International Rescue: The Next Phase


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Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1785] Sat, 28 July 2012 11:50 Go to next message
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With the greater part of his physical recovery behind him, Jeff once again takes the helm of International Rescue. The organization has been strengthened by the additions of Lena and Elise, and almost all of the original rookies have undergone their trial by fire in the Ural Mountains. The island is feeling more and more like home to the newcomers. Training has begun in earnest and the gear that will mark them as IR operatives is beginning to arrive. But an adversary has risen who is targeting Tracy Industries, and unknowingly poses a threat to IR's security as well, even as new security measures are being implemented. The newly integrated team will have to step carefully in order to keep International Rescue both secret and safe.

Post by Tikatu on 08/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1786 is a reply to message #1785] Sat, 28 July 2012 11:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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24th March Tracy Island 11am

Christopher looked around, and marvelled at the sight in front of him. He had just finished a long walk along the beach. Looking down, he saw that his trousers and t-shirt were soaked.

"What man would not like this?" He smiled to himself as he gazed out to sea. He would have to ask either Alan or Gordon about the fishing in the area.

Asterix had woken him up at his usual unearthly hour for his breakfast, then the little cat had trotted off to find a nice warm place to sleep it off.

"Chris!"

Christopher turned round and saw Dominic walking towards him with his little boy Joshua in his arms.

"Hello Dom!" Christopher grinned as he walked up the beach towards him.

"Kitty!" Joshua said, glancing at Christopher then up at his dad.

"Hello little man." Christopher smiled, winking at the boy then turning his gaze to Dominic. "I've not rewarded him for looking after Asterix for me."

"We'll have to think of something, won't we Josh?" Dominic smiled.

The two men were silent for a while, with only Joshua's words drifting across the air.

"I almost forgot." Dominic reached into the waistband of his trousers. "This letter came for you, London postmark."

"Thanks mate." Christopher accepted the envelope and opened it.

Christopher began reading, and Dominic could see his colleague's expression darken.

"Anything wrong?" Dominic asked.

"A family problem," Christopher said. "Would you mind if I went somewhere private?"

"It's okay." Dominic shifted Josh in his arms.

"Asterix is currently lying in that warm spot near the lift," Christopher said. "I'll see you later." And with that he walked away.

"Wonder what that was all about?" Dominic murmured. He shook his head, and then looked at his son. "Shall we go and find that kitty?" And with that they went back to the Cliff House.

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 08/12/2004



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1787 is a reply to message #1786] Sat, 28 July 2012 11:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Christopher walked further along the beach, his mind reeling...

"My Darling Christopher," he read.

I hope this gets to you. I did call your office but I was told that you had been promoted to a higher position within the company. They said that they would pass this on for me, so here I go.

First of all, I'm so sorry for what I did, and for what you saw that night. I got lost in the moment, and very selfishly thought nothing of your feelings.

I cared about you Christopher, but in the end I no longer loved you as much as I did when we first met. I did hope that we would get married and have children, but over the months we drifted apart, mainly due to the pressures of work.

George (the man you saw that evening) and I met while on a training course. You were on that extended trip to Japan, ferrying someone about, and that was the point when I re-evaluated our relationship. I was amazed that you didn't see the signs when you came back; something was on your mind. I found out what it was a week after you left: you were going to propose that night.

I'm sorry if I disappointed you. I could see that in your eyes when you looked at me.

Anyway, I've been promoted as well, and George has proposed, too. We are getting married at his family home in Somerset next year. I'm also expecting our first child.

Once again, I am so sorry. Good luck with your future

Anna

P.S. Is Asterix ok? Say hi from me


Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 08/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1788 is a reply to message #1787] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 11:45 a.m. Tracy Island

Christopher leaned on the balcony of his apartment, gazing into the distance. He hadn't even bothered to change from his wet clothes. He read the letter again, still not believing its contents.

Anna, why did you do this to me? Whatever was wrong, we could have talked it over, worked things out. Christopher sighed, reading the letter a third time. Folding the letter up, he headed back into his flat and changed. Then he headed out. He needed to talk to someone, he didn't care who.

In his apartment, Brandon was writing a letter home. He had finished the letter, and was putting a stamp on it when a knock sounded at the door.

"Just a minute!" Brandon shouted. He opened the door and noticed the sad look on Christopher's face.

Christopher looked at Brandon. "Are you busy? I've had some distressing news and I need to talk to somebody about it."

"No, I'm not busy. Come on in." After entering the apartment, Chris stood awkwardly, not sure what to do or say. He took the letter out of his pocket and handed it to Brandon.

"Here, read this," Chris said, suddenly finding something of interest to gaze at. Brandon glanced at his friend then at the folded piece of paper. After reading the letter he walked over to his friend and offered his sympathy.

Christopher sat down. "I loved her so much, you know. I wanted to marry her. I don't know what I did wrong." He shot a look at Brandon. "She gave me no hints whatsoever."

Brandon listened to his friend. Never having had a girlfriend, he was unsure of what to say .

"What with this, and Belinda...." Christopher sighed. "I don't know what to do. I need to be busy. Asterix needs to be looked after more, too."

"That's a start, then. Asterix needs you as much as you need him right now," Brandon replied, hoping he made sense to his friend.

"He still gets a bit nervous around some people," Christopher smiled slightly. "I'm not sure what he thinks of Mr. Tracy."

Brandon smiled warmly. "I'm sure that once Asterix gets used to him, Mr. Tracy won't be able to keep the little guy away.

"Do you really think so?" Christopher's smile widened. "I've just had a wonderful image of Asterix sitting in Mr Tracy's chair at the desk, and Mr. Tracy trying to get him off." He began to laugh. "Mr. Tracy gives him the full works, and that sainted animal just looks at him then goes back to sleep."

"Oh man, that would be a sight to see," Brandon said with a chuckle. "But, I bet he'd be easier to get out of that chair than off my bed." The two men laughed a little more before Christopher turned serious again.

"What should I do?" Christopher sighed again, then turned to Brandon. "I'm too scared to go into another relationship. But there is someone on this island that I feel things for," He paused, his voice lowering. "I do not want to hurt her."

Brandon looked surprised. "Does she know yet?"

"No." Christopher blushed. "She doesn't, and I'm worried that she might not feel the same way." Christopher mumbled a name under his breath, and blushed again.

"I beg your pardon, Christopher. I didn't hear what you said." Brandon's tone was neutral but he was burning with curiosity. I wonder who the lucky lady is?

"Tin-Tin." Christopher looked up at him. "I like Tin-Tin. We get on so well and I really like her."

Brandon was taken aback. This was the last thing he expected. "Ah, come on, Christopher, you're kidding. Tin-Tin?"

"Is that so wrong?" Christopher asked. "She is fun to be with, charming, intelligent, beautiful and very sexy. I'm amazed that she is single."

Brandon gazed keenly at his friend and realized he was serious. "Listen, if you really care for her, you'll let her know."

Christopher shook his head, looking down at his feet. "I don't know...."

"You've got to at least try, Chris. If you don't, you'll never know how she feels."

"Okay." Christopher smiled. "I'll try and ask her if she would like me to cook her a meal." He paused, then continued, "I'd better ask her Dad what she likes though." He shook his head. "I'm more worried about talking to Kyrano about this, though. I don't know what he would think about my intentions." Christopher smiled grimly.

"I think Kyrano would respect you for coming to him rather than going ahead on your own."

"True." Christopher smiled at the thought.

"You got to promise me one thing, though, Chris. I want you to let your old buddy Brandon know how things go. Deal?"

Christopher was about to protest when he noticed Brandon winking at him, a smile on his face.

"All right, you old rogue." Christopher smiled. "I'll let you know what happens."

Post by MagicMaster8 and The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 09/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1789 is a reply to message #1788] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tracy Island,  March 24th, noon

"Kat!" Brains called down the table to his young assistant.

She looked up from talking with Nikki about the latest films. "Yes, Bo...." She glanced at Scott. "Brains?" she replied.

"I intend to start doing a complete overhaul of all the auxiliary vehicles, which will help you to build up your knowledge of them. We will start when we have finished lunch."

Kat smiled. It's so good to be actually doing some work on the vehicles.

They left the dining room and headed for the monorail to take them to the hangars containing the auxiliaries.

"Kat, were you going to call me 'Boss'?" 

Kat grinned. "Yes, it sort of felt right. Of course, Mr. Tracy is the big Boss.  But it's better than being called 'guv' which was the name my first employer was known to his workforce.  'Oi, Guv, wotcha you want doing wiv this old car?'" She mimicked a cockney accent.

Brains laughed. "Hey, not bad."

