International Rescue: The Next Phase


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1371 is a reply to message #1370] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
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******Monday, April 16, 2068; Tracy Island; 12:45 p.m.******

All the new recruits finished their individual lunches and made themselves presentable, then they met downstairs at the monorail. "Hey, Elise!" said Callie.

"Hi, Callie. Ready for that meeting?"

"I think so. I hope it won't be just Mr. Tracy and Doc."

They mingled, making small talk, while waiting for the monorail. When it arrived, they all entered. Christopher arrived late and ran in just as the doors began to close. His presence muted all conversations.

The silent ride lasted just a few minutes, but it seemed like an eternity to the riders. When they arrived at the villa, they were greeted by Virgil. "Good, everyone's here. Let's get to the lounge for the meeting." As he led them to the lounge, he gave some reassuring words. "Don't worry; no one's going to bite. This is just to help you deal with the media and anyone else trying to get information from you. Just relax, and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. That's what we're here for."

Nikki breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good to know."

Christopher lagged behind the others. He hesitated slightly, but he took a deep breath and walked into the lounge. He looked around and took a seat apart from the others.

They were all greeted by Jeff, Dianne, Scott, Virgil, John, and Alan (via communications from Thunderbird Five). Jeff said, "Welcome to the meeting, everyone. As you all know, we had a minor security breach in our recent rescue mission at the Tower Bridge. It's been brought to my attention that not all of you have had to deal directly with the media before. With the media becoming more clever at every turn, we need to discuss ways on effectively dealing with them.

"Now, I know that Dominic has had previous experience as a member of LifeFlight. However, things are different because this is a top-secret organization. I understand that some of you are concerned about revealing information by mistake, so now's the time to ask questions."

Kat jumped right in with the first question. "What can we do to avoid the media in the first place?"

Scott answered, "When we're within 20 minutes of the rescue zone, we always ask for security to surround our vehicles. This way, no one can get close enough to the Thunderbirds in the first place."

Brandon asked, "What about people trying to take pictures?"

"We use the photo detector," said Virgil. "Thunderbird One and the Mobile Control Unit are both equipped with the automatic camera detector. When Scott is alerted, he can use a device to electromagnetically wipe regular camera film blank. Brains upgraded the system to work for videotaping and digital cameras also. Videotape is also wiped blank, and memory cards are wiped only from the point the vessel arrives to an hour after we leave."

"How do we keep them away without being rude?" Callie asked. "I'm pretty positive courtesy is part of the IR image."

Scott said, "Whenever someone is approaching you, just say, 'I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave. You're interfering with a rescue.' You can easily do it without facing the person. Then call for security and have them take the offender away." He grinned. "If that offender says, 'How rude,' you simply reply, 'Yes, you were.'" This made everyone, including Christopher, laugh.

Kat asked, "John, have you or Alan ever had to deal with security issues involving the media whenever you're up on Thunderbird Five?"

"Well, we have to keep transmissions to a minimum. We always give our highest priority to anyone needing rescue. If someone's asking for a rescue but stalls, we tell them we'll get back to them and immediately end the transmission. In those cases, it could be someone trying to trace us. What we do at that point is check for other emergency signals in that area. If there are, we continue. If not, we end the transmission. When it's someone just wanting an interview, we calmly decline them and end transmission immediately."

"What can you do when someone being rescued won't cooperate?" Nikki asked. "I'm not sure my hand could take punching someone out again."

Alan laughed. "You're only the second person to knock out someone during a rescue. I was the first. Seriously, though, you have to use your best judgment by how serious the emergency is and how much time you have."

Elise asked, "What happens if we can't find a security person?"

"Then as Field Commander," said Scott, "I haven't done my job. I must make sure security is around during the entire rescue. If you run into the situation where there is no security, contact Mobile Control immediately."

After a few moments of silence, Jeff asked, "Are there any more questions?" When no one answered, he said, "This was a very productive meeting. I think we've all learned something."

Scott glanced at Christopher, who noticed and nodded with a look of determination.

"If there's nothing else," said Jeff, "you're all dismissed. Thank you very much."

Post by TracyFan4Ever on 12/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1372 is a reply to message #1371] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Tracy Island, April 16th 2:45pm.

Dianne found Tin-Tin in the garden where she was helping her father. "Those look lovely, Tin-Tin!"

The pretty Malaysian looked up smiling. "Yes they are, aren't they?" Father is so proud of the lilies this year, they have really taken!"

"And so he should be, He spends enough time out here with them!"

"Yes, he loves it here. What can I do for you, Dr. Tracy?"

"I wanted to ask permission to use Ladybird this afternoon for a little island hopping."

"Of course! You don't need to ask; the plane is always available for you."

"Thank you Tin-Tin; I appreciate that."

Kyrano approached the two women, carrying a basket of cuttings. He politely nodded and acknowledged Dianne.

"Dr. Tracy it is good to see you in the garden; you must visit more often."

"I shall try Kyrano. You really have done wonders with it."

"I see you are busy, so please excuse me." Kyrano padded softly away, Tin-Tin staring adoringly after him.

"Will you be taking Ladybird on a pleasure flight, Dr. Tracy?"

"I'm afraid not. It's for some training time with one of the new team members."

"Ah, I see. Then please, use her for as long as you need." Dianne smiled her thanks and headed back towards the villa, as Tin-Tin returned her attention to the flowers.

Elise waited inside the hangar admiring the red sleek jet. "Ah"m sorry for being so late!" an out of breath Dianne spoke as she jogged to a stop beside the jet.

"It's okay; I was a little early anyway."

"Well, what do you think of her?" Dianne asked, still trying to catch her breath.

"Impressive. But then again, everything I've seen around here since I arrived has been impressive!"

The women exchanged "Know what I mean" glances. "Okay, Let's take her for a ride then," Dianne said.

They both climbed into the cockpit and made themselves comfortable. From here on out, it was all business and Elise knew it.

"Before we start, Elise, I want you to tell me right now, that any time you feel uncomfortable, or a bad memory surfaces, you will let me know immediately. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Dr. Tracy. I understand."

"Good, then we're set. Take your time, there's no rush. I thought we'd just take a leisurely flight around the islands and have you land. Does that sound okay?"

Elise nodded as she placed the small headphones over her baseball cap, and put on her sunglasses. Having done the pre-flight walk around the jet she felt a little more at ease now that she was in the cockpit. As she ran through the preflight checklist verbally, Dianne checked off everything on the sheet and confirmed with a verbal 'check' each time.

Elise started the plane and listened to the engines purr. Sounds good. she thought as she called in for clearance.

"Flight Control this is Ladybird, requesting permission for taxi and take off."

"Granted, Ladybird. Proceed to the runway and you are clear for take-off. Have a safe trip ladies."

Elise smiled. "Thanks, John!"

"Hey! For you ladies, anytime!"

Dianne rolled her eyes. Elise felt good. None of the anxiety she had felt in the simulator was present and her palms weren't sweaty. She had to admit she was apprehensive though, this being her first time back in the air. She gave the plane full throttle and eased her off the runway into the clear blue sky.

Dianne carefully watched her 'patient', noting how she handled the controls; how she paid attention to details; how her body language registered any distress. "Okay, level her out now, I want to show you something," Dianne spoke into her headpiece. Elise nodded and leveled off easily.

"How are you doing Elise?"

"Great! She handles like a dream; I feel really comfortable with these controls."

"Good!" Dianne smiled. They flew around Tracy Island and then over Mateo Island and off towards a small cluster of islands towards the west.

"Look down there." Dianne pointed as she spoke, down towards the ocean.

Elise banked to the left and grinned when she saw what Dianne had been pointing to. A group of dolphins were skimming the surface and jumping in and out of the breaks in the waves.

"Oh, that's awesome! Look how many there are!"

Elise's reaction pleased Dianne. She'd been hoping the young pilot would be able to cope and knew getting her in the air sooner rather than later, would benefit her. Flying over the ocean on a clear day left no doubts there could be any mountains anywhere on the horizon, and Dianne had planned it that way. They continued on their way, Dianne pointing out some of the wonders of the South Pacific and carefully monitoring Elise's reactions.
They'd been out for about an hour when Dianne said, "Well Elise, I am very pleased with your confidence and skills as a pilot, and from what I've seen here with you today, you'll be back in form in no time."

"Thanks, Dr. Tracy; that means a lot to me."

"There'll still be a lot of simulator training to do, as well as weather conditions to train in. You understand that, don't you?"

"Yes, I do."

"I will still monitor you on those flights, okay?"

Elise agreed. She knew she had a way to go, but this flight was a step in the right direction.

"What do you say we head on back, nice and easy?" Dianne smiled.

"Yes Ma'am!" Elise turned the plane to the right and lined up onto the flight path for the runway. "Flight Control, this is Ladybird requesting permission to land, over."

This time Virgil's voice replied, "Permission granted; welcome home ladies."

"Thanks Virgil; where's John?" asked Elise.

"Bathroom."

Both women laughed at his answer. "By the way, you're looking good on approach; bring her down easy and you'll have no problems."

"Thanks. Appreciate you looking out for me."

"You're welcome, honey."

'Honey?' Elise mouthed the word to Dianne.

"He calls everyone that's female "honey". I swear he doesn't know he's doing it!" she replied.

Elise landed the jet as easily as she took off, and taxied into the hangar as if she'd done it a hundred times before.

"Thanks Dr. Tracy, for everything...I needed this."

"You're welcome Elise, and I know you did." Dianne gave the pilot a quick hug before leaving. "You'll be fine, you'll see."

They smiled and went their separate ways back into the villa complex.

Post by FrankieCTB2 on 14/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1373 is a reply to message #1372] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Later that same evening, the strains of an old Kenny Chesney song drifted from the apartment as Scott approached the door. He smiled, fondly remembering that whenever she was in a good mood, country music would be heard. He'd watched her fly earlier that day, noticing instantly the moment she took the controls from Dianne; after all, he'd taught her to fly like that, so he damn well should be aware of when she took over! He knocked and waited.

Inside, a very satisfied, happy young pilot swayed around to the music. Dressed in baggy sweatpants and a t-shirt that said "Cowgirl-Up" on the front of it, Elise was feeling as if the world and its misery had been lifted from her shoulders. Flying had got her right back where she needed to be. Well, at least a starting point anyway. For the first time since coming to this island she felt confident, able to face her fears and ready for a challenge. She was ready. She also knew it wouldn't be easy.

As she started for the kitchen, she heard the knocking. Padding over to the door, she opened it, never thinking that Scott Tracy would be on the other side of it. "Oh!" she blurted out.

Scott smiled. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. Were you expecting someone else?"

"Er, no. Er, not at all. Please...come in," she indicated. Scott casually entered and turned to her, smiling.

"I take it you're in a good mood?" he asked, tilting his head to indicate the music.

Elise laughed and replied "Yes!" as the words "I go back to the pew, preacher and choir, singing 'bout God, brimstone and fire....."

"Nothing like Kenny to get the mood going!" she added as hit the remote to turn down the volume. "Have a seat. What brings you over here?" she asked.

Scott sat down. "I wanted to congratulate you on your flying this afternoon."

"You were watching?!"

"You betcha! Anything flies on or off this island, and I know about it!" They both laughed.

"You haven't changed a bit, have you, 'Captain Tracy'?" This time she meant it affectionately. The last time she'd referred to him by his rank, she'd almost torn his head off.

"Ouch." He winced, mockingly. He hadn't forgotten either.

"I was about to get a glass of wine; can I get you something?"

"Sure, whatever you're having is fine."

She poured the wine and bringing the bottle and two glasses over to the couch, she made herself comfy as she handed him one.

"Mmm... good," Scott said appreciatively.

"I'm glad you approve; it belongs to your dad." Scott raised an eyebrow in a silent question. "Don't worry, Kyrano let me have it. He said it wouldn't be really missed."

"He's right. Father has a collection you wouldn't believe."

Elise decided to cut to the chase, and asked, "How was my flying today?"

He looked at her, pausing for a brief moment. "I've never thought there was anything wrong with your flying, Elise. In fact you looked like you'd been landing on this island for years."

"Thanks," she humbly replied.

"I guess I came over here to find out how YOU are? Do you feel ready to get back into your game?"

She nodded. "Yes, Scott, I do. I know it won't be easy, but I'm ready. I need to be a key player in this team, and I'm ready to give it 110 per cent."

"That's my girl!" He smiled.

"Your girl? That's highly unlikely, I was under your command for what...20 seconds, so that now makes me yours?"

They both laughed and had some more wine. For the next few hours they talked about training, rescues, life in general, the good times, bad times, and even strolled down memory lane, going back to the Air Force days, laughing when one of them said, "Do you remember when..." and laughing even harder when the other did remember.

It was well past 1:00 am when Scott said he should get going. "I hadn't realized it had gotten so late. Sorry," Elise apologized as they walked to the door.

"No need to be sorry, I've enjoyed this evening."

"Me too."

