Home » The Archives » Chapter 5 » Learning to Live in Paradise
| Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1288] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:04  |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Jeff's recovery is complete, and for the Tracy family, life has settled back into a more-or-less familiar routine, with training the new recruits the only new addition to it. But for the newbies, life on a tropical paradise isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Each one has to learn to live within the confines of the island and to live side-by-side with people who, until a few months ago, were total strangers. They must continue to train and hone those skills that will make them even more a perfect fit for the IR team while learning how to deal with the various personalities that surround them and with the peculiar disadvantages of island living. All this while a faraway enemy continues to test the defenses that IR has thrown up around itself, preparing to strike a blow that may lay open the Tracy family's secret to them.
Post by Tikatue on 10/03/2005
  
[Updated on: Thu, 26 July 2012 19:04] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1289 is a reply to message #1288] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:23  |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Wednesday, March 6th 2068, 3:00am.
Elise sat in bed wide awake, her knees drawn up under her chin and her arms wrapped around them. It had happened again.
When will it stop?
She tried to close her eyes, but that only served to bring back the memories. The nightmare of her drowning, and of her parents and Jeff all dying, had being haunting her dreams. It was almost every night now that she'd wake in a sweat or crying; sometimes even calling out for people who were not there. Now, in her own apartment, she was alone with no one to comfort her. She stared off, not looking at anything in particular and wondering how much more she could take.
I can't go on like this indefinitely. I need some sleep.
She got off her bed and padded to the kitchen for a glass of water and then sat on her couch.
No use going back to bed. I'll never sleep.
She thought back to her earlier conversation on the balcony with Callie. They both had been relaxed and enjoying the evening. Elise had enjoyed Callie's company and had almost confided in her about the nightmares. But she hadn't. Feeling too silly, Elise had said nothing. She leaned over to the pile of manuals and such about flying, and in particular TB2. Virgil had given them to her for 'homework' as he'd called it. She absently turned the pages not really absorbing anything. She knew how to fly, but the simulator was a challenge, especially with Virgil being so picky! Yet Elise knew she could do it. The real question she feared the most was: "Could I fly it for real?" The thought of flying again made her feel uneasy and she didn't like it. Never had she feared being up in the air, yet now, since the crash, she was almost terrified.
Elise had not told anyone of her fear, thinking that Mr. Tracy would send her packing, and she had no job or home to go back to on the mainland. She thought about going to talk to Dianne, but didn't want to admit being a failure. She sighed and told herself to Suck it up and move on! then started reading the manual... again.
7:45 am seems like noon when you've been up since 3:00 am, thought Elise as she headed down to Thunderbird Two's hangar.
Virgil, of course, was already there. He looked thoughtfully at her as she approached him.
"Reporting for duty, boss," she said as she came to a halt in front of him.
Now that she was closer, he could see how tired she looked. "Are you ok?" His voice showed concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a little tired. Didn't sleep too well last night," she lied. Last night? I haven't slept peacefully for quite a few nights!
Virgil almost asked if it was a nightmare but the look on her face told him the subject was closed. "Okay, well, we need to get going on the simulator. Today we get to fly in adverse weather conditions." He smiled but paid very close attention to Elise's reaction.
Oh that's just great, she thought. It was going to be a very long day.
An hour and a half into the session, Elise was not doing well and Virgil knew it. He'd seen her make mistakes that were okay for a rookie, but not a pilot of her caliber.
"Let's take a break and I'll go get us some coffee."
She smiled her thanks to him and was relieved to get out of the simulator. Virgil watched her walk away, stretching her back out as she did so. Something's wrong. I just know it.
He ventured off to get coffee and find Scott. Scott was in TB One's silo working with Christopher.
"Hey, Scott, you got a sec?" Virgil called out to his brother, who in turn looked down and replied, "Sure, hang on, be right there."
Moments later Scott strode over to where Virgil waited.
"What's up?"
One word was all Virgil replied with. "Elise."
Scott momentarily looked down, then back up at his brother.
"C'mon Virg, spill it, what's wrong?"
Virgil then told Scott about the morning training, about the mistakes she'd made, and how tired she was.
"She's avoiding answering any questions about her being tired, Scott, and I'm sure she's having that nightmare again."
"Do you think it's PTSD?" Scott asked.
"Yes, I do. I'll know for sure when I get back. I'm going to simulate flying '2 through a snowstorm and her reaction will tell me all. If it's what we think it is, bro, she's going to need help, whether she wants it or not."
Scott nodded in agreement. "I know, Virg, I know," replied Scott, not exactly relishing the idea of telling Elise what they thought was wrong. He asked Virgil to call him later.
Scott finished up with Chris a little earlier so he could go and talk to Dianne. He knew all about flying, but about fixing the fear of it? Not his specialty, hence the talk with Dianne. He didn't want to tell his father, not yet anyway, but Dianne needed to know now.
Virgil had returned to the simulator to find Elise back in it, resting her head, eyes closed.
"Am I that boring?" he asked, handing her a cup of coffee.
Her eyes flew open. She hadn't realised she'd fallen asleep. "Oh, no, it's not you, I was just relaxing a bit. Thanks for this," she answered, holding up the coffee and sipping it.
A while later, Virgil set up the simulator for a severe snowstorm, then gave Elise the go ahead to fly. Placing the helmet which enabled her to visualize in 3-D and 180 degree peripheral vision, Elise proceeded to go through her flight checks and fire up the engines. The first part of the flight was encountering strong winds, then rain and storms. Virgil carefully monitored her timing and reactions. So far she was okay, but as the rain storm turned into a thunderstorm he noticed her uneasiness.
"You're doing good, Elise, keep focused." His voice rang in her helmet.
She felt her hands start to become clammy, and found herself taking deeper breaths. Virgil hadn't told her about the snowstorm, not because he wanted to be unfeeling, but he wanted to see her gut reactions to a sudden weather change without warning, which on occasion had happened.
"C'mon, girl, you can do this. It's just rain, for Pete's sake." Elise was talking herself through the flight.
Handling TB2 wasn't the problem, it was her own mind that was causing the problem. Suddenly the wind strength increased, causing a wind shear which rocked TB2. Elise reacted appropriately and maneuvered the machine to stay on course. Virgil was impressed, she was doing everything she should, but then he hadn't programmed the snow until now. His fingers typed in the codes and he sat back to watch. Elise paid close attention to every instrument on the control panel and then she looked up and saw it in the distance.
Snow!
She squeezed her eyes tight two or three times, telling herself over and over that it was okay, TB2 was not the Tracy helijet. As she flew closer to the impending snowstorm, she noticed a mountain that hadn't been there before. In fact it reared up in front of her, causing her to make a violent move to the left. TB2 shook at the sudden change of flight pattern, and Elise fought to regain control.
Virgil could see on his panel screen exactly what the pilot in the simulator could see, and all he saw was a snowstorm and open land. There was no mountain, and he was puzzled as to why she veered off violently.
Inside the simulator, Elise was straining to control TB2. "Dammit! I can't get her nose up! We're going to hit!"
She looked up briefly and saw the snow covered mountain heading towards her rapidly. It was no use, she couldn't save the flight, and she slammed into the side of the mountain.
Virgil looked at his screen, stunned. What she'd actually done was rolled TB2 over to her side and nose dived straight into the ground. As soon as he'd heard the words "WE'RE going to hit!" he knew instantaneously she was talking about herself and his father. Elise was back in the helijet and reliving the crash.
He rushed over to the simulator where all kinds of alarms were going off and reached in to Elise. She had taken her helmet off and was leaning over the controls, visibly shaking.
"Elise?"
"I can't....I ca....I can't do this, I can't do this anymore," she answered, not looking at him.
He leaned in and softly touched her arm. "It's going to be okay, Elise. C'mon on out and take it easy, honey."
She accepted his offer of help out of the simulator and they went and sat down. "What the hell am I doing this for? I can't make it, What am I going to do?" she half sobbed as tears threatened to spill.
"It's a delayed reaction to the crash you and Dad had, Elise. It's not your fault."
She looked at him increduously. "Virgil, I slammed TB2 into a MOUNTAIN! You saw me do it!"
He chose his next words carefully, seeing that she was totally convinced she'd hit a mountain.
"Elise, you didn't hit a mountain. You hit the ground." She continued to look at him like he'd grown another head that very second.
"There was no mountain, you rolled and dove into the ground. I think what you saw was a flashback and the seeming reality of it made you react the way you did." He paused for a moment then continued, "You've not been sleeping well have you?"
She shook her head in reply.
"Nightmares again?"
"Yes," she answered in a small voice.
"Elise?" This time she looked at him, as he reached over and placed his hand over hers, giving it a small squeeze.
"I think you may have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and what you're going through is a common reaction."
Elise was too shocked to say anything, so Virgil pressed on. "Why don't you go and talk to Dianne? I know she'd understand and we're all here to help, too."
She looked directly at him, not saying anything and then stood up.
"I need to get out of here. I need to be alone right now." She started to head off, shaking her head as if to try to fathom what Virgil had just said. She hadn't gotten far when Virgil trotted up and stood in front of her, causing her to stop.
"Elise, you are a great pilot, and if you need help with anything, we will be here for you. You're part of the family of International Rescue now, and that's what we do for each other."
"I've always been alone Virgil, I don't know if I can be part of a family anymore. I'm sorry." she quietly replied, and then sidestepped around him to head back to her apartment.
Virgil swore to himself and then raised his wrist to call Scott.
Post by FrankieCTB2 on 12/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1290 is a reply to message #1289] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:24 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Friday 6th April 2068, 1.30pm
Kat sauntered into the lounge and hesitated when she saw Mr Tracy standing, albeit with the aid of crutches.
"Hello Kat, how are you?"
"Fine, thanks Mr Tracy," she answered, and then added, "it's good to see you without your plaster cast."
"Yes," Jeff agreed, "It is so much better not having that heavy cast on my foot."
"But," and he looked at her, "something tells me you want to ask me something?"
"Mr Tracy," Kat began, "I am beginning to run out of certain things, and wondered if you would allow some of us to fly to Christchurch for a shopping trip. I think that Dominic needs some purchases as well."
She stopped and looked at him.
"I can see no problem with that, Kat," Jeff answered, "maybe one of the boys can fly you over tomorrow."
"That would be absolutely great, thanks, Mr Tracy," Kat replied. "I'll just go and tell Dom before we have our lunch," and she left the room.
Jeff Tracy watched her go, and thought, not for the first time, that he had been extremely fortunate in his new recruits.
***
Kat found Dominic sitting in the sun on their balcony, a sleeping Joshua in his lap, curled up to his chest, with a children's soft toy clutched in one small hand.
"Dominic?" She said softly as she approached.
"Hey, Kat," he said with a smile, "what's up?"
"I was wondering, what with your decorating and all, if you wanted to go on a trip to the mainland? I've asked Mr Tracy, and he said he would ask one of the 'boys' to fly us out."
"Sounds great!" Dominic said. "I need to pick up a few things. But hey," he added, grinning, "I have my pilot's license, and so does Christopher. We could make it a 'newbies' trip."
Kat nodded.
"That's an idea. I'll talk to Mr Tracy again, and ask around to see if anyone else would like to go -- though I suppose numbers would have to be limited. We can't have everyone flying off at once!"
Dominic chuckled softly, and ran a hand over his son's downy blond hair.
"I guess you're right. Let me know how it goes, yeah?"
"Sure thing, Dom."
***
Nikki was sitting on her balcony, drying her hair. She looked up as Kat called her name.
"Nikki, Dom and I are considering going to the mainland to do some shopping. I have got Mr Tracy's permission, and Dom is prepared to fly us there. Would you like to come as well?"
"Gosh! Would I ever, yes please." Nikki replied enthusiastically. "I need some more personal items, plus I would like to see what's new, fashion-wise."
Kat grinned, "Oh, yes, I would like to see what is fashionable in New Zealand."
"I wonder who else would like to go with us?" Nikki said. "Obviously we can't all go."
"I think Callie would want to go, after all, she has been on Thunderbird Five for a month, and now just come back from a rescue. If I were her, I definitely would want to go." Kat replied.
Post by Tawnyangel2 and ArtisticRainey on 12/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1291 is a reply to message #1290] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:24 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Saturday 7th April 2068, 9.00am
Nikki, Kat, Callie and Christopher met in the lounge.
"We are only waiting for Dom," Kat told them. Almost immediately Dom entered the lounge carrying a very excited Joshua.
The group headed for the hangar where the planes were kept. Christopher felt very proud, but a little nervous as well, as Mr Tracy had told them they could use Tracy 1.
Everyone eagerly climbed aboard. Nikki, Kat and Callie strapped themselves in. "Could you three watch Josh for me?" Dom asked. "I am going to co-pilot with Christopher."
"Sure, Dom, no problem." Callie answered for the three young women.
"I have a list for things to get for Elise and Brandon," Nikki said, taking out some sheets of paper.
"Tracy 1 to Tracy Island, permission to take off." Christopher tried to keep his voice sounding steady.
"Permission for Tracy 1 to take off." Jeff's calm voice came clearly over the intercom. "Take care and have a safe journey and a successful shopping trip.
Everyone settled down for the short flight to Christchurch. Joshua was being well entertained by Nikki, Kat and Callie. Dom heard his childish squeals of laughter and smiled to himself. Oh yes, he and Josh had settled really well, and it was nice going out with just a few friends, maybe they could do this again.
Once Christopher was airborne, his nerves vanished and he felt really at home flying this wonderful machine. Oh yes, he really blessed the day that he had been approached by Jeff Tracy.
Nikki, Callie and Kat were eagerly discussing what the latest fashions would be. They fully intended to have some serious retail therapy, once the essentials had been bought.
***
Christopher handled the controls of Tracy One with deft hands, pride still lingering from the thought of flying the Tracy fleet's flagship. He was looking forward to a jaunt around Christchurch again; anything that could take his mind off the ruined meal was gratefully accepted.
Beside him, Dominic kept an eye on the controls and gauges, every once in a while glancing back to look at Joshua. Christopher shook his head very slightly; he couldn't even imagine having a child now, never mind when he was even younger. Dominic must have caught the subtle movement, and his gaze turned on the Brit.
"What's up?" He asked.
Christopher waved it off and grinned.
"I was just thinking how strange it would be to have a kid. That's not really the life I want right now."
Dominic chuckled and turned his eyes forward, sitting back in the chair.
"Wasn't exactly on the cards for me when it happened, believe me. But you get used to the, and then you suddenly realize that you would lay your life down for this little red, screaming ball of human." He shook his head. "Just you wait."
"Hopefully it'll be a long wait, mate."
The rest of the journey passed with idle chat, talking about home, and learning to fly, jobs, and seemingly every generic topic they could think of. It was an amiable time, indeed. Soon enough, it was time to request clearance for landing; it was given; and Tracy One had touched down, and its passengers got ready for their trip.
"Right," Callie said. "What does everyone want to do?"
"I need to purchase some rather personal items, plus I have to buy the things on Elise's list." Nikki added.
"I need to buy some essential items as well." Kat added. "What about you guys?"
"Well," Dom added shyly. "I want to buy something to decorate my apartment."
"I suggest we split into two groups, we will concentrate on buying for ourselves and Elise." Callie suggested. "While maybe you guys could get the things on Brandon's list?"
This was agreed on and Callie, Kat and Nikki headed for the shopping mall, whilst Christopher joined Dom and Joshua.
"I think that maybe we could all meet back here at the airport restaurant in, say three hours time, to have a meal before we head back for Tracy Island." Christopher suggested.
This was agreed and the two parties waved goodbye and went their separate ways.
Post by Tawnyangel22 and ArtisticRainey on 15/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1292 is a reply to message #1291] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:24 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, April 6, 2068, 9:30 p.m., London, England
"How much longer?"
Desdemona Hightower looked up at her brother with irritation. "As I told you five minutes ago, I don't know. Now shut it and let me work." She turned back to her computer screen.
Giles smiled as he walked away from Desdemona's computer station. He sat down on one of the antique Queen Anne chairs that made up the decor of her large office and put his left ankle on his right knee. He did so love annoying his sister and after long practice knew just how far he could push her. Taking a sheet of paper from inside his suit coat, he unfolded it and began to read.
"Tch. Poor lamb."
Dez squelched the desire to roll her eyes, and asked, "What now?"
