart engine number four, and to stand by," Cai replied tersely.

"Yes, captain." Liang turned back to the communications panel.

In the cabin, the flight attendants were doing their best to calm the passengers. Diego, wide-eyed, tugged on his mother's sleeve. Remembering the reaction he got when he last shouted out what he saw, he lowered his voice. "Look, Mama, another Thunderbird!"

Hua smiled wanly. "I see, my son. But we are not safe yet. Listen to the attendants; they have instructions for us."

Mei gave her instructions to her section of the plane, then moved over to where Na had been working. Na herself was strapped in, holding an ice pack on her arm. The pain had grown over the past fifteen minutes, and she felt both nauseous and sleepy. What did I do to my arm? Could I have fractured it?

In the hold, a worried Jaio held her husband's hand. They had been asked to come up to the passenger cabin because of the emergency, but both had refused to go. The second, sickening jolt had rocked them both, but as Xiong had importuned them to stay in their seats and stay buckled in, they both were safe.

"Zhen, are you afraid?"

Zhen sighed. "Yes, I am, and as much for our charges as for ourselves. I know International Rescue is here to help us, but will they consider our pandas worthy of saving?"

Back in the cockpit, Cai swore. "I cannot get number four engine to restart." With a sigh, she turned to her crew. "Let the attendants know. Tell International Rescue. We are on our final approach."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1769 is a reply to message #1768] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: TracyFan4Ever Sent: 7/18/2007 7:27 PM

Continuing to observe the plane's GPS signal, Callie noticed the course changing. "Uh-oh, I'd better send out another signal on the M.E.F. The plane's altered course just slightly." She typed the information into the computer and sent out another message on the emergency frequency:

Attention, all ships in the vicinity of China Airways Flight 7002. The plane has shifted course. Please steer on a course of seven-three-eight magnetic.

She sat back in the chair and waited to see if any ships besides the cruise ship Ocean Voyager would still respond to the emergency situation.

******15 minutes later******

"Thank you very much, WNS Aumakua," she said. "We appreciate your assistance."

"Glad to help, International Rescue."

Pressing the button to contact the island, she said, "Base from Thunderbird Five. Come in, please."

******Tracy Island******

Jeff received the call in the lounge. "Go ahead, Ursa."

When her picture appeared, she said, "Sir, the plane changed course, but four ships are still responding to the situation. The Ocean Voyager cruise ship has a sick bay and can treat the injured. In addition, the World Navy is sending in the WNS Aumakua, the World Aquanaut Security Patrol will send in its Sand Devil hydrofoil, and a fishing vessel called the Lady Marmalade are all on the way to the new coordinates."

"That's excellent news. Those four ships will certainly help make things easier for us to get the pandas to Santiago. Getting the people and the pandas off the plane are the top priority at this time. Keep me up-to-date with constant reports."

"F-A-B, sir." Callie's image was replaced with John's photo.

Jeff rubbed his chin. The media knows about the two pandas. Let's just hope we don't get a nosy reporter in the middle of the rescue. I shouldn't worry about the team, though. They have a better understanding since Mr. Jordan's critical error in judgment. I guess we'll be putting the "international" into International Rescue with all the help we'll get.


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1770 is a reply to message #1769] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/18/2007 7:55 PM

"Roger that, Flight 7002," Elise said in response to Liang's terse message. She clicked on her earpiece. "Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One. They're on their final approach. Any suggestions?"

Virgil's eyebrow went up. "I thought you were the commercial airliner expert."

"I am," Elise replied, her tone totally serious. "But I can't see much of any way for us to help them down that's not either going to break them up or put us in the drink."

"Then I've got nothing either, Frankie," Virgil replied with a sigh. "This isn't like the KLA satellite. That bugger fit on my wing, and I was able to bring it in. The tailplane ramjets make it impossible for me to get underneath and provide lift."

"I know," Elise admitted. "At least this plane was in development at the same time as Fireflash. It should withstand a landing on the sea." Her incoming message light blinked at her. "They're calling. Be right back."

"Thunderbird One from Flight 7002." Liang sounded even more tense than before. "Do you have a plan?"