Once down in the hangar, Kat asked, "Okay, what are we starting with?"

"Let's take a look at the Hover Jets." These were parked in the far end of the hangar.  Brains led the way.  He started one up, and sitting on it, gently moved around, on a cushion of air.  "Looks like this one is okay. Let's check the others."

Kat gingerly sat on one, and copied Brains. "Oh er, this is not as easy as it looks.  How do the Tracys manage?"  She brought the Hover Jet down to a bumpy landing.

"I don't think that one is functioning as it should," Brains said, pushing his glasses back onto his nose.  "No, look here. Some of the outlets where the air comes from are malfunctioning, causing the hover jet to move unevenly." He looked underneath, and made some adjustments. "There, Kat, try it again." 

Kat again sat on the jet, but this time it lifted off the ground and went along smoothly.

"Kat," Brains, said, "I have a check sheet of everything that needs doing to all the auxiliary vehicles.  In time I hope that you will take over and work on these vehicles as a matter of course, freeing me to do other things."

"Oh, Brains!" Kat flushed with pride. "You really mean that I shall be in control of the Thunderbirds and their auxiliary equipment?"

"Well, maybe not the Thunderbirds themselves, but likely the auxiliary vehicles. It will be a very important job."

Kat thought about what Brains was saying.  True, I enjoyed being a part of the last rescue, even though it was very traumatic for me. But to be in charge of the TBs and the other pieces of equipment...to know that it would be me who  ensured that, whatever and whenever equipment was needed, everything was ready and in order... how exciting!

Suddenly Brains voice brought her back to the present. "Some responsibility, isn't it?" he said, smiling at her faraway expression.

"Yes, Brains," Kat almost whispered back.  "And I won't let Mr. Tracy or his sons down."

Brains nodded and smiled wider. "I know you won't."

"Hey, Brains, is that part of IR equipment?" she asked as she pointed to a very colourful Hover Jet, set aside from the rest.

Brains laughed, "That belongs to young Alex; he was given it as a birthday present.  He painted it himself, so that it would not used along with the other Hover Jets."

"There's little chance of that." Kat laughed. "I can't see Scott or Virgil using it."

Brains chuckled. "Neither can I. In any case, you'd better check it over, too. It would fall under your purview as being a household vehicle."

However, the Hover Jet appeared in good order.

"Now, let's have a look at the Jet Air Transporter," Brains said.  "This enables people being rescued from a height to fall onto jets of air, and so enable them to be safely brought down."

Kat looked on as Brains went over the equipment, tightening bolts and greasing some parts.

Brains then started it, and there was an upward thrust of air, it looked to be working okay. "Would you like to try it?"

Kat looked at Brains and laughed, "Is this part of the training to test drive the equipment?"

"Well, you need to know how it works, so you'll know if your repairs were successful or not."

"Okay, Brains," Kat said, climbing up a ladder to a walkway halfway up the hangar wall.

Brains manoeuvred the vehicle until it was underneath where Kat was standing.  "Okay?"

"Ready when you are, Boss," came Kat's voice from above him.

"Okay, jump!" 

Well, here I go! Kat thought as she gingerly jumped off the walkway and, to her surprise, was caught in an upward rush of air then gently brought down to the ground. "Wow, Brains, that is some equipment!"

"Yes, it is! I have a manual here for you to study. Go ahead and look this one over, then work on the Booster Mortar as well. They both probably need a going over so they'll be in tip-top shape for the next rescue." He handed her a thick book. "Easier to study from a hard paper copy than an electronic one, I always think."

Kat glanced down at the thick, grease-stained book in her hands. "If you insist..."

Brains raised an eyebrow and a faint smile played about his lips. "I certainly do."

Post by Tawnyangel22 on 09/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1790 is a reply to message #1789] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday 24 March. 4pm. Mendoza, Argentina.

Elí Arroyo Ruiz watched with wide eyes and a hopeful heart as the skaters glided gracefully across the smooth ice. Through his television set, he could almost feel like he was right there, under the dimmed lights, sitting amongst the enraptured spectators in Sarajevo, present at the Argentina-USA ice dancing final at the world championships. The young skaters performed their routine with a perfection that deserved to win, and Elí had been cheering the Argentinians on from the start. Nothing would stop him from seeing their inevitable victory.

Watching the skating drew him away from his own boring existence to a far more exciting world. He lived on his own in a shoddy, run-down apartment block in one of the oldest suburbs of the rapidly growing city of Mendoza, in western Argentina. Watching the skating was a magical experience. Elí had marvelled at the professionalism of the skaters as they glided across the ice all his life, and he had never missed the world championships for as long as he could remember. He had even taken the precaution of watching it on a portable televiewer set, rather than a mains-powered one, so not even a power cut -- something that happened all-too-often in his substandard apartment building -- would prevent him from watching his beloved finals. Sometimes he wondered why he continued to live in such a dump, but he knew it would be tough to get somewhere better for the little amount he could afford to pay in rent.

The lights flickered a little, and Eli glanced up, smirking in a petty kind of victory. Nothing was going to stop him. These finals were the highlight of his year; no matter what, he would see them. Juan, his neighbour from across the hall, an excitable sort of young man, but still a good friend, had jested at his love of the sport. But it made no difference to his enthusiasm and pride. He loved ice-skating, and he would see the finals. He would gladly proclaim his love for it no matter what anyone said.
The lights flickered a few more times, but Elí steadfastly ignored the annoyance, and continued to watch his set, taking no notice. He looked away in momentary confusion as a rumbling noise, like a speeding freight train, filled the air and did not abate. But there were no train lines near his apartment...

Realization hit as suddenly he was pitched from his seat as an intense shaking rocked the apartment building. He hit the floor, and the televiewer set fell sideways onto the ground. All around him, things were being shaken off the walls. The lights flickered rapidly, before they burst into a blinding shower of sparks, and then died. Ornaments crashed as they hit the floor; the pots and pans in his kitchen cupboards clanked and banged against the doors as the whole building shook. It was happening again, when the government said it wouldn't. Elí cursed; it was an earthquake!

There was a violent shudder, and the floor fell away from beneath him. He screamed and tried to grab onto something as the contents of his apartment slid and collided into each other beneath his feet, and he slammed sideways into the floor when the building stopped shaking.

There was silence.

He sat totally still for what seemed like an age, waiting for the furor to begin again. But nothing happened. Timidly, Elí sat up, gazing at the absolute destruction all around him.

"Not again," he said quietly. "No way, man, not again."

There had been a terrible earthquake a handful of years before, but the government, as they waded through the devastation left behind in the disaster's wake, had said that they would know before it happened again, and that everyone would be told in time so they could get to safety. Elí cursed again. So much for that!

Anger and frustration boiled up inside him. He wasn't afraid. Not really, anyway. It had happened before, and they would deal with it. Although last time, he had been working in a newly built office block, and little damage had been done. There certainly hadn't been all the commotion that had just occurred mere moments before. But, what happened had happened, and eventually, people would come, and it would all be cool. How bad could it have been, really? Surely the building hadn't been that unsafe.

With a shrug, Elí stood up -- noting that the floor was somewhat more angled than it had been before -- and righted his televiewer set. He banged it a few times before the picture returned. Thank God! The finals weren't over! At least now, he would have something to entertain him before the rescuers arrived.

There was a banging at the apartment's front door -- 'Are they here already? Talk about fast action!' -- and it was unceremoniously flung open. The harried form of his young friend, Juan, rushed in, and the worry turned to an expression incredulous anger as he saw Elí.

"Why aren't you out here?" He asked heatedly. "Don't you even know what's happened?"

Elí rolled his eyes and went back to watching the set. "Of course I do, Juan. There was an earthquake. Big deal. It's happened before. I'll leave after the finals. There's no rush."

Juan's young face scrunched into disbelief, and he flung his arms up in frustration.

"There's been an earthquake. An earthquake, Elí."

Elí merely shrugged again. "So? Cool your jets, man. It's really not that big of a deal."

Juan shook his head and stormed out of the apartment; Elí shook his head. Honestly, 'overreaction' was Juan's middle name, as far as he was concerned. He turned back to the televiewer screen, and settled down to watch once more.

More rumbling and shaking occurred on occasion, but being an earthquake veteran, he knew it was merely the expected aftershocks. He idly wondered where the epicentre had been; obviously it was nowhere near, or their suburb would have been utterly decimated. One aftershock was particularly intense; although it didn't really faze him, what happened afterwards did.

The apartment building lurched sideways as if it had been shoved, and Elí gripped the seat his was sitting on tightly. The televiewer set slid a little, but didn't fall. The movement stopped, and he shrugged. It must have just been an intense one: nothing really to worry about. With a sigh mixed of frustration and annoyance -- why today, of all days? -- Elí went back to watching the finals, knowing that rescue would, eventually, arrive.