As she opened the door, he turned to her. "Elise, I won't promise that being part of International Rescue is easy, but I want you to know I'll never regret convincing Dad to take you on board. I know it's been rough lately for you, but I'm proud to have you as a pilot."

Elise was taken back. She hadn't expected such as serious ending to a lovely laid back evening. "Scott, thanks. I, um, ...It means a lot to me to hear you say that. I won't let you or the team down."

They stood motionless for a few moments, just looking at each other, and then Scott spoke softly. "I know you won't Elise."

With that he bent down slightly and gave her a chaste kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight." He smiled and left.

Leaning back against the door as it closed, a stunned Elise glanced over to the two empty wine bottles. "It must be the wine. Yeah, that's it. It's the wine."

The sounds of Kenny Chesney once again filled the room... "...of the 50 yard line, a blanket of girls and some raspberry wine, wishing time would stop right in its tracks....I go back.....I go back."

Post by FrankieCTB2 on 14/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1374 is a reply to message #1373] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Monday, April 16th, 4:30 p.m., Tracy Island

After parting company with Elise, Dianne headed back up toward the monorail to the villa. She leaned against the wall of the car as it moved toward the access to the elevator that would take her back to the house. Suddenly, her discussion with Brains and Jeff about Tin-Tin's correspondent came to mind and she sighed.

"Might as well get this done now," she said to herself. Raising her arm, she called into her telecomm, "Dianne to Tin-Tin. Where are you now?"

The Malaysian girl's face appeared in the tiny screen. "I'm in the lab, Dr. Tracy. Do you need me for something?"

"Yes, there's something I need to discuss with you. Could you meet me in the dining room for a cup of coffee? Say in a half hour?"

Tin-Tin looked puzzled but said, "Sure, Dr. Tracy. I'll see you then and there."

"Okay. See you."

Dianne headed up to the house, trying to go over in her head what she needed to say to Tin-Tin. She stopped by the lounge to speak to Jeff.

"What do Ah tell her? How kin Ah handle this? It's not lahke Ah found this out mahself."

Jeff sighed. "I'm sure you'll come up with something, love. But if it will help..." He clicked on a file, sending it to the printer. "Here's a copy of Lena's memo to Brains. It contains all the proof of Tallman's true identity."

Dianne took the paper and glanced over it, then sighed deeply. "All raht. This should convince her if nothin' else does."

She gave Jeff a kiss on the cheek and turned to leave when he stood and caught her by the wrist, pulling her to him for a much deeper kiss. "Good luck, love," he said softly. She nodded, then left the room.

Tin-Tin found Dianne waiting for her at the dining room table, a cup of coffee already at her right hand. She looked up from the paper she was studying to give the younger woman a soft smile.
"Come an' join me," Dianne offered.

"Let me just get a cup of tea. Does your coffee need freshening?" Tin-Tin asked.

"Yes, but Ah can get it."

The unexpected drawl startled Tin-Tin, and she knew that whatever they had to discuss was upsetting to the doctor. So it was with some trepidation that she joined Dianne at the table.
They sat quietly for a few moments as Dianne searched for a way to bring up the subject. Finally, she took a deep breath and plunged in.

"Tin-Tin, Ah unnerstan' that you've been writin' back an' forth to one Giles Tallman. Sendin' him emails and such. Is this true?"

"Why, yes, Dr. Tracy," Tin-Tin admitted, both confused and defensive. "I met him in Kabul. He seemed like a nice enough man. I assure you that I haven't told him anything about International Rescue. I've been most careful about keeping things discreet."

"Ah'm sure you have been, Tin-Tin, and Ah'm not heah to tell you that you've done anythin' wrong. But..." Dianne paused. "But somethin's come to our attention concernin' Mr. Tallman that we felt you should know about. An' both Jeff an' Brains felt it best if it came from me, woman to woman." She slid the paper over to the puzzled young woman. "Please read this. It's a memo from Lena Matumbo about an incident of attempted hackin'."

Tin-Tin sat back and read the memo through once, then again. She lifted her eyes to Dianne. "Giles Tallman is actually Giles Hightower? What does that mean?"

"Jeff says that the Hightowers are the head of a cartel specializin' in industrial espionage," Dianne explained, stirring her cooling coffee. "They've tried t' steal from Tracy Industries befoah, but have nevah managed to make any inroads. Ouah security is tight an' our employees are, for th' most part, loyal. We're not sure why they targeted you, but it maht have somethin' t' do with th' Penelon forumula. No one else has been able t' get hold of it outsahde of François himself. Plus there are othah innovations that th' Hightowers would love t' get their filthy hands on."

Tin-Tin sat quietly for a bit, then swallowed and said in a teary voice, "And here I thought I'd found a friend." She looked down at the paper again, then up at Dianne. "What do you want me to do?"

Dianne sighed. "Ah suppose you should block him. It wouldn't be a good ideah foah him t' know that you know who he is; a block could be explained away by computer network troubles. Ah don't know what Jeff and Brains have in mind, nor Lena. It seems theyah targetin' her, too." She reached across to touch Tin-Tin on the hand. "Ah know this is a shock, and not somethin' you want t' heah. But... it was necessary."

"Thank you, Dr. Tracy," Tin-Tin said softly. She hesitated, then asked, "Do you think I could talk to Mrs. Matumbo myself? I'd like some more details on what happened with her."

"Ah'm sure you could," Dianne replied. "Just ask Jeff foah her number."

"I will." Tin-Tin pushed away her barely-touched tea, and rose from the table. "I'd better get back to work."

"Okay. If'n you want t' talk about it moah, just come t' me."

"I will," Tin-Tin promised. She put her hand out to pick up her tea, but Dianne waved a hand at her.

"Ah'll take cayah of th' dishes."

Tin-Tin nodded, then turned and left, taking Lena's report with her. Dianne sipped a bit more coffee, then picked up the cups and saucers and took them into the the kitchen for cleaning. I just hope she can deal with this betrayal and doesn't go off the deep end or anything. She really seemed to like the man and he's clever enough to use that against us.

Post by Tikatu on 16/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1375 is a reply to message #1374] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Tracy Island, Tuesday, April 17th - 5.30 p.m.

Kat looked at her computer screen. She had read the message once; the words seemed to be blurred and dancing in front of her eyes. She blinked, and realised that it wasn't the words that were blurred and dancing; the effect was caused by tears in her eyes. She wiped her hand across her eyes and reread the message.

Darling Kat, her father had written,

There is no easy way to tell you this. Your mother has been suffering with chest pains for quite some time now. She didn't want to tell you because she felt that it might compromise your decision to work with Tracy Industries. She knew how much that job meant to you.

~Oh, Mum, Mum,
Kat thought. ~I was entitled to know, wasn't I?

To cut a long story short,
her father continued, she complained of severe chest pains, and collapsed at a friend's house. She was rushed to hospital where she was diagnosed with heart disease, and has just undergone a heart bypass operation.
She is recuperating well, and I am hopeful that she will be fit enough to return home sometime next month. She is in the very capable hands of an eminent cardiac surgeon. Please try not to worry.

~Try not to worry,
Kat thought. ~How on earth can I not worry, when I'm so many miles away?

The message went on. Your brother and sister-in-law are currently over from the States, and your mother has expressly wished that you not drop everything and fly home. There is really nothing you can do at the moment, and she would love to see you later in the year, when she is feeling fitter.

Kat continued to stare at the screen. She suddenly felt so alone. Who could she turn to? There was nobody there to whom she felt she could open her heart. Suddenly, the chiming of her door brought her back from her thoughts. She opened the door and there was Nikki smiling.

"Hey, are you ready to go to Callie's? It's almost time."

Kat shook her head. "Sorry. Nikki. I won't be very good company tonight. I'll have a snack here."

Nikki saw how sad Kat looked. "What's wrong? Have you had bad news?"

Kat nodded, unable to speak for fear of crying.

"Oh, honey; can I help?"

"It's my mother. She's had a serious heart operation. I've just received an email from Dad."

"Shall I tell the others at dinner?"

"No, Nikki. No, I don't want to cause a fuss. I'll just stay here for the evening, and will probably reply to my Dad."

Nikki looked rather doubtful about leaving her friend alone. "Are you are sure you want to be on your own?"

Kat nodded, and reluctantly Nikki left her alone in her apartment. When Callie opened her apartment door, she noticed that Nikki was alone and asked, "Where's Kat?"

"Oh, she has had some bad news. Her mother's had a serious operation and she felt that she wouldn't be very good company at the moment.."

Callie looked thoughtful. "Maybe Dr. Tracy should be told. After all, Kat shouldn't be alone at a time like this. I'm sure that Dr. Tracy will be able to comfort her and maybe give her something to help, like she did with Elise."

Nikki nodded, and went to ring the villa. Grandma Tracy answered the phone.

"Mrs. Tracy, do you know where Dr. Tracy is?"

"At the moment she is tending to Alex and Tyler. Can I be of any help?"

"It's Kat. She has had some rather bad news; her mother has had a serious operation. She was supposed to be having a meal with Callie and myself. But when I went to get her, she wouldn't come along, saying she wouldn't be very good company at the moment."

"Leave things to me, Nikki," Emily replied. "I'll take her something to eat and see if I can't snap her out of it."

"Thank you, Mrs. Tracy." Nikki replaced the receiver.

Emily headed for the kitchen to dish up some food, and left for the Cliff House apartments.

Kat answered the door, and was surprised to see Emily carrying a plate covered with a cloth on a tray. "Why, Mrs Tracy! What brings you here?" Then remembering her manners said. "Won't you come in?"

"Kat Williamson, you ought to eat something. Nikki has just told me that you have had some bad news from home. You really need to eat to keep your strength up."

"Mrs. Tracy, it's very kind of you," Kat said, cross that Nikki had told someone about her news, "and please don't think I am not grateful, but I was planning on having a snack later."

"Well," Mrs. Tracy replied. "This will save you having to make yourself a snack, and I have specially brought you a vegetarian meal."

"Oh, Mrs. Tracy, I didn't mean to offend you, and it is very kind of you," Kat said, setting the plate on one of the kitchen counters.

"Now, what bad news have you had?" Emily asked. "Nikki said something about your mother having had an operation."

Then it all came out in a jumble. "Oh, Mrs. Tracy. Before I came down here, Mum was suffering from chest pains. She didn't tell me because she knew how much I wanted this job. She thought that if she told me, I would have stayed at home." Kat paused for breath. "She collapsed at a friend's house and was rushed into hospital, where she was diagnosed with a heart condition, and has had a by-pass operation."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, Kat," Emily said. She put her arms around Kat's shoulders, while the young girl just sobbed. "I know it's hard, being away from loved ones, especially when they are ill. You feel so helpless," she said. "Believe me, I went through that enough with Grant."

"You are so kind." Kat smiled a watery smile and sniffed to clear the snot from her nose. How un-ladylike, she thought.

Emily held Kat at arm's length and gave her a stern but friendly look.

"Now, I know you've had bad news," she said, "don't forget: you need to be strong, y'hear? No shutting yourself away and moping alone. That's not going to help you and you know it. Now, eat up and then go to Callie's apartment; it'll help take your mind off things."

"O-okay," Kat said. "Thank you, Mrs Tracy."

Emily smiled and tweaked Kat's cheek.

"You're welcome," she said, before she gave the woman one final smile and turned to leave.

Post by Tawnyangel22 on 17/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1376 is a reply to message #1375] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Tuesday, April 17th, approximately 600 miles north of Samoa; 3:30 AM (2:30 AM April 18th on Tracy Island)

Deep within the Central Pacific Basin, there was a rumbling and a shaking. It increased with every passing second, causing ridges to break up and troughs to either drop or fill with falling rocks. All marine life had fled the area long before, instinctively sensing the danger that was coming. None were there on the spot to observe the tremors or the shifting tectonic plates that were thought to be stable.

However, in Brisbane, Australia, a geographic research station's alarms went off. The night crew came instantly alert. "Looks like a big one," shouted one man.

"Where?" his supervisor asked, rushing into the main area from his office.

"Central Pacific Basin. It appears to be right in the middle of the Phoenix Trough."

"What?? That can't be! Check again."

"Confirmed," said a woman, manning another block of machines recording the event. "Approximately 600 miles north of Samoa. It's registering 7.8 on the Richter."

"My God," breathed the supervisor. "We've got to warn the inhabited islands. They've got a tsunami heading their way. Get on it, stat!"

They got on the radios, the wireless, every piece of communications equipment they could use to contact the islands. As each one was informed, one of the workers put a colored pin in the map at that location. Slowly the pins covered them -- American Samoa, Wallis and Futuna, Western Samoa, and Fiji to the South; the islands of Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Tonga to the Southeast; Melanesia and the Solomon Islands to the West...

"Sir, the seaquake has subsided, but the warning buoys are starting to go off."

"How bad?"

The man who spoke straightened up and turned. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at him. His face was pale as he spoke.