Elise took a deep breath. "Cut number two engine, Flight 7002, and stabilize your flight path. Gradually reduce your speed; get your flaps down and your nose in the air. Your plane is just about to become a duck."

"Copy that, Thunderbird One," Liang replied.

Cai looked murderous. "Some help they turned out to be," she muttered in Mandarin. "Inform the passengers. We are going down."

Elise paced the stricken plane down, watching with satisfaction as the nose began to rise, just as if they were coming in to land on a regular air strip. Speed began to lessen, flaps were down as far as they could go. The tail end of the plane dipped once into the water and rose; it dipped again, the water trying to keep hold of it as it rose a third time, mere meters above the surface now. Finally it settled in, and the rest of the plane eased down into the swells like a duck landing on a pond. Elise grinned and pulled up as bright yellow flotation cushions burst from confinement, filling rapidly with air and surrounding the plane with a neon corona.

"Flight 7002, from Thunderbird One. Nice work, Captain. Very nice work," Elise said in a relieved tone. "Now it's our turn."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1771 is a reply to message #1770] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 7/21/2007 10:45 AM

Brandon and Gordon were going through the checklist, preparing Thunderbird Four for launch the moment the pod opened.

"Power systems?"

"Check."

"Hydraulics system?"

"Check."

"Flotation bags?"

"Check."

"Oxygen tanks?"

"Check."

"That's it then," Brandon said. "Now all we can do is stand by."
Thunderbird 2 cockpit

The group on Thunderbird 2 watched as the wounded plane headed for the waters below. As it neared the ocean, Tin-Tin found herself praying the craft would stay in one piece. If it didn't, there job was going to be a whole lot harder.

She let out a sigh of relief as the flotation device of the plane deployed, keeping the plane on the surface. Around her, her teammates cheered. At least one thing seemed to be going right. Now, we just have to get those people off she thought. We just need Elise's next orders.

As if on cue from Tin-Tin's thought, Elise's voice came over the radio. "Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One."

"Thunderbird Two here. Go ahead, Frankie," Virgil replied.

"We need to get Sweet on board the plane to assess the situation so we can figure out a way to get those people off and onto the pod. The only way I can think of doing that is to have Thunderbird 4 take her over to the plane. If Sweet can get onto the starboard wing, she can board through the emergency exit located on the wing."

Virgil glanced over his shoulder to see if Tin-Tin had heard the message. She nodded to him as she stood and left the cockpit.

"F.A.B. Frankie. Sweet is joining Cousteau and Big Mac in Thunderbird 4," Tin-Tin heard Virgil reply, before the sounds of the cockpit faded away.

Thunderbird 4

"Cousteau from Van Gogh."

Gordon keyed the radio. "Go ahead, Van Gogh."

"Gordon, the plane is down. Flotation devices have deployed and so far the craft is staying on the surface. Sweet is on her way back. Frankie wants her on board the plane. You'll need to give her a lift over there."

"F.A.B. I'll let you know when we're ready for launch," Gordon replied

"Is everything ready?" Both men looked up to see Tin-Tin, now in scuba gear, standing there.

"We're good to go," Gordon replied. "Virgil just informed us of the situation."

"That's good," Tin-Tin replied. Turning to Brandon, she saw a strange look on his face. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Tin-Tin, just anxious to get in the water."

"Well, you won't have long to wait," she told him as she took a seat in the cockpit with them.

"Everyone buckled in?" Gordon asked, as he glanced at both of his companions to see them buckling their safety belts. He radioed Virgil that they were ready to launch. Moments later Thunderbird 4 was in the water. Gordon maneuvered the mini-sub toward the plane.

"So just how are we getting you on the wing of that plane?" Gordon asked.

"I was thinking that if you maneuver Thunderbird 4 close enough, I can climb out the top airlock and then onto the wing," Tin-Tin replied even as she left her seat and headed to the airlock.
"Sweet from Cousteau, I'm opening the outer airlock hatch now."

"F.A.B.," Tin-Tin replied. Above her, the airlock hatch opened. The wing of the plane loomed nearby.