Post by ArtisticRainey on 09/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1791 is a reply to message #1790] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24th; Mendoza, Argentina

When the roaring and shaking stopped, the people outside lay on the ground where they'd fallen, knocked down by the earthquake. There was silence all around; not even a bird was singing. Then the screaming and crying started. There were calls for "help", and "Mommy". One by one the men, women, boys and girls picked themselves up and looked around.

There was destruction - major and minor - everywhere they looked. Those who lived in the area ran toward their homes, calling out for whomever might be inside. A few, who had cell phones, called emergency services. Still others, ran toward the cries for help, to see if they could pull anyone out of the rubble.

Then the sirens began. Fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances, paramedics, all raced to the most devastated areas to start the rescue of the injured - or the recovery of the bodies.

Post by Hobbeth on 09/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1792 is a reply to message #1791] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 2068, Thunderbird Five, about 2 p.m.

Callie sat in the lounge below the control room. She watched television, particularly highlights of the late-evening basketball games, including seeing her Crimson Tide team lose to Syracuse. "The Orange have always been a strong team," she said, "but the Tide shouldn't be ashamed. Most polls had written them off early in the season. Joe was so upset about the preseason polls..." She let out a sigh. "I hope my family's okay."

John walked in from the galley with glass of milk in hand and noticed her sad face looking at the screen. "What's wrong, Callie?"

"I miss my family, John. Don't get me wrong; I like being up here in space, but I feel I need to let them know how I'm doing."
He nodded. "You want to write a message to your family without giving away our secrets. You can send e-mail from up here, you know."

"Uh, without giving away anything about what I'm really doing? And what about the source of the e-mail?"

"Relax, Callie. All TI employees get their own e-mail address in the system. In your case it's clspencer at ti dot com."

"Do I get a password for that e-mail address?"

"Yeah. However, since you've never accessed it before, the password was sent to my e-mail address. When I give you the password, I suggest you change it so only you know it."

A few minutes later, she had her own password to access her TI e-mail address. "Now comes the hard part, finding the right words to say."

"It's going to be tough the first few times, Callie. Once you get the hang of it, though, it gets a lot easier."

"Thanks, John." She grabbed a nearby pen and notepad and started writing down words which would hopefully become the right e-mail to send to her family.

******45 minutes later******

Callie threw away another sheet of paper. "Oh, brother! I said it was gonna be hard, but I sure didn't expect it to be this hard!"

John had finished his duties in the astrodome when he heard her outburst. "I guess you're still trying?"

"I can't get the words right. No matter what I try to say, it all leads to a lie, and I can't stand lying."

"Callie, you're not really lying. Just tell your family how you're doing at your job in Tracy Industries. Don't let it get to you. Just write from your heart." He left her alone so she could try again.

After another 30 minutes, she was satisfied with what she had written. "He was right," she said. "This should do it." She went to the computer, accessed her e-mail address, and soon started typing what she wrote on the paper.

Dear Mom, Dad, Joe, and Bri,

I'm sorry I haven't written to you since I started at Tracy Industries last month, but I've been a busy little girl. My supervisor has been wonderful, helping me get through the "intensive training" I've had to do in this first month on the job. I've also made use of my Russian language skills in translating information for my colleagues.

Speaking of co-workers, they've done nothing less than make me feel welcome in this new stop in my life. I'm not sure how long it'll take before I can see you all at home in Opp. You're all still the foundation of my life, and that will never change.

Well, I hope you're all doing all right, and I'm sorry Bama didn't get far in the tournament again. Oh, well, there's always football season to look forward to in the fall. I've gotta go for now, but I just want to let you all know I'm okay.

With all my love,
Callie


She moved the mouse to the "Send" button and clicked on it. "Brian should get it on his computer when he wakes up in the morning."

Callie felt satisfied with her e-mail and started to relax--until she heard John's voice over the intercom. "Callie, we've got an emergency situation."

Her mood went from relaxed to very serious. "F-A-B, John. I'm on my way up." The games can wait. The rescue's got to go first.

She took the lift up to the control room. She joined John at the controls. "What's going on?"

"We've got an emergency call from Argentina. Severe earthquake and dangerous aftershocks. The mayor of Mendoza has called us for help."

"I'll get the details. You contact base and tell them to get ready."

Post by TracyFan4Ever on 10/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1793 is a reply to message #1792] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:36 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Nikki laid down on her front on the bed looking through her only photo album. It was filled with happy memories from the past with friends and family. It was only when she was by herself that she really missed everyone she knew back in England, even if she thought the Island and her new friends were great. Especially Alan. He reminded her of a few of the crazy people she used to work and hang out with.
 
Picking up her album, Nikki walked out to the balcony and sat out in the sun. As she looked at the photos, she tried to remember what happened in each one. Turning the page, she came across one of the rare pictures of just her and her father. She ran her hands over the photo. For years after the divorce, she wished that her family would just get along. Her father's decisions for his children didn't seem good enough for her mother and vice-versa.
 
Nikki felt a tear fall down her cheek and drop onto the plastic covered page. She slowly wiped it off and looked across to the beach. When Alan and Virgil caught her eye, she gave them a little wave, wiped the tears from her face and retreated back to her room.

Post by Nikki-Browneyes1 on 10/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1794 is a reply to message #1793] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Sunday, March 25, 8:45 a.m. Tracy Island.
 
"Ma! Did you see that!" Dianne cried into her portable satellite phone as she paced back and forth before the plasma screen TV in her sitting room. "She fell flat on her butt and he nearly tripped over her and they still got a 5.7! The fix is in somewhere, Ma! I just know it."
 
"Dianne, you know that judging ice dancing has always been a dicey proposition at best," Lisa responded from her home in Greenville, where she was watching the same ice dance finals. "There's entirely too much nationalism involved."
 
"Yeah, I know. Oh, here are the Argentinians. So far so good for them," Dianne noted as she paced some more.
 
Cherry, who was sitting on the love seat, trying to watch the screen, waved irritably at her mother. "Mom! Will you please sit down? I can't see the show!"
 
"Oh, sorry honey," Dianne said distractedly as she moved over to the sofa and plunked herself down. "These two are good! I think they'll probably medal. Hopefully a silver and not a gold, though. I don't think that they can beat the Americans this year."
 
"Well, we'll see what happens, won't we?" Lisa said calmly. "But I see what you mean. They've got a good rhythm going and they're skating clean."
 
"I like them!" Cherry piped up. "I hope they win."
 
Dianne shot a glance at her daughter. "You speak heresy, girl. You're an American and should want the Americans to win!"
 
They could both hear Lisa laughing over the phone. "Didn't I just say something about nationalism?"
 
Dianne frowned and rolled her eyes. Cherry laughed and pointed at her mother. "Gramma's got you pegged!"
 
Just as the Argentinean couple were about to get their marks, the emergency alarm rang through the house.
 
"Why now?" Dianne shouted, spreading her arms and looking at the ceiling as she jumped up from the couch. She handed the phone to Cherry. "Here. Talk to your grandma." She headed for the door and then turned and pointed a finger at her daughter. "Record this for me!"
 
"I will, Mom!" Cherry said, getting up and putting a disk in the vid recorder.
 
"What happened, Cherry?" Lisa asked, realizing that her daughter had just run out of the room.
 
"Emergency signal, Gramma," Cherry answered calmly. "There's a rescue called in." She paused for a moment. "Three 6.0s! Mom won't be happy about that!"

Post by Tikatu on 10/12/2004



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1795 is a reply to message #1794] Sat, 28 July 2012 12:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Sunday, March 25, 2068, 9 a.m., Tracy Island
 
Jeff maneuvered himself behind the desk and sat down heavily, leaning his crutches at the end of the desk. Nearly everyone was there, and the lounge was more crowded than it had ever been.
 
"Who's missing?" he asked. Scott stood on his tiptoes and looked over the crowd.
 
"Dom, I think," he told his father just as the nurse came running in, his wailing son in his arms.
 
"Sorry, Mr. Tracy," Dom said, trying to quiet Joshua. "He had a poor night." He handed Joshua off to Emily, which made the child wail even louder and reach out for his father as he was removed from the room. As soon as things were quiet, Jeff opened communication with the space station.
 
"What do you have for us, John?"
 
"Earthquake in western Argentina, Father," John replied, looking at his electronic clipboard. "Mendoza was badly hit and the mayor has requested our assistance."
 
"What does it look like?"
 