"Seems my Miss Kyrano has a local swain. He asked her to dinner at his place, wherever that might be. It was not a pretty sight. Disastrous, in fact. A cat was involved."
Dez smiled grimly. "You have competition? Why am I not surprised? What the girl sees in you, I do not know."
Giles didn't let his sister's gibe get to him. "My wit. My courtly manners. My affable good looks... the list goes on."
His sister snorted in disgust. "What are you going to do if this doesn't work, Giles? I understand that Tracy Industries has some of the best virus detection software in the business world; this might get caught. How will you explain it to your little Miss Kyrano?"
"Oh, I will apologize profusely and tell her that I was the victim of a self-replicating virus that sent itself to her automatically. Then I will invite her to meet me on some neutral ground. I just have to decide where; she has been cagey about where she lives," Giles said, waving a flippant hand. Then his eyes narrowed and his voice became cold. "You're sure this won't be traced back any farther than my 'Giles Tallman' identity?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Desdemona said. She hit a key emphatically, sat back, and her shoulders slumped. "I think I have it. I will go over it again in the morning to see that it is complete. But for now, dear brother, I am through." She got up, unpinning her golden hair and fluffing it out. "Now, go away. I shall see you in the morning."
"Yes, my dear sister, you shall," Giles said with a speculative look and a lopsided grin. He slipped the folded paper back into his jacket and rose from the chair. As he passed his sister, he raised a hand to her cheek and let it slide off under her chin as he moved. "Say 'hallo' to Karen for me."
Dez scowled at him. He laughed unpleasantly and closed the office door behind him. "Someday, dear brother, you will go too far," she muttered. "But then, if you fail at this, Jacques will deal with you." She stretched, fluffing her hair out some more, then activated the vidphone. She smiled seductively and said, "Hello, luv. I am on my way. Have the bath ready for me, won't you, ducks?"
Post by Tikatue on 15/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1293 is a reply to message #1292] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:25 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Saturday 7th April 2068, 1.00pm
Hours had passed by the time the two men and the baby had gotten everything on their lists, as well as Brandon's. Christopher had discovered that strollers were very useful for carrying wares; it was surprising how much stuff Dominic had managed to hang or stow on the small frame. In fact, all of their baggage was burdened by it, and as such, Christopher felt obliged to push the stroller for half the time.
They were on the outskirts of the main shopping area by now, and Dominic was buried in a map, trying to figure out how they could get to the DIY store a friendly New Zealander had recommended. Christopher wasn't entirely sure where they were, although he was fairly confident he could find the way back if he put his mind to it. The other man was murmuring to himself, engrossed in the map, and Christopher glanced down at his young charge. Joshua was playing with his favourite teddy, although to he it seemed less like playing and more like beating the stuffing out of the poor old thing.
Their pace was slow, and Christopher was glad to take in the urban air. It was nice to be off the island for a while in something other than a rescue situation. They rounded a corner just as Dominic muttered something like, "We're really in the wrong place, mate," when Christopher caught a glimpse of exactly what they were looking for.
"Dom?" He asked.
No answer; more muttering.
"Dom?" It was louder this time.
"Hmm?" Dominic was still engrossed in his map.
"Look up."
He did, and a sheepish grin broke out across his face.
"Joyous rapture," Dominic said with mock reverence, but there was true glee in his grey eyes.
Before them loomed a huge warehouse, grey, silver and white, with large, luminescent green lettering above sliding glass doors, that read, 'DIY WORLD'.
"I'm sorry, Joshua," he said, "but I may have to forsake you for more space to carry my bounty."
Christopher snorted and shook his head; mad didn't quite cover it. The child merely continued to shake his teddy up and down and gurgle what to Christopher seemed like gibberish, but was apparently English.
"How long do we have left?" Dominic asked, folding the map back up -- slightly untidily, but oh well, he thought -- and stowing it in the stroller.
"We've to be back in about and hour and a quarter, and it'll take at least twenty-five minutes to get to the airport from here."
"All I need is half an hour," Dominic said with a wink, before setting off into the store with Christopher close behind.
Post by Tawnyangel22 and ArtisticRainey on 15/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1294 is a reply to message #1293] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:26 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Saturday 7th April 2068, 2.30pm
Christopher, pushing a very crowded stroller, and Dominic carrying Joshua on his shoulders, entered the airport restaurant.
"Now, where are the girls?" Christopher murmured, looking around the crowded restaurant.
"Hi, guys, over here!" Callie called. Heads turned in the direction of her shout.
Joshua wriggled on his father's shoulders. "Okay, little guy," Dominic said as he stooped and placed his son on the ground.
Joshua toddled to the table where Nikki and Callie were seated, while the two young men followed.
"Where's Kat?" Christopher asked.
"Gone to the little girls room." Nikki giggled.
"So, then successful purchases?" Callie queried.
"Yes, thanks, and you?" Dominic replied nodding at the overburdened stroller.
Kat joined them. "Hi, guys, get all that you wanted?"
Christopher smiled at her. "Yes, I think you can safely say that it has been a very successful trip."
Callie laughed. "We did a fair amount of clothes shopping." It was only then that Christopher and Dominic noticed the amount of large bags, all bearing well known clothes shop names.
"Except that Kat had to shop in the children's department." Nikki said with a smile.
"I did not, well, not in every store." Kat retorted. "I just think that the sizing over here is so much different to ours at home."
"Well we all found some bargains, didn't we girls?" Callie looked at her two friends.
Nikki and Kat both nodded.
"Are we all ready to order then?" Christopher asked, as he lifted his hand to call a waitress over.
"I'll have a cheese omelette and salad." Kat said. Christopher chose steak and French fries, whilst Nikki and Callie both opted for lasagne, and Dominic chose a vegetable casserole. Joshua was served well by the surprisingly nutritious children's menu choices.
When their orders had been taken, Callie sat back and sighed.
"Boy, am I glad to be sitting down. Talk about power shopping, eh girls?" She winked at Nikki and Kat, who chuckled.
"Indeed," said Kat, "I managed to get everything I needed, and even a little more!"
Nikki eyed up the packed pushchair and cocked an eyebrow at the two men.
"It looks like you've got even more than us," she said, laughter in her voice.
Christopher shook his head and rolled his eyes at Dominic, who merely shrugged.
"What can I say? I needed a lot of decorating things. Paint, paper, paste, brushes... I could have bought more, but..."
"I didn't fancy having to push any more around," Christopher said. "It's bad enough you took the poor lad's pram away."
"He'll thank me for it when he's not looking at blank walls anymore, just you wait, Jordan."
"We'll see, Kelly."
Christopher winked at Dominic, who grinned back. The rest of their wait passed in friendly conversation, and soon enough, the food arrived. Everyone, famished from their long day of shopping, was very grateful.
Having thoroughly enjoyed their meal, it was soon time to head back to the plane.
"Hey, Dom," Christopher looked at Dom, shouldering Josh, who was looking distinctly sleepy. "Care to pilot the plane home?"
Dominic grinned and nodded. "Sure, if you don't mind."
The little group settled themselves back into Tracy 1, and once given clearance headed back to Tracy Island. Once they had unbuckled their safety belts, Joshua toddled towards Kat and climbed on to her knee, and resting his head against her shoulder, fell sound asleep. Kat placed her arms around him, and she too, fell asleep. Callie and Nikki chattered in low tones, about their purchases for a while, when they too succumbed and fell asleep.
Dominic noticing the silence behind, asked Christopher to check. Christopher returned smiling broadly.
"All four are fast asleep. You should see Joshua snuggling in Kat's arms. She seems to have a way with children," he told Dominic.
The flight was uneventful and in no time, Dominic was requesting permission to land back on Tracy Island. As he brought the plane down, the passengers began to rouse themselves. The landing was smooth, and Dominic grinned. Here's the end of a fun day out, he thought, and I'm very glad we did it.
Post by Tawnyangel22 and ArtisticRainey on 15/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1295 is a reply to message #1294] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:26 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Saturday, April 7, 2068, 10:30 a.m., London, England
"Here I am, sister dear," Giles called out cheerily as he entered Desdemona's office. "Are we ready to storm the castle?"
If looks could kill, Giles would be cold and lifeless on the floor with the glance that Dez gave him. "Yes," she said, her tone icy. "We are ready. I have an email prepared, one that will look like it came from you, but also can be attributed to a self-replicating virus. All I need from you is the email address."
"Ah, yes!" Giles said as he looked over her shoulder. "Now, tell me what this is supposed to do? Make her screen turn purple with a big clown face on it?"
"Giles! You know the plan. Don't act the idiot with me!" she shouted angrily, turning to him with fury on her face. She turned back to the screen. "It will slip past the Tracy Industries anti-virus detection and firewalls and record the keystrokes from your little girlfriend's computer."
"Is that all? How boring." He yawned, patting his open mouth.
She clenched her teeth and ground out, "The address. Now."
"Move over." He all but pushed her out of her chair and, with his long fingers poised over the keyboard as if playing a piano, he quickly typed in the address then hit "enter" with a flourish. "It is on its way."
"Good. Now get out of my office." Desdemona crossed to the door and opened it.
"Poor child," Giles tsked. "Things not go well with Karen last night?"
"OUT!"
Giles knew he was too near the edge. He left the office, waggling his fingers at his sister and making kissing motions with his lips. Desdemona gave a frustrated shriek, and slammed the door behind him. Taking a few deep breaths, she crossed to the antique desk that dominated the room and pulled out a bottle of spirits and a shot glass. She poured herself a shot, kicked it back, then followed that with another. When she was done, she picked up the phone and pressed a button.
"Jacques? It is done. Now we shall see where this girl has gotten the Penelon formula and maybe even find a back door into Tracy's domain."
Post by Tikatue on 16/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1296 is a reply to message #1295] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:26 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Saturday, April 7, 2068; Silver Springs Maryland, 4 PM
Lena was relaxing with a book, when there was a knock on the door. She answered it to find a messenger with a package for her. She signed for it, and took it back to where she'd been sitting to open it. It was a PDA and there was a note with it, from Brains.
Lena,
I'm sure you must already have a PDA, but this is also a telecommunications device for whenever we need to get in touch with you (or vice-versa) outside of Tracy Industries business. Instructions for activation of that function are included with this note. Please keep it with you at all times.
Hiram Hackenbacker
PS. Please destroy this note. We don't want anyone finding it and getting suspicious, do we?
Lena chuckled when she read the PS, and turned to the instructions, which told her how to know when there was an incoming call, how to use that part of the PDA both as an A/V unit and for text messaging. She'd just finished familiarizing herself with the procedures, when she was startled to see a call coming in to the unit.
She touched the pad with the stylus, entering the code given her in the instructions, and Brains' face appeared on the screen. "Well, hello dere, Brains. Dis is quite a surprise."
"Hello, Lena. I take it you are alone?"
"Yes; I was just relaxing."
"Well, we make sure all of our agents have a secure way to communicate with International Rescue at all times. As you know, your office phone now has a secure line for that purpose, but there are times when you aren't near a phone or a computer. Various things have been used, that fit the lifestyles of those who use them. This seemed appropriate for you."
"It'll work just fine. My old one is just dat - old. Your timing was perfect. How rugged is dis one?"
"Why?"
"Two traits of my twin great-grandchildren are poking into bags and boxes, and banging tings on de table. So if I'm visiting, you can be sure one of dem will find dis in my purse, and demonstrate some drumming techniques wit it." She grinned at him.
He laughed. "Well, it is pretty sturdy, but I don't know if it would survive persistent drumming. So it might be wise to keep it out of reach of little hands."
She chuckled. "Okay, I tink I can handle dat."
He asked her if she had any questions about the functions, and she mentioned the emergency signaling device. He told her that it was a feature built into every agent's communication device. Finally, satisfied that she understood every unique feature in the PDA, and amused at her half-joking indignation that he thought she wouldn't, they disconnected.
Post by Hobbeth on 16/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1297 is a reply to message #1296] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:26 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, April 8, 2068, 8:05 a.m., Tracy Island
Tin-Tin booted up her personal computer as she toweled dry her luxurious black hair. A click here, a button pressed there, and she was into the portion of the Tracy Industries web server that had been reserved for the family. She keyed in her password, and waited for the home page to come up.
She smiled as a chime told her that she had mail. There were several emails, one from Eddie Houseman, updating her on his latest venture, one from an old school friend who was trying to keep in touch, one from François Lemaire's secretary, answering a question about a new fashion she had seen.
"Ooh," she said softly. "There's one from Giles here."
Indeed, a file with the email address of her acquaintance from Kabul, Giles Tallman sat waiting for her to open it. She wanted to know what he thought of her distastrous dinner with Christopher, so she opened it up.
~Odd, she thought. ~There's not much more in here than a "hello, how are you". Usually he has something devastatingly witty to say. She shrugged. ~Maybe he was in a hurry. I'll write back later and ask him about it.
She closed her email program and signed off the server. Then she got dressed for breakfast with the rest of the family. But the damage had been done. Desdemona's little worm had slipped past and into her computer memory.
Post by Tikatue on 16/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1298 is a reply to message #1297] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:26 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island 8.15am Sunday 8th April 2068
Christopher looked down at Asterix, who was sniffing at his dish.
"Are you going to eat that?, he asked.
Asterix just looked up and mewed, before winding himself around his master's legs.
"Oh alright", Christopher chuckled before opening the cupboard in front of him and getting a tin of the 'premium stuff'.
Getting another dish, Christopher forked the cat food out of the tin before putting the dish on the floor.
"You always know how to get round me don't you?," he smiled as Asterix tucked in.
"Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go and have my breakfast with the others", Christopher stroked the little cat's head, "I'll leave the balcony open so you can enjoy the sunshine."
"Mrrow", Asterix cleaned his face, then trotted outside.
"Have a nice sleep", Christopher said as he left the flat.
Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 16/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1299 is a reply to message #1298] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:27 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Sunday 8th April 9.30 a.m.
"Hi, Brandon!" Gordon called to the dark haired young man. "I'm taking the boat out to do some scuba diving. Want to come along?"
Brandon smiled. "Yeah, that would be great! Just give me time to get my gear."
"No problem," Gordon replied. "Meet you back here."
As the two young men headed for the monorail to the boat pen, they saw Callie and Kat approaching, deep in conversation.
"How about some female company?" Gordon grinned. "Hi, girls! Care to come sailing with us? We are going scuba diving."
Callie looked at her friend. "What do you say, Kat? Should we go?"
Kat smiled. "Why, not? Sounds like it could be fun."
"Okay, Gordon, we're game," Callie announced. All four made their way to the boat pen. Soon they were skimming over the waves, in the small four-berth cabin cruiser. It was very exhilarating.
Kat sat alongside Gordon as he steered the boat. "This is great, Gordon!" Kat shouted over the noise of the engine and the rush of the waves.
"I'll have to take you out in my speed boat sometime, Kat," Gordon replied
"Great! I'll look forward to that!" Kat sat back enjoying the exhilaration. "Are there dolphins in these waters, Gordon?" she asked.
"Yep, sure are," Gordon replied.
"Oo, I'd love to see the dolphins. Can we swim with them?"
"Hm, I'm not sure. Let's see what happens," Gordon answered, smiling at her enthusiasm. "Guess you are used to these babies," he said, indicating the boat.
"Well, only really from working on them. I never got to sail FAB 2, you know."
"Gee, it's nice spending some time with you and Callie and Brandon. Guess I didn't see much of you, being stuck in New York," Gordon grumbled.
"Oh, yes, how is your back now?"
"Better, thanks. Guess that will teach me not to hide anything from Mom."
Kat laughed. "Yes, I guess she can be very forceful when she wants to be."
Just then Callie and Brandon joined the two.
"This is great! I really missed all this being on Thunderbird Five."
"Well, we missed you too," Brandon replied, and Kat nodded in agreement. "Callie and I were just discussing the last rescue," Brandon remarked.
"Oh, please," Kat said, looking at the others. "Let's not mention that today. Let's have a break from rescues, and just relax."
Gordon nodded in agreement. "Kat's right; today is for relaxing and having fun, so let's anchor up and have a swim."
Gordon and Brandon went below to change in their wet suits. They emerged back on deck, carrying their canisters of air, and masks. Once they were kitted up, they sat on the deck rail, and tipped backwards into the water. Callie and Kat leaned over the rail and watched them descend.
"Gee, I wouldn't mind trying that," Callie said.
"Don't you need special training?" Kat queried.