Carefully, Tin-Tin boosted herself out of Thunderbird 4. Please keep this thing steady, Gordon, Tin-Tin thought as she stood up and stood next to the wing. Grabbing hold, she boosted herself up. Once there, she carefully made her way across the wing and toward the plane. As she neared the emergency exit, she saw a flight attendant opening the exit from the inside.

Elise must have told the plane's crew what we were planning Tin-Tin thought as she continued toward her destination. The waves and the slick surface were not making this an easy feat.

"We're very relieved to see you," Xiong said as he helped Tin-Tin inside.

"We're going to make sure everyone gets off the plane safely," Tin-Tin assured him. "Are there any injuries?"

"Only minor injuries from when we lost the engines. The other flight attendants are still checking the passengers to see if anyone suffered injuries during the landing. My colleague, Na, hurt her arm when we lost the first engine. That is the only injury amongst the crew though."

Tin-Tin nodded, relieved at the news. No major injuries would make the evacuation go smoother. Still, they would want to make sure to get the injured off first. To do that, they needed to figure out a way to get these people from the plane to the pod. She thought of the emergency slides. Would they suffice?

"We need to form a bridge from the plane to our pod for the evacuation. I was thinking that if we deployed the inflatable slide from one of the emergency exits across the water, then the passengers can move along it to our pod."

Xiong thought about the slides used for emergency exits and tried to figure out if they could be used in the way IR team member was suggesting. "I think it would work," he replied.

Tin-Tin nodded. "Thunderbird One from Sweet."

"Go ahead, Sweet," Elise replied.

"I have an idea on how we can get these people from the plane to the pod."

Written by lynnbrody and MagicMaster8
[/color]


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1772 is a reply to message #1771] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: Tikatu Sent: 7/21/2007 7:36 PM

Virgil watched as Thunderbird Four launched from the dropped pod and eased over to the plane. He saw Tin-Tin hoist herself out of the top hatch and inch her way across the wing, then disappear inside. "Now what?" he muttered to himself.

"Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One." Elise's voice called in the cockpit. "Sweet has a plan. We'll need to move the pod closer to the plane. She wants to use one of the emergency ramps as a bridge across to the pod."

"It sounds like that would work, but what about the pandas? Is there any word on them?"

Inside the hold, Jiao and Zhen looked on in growing concern as the lights dimmed and water began to seep slowly into the hold. "You had better tell the attendant," Jiao said, unbuckling her safety belt and going across the wet floor to the pandas' cages. "I will check on the pandas. They may need another dose of sedative."

"I will." Zhen unbuckled himself, then reached for the intercom, and clicked it twice as he'd been instructed. "Hello, hello?"
There was no answer, and Zhen glanced over at Jiao.

"Go up and find someone," she told him. "The plane's electrical systems are probably not operating since we are in the water."

"I'm sure you're right. I will go." He hurried to the steps leading upward, wishing he could take them two at a time, but they were far too narrow to do so.

Once there, he looked for Xiong, who was asking an elderly passenger if she was all right. It seemed that the lady was breathing hard, and Xiong was worried about a panic attack.

"Han Xiong," Zhen said quietly, beckoning the attendant close. "We have a problem." His voice dropped to a near whisper. "There is water seeping into the hold."

Xiong's eyes opened wide, and he nodded sharply. "Wait here." He turned and without another word hustled off down the aisle.
When he returned, he was followed by a young woman in a scuba suit, an IR insignia emblazoned on her snug wetsuit. There was a cry of relief all along the aisle as she strode purposefully down it, her flippers and mask attached to her belt; a visor and cap obscuring most of her head, and a tank attached to her back.

"Miss Sweet, this is Lang Zhen, one of the pandas' keepers. He reports there is water in the hold." Xiong made the introduction in Mandarin.

"Please, show me, Lang Zhen," said the young woman in English. A moment later, a slightly mechanical voice repeated her words in Chinese.

Xiong nodded and smiled slightly, and Zhen, somewhat awestruck, led the IR operative down into the hold.