"Lots of buildings pancaked and fallen. People trapped under the rubble and in buildings still standing. Mendoza's a fairly good sized city and they have a good emergency response team. But right now, they're swamped," Callie commented, coming to the screen.
 
"What should we take, Dad?" Scott asked. "The Mole? The DOMO? Thunderbird Seven?"
 
"If you want the Mole, you can't have Seven. They both can't fit into a pod together," Dianne warned.
 
"Hmm. A tough decision," Jeff said, tapping a pencil on his desk. He turned to John's picture. "John, Callie, tell the mayor of Mendoza that we are on our way."
 
"F-A-B," the satellite crew said in near unison.
 
"Virgil, take the DOMO, the Mobile Crane, and the Mole. Leave Seven behind," Jeff ordered. "Scott, you take Christopher with you in Thunderbird One. Start getting him familiar with procedures and controls there."
 
"Me?!" Christopher squeaked. "In Thunderbird One?"
 
"Yes, you!" Scott replied. "Come on! We're wasting time. Do you have your new uniform?"
 
"Uh, yes. I do," Christopher said, going over to the chair where he had laid his uniform down.
 
"Good! Let's go!" Scott called as he went to the light sconces and quickly disappeared. Christopher grabbed his uniform and followed.
 
"Elise, welcome to the team," Jeff said with a smile. "You ride shotgun with Virgil and get acquainted with Thunderbird Two. I think that's where your skills will best be used."
 
"Y-Yes, sir," Elise said, surprised. She watched at Virgil stood at the rocket portrait and the bit of wall flipped up for him. "Uh... how do I get there?"
 
"You take the passenger elevator," Gordon said.
 
"And you can show her where that is, Gordon. That is, if your doctor clears you for duty," Jeff said with a significant look at Dianne.
 
She nodded. "He's cleared. And since we'll be using Thunderbird Two's sickbay, I'll only need one nurse." She looked at both of them, then nodded at Nikki. "Nikki, how about you this time? That way Dom can take care of Joshua."
 
Nikki nodded and said, "That's fine with me."
 
Dianne turned to Dom. "Dom, don't think I'm taking her just because of Joshua. You've got a lot more experience than she does at in-the-field medicine and I want her to get some more hands-on so she's more comfortable with it. I hope you understand."
 
Dom was silent for a moment, and then he nodded. "I'll tend to my son now," he said as he left the lounge.
 
Meanwhile, Jeff was parceling out other duties. "Alan, Brandon, I want you here. You went on the last rescue, and I need someone fresh here in case we get another call on top of this one. Use the time to acquaint Brandon with some of the other auxiliary vehicles, Alan." Jeff looked up to find the lounge already half-empty as Gordon, Dianne, Elise, and Nikki had left.

Post by Tikatu on 15/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1797 is a reply to message #1795] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Silver Springs, Maryland; Saturday, March 25th; 3:15 PM

Lena relaxed in her favorite chair - a rocker/recliner - and watched the World Championship ice skating finals on television. She enjoyed the grace and athleticism of the skaters and marveled at the way some of them interpreted the music they skated to.

Suddenly she noticed words scrolling across the bottom of the screen: An earthquake has struck western Argentina. Many buildings are down, especially in the town of Mendoza. Rescue workers are stretched to the limit, so they have called on International Rescue for help. Stay tuned for more information.

She immediately got up and went into her home office, turning on her computer. She pulled up some of the news service websites and checked on the story. She read about the earthquake and noted that International Rescue was responding. Sounds like everyting's well in hand. I hope dey don't get caught in a bad aftershock.

Smiling at herself for her proprietary interest - Well, I am a part of de team, even if I don't go out on rescues - she went back to the living room to watch the rest of the competition. She knew that she would later check on the progress of the rescue, both on the television and her computer, until it was over and everyone was safely on their way back to base.

Post by Hobbeth on 21/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1798 is a reply to message #1797] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 2068, 6:25 p.m. local time, Mendoza, Argentina
 
Scott frowned as he saw the colorful streaks of the setting sun. He flew over the city, looking for a cleared place to land. A rather speed-shocked Christopher sat in a seat below him.
 
"Bloody hell!" he exclaimed, shaking his head. "That was fast!"
 
"Yes, it is," Scott replied, distractedly. "I'm sorry I haven't had time to show you much more than how fast this baby is."
 
"And I'm supposed to learn to fly this bird?" Christopher said, still shocked. "I... I'm speechless."
 
"There's more than just flying fast to taking the lead in a rescue," Scott reminded him. "Hopefully I can give you a taste of that today." He hailed Thunderbird Five. "Jay, have the officials in Mendoza given you any coordinates where we can land?"
 
"Yes, Ess," John replied. "I'm downloading them to your computer and Vee's."
 
"Hmm. I just thought of a possible problem. What are we going to call our newest recruit? Eee?" Scott pondered.
 
"How about just El?" Callie's voice came over the air. "It would sound better."
 
"True." Scott switched channels. "Thunderbird Two from Thunderbird One, what's your ETA?"
 
Virgil, following his older brother's trail as fast as he could push his the cargo carrier, replied, "Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Two, our ETA is currently 7:15 p.m. local time. We're 50 minutes behind you."
 
"F-A-B, Vee, and thanks," Scott acknowledged. "How's our new recruit doing?"
 
"She's still shell-shocked," Virgil told him. "I heard Cee's suggestion on her designation. She approves."
 
"Good. That's one less thing to worry about." Scott looked out of his viewport. "I'm going to land this bird. See you when you get here." He turned to Christopher. "See, there is the site they want us to use."
 
Christopher whistled. "That's a nasty situation. Do you think we'll be able to make a difference?"
 
"I hope so," Scott said grimly. "I truly hope so."
 
Aboard Thunderbird Two, Dianne showed Nikki around the small sickbay.
 
"I remember some of this from our rescue in the North Sea," Nikki said. "But it's always good to have a refresher."
 
"Yes, and it looks like everything is well stocked, too," Dianne said. She leaned up against one of the bunks and looked at her telecomm watch with longing.
 
Nikki couldn't help but notice. "Is there something wrong, Dr. Tracy?"
 
Dianne laughed wryly. "Yes and no. I'm just dying to find out what's going on with the ice skating finals, but I don't dare ask. You'd think that something like that wouldn't matter, but I'm such a big fan of the sport and this rescue couldn't have come at a worse time." She shook her head. "Listen to me. Rescues never come at opportune times. I just have hope that Cherry recorded it all, and put it out of my head so I'm not distracted."
 
Nikki smiled. "I can see you're a big fan. I hope that your favorites win."
 
Dianne smiled. "Thanks." She stood up. "C'mon. Let's get back to the flight deck and see how much longer until we get to the Danger Zone."
 
"Right," Nikki said as she followed Dianne out to the cockpit.

Post by Tikatu on 22/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1799 is a reply to message #1798] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Sunday, March 25, 2068, Tracy Island, 11 a.m. in the Villa

Cherie finished the recording of the ice-skating competition in her parents' suite. "There, that should do it." She heard someone knocking at the door. "Who is it?"

"It's us," said Tyler. "Can we come in?"

"Sure, the competition's over."

The boys walked into the room. "Did you get it all, sis?" Alex asked.

"Yeah."

Tyler said, "So, who won, who won?"

"Sorry, boys. I'm not going to reveal anything until Mom returns from that rescue in South America."

"Aw, no fair," scolded Alex.

She looked at them and said, "Since when did you two find ice dancing so interesting?"

They looked at each other. "We're not," Alex answered. "We're...just curious, that's all."

"Curious, nothing. I think it's more like nosy."

Alex and Tyler both ran off, both feeling embarrassed by their sister's way of thinking.

She laughed. "Boys will be boys."

She took the disk and was on her way to the lounge when Emily stopped her. "Honey, could you help me finish up lunch for your father?"

"Sure, Grandma." Cherie put the disk down on the hallway table and went to the kitchen.

Alex and Tyler hid around the corner and saw the disk on the table. "Now!" whispered Alex excitedly.

Tyler ran up to the table and grabbed the disk without Cherie noticing. He got back to his older brother. "Got it!"

"All right, let's take a look!"

The boys ran to their room and put the disk into the player. Watching carefully, they both saw the performances. "Whoa, how cool!"

Suddenly, the door burst open and Cherie was there, her arms crossed and her face filled with slight anger. "You two thought you were clever." She walked to the player and ejected the video disk. "I told you that nobody will see this until Mom comes back!"

"Aww, come on," said Tyler, "can't you tell us who won?"

"Sorry, my lips are sealed. I'm gonna take the disk to my room, where it will be locked up. When Mom comes back from the rescue, I'll let her see it."