"Yeah, I guess so," Callie replied.
"Oh, look!" Kat pointed out to sea. "Aren't those dolphins?"
A large pod of dolphins were leaping out of the waves and gracefully returning to the water.
"They're so beautiful," Kat murmured.
At that moment, Gordon and Brandon emerged from the water.
"There are your dolphins, Kat!" Gordon shouted.
"Yes, we see them," Callie called back.
Gordon and Brandon scrambled back on deck, and stripping off their air canisters, and wet suits, dived back into the sea.
"Come on, you two," Brandon called. "Let's all have a swim."
Not needing a second bidding, the two girls dove into the sea. For the next half hour, the four had a great time, swimming, dunking each other under the waves, and generally messing around.. Suddenly something smooth and cold touched Kat's legs. Looking around she saw a dolphin moving away from her on the water.
"Looks like he is laughing at me," Kat called.
"Maybe the way you swim is amusing him," Gordon called back. Kat turned and lunged at Gordon, trying to push him under the water, but Gordon grabbed her and took her down with him. They both surfaced, gasping for air and laughing.
Soon Callie and Brandon were heading back to the boat, and Gordon and Kat followed. All four lay sprawled on the deck.
"Grandma has packed a picnic basket. Let's see what she packed," Gordon said, dragging the picnic basket over to where they were sitting. After they had all eaten and drunk their fill, Kat said, "Golly, Gordon, your Grandma sure packs a great picnic basket."
Callie and Brandon nodded in agreement.
Callie and Kat began to doze.
"Care to try some fishing, Brandon?" Gordon asked.
"Well, I haven't tried deep sea fishing, but okay, I'll give it a try."
They headed for the other side of the boat, where fishing tackle was stored. Half an hour passed with no bite for either Brandon or Gordon. Just as they were going to call it a day, Gordon felt a tug on his line.
"Hey, hey, hey, what have we here?" he called, reeling in his line. On the hook was a small fish and an amount of seaweed.
Brandon laughed. "Is that the best you can do?"
Gordon smiled back. "Yes, and I know exactly what I am going to do with it." He tossed the fish back into the sea, and with the seaweed in his hands, crept back to where the two girls were still dozing. Gordon carefully placed the seaweed on Kat's stomach. Kat woke with a screech. Both Brandon and Gordon laughed.
"Just brought you a little present." Gordon grinned.
"Gordon Tracy!" Kat shouted, as she leapt to her feet and seaweed in hand, chased him round the deck. Callie and Brandon watched in amusement. Finally Kat and Gordon returned. Kat was grinning but of the seaweed there was not sign.
"That should teach you not to play tricks," she said, glancing at Gordon.
"Where's the seaweed?" Callie asked.
"Oh, Gordon has it," Kat said innocently. "But I guess he will not be telling where I put it."
The sun was beginning to sink to the horizon, as they made their way home.
"That was such fun, we should do it again." Callie remarked. They all nodded in agreement.
As they disembarked, Gordon grinned and whispered to Kat, "I'll get my revenge."
"Gordon Tracy," Kat replied in mock severity. "Since you started it, I got my revenge."
"We'll see," Gordon remarked. "Two can play at mischief."
Callie looked at Kat. "What were you and Gordon whispering about?"
"Oh, who can play the last trick. I guess I haven't heard the last of Gordon and his tricks."
Post by Tawnyangel22on 16/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1300 is a reply to message #1299] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:30 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, April 8th, 2068.
Dianne sat at her desk in the infirmary finishing up some tedious paperwork before joining Jeff and her 3 children for a relaxing afternoon.
She stopped writing as her mind thought back to a conversation that she, Scott and Virgil had had concerning Elise. Dianne's suspicions about Elise having Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome had been confirmed by what Virgil had told her.
"......She's totally convinced she flew into a mountain in the simulator, and like I told Scott, there was no mountain, just flat land. Add that to the state I found her in, I'd say it was definitely PTSD."
"So where do we go from here?" Scott asked. "We know she's got the skills, and I practically talked Dad into taking her on..."
"Scott, you're not the only one who's concerned, but right now, we need to get her through this," replied Dianne.
"How?" asked Virgil.
"Well, it could be extensive, depending on how severe it may be. It may involve a drug regime, behavior therapy and possibly psychotherapy."
Both boys exchanged worried glances.
"What?" Dianne asked. "Is there more? Because Ah will need to know everything." She added, with emphasis, "And Ah do mean all of it."
Virgil told Dianne as much as he remembered from the night he'd comforted Elise after her nightmare; and went on to mention Elise was confused about the crash, and kept saying something about water and helping someone. It was at that point that Scott remembered something he'd read in her Air Force records about her parents dying in a boating accident when she was about 9.What he had not learned is that Elise was there.
"Was she with her parents when this happened?" inquired Dianne.
Scott thought for a moment and then, as if a light had gone on in his head, he realized she must have been.
Virgil, ever astute, read the look that came across his brother's face. "Oh God, Scott. She lost both of her parents at the same age you were when we lost Mom," muttered Virgil.
Scott said nothing. He remembered only too well the grief and pain that he as a 9 year old had gone through.
"Boys, if this is what happened, that girl has possibly been carrying survivor's guilt all these years. This crash may have caused it to resurface."
Dianne snapped back to the present and stood up, It's time Elise and I talked. She straightened up her desk, and left, heading towards the apartment complex. On the way she called Jeff and promised she'd be there but might be a little late.
Post by FrankieCTB2 on 19/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1301 is a reply to message #1300] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:30 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, April 8, 2068, 10:30 a.m., Tracy Island
Kyrano was in his garden, pruning the flower bushes, when the all-too-familiar pain struck. He sank to his knees, holding his head and moaning a bit. Then, fighting against the pain, he straightened and gathered his own strength, putting up walls in his mind to shut out the pain and the presence that called so maliciously.
~Hello, brother....
~Depart from me, evil one. You will gain nothing from me.
~Are you so sure?
The pain intensified, and Kyrano felt his walls beginning to crumble. ~I will not give in. I cannot give in. He felt as if there was a hot knife in his brain as his enemy pressed the attack.
~You will find, my brother, that I have grown more powerful since last I touched your mind. Now, what news have you of the accursed Tracys and their pet project?
Kyrano moaned aloud, and reached for something under his tunic, even as he felt himself falling to the ground. Images of the new recruits flitted across his mind as he clutched the alarm pendant, activating it.
Dianne, on her way to the apartments, jumped as her watch buzzed loudly in a peculiar and familiar alert. She gasped, turned around and sprinted back to the infirmary. Jeff, playing a game with the children while waiting for his wife, looked up at the alarm and got up from his seat, hurrying to the portraits. Opening communications with Thunderbird Five, he asked without prelude, "Alan! Where is Kyrano?"
Alan activated the locator screen, homing in on more and more detailed maps until the Island's contours and the Villa's environs were revealed. A gray dot showed clearly. "He's in his garden, Dad."
"Thanks, son." Jeff turned and ran for the garden area. He met Dianne on the balcony and shouted, "The garden!"
Together, they pelted down the path and found Kyrano on the ground, moaning, "Too much. Too much!" Suddenly his eyes opened wide and a look of intense concentration passed over his face. "No. I will not."
Dianne took out a hypospray, but before she could administer the drug inside, Kyrano shouted, "NO!" and collapsed, breathing heavily. She moved in, but Kyrano waved her away.
"I have... dealt with him... for now," he panted.
As they waited for Kyrano to compose himself, Jeff glanced over at his wife and sighed. "It's been a long time since this has happened. I wonder what brought it on?"
"He has gotten more powerful...," Kyrano gasped. "I was barely able to drive him off."
"What did he learn?" Jeff asked anxiously.
"He knows about the new recruits, but no more," Kyrano said, slumping back.
Husband and wife exchanged glances. "What can we expect from him?" Dianne asked.
"I do not know, Doctor," Kyrano replied, "All I know is that I must strengthen my own defenses." He began to climb to his feet. Jeff reached out to help him, but once he was standing, Kyrano gently shook off his assistance and headed back into the house.
Post by Tikatue on 19/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1302 is a reply to message #1301] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:32 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, April 8, 2068, 7:30 p.m., Tracy Island
After Kyrano's emergency situation, Dianne had gotten distracted. First by Jeff, who wanted to discuss with her the ramifications of this attack, then by the children, to whom she had promised her time for the afternoon. Then there were the meals, and a long discussion with Emily about the needs of the pantry and the day slipped away before she knew it. Finally, after supper, she headed down to the infirmary again. Taking out her data pad, she looked over Elise's medical records.
~Hmm. No drug allergies. Good. That will make this easier.
She exited Elise's records and wrote up a prescription for the pilot. While the printer was creating the bottle label, Dianne unlocked the meds cabinet with her thumbprint and combination. Reaching inside, she pulled out a large bottle of anti-depressants. ~I'll need to reorder soon, she thought sadly. At one time or another almost all of the International Rescue team had been on some sort of anti-depressant as a part of dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The drugs were used infrequently now as the Tracy men, Brains, and Tin-Tin had learned better, non-pharmaceutical ways of dealing with the stress of their jobs. But still, there were times... like the aftermath of Jeff's accident. At that point, she was the one dealing with the stress... and dealing with it well, she thought. Her quick reaction to her own problem made it easier to deal with Jeff when he began to process everything that happened.
She counted out the number of pills needed and slipped them into a brown bottle, capping it and wrapping the prescription label around it. Then she wrote up another presciption for a week's worth of sleeping pills. ~My first priority is to get this woman a good night's sleep. The antidepressants will be used once the sleeping pills are gone, Dianne reminded herself. When the bottles were ready, she pocketed them and her PDA, then resumed her interrupted journey to the Cliff House apartments.
Post by Tikatue on 23/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1303 is a reply to message #1302] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:43 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Monday April 9th, 9.00 a.m.
Kat left her apartment and headed for Thunderbird Two's hangar. Brains had explained that he wanted to work on all the auxiliary vehicles, showing her how each of them worked.
"After all, Kat," he had explained, "ultimately it will be your responsibility to do the maintenance work on them."
Kat hurried into the hangar, where Gordon was talking to Brains, as they studied some plans.
"Hi, Brains, hi, Gordon." She looked at Brains. "What have you got for me today? Please, no more hands on making sure everything works. I think you see me as a guinea pig."
"Certainly not," Brains said. "You know that you need to be up to speed on the vehicles as part of your job."
"Well, I seem to be learning the hard way sometimes," Kat said with a 'hmph'.
Gordon watched with interest the conversation between the two. "Well, actually, Kat, it's you and me today," he said.
Kat stared at the auburn haired young man. "I'm working with you today?"
"Yep, that's right." Gordon grinned back. "Today I'm going to show you the ins and outs of Thunderbird Four," he said as he handed her a diagram of Thunderbird Four."
Kat glanced at Brains. "Oh, I'm not going to be expected to pilot Thunderbird Four, am I?"
Gordon shook his head. "Of course not, Kat. Brandon will be learning how to pilot Thunderbird Four. He is the aquanaut. From your point of view, all I need to do is to show you how it works, so that you can carry out maintenance on it." He led Kat to the pod which housed Thunderbird Four.
Kat glanced sideways at Gordon. "It seems a long time since our first meeting, I don't suppose you remember Lady Penelope's New Year's Eve party?" Kat asked.
"Oh, yes, I remember that party very well. We had quite a few fast dances, as I recall."
Kat smiled. "Yes, we did. It seems such ages away, and yet it is only three months."
Gordon looked at Kat. "Yes, a lot has happened since then. And now you and the other recruits are really settling in and being an active part of International Rescue."
"I'm feeling more confident about everything. The last rescue I actually attended was fine, but of course I was only watching. I was really there to make sure that the DOMO was okay, as it hadn't been checked and Brains wanted to make absolutely sure it was in top working order."
Gordon nodded. "Yes, that may be your major role, making sure that everything is in good working order, although there may come a time, like in Russia, when a small person is needed."
Kat wrinkled her nose at him and he laughed. They finally arrived at the pod containing Thunderbird Four.
"Okay, right first some facts: length, 30 feet, width, 11 feet, weight, 16 tons, underwater speed, 160 knots, surface cruising speed, 40 knots, emerge....." Gordon saw at the look of disbelief on Kat's face and smiled to himself. "Sorry. Am I going too fast for you?" he asked innocently.
"Gordon!" Kat exploded. "How am I going to remember all that information?"
Gordon grinned. "You won't and I wouldn't expect you to. I was just playing a joke on you, you were looking so serious."
Kat smiled weakly. "Guess I fell for it, didn't I?" She looked at him, ~Mm, it may be fun getting to know him better, we both seem to have the same kind of humour, maybe we could play one or two tricks on the others.
"Ready, Kat? Okay, then, let's get down to the workings of Thunderbird Four. It would be impossible to teach you everything about Thunderbird Four in just one morning, so we will start with the front today and maybe work on the rear tomorrow, or whenever Brains can spare you." Kat nodded and followed Gordon to the front of the submarine.
"Okay, at the front we have the Parabolic reflector trough, housing the Halogen lighting bar. This is used under water to find submerged boats or anything else that has fallen overboard."
"That must give out quite a long beam."
"Yes, it does, and it picks out objects, no matter how cloudy the water is." Kat nodded, totally absorbed in what Gordon was telling her.
"Here is the laser cutter build in to the starboard ram. This has proved helpful in the past, to enter submerged vehicles. This," he indicated inside the engine, "is the automatic missile reload system, and this," he pointed to an arm like structure, "is the servo mechanism in each arm, which controls the position of the lighting trough."
Kat looked at the plan in her hand, trying to match the diagrams with the actual mechanics. She was amazed, and a little worried. "Gordon, would I be supposed to work on this at the moment?"
Gordon shook his head. "No, you will need more training sessions with me before you will be asked to work on the sub."
They walked round to the other side. Gordon pointed out the missile tube, the hydraulic rams, the oxygen tanks and the life support unit wing with zyolithic crystals to eliminate the build-up of carbon dioxide in the cabin. He noticed that Kat was frowning.
"Let's go inside and take a look at the console operating the sub." She followed him in through the telescopic airlock. It was very small inside, with only room for one pilot. "Because it is so tiny with only room for one, the control console is ergonomically simplified. Behind you is the life-support and engine systems diagnostic computer."
Kat looked at it with interest. "What are those?" She pointed to some more instruments.
"Those are the airlock control systems and air regulator."
Kat was trying hard to appear as if she was taking everything in. Gordon glanced at her "Hey, I think that, that is enough information for one session. Let's leave the rest for another day."
Kat sighed with relief. It was such a lot to take on board. "Thank you Gordon, it's been really great, can I keep this diagram, so that I can try and remember what I have seen?"
"Sure, of course you can. Now what have you planned for the rest of the day?"
"Oh, er, well, I must go and report back to Brains, and check if he wants me to do anything else."
"And if he doesn't?"
"Probably go and collapse on the balcony of my apartment, and have a long cold drink."
"Why not join me at the pool? You can collapse and have a long cold drink there as well." Gordon grinned.
Kat smiled. "Okay, why not,"
"Great," Gordon mused. "I really want to get my own back on Tyler."
"Oh, no, Gordon, don't include me in your practical jokes."
Gordon rolled his eyes. "As if I would."
On finding that Brains had nothing further for Kat that day, she accompanied Gordon back to the house. They walked together in companionable silence until Kat suddenly asked Gordon how often Thunderbird Four had been used on rescues.
"Well, actually, there was one time, although it was not strictly a rescue," Gordon replied. "It was one time when we finally persuaded Dad to visit Lady Penelope on her sheep farm in Australia to have a short holiday. He had been rather reluctant to leave us with Scott in charge. Whilst being tested a missile malfunctioned and crashed into the sea bed, causing the seabed to erupt and flames leapt above the sea."
"Golly," Kat said.
Gordon continued, "Thunderbird Four had to go on to the seabed and seal the off the flames. Yes, that one exciting time."
Kat looked at Gordon in admiration.
"Of course, there was the time when I had to carry out a rescue all on my own." He glanced at Kat and could see that he had her complete attention. "Virgil and Scott had been returning from a rescue, Thunderbird Two was shot at by the Navy, and only just managed to get home, on fire, and crash-landed. Brains told Dad that it would be at least two weeks before Thunderbird Two was operational again.
"Was Virgil hurt?" Kat queried.