Jiao was inside one of the transport cages when the newcomer was brought down. Her eyes widened at the sight of the girl in the scuba gear. Zhen said, "This is my wife, Lang Jiao, the veterinarian. Jiao, do the pandas need more sedation?"

"Y-Yes," Jiao said. She turned back to her work, inserting a rather large needle into a panda's rear haunch. She looked up to find the girl walking slowly around the cages, noticing the metal skids that the cages rested on, the water that swirled around, covering the bottom slats of the skids, and the construction of the cages themselves.

Tin-Tin smiled at Jiao. She said, "We have just the thing. We will make the cages watertight, and once the plane is evacuated of people, we will open the hatch and remove the cages." Her speech, in English, was translated into Mandarin, then she tapped her earpiece. "Van Gogh? We need that blue goo. You might want to send Quasar along with it. We could use his help in translation."


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Re: Winds of Change [message #1773 is a reply to message #1772] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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From: lynnbrody Sent: 7/22/2007 12:39 PM

Shopping mall, Christchurch, New Zealand.

The new electronics completely forgotten, Scott walked around the mall, looking for a quiet place. Someplace he could make a call without the chance of anyone overhearing. Unfortunately, the mall was crowded. Every place he looked had people in it. Even the hallway where a set of bathrooms was located, which was normally fairly empty, was crowded.

Starting to get frustrated, Scott headed toward entrance of the mall. I'll just have to make the call from my car, he thought to himself. His mind made up, he strode purposefully toward the entrance, wanting to get there quickly but not wanting to attract too much attention. Reaching the front door, he exited the building and headed toward his car. Placing the bag in the passenger seat, Scott got into the car and pulling out his phone, he dialed his father's number.

When the phone was finally answered, it wasn't his father's voice. "Hello."

It didn't take Scott long to recognize his mother's voice. Dad must be busy with the rescue and told her to answer it, he thought. "Mom, I heard about what happened," he said choosing his words carefully. "What's going on?"

"Things are under control," Dianne told him. "The group is just arriving and getting things underway."

"Who's on point?" he asked, wanting to know who was flying Thunderbird 1, doing the job that he should've been doing.

"Elise," Dianne told him.

Scott had been expecting his Mom to tell him Alan. Not the I really want him flying my "bird but he does have more experience with her than Elise.

"Don't worry. You prepared her well," Dianne said reassuringly, guessing the reason for her eldest son's silence. "Besides, she flew commercial jets. She's the best qualified, given the situation."

Scott found himself nodding. What she said made sense but he still didn't like the idea of anyone else flying Thunderbird 1. "I'm heading to the airport now," Scott told her. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Scott, it isn't necessary. Things are under control. Enjoy your time off."

"I'm heading home," he told her, knowing he wouldn't be able to enjoy himself now that he knew what was going on. Granted, there wasn't much he would be able to do there except watch the rescue unfold, but at least he wouldn't be in the dark. Not to mention, what if something went wrong? He wanted to be on hand just in case.

"I'll let your father know," Dianne told him, knowing she wasn't going to be able to change Scott's mind. That boy can be so stubborn sometimes, she thought. "Have a safe trip."

"Thanks. See you when I get there. Bye, Mom."

"Bye," Dianne said.

Ending the call, Scott put his phone into his pocket. He quickly put his seatbelt on and started the car. Moments later, he was pulling the car into the Christchurch traffic on his way to the airport. The sooner he was back on the island, the better he would feel. I should be out there with them, he couldn't help but think.


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[Updated on: Sat, 28 July 2012 00:19]

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Re: Winds of Change [message #1774 is a reply to message #1773] Sat, 28 July 2012 00:23 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
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From: Hobbeth Sent: 7/22/2007 4:11 PM

Tin-Tin hadn't been aboard the jet more than twenty minutes when the port wing suddenly dipped into the water. All those who were standing were thrown to that side of the jet, including Tin-Tin and the panda caretakers. The pandas' containers began to slide in that direction. Then the wing came back up, but about six feet remained just below the surface.

"Thunderbird Four from Thunderbird Two. Cousteau, what happened?"