When she left the room, both boys crossed their arms. "Girls," said Tyler as he gave her a raspberry.

Post by TracyFan4Ever on 26/12/2004



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1800 is a reply to message #1799] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 7:15 p.m. local time, Mendoza, Argentina.
 
Virgil frowned as he entered the airspace over the city. Parts of the city were literally ablaze and the darkness that had fallen showed that very clearly.
 
I hate rescues in the dark, he groused to himself. It doubles the danger and makes it easier to lose someone, either teammate or victim. I hope we've got the heavy duty lights with us. We are going to need them.
 
He looked to the sky, and took a quick look at the weather forecast that came up on a computer screen to his left. Damn! I don't know whether to be happy or sad. The night will be clear and with a half moon to illuminate it. Doesn't help with the fires, but we'll stay dry, which is more than I can say for the last two rescues. Yes, we'll definitely need the lights.
 
Elise gazed at him as he checked the instruments, a frown on his face.
 
"You okay, Virgil?" she asked hesitantly.
 
Virgil turned his head toward her and realized that he was scowling. He cleared his face, put on a small smile, and told her, "Yes, I guess so. I'm just worried about the rescue. Rescues that we handle after dark are far more dangerous than those during the day. We could miss a victim, or lose a teammate, very easily."
 
"I can see it would be a worry," she said, shuddering. "I feel so lost, not knowing what to do."
 
"All you have to do today is observe," Virgil reminded her. "Like Kat over there. She's done her bit with Brains and now she's to observe. If you're needed, we'll call you, but we won't ask you to do anything more than you're capable of doing. Not yet, anyway. There'll be a time when you'll be stretched to the limit of your skills and endurance. But not today." He turned to look out of his windshield again. "Scott's calling. Thunderbird One, this is Thunderbird Two. Go ahead."
 
Elise sat back in her seat; a troubled look on her face. I hope I can add to the team effort today and not be a liability, she thought as she turned her attention to the place where they were coming in to land.

Post by Tikatu on 27/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1802 is a reply to message #1800] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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"Vee?" Scott's voice crackled over the radio.

"I'm here, what's the situation, Ess?" Virgil replied.

"From what I've observed, landing in the city is going to be impossible. The buildings left standing are too close together and unstable, and there's too much debris around them."

"What do you suggest, Ess? We need to get the quipment down there ASAP!" 

The Field Commander paused and then replied simply "I know. Let me call Jay, Vee, and I'll get back to you. Thunderbird One out."

"F-A-B," Virgil replied, sighing.

Gordon looked at his brother as a small smile played around his mouth.

"Aw, relax will ya! Jay will find us a place to land this big green bug and we'll be on our way before you know it!"

Virgil shot a warning look at his sibling. Gordon chuckled. Virgil was about to say something when Scott's voice interrupted him.

"Vee, Jay says the safest LZ is on the outskirts of the city to the west. There's not much left of the buildings there, but they were spaced enough so that we can land safely."

"F-A-B, what are the co-ordinates?"

Elise listened intently as Scott relayed the information to Virgil and watched as Virgil then programmed the computer on the control panel. Thunderbird Two started banking to left and Virgil advised his passengers to remain seated.

"We're approaching the Landing Zone, ETA 1.5 minutes." He turned to Gordon, "Gords, you take the Mobile Crane." Gordon nodded and left to head to the pod.

"Brains, you'll need to man the DOMO, okay?"

"Yes, Virgil," replied the scientist.

"Dianne and Nikki, you all set?" Virgil asked.

"F-A-B," Dianne answered.

She and Nikki had prepared the necessary duffels with the emergency equipment they would need. Dianne turned to Nikki. "This is going to be a tough one, it's dark and hectic out there. We need to stay close and stay in touch at all times. We can't afford to lose anyone tonight."

Nikki nodded in understanding. Raging fires were bad enough, raging fires in the dark was a whole other ball game.

Elise grabbed her seat as the VTOL jets fired and Thunderbird Two descended.

Virgil looked at her. "Elise I want you to come with me in the Mole, okay?"

"Sure," she replied, not exactly knowing what she'd be doing, if anything.

As the giant craft settled she wondered for the umpteenth time since they'd taken off from the island What have I gotten myself into? She was still suffering the lingering effects of shell shock, which she'd gone into the second the passenger elevator started its downward journey into Thunderbird Two's bay. Gordon was on the elevator with her. Funny how he always seemed to be right there next to her in her 'off' moments! she'd thought.

Leaning over and looking down towards the ground, she had gasped at the sight of the top of the huge green monster below her. "Tell me that thing doesn't fly!" she'd stated.

"Yep! It flies, AND does a whole lot more. That's our equipment transporter!" Gordon proudly informed Elise.

The descent into the craft had been one shock, but seeing the cockpit had been quite another! Elise was used to cramped quarters on small aircraft and choppers, but this baby was unlike anything she'd seen in her life. Virgil had actually laughed at the look on her face!

She remembered watching in complete fascination as Virgil powered up, the cliff face opened, and the palm trees flopped down to reveal the runway. More panic!  The pilot in her took over as she blurted out, "She'll never make it! There's no way there's enough runway for this thing!"

Gordon had smiled and tried not to laugh while Virgil had assured Elise there was nothing to worry about and politely added that his aircraft was not a 'thing'!

"Sorry, no offense meant, Virgil," Elise meekly apologized.

The take-off completely surprised her and it wasn't until they were leveled off did she breathe normally again. She snapped back to the present as the machine started to rise on its legs.

"Thunderbird One from Thunderbird Two, preparing to leave the pod with auxillary vehicles."

"FAB Thunderbird Two, and be careful out there. Stay in touch at all times," Scott's calm voice replied.

"Will do," Virgil said.

"F-A-B, Ess," Brains chimed in.

"F-A-B, Mobile Control," came Gordon's reply from the crane as they headed down the ramp towards the blazing city.

Post by FrankieCTB2 on 27/12/2004



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[Updated on: Sat, 28 July 2012 13:29]

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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1803 is a reply to message #1802] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 2068, 7:40 p.m. local time, Mendoza, Argentina
 
Scott sat at Mobile Control, coordinating the movements of the others in the field. He shook his head.
 
"I'm beginning to wish we'd brought along some of the fire equipment. The fires seem to be the biggest trouble right now."
 
"Do you always sit here and twiddle your thumbs?" Christopher asked.
 
Scott shot him a glare. "No. I sit here and coordinate the efforts of all our team members, including those in Thunderbird Five. I also liaison with the local rescue crews so that we don't get in each other's way. It's a heavy job. Sometimes, when necessary, I have to leave Mobile Control and operate one or the other of the auxiliaries or use Thunderbird One as part of the rescue, like I did in the Urals. And sometimes, I sit and stew because the only place for Thunderbird One and Mobile Control to sit is far away from the action. You have no idea how nerve-wracking that can be."
 
"Oh. Okay," Christopher said. Can't say that I'm looking forward to this part of the job! Flying that Bird will be great but sitting and being a crew boss? Not for me!
 
Virgil's voice came over the speaker. "Mole to Mobile Control."
 
"Mobile Control here," Scott said as he picked up his microphone. "Go ahead, Vee."
 
"The Mole is useless out here, Ess. There's nothing deep enough for it to tunnel to," Virgil said in disgust. "And I'm afraid it will cut power and water lines that need to be kept live."
 
"Not quite, Vee. There's an underground parking garage in sector 23/R that I'm told has trapped motorists in it. The Mole is needed there."
 
"F-A-B," Virgil replied, relieved. "I was afraid that we'd have to put this baby to bed without getting her dirty. Oh, and just to let you know, El is here with me, observing. Once we have the garage cleared, I'm taking her back to Two."
 
"F-A-B, Vee. You do that. Mobile Control out." Scott turned to Christopher. "See? Vee wouldn't have known where he was needed unless I was coordinating things."
 
"Uh-huh. I see," Christopher responded.
 
"Mobile Crane to Mobile Control," Gordon's voice now issued from the speakers.
 
"Mobile Control here. Go ahead."
 
"We've got someone in an apartment building over here that's refusing to leave. He's on an upper floor. The DOMO is holding the structure steady but can't hold it forever. I need a medic with a hypospray so we can sedate him and pull him out."
 
"F-A-B, Gee. I'll send Doc...." Scott began.
 
"Uh negative, Ess. Not Doc. Send En." Gordon's voice was firm.
 
"For what reason, Gee?" Scott asked, frowning.
 
"This guy won't leave... because he's got a portable television and he's watching the ice dance finals."