"Oh, he was okay. But, you see, they had been moving the Empire State Building which had toppled off its carrying trailer, and two men were trapped underground with water rising all the time."
"You didn't pilot Thunderbird Four all the way to New York, did you?"
Gordon shook his head. "I did offer to, but Dad said it would have taken too long. Instead I hitched a ride on the ship that had fired on Thunderbird Two. But it was me alone who rescued those guys." By this time they had reached the pool.
"You look pleased with yourself," Scott remarked to his brother as Gordon arrived with Kat in tow.
"Ooh, Scott. Gordon has just telling me about some of the rescues he has undertaken in Thunderbird Four. He is so daring."
Scott raised his eyebrows, "He has, has he? He is, is he?"
"Well, Kat asked and I just told her how it was," Gordon replied, handing a glass of orange juice to her.
Post by Tawnyangel22 on 23/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1304 is a reply to message #1303] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:43 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9th, 9:30 AM; Tracy Island
Tin-Tin smiled at Brains as she entered the lab and walked over to her computer. She turned it on and started to bring up a window, when it signaled her that there was a security problem. "Brains, look at this. Something's gotten into the system."
He hurried over to look. "That's strange; it didn't show up when I started my computer. Let me see." She relinquished her chair to him and stood behind, watching as he entered a few commands. "There, I've isolated it. I'll transfer it to my computer and check it out." He got up and she sat back down to continue what she had been doing.
Two hours later, Brains said, "Tin-Tin, what were you doing when you got the security notification?"
"Opening my email. Why?"
"This appears to be a self-replicating virus that copies whatever you type and can be retrieved by whomever sent it. And it seems to have entered through one of your emails. When was the last time you checked your mailbox?"
"Yesterday morning. I was so busy the rest of the day, and so tired last night, I didn't look again. Oh dear, could it have spread to--"
"Don't worry, Tin-Tin. For some reason, it wouldn't infiltrate anything until you went on the computer again. But it's a good thing you didn't try to log onto the IR server. What a security breach that would have been!"
"Then it isn't a threat any longer?"
"No, but I need to find out how it got past my virus scans, and where it came from. What emails did you open yesterday?" She told him and gave him the addresses. He sighed. "I have so many other projects to do, but this one has a high priority. I'll never get all of it done."
"Isn't that why Mr. Tracy recruited Lena? Why don't you give her a call and have her look at it. She might even have a way to keep it from happening again."
Brains looked at Tin-Tin with admiration and gratitude. "I'm so glad you're here to remind me of things I should remember myself. I can't imagine why I didn't think of that. Especially when I just spoke to her yesterday morning."
"You did? Why? How is she?"
"She's fine. She was sent her new communications device, put into a PDA. I called her to get her used to it and answer any questions she might have had."
"Questions? I'd be surprised to hear she had any."
He chuckled. "Only one, and of course it wasn't technical. She just wanted to know why there was an emergency signaler in it. She'd already been over pretty much the whole thing, including the instructions for activation of the different features, standard and non."
"Well, I'll leave you to give her a call. I didn't eat much breakfast; I was worried about my father. And now, I'm starving, so I'm going to get some lunch. Will you be coming after your call or shall I bring you something?"
"I'll come, I'll come. I'll need to apprise Mr. Tracy of this new development. Don't say anything to him. I'll want to give him a full report -- or as full a report as I can, later."
Tin-Tin smiled at him, then left for the Villa. Brains watched her go, then turned to his phone, and after calculating the time differences, remembering that it was Daylight Savings Time in the United States, placed the call.
Post by Hobbeth on 24/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1305 is a reply to message #1304] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:43 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9, 2068, 11:45 a.m., Tracy Island
"Hey, Kat!" Scott called. "Since Gordon is done with you for the morning, and Brains doesn't seem to need you right now, you should report to me in the flight simulator at 1330 hours. Don't want your flying lessons to lapse, especially since you seem to have the time."
Kat frowned. "Must I? I have a lot of studying to do, and I am taking those scuba lessons with Brandon."
Scott smiled slightly. "Yes, you must. Look at it this way: your flight training will give you time to digest after lunch. You'll even have time to say goodbye to Lady Penelope before using the simulator."
"Hey, Scott!" Gordon called. "Isn't the simulator reserved in the afternoons for Chris, Elise, and Brandon?"
"Yes," Scott said, his tone suddenly sharp. "But one of our pilots has been grounded. Brandon is scheduled for 1630 hours, so he'll still be able to teach his scuba lesson." With that, the lead Thunderbird pilot turned on his heel and left the pool area.
"Wonder what's got him so hot 'n' bothered," Gordon said, irritated.
"I wonder who's been grounded?" Kat thought aloud. Then she shook her head. "Did he say that Lady Penelope's leaving? Oh dear! Then I must tell Kyrano that I will eat with the family for lunch. I would like to spend the last little bit of time that I can with her!" Kat wrapped her towel around herself and sprinted up the stairs to the villa.
"Well, Gordon, old boy," Gordon muttered. "Lunch will be served soon and you'd better get dressed for the occasion." And he, too, went up to the villa, leaving the pool to sparkle and ripple in the sun and wind.
Post by Tikatue on 24/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1306 is a reply to message #1305] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:43 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Sunday, April 8th, 8 PM DST; Silver Springs, Maryland (April 9th, noon, on TI)
Lena had just said goodbye to her grandson, David, and his family when she heard a phone ring. It took her a minute to identify it as the secure line from Tracy Island, and she hurried into her home office to answer it. As she suspected, it was Brains.
"Lena, are you alone?" he said, sidestepping the formalities.
"Yes. My grandson and his family just left. What's wrong?"
"A virus got in through an email to Tin-Tin, bypassing all my virus scans. Although it is a benign one, it could have compromised International Rescue's anonymity, if it is what I suspect it to be."
"What would dat be?" she asked, intrigued. Brains' virus scans were the most stringent she'd seen.
"I'd rather show you its program and have you make your own judgment. See if it concurs with mine. I've managed to isolate it so I can send it to you without it harming your system."
"All right." She turned her computer on and readied it for the transmission. "Go ahead; I'm up and running. Or ratter, my computer is."
Brains smiled at her choice of words and said, "Sending now."
Within moments, the transmission had completed. Lena isolated it with her own program (not that she didn't trust Brains' isolation, but one couldn't be too careful, especially when it affected something as important as International Rescue), then opened it. She started to do a quick scan, but something caught her eye and she scrolled back. A few seconds later, she gasped. "Brains, whoever sent dis could have found out about International Rescue!"
"Exactly. But unless they already knew, I don't think that's what they were after. It's more likely they want Tracy Industries secrets."
"Industrial espionage? Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Any company, even one half as successful as dis one is, is subject to..." She stopped suddenly as she noticed something else.
"Lena? What is it?"
"Hold on. Someting looks familiar..." She kept scrolling and studying the virus program. "Someting about dis looks very familiar. Wait! Now I remember."
"Tell me."
"Since I've been de head of de D.C. I&M department, two similar viruses have nearly made it into de computer systems dere. Now, you know as well as I do dat programmers have dere own unique styles, like writers. You know, signatures. Whoever wrote dis program also created dose otters."
"Do you know who?"
Lena sat back, thinking. "No. Our department isolated de viruses, which were fortunately discovered almost immediately, found how dey got in, and sent dem to de security department to trace deir origins. I don't know what happened after dat."
"You're sure this was created by the same person?"
De signatures are de same. I wouldn't forget dat. It's part of my job not to. But you said it was sent to Tin-Tin. Do you know who sent it?"
I haven't told her yet, and I don't want to until I have more evidence. It was attached to an email from Giles Tallman, a man she met when she was in Kabul recently. There seems to be some mild flirtation going on between them."
"Ah. Den dat's why you haven't told her. But maybe you can enlist her help anyway."
"How, without telling her?"
"Does she know anyting about dis?"
"Well, yes, since it was when she began working in the lab on the computer that we caught it. Wait a minute. You want her to bait whoever did this?"
"Sort of. Dis person apparently hasn't been caught yet. So I suggest you isolate de virus to one computer, and have her use dat for innocuous work, or come up wit a phony formula dat looks real, to buy time so dis can be traced to its exact point of origin."
Brains sighed. It seemed that no matter how many people there were to help him, his workload seemed to grow and expand. "How would you isolate something like this to one computer?"
She smiled. "You work too hard. De last time we talked, it was Sunday morning dere. Did you work all day?"
"Oh, no. I took a long break and puttered around."
"Puttered around? Doing what?"
"I have a robot I created. Braman. Hopefully, I'll get his response times down. I'm also teaching him chess and we played a few games. He'll one day be able to replace people in Thunderbird 5, in case of problems or if there's a special event that requires all humans to be here. In fact, he has been tested up there successfully - on a limited basis."
Lena shook her head. Even his recreational time often seemed to be geared toward providing IR with better tools. But she didn't tell him that; instead she reminded him how to isolate the virus, putting it on one computer and keeping it from spreading. She heard the chagrin in his voice, as he realized that he should have thought of it, himself.
"Look," she said, "I'll check wit security tomorrow morning, and let you know what dey found. You take care of de isolation and getting Tin-Tin to help. Maybe dis time, we can catch whomever is doing dis."
"Okay. But email me as soon as you know anything, and flag it as a priority message. We need to take care of this as soon as possible. I need to see if I can find a way to keep this kind of virus from getting through." He sighed. "As if I didn't have enough to keep me busy."
"Hello, Brains. Didn't Mr. Tracy ask me to be an agent to help you wit computer upgrades and de like?"
"Of course! What is the matter with me? Lena, would you mind?"
"Don't be ridiculous, young man. That's what I'm here for. I'll need you to send me de program for your current virus scans. I'll see where dey can be altered to include dis type of ting."
"I have it on a CD. I'll have to locate it and send it to you later."
"Dat's fine. Now, don't you go losing sleep checking your email every few minutes for my message. I promise you, dere won't be anyting from me before noon my time tomorrow, and more likely later dan dat. Dat would be -- let me see -- 4 AM your time, or later. In fact, I tink I'll check wit de otter I&M departments to see if dey have had anyting like dis happen to dem in de last few years. I'd be surprised if dey hadn't, especially de New York office. So don't expect anyting before 6 AM tomorrow, your time at de earliest."
"Okay, Lena. I promise to get a good night's sleep tonight. Now I have to find that CD with the virus scan program on it. I'll be in touch."
"Dat's fine, Brains. Goodbye." As Lena hung up, her thoughts were spinning. To quiet them, she looked closer at the virus program. Poor Tin-Tin. A young girl as pretty and intelligent as she is shouldn't be subject to dis kind of ting. Whoever dis Giles Tallman person is had better watch his back. Dere are several people who would want to get back at him for dis. He'd better watch his back.
Post by Hobbeth on 24/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1307 is a reply to message #1306] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:44 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9, 2068, 1:15 p.m., Tracy Island
"It's been such a lovely vacation, Jeff," Lady Penelope said. "I feel so refreshed, and I am ready to go back to work. And the best part has been seeing you so fully recovered from your accident."
"It's been wonderful having you here, Penny." Jeff smiled and hugged the London Agent, accepting a kiss on the cheek.
"And Dianne, you've done so much to make me comfortable. The renovations to the Round House are simply superb!" Penelope took Dianne's hands in her own and smiled widely.
"I'm so glad you were comfortable there, Penelope. You weren't the first to test out the renovations, but you're the first who knew what it was like before," Dianne said. The two women exchanged small kisses, then Tin-Tin stepped forward.
"Now, Tin-Tin darling. Should you get any more emails from that Giles Tallman fellow, you tell me. I'm not well pleased that he used you to plant a virus and I will want to investigate him fully."
"Thank you, Lady Penelope," Tin-Tin said, sighing. "I feel like a fool for trusting him."
"Now, my girl, don't write the man off yet. It could have been a mistake. But I'm sure our new Agent 62 will get to the bottom of that. Brains, darling? Would you keep me apprised as to that agent's findings? I may be able to do something from my end if I am kept au fait with the investigation."
"Of course, Lady Penelope. I will forward anything I learn from Agent 62 on to you."
"Thank you, Brains."
Now it was Kat's turn to say goodbye. She and Penelope embraced. "Now, don't you worry, my dear Kat. I shall make sure your parents are informed as to your well-being, to a certain point. It has been wonderful to see how well you are adjusting to your new position."
"Oh, Lady Penelope, I am so sad that you are leaving," Kat said. "But I know that you must. Please say hello to Lil and Lofty for me?"
"Of course."
Virgil and John came to say their individual goodbyes, as did Alex, who had been late to lunch. The other Tracys had made their farewells at the meal.
"Well, we must be going. Parker!"
"Yus, milady?"
"It is time."
Parker helped Penelope up the steps to her pink jet then took the pilot's position. "G'bye, Mister Tracy, Doctor Tracy!" he said as he climbed in. "Tell that young master Tyler that Oi'll be h'expectin' a rematch."
"What did he beat you at?" Alex asked.
"Foosball," Parker replied succinctly.
The jet's engines came to life and the family stepped out of the way, waving as the plane taxied down the runway and into the blue Pacific sky.
Kat glanced at her watch and her eyes opened wide. "Oh dear! Please excuse me, Mr. Tracy, Dr. Tracy! I'm going to be late for simulator training!" And with that she ran off, ducking into the freight elevator entrance to Thunderbird Two's hangar.
Dianne looked at her watch. "I have an appointment, too, dearest. Would you be so kind as to drive me to the Round House? We really need to come up with some interior access to the Round House from the other parts of the complex."
"I will keep that in mind, love," Jeff said as he took charge of the hover cart. Virgil and John got in back for the ride back up to the Villa, but Alex followed Kat, looking for his hover bike. Jeff dropped his wife off at the guest quarters and headed back up to the main house. Dianne took out her master key and used it to enter the building. It was quiet and she made her way to the first floor lounge, sitting in a comfortable armchair as she waited for her newest patient... Elise.
Post by Tikatue on 24/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1308 is a reply to message #1307] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:44 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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As she waited, Dianne went over the notes she had made the evening before when she spoke to Elise in the pilot's apartment. She remembered how she had entered the apartment house lift and crossed to the opposite door, ringing the bell. It took a few moments, but a tired-looking Elise eventually opened the door. She was surprised to see Dianne.
"Dr. Tracy? What brings you here?"
"May I come in?" Dianne asked, schooling her face to a pleasant, non-committal expression.
"Oh, sure," Elise said, stepping back to allow the doctor to enter.
Dianne looked around at the decorations that the pilot had used to brighten up her apartment. "This is nice." She turned to Elise. "You do know that you can paint if you like."
"Yeah, so I was told by Dom. I just haven't decided what to do." Dianne nodded, and Elise looked at her quizzically. "So, I'll ask again: what brings you here?"
"You... and yesterday's simulator exercise," Dianne said softly.
Elise groaned. "So, what did Virgil tell you?"
"What went on. And he let me look at the session as well." Dianne indicated a chair, asking with her motions if she could sit. Elise nodded, and Dianne sat down, pulling out her PDA. "He's concerned, as is Scott... and as am I." Elise walked over to the French windows as Dianne continued. "It's my job to make sure that all of our team members are fit in every way. Physically, mentally, and emotionally." She paused. "Virgil believes you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. With possibly another component."
"How would he know? He's no doctor!" Elise spat from her position at the windows.
"He knows because he's seen it before," Dianne said calmly. "And has dealt with it himself."
That got Elise's attention. She turned her head slightly. "He has?"
"Yes. This life is a very stressful one. There are rescues where you go out and try your hardest and still can't save everyone. Or where you make an error and someone dies." Dianne looked thoughtful. "Probably just about all of the veteran operatives have had to deal with it at one time or another. Myself included."
Elise ran her hands through her hair and turned to Dianne. "So. What do I do?"
"First of all, we sit and talk about the incident a little. I need to be sure of my diagnosis." Dianne smiled slightly. "You were right when you said that Virgil's not a doctor. But I am and I need to do some probing."
The pilot took a deep breath and let it out. "Then what?"
"Then we work on getting you back on track. It will mean some limited drug therapy, some behavior modification, and probably some psychotherapy as well."
"With you?"
Dianne nodded. "With me. One on one sessions."
Elise's shoulders slumped. "When do we start?"
"Well, we need to determine what the problem is now. Then you need a good night's sleep and we'll start to actually tackle it tomorrow."
Elise turned away again. "Do I have any choice?"