"Not sure, Van Gogh. We think the port jet wing must have dropped under the surface. We are on the way to investigate now."

"Thunderbirds Two and Four from Thunderbird One. From where I am, it looked like a flotation device under the port wing has ruptured. If so, do you have a replacement device, Cousteau?"

"We do, Frankie. If that's what happened, we'll use ours to replace it - after we discover the cause."

"F-A-B, Cousteau. Keep me and Van Gogh advised."

"F-A-B. Thunderbird Four out."

Brandon had closed the overhead hatch during the conversation and now buckled himself in. He glanced over at Gordon, who terminated communications, and said, "Ready to go."

Gordon backed away from the jet, then dove forty feet down. Traveling under the jet, he made sure they were well beyond the fuselage before he surfaced again. The two men looked at the wing, and saw the remnants of the device floating on the surface. Brandon immediately unbuckled himself and went to the locker where they kept extra floatation devices, then to the one with the diving equipment. Gordon opened communications once again. "Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Four."

"Thunderbird One here. What's the status, Cousteau?"

"You were right, Frankie. Big Mac is getting replacement devices and our diving gear out even as we speak. I'll have to put Four on station keeping. This'll be a two man job."

"F-A-B, Cousteau. But you had better find out what caused the original to blow. Don't want it happening again while we're evacuating the passengers, or the pandas, do we?"

"We sure don't, Frankie. Oh by the way, is Sweet okay?"

"Yes, she is. Van Gogh called her to check. Just a few bumps on her part. We may have a couple of extra injuries due to the break. But that seems to be it at this time."

"F-A-B. We're on our way. I'll contact you again when we're done."

"F-A-B. Thunderbird One out."

The aquanauts quickly got into their diving gear. Brandon then asked, "What are we gonna use to keep whatever caused the jet's flotation bag to break from breaking our replacement bags? Pieces of the original one?"

"Well, we could," Gordon answered slowly, his brow furrowing as he contemplated the problem. Then his face cleared. "We'll do that, but I have something that can help." He turned back to the pilot's seat and opened a small panel, behind which was a can of...

"You're kidding. Silly Putty?" Brandon exclaimed.

"After the time we ended up rescuing Ned Cook and his cameraman, I decided that if I had to do a lot of waiting again, I wanted something to do with that time. I'm not creative like Virgil, so I had to come up with something that I could stop using at a moment's notice."

"I'm surprised you could find it; I thought they'd stopped making it. But won't the water dissolve it? And even if it doesn't, you'll never see it again."

"Not a problem. We can wrap it in a section of the jet's popped float, giving us a lot more time. And as for not seeing it again, I've got more. I got a stash some time ago, on Ebay. So I can replace it." He took the putty out of its container and put it in a pouch on his belt. "C'mon. Let's get to work."

Soon they were out in the water and heading to the submerged part of the wing. Brandon put the floats they brought on top of the wing, then they both dove to look at the underside. Soon they found the cause of the break. The explosion had caused some of the metal to bend outward in an inch long jagged point. "Wow! I'm surprised the float held as long as it did!" Brandon exclaimed.

"Me too. And it looks like we'll need the Silly Putty after all. That sucker's a bit long. I"m gonna cut a section of this float to wrap around it. Then you start folding the rest to also cover that edge."

They got to work and within fifteen minutes, were ready to inflate the two floats they needed to replace the damaged one. "Thunderbird One from Cousteau."

"Thunderbird One, reading you five-by-five."

"Frankie, we're ready to inflate our floats. You might want to warn anyone inside the jet."

"F-A-B, Cousteau. Hang on." A minute later, Elise said, "The passengers and crew have been alerted. Go ahead."

"F-A-B. Okay, Big Mac. On three. One. Two. Three."

Both devices slowly inflated and the wing rose up out of the water. "Thunderbird One from Cousteau. Mission accomplished."

"F-A-B, Cousteau, Big Mac. Good job. Get back to Four and then head to the tail of the jet. We'll need your assistance in getting the pandas out."

F-A-B, Thunderbird One. Cousteau out."

The two aquanauts gave each other a thumbs-up and headed back to their vessel.


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