Post by Tikatu on 29/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1804 is a reply to message #1803] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:30 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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"No way man, it's not like this building's coming down right now," said Elí. "Chill, Juan, I'll leave when I'm ready. It'll be fine, you'll see."

Inside Elí's run-down, now almost destroyed apartment, Juan stood boggle-eyed as his friend calmly continued to watch the ice dancing finals on his televiewer. That the screen was streaked with dust from a piece of ceiling that had collapsed, and that the room around his was in absolute disarray, and that the floor was actually slanting downwards from the earthquake, didn't seem to matter to his friend, and Juan was going positively crazy trying to get Elí to recognise the gravity of the situation.

"Man, everyone else is gone. The building is collapsing all around us! This is serious, and very, very dangerous, Elí. You're going to get yourself and me killed because of your stupid ice-skating."

Elí made no move, and merely commented, "It's ice dancing. It's not exactly the same thing," and didn't remove his eyes from the dirty screen before him. Juan almost screamed in frustration, and in a fit of rage, kicked over the portable televiewer and swung around to Elí.

"In the name of Mother Mary, would you get a grip!" He grabbed his friend's shoulders and shook him violently, trying to knock some sense into him. "We need to get out of here! We could die."

"Get the hell off me, Juan," Elí said, shrugging out of the other man's grip and turning to right the televiewer. "Re-lax. You're just overreacting, as usual."

He sat back down to watch once more, and Juan stood, shocked, in disbelief. A wave of anger came across him, and he started to walk towards the door of Elí's apartment.

"Fine. Kill yourself for all I care. I won't have your death on my conscience; at least I tried."

He received a slight 'hmm', and that tore it. He strode out of the apartment in disgust, going to await rescue.

Post by ArtisticRainey on 29/12/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1805 is a reply to message #1804] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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After receiving instructions from Scott about the obstinate person who wouldn't leave their apartment, Nikki made her way over to the mobile crane and met up with Gordon. It didn't take them long to ascend onto the upper floor of the building.
 
"So where is he?"
 
Gordon signaled with his head to an apartment and led the way. "Follow me. He's in here."
 
Nikki followed Gordon's quick pace into the person's home. She couldn't believe someone was refusing to leave their television. She walked towards the man, who was still glued to his TV.
 
"Sir, please, we have to evacuate this building now."
 
Eli didn't answer. His eyes were still transfixed to the screen. Nikki looked towards Gordon who was also looking at the man in disbelief.
 
Gordon moved forward towards Eli. "Sir, we have to go. This building could collapse at any moment."
 
"Then you go," Eli answered.
 
Nikki took out her hypospray and was just about to put it to Eli's neck when he suddenly shouted no, lifted his arm and knocked it out of her hand. It fell to the ground and rolled away across the now uneven floor. Nikki swore in her mind. She didn't have another hypospray with her and it was too dangerous to go retrieve the one that got away.
 
Nikki sighed. There was only so much she could take from Eli. "This is ridiculous. Unless you want to die here, sir, we have to go. NOW!" She shouted the last word, figuring that the others didn't register in his brain.
 
Gordon huffed. He had enough of this guy. He gripped Eli's arm, ready to pull him out of his seat, only to feel himself fall to the ground as Eli retaliated.
 
"Hey!" Nikki grabbed Eli's shirt and pulled him up with a strength she didn't know she had. When he tried to fight back and get away and back to his seat, Nikki formed a fist, swung her arm back and punched him across the face.
 
Eli fell back as Gordon looked on in astonishment. "En. You just..."
 
"Well he started it. I was just ending it. Come on, let's get him and ourselves out of here." Nikki shook her hand from the throbbing in her knuckles. "Remind me to never do that again unless it's absolutely necessary."

Post by Nikki-browneyes1 on 29/12/2004



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1806 is a reply to message #1805] Sat, 28 July 2012 13:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 8 p.m., local time, Mendoza, Argentina
 
Dianne looked up from where she was working to see Nikki coming toward her, cradling one hand in the other. Gordon came with her, grabbed an antigravity stretcher and hurried back to the mobile crane with it.
 
"What did you do to yourself, En?" Dianne asked, pulling Nikki's hand out and examining the bruised knuckles.
 
"I... uh... had a little trouble with someone who would not evacuate," Nikki stammered. "He got... uh... stubborn and a bit violent. I had to deck him."
 
Dianne's eyes widened behind her visor. "Deck him?"
 
"Yeah, Doc! You should have seen it! She's got a terrific right cross!" Gordon teased as he brought Eli over to the aid station. Dianne took a look at the man's face and saw the bruising on his left jaw from Nikki's punch. She shook her head.
 
"Remind me never to make you angry at me," she quipped as she directed Gordon where to take the unconscious patient. "Let's get some ice on those knuckles."
 
**********************
 
"Mole to Mobile Control," Virgil said into his communicator.
 
"Go ahead, Mole," Scott replied.
 
"We've got about half the people out of the garage, taking the worst medical cases first," he explained. He glanced back at Elise, who was using the first aid skills she'd learned in the Air Force to help the patients. "We're coming out with them and would appreciate some medical assistance."
 
"F-A-B, Vee. I'll have Doc meet you at your exit coordinates."
 
"F-A-B, Ess. Oh, I'll be sending El back to Two. I think she's had enough observation for one day."
 
"Right, Vee. I'm afraid there's no one to keep her company though."
 
"F-A-B," Virgil replied, "I'll have to go back down for the others. But most of them are mobile and have only light injuries."
 
"Noted, Vee, and thanks."
 
***************************
 
"This is NTBS reporter, Ned Cook, on the scene in Mendoza, Argentina, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake has left a good part of the city in flaming ruins." Ned stood on a hill near the hardest hit area so that the viewers could see the flames and fallen buildings behind him. Joe was filming, being very, very careful not to take pictures of any of the Thunderbird craft that were moving around down there. "International Rescue is on the scene, pulling people from the collapsed buildings. Of course, we can't show you these brave men and women at work, as per their request but I assure you they are here."
 
He turned to look down on the shattered neighborhood again. "One thing I have noticed is that the International Rescue operatives seem to be wearing a different uniform than before. In the wake of the imposter scare of two years ago, I feel I dare not give you a complete description, but I can say that the uniform seems to consist of a jacket or vest over a shirt, military style pants, and boots. They have exchanged their distinctive fore-and-aft caps for baseball style ones and are now wearing visors that obscure the upper part of the face. They are also wearing gloves. All in all, it seems a more functional style than their old one. Of course, the uniform carries the distinctive International Rescue logo."
 
He turned back to the camera. "Let's hope that their efforts, working alongside the hard working men and women of the Mendoza emergency service, will bring relief to this shattered town. Back to you, Sam, in New York."
 
Joe stopped filming, the red light on his camera going out. He joined Ned as they gazed down on the scene.
 
"That's the uniform the operative in New York was wearing, isn't it?" Joe asked.
 
Ned nodded. "Looks like they're trying to develop better security, obscure their operatives' identities more."
 
"Just hope that they can avoid that imposter problem of a couple of years back," Joe murmured.
 
"I think they can, Joe. It's a step in the right direction," Ned said. "Got any coffee in that van? We're going to need it for our next broadcast."

Post by Tikatu on 04/01/2005



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1874 is a reply to message #1806] Sat, 28 July 2012 17:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Saturday, March 24, 8:20 p.m., local time, Mendoza

Worn out and sweaty, Elise sat down with a heavy sigh. Man! I never realized how hard it was drilling underground!

She stretched, rolling her head and reaching up to rub her neck where it was cricked. I thought you were just going to observe, but Virgil got a little carried away and had me doing first aid and carrying stretchers from the garage to the Mole. I can't figure out how I didn't screw up!

She rolled her eyes and shook her head a little. Deep down she'd been a little too scared for her liking and was more than happy when Virgil told her to go back to TB2 and wait.

She let the coolness and quiet of the cabin roll over her for a little while. Here, the sounds of sirens and hungry flame and falling masonry were muted. Only the murmur of communication between the operatives and the occasional clicking over of relays could be heard.

Can I do this? Can I live this life? She took in a deep breath and let it out through her nose. I keep going back to that rescue in Russia. It resonated with me so much. Particularly the orphans. I know how desperately they needed someone to love them and tell them it was going to be all right.

Elise got up, her arms wrapped around her as if cold. She gazed out of TB 2's windows at the rescue operation, watching as the equipment was put to work. I only hope the people here have someone to tell them it's going to be okay, too.

Lifting her gaze, she let her eyes sweep over the panorama, over the still raging inferno that was once Mendoza. "God, I hope we can save as many as possible," she muttered softly.