Dianne shook her head slowly. "No, not really. You can't go out on rescues the way you are now, Elise. In fact, until this is well on the way to being dealt with, I am grounding you. From the simulator and from flying."
The pilot rounded on Dianne. "You can't do that! You don't have the authority!" she shouted.
Dianne sat impassively for a moment, then said softly. "Yes, I can in my capacity as a physician with Tracy Industries and as CMO of International Rescue." She got up and approached the angry younger woman. "Elise, I saw the simulator recording. I can't risk something like that happening when you're in the cockpit. Not here. Not anywhere. Please. Let me help. Let me help get you back in the air."
Elise's head dropped and she said in a tear-filled voice. "I am just so tired. The nightmares... the simulator... I can't cope." She raised her eyes to meet Dianne's gaze. "Please help me."
"I will." Dianne said as she guided the distraught young woman to a chair. She opened a file in her PDA, and they began to talk.
Elise described her nightmares, and Dianne asked questions about the rescue of Jeff. Then she asked about Elise's parents.
"We were in a boat during a storm. The boat capsized and broke up and both my parents drowned. I was nine," Elise said, her voice going suddenly emotionless.
"So you were the only survivor?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"How do you feel about that?" Dianne asked.
"How am I supposed to feel?" Elise asked angrily. "Happy? Glad to be alive?" Dianne just looked at her. "Okay. I feel miserable. I feel like... like... like I should have died with them. Then I wouldn't have this huge hole in my heart."
Dianne nodded. She looked over her notes. "Elise, I think we are dealing with a case of PTSD compounded by a strong case of survivor's guilt."
"Survivor's guilt?" Elise asked. "I've never heard of that."
"Well, it's an overwhelming sense of guilt that survivors of traumatic and fatal events often feel. They wonder why they were spared when others, perhaps loved ones, died. It is something we can deal with in conjunction with the PTSD because the two seem to be intertwined."
"Okay," Elise said, sighing. "You've made your diagnosis. Now what?"
"This." Dianne took out the little bottle of sleeping pills. "These will make you sleep for at least eight to ten hours. We have to build up your physical stamina a bit, get you clear headed. You are to get dressed for bed, and I will give you one now. Then you're to go directly to bed. It doesn't take long for them to take effect. One per night for the next five nights. Then we'll determine if you need more, or a lower dose, or if we can switch you to another medication altogether. Then you are to see me tomorrow at 2 p.m. in the first floor lounge of the Round House. Neutral ground as it were."
Elise sighed again. "Okay. You're the doctor." And she went off to get ready for bed.
Dianne's musings were interrupted by the arrival of Elise. The younger woman looked around. "This is nice."
"Thanks. I just had it redecorated a few months ago. Please sit down." Dianne opened another file in her PDA. "How did you sleep?"
"Surprisingly well," Elise replied. "I don't think I dreamt at all."
"Good." Dianne said, rearranging herself in the chair. "Then let's get started, shall we?"
Post by Tikatue on 24/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1309 is a reply to message #1308] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:45 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Elise took a deep breath, then suddenly jumped up, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry, I can't do this. I'm not...I mean...," she began to fluster. "Dammit!" I have NEVER been like this is my entire life!"
Elise's anger started to surface. Dianne patiently watched as the young pilot started to pace and wrestle with her emotions.
"I am a professional pilot! For Pete's sake, I served in the Air Force. I've flown high tech jets and helijets for years without any incident and I didn't fall apart, so why now, why this now!" Elise turned pleading, frightened eyes to Dianne.
"We talked a little about your parents and the accident that claimed their lives," Dianne began carefully. "You survived while they did not. Tell me: before you were hired at Tracy Industries, did you ever have any other similar situations? Where you were the only one or one of just a few to survive while others around you died?"
"No... not that I was involved in. But there were some that I knew who didn't make it back from a mission."
Elise had now sat down and spoke quietly. "It's tough, losing your buddies, but you just get it on with it, you know?" She looked at Dianne as if the other woman knew what it was like. "It was the military, you just followed orders. You weren't given time to think about what happened, so I didn't." Elise smiled sadly, remembering things she had since long forgotten. "Ask Scott; he'll tell you how it was," she added softly.
Dianne nodded and scribbled some notes. Elise watched her and then asked, "Has Mr. Tracy gone through anything like this since the accident?"
Dianne nodded. "Not so much about his own experience; he doesn't remember much about that. But it did bring forth a lot of memories of his first wife, of situations that his sons have been in where they've been close to death..."
She looked Elise in the eye, and suddenly the pilot noticed how very tired the doctor looked. "It's brought up a lot of grief for me as well. I, at least, am trained to handle it. But I won't tell you it's easy."
"It seems nothing in my life has been 'easy' since that crash. The last 3 months have seemed like years. My whole life has been turned upside down, and I'm not sure... I can get through this." Elise bit back the threatening tears. She turned away from Dianne and spoke so quietly that the doctor strained to hear her. "What happens if I can't get over this? What if I can't ever fly again?"
Dianne watched as Elise fought the turmoil inside her. "Elise, we are going to take this one baby step at a time. Now is not the time to think about flying. Right now, you have to think about you, and only you." She smiled softly. "You are not alone Elise, not this time."
She reached over and took Elise's hand, gently squeezing it to reassure herself as much as the pilot that they would get through this.
"The one thing that you will learn as we progress is that this wasn't your fault. Not what happened to your parents. Not what happened to Jeff. It wasn't your fault!" Dianne emphasized the last four words.
"It's something that everyone here has either had to learn, or will have to learn." She paused, and gazed at Elise. "But first, as I said, we need to make sure you're getting the rest needed to deal with daily living. And we will work on taking command of those nightmares as well. One step at a time."
"Now, you need to relax. I'm going to teach you a relaxation technique that Kyrano taught me. Come join me."
Dianne put down her data pad and, after moving a chair or two, stretched out on the floor. Elise watched feeling a little unsure and nervous.
"Trust me." Dianne smiled at her.
Elise joined the other woman on the floor, not sure what was going on, but willing to try nonetheless. Once they were both positioned on their backs, Dianne began.
"First close your eyes, and breath in through your nose and slowly out of your mouth." They both did this a few times and then Dianne added, "Now lay your arms flat by your sides, palms facing up as you continue to breathe."
Elise obeyed and felt herself starting to relax. "How are you feeling?" Dianne asked.
"Okay, I guess. It feels weird, but nice."
"That's good. Now flex your right foot down and then up. Do it 5 times and relax. Then we'll do the same with the other foot."
As they continued, Dianne opened her eyes and looked over at her patient. Elise still had her eyes closed and was following along.
"Okay, Elise. Next we're going to flex the lower leg, in the same way as our feet." The two women continued in this way for some time, flexing each part of their bodies and then flexing the same parts in an alternating pattern. "It's time to open your eyes, Elise." Dianne said after they had lay motionless for a few moments. "Roll to your left side like this and sit up, legs crossed."
Elise followed Dianne's example and they were now sitting 'Indian style', both facing forward. "How are you feeling?" asked Dianne.
"Better." Elise smiled slightly.
"Good."
They remained sitting as they continued some deep breathing exercises, relaxing each muscle as they did so. When they had finished Dianne told Elise she wanted her to practice the relaxation exercises on her own, as well as doing them at her therapy sessions.
"It will help Elise. I know from experience, they work." She paused, then said, "The sleeping pills I prescribed will only last you for five days. By that time, we'll re-evaluate your physical condition and see what else you may need in the way of pharmaceuticals." Dianne smiled. "Expect to do a lot of talking and listening."
"It's going to be hard, but I'll try. I have to; I want to get back in the air. Flying is all I know, and besides, I have no place else to go," Elise replied.
"You won't need to worry about that, you have a home here, Elise. Granted it's not your 'average' conventional type home, but it'll be home to you eventually!" Dianne chuckled as she thought to herself This place is anything BUT conventional!
Before the session was completely over Elise had one more question.
"Dr. Tracy?"
"Yes?"
"Umm...you told me yesterday that I was grounded from the simulator as well as the air; so...umm... what do you suggest I do in the meantime, outside of these sessions, that is?"
Dianne thought for a moment. "There are some other skills that you need to learn, such as rock climbing and rappelling, that you could work on. And you could also begin familiarizing yourself with the auxiliary equipment. Ask Scott. He'll know if there's anything else he feels you could be learning while you're grounded."
She wagged a finger at Elise. "But for the next five days, you need to relax. Your body is healed from the accident, but your spirit needs time to do so, too. So, no alarm clocks." She cocked her head at Elise. "Do you keep a journal?"
"No...Should I?" Elise answered, puzzled by the question.
"I would like you to. Especially if you have any nightmares, or just thoughts you feel could be relevant during our sessions. And I want you to rate your mood when you write. Rate it from one to ten with one being extremely sad or angry and ten being extremely happy or hopeful. That way, we'll have something to refer to. Do you mind?" Dianne asked.
"No, I mean, sure, I'll write stuff down. I used to keep a diary when I was about 12, just the usual stuff, boys, school, that kind of stuff."
"Yes I know!" Dianne smiled, thinking about her own daughter.
"Well, I need to check on Jeff and you need some rest, young lady. I will check in with you tomorrow, okay?" Dianne stood up to leave, and Elise walked with her.
"Thanks, Dr. Tracy." Elise said.
"You're welcome. It's what I'm here for," Dianne responded.
She gave Elise one last encouraging smile, and then headed back to the Villa on foot.
Back in her apartment, Elise got a glass of water and headed for bed. She took the sleeping pill and nestled down into the covers. Before turning out the light she reached over to the photo of herself and her parents, lovingly running her fingers over it.
"I love you both, and miss you so very much." she whispered. "Please help me to be strong. I need you to get me through this."
As a few tears trickled down her cheek, she softly kissed her parents then, replacing the photo, she turned off the light and closed her eyes, desperately wanting the sleep that Dianne had promised would come.
Post by FrankieCTB2 on 29/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1310 is a reply to message #1309] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:45 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9th, 2068; Tracy Industries D.C. offices
Lena arrived in her office at 7 AM, as usual and went through her usual routine of checking her voice and email messages. She found one from Brains, who sent his email scanner program attached to it. Before she looked at it, though, she composed an email of her own, and sent it to the other I&M supervisors in the states. She asked them to check over the last five years for viruses that were caught bearing a certain signature (which she described to them).
She downloaded the program and began going over it. She'd gotten about a third of the way through it when she heard the team arrive and went out to speak to them.
"I got a call from Mr. Hackenbacker yesterday evening, saying dat a virus had gotten tru his email checks at de Tracy residence. It was caught immediately afterwards when de person who got de email started to work on someting else, and he isolated it. He sent it to me, and I recognized de signature as being de same as dat on two viruses we caught during de time I've been head here." She described the program to them. "Does anyone remember any otter time a similar virus was sent?"
The others looked thoughtful, and one by one, shook their heads. "No, those were the only two times," said one of them.
"Not many viruses get through the checks that are in place, so we would remember any that do," said another.
Lena smiled. "Dat's true enough. I didn't tink so, but I wanted to check wit you all. Okay; let's get to work, den. I'll be in my office until just before 10, when I have anotter meeting to go to. I should be back after lunch." She turned and headed back to her desk.
She called the security department and told them what she wanted to know. The person she spoke to told her they'd have to check into it and get back to her. She asked them to leave a message if she didn't answer, and gave them her extension number. After she hung up, she turned back to her computer and Brains' program.
When she left for the meeting, she still didn't have a way to modify the program to block viruses such as the new one. But she felt that she was on the right track. She had also received answers from three of the other I&M offices around the country. Only the New York office had been sent any viruses like the ones she mentioned to them, so far. They had been hit three times. She was still waiting for an answer from the security department. Hopefully I'll have a message from dem when I get back.
The meeting didn't end until 12:30 and a few of the other department heads suggested they go out to lunch together. Lena agreed; it was a good way to establish and continue a rapport; besides, useful information was sometimes obtained this way. It seemed, though, that she was the one being questioned. Word of her visit to the Tracy home had gotten around, and the others wanted to know what it was like. She had to choose her words carefully, keeping things very general and not revealing the true location of his residence. But she managed to satisfy their curiosity and, when they returned to work, agreed to try to have lunch together more often.
She went to her office and started, as usual, with her voice messages, of which there were only two. One of them was from the security department there, and it wasn't quite what she'd hoped. But it was a start. She saved the message until she could convey the information to Brains.
Then she went to her email, and found more messages from the other I&M departments. She opened them one by one, and found that the Los Angeles, Juneau, and Denver locations had also been hit, each by a single virus with the same signature. She sat back to think.
All but de Honolulu offices have been heard from. But it's, and she did a swift mental calculation, not quite 8AM dere. Dey won't have had time to check, yet. But dat's seven -- no eight -- so far. Someone really wants to get at Tracy Industries information. Interesting, dough, dat de security departments constantly communicate wit each otter. It sure helps.
Her next order of business was to email Brains with the information she'd gotten. She compiled the facts on Notepad, and then opened an email window. It took her a while, but she finally was satisfied that he had as much accurate information as she could give him.
She wrote:
Although it is too early to have heard from the Hawaiian branch, I'm reasonably sure any virus from this person has never hit them. However four others have, for a total of 8 hits, including the ones that were sent to this location. That's in the last five years.
The security departments in the various locations keep in touch with each other regularly, especially about something like this. They confirmed the hits, but were unable to trace them back to their point of origin. It seems that they would get to a certain area, then something would happen and the trail would vanish. That sounds to me like an alarm flag is sounded at the point of origin and whoever is creating these viruses is able to block any further attempts to trace them.
Interestingly enough -- but not surprisingly -- traces of all the hits led to one area in the world, the British Isles. I suspect you have people over there who can take this information and track the perpetrator(s) further. Perhaps the London offices have more information you can use.
I have not had the opportunity to go completely through your program. I am working on it still, and will contact you when I have any suggestions.
Lena
She sent off the email, and turned to help one of her staff members who came to her with a personal problem.
Post by Hobbeth on 29/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1311 is a reply to message #1310] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:45 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
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Monday, April 9, 2068, 8 p.m. local time, London, England
The black shiny stretch limo drove up Downing Street, stopping at Number 10. Almost immediately the door was opened by a butler, and the Prime Minister, her husband and two teenage sons came out and got into the limo.
"Good evening Madam Prime Minister, Mr Baker." The chauffeur touched his cap to the two sons. He glanced at the itinerary in his hand. The plan was to leave Downing Street, cross over Westminster Bridge and head east towards Guys Hospital, where the Prime Minister was to open the new burn unit. Then the party would travel across Tower Bridge to the Tower of London, where a reception was being held for the new Indian Ambassador and his wife.
Further downstream a large cruise ship was making its final voyage and would be anchored off the Embankment, to be hired for entertaining groups or parties of people.
As the Prime Minister's party reached Guys Hospital, dark clouds were gathering over the Thames estuary, and low rumbles of thunder could be heard in the distance. Large spots of rain began to fall as the party, under large umbrellas, headed for the Hospital entrance.
The Captain of the Cruise ship, an elderly man with a grizzled grey beard and bright blue twinkling eyes, also observed the threatening storm. "Looks like we're in for a storm," he observed to his second in command.
"Aye, Captain Drew," the young man replied. "Still we are safe enough in the Thames. We are quite sheltered from any rough weather."
"Well, we are nearing Tower Bridge. I have radioed ahead, they should be lifting the bridge for us. But just in case, you had better sound the siren." The siren gave out a mournful sound in the gathering gloom of the coming storm.
Having made a brief appearance at the hospital, the Prime Minister's party were saying their farewells and were once again getting into the limo to begin the short stretch to the Tower Bridge.
Out in the Thames, the ship was steadily forging through the water. Suddenly, there was a vivid streak of lightning, followed almost instantaneously by a loud clap of thunder. The heavens opened and an absolute deluge of water fell on both the ship and the limo carrying the Prime Minister's party. Visibility was cut to absolutely nil. Another bolt of lightning seemed to make direct contact with the ship, knocking out the computer system. The ship was plunged into darkness. The Thames was becoming decidedly choppy. The ship lunged and swung over to the left bank, seemingly out of control, and hit the bridge support tower. Unfortunately the Bridge Control had been in a quandary. They had not wanted to stop the Prime Minister's party, and had radioed to the ship to hold back until the bridge was raised. However, due to the storm and the computer crash, that message had not been received.