"It looks like it will sweep over Samoa and Wallis and Futuna to the South, and head straight into the Fiji basin. The Cook Island to the East and the easternmost islands of Melanesia to the west will also be hit hard."

The supervisor leaned heavily on the desk behind him, shaking his head. "Send out a general call for rescue teams immediately. And that includes International Rescue. We're going to need all the help we can get!"

Post by Hobbeth on 18/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1377 is a reply to message #1376] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Wednesday, April 18, 2068, 2:55 a.m., Thunderbird Five

"Calling International Rescue! Calling International Rescue!"

Alan woke out of a sound sleep and sat bolt upright. Jumping out of bed, he headed up to the control level, taking the ladder two rungs at a time and skidding into the main control room on bare feet. He fumbled with the microphone as the distress call continued to play. "International Rescue! Do you read me? Come in, International Rescue!"

"International Rescue, here. We read you five by five. What is the nature of your emergency?"

"Oh, thank God! International Rescue, this is James Manchester of the geographic research station in Brisbane, Australia. We have registered a seaquake of 7.8 on the Richter scale approximately 600 miles north of Samoa. Our sensors are also registering a tsunami wave that will spread out from that point and envelop Samoa and Wallis and Futuna to the South, then head straight into the Fiji basin. Cook Island to the East and the easternmost islands of Melanesia to the west will also be hit hard. We're putting out a general call for rescue teams. Can you respond?"

"Yes, sir. We can respond. Where will the tsunami hit first and hardest?"

"First and hardest?" Manchester stopped for a moment. "The Samoas, Wallis, and Fortuna, I should think. They're closest in any direction. Fiji would follow. "

"Do you have a time frame for its arrival, first at Samoa then at Fiji?"

"Yes. It should arrive at Samoa and the other islands within the hour." Manchester said. "I have a projected path and arrival map available. Can I upload it to you?"

Alan thought for a moment. "I think our scientific staff will be able to oblige me." ~Once I wake him up, that is. "Don't worry, we're on it, Mr. Manchester. If I have any questions, I'll radio you at this same frequency."

"Roger, International Rescue. And thanks."

"International Rescue, out." Alan turned immediately to his connection to the island, and activated the emergency signal. "Thunderbird Five to Base, Thunderbird Five to Base. We have an emergency!" ~And what an emergency! This thing is headed for the island!

xxxx

Meanwhile, down on Tracy Island, a loud chiming sounded through Brains's room. He groaned, turned over, and squinted at the clock. Reaching out, he pulled on his glasses. "What the... oh no!"

He swung his legs over the side of his bed and grabbed his dressing gown as he ran for the lab. "That's the tsunami alert! We are in the path of a tidal wave!"

Post by Tikatu on 20/06/2005


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Tracy Island, April 18th - 3.10 am

The insistent buzzing of her telecomm woke Kat. Sleepily she turned to answer it. She had been having such a lovely dream, but now Brains's face brought her back to reality.

"Kat." Brains looked serious. "We have an emergency. It looks as though the island is in the direct path of a tsunami. I need you now to help with the Thunderbirds."

Kat gasped. She had read all about tsunamis and the devastation they caused. To think that such a wave was due to hit Tracy Island seemed almost unbelievable.

"Okay, Boss, give me a few minutes to dress. Are we meeting in the lounge or in the Thunderbirds hangars?"

"Meet in the lounge, and then we shall see what happens. It may be that some will have to go out on a rescue, leaving just a few behind to batten down the hatches," Brains replied.

Kat struggled into her overalls. Oh, more haste, less speed, she thought, as she fumbled with the buttons. Once dressed, she headed for the monorail, joining her other equally sleepy colleagues.

Post by Tawnyangel22 on 20/06/2005


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Wednesday 18 April, 3.15am, Tracy Island

Dominic slipped into the elevator, wearing only a pair of hastily thrown on jeans, bouncing a screaming Joshua in his arms, trying to calm the child down. Nikki jumped into the lift before the doors closed, and when they reached the foyer, they met Callie, already heading for the monorail.

"What's going on?" She asked.

Dominic managed a shrug around the armful of screaming child, and Nikki shook her head.

"No clue," she said, "Hoped you would have an idea."

As they were about to climb into the monorail car, Brandon appeared from the lift and ran over to jump in.

"That alarm doesn't sound normal," he said. "What the hell is going on?"

Dominic stroked Joshua's head and held him close, but the screaming didn't abate. As his feet hit the cold, hard monorail car floor, he wished he had remembered his shoes. He team-mates gave him awkward smiles that told him they wished Joshua was being his normal good self. Dominic agreed.

The ride was short, and soon they found themselves in the lounge, waiting for the news.

Post by ArtisticRainey on 20/06/2005


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Wednesday 18th April 3.20am Tracy Island.

Christopher was shocked awake by his telecomm.

"Wha?," he looked around groggily, he had been having a very inappropriate dream about Tin-Tin when the alarm had sounded.

"Yes?," he flicked the comm switch.

"Christopher", it was Brains, "you must go to the lounge straight away, we have an emergency."

"At 3.20 in the morning?," Christopher was feeling irritable.

"We have a tsunami alert", Brains continued, "and it is heading for the island".

"Right!," Christopher swung himself put of bed and chucked some clothes on.

Putting his slippers on, he left his flat and made his way to the monorail.

Which wasn't there. Christopher pressed the button to call it.

"Gone without me", he huffed, "that's nice."

The car appeared and he got inside. After the short journey, he arrived.

Walking to the lounge, he saw the other recruits there. They all looked at him.

"What?," he smiled a cold smile, "not my fault I couldn't get here on time".

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 21/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1381 is a reply to message #1380] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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"What?" said Christopher. "Not my fault I couldn't get here on time."

Callie looked at him rather coldly. "Didn't you hear the alarm, Chris? There was no way to miss it. We're all new recruits, but we have to understand the alarm can go off at any time, even in the middle of the night. Mother Nature has no time table, you know."

"Calm down, Callie," said Jeff. "We've got no time for arguments or excuses. Now that everyone's here, go ahead, Alan."

"I received a call from the geological research station in Brisbane, Australia." Alan explained the seaquake and the tsunami, along with all the locations being affected. "They've put out a call for anyone and everyone to come, including us."

Post by TracyFan4Ever on 21/06/2005


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Brains listened closely to Alan's information. "Alan, is there any estimate on how high the wave will be when it hits Samoa?"

Alan looked down at his padd. "Not yet, but-- Wait! There's more information coming in now." He paused, listening. "My God. It's hitting Western Samoa now, and it's estimated to be 50 feet high!"

The crew in the lounge gasped and exchanged glances. Jeff's face became solemn. "Brains, what can we expect? Where will it hit us, and how high will the wave be?"

Brains did some rapid calculations on his ever present lap computer. "Well, Mr. Tracy, the islands of Samoa and Fiji, as well as the South Fiji Ridge, will diminish it. My best guess is that it will hit on the northeast part of the island, and the wave will be approximately fifteen to twenty feet high." He looked up at the older man. "But there are variables, so I can't be 100% sure. I also estimate that it will reach Tracy Island in one hour, maybe less. But no less than forty-five minutes from now."

"Hmm. The northeast part? That means it will hit the headland, and probably some of the eastern end of the island. Not where the habitations are. Good."

"Dad," Gordon raised his voice. "The boat pen..."

"I know, son. The boat pen will be hardest hit. " He paused for a moment and looked around. "Okay, here's the plan. Scott, off you go to Western Samoa. We start there since they'll be hardest hit."

"F-A-B, Father," Scott said smartly, moving through the crowd and over to the entrance to Thunderbird One's bay.

"Next, we need a team to clear the boat pen and move the crafts either out to sea or to the southern tip of the island, where they'll be sheltered." He looked around the room. "Gordon, you're still on stand down. You'll head up the team. Christopher, Elise, Callie, you're with him. Somebody wake up, Cherie. She'd be a help here."

"I'll go," Emily volunteered.

"Wake up the boys, too, Mother. I think that Kyrano should fly you and the boys out and over to Bongo-Bongo. " He turned to Dom. "Including Joshua, if you're okay with that."

"But, Jeff," Emily countered. "If they're not in any danger..."

"I don't want to take any chances, Mother. And... you never know what will wash up from a tidal wave."

Kat said, "You don't want me to help them?"

"No," replied Jeff. "You will be needed on this rescue, along with Brains and Tin-Tin. They have requested all available generators, and you will need to get them up and running. If they find any in the debris, you will need to work on them, too."

He turned to Dianne. "Thunderbirds 4 and 7 will also be needed, as well as all medical personnel.

"Brandon," he said, glancing in that direction, "do you think you can handle Thunderbird 4 alone? I'll want you to take her there yourself, freeing up space in the pod for other necessary equipment."

"Yes, sir!" the young man replied, sitting up straight. He glanced over at Gordon, who had a look of shock on his face. "Don't worry, I promise to bring her back without a scratch."

"You'd better, or I'll have you cleaning it with a toothbrush, inside and out!"

"Enough," Jeff warned. "Virgil, get going. Bring along the mobile crane, too. We won't have elevators available to get us up where we need to be. Plus, there may be victims stuck up in trees."

"F-A-B, Dad," Virgil said, as he stood by the painting, letting it tip him up so he disappeared.

"The jet air transporter might be a help there, too, Dad," John said.
"How will we transport the generators?" Kat asked.

"We'll load the transporter, any available generators and an antigrav float into the pod along with Thunderbird 7 and the mobile crane. I will have more generators helijetted from Hawaii and Sydney.

"Tin-Tin, you go with Brandon. Your language and engineering skills will be needed there. Off you go now. There's no time to lose." The two young people hurried out of the lounge, heading for the minisub. Jeff turned to his wife. "Do you need any supplies other than what's already aboard 7?"

Dianne sighed. "More black tags and body bags. Ah'm not going intuh this with any high expectations." She shook her head. "We'll do ouah best, but it won't be enough."

"All right. You three get going and take anything you need or feel might be needed. If you think of anything else on the way, let me know, and I'll get it for you somehow." He smiled briefly at her, and she did the same at him, then signaled Dom and Nikki, who followed her out of the room.

"John, Brains, Kat, you will go in Two with the others. Go help them get things loaded, so you can take off ASAP." They nodded at him, and headed in the same direction as the medical team.

Jeff turned to the others, including Cherie, who had just joined them, yawning, but appeared to be awake and alert. He smiled at her and indicated that she was to sit down. Then he began to tell them his plan to save the boats.

"Gordon, you'll pilot the Lucille out of the pen. Christopher, Callie, you'll have to take the smaller cabin cruisers out. If you don't know how to sail, then we'll rig towlines from the Lucille to help guide you. Cherie, you and Elise will help load the Lucille and the cabin cruisers up with as much of the smaller personal craft as possible."

"What you can't get on the boats, haul out through the monorail. Then seal that hatch!"

"What about the catamaran, Dad?" Gordon asked solemnly.

Jeff shook his head. "Batten it down in the cavern the best you can, but... it's expendable and replaceable." He gave Gordon a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, son."

"What about the seaplane?" Cherie asked suddenly.

"Kyrano? Get down to the pen right now and take that out of there. You can use it to fly to Bongo-Bongo. There's a lake not too far from there that should suffice as landing."

"Very good, Mr. Tracy. I believe your mother and young sons are ready to leave now. I will contact Lady Penelope's foreman that we are on the way as soon as we are airborne." The retainer picked up a now quiet Joshua and left.

"We don't have much time before the wave hits. You five had better get going."


Post by Hobbeth and Tikatu on 21/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1383 is a reply to message #1382] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Nikki looked toward Dianne as Thunderbird 2 approached its ramp to launch. "What do you think we can expect out there? It's going to be as bad as that Russian rescue mission, isn't it?" she whispered.

"Worse, Ah'd think. Ah believe we have our work cut out for us on this mission." Dianne sighed, thinking about what was ahead. "Ah'd expect more injured and fatalities during this rescue. Are you going to be all right?"

"Yeah. Just a little nervous. I've only heard about these things on TV and in history books. Now I'm actually going to witness the devastation they cause." Nikki looked down at her intertwined fingers. "I guess once I get into the work it will become easier."

Dianne laid her hand on Nikki's shoulder briefly as Thunderbird 2 roared away from its ramp.

Post by Nikki-browneyes1 on 22/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1384 is a reply to message #1383] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tracy Island April 18th 3:30am

Brandon and Tin-Tin hurried to Thunderbird Four. As they strapped themselves in for the trip to Samoa, the young Malaysian glanced over at Brandon and noticed his nervousness.

"Are you all right?" she asked as Brandon finished up the prelaunch check.

"Not exactly, Tin-Tin. To be honest, I'm nervous as all get out. This is only my second time solo in Four and I don't want anything to happen to her. You heard Gordon. If anything does, I'll never hear the end of it from him."

Tin-Tin smiled. She knew what he was going through and sought to calm his jitters. "Relax, Brandon. Just remember your training and you'll do fine."