Post by FrankieCTB2 on 06/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1875 is a reply to message #1874] Sat, 28 July 2012 17:49 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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24th March Mendoza, Argentina

Christopher sat and watched as Scott coordinated the rescue. His mind was reeling from all the information he was taking in, and frankly he didn't think that he could cope with it all yet.

Above all he wanted to be out there, in the field. Doing something useful, instead of just sitting there on his backside.

"Ess", Christopher started to speak, but Scott held up his hand to silence him as another call came in from the team.

Christopher watched and listened as Scott relayed instructions. Taking a deep breath, he released it slowly.

Looks like I'll have to watch and learn, Christopher thought as he turned back to the bank of screens on the Mobile Control Unit.

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 07/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1877 is a reply to message #1875] Sat, 28 July 2012 17:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Christopher twiddled his fingers as he watched Scott at Mobile Control.

"Ess?" Christopher asked nervously. "Could I ask you some questions?"

"In a moment CJ." Scott didn't look in Christopher's direction as he moved a trackball with his right hand. Christopher saw crosshairs move across the monitor. Looking at the edge of the monitor he saw a number of coloured boxes, which corresponded with the designated colours for the IR members currently on the scene.

Christopher waited for a moment before Scott turned and looked at him.

"What would you like to ask me?" Scott asked.

Christopher thought for a moment.

"What range does Mobile Control have?" he asked as his eyes followed the crosshairs.

"Depends really," Scott said. "For secure transmissions, we use a randomly modulated laser array for transmissions to Thunderbird 5."

Christopher nodded, he had a basic understanding of communication systems, but this was going to take a bit of getting used to.

"For personal transmissions from our commlinks," Scott continued, "we can piggyback the signals to and from Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2."

Christopher fell silent for a moment. "I keep hearing about camera detectors," he said after a while.

"Another security measure." Scott smiled. "Some of our craft and vehicles have a camera detector which can sense electronic impulses from cameras and other devices capable of capturing images."

Christopher nodded. "What happens if the detectors detect?"

"Then we can transmit a specialised field that disrupts the device and erases the image."

"Sounds simple," Christopher said as he watched Scott. He needed to keep a closer eye on this.

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers1 on 11/10/2004


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1881 is a reply to message #1877] Sat, 28 July 2012 18:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Since leaving Mendoza, the tired and weary occupants of Thunderbird Two hadn't said much. Scott and Virgil had kept radio contact to a minimum, saving their energy for the de-briefing once they reached base. Elise, Gordon, and Brains had exchanged a few words, but were quiet for the most part. Dianne and Nikki were in the crew quarters cleaning themselves and the medical equipment they'd used.

Gordon sighed and looked around at his tired brother and new team members. He noticed Brains had his nose in his notes, softly mumbling to himself and Elise was watching Virgil. As Gordon looked closer he saw that Elise was actually watching Virgil's hands as he flew the transporter.

"He's not THAT fascinating to watch!" He grinned at the look she gave him.

"FYI... I was watching him use the flight controls!"

"Yeah, right," Gordon teased.

Virgil, who had been listening, turned to his brother. "You're just jealous, 'cause you're not as interesting!"

He smiled and winked at Elise humorously as Gordon groaned, "Oh Please!" 

"Do you want to come up and take a closer look?"

Virgil was serious again, as Elise took him up on his offer and moved forward. He began showing her the flight controls and answering any questions she had. She had to admit to herself that this was one special aircraft and the instrumentation panel intrigued her.

Gordon, not being one able to keep himself occupied for long, casually brought up the subject of pilot training. "So, Elise? You think you are going be ready to fly 'Virgil's' Baby' in the next week or two?"

Her head shot round from where she was sitting. "What! ...wait a second, what are talking about?"

"You're a pilot right? And Dad did mention you were coming on this rescue to observe, and, well... train to fly when ol' Virge here can't!"

Elise recalled the conversation in the lounge right before they were all given orders. She sort of remembered Mr. Tracy saying something about her expertise and flying but honestly hadn't given it much thought; she had been in shock about actually coming along on the rescue.

"Hey! Watch who you're calling old!" Virgil retorted.

Elise turned to Virgil "Is he right? Am I going to train to fly this...THING?"

Virgil breathed out slowly as he looked at her. Thing? She actually has the nerve to call my baby 'THING' to my face?! He now knew why Scott became easily frustrated with her! He chose his words carefully before replying.

"Well, that's the idea. Scott and Dad know you are an excellent pilot and have the capabilities to handle TB2 given the right training."

Elise could only stare at him with a look akin to horror on her face.

"But I'm a trained chopper pilot! I fly SMALL AIRCRAFT!" She put great emphasis on the word 'small'. "This is a transporter! It'll take months for me to learn how to handle something this big!"

"No it won't, Scott's told me you're a quick learner, and besides, I'll be training you!" Virgil smiled reassuringly.

"Oh you will, will you?"  Elise replied with a little sarcasm.

She looked back and forth between Virgil and Gordon, noting the now serious looks they had. Neither one said a word, just kept their eyes on Elise, until it sunk in... which it did, shortly thereafter!

She shook her head slightly and managed to say "You guys are NUTS! Totally nuts." To which they both started laughing.

Making her way back to her seat she mumbled, "I need a stiff drink!" as she sat down, rubbing her temple.

"Sorry, no alcohol allowed on board!" Gordon informed her.

Elise shot him a look before she spoke."How is it that every time impending doom seems to head my way, you are always right there, Gordon Tracy?"

"I can't help it, it's my natural Tracy charm!" came the rapid reply.

It was now Virgil's turn to snort in disgust.

"Virgil? What's the ETA for base?" Dianne asked via her comm-link.

"28 minutes from now," he replied, using his own comm-link.

"Okay, thanks. We're just about done here and will be coming up to the flight deck for final approach. How's everything been going? Is everyone doing okay?"

Virgil smiled softly. Dianne was always putting others ahead of herself and worrying about them before giving herself a second thought.

"Oh, it's been... er... well... interesting you might say!"

"Oh?"

He laughed as he told her he would explain later, in person.

"You'd better tell me or else, Virgil Tracy!" she mockingly chided him.

Oh, I'll be glad to, Virgil thought as he banked TB2 onto her final approach flight path.

Post by FrankieCTB2 on 11/01/2005



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1882 is a reply to message #1881] Sat, 28 July 2012 18:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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The 'plopping' sound of the ball echoed around the games room. "Yesss!" came Alan's voice as he pocketed another one. He and Brandon had been playing pool to pass the time while the team was on the rescue.

The intercom buzzed. "Yes Father?"

"Alan, Brandon, just wanted to let you both know the team are on their way home."

"Thanks Dad. Brandon and I will be up shortly."

"Okay, Alan."

The intercom clicked off and the room became silent again. Brandon walked around the pool table, carefully weighing his options and then leaned across to take his shot. Alan stood on the otherside, chin resting on top of his cue stick.

"Brandon? Looks like I'm gonna to whip your butt!"

Brandon looked up at him as he prepared to take another shot. "Says who?"

Alan laughed and they continued the game.

"Is it always like this? The waiting I mean," Brandon suddenly asked.

"Depends. If it's a bad rescue, the waiting can be torture. If it's a routine run, then it's not so bad," Alan replied.

Brandon looked at Alan, raising an eyebrow. "A routine run?"

"You know, a straight run through rescue, no lives lost, everyone safe."

Brandon nodded his understanding. "So how often do you get left behind?"

"Not too often, except when I'm on rotation in TB5. Gordon and I take turns, but if it's a water rescue then he definately goes, and sometimes we double crew on Two with Virgil."

"I suppose we'll all have to take turns at being 'home alone' then!" Brandon said with a chuckle and a smile. 

They finished the game and were putting the cues and balls away when Brandon caught Alan off guard with a personal question.
"I guess this rescue business doesn't leave much time for a personal life. Kinda cramps things a bit doesn't it?"

"Well, I er... I guess it does." Alan looked sheepishly at Brandon.

"Didn't you and Tin-Tin have a relationship at one time?" Brandon didn't beat about the bush, asking Alan outright.

Alan's hackles went up and he became a little defensive. "What's that got to do with anything? I've known Tin-Tin since we were kids, and besides, it just wouldn't have worked."

Alan wasn't sure how Brandon knew about him and Tin-Tin, but he didn't like it. Their relationship had cooled, but Alan was still quite protective of Tin-Tin.

"I guess personal relationships are best kept off the island then? I'll have to remember that!"

Alan merely looked at him. "We'd better get up to the lounge, they'll be home soon and you'll want to sit in on the debriefing."

"Lead the way," replied Brandon, indicating with his hand for Alan to lead and making a mental note to mention 'island relationships' to Christopher.