The tower shuddered under the impact, causing the raising mechanism to start. The limo was at the center point of the bridge, and as it began to rise, the long luxury car found itself rising with it. The edge of the bridge caught it between just so, and it balanced there precariously. There was a horrible crunching of metal sound, screams and shouts of help, and then there came a smell of petrol. The bridge lifted to its fullest height, leaving chaos and carnage at the bottom on each side.
The Prime Minister calmed her frantic children. "Do not move, boys or we shall either go into the river or smash at the bottom of the bridge."
"Then what can we do?" her younger son asked, his face pale.
"Just sit quietly and wait, son," Mr. Baker said. "Sit quietly and wait for rescue."
Post by Tawnyangel22 on 30/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1312 is a reply to message #1311] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:46 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tuesday 10th April 2068 Tracy Island.. 8am
Christopher whistled as he emptied the contents of his saucepan on the plate.
Asterix purred and wound himself around his legs.
"You don't know how long I've waited to have another one of these", he smiled at the cat, "a full English!"
Putting the plate on the table, which was already laid with cutlery and condiments like HP Sauce and Heinz Tomato Ketchup, he sorted Asterix's breakfast out next.
Sitting down, he picked up the knife and fork and attacked the feast in front of him.
"I've got a good feeling about today", he said as he stroked Asterix's head. The little cat was now sitting on the table, cleaning himself.
"Maybe I can try with Tin-Tin again", he looked Asterix in the eye, "but not before I pack you off to be looked after by Dom and Josh or Kyrano".
He tickled the cat's chin, "I don't want interruptions next time."
"Mrrow", Asterix licked his master's face.
He was about to plunge his knife into a big fat sausage, when the alarm sounded, the IR alarm.
Asterix looked at Christopher.
"Maybe I spoke too soon." Christopher got up from the table and got two slices of bread then put the remains of his breakfast between them.
Checking that he had remembered to open the balcony door he headed out of the flat, egg yolk dripping out of the butty.
Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 31/03/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1313 is a reply to message #1312] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:46 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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******Tuesday, April 10, 2068, Tracy Island, 8 a.m.******
Callie awakened from her sound sleep with a long yawn. "Oh, boy. I have to work on the Thunderbird Three simulator today with John."
She pulled herself out of bed and grabbed her box of cereal upon entering her small kitchen. "Mmm, this should be a good morning for some corn flakes."
She poured skim milk over her cereal and took in the first bite when she suddenly heard the alarm going off. The loud alarm caused her to spit out her cereal, creating quite a mess on her counter. She frantically grabbed a paper towel and wiped it up. She then saw that her nighty had some of the mess, forcing her to hastily get dressed.
"I wonder how often this happens when there's an emergency," she said. Callie got dressed in a sweater and comfortable slacks and left for the lounge.
Post by TracyFan4Ever on 02/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1314 is a reply to message #1313] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:46 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tuesday, April 10, 2068, 8:00 a.m., Tracy Island.
"Tyler, please don't stuff your face like that," Dianne said impatiently as Tyler cut a much too big piece of waffle and stuffed it in his mouth, his little cheeks bulging.
"Thorry, Ma," he said as he tried to chew.
"And don't talk with your mouth full!" Jeff and Dianne corrected in unison. They glanced at each other and both smothered a smile.
Suddenly, the emergency signal went off. The adults glanced at each other again as the older members of the Tracy family rose from the table. Jeff wiped his mouth and followed his sons from the room, no crutches, just a slight limp betraying his nearly healed foot. Dianne shot a glance to Emily, who nodded and moved closer to the children, as the doctor got up and followed the rest of the family out.
In the lounge, Jeff activated the communication system. Alan was already calling, "Base from Thunderbird Five, do you read?"
"Thunderbird Five from base. We read you five by five. What do you have for us, uh, Indy?" Jeff gave a quick glance at his code name cheat sheet as he searched for Alan's new code name.
"We've got a priority one situation, Boss. A cruise ship has collided with the Tower Bridge and it's malfunctioned." A gasp went up from the British members of the team as they filed in. "The Prime Minister's car is perched on the top of the drawbridge and is in a very precarious position. Several cars have smashed at the bottom of the bridge as it's risen on both sides." He turned. "Wait, I've got an update. The side of the bridge opposite the one where the Prime Minister is perched has slammed back down. The cruise ship is taking on water, but it has no passengers, just crew. I think the Royal Navy is taking care of that. The RAF put out the call because their big hover plane is in repairs. The weather isn't cooperating either."
Jeff blew out a breath. "Okay. Scott, you take Christopher. Give him a try at running the rescue from Mobile Control." He fixed his eyes on the former RAF pilot. "Understand that Scott has experience that you don't. If he sees that your decisions aren't working, he has the authority to pull you off. It is not to be taken as an insult if he does. There are lives at stake and there's no room for pride when you're on a rescue. Understood?"
Christopher's eyes were wide during this instruction and he gulped, squeaking out an "F-A-B." Scott took that as his cue to pull on the Brit's arm and draw him along to the entrance to Thunderbird One.
"Virgil, take Gordon, Brandon, and John, along with Four and Seven. Seven may be the key since it's a hovercraft. Dom, how are you on Seven's controls?"
"I've been working on them." Dom replied. "I don't know if I can do anything fancy."
"Then John can pilot and you can act as medic if necessary. Brains, you go along, too. They may need engineering help." Jeff looked around the room, seeing Dianne's arms folded and a specific look in her eyes. "Sorry, ladies. It's the men's turn." Dianne rolled her eyes and gave her head a little shake.
He avoided her gaze and instead said, "Thunderbirds are go!"
Post by Tikatu on 04/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1315 is a reply to message #1314] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:46 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9th, 9.45 pm, Tower Bridge, London
At home in Creighton-Ward Manor, Lady Penelope was reflecting on her visit to Tracy Island. It had been good to see Jeff so very much better, and she had enjoyed Kat's company again. She turned on the television, and her attention was immediately taken by a news flash.
There has been a terrible accident at Tower Bridge. A cruise ship heading upstream has collided with the structure of the bridge, setting off the rising mechanism. The Prime Minister and her family were travelling over the bridge, and are caught up in the disaster. We will bring you more news as we receive it.
Lady Penelope instantly thought of contacting Tracy Island, but then decided not to. If International Rescue were to be called out, she didn't want to get in the way of any signals. She rang for Parker.
"You rang, m'lady?"
"Yes, Parker, there has been a terrible accident at Tower Bridge. I am considering going along to see if I can be of any assistance."
Just as Parker was about to reply, the programme was switched to the BBC News.
"We are going live to the scene of the accident, to our Reporter at Tower Bridge, Fiona Brotherton. What can you tell us, Fiona?"
"Well, Martin, it is total carnage here at the Bridge. As you can see the weather is appalling, and we have been told that a freak bolt of lightening has knocked out the electronic computer system of a cruise ship heading up river."
Lade Penelope watched with interest.
Fiona Brotherton continued. "We have been further advised that Bridge control tried to contact the ship, asking them to hold back until the Prime Minister's party had travelled across the bridge, but that message did not get through. Consequently the ship continued on, and due to the heavy weather, collided with the infrastructure of the tower, releasing the rising mechanism."
"What is being done as regards rescue?" Martin asked.
Fiona continued, her umbrella buffeted by the high winds. "At the moment, the police are trying to instigate some sense of calm, but as you can see," and here the cameras swung round, "there is panic setting in. The fire brigades and paramedics have arrived."
Suddenly the camera moved towards a group of officials standing to one side of the group of reporters.
"Martin, the Chief of Police is just issuing a press release."
Chief Inspector Mason raised his hand. "Due to the enormity of the rescue, International Rescue has been contacted, and are on their way."
"Well, you all heard that. We are awaiting International Rescue."
Lady Penelope watched with horror as the scene on the TV screen before her unfurled. Once more the pictures flashed to the scene of devastation. People in cars were crushed by heavier vehicles. Several cars had rammed into the vehicles in front of them. Some victims had managed to escape their vehicles and were wandering around in a dazed state. The sound of screams and shouts for help were heart-breaking. The ship itself lay gently tossing on the tide. Being a tidal river the incoming tide would raise the ship, causing it to jam further under the part of the tower it had struck.
Fiona joined a jostling crowd of reporters, trying to talk to the Chief of Police. Pushing herself forward, she shouted above the clamour. "Fiona Brotherton, BBC News. Tell me, how are the Prime Minister and her family?"
"We are very concerned for the safety of the Prime Minister and her family. At the moment the car is caught by the front wheels over the edge of the raised portion."
"Where are the RAF?" another reporter shouted above the noise.
"I am afraid that the main piece of equipment that they would normally use in a situation such as this is elsewhere. They are not able to help," the Chief replied.
There was more pushing and shoving as more reporters and cameramen tried to film and get answers to their questions.
"What about the ship? Are the crew in danger?" Fiona asked.
"There are just a pilot and his second in command aboard. We are doing all we can to assist them," another member of the Chief's party replied.
Suddenly the roar of rocket engines could be heard.
"It sounds like... Yes, it is! International Rescue has arrived. What a marvellous sight; a huge blue and silver rocket winging through the air!"
The camera swung round to focus on Thunderbird One. Scott's voice could be heard. "Sorry, no pictures please!"
Fiona came once more into view. "Well, you all heard that. We will abide by what they want. I will, of course, talk you through what is happening."
Suddenly there was much pushing and jostling as reporters, film crews, and interested spectators all tried to get a glimpse of Thunderbird One. Fiona side-stepped a French film crew, intent of getting close ups of the Thunderbird craft. "It looks like, yes, the magnificent Thunderbird One is flying about the area of the bridge. They are obviously deciding which is the best way to rescue the Prime Minister and her family."
Suddenly the screen went blank. The scene switched to Martin Jacobs in the newsroom. "We seem to have lost contact with Fiona Brotherton. We will try and reconnect to her as soon as we are able."
Lady Penelope nodded her head. ~Good! The camera fogging device seems to be working well.
Post by Tawnyangel22 on 09/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1316 is a reply to message #1315] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:46 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Washington D.C. offices; Monday, April 9th, 5 PM
Lena heard her staff finishing up for the day, and went out to see if there was anything they had to relate. Tom told her that Michelle had gotten a last minute call and was staying to help get the problem corrected. She nodded.
"I have a few tings to clear up, myself. So I'll be here for a while longer." She saw that the young woman was deep in conversation. "If she gets off de phone, or has a minute before you go, please tell her."
"Oh, did you hear?" said Louise. "There was a news report on the radio that a ship collided with the Westminster Bridge. The Prime Minister and her family were crossing it at the time, and the mechanism that raises the bridge started on its own. The car is caught on the edge and is barely holding on. International Rescue has been called in." She paused for a moment. "Boy, it must be exciting to work with them. I wish I could. And it seems to me that they have expanded. In the reports I've seen or heard, it sounds like there are more people working for them now, especially women. In that one rescue in Argentina, one of the victims tried to sue a woman for hitting him, but couldn't find out who she was. It was suppressed pretty quickly, though, when one of his friends said the girl probably had to do so, since the guy wouldn't leave his apartment, which was about to collapse." She shook her head. "The stupidity of some people. They just don't want to be helped."
"I hadn't heard about dat, or about de current rescue. I'll have to check into it. Dat bridge is about two hundred years old, and a landmark. I hope it isn't destroyed."
After a few minutes more conversation, all the staff except Michelle headed home for the night. Lena went back to her office and checked the internet news services for information about the rescue, then returned to her work. She'd completed her regular tasks and was attempting to add a block to Brains' email virus scan for anything bearing the signature of the one that had gotten through.
Half an hour later, Michelle knocked on the open door, then said, "All done. Problem resolved, and I'm heading home. How about you?"
Lena looked up and smiled at her. "I'll be leaving in a bit. You go on and I'll see you tomorrow. Have a good evening."
"You too, Lena. Goodnight."
Lena worked a little while longer, then sighed and saved what she'd done. She knew she could access it from her home computer, but she was feeling tired. I'm glad I decided to take de train in today. I wouldn't want to drive, especially at dis hour. She checked the news on her computer once more, gathered her things together, went through her usual checks of the electrical outlets, and left.
Post by Hobbeth on 11/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1317 is a reply to message #1316] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:47 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Across the Atlantic, the wind began to gust with relish, and Thunderbird Two, as far as Dominic was concerned, was only kept in their air by the genius of Brains and the excellence of Virgil. The crew had been kept up to date via Alan -- Mental note, Thunderbird Five for today. How'm I gonna remember all these code names? -- and the danger zone was nearing. They were flying above the English Channel; Virgil assured them that London was only minutes away.
"I've never been to London before," he commented. "Never been much of anywhere, really. It's a pity that I'm seein' these places under such bad circumstances."
There was a general murmur of agreement, and beside him, Brandon nodded, his mouth in a firm line. His arms were crossed across his chest, and when Dominic stole a glance, his eyes were hard and steeled.
"Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Two," said Virgil, and all eyes in the cockpit swung towards him. "What's the situation?"
"Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One, we've found a place near the bridge to set up mobile control; we'll be setting down imminently. What's your ETA?"
"ETA two and one half minutes, Thunderbird One. What's our plan of action?"
"I'm going to have to stabilize the limo with the lances, " Scott said. In the background they heard the telltale roar of TB1's VTOL jets. "After that, we're going to need people up there to get the PM and company out of the limo. There are fires at the base of the bridge, which is going to make things harder, and then we've got the cruise ship to worry about. It appears to be to be taking on water. But not only that, there are reporters on top of the bridge trying to get in on the action." Scott chuckled, but the sound was dry. "This is going to be a tricky one, folks. I'll keep you apprised, Thunderbird Two. Thunderbird One out."
Gordon whistled through his teeth and shook his head; John crossed his arms with wry grin.
"Let's get to it then, guys," said Virgil. "Gordon, Brandon, prep TB4. John and Dom, the same for TB7. Brains, you're with me. We'll be landing any minute now. But remember when we're out there: code names!"
"FAB!" Said Gordon.
The crews piled into the passenger lift down to the pod bay. John gave Dominic a slight pat on the arm and a quick nod. It was time to get down to business.
Post by ArtisticRainey on 11/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1318 is a reply to message #1317] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:47 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday April 9th, 10.30 p.m. Tower Bridge, London
Fiona Brotherton looked in dismay as she realised that she was unable to send either sound or visual recordings back to the studio. She looked at her cameraman, Eddie. "Now what?"
"Guess we had better call it a day and return to the studio," he replied, beginning to get his equipment together.
"No, wait! There is a member of International Rescue over there. I'm going to try and get an exclusive interview."
"You can't! You won't get near," Eddie called, as she headed towards Christopher.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained," was all that he heard her call back to him.
She edged along the Thames, moving in the opposite direction of the crowds, who were all watching the IR craft. A loud, "OOH!" went up behind her, and she briefly turned to see that the lead IR ship had fired some sort of golden lances, using them to stabilize the Prime Minister's car. She took a deep breath, and forged ahead. There was a cordon of police around a large, red control station, and a young man, wearing what she supposed was IR's new uniform sat there, speaking into a microphone. Worming her way past the police, she approached from the shadowed side of the control station.
"Hi, there, Fiona Brotherton, BBC News."
Christopher looked in amazement, as the young reporter held a microphone towards him. "Hello there," he remarked, smiling at her.
"Oh, you're English! I heard that International Rescue had taken on some extra recruits. It must be so thrilling to be a part of the most famous rescue team in the world. How did you come to be recruited?"
"Uh, yes. It is quite thrilling. As far as being recruited goes," Christopher, replied modestly, "I guess you could say that I was in the right place at the right time."
Fiona persisted. "But how were you recruited? I'm sure our viewers would love to know all about your life with International Rescue. Are you the only English member?
"Oh, no. I'm not the only one... there are others...." Christopher said, not wanting to be rude, but not quite equipped to deal with a nosy reporter.
Up in Thunderbird Five, Alan couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Base from Thunderbird Five."
"Base here. Come in, Indy,"
"We have a security problem...."
Jeff listened in horror to what Alan was telling him about Christopher. "He is doing WHAT!?" He scowled. "I will deal with this." Toggling a switch, he shouted, "Mobile Control from Base. Asterix, what in hell do you think are you doing? This is a secret organisation! I don't want the world's media been given little titbits of information! GET RID OF HER!"