"Thanks a lot, Tin-Tin. I appreciate the words of encouragement. Right now we better get moving. Those people on Samoa need our help."

"Control from Thunderbird Four," Brandon's voice said over the radio. "Standing by to launch."

"Thunderbird Four from Control, permission to launch granted. Good luck, Big Mac."

"FAB, Control." Brandon flipped the switches that activated Thunderbird Four's hover jets. Taking a deep breath, he pushed forward on the steering yoke, sending the compact sub forward and into the lagoon. Relieved, Brandon let out the breath he'd been holding and turned his attention to the controls. Activating the engines, he pointed the sub out to sea.

"Thunderbird Four from Thunderbird One, do you copy?"

"Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Four, receiving you five by five."

"Since the tsunami is already heading towards Tracy Island, I need you and Sweet to keep an eye out for large pieces of debris that could cause damage to the island."

"FAB," Brandon acknowledged. "Anything else?"

There was a long pause, then Scott replied quietly, "Yes, there is. You need to be alert for bodies as well as possible survivors. I'll let Van Gogh know what's happening and as soon as he's through offloading the pod he can return to pick you up along with any survivors you find."

"FAB Thunderbird 1."

As Brandon navigated Thunderbird Four through the water, Tin-Tin kept an eye on the sonar, alert for anything that could be a hazard to the island. Suddenly, she turned and looked up through the clear top hatch, seeing the shadow of the seaplane as it took off from the island and flew over their position, heading for the safety of Bongo-Bongo.

Post by MagicMaster8 on 22/06/2005



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Kat ran after Brains and John as they headed towards the passenger lift to take them down to Thunderbird Two. She was a little apprehensive, but at the same time excited to be going on a rescue again. On arriving in Thunderbird Two, Kat immediately excused herself, saying that she was going to eat

Brains nodded in agreement. "I guess everyone should eat a little."

Kat was gone for quite some time. John went looking for her, followed by Brains

When both young men entered the crew's quarters they saw, much to their amusement, Kat already seated, tucking into a large bowl of cereal and a mug of milk.

John raised his eyebrows. "Gee, Kat, where did you find that?" Before Kat could answer, he clicked his fingers. "Blood sugar, right."

Kat nodded, her mouth full.

As the others began to join them in the crew's quarters, Brains began handing out food and drinks, telling them that they should all have something to eat.

Once everyone had eaten, they all settled down as Thunderbird Two headed for the disaster area. Everyone seemed to be fully wide-awake, even though they had all been sound asleep just a short while before. Kat looked around at her colleagues. Some were trying to rest, others were chatting quietly. Suddenly she tried to remember the code names; she hadn't used the new ones yet. Thinking hard, she remembered Brains was Einstein, Dom was Dak, Nikki was Angel, Brandon was... oh well, she was sure that she would remember. She settled back in her seat to rest for the remainder of the journey.

Post by Tawnyangel22 on 22/06/2005



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Silence had descended upon TB2's cockpit like a stone veil. The impending disaster weighed on their minds; the wait was always the worst. Nikki's eyes were fixed squarely on one of the windows. Beside her, Dianne's were closed, as if in meditation. Brains and John were sitting together, conversing in low tones. Dominic glanced out of the side of his eye at Kat, who was peering up at Virgil and the controls.

"Nervous?" He asked.

Kat gave him a small smile.

"A little. I don't know what to expect."

Dominic nodded brought a hand to his face, still feeling bereft without his glasses.

"Don't think about it," he said. "You learn not too, so. When I was with LifeFlight... God, it was awful sometimes."

Kat looked as if she was waiting for elaboration, but none came. No point in giving everyone anything else to think about, Dom thought.

"How and ever, the point is, if you don't think about it, you've no expectations. And when you get there, don't think about it. D'you get my drift?"

"I do," Kat said. "Although I doubt if it will be easy."

"No, love, it won't be."

They were silent again, and Dominic slid down a little in the seat. Now I'd better hope all this bravado pans out, eh?

Post by ArtisticRainey on 23/06/2005


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With several people helping to load the pod, they were able to launch Thunderbird 2 in record time. During the journey, John went to sit in the co-pilot's seat, leaving Kat and Brains to their thoughts. He and Virgil didn't speak to each other; they were both too concerned about what lay ahead.

Kat sat deep in thought. This rescue was so totally different from the Russian one. On that one she had just been there initially to make sure that the winch worked okay. She was going along on this rescue with Brains to help with the generators. She glanced at Brains, who also looked deep in thought. "Boss?"

"Yes, Kat."

"Is there anything that I should know before we land, which will help me to be really useful? I know so little about generators."

"You don't have to worry, Kat," he replied. "Generators are basically engines, which provide electricity. And you know how to maintain engines. Our first priority will be to hook up the ones we brought where they will be needed most. Then, if there are any still basically intact, but not running, we will see what can be done to repair them."

He sighed. "I don't like not knowing exactly what we are getting into. It keeps us from having a plan ready to go when we arrive. But we'll have to wait until we get there."

Kat nodded. Brains seemed worried. ~I just hope that I won't let him or the rest of the crew down. She fumbled in the pocket of her uniform, brought out a muesli bar and began to eat. The two sat in silence, then suddenly Scott's voice broke into their thoughts. "Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One; what is your ETA, Van Gogh?"

"ETA fifteen minutes, Maverick. What's the situation?"

"Not good. Right now, I don't see any place to set Two down so you can unload the pod. And you'll have to do that fast, so you can go back and pick up Four."

John and Virgil glanced at each other in concern. Before they could reply, Scott spoke again.

"Wait! They have a couple of tractors coming out. There is a place that's partially clear and they are heading in that direction. They will have a clearing large enough for you to set down. I'll see what I can do to hurry them along. When you arrive, do a circuit of the islands."

There was another pause, and he continued. "I've gotten a communication from the island. Their one hospital is out of commission -- took severe damage, including their generator. They've set up a field hospital, but the small generator they are using isn't nearly enough. Have Einstein and MGM set up the ones we brought there, then head to the hospital to see if they can repair theirs."

Scott's voice was strained, as the sight of all the devastation was affecting him, but he was trying to keep from letting it overwhelm him. John realized this and said, "Hang in there, Maverick. We'll be there to help keep the death toll from rising much more. And if we can give the Boss a detailed report, he can have people there quickly to help them rebuild."

"Thanks, Quasar. I needed that. Thunderbird One out."

"I'm going below to warn the others what to expect," John said to Virgil. "If it's affecting Scott that much, who knows how much it'll affect the others?"

"Good idea," Virgil replied as John unlocked his harness and headed out of the cockpit.

He entered the crew quarters. "Brains, Kat," he said quietly, "there is no easy way to say this; there is total devastation out there. We are approaching the island, and there is a clearing where Virgil can land Thunderbird Two. The pod has to be released very quickly, in order to get it unloaded so Virgil can return to pick up Thunderbird Four. Brains, I want you and Kat to set up our generators at the field hospital they've created, then make your way towards the hospital, which is almost completely destroyed." He looked at Kat who was white faced. "Okay, MGM?" he smiled, using her code name.

Kat nodded, "FAB, Quasar."

John smiled at her, and headed toward the others, to let the medical team know what was in store for them when they disembarked. Brains swallowed hard, and turned to Kat. "Do you think you're ready for this? Complete devastation isn't a pretty sight."

Kat looked at Brains. "To be honest, Brains, I don't know. I have never witnessed anything like John has described. But," and here she hesitated, "I am a member of International Rescue, I managed to cope with the Russian rescue, and I guess I shall cope with this one. But may I ask on thing?"

"Sure, Kat," Brains replied.

"Please can we stick very close together?"

Brains nodded, looking slightly perplexed. "If you want, Kat," he said.

Post by Hobbeth and Tawnyangel22 on 23/06/2005


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[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 20:49]

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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1388 is a reply to message #1387] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:48 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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"Mrowww?" Asterix stopped eating suddenly and listened. He went back to his breakfast for a moment, then he stopped again. He paced about, uneasy.

Something was wrong; he just knew it. Something horrible was coming.

Asterix suddenly became very frightened. He ran into the living room looking for his master. He howled for him, but his master wasn't wasn't around.

He decided there and then to hide. Then he ran into the bedroom and under the bed, where he sat, shivering, his eyes wide.

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 23/06/2005



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******Meanwhile, at the Tracy Island boat pen...******

Gordon and his team arrived at the boat pen. After he gave the assignments, everyone immediately got to work.

Callie looked at him. "Gordon, uh, I know this isn't exactly the right time to say this, but I haven't done any sailing since I was a child."

"Well, then we'll just do as Dad suggested and attach a line from the cruiser to the Lucille and--"

"Hang on," interrupted Cherie. "Callie, I'll help you out. We'll take one of the cabin cruisers together and maybe Chris and Elise can take the other one?"

"Sounds good to me." Chris replied. The others nodded and looked toward Elise for her agreement. None was forthcoming.

"Elise? Are you okay? What's wrong?" Callie asked worriedly.

"Um... no, not really. I, well... look guys, I'm not getting in the boat. I'll do what Mr. Tracy suggested and secure the monorail with the equipment you can't get on board the boats." Elise's words tumbled out and she barely stopped to breathe.

Gordon said, "Good. Callie, you'll get refresher lessons after we take care of this situation. Right now we've got to get things loaded and batten down the cat. We're running out of time."

Gordon and Chris loaded the small craft into the cabin cruisers while Callie, Elise, and Cherie worked on loading the monorail of the loose life jackets. As Cherie scrambled around securing items, Callie took an opportune moment to quickly talk to Elise.

"Are you afraid of water, Elise?" Callie wasted no time in getting to her point.

Caught off guard Elise stopped what she was doing and turned to glare at Callie who wasn't backing down and waited for an answer. Elise averted her eyes and spoke quietly, she didn't want Cherie to hear.

"Yes. I hate it. My parents drowned in a boating accident when I was 9. I was with them." She looked back at Callie.

"I'm so sorry," Callie said.

"Thanks. Listen, we better get this done or Gordon will be on to us."
At that moment, the red-head ran over to them. Callie saw Gordon favoring his shoulder. "Gordon, are you all right?"

"I'm fine."

"No, you need to rest that shoulder. I'll help Chris load up the rest onto the cruiser."

"None of us can rest until all the boats are out of the way of the tsunami."

"You're right. Then I'll do the best I can, but you have to promise me you'll be careful sailing the Lucille."

Everyone completed their tasks less than 20 minutes later, and they did the best they could to save the catamaran by tying it down tightly. Elise ran as fast as she could to the monorail as the others took to the sea. Gordon took the controls of the Lucille, and Chris piloted one of the cabin cruisers while Callie sailed the other with assistance from Cherie. All three craft moved toward the southern end of the island.

Post by TracyFan4Ever and FrankieCTB2 on 25/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1390 is a reply to message #1389] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Christopher whistled an old sea shanty to himself that he'd learnt at school when he was a boy.

For all the seriousness and urgency that the approaching tsunami brought, he felt rather happier than he did earlier that morning.

"I feel useful again", he thought, as he kept a steady hand on the tiller.

Seeing Gordon gesture to follow him, he changed course as Callie did the same, then continued to follow in the dark of the early morning.

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 25/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1391 is a reply to message #1390] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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As Virgil circled the island, everyone went to the windows to see what they were up against. There were several low gasps as they surveyed the destruction. Very few buildings were still standing. The hospital was one (they could tell which one it was by the large caduceus hanging askew on it), but it had suffered extensive damage.

Moments later, they saw the clearing where Thunderbird Two was to land. They headed for the pod, ready to start the moment the pod was down.

Kat felt a little unsure, as she followed Brains and John down towards the pod. However, she listened intently when John began to organize the movement of the equipment. "MGM, Einstein, I suggest you start getting the generators ready to be offloaded." "FAB, Quasar," Brains confirmed. He and Kat hurried to where the small generators were stored and began to unfasten them from where they had been fastened for security during the journey. Kat found that suddenly her adrenaline was beginning to work, and her nervousness began to fade, as the pod door was lowered.

John brought the antigrav unit over for them to put the generators on, and went over to Dianne, who was preparing to enter Thunderbird 7. "As soon as the generators are offloaded, take Seven to a spot halfway between the field hospital and the regular hospital. A large space has been cleared for it, and you can set up and start there. Because facilities on it are much superior to anything they have working right now, the most extreme cases will be brought to you. We've been told that any bodies they find will not be brought to our area. One of the other buildings still standing has a large shaded area that was undamaged. They will go there."

They all nodded and took their places. Soon they felt the gentle bump that let them know that Thunderbird Two had landed. They waited for the go ahead.

Kat helped Brains to load the generators on to the antigrav unit. They were not too heavy but very bulky. She struggled with the unfamiliar weight and size of them. The pod door slowly descended and Kat gazed out on a scene such as she had never seen before. Uprooted trees, vehicles on their sides, up against trees. People wandering around moaning and crying. Children calling for their parents. Mothers and fathers looking desperately for their children. She blinked, ~mustn't show any weakness, not now, she thought. Stoically she moved outside alongside Brains, heading towards where the generators had to be set up.