Christopher winced at the anger in Jeff's voice, and nearly took the earphone from his ear at the volume. "But, but, Sir," he began to protest.
"YOU HEARD ME! GET SECURITY TO GET HER OUT OF THERE!"
Jeff slumped back into his chair. Dianne tried to soothe him.
"And here I thought that I had chosen my new recruits well," he muttered.
"And you have, dearest." Dianne replied.
He looked up at her. "None of my sons would never dream of doing what he has just done."
"No, of course they wouldn't. They're used to handling the media, and maintaining the secrecy of International Rescue. I guess that Christopher has never been in this situation before. He has to learn."
"All the same, he should never have been in a position where he could be approached. Mr Jordan is going to have a very serious dressing down when he returns. He has to learn that no matter who approaches him, he must never, never talk to anyone except for those designated as liaison, and certainly not to members of the press."
Back at Tower Bridge, Christopher was still reeling from the blasting given him by Jeff Tracy. He just hadn't thought, and she had seemed so nice. He turned to her. "The interview is over." he said icily, his welcoming smile turned now to a stony face.
"But, surely the country is entitled to hear how their Prime Minister and her family are being saved, especially by a fellow countryman."
"SECURITY!" Christopher shouted to the police standing. A bobby rushed over at his call. "This Reporter shouldn't be here."
Fiona found herself being unceremoniously bundled away. She was angry and upset. "Okay, I'm going! No need to get heavy!" Calling over her shoulder; she almost spat out the words. "I won't forget this incident, or you, either!"
"Everything okay now?" another policeman asked Christopher kindly.
"Yes, thank you," a slightly shaken Christopher replied. He was, however, dreading his return to Tracy Island and Mr Tracy's wrath.
Post by Tawnyangel22 on 14/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1319 is a reply to message #1318] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:47 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday April 9th, 10.32pm. Tower Bridge, London..
"You stupid idiot!," Christopher hissed under his breath as he busied himself at Mobile Control.
His eyes flickering over all the various screens, he also looked up at Tower Bridge and went through various ideas in his mind.
"Thunderbird Five from Mobile Control", Christopher flicked the appropriate switch, "come in please".
"Thunderbird Five receiving you over", Alan's voice came over his headset.
"I require a weather update please Thunderbird Five", Christopher turned his gaze to the bank of monitors in front of him.
He heard the whine of Thunderbird One's engines as it came into land.
And as Alan relayed the weather details to him, he sank lower in his seat and got on with things.
"The best thing to do", he whispered to himself, "is to keep my head down and don't muck it up again".
Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 14/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1320 is a reply to message #1319] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:48 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Tracy Island, Tuesday April 10th, 8.30 a.m.
Nikki and Kat watched as the men headed for the Thunderbird crafts.
"Nikki," Kat said. "I guess I won't be doing any training today. How about coming back to my apartment for breakfast?" Nikki nodded and the two young women headed back for the Cliff House.
"Do you want cereal, or toast and marmalade, or," and Kat laughed "both?"
"I can go for toast and marmalade." When breakfast was served, the two girls sat down to enjoy it. Nikki asked, "So how are you going to enjoy you time off training? Gonna be lazy and spend it all relaxing on the beach?"
Kat smiled. "It will be kind of nice to have a whole day just relaxing and doing what I want. Although," and she grimaced slightly, "Scott has lent me a manual on Thunderbird One. I really should be reading it. But hey, when the cat's away, the mice will play." She got up to refill the coffee cups. "How about you? Will you miss the excitement of a rescue?"
Nikki took a sip of her refill before answering. "I don't know. I'll miss it in the sense that it's happening back home. I kinda miss England a bit. Along with my friends and family." Nikki smiled as she remembered them and her old home. Even if I do enjoy living in paradise, I still miss my old home. "So, are you bummed out that you didn't get to go?"
Kat looked slightly wistful. "I did enjoy the Russian rescue, but I guess that there will only be limited occasions where a mechanic is actually needed. But knowing that this is taking place in England kind of brings back feelings of homesickness that I am trying to overcome. Before you joined International Rescue, did you have any serious boyfriends? I didn't. I seemed too preoccupied with college and working for Lady Penelope. Although there was one young man that I dated for a short while. Nothing serious though and we parted as just good friends. Actually, I met the Tracy family before I came here, at a New Year's Eve party Lady Penelope held for her friends. Of course, I didn't realise at that time that I would be seeing a lot more of them."
"I didn't have any serious boyfriends for a while before joining International Rescue. The last really serious relationship ended during Uni. I mean, sure, I dated after him, but none were as serious." Nikki bit into her toast. "So what were your first impressions of the Tracy family when you first met them?"
Kat thought for a moment. What are my thoughts about the Tracy family? "The first member of the Tracy family I met was John. He came to Creighton-Ward Manor to bring me down for an interview with Mr Tracy. He was very caring and considerate." She hesitated, thinking of the time when he had told her the real reason for her visit. "I was so nervous when I met Mr Tracy. I wonder now how come he actually agreed to me being a member of International Rescue. Then it was poor John who had the task of letting me know the real reason behind my being interviewed. Boy, was I angry and hurt. But he was so patient that even now I feel guilty at the way I spoke to him." Kat had coloured slightly while speaking. "So what about your first impressions?"
"I think it took me a while to get over the fact that I was actually going to meet the Tracy family. Never met anyone famous in my life. You know, most of the first meeting is a blur at the moment; it happened so fast. Coming out here, being interviewed, and then finding out why they really needed me. I've got to admit, finding out was a shock and a half."
Seeing that Nikki had finished, Kat suggested that they sit on the balcony. "I really haven't had much experience with Scott or Virgil yet. Virgil was very complimentary when I helped him repair the winch and Brains is very good at training me, but I seem to be doing a lot of 'hands on' and he is so serious. Gordon on the other hand is totally different in every way. Callie, Brandon and I joined him on a fishing trip." She thought about the seaweed episode and smiled to herself. "But when it came to training me on Thunderbird Four, after playing a small trick on me, he was very good and patient. Yes, I like Gordon." Kat looked out to sea so that her friend couldn't see her face. "And I like John as well," she added, more to herself than Nikki.
"I'm sorry, what was that? Did my ears pick up that you like John?" Nikki smiled. "He's nice. So are you going to actually ask him out? Not that you can get out too often with rescues and all and him being up in Thunderbird 5 sometimes."
Kat coloured even more. "Oh, gosh, I don't know. I don't think it's the done thing for a woman to ask a man out, unless it's a leap year. And as you rightly say, where can you 'go out to'? I can hardly say, 'Hey John, how about going to the pictures, or for a meal?'," She laughed and then changed the subject "Anyway, do you fancy any of the Tracy Brothers?"
"No. I just see them as friends. I get on really well with Gordon and Alan." Nikki then thought about her last conversation with the young blond. "Well, sometimes Alan."
Kat looked keenly at Nikki. She remembered the little incident at Alan's birthday and Jake. "So, is there something more than friendship starting with Alan? After all he is free." Kat chuckled to herself. "I think the whole family are very nice. Though I have to admit that I have not had much to do with Alan. Nor John, come to think of it, except for our date on the roof looking at the stars. Now, I would love to do that again. Yes, guess most of my time has been spent with Brains, and sometimes with Virgil and Gordon. I am going to have some training with Scott in Thunderbird One, and for the first time I am feeling very nervous about that."
"I doubt there would be more than friendship with Alan, especially with his thoughts on women. You know, staring at the stars with someone you like sounds very romantic." Nikki watched the waves roll in before speaking again. "So why are you feeling nervous about training with Scott in Thunderbird 1? He's a good teacher and he wouldn't rush you to get everything right first time around."
Kat nodded her head. "Yes, he was certainly very patient when I was learning to fly in the simulator. I did have major problems. It brought back to me the problems I had learning to fly when I was working for Lady Penelope." She hesitated. "It's just that Scott is the main Thunderbird pilot. When I was training with Brains and Gordon, and working with Virgil, yes, we were working hard, but we had some laughs, and everything was relaxed. I have a fear that with Scott it will be serious all the way. Also, when I get nervous I chatter too much. I am afraid of saying and doing all the wrong things." She looked at Nikki, "Does that make sense to you?"
"Yeah, I think so. But judging from Scott's paintball birthday, I'd say he isn't as serious as you are making him out to be. I'm sure he'll understand that you're nervous. For all we know, he was nervous when he first learned to fly Thunderbird 1 or any other plane." Nikki thought about Scott being nervous during flying, but she couldn't see it for some reason. "If you're not totally confident, let him know during the session. He's a teacher; he's there to help, not to judge."
"That's true," Kat agreed. She glanced at the rather heavy manual on the floor by the door to the balcony. "Look at that. That's what I am supposed to be reading. I will just have to read as much as I can, and try to overcome my nervousness. To be honest, these Thunderbirds and the auxiliary vehicles are so complex, I think I shall have to have several training sessions before I feel really confident. How are you coping with Dr Tracy and working in Thunderbird 7? It must be totally different to anything you have done in the past."
"I'm still getting used to working out in the field," Nikki replied. " But I'll get there; I know I will. I'll need a lot more training with driving Thunderbird 7, that much I can say. I'm used to working inside it now. Once the job has started, I don't really think about the technical things of it. Now, Dr Tracy? I've got to admit, Dr Tracy is extremely good at what she does. I've seen doctors work under pressure, but her job is... I think... more demanding is the right way to describe it. She's out there on the front line, the only doctor in the fleet. I've got so much respect for what she does. In fact, I have respect for the rest of them too." Nikki shifted slightly to get comfortable again.
Kat looked out over the sea. The sun was high in the sky. "I can't think of anything nicer right now than a swim in the pool. How about you?"
Post by Nikki-browneyes1 and Tawnyangel22 on 15/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1321 is a reply to message #1320] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:48 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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******Tuesday, April 10, 2068; 10:30 a.m. on Tracy Island******
Callie was not scheduled for training on the Thunderbird Three simulator until that afternoon, but with John away on the current mission, that left her with almost nothing to do.
Dressed in her bathing suit and robe, she walked towards the swimming pool when she was surprised by the presence of Alex and Tyler at the top of the steps. "Hi, guys. What's up?"
"All the guys are away on a mission," said Alex. "We don't have anyone else to play pinball with us."
"I'm a pretty decent pinball player, but it's been a while. Will you guys give me half a chance?"
Tyler smiled. "Okay, Callie. Come on, let's play!"
They all passed by the lounge when they heard Jeff's tirade on Christopher.
Tyler's eyes widened with surprise by the yelling. "Uh-oh, Daddy's mad at somebody."
Callie gulped. "I have never heard him like this before." When she heard the details of Jeff's angry words, she knew he meant business. Oh, boy, I do not want to get on Mr. Tracy's bad side, especially when it comes to security. I have a pretty good idea this is going to become part of the training when they return from England.
"I think it'd be best to go to the swimming pool," Alex suggested.
Callie and Tyler both nodded, and soon all three went down the stairs to the swimming pool.
Alex and Tyler played in the pool while Callie swam some laps on the other side, but she kept hearing Jeff's anger in the back of her mind. I know he did this for a good reason, but I just hope Mr. Tracy won't be too hard on Chris. He was just caught up in the moment and made a rookie mistake. It happens to the...
She was interrupted with a splash of water in the face. "What the--?"
"Gotcha!" yelled Alex and Tyler.
"Oh, you two are gonna be sorry!" Callie joined in the splashing game with the boys. Thanks. It's just what I needed to clear my mind for a while.
Post by TracyFan4Ever on 16/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1322 is a reply to message #1321] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:48 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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The great door of the pod opened, and with practiced hands John manoeuvred Thunderbird Seven out into the open. The sky was almost black and the rain slashed through the air, shining gold as the lightening hit. Winds buffeted the hovercraft, and John's face was stony as he kept control of it. Just behind them, they saw the Thunderizer trundle out and begin to follow. The plan was to use it to launch climbing cables, and he and Dominic were to climb up to the limo.
"Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird Seven, come in Thunderbird Two," he said.
"Receiving you, Seven," Virgil replied.
"We're heading towards the bridge now." Another bolt of lightning hit one of the towers. Beside him, he saw Dominic flinch. "There are a lot of people; it's going to be tricky. Can you get Mobile Control to arrange us a security detail? Seven's going to be on her own when we head up the bridge."
"Done and done, Thunderbird Seven." As he spoke, they saw a group of police persons beginning to disperse the crowds. "It's going to be one hell of a climb, guys, in this weather. Be careful."
"FAB."
John resisted the roll of his eyes that strained to break through. Brothers, he thought, all overprotective. Including me, he added with a grin.
Dominic noticed without relish the crowds that were gathering to watch them, pointing and gaping. It's like some perverse theme park or something. But I can understand the attraction. He pulled his cap down further and kept his eyes forward.
"Ready for some climbing?" John asked.
"Definitely."
"Have you had much experience? I know Gordon's been training you on the island cliffs."
"I was a climber in university, and believe me, this weather is nothing compared to a bad climb up Slieve Donard back home. Scary stuff."
They reached the bottom of the bridge, where several cars were wrecked. Fire crews were dealing with ravaging fires on both sides of the bridge, but had cleared a narrow gap in the wrecks for the Thunderbird machines to get through.
"Thunderizer from Thunderbird Seven."
"Receiving you, Seven. Getting in place to fire the cabling," said Gordon.
"FAB." John turned to Dominic. "Go and get your medical bag and whatever else you need now. I'm going to get the climbing gear."
With a nod, Dominic went to open the cab door.
"And remember...Dak," John said with a grin, "Codenames."
"FAB, Quasar. See? I remembered."
Dominic nimbly hopped out into the driving rain, and John followed suit.
***
In the cab of the Thunderizer, Gordon swiftly manipulated the controls so the machine was facing in the right direction, and the cannon was at the right angle. He smiled. Piece of cake, he thought. He saw his crewmates hop out of the cab, wrapped up in their waterproofs, and run into the medical car behind. He checked his co-ordinates again, and toggled the comm.
"Mobile Control, Thunderbird Two, and Quasar from Thunderizer."
"Receiving you," Christopher, Virgil, and John replied, almost in unison.
"Ready to fire the cables."
"FAB."
Man, multiple communications are strange, he thought. He pressed the fire button, and two metal grips shot out of the cannon. A loud, "Ooh!" sounded from the crowd around them. He tracked their progress on the screen in front of him, and let out a quiet 'yes' when they hit their marks on target.
"Quasar from Thunderizer, the cables are up. Am heading back to Thunderbird Two. Good luck!"
"Thanks, Gor... Err, Cousteau."
Gordon backed the bulky craft out of the cleared area and headed back to Thunderbird Two. In this weather, brother, you're going to need all the luck you can get.
***
John winced as Dominic slapped his helmet down tightly over his head as he checked the couplings of Dominic's gear. He smacked Dominic's helmet back, and almost displaced the man's glasses.
"Contacts might be in order," he commented.
"I was thinking that myself."
Dominic fixed his glasses and then tightened the fastenings of his medical backpack.
"Ready?" John asked.
"As ever," was the reply.
They stepped back out into the freezing weather, the winds catching their clothes. They were glad for the amount of layers they were wearing. John signalled for one of the police to come over. A tall woman jogged towards them.
"Make sure no one gets near this craft. No pictures, nothing," John said, and the woman nodded. "Thanks."
"No problem, guv, it's us who should be thanking you," she said with a wink, and them set about organizing her people.
"Let's get to it," Dominic said, and the men went to affix their cables, and start the arduous ascent.
Post by ArtisticRainey on 17/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1323 is a reply to message #1322] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:48 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9, 2068, 10:50 p.m., local time, London
Christopher studiously tried to ignore the man who came striding over from Thunderbird One, but when said man was standing behind him and nearly breathing down his neck, it was hard to keep up the pretense. He sat for several miserable minutes, waiting for the same kind of blast from Scott that he had gotten from Scott's father. But none came.
He hesitantly looked over his shoulder and his eyes met the smouldering blue orbs of the senior field commander. Scott stood behind him, arms folded, face looking like one of the thunderclouds that still rained water and electric fire on them. Christopher squared his shoulders and turned around fully, standing up, though his shorter height gave him a disadvantage when it came to staring Scott in the face.
"Obviously you've heard," Christopher said, no hint of fear in his voice (though truth to tell, there was a thread of it running through his gut).
"Yes. I've had an update," Scott said, his voice sending the air temperature in the vicinity down a dozen degrees.