Behind her, she heard Thunderbird Seven's engines start up. "Let's get out of their way. They need to get over to the clearing and start setting up," Brains said.

"Right, Einstein," she replied. "Lead the way."

They headed over to where there was a small old-fashioned generator running. But from the sound of it, it was on its last legs. In fact, just as they arrived, it sputtered and died.

"Quick. Let's unhook this and get one of ours connected and going." He grabbed the toolbox and knelt down beside the defunct piece of machinery. "Okay, hand me the tools as I ask for them, and watch how I do this. That way, you'll know what needs to be done to get these babies up and working."

Kat knelt beside Brains and handed him the tools as he asked for them. After some time, he pressed a button and the generator spluttered into life. "Phew," Brains wiped a damp hand across his equally damp forehead. "Now to get the other one up and working."

Kat put the tools back in to the box. Looking around, she whispered. "All this devastation caused by a tidal wave."

Brains nodded. "Yes, it will be a long time before this area is cleared, and families can return to live here."

Kat turned and tripped over something lying on the ground. She looked down to see what it was, and found a stuffed dolphin, half buried in the sand. She reached down and pulled it out. Tears started falling as it finally hit her that children had been affected by the tsunami. She looked around and noticed that some of the body bags being carried off were too small for adults. "Oh no," she breathed.

"MGM." Startled, she jumped as Brains put a hand on her shoulder. "I know this is hard, but you have to put your feelings aside for now. I need you to concentrate on what we have to do, in order to keep any more people - adults and children - from dying. It's your job."

Kat gulped and wiped her eyes. "Sorry Einstein; of course you are right. I must put my feelings to one side. Now where are we going with this one?" Brains took the lead and slowly they moved the generator, and connected it up, so that it was working the other equipment. Looking round she noticed that Thunderbird Two was taking off and heading out to sea. "Looks like Van Gogh is headed out to pick up Thunderbird Four," she commented. Looking ahead, she noticed that Thunderbird Seven had stopped. ~Wonder how Nikki and Dom are coping~.

Brains wiped his hands and put the last tool back in the box, closing it up. "That's that. They have plenty of electricity. They can even hook up a refrigeration unit here, and not begin to overload these." He picked up the toolbox and said, "Now for the hospital. Let's see what we can do for their generators.

Post by Tawnyangel22 and Hobbeth on 25/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1392 is a reply to message #1391] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Almost as soon as Thunderbird Seven had stopped, injured people were being rushed up to the vehicle. Stretchers began to line the clearing; calling the situation 'tough' would be an understatement. Dominic set about tagging and prioritising the casualties. The ground began to turn red.

"Dom! Ah need you here! Get a pressure bandage, stat!" Dianne called out.

Dominic fetched one, running as fast as he could, and crouched over the stretcher. A middle aged man was groaning, practically screaming; it took them both the keep his hands from clutching his wounds. His belly was a mess of blood; his hands were slick, and his eyes were rolling back in his head. The bandage was saturated in a matter of moments.

"Let's get him into Seven; we need to work fast to get this bleeding under control or we'll lose him." Dianne said.

Together they hurried him up to the surgical bay, which was already prepped and ready to go. They worked deftly and quickly; Dominic could practically predict what Doctor Tracy was going to ask for. Just like old times...in a way, he thought.

"Pack it off for me," Dianne said at length. "That's all we can do for now. I need to get back out there." Dom could see the encouraging smile under her mask; it was clear in her eyes.

"Yes Doctor," he said.

Dianne shucked off her gloves and reached for some antibac/antiviral gel on her way out.

"See you out there," she said.

Post by ArtisticRainey on 26/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1393 is a reply to message #1392] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Brains and Kat headed for the hospital. It was clear that these generators had suffered water damage. Neither of them was working; a panel had been broken off of one unit and was hanging by one bolt, and the other had a side badly caved in. As they descended the few steps into the room, they found that the water was up to their knees. Brains went over and began trying to remove the damaged panel on the first one and asked her to do the same to the other. Kat moved over to it, and began unscrewing the bolts that held one panel in place. As she removed it, a rather large fish leaped out at her, knocking her down. It landed in her lap.

This time her scream made Brains jump. "What on earth, MGM?"

Kat managed to flip the fish away from her now sopping wet uniform. "Ugh, what a horrible thing," she exclaimed.

As the fish tried to swim away, one of the locals who had been helping move patients out of the hospital passed by. He glanced in and, seeing the fish, exclaimed loudly in his own language. He rushed in, and grabbed it, holding it up by the gills.

He looked at the puzzled faces of the mechanic and the engineer and said in his broken English, "Food. Good eating. Feed many little ones." Then he hurried out with his prize.

Brains and Kat looked at each other, and both began to chuckle. He said, "We live to serve, wherever and however we can."

Kat started laughing harder. "And this time we're serving a fish course."

The interlude relieved some of the pressure they'd been under, and they turned back to the task at hand with renewed energy. Brains got the panel off the generator, examined it, and said, "Before we can do any repair work, we need to get the water pumped out of here, so we can dry things off." He looked around the room, and spied a hand pump. "Let's get this contraption over to where we can start removing the water. We'll take turns operating it, so neither of us gets too tired. Boy, this is an old one! I only saw one of these in a couple of books, and once in a museum in the States."

So taking it in turns, they had the old machine pumping out the water. The level slowly dropped, but the ground under their feet was slippery from the silt that had accumulated with the water. Kat began slipping and sloshing, and struggled each time it was her turn to operate the antique device.

They switched places, but Brains found out the hard way that there was also seaweed on the floor. One second he was passing her and the next he was sitting in the water, and his glasses had fallen off. He moved to get on his hands and knees so he could fish around in the water to locate them, and felt rather than heard the crunch. "Uh oh. I found my glasses."

"That's good," replied Kat.

"Not so good. They're under my knee. And they're now broken. I can't see a thing without them."

"Oh no! Brains, now what do we do?" she asked anxiously.

"You'll just have to be my eyes for the moment," he answered. "Now tell me, is the water low enough to work on the generator?"

"Not quite." she replied, cranking the handle as she talked. Eventually it was low enough. Brains told Kat what to do and she managed to work, using the dry rags they'd brought on the connections and the generator, until it spluttered into life. "There!" she said, "looks like that is working okay. But now what about you? I suppose we had better head back to Thunderbird Seven."

"No, Kat. We still have the other one to do, and it's worse off than the first. Plus all the cloths you used are now too wet. I think you should return to Thunderbird 7 and get the spare pair of glasses I keep there in case of something like this," and he lifted his broken glasses, "happening. And bring back more dry cloths, if Doc can spare them. Okay?"

"Okay Einstein, will do, but will you be okay here while I am gone, I may be some time?"

"I'll be just fine, MGM."

Kat waded through the water and headed for the surface. Once out in the open, she thought, not for the first time, how much work would be needed before anyone could every live there again. Suddenly she saw a familiar figure heading towards her. "Hi J.. Quasar, how's things?"

"Not too good, MGM, but what are you doing alone? Where is Brains; is there a problem?" John sounded concerned.

"Brains slipped and dropped his glasses and broke them. I have been sent back to Thunderbird Seven for his spare pair and some more dry cloths, if Dr Tracy can spare any."

John looked at the dripping wet mechanic. "Seems that you need to dry off, yourself."

Kat looked down at her uniform and smiling ruefully, said, "There's a fish around here somewhere that will be a good meal for several people. Somehow it got into one of the generators during the tsunami, and it happened to be the one I was working on, removing the panel. It knocked me down into about eighteen inches of seawater."

"Both of you fell in there? And you're okay?"

"Oh yes! I guess the only thing that got damaged - other than Brains' glasses - was our pride. But the other generator was damaged more, and Brains needs to be able to see to get it fixed, and we need to wipe down the connections."

"Well, I need to go to Seven so I'll walk with you," John said, falling in step with her. "Let's hurry."

Post by Tawnyangel22 and Hobbeth on 27/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1394 is a reply to message #1393] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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As John and Kat approached Thunderbird Seven, they were greeted by Nikki, who was preparing the next triaged patient for treatment. She looked at them critically, running her experienced eyes up and down. "What do you need?" she asked bluntly. "Are you injured?"

"No, uh, Angel," Kat said, a bit stung by Nikki's abrupt question. "Einstein has broken his glasses and we need some dry clothes for our work with the hospital's second generator."

Nikki gave both of them a strange glance. "Well, why didn't you call Mobile Control and let... Maverick know? Or call us directly? We could have had them ready for you."

Kat blinked then smacked her forehead with her hand. "I didn't even think of it. Neither did Einstein." She glanced up at John, "Why didn't you think of that?"

He held up his hands in a defensive gesture. "Don't look at me! I assumed you'd already done it."

Just then, Dom came to the entrance. "Doc is ready for the next one." Nikki activated the antigravity stretcher on which the patient lay and began to push it up the ramp. Dom took control of the head, and pulled. The stretcher floated easily up and into the cabin. The dark-skinned nurse stopped at the top of the ramp and shucked her gloves, then called into her hands-free unit, "Doc, does Einstein keep a pair of spare glasses aboard? He does? Where are they? Oh, Okay. And can we spare some clean, dry clothes for the mechanical team? Okay. I'll get them." She glanced down at John and Kat and motioned to the control cabin. "I'll meet you in there."

The two of them climbed into the cab, and John opened the cooler. He grabbed a bottle of water then looked down at Kat and said, "Looks like you've got things under control here. I'm going to head back to the Mobile Crane."

"F-A-B, Quasar. See you later," Kat replied. She pulled out a bottle for herself, and one for Brains, pocketing them as Nikki came out with a bag of clean rags and a small, hard-sided case.

"Here's what you need, MGM," she said with a sigh. "Next time, give Mobile Control or us a holler and we'll get things ready for you."

"I'll remember that," Kat said as she took the item. "Good luck here, Angel."

"Thanks, MGM," Nikki sighed again, looking out the viewport and adding softly, "We're going to need it."

Post by Tikatu on 27/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1395 is a reply to message #1394] Thu, 26 July 2012 20:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Alan, who had been listening to the many transmissions having to do with the latest rescue, called down to Scott. "Mobile Control from Thunderbird Five, do you read?"

Scott switched over to the secure circuit that would patch him through to the space station. He held up a finger to quiet the group of men and women who were hovering around, asking questions. "Go ahead, Thunderbird Five."

"An update for you, Maverick," came Alan's voice in his ear. "The local airstrip has been cleared enough for VTOL craft. A team of doctors from Doctors Without Borders is within five minutes of landing there to join the hospital's operations. Their head surgeon has asked to speak with Doc to see how we can cooperate."

"F-A-B, Indy. Tell them thanks, and give them the coordinates for Thunderbird Seven. I'll let Doc know so she can make the call one way or another. Do you have an ETA on Thunderbird Four?" He squashed the inclination to ask for news about the Island. ~We need to focus on the here and now. Base will tell us what's going on when we need to know.

He brought his attention back to the here and now just in time to hear Alan say, "... twenty minutes."

"Come again, Indy?"

Alan frowned. He didn't usually have to repeat himself to Scott. "Thunderbird Two gives an ETA of 20 minutes. Thunderbird Four is ready to load."

"F-A-B," Scott replied. "And thanks, Indy. Mobile Control out." He switched over to the frequency that could be heard within Thunderbird Seven. ~I'd better hail Nikki; she's less likely to be in the middle of surgery. She can warn Mom just as well.

Post by Tikatu on 27/06/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1396 is a reply to message #1395] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Andrew Carmichael strode briskly along toward the place where he'd been told International Rescue's medical contingent had set up. He was looking forward to seeing what he could of their technology and speaking with their physicians. Doctors Without Borders had sent along a crack team, and were liaising with the field hospital, hoping to take some of the burden from IR so they could go on to other places where they were needed.

As he came upon the clearing, he stopped and stared at the large, white vehicle that stood before him. The size of it fascinated him, and he wondered if he would be allowed inside. ~They certainly have tremendous equipment available to them, he thought.

Nikki, who was checking on some of the previously triaged patients, saw this seemingly able bodied man, with a caduceus on his polo shirt, staring at Thunderbird Seven.

~This must be the representative from Doctors Without Borders that I was told would be coming, she thought. One little tweak to the temporary bandage on the yellow tagged patient she was helping, then she straightened and approached the stranger.

"Sir, may I help you?" she asked politely.

Andrew started, then smiled at the dark-skinned woman in the soiled, light blue scrubs. "Yes, I think you can. I'm Dr. Andrew Carmichael, from Doctors Without Borders. I'm here to meet with your head physician to see how we can coordinate our efforts."

"Yes, sir. We've been expecting you. Let me tell our CMO that you're here."

Inside Thunderbird Seven, Dianne was gluing up a long gash in a man's leg, using her surgical laser to set the glue. Dom had just come in with fresh bandages for the wound when Dianne heard Nikki's voice in her ear phone.

"Doc?"

"Go ahead, Angel."

"Dr. Carmichael, from Doctors Without Borders, is here to see you."

Dianne suddenly stopped what she was doing, and her eyes went wide. Dom was concerned when he saw her pale.

She took a deep breath and asked, "Dr. Andrew Carmichael?"

Outside, Nikki frowned a bit, looked up at the man standing beside her, and replied, "Yes. Dr. Andrew Carmichael."

Dianne breathed out heavily, and swallowed hard. She hefted the laser again, and went back to finishing the job. "Tell him that Ah'm in th' middle of a procedure an' Ah'll be with him in a few minutes."

"Yes, Doc," Nikki replied. She relayed the message to Andrew, who nodded, then she said, "If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work."

In the surgical bay, Dom asked, "Is there something wrong, Doc?"

She shook her head. "Nothin' Ah can't handle, Dak." Standing up, she looked critically at her work. "If you'd be so kind as t' finish with th' dressin', Ah'll tend t' owah visituh."

"F-A-B," Dom said. They switched places, and Dom began to dress the wound as Dianne took a moment to wash her hands and arms thoroughly. She then reached into her locker and pulled out her cap, turning it in her hands, her eyes unfocused as if she had something important to think about. Then she nodded, put the cap firmly on her head, and left the surgical bay, striding across to the operator's cabin.

Andrew frowned a bit as he watched Nikki work. He has assumed that IR had several medical personnel, but so far all he had seen was the one nurse. He looked up as the doors slid open and a black-haired man, pale of skin, and wearing the same scrubs as "Angel" came out, supporting a man with a dressed leg, helping him to the ground level where a woman and two children waited for him. The male nurse went back inside, and came out with a stretcher, and between them, the woman and the man helped another victim into the confines of the white vehicle. The dark woman returned to the triage area, then stood suddenly, putting a hand to one ear as if listening, and approached Andrew.

"Our physician will see you now. If you'll climb into the control cab..." She indicated one of the doors marked with a large red "7".

"Thank you," Andrew said, nodding again. He strode over to the machine and climbed the rungs. The door opened for him with an audible swish, and he stepped into a cool, air conditioned pilot's cabin.

There was someone sitting in the central chair, with the back of the chair turned to him, and he approached, only to be halted by a raised, gloved hand.

"I'm Dr. Andrew Carmichael of Doctors Without Borders," he said firmly. "I've come to offer our help."

"Ah know who you are, Dr. Cahmichael," said a raspy, but strangely familiar voice. "An' Ah know why you're heah. Ah'm not sure we can be of assistance t' each othuh."

"Now, wait a minute," Andrew began, his temper rising at this woman's - for he could tell the doctor was female - high-handedness. "I'm sure we can be of help to you. Just tell us what you need, and we'll provide it. We may not have the wonderful equipment you have, but we do have manpower, which you seem to be sorely lacking."

"We do fahne with what we have, suh," the woman replied.

"I'm sure you do, but..." Andrew's voice trailed off as his mind, which had been trying frantically to place the voice, came up with an insane, impossible answer, one that made him feel like he'd been hit in the stomach. His eyes widened, his face took on an expression of incredulity, and he took in a sharp, deep breath, letting it out all at once.

"Dianne?" he asked, softly and hesitantly.

There was a sigh, weary beyond belief, and the chair turned towards him. The woman removed her cap, then her visor, and looking up at him with a resigned expression was his own niece, Dianne Tracy.

"Hello, Uncle Drew."

rewritten and posted by Tikatu


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1397 is a reply to message #1396] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Alan opened communications with Mobile Control once again. "Maverick, what's your status?"

"The worst of it has been taken care of, and now with Doctors Without Borders here to help, we can pack up and go wherever else we're needed. I presume, Indy, that you've gotten word that we're needed somewhere else?"

Alan grinned. "You've got that right, Maverick. Word has come from Fiji that they are in need of assistance. They want people for medical help as well as search and rescue, and mechanical. More generators need Einstein and MGM's assistance, I expect. You'll need to reconnoiter."

"F-A-B, Indy." Scott returned his smile. "I'll let them know, so they can get ready to relocate. We'll let you know when we are underway. Uh, Indy, any word from Base?"

"No injuries, minor damage only. That's all I was told. We'll get the full scoop once this rescue is over and you're all safely back at base. But I bet you'll all have some clean up chores waiting when you get there."

Scott grimaced. "As long as we have a chance to rest, first. But I'm glad to hear that everyone's okay. Mobile Control, out." He called John next. "Quasar from Mobile Control."

"This is Quasar, Maverick. Go ahead."

"I've gotten word from Indy that some of us are needed in Fiji. Return to Mobile Control and take over here, so I can fly over and check things out there."

"F-A-B, Mobile Control. I'll be there in a few minutes."

Scott shortly turned over command to John and headed to Thunderbird One. Moments later, he took off and headed west, toward their next rescue site.

Post by Hobbeth on 03/04/2005


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1398 is a reply to message #1397] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Drew gasped, staring at the woman before him, trying to understand her presence in the Thunderbird.

She sighed again, then said, "Sit down before y' fall down, Drew."

He looked around and saw a co-pilot's chair. Turning it to face her, he dropped into it. "Dianne..." he began, his hands spreading out as he leaned forward. "How... when...?"

She held up her hand. "Look, Uncle Drew. Ah don't have much tahme, but before we go any further, you have t' make me a promise. What Ah'm gonna tell you, you can't tell to anybody else. Includin' Aunt Maggie. Ah have to have your word that you'll keep this a secret. The security an' safety of owah organization depends on it."

He shook his head. "Dianne... I..."

"You have to promise me, Uncle Drew. Or Ah can't answer your questions."

There was a moment of silence, then Drew nodded his head. "All right. I'll keep it to myself. I promise."

She looked at him gratefully. "Thank you. Now take a deep breath, then ask your questions."

Her straightforwardness caught him off guard, but he blurted out, "What the hell are you doing here?"

She looked surprised. "Ah would have thought that'd be obvious. Ah'm heah to rescue people, save lives."

"But..." He stopped for a moment, gathering his thoughts, beginning to frown as the myriad implications of her presence there and in that uniform began to crowd in and become clearer. "That nurse out there -- Angel -- she called you the CMO. The chief medical officer. Is that true? Are you the CMO of International Rescue?"

Dianne looked away for a moment, then took in a deep breath and huffed it out. Her eyes met those of her uncle and she said, "Yes, Ah am."

He paused. "How? How did you come to be the CMO of International Rescue? And what does Jeff have to say about all this? Why the hell would he let you go out and risk your life like this? Does he even know?" His voice began to rise in volume.

She waved her hands in a shushing motion. "Shh!" she said, frowning. "Theah are patients beyond that door." She pointed to the door between the control cab and the medical cabin. Taking a deep breath, she sighed again. "Of course Jeff knows, an' he's okay with it."

"But... I don't understand. How does Jeff have contact with...." Drew's voice trailed off as the logical conclusion to his question came to mind. "My God. Jeff's part of International Rescue, too."

"He's moah than that, Uncle Drew," Dianne said quietly. "Jeff - and the Tracy family - are International Rescue."

Andrew's eyes widened at this, and he suddenly sat fully back in his chair, stunned. "The family? The whole family? The boys? Cherie? Emily? Kyrano? Tin-Tin? Brains? Everyone?"

"No, not everyone," Dianne answered, slightly irritated. "Em and Kyrano are too old to be on active duty, and mah three kids are much too young. But the five oldest boys, yes. Tin-Tin, yes. And Brains... well, he designed all th' Thunderbirds. Jeff commands everything from th' island."

"Oh my God," Drew said, passing a hand over his face. He scowled and asked in an angry voice, "We've been friends for years; good friends. Why the hell didn't he tell me?"

"He has his reasons, Uncle Drew, and they are good ones," Dianne answered wearily. "The only reason Ah'm tellin' you now is that Ah knew you'd recognize mah voice, an' Ah figured that if'n you knew, you wouldn't be speculatin' about it out loud t' anybody. Ah 'spect t' heah from mah husband foah tellin' you when Ah get home."

She sat up straighter and put a hand to her ear when she heard Dom call, "Doc? We're ready for you."

"F-A-B, Dak. Ah'll be right with you." She turned back to her uncle. "Ah have a patient." Licking her lips, she said, "Listen. We may be needed elsewhere real soon. Go on ovah t' owah Mobile Control unit. It's a red computer thing. Scott -- whose code name is Maverick -- should be theyah. Coordinate things with him. If yoah people could take most of th' yellow tags off owah hands, that'd be a big help."

Drew sighed heavily. "All right, Dianne." Both of them rose to their feet. Dianne put her visor back on, but not her cap.
"Ah'm sorry we couldn't talk about this moah, Uncle Drew. But Jeff'll be in touch, you can be sure of that."

"If he's not, I'll be in touch with him," Drew warned, pointing an emphatic finger at his niece.

"Ah don't doubt it." She moved over to the cooler and grabbed two bottles of water. "Heah. Give one o' these t' Scott. An' tell him from me that he's not t' spread it around that you know. Tell him Ah'll deal with his father mahself."

Drew took the cold bottles. "I will, Dianne." He leaned over and gave her a small kiss on the cheek. "Be careful."

She opened the door to the medical cabin. "You too, Uncle Drew," she said softly. Then she stepped through and was gone.

Andrew shook his head for a moment. He glanced around the pilot's cabin, then turned and left, climbing down the rungs. Outside, he spotted Angel again.

"Where can I find... uh... Mobile Control?"

Nikki stopped long enough to point. "Over that way. Look for the green Thunderbird."

"Thank you, Angel." And with that he went off in search of his old friend's oldest son.

rewritten and posted by Tikatu


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1399 is a reply to message #1398] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Field Commander
Switzerland
John was busy, coordinating the data from Scott, who was flying over Fiji, and the others who were scattered around Samoa, uploading it to Alan, who was passing it on to Jeff. He had tuned out his surroundings a bit, and so was surprised when a hand waved a cold bottle of water under his nose. He glanced up, and paled at the familiar face who looked down at him, a wry smile on his face.

"You don't look like a 'Maverick' to me," Andrew said.

"Oh, uh, I'm not. I'm Quasar," John replied, his eyes wide.

"Ah. A much more appropriate name," Drew said. He waved the bottle again. "Doc sent this for Maverick. Where'd he get to?"

"Uh... he's gone at the moment."

"Then you'd better take it," Andrew advised. "You look like you could use it."

"Thanks." John took the bottle but didn't open it. "Uh... Doctor? What...?"

"I've had a talk with your CMO. She's asked for my crew to take the yellow-tagged patients, which we will do. And she says that you're not to tell anyone that she and I have talked. She says she will tell your... commander herself."

"Ah," John said, reading between the lines. "How much...?"

"As much as I need to know at the moment," Andrew replied. He sighed. "I wish that I had known before. I expect to hear from your commander... and soon."

"I'll pass that along... if Doc doesn't do it herself," John replied. He made motions toward the Mobile Control. "I'd better get back to work."

"So should I." Drew took a gulp of his own water bottle, then waved it at John. "See you around... Quasar."

John watched his father's old friend go. Drew broke into a trot as he headed toward where his crew was waiting for him, and was soon out of sight. The International Rescue operative sighed heavily as he turned back to Mobile Control.

~I wish I could be a fly on the wall when Mom tells Dad that she just caused a security breach as big, or bigger, than the one Christopher made!

rewritten and posted by Tikatu


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1400 is a reply to message #1399] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
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Field Commander
Switzerland
It didn't take Brains and Kat too long to discover the problem with the generator at the water treatment plant once they arrived; in fact, it was Kat who found it. A vital part was rusted and crumbling. Fortunately, a spare was in stock, and Brains let her install it herself, wanting her to get more experience, only occasionally making a suggestion.

Half an hour after she started working on it, she was done. "Now to see if it will run, and if it does, we can go on to whatever's next." She hit the "Start" button, and instantly it began to work. She smiled at him as she heard the satisfying hum of the well-tended motor, and began to reattach the panel.

"Well done. You are now a generator pro, MGM." Brains activated his communicator watch and told John that they were finished. "Where do you want us to go next?"

"Return to base, Einstein. The most vital equipment on this island is now operational, thanks to you two, but Fiji is reporting they need assistance with some of their generators. So we're having Van Gogh take you and MGM there, along with Thunderbird Seven and the medical team, as soon as you get here."

"FAB, Maverick. I'll check on the transportation and give you an ETA as soon as we're underway. Einstein out."

Kat put the last screw in the panel, and put the tools away. She turned to Brains and said, "That's it. We're done here. What's next?"

"Fiji is next, according to Quasar. It seems they need our help. Let's go find our transportation and head back to base."