"Well? Go ahead. Let it out," Christopher replied. "Whatever you dish out can't be as bad as I've already had."
Scott shook his head. "No. Not here. Not in public. Besides, it's not my perogative. I'll leave you to the Boss's tender mercies." He motioned his head in the direction of Mobile Control. "Get back to work. But just remember, I'm watching."
Christopher huffed out a breath, half in relief, then turned around to sit down at the console again. ~As if I could forget where you are and what you're doing, he groused to himself. He tapped his earpiece as Brandon asked for an update, and tried to forget the blue eyes that were watching his every move.
Post by Tikatu on 18/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1324 is a reply to message #1323] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:49 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Brandon watched as Gordon maneuvered the Thunderizer out of the pod bay, following Thunderbird Seven into the maelstrom.
"Man, I haven't seen weather like this before, not even in San Diego. I hope the guys will be all right." Brandon cringed as another bolt of lightning struck the tower. "Damn, that was close," he said as a deafening clap of thunder followed closely on the heels of the lightning. Giving one last look at the weather, he said a silent prayer for his friends before going back to check the gear.
"Let's see," Brandon said, mentally going through every possible scenario that could come up. "We'll need dry suits, air tanks and cutting torches." He went to the respective storage lockers, getting the necessary equipment and giving it a thorough examination. He pulled out more gear that he thought they needed, checking it as thoroughly as he did before.
The sound of the Thunderizer got his attention, and he looked up as Gordon parked the machine back in its pod.
The two men walked back to Thunderbird Four together. Gordon noticed all the stuff that Brandon had laid out and smiled. "You were busy while I was gone, weren't you?"
"I guess I was. I didn't know what we'd be getting into, so I covered all possibilities."
"Why don't you contact Mobile Control and get a progress report. That way we'll know what we're getting into."
Brandon nodded, going to the radio. Please, let me get this right. "Mobile Control from Big Mac. Do you copy?"
Christopher was surprised by the sudden sound of Brandon's voice. "Big Mac from Mobile Control. Reading you five by five."
"Need progress report concerning current situation with cruise ship."
"Big Mac from Mobile Control, stand by. After a few seconds, Christopher returned with the information. "Be advised, Big Mac, that the cruise ship is being battered against the bridge support and is rapidly taking on water."
"FAB, Mobile Control." After signing off with Christopher, he informed Gordon of the situation.
"That's not good," Gordon said grimly. "If the ship keeps battering the support, it could weaken, causing it to collapse. We need to get the ship away from the bridge to prevent that from happening. We also have the Prime Minister's car to think about, not to mention John and Dom."
"What are we hanging around here for, then? The sooner we get the ship moved, less chance there is of the bridge collapsing."
"Slow down, Brandon. The first thing we've got to do is seal the leak. Then we can tow her to a safe location."
"Sounds like a plan. What did you have in mind?" Brandon asked, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline
"First off, we have to stabilize the ship so that it doesn't smash us to a pulp as we make the down and dirty repairs. Probably have to get Four between the ship and the support; she can take the abuse. We'll use the laser cutters to shear off any rough edges, then fix a sheet of Brains's miracle polymer to cover the hole. It's stronger than polyhexane. We haven't used it much but this would be a good time. It's lighter than even a cahelium plate and if we lose our grip on it, we won't have to go diving to retrieve it." Gordon began to flex his muscles to loosen up. "Once we've got the hole sealed, one of us can climb aboard and get the bilge pumps to working. Then Four will tow it away." He gave Brandon a keen glance. "How are you at night diving?"
"I've done it a few times before. It's been a while, though."
"Then maybe you'd better work in Four, keep her situated between the support and the ship so I can work outside. We'll need her lighting trough anyway."
"You got it, Gordon."
"Let's get moving, then." Both men suited up and prepped Thunderbird Four for launch.
Post by MagicMaster8 on 18/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1325 is a reply to message #1324] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Torrents of water gushed at their feet, and even their gripped IR-issue boots had some trouble getting grip. The rain slashed their faces like a million jagged spears, and they battled their way up the roadway, barely able to see through the thick rain curtain. The rope was slick beneath their gloves, and water ran off their helmets and into their faces.
"Some weather, eh?" John said, and narrowed his eyes against the wind.
If not for their helmet intercoms, Dominic wouldn't have been able to hear him over the roar of the wind.
"You're tellin' me! Shall we get the PM first?" Dominic asked.
"Definitely!"
They managed the slope without too much difficulty, and John was eternally grateful for the experience of his companion. The limo, even though it was held in place by the golden lances, was still in a precarious position. Carefully John opened the back passenger door. Inside sat the Prime Minister and her two children. In the front were her husband and the driver.
"International Rescue at your service," he said.
Dominic nodded, and began to ready the second harness he held.
"Ma'am," John said, getting his own harness ready, "We'll take you down first."
"You will not!" She answered. "Take my sons first."
"Ma'am - "
"I refuse to go until you take my sons!"
The Prime Minister's husband leaned into the back seat and frowned at the two IR men, shaking his head.
"She won't budge," he said, "Why do you think she's the Prime Minister?" He added with a grin.
"Gerard! This is not the time for jokes," she said sternly, and then looked back at John. "Take my sons. That's final."
With a sigh, John acquiesced, and held out the harness to the younger looking son.
"Let's go then. What's your name?" He asked.
"Toby," he said.
There was a slight tremble in his body, John noted; he couldn't have been more than fourteen. He strapped the boy in the harness, secured tightly to himself, and patted his shoulder.
"Alright, Toby, let's go. It'll be over soon."
He nodded at Dominic and then began his descent, and Dominic did the same for the older son.
"And your name is, my friend?"
"Alexander, not Alex," he said.
"Well, Alexander-Not-Alex, ready for a free trip?"
The boy rolled his eyes at the quip. Dominic grinned. Someone doesn't want to show his fear! Then, he too headed down the slope.
John landed gently and released the harness enabling Toby to stand free on terra firma. Immediately paramedics rushed across and wrapped a warm blanket around the young boy's shoulders. Dominic landed beside John and after releasing Alexander's harness, the paramedics immediately did the same. Toby and Alexander were put on board a waiting ambulance, which speeded away, sirens blaring, announcing their departure.
John looked at Dominic
"Okay, Dak, now the Prime Minister and her husband."
The two young men carefully climbed up to the trapped limo. They saw that Gerard had clambered into the back. Not the smartest of ideas considering the precariousness of this thing's position, thought John.
"Ma'am," John approached the Prime Minister. "We are ready to take you and your husband to safety."
Just as he spoke these words, the car, now more unstable with two passengers missing, moved, forcing the Prime Minister's husband against the limo door, which threatened to fling open. The PM let out a shriek, and reached out for her husband. Their hands clasped as the door opened, and the man yelled as he was tossed out into the storm. The PM slid forward sharply, and Dominic leapt into the car and grabbed her waist. They slid together, Gerard slipping down towards the churning waves below. Dom jammed his feet in behind the seat as he felt John grab him tightly, yelling something in his ear that he didn't fully hear; all he was conscious of was the PM and the water below. Yells and shrieks were travelling up on the winds.
"Help me, help me!"
Gerard screamed and the PM yelled out to him, telling him it would be alright. I thought that was our job, Dominic thought, although the frivolity was lost in the danger.
"Dak!" John yelled. "I'm going to pull you back out. Try and lever yourself backwards. Hold on tight everyone!"
With incredible effort, the two men managed to drag Gerard back up into the relative safety of the limo. It creaked and moaned, and Dominic quickly began to harness up the Prime Minister, while John reached out for Gerard. He glanced over at the driver, and was about to speak when the man held up a hand.
"Don't worry about me. I'm patient."
John nodded at him, and he tipped his cap. With all the speed they could muster, they began their descent. Dominic held the PM tightly to him as the rain battered them from every side, and the winds whipped around them. The bridge beneath was increasingly slippy as torrents of rain flowed down in a never ending river. He tried his best to keep balance in the wind with the water at his feet, but the burden of the woman with him and the strength of the winds proved too much. Suddenly he heard two voices yelling, a scream in his ear, and found himself twisting around with his eyes shut, arms tightening around the PM. His back struck the concrete below, and he felt the sharp wrench of the safety rope stopping their descent. When his eyes opened he felt a burst of panic flare up inside him. I can't see! My glasses! Where are they?
"Anna! Are you alright?" Gerard called out.
"Dak!" John shouted over the winds.
Dominic fought down the panic and pulled himself and the PM to their feet, pulling heavily on the rope. The world was a swirling mass of grey and black. He could vaguely make out a blur that was the PM's face, and smiled grimly in its direction.
"Sorry about that, ma'am. We're nearly there."
His fingers were like steel around the rope as he began to let it out. His heart beat in his mouth, and he tried to keep his face still and calm. It's okay, it's fine, don't freak out, you're nearly at the bottom. Feeling like a child taking its first steps he edged his way down the rest of the bridge. He let out a breath when he felt level ground once more, and he stopped for a moment to centre himself. He could hear people all around them, and could feel the icy wind and rain whipping around.
His numbing fingers fumbled with the catches on the harnesses, and suddenly he felt another set of hands on them. He squinted his eyes and tried to focus, stilling and clenching his fists.
"It's me, Dak, Quasar."
He allowed the touch and felt the harness disengage, and the PM's presence disappeared.
He could hear paramedics coming over, talking to the PM and her husband. John briefly tapped his shoulder.
"I'm going back up. Don't go anywhere."
"I don't intend to," Dom said.
He was conscious of the slight hitch in his voice. It was more than disconcerting. It was like being a child. He counted down the seconds until John was back at his side, warding off paramedics who tried to wrap him up, too. Before they were taken away the PM and her husband fought their way back to the two men.
"Thank you so much. You're wonderful people, all of you."
They were whisked away again, and John placed a hand firmly on Dominic's shoulder.
"Can you see at all?" He asked.
"Not a bean," Dom answered, squinting again. "Shall we get back to TB7, then?" John nodded. "Lead the way, then."
Post by Tawnyangel22 and ArtisticRainey on 19/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1326 is a reply to message #1325] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9, 2068, 11:45 p.m., local time, London
"Mobile Control and Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird Seven," John intoned. "I'm putting this baby to bed."
"F-A-B," Christopher replied. "Be aware that the pod has shifted position somewhat. Thunderbird Two should have new coordinates."
"I have new coordinates, Thunderbird Seven," Virgil piped up. "Downloading them to your guidance computer now. You may still have to compensate for the tidal drift."
"F-A-B, Thunderbird Two." John watched as the coordinates appeared on the computer, and he busied himself setting powering up the hoverjets in preparation for meeting up with the pod. The door slid open behind him and Dom entered the pilot's cabin, dressed in dry scrubs. He walked slowly over to the copilot's seat and sat down, buckling himself in.
"I think I'll need to talk to Doc about contacts," Dom said conversationally.
"Yes, she'll know what to do," John replied. He looked out the window as a motion caught his eye. "Oh God. Look at that."
Before them, the raised part of the bridge that still held the Prime Minister's limousine began to shift, falling rapidly toward the water. Since the bulk of the limo was supported by the lances, it didn't move forward to slip off into the river, but instead was smashed between the two parts of the drawbridge. Dom, squinting, could barely make out the action through the rain and in the light of the fire vehicles and news helicopters. He let out a low whistle.
"I think we got there in the nick," he said.
John nodded. "I just hope that jolt didn't affect Thunderbird Four. They're working in a very dangerous situation."
"Amen to that," Dom replied.
"Let's get this Bird in the pod," John said, backing the hovercraft up and pulling it off the bridge. Then he slowly eased it down the bank as the police made the crowds pull back, then out onto the surface of the river, heading for the pod.
Post by Tikatu on 24/04/2005
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| Re: Learning to Live in Paradise [message #1327 is a reply to message #1326] |
Thu, 26 July 2012 19:52 |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma: 2
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Monday, April 9th, Tower Bridge, London
Fiona angrily shook herself free from the police officer. "Okay, okay! I'm leaving!"
"Just remember if you are found here again, you will be arrested," he warned.
Fiona managed to struggle through the sightseers and emergency services. She knew she shouldn't have tried to get the interview, but in her line of business, there had to be risks, and after all a scoop was a scoop. She was sure that the viewers would like to know that there were English recruits among the International Rescue personnel. She paused for a breath, and looked up at the walkway connecting the two towers. ~I wonder. Turning round, she bumped into a young man carrying a camcorder.
"Sorry," he mumbled.
"No, I should be the one apologising." Fiona smiled at him. "That's a nice camcorder you have."
"Yes, it is," he said, smiling proudly. "Top of the range." Then he added glumly, "But at the moment, I can't use it."
Fiona nodded. "Yes, International Rescue seems to have some sort of jamming device." She thought for a moment, and then said, "Would you like to try and get some pictures?"
The young man's eyes lit up. "Yes, rather!"
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Fiona Brotherton from the BBC. I tried to get some pictures, but like you, found it impossible. My cameraman, Eddie, has returned to the studio. Would you come along and see if we can get something on film over the other side of the bridge?"
The young man nodded. "By the way, I'm Tommy. I'm a student, currently on holiday. This is the most exciting thing that has happened to me."
"Well, come on, Tommy! What are we waiting for?"
Fiona and Tommy entered the Tower and climbed the steps to the walkway. Once outside, the heavy rain and strong winds made progress very slow and dangerous. Luckily for them, the police had moved all the sightseers on the walkway away. The wind was blowing from behind the two. One constable was lounging against the walkway rails. Approaching him, Fiona smiled and said. "I think that there is a young man in the middle of the walkway with a camera."
"Thank you Miss," he looked at her, "You know you shouldn't be walking along here don't you?"
"Oh., I know, officer. I guess I was just being nosy. I couldn't resist climbing up to the top here."
"Well, you take yourself down again and be careful. This is no place for a young woman.. Thanks for the information about the photographer."
Once the Policeman had left, Fiona and Tommy walked down the stairs, leading to the other side of the raised bridge. Fiona asked Tommy to try and film the rescue.
"It's rather a fuzzy picture, but I am sure that if we go a little further away, I should be able to pick something worthwhile using my zoom lens."
The pair scrambled hastily down the steps in the Tower, and out on to the road leading to the raised portion. Tommy managed to film the limo, balanced precariously on the edge of the raised section. Suddenly he gasped.
"What have you seen?" Fiona asked.
"Looks like someone has fallen out of the limo, and, oh good, is being rescued." He panned the camcorder round, filming Thunderbird 2 dropping the pod, and Thunderbird 4 emerging.
"Oh no," Tommy groaned. "Everything is very fuzzy at the moment."
Damn, Fiona thought. I must get more for the viewers.
Tommy tried once more, and this time, he managed a brief film of Thunderbird 7. Then there was nothing more he could film.
"What are you two up to?" a gruff voice said as a policeman came into view.
Fiona linked arms with Tommy. Smiling brightly, she remarked, "We are just two students, studying history, and the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are among two of the buildings we have to write about."
"We are actually on our way to the Tower of London to attend a lecture." Tommy added.
Fiona flashed Tommy a grateful smile.
"Well, on your way, you shouldn't be here, you know."
Fiona and Tommy hurried away. Once out of earshot, Fiona asked Tommy if she could have the film.
"Oh gee, do you really want it?
"I'll pay you well for it."
Tommy hesitated.
Fiona tried to reason with him, "Look Tommy, this film is of national interest. How about I make a copy and send it to you?"
After giving her his address, Tommy handed over the film.
Fiona reached for her two-way radio. She smiled to herself. I've got an interview, albeit a short one. Nevertheless, I have found out that there were English recruits in International Rescue. That would be of interest. Plus, I have some footage of the Thunderbirds and International Rescue in action. Maybe she would get promotion, which would be very satisfactory.
"Martin, this is Fiona Brotherton, reporting from Tower Bridge. I have an exclusive on the rescue. I am heading back to the studio."
Lady Penelope sat watching in dismay, as Martin advised the nation that their reporter at the scene of the accident had some exclusive film. "Parker? Fetch the Rolls. There is a certain young woman I have to find before that film is broadcast."
Before she left, Lady Penelope contacted Jeff. "Base from Pink Lady, we have a security alert." She explained to Jeff what had happened. "Don't worry, Jeff, I have my contacts at the BBC. Ms Brothertons's film will never be broadcast.
Post by Tawnyangel22 on 23/04/2005
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