He picked up the toolbox and they left the building. Soon they were on their way to Thunderbird 2, and the next island.

a collaboration between TawnyAngel22 & hobbeth


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1401 is a reply to message #1400] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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Field Commander
Switzerland
Brandon was quiet as he made his way through the water. Mobile Control had informed him that a bus had been swept into the water and he was to find it and mark it for the recovery team. As he approached the coordinates he was given, he kept his eyes on the sonar. Soon he spotted the location and carefully approached the mangled wreckage.

"There it is," Brandon said to himself as he looked out the view port at what was left of the bus. One side of it was caved in, the windows shattered. The young aquanaut swallowed hard, thinking of the lives that were so tragically cut short. He contacted Mobile Control, informing Scott that he had arrived at the scene and was going out.

Brandon swam up to the bus and looked through the shattered window and what he saw tore at his heart. The bodies were in a heap in the middle of the aisle and Brandon could just make out the small body of a child, its hand still clutching a teddy bear.

"I wonder what went through their minds before the wave hit them?" Brandon thought as he deployed the buoy, marking the location for the recovery team. He turned and was heading back to Thunderbird Four when his keen eyes spotted something else in the water. After some thinking, he contacted Scott.

"Mobile Control from Big Mac."

"Big Mac from Mobile Control, go ahead."


"I've spotted something floating in the water. It could be another victim. I'm heading over to check it out."

"F-A-B."

Brandon swam towards the form he had spotted in the water, hoping it wasn't another body. As he approached the object, he smiled in relief as the 'body' he thought he had seen turned out to be a floating piece of seaweed.

"Mobile Control from Big Mac. It was a false alarm. My 'victim' turned out to be a piece of seaweed."

"Say again, Big Mac," Scott replied, unable to hear Brandon's reply over some nearby noise.

"I said false alarm. My 'victim' ended up being a piece of seaweed."

"Thank goodness for that," Scott said in obvious relief.

"I hear ya there Maverick. Where to now?"


"Return to Thunderbird Four and proceed to Fiji immediately to help with rescue efforts there."

"F-A-B, Maverick. I'm on my way."

post written by Magicmaster8


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1402 is a reply to message #1401] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
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There was a shout and Tin-Tin looked up to see a large group of people hurrying into the general area. One man seemed to be leading them, and shouting instructions to them, because several separated from the group and went off to help with searches, while others headed to the field hospital. The man saw Tin-Tin moving toward him and quickly closed the distance.

"I am Reverend Eugene Anderson. I have a church on the lower slopes of Mount Silisili. We went farther up the mountain to escape the tsunami and once it was safe, started back down to see if we could help. As you must have realized, it was slow going. Some of us are helping out further inland, but most of us knew that the greatest need would be along the coast. So here we are."

"I'm sure a lot of people will be glad to see you. There's a great deal of work to be done, moving people and... and bodies, helping out in the hospitals, searching and clearing. Why don't we go over to the field hospital. I believe the local officials are there."

They headed in that direction, then Tin-Tin's watch-com activated.

"Sweet from Mobile Base. What's your location?"

"Just arriving at the field hospital with some more help." She smiled. "It seems that the local cavalry has arrived."

She heard an answering chuckle. "F-A-B, Sweet. Then return to Mobile Base. Two is taking Four to Fiji and I want you to go with Big Mac. This time, you'll stay in Four and work with him."

"F-A-B, Mobile Base. Will be there in three minutes."

She walked up to one of the officials she had met earlier and introduced him to the minister. Then, saying goodbye and accepting their thanks, she hurried over to John.

"Help me pack up Mobile Control. By that time, MGM and Einstein, as well as Thunderbird Seven will be aboard Two," he told her. "It'll take us to Fiji, then go pick up Four and transport it to our location, so you can board it. Most of the islanders there speak English fairly well, so we need your help underwater with Big Mac."

"What about American Samoa?"

"Word is that they weren't hit quite as hard as here, and most of the people were able to get to high ground in time. Other assistance has gone there, and more groups are heading to the other islands as we speak. Now, we'd better get a move on, before Van Gogh decides to leave without us."

Tin-Tin giggled. "F-A-B, Quasar," she replied as she began to assist him in getting the field base ready to load aboard Thunderbird Two.

Virgil returned to his pilot's seat once Kat and Brains were aboard. After collecting Thunderbird 4 and returning to Samoa, he now needed to fly Brains and Kat to Fiji and their next broken generator. He powered up Two and started to take off.

Looking out the window at the devastation, he let out a sigh. This is going to be one helluva long day. He started thinking back over the events so far.

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

None of team had really had enough time to digest the fact that not only were they going out on a horrendous rescue, but also their home base was going to be hit. The moment Thunderbird Two left her launch pad, the crew on board had become almost silent. John had been in the co-pilot's seat and he and Virgil only exchanged worried glances every now and then. Words weren't needed. Their minds were on the job ahead of them, but their hearts were back home with those left to ride out the waves heading toward the island.

Then Scott called, and Virgil replied, emphasizing his brother's code name. Scott heard it, but ignored it and instead appraised Virgil of the landing situation, or lack of it, and then continued to give a run down of what needed to be done. All of it, of course, had to be done at the speed of light.

Virgil looked at John with a lopsided grin and rolled his eyes. John chuckled at both of his elder brothers. They all knew Scott's "Field Commander Mode" was in full swing. When he was finished, John went to advise the others.

When they arrived, Virgil banked the transporter slowly around the island, searching for the clearing that Scott had told him people were creating for them. It took him two times around before he was able to get a clear shot at landing. He radioed back to the others that he was preparing to land. The tell-tale bump indicated they'd arrived and Virgil immediately raised the legs and released the pod door. The generators were unloaded first, then came Thunderbird 7.

"How's it going, Quasar?" Virgil called his brother on their commlinks.

"Okay, so far." John heard Virgil sigh and asked "What's wrong, Van Gogh?"

"Oh, nothing. Just looking at this disaster zone and wishing we had Frankie along. She could've taken over handling Two and I could've been an extra pair of hands down there."

"I know. Frankie's working on it, she'll be with us soon; and even though it'd be great having you down here, you're needed to retrieve Thunderbird Four."

"Yeah, you're right. See you soon." As Virgil took off, he still wished he was down there helping. Right now, he was flying 'milk runs', fetching and carrying equipment, and although he loved flying like he loved breathing, he still liked being in the thick of things.

As he flew towards the pick-up point for TB4, he began wondering how things had fared for Brandon and Tin-Tin. He wasn't worried so much about Tin-Tin as she could handle anything, but his concern was for Brandon and Thunderbird Four.

Oh boy, if there's one tiny scratch on Four, Gordon will have your hide, Brandon! That lead to Virgil's next thought...~I hope everyone's okay back home. I hope Gordon's all right....[/i]

post written by FrankieCTB2


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1403 is a reply to message #1402] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
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Field Commander
Switzerland
"How're we doin' foah three by three gauze?" En route to Fiji, the medical crew was doing a down and dirty inventory.

Dom rifled through the open box. "We've got a full box, and a partial one. I'd say it was half full."

Dianne frowned at her data pad. "Looks like we're gonna have t' use th' two by two instead. Ah think we have plenty o' that." She glanced over at Nikki. "Do we have all th' charts back?"

"Yes, we do," Nikki said from the monitoring station. "I'm just downloading the last two. The others are already wiped and ready to go."

"Ohh-kay," Dianne drawled. "Dom, would you an' Nikki please get th' patient beds wiped down and made up? We don't have much tahme, but Ah have a job t' do that won't wait."

"Sure, Doc," Dom replied. He followed Dianne from the surgery area to the medical cabin, picking up the stack of charts as he passed Nikki. "We'll get it done."

Dianne smiled slightly, gratitude in her expression, and she sighed. "Ah'll be back as soon as possible." Then she turned and walked into the control cab, closing the door firmly behind her.

"What's bothering her?" Nikki asked, frowning.

"I don't know for sure, but I think it had something to do with that conversation she had with the rep from Doctors Without Borders," Dom replied, looking at the door between the cabins. "She was drawling before it and she hasn't stopped since."

"Well, whatever it is, I hope she can put it aside soon," Nikki stated.

"I'm sure she can, Nik," Dom said calmly as he began to put the charts into their slots on the biobeds. "She's as professional as they come."

Dianne sat in the pilot's chair, looking at the panels in front of her and not really seeing them. Then she took her communicator out of her ear, reached over and opened up a private channel to the island.

"International Rescue CMO to Commander. Come in, Commander."

In the lounge, Jeff hung his towel around his neck and headed for his desk. He'd changed over to dry clothes, but didn't get a shower; that would come later when all was said and done. He frowned when he heard his wife's voice, the drawl heavy in it, and her formal manner of speech. ~What the hell is going on?
"International Rescue CMO to Commander. Come in Commander."

"IR Commander here," Jeff said, toggling a switch. He frowned more when he saw his wife's pale face. "Go ahead, Doc."

Dianne took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Ah regret t' inform you, Commander, that we have had a security breach."

Jeff's eyes widened, and he sat down suddenly. "A security breach? What kind of security breach?"

"Ah regret t' inform you, Commander, that Ah made a decision t' tell an outsahder about owah operations."

"What?" Jeff cried, incredulous. "Why?"

Dianne paused to gather her courage, and her words. "Ah had a meetin' with th' representative from Doctors Without Borders, a Dr. Andrew Carmichael. He wanted t' discuss how we mahte best help one another. Ah knew that Dr. Carmichael would recognize mah voice, so... instead of leavin' him guessin' an' allow him t' speculate aloud elsewheah, Ah revealed mah identity t' him... an' th' fact that owah family is behind International Rescue."

Jeff sat back fully in his chair. "Andrew? You met with Andrew?"

"Yes, suh. Ah did," Dianne said softly. "Ah didn't see how Ah could have avoided it. An' Ah had mah reasons foah tellin' him. Reasons above an' beyond his recognition of me and mah voice."

"Reasons I hope you will share with me when you return," Jeff said coldly. He shook his head, his face stern. "I can't believe you did this, Di... Doctor, especially after the fiasco in London. Be assured that we will discuss this as soon as you get back to base."

"Ah unnerstand, suh," Dianne replied, lifting her chin a bit, her voice level.

"Is there anything else?"

"No suh, there is not."

"I will see you later. Base out."

He closed communication, and huffed out a breath of air. "What the hell does she think she's doing?" he asked himself. He slammed a hand down on the desk top. "Damn! We do not need this!"

When communications winked out, Dianne sagged a bit, closing her eyes against the sting of tears. Then she sat up straight, wiped her eyes, and breathed deeply for a bit. There was a hesitant knock on the door, and she rose, opening the door.

"Are you all right?" Nikki asked. "Virgil says that we're landing at Fiji momentarily."

"Ah will be fahne," Dianne replied, sitting back down in the pilot's seat and buckling in. Nikki took the seat on her left, while Dom sat down at her right, fastening safety straps.

Dianne put her communicator in her ear again just in time to hear Virgil say, "Landing at Fiji in two minutes, Thunderbird Seven. Are you ready back there?"

"We are ready," she replied crisply, as she prepared Thunderbird Seven for another mission of mercy.

rewritten and posted by Tikatu


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1405 is a reply to message #1403] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
When Brains and Kat had arrived at Thunderbird Two, Virgil greeted them, saying "It's a good thing Thunderbird Seven hasn't arrived yet. They're coming, too. So you have time to clean up."

"Uh," Kat had commented, "In all my years as a mechanic, I have never, ever, been as dirty as I am now. Heaven knows what my parents would think, if they could see me."

She'd headed for the crew's quarters and, taking off her cap and boots, tried to wipe as much mud as she could from her uniform. Looking at herself in the mirror she saw, in her reflection, a tousle haired, mud-streaked face. She'd had unaccounted for scratches down one cheek. Her once spruce uniform was damp and muddy. Hastily she'd managed to clean some of the mud from her face, and hands, and dunking her hair under the water, managed to wash off the mud. Still feeling hot and sticky, she reported back to Virgil on the flight deck.

"Okay, Van Gogh," she'd said, ignoring the frown that Virgil gave over the use of his nickname. "I'm ready. I hope I didn't keep everyone waiting too long."

"Seven arrived only a few minutes ago. But get strapped in; we're taking off in two minutes."

Brains had joined her, and Virgil had manoeuvred the huge green craft, taking off once more, headed for Fiji. They hadn't seen the medical team, who remained in Seven. During the flight, Brains had in contact with Scott. "Exactly where do they need us?" he asked.

Scott had replied, telling them that they would be needed to work on another generator at the island's hospital.

"Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Two. Where do I set down?"

"Van Gogh, I've been informed that there is a clearing not far from the hospital." Scott gave Virgil the coordinates. "Set Two down there, then Einstein and MGM can walk over. Seven can set up in the same clearing. While you go get Four, Sweet can help Quasar set up Mobile Control. I'll join you as soon as I can."

Brains looked at Kat. "Looks like more walking through muddy terrain." She nodded.

Once Thunderbird Two was down, Kat and Brains grabbed the tool boxes and headed out towards the hospital.

"Good luck," Virgil called as the two reached the exit. "Contact Mobile Control when you are finished."

"FAB, Van Gogh," Brains answered, and they hurried out as the medical vessel powered up.

"Okay, Boss," Kat said. "Here we go again."

written by TawnyAngel22


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1406 is a reply to message #1405] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
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Field Commander
Switzerland
Nikki and Dom were maneuvering an antigrav stretcher into the medical cabin, and they paused at the top of the ramp when they heard the shouting. Someone was upset, that was certain, and Dom's eyes narrowed as he saw that whoever it was, they were towering over Dianne.

"If you'll get this one inside, Angel, I'll go see what's wrong," Dom told his companion.

"Okay, Dak. But be careful!" Nikki replied. "It doesn't sound good."

"F-A-B," Dom said as he headed down into the crowd surrounding Thunderbird Seven.

He came up on the source of the shouting: a huge Fijian man, with forearms as big around as Dianne's thighs. He was shouting in her face, poking her in the collarbone with a thick finger. She was trying to calm him, but it wasn't working.

Frowning as he approached, Dom tapped his communicator and said, "Mobile Control from Thunderbird Seven, we have a security issue here and need some back up."

Scott's voice sounded in his ear. "F-A-B, Dak! We're on our way!"

Dom sped up, and insinuated his thin form between Dianne and her attacker. "All right, Sunshine. What's the problem here?"

The Fijian backed off for a split second, but before Dom knew it, the man's meaty hands were on his shoulders and he was being shaken, hard. "I want my son!" the man shouted angrily. "Where is my son?"

The world spun in Dom's vision, but suddenly, the shaking stopped. The man had been knocked to the ground by a running Virgil, who had tackled the man in fine linebacker style. Then the Fijian was grabbed and held by a small group of his countrymen, who had been alerted to the fracas, and Scott came up at a run, weapon drawn. Dom found himself falling back against Dianne, who caught him and set him upright.

"Are you two all right?" Scott asked the medics.

"I will be, once the world stops spinning," Dom said, shaking his head lightly, and groaning, making a mental note not to do that again.

"Ah am," Dianne drawled, rubbing her shoulder. "Dak, you'd bettuh lie down for a while. You're gonna have a nasty headache."

"And a pair of black eyes," he added with a rueful tone. "At least things are settling down and I'm not seeing stars anymore. I'll take some pain killers now, and lie down later. We still have work to do."

Dianne huffed out a breath, then put her hand on Dom's back, guiding him over to Thunderbird Seven. "You let me be th' judge o' that," she said firmly.

Scott walked over to where the man now sat quietly, sniffling, his head hanging down. Virgil was standing there, his arms folded, scowling, his weapon drawn.

"Listen carefully to me," Scott said to the man, crouching down so that they were at eye level. "I don't know what your beef is, but don't even think about threatening our people again. If you do, we'll shoot first and ask questions later. International Rescue protects its own."

"I want my son," the man murmured, tearfully now. "I can't find my son."

"Then go over to the missing persons station and start there," Scott told him.

"We'll take him there," one of the other Fijians said. "And we'll make sure he doesn't bother your people again."

"Thank you," Scott replied. He stood, holstering his gun. Virgil followed his lead.

The man stood up, helped by his countrymen, and was led off toward the missing persons station. Scott shook his head. He glanced over at Virgil, and made a motion with his head toward Thunderbird Seven.

"I've got to get back to Mobile Control. See if Doc could use some help, and let me know. Dom may be down for the count after this. I'll send Quasar along so you can get back to Thunderbird Two."

"F-A-B," Virgil responded. He turned and jogged off in the direction of the medical unit.

Scott glanced around the clearing at the people who were waiting for treatment. Some of them looked up at him with expressions ranging from awe to fear. He sighed, then headed back to his station.

rewritten and posted by Tikatu, based on a post by ArtisticRainey


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1407 is a reply to message #1406] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
Field Commander
Switzerland
As Alan listened to the various communications, his emotions ranged from concern to frustration. He was glad to hear that the island was not hit hard, and that all the team members were doing their job well, but he wished he was with them. I wonder if this is how John feels when he's up here. I'll have to remember to ask him some time.

He communicated with Scott again, and learned that everyone had arrived in Fiji. His thoughts strayed to the new recruits. He had to admit that recruiting more personnel had been absolutely necessary. They were a great bunch, and had all settled in really well.

"Thunderbird Five and Base from Mobile Control."

"Go ahead, Mobile Control. Reading you five by five." The reply came from both locations almost simultaneously.

"Calling stand down at 1300 hours. Thunderbirds One and Two will be leaving shortly. Thunderbird Four is already heading back to base and will be picked up once the pod is offloaded there." Scott sounded relieved.

"Mobile Control from Base."

"Go ahead, Base," Scott replied.

"Maverick, bring Doc back with you," Jeff told his son.

There was a slight hesitation, then a puzzled, "FAB, Base."

Alan heard the exchange. Mm, wonder why he wants Mom back before the rest, he thought.

"Once all the crew members are back at base, we can begin clearing up," Jeff advised his fifth son. "And we will arrange to get the others back home to help."

Alan heaved a sigh of relief. His family and his new friends were all heading back, relatively uninjured, after another completed rescue.

Based on a post written by Tawnyangel22


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1408 is a reply to message #1407] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
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Field Commander
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"Base from Thunderbird Two," Virgil said into his microphone. "Requesting landing clearance."

"Clearance granted, Thunderbird Two." Gordon's voice came over the speaker, startling his brother and causing the others who sat behind him to glance at each other. "The boss has left orders that everyone is to clean up then meet in the dining room in forty-five minutes for debriefing over a light meal."

"F-A-B," Virgil replied.

He landed Thunderbird Two as flawlessly as ever, and headed up to the villa with John, Brains, and Tin-Tin. But instead of going to his quarters to shower and change, he went to the lounge. He was curious, and he knew he wouldn't relax until that curiosity was satisfied.

"Hey," he wearily said to Gordon as he entered the lounge. "Where's Dad?"

Gordon sighed from his position behind the commander's desk. "In the Round House. As soon as Scott got back here with Mom, Dad dragged her off for a 'discussion'." He crooked his fingers as he emphasized the last word.

"Oh! One of those!" Virgil replied, his eyes widening. Jeff and Dianne often used the Round House when they needed to "discuss" anything and they didn't want the family to hear or see their argument. "Any idea what about?"

Gordon shook his head. "Nope. And I don't think I want to know. Dad was pretty angry."

"Well, I'm sure we'll hear something about it. In the meantime, what's for dinner?"

Gordon responded. "Cherie and Callie have been preparing a salad and sandwich buffet. Cherie's idea, actually."

"Sounds good," Virgil said. "I'll get that shower, now. Just wanted to know what was happening with Dad and make sure he was okay. See you later."

"Later," Gordon replied, wearily waving his hand.

In the Round House, things were getting heated. Jeff hadn't allowed his wife to even remove her uniform. As soon as she stepped into the lounge from Thunderbird One's silo, he was there, ready to herd her out the door to the balcony and down the steps. He told Scott, "Get cleaned up. Debriefing in the dining room forty-five minutes after Thunderbird Two touches down. Gordon, take the desk. Dianne and I have something to discuss." Then they were out the door and heading for the Round House.

The Tracy sons looked at each other. "Any ideas?" Gordon had asked.

Scott had shaken his head and replied, "None at all."

The couple entered the Round House and went to one of the common rooms. Dianne wearily removed her jacket, draping it over the back of a couch, and set her visor and cap on a coffee table. Then she dropped onto the couch herself as Jeff waited, pacing up and down before her. Finally, he could contain himself no longer.

"Dianne, what the hell did you think you were doing?!"

She sighed, leaning her head back and pressing the heels of her hands to her eyes. "Ah was headin' off a potentially bigguh breach. You know as well as Ah do that Drew would've recognized mah voice, an' that if he saw me, well, that would be all it would take. He'd know. Ah took th' chance that revealin' mahself would keep him from speculatin' aloud elsewhere. Ah made him promise t' keep what Ah told him quiet before Ah answered any of his questions."

"So, he said he'd keep it quiet?"

"Of coahse, he did," she said irritably. "An' Ah trust him t' do that. He's mah uncle. He's not gonna do anythin' t' hurt me or mine."

"Why didn't you call and tell me what you planned to do?" he asked. "I might have agreed with you."

"Because Ah didn't have time," she replied. "We were up t' our elbows in patients, and he showed up without much warnin'. Besides, we'd have been spendin' valuable time discussin' th' same things we're discussin' now." She sat up and looked at him. "Y'know, he was really upset that you hadn't told him befoah this. You've been good friends for a long time."

"I have a lot of good friends that don't know," Jeff grumbled.

"Ah know that. Ah know your reasons for that, an' Ah agree with them. But in Drew's case, Ah think he should know. All of yoah family knows, but when it's come t' mine... it's been pick 'n' choose. Mah mothah found out foah herself a long tahme befoah you decided it was safe t' tell her."

"What?" Jeff exclaimed, scowling, stopping his pacing. "You want me to tell all your family about our secret?"

"No!" Dianne replied, standing up. "Mah brothers don't need t' know... not now anyway. But Drew..."

"Why him and not the rest, Dianne?" Jeff asked angrily. "Why just him?"

Dianne glared at him, and spread her arms wide. "Because Ah want you to make the man a damned agent!"

This brought Jeff up short. "An agent?" he asked, sounding a little more calm, and puzzled.

She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Yes, an agent." Taking a step toward him, she put a hand on his folded arms. "He'd make a good one, and you know it. Besides, he's got access to the best medical equipment in case..." Her voice trailed off.

"In case of what, Dianne?" Jeff asked, his voice softer.

"In case something happens to me," she said, looking down. "Out of all our operatives, I'm the most vulnerable. There's no one to patch me up if I'm injured. Dom and Nikki are great nurses, and they can do some procedures, enough to keep me alive until I got some better care. Same with Brains. But if it's something serious, there's no one else in the world that I'd rather have working on me. And no other place where I'd rather go for treatment." She raised her eyes to his again. "He'd be the perfect person to help if we ran into an emergency where we needed more than one doctor, too. And if he already knew, then he wouldn't be asking a lot of uncomfortable questions. He could arrange things so our security wasn't threatened."

Jeff sighed. "Did you think of all of this before you told him?"

"Yes, I did. I just sort of seized the moment, as it were," she said. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you, but as I said, there just wasn't time."

"I understand now, and I forgive you," Jeff said. "But that leaves us with another problem."

"What is that?" she asked.

"Christopher." He sat down on the sofa, and took her hand, guiding her down to sit beside him. "He created a security breach, too. I've disciplined him as I saw fit, but... I can't play favorites. You caused one, too, even if it wouldn't have the same repercussions as his would have had."

"I'm willing to take any disciplinary action you think is appropriate," Dianne said softly.

Jeff breathed in and out deeply, putting an arm around his wife. "I don't know that I can discipline you. You are the CMO; it was your call to make. Even if it technically was a security breach, it was a planned one to some extent. Still..." He drew her closer, and she leaned into his embrace. "I guess that - to be fair - I'll have to back off on him; shorten his period of discipline." Looking down at her, he asked, "Who else knows about this?"

She sat up a bit. "I'm not sure. I sent Drew off to coordinate with Scott at Mobile Control, but Scott looked mighty puzzled when we arrived at home."

"You're right, he did," Jeff said. "I wonder if he was even at Mobile Control when you sent Drew there. I know that John was on duty there while Scott did a recon at Fiji." He shook his head gently. "I guess I'll have to sound them out, see which one was there. Or maybe ask Drew when I call him."

"You are going to call him? To make him an agent?"

"Yes, I'll call, but I think it's something I need to do face-to-face. I'll make arrangements to visit him and Maggie as soon as possible."

"Good. I hope he accepts. And make sure you talk to Maggie, too. She has a right to know."

"I suppose she does, at that." He pulled her close again and kissed her hair. "Hmm. You need a shower." He glanced at his watch. "I wonder if Thunderbird Two is back yet. You might have time for one."

"You'd better check. We've been here for a while," Dianne said, putting her arm over his chest.

"Hmm. Do you think we're done here?"

"With our discussion? I think so."

"Then let's head back to the house." Jeff released her and they both sat up. "If Thunderbird Two is back, then we can get some food and debrief."

"Sounds good to me. I'm hungry and tired." Dianne looked up as he stood, offering his hand to her. "You?"

"The same. It was a close thing with that wave," Jeff said. "I'll tell you all about it over dinner."

She took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet, and into his arms. There he held her for a bit and they kissed deeply before they left the Round House, hand in hand.

rewritten and posted by Tikatu


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Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1409 is a reply to message #1408] Thu, 26 July 2012 21:12 Go to previous message
artisticrainey is currently offline  artisticrainey
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~With that we end Chapter Five: Learning to Live in Paradise~


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