Post by FrankieCTB2 on 11/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1883 is a reply to message #1882] Sat, 28 July 2012 18:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Sunday, March 25, 6:45 p.m., Tracy Island

The rescue crew had arrived back and were preparing to depart. Dianne and Nikki gathered up all their medical instruments and carried them off to the autoclave in the sick room. The rest of the crew were looking forward to showers and a good hot meal, but before they could head upstairs, Virgil reminded them that the job wasn't quite done yet.

"Come on, everyone," Virgil called as the pod door opened. "Let's get the pod vehicles out of here while we're still filthy. Then we can go upstairs, get cleaned, and debrief over dinner!"

His suggestion was met with groans, but everyone realized that he was right, and began making their way over to the pod vehicles. Virgil himself took the Mole and revved it up, easing it out of the pod and steering it to its berth among the other equipment.

Kat chose to put in an appearance just then. "Anything I can do to help?"

"Kat?" Brains called. "Can you start up the DOMO? I'll be there in just a moment."

"Sure, Bo... I mean, Brains," Kat said eagerly. She was happy to have something constructive to do in the aftermath of the rescue.

Hurrying over to the DOMO, she opened the driver's side door... and let out a blood-curdling scream, slamming the door shut with a bang!

"Kat?!" Gordon cried, coming at a run. "What's the matter?"

Brains hurried over too, adjusting his glasses as he came.

"Ugly, ugly, ugly!" Kat kept repeating, shaking her head. Gordon gave her a little shake, and she looked up at him. "There... there's something in there! Something black and ugly and... it tried to attack!"

Gordon frowned. He moved Kat away from the DOMO, handing her off to Brains, then slowly opened the door.

"Yikes!" he shouted, slamming the door shut just as Kat had.

"What is it?" Brains asked. He pushed his way around Kat.

"I don't know, Brains, but whatever it is, it's really ugly!" Gordon said, shaking his head. He jumped down from the machine.

"Let me take a look," Brains said. He climbed up to the ledge above the caterpillar tractors, and peered in through the windshield. "I don't see... aagh!"

"What did you see?" Kat asked, recovering from her original fright.

"I don't really know," Brains said. "I got the impression of lots of legs...." He shook his head. "Whatever it is, I don't think I want to get any closer."

"So, what do we do?" Kat asked. "If you big strong men won't even open the door, we'll never get the thing out."

Brains and Gordon exchanged glances. "There's only one person on this island equipped to handle such a situation," Brains said.

"Who is that?" Kat asked.

"Alex," Gordon answered. "I'd better get him down here."

Fifteen minutes later, Alex Tracy arrived, butterfly net and bug collection box in hand. He had his science PDA sticking out of one pocket, and his jeans tucked into a pair of hiking boots. On his head, he wore a beekeeper's hat and veil, and on his hands he wore a pair of rubber gauntlets.

"So, where is it?" he asked, as he climbed up into the pod. By this time, there was a little crowd clustered around the DOMO. Virgil had taken the Mobile Crane out and parked it in its spot, then he had returned. He had looked inside the DOMO's cab but hadn't seen anything. Elise looked at the little group and snickered, but when she was offered the opportunity to look for herself, declined.

"No way are you going to get me to look in there," she said, shaking her head. "I don't need giant spiders or snakes in my dreams, thank you very much."

"It's in the DOMO's cab," Gordon said, hooking his thumb over his shoulder. He gave his little brother a boost up to the side of the DOMO. Alex peered through the windshield, using one hand as a blinder.

"I don't see... wait! There is something. I'd better go in on the other side." He climbed over the front of the machine, using the DOMO's arms as supports.

The little group's attention was captured by the arrival of Scott and Christopher. Scott make his way over to Virgil.

"What's the problem?" he asked.

"There's a critter in the DOMO," Virgil replied.

"Ah, that explains Alex. What is it?"

"Don't know yet," Virgil replied. "He hasn't caught it yet. But he says there's something in there."

"I don't know what the world's coming to," Scott said, loud enough so brothers could hear. "Sending a boy in to do a man's job...." The sally hit its mark; Gordon in particular went red to the tips of his ears.

"You go in and get it then," Gordon groused.

By this time, Alex had climbed into the cab, and was carefully searching for the critter. "Does anybody have a flashlight?" he asked.

"There should be one in the box under the seat," Brains said. He made his way over to the other side of the DOMO and was peering into the cab.

"Got it." The boy waved the flashlight around, then was heard to exclaim, "Oh, cool!"

"What is it, Bud?" Scott asked.

Oblivious to his brother's question, Alex pulled out his PDA. "Hmm. Yes... no... not that... this is closer..."

Brains shook his head and smiled as he listened to his star student do his research.

"Okay. That's it. Scott?" Alex called.

"What, Bud?"

"I'm going to need a bigger box if I'm going to keep this."

"Uh, Bud? I think you'd be better off getting rid of it," Scott said, backing away. "Mom and Dad probably wouldn't appreciate a new pet."

Alex consulted his PDA again. "You're probably right. It is venomous, though it probably couldn't kill a human...."

"Venomous?!" Kat squeaked, her eyes big.

"Yeah. Here, let me show you," Alex said. He swiped his net once. "Drat! It got away. Wait. I've got it cornered." The net swiped down again. "Got 'im!"

Everyone backed away as Alex climbed out of the DOMO, his fingers pinching something under the net. Something that looked long, black, and leggy. He pulled back the net over his arm, keeping a good grip on the creature.

"Ewww! How disgusting!" Kat cried. "What is it?"

"A giant centipede... Scolopendra gigantea," Alex said proudly. The creature was about a foot long, with a body made up of many black, armored segments, each segment having a pair of jointed legs. Two long, curved antennae protruded from what seemed to be its head, and three long protruding finger-like appendages decorated the "tail" of the thing. "Native to northern and western South America, Jamaica, and Trinidad."

"Ugh!" Gordon said. "That's one ugly bug."

"How are you going to kill it, Bud?" Scott asked, backing away as Alex sat on the edge of the DOMO.

"Probably have to use some kind of gas," Alex said, his voice sad. "Can someone help me down? I don't want to jump and possibly drop 'im...."

"Here, Bud," Virgil came up with a hinged box from which he had removed a portable laser cutter. "Put... him... in this." Virgil put the box near where the boy sat and backed off.

"Bunch of chickens," Alex muttered as he carefully placed his find inside the box, and slammed the lid shut. The combined sigh of relief was audible once the latch was fastened.

Scott reached up and helped Alex jump down. Brains took down the box and handed it to the intrepid bug hunter. "Take this to the lab now. Then wash up and join the rest of us at dinner," he instructed his pupil.

"Okay." Alex took the box, slung his butterfly net over his shoulder, pulled back the beekeeper's veil, and strolled off, whistling.

"That's one smart, brave little bloke," Christopher said. He looked around. "Makes the rest of you look like...."

"Don't say it," Gordon put a hand up. "Let's get this machine back where it belongs. Brains, would you do the honors?"

"I just hope that the centipede didn't bring along a friend," Brains muttered as he climbed up into the DOMO.

Post by Tikatu on 11/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1898 is a reply to message #1883] Sat, 28 July 2012 18:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Sunday, March 25, 2068, 10:15 p.m., Tracy Island 

Jeff hobbled into the master bedroom. He had spent some time after dinner and debriefing going over some of the training assignments with Scott, Virgil, and Gordon, making up a schedule for the new recruits. Dianne had gone off to their room, disk in hand, telling him that she was finally going to see who won in the ice dancing finals.
 
He could hear the televid going, see the light flickering across the darkened sitting room. What he couldn't see what his wife, sitting on the sofa, yelling or clapping or doing any of the other demonstrative things she did when the final results were announced. He got far enough into the room to see that the winners were standing on the platform, waving to the audience. For the life of him, he couldn't tell which couple came from which country, and truthfully, he could care less. He was more concerned with the fact that his wife wasn't jumping up and down in excitement or cursing the TV and shouting, to no one in particular, how unfair things were.
 
Instead, he found Dianne sitting slumped on the sofa, one arm draped over the edge, the remote held loosely in that hand, fast asleep. He chuckled; even the excitement of figure skating couldn't win over the exhaustion brought on by the rescue.
 
Sitting on the large square ottoman, he reached out and gently removed the remote from her fingers, turning off the televid. The resultant darkness took him by surprise, and he waited for his eyes to adjust to the lack of light. Then he moved over to the sofa, sitting down next to his wife. Leaning in, he kissed her on her cheek, smelling the lavendar vanilla scent she had used in the bath.
 
"C'mon, sleepy head," he murmured in her ear. "You'll get a crick in your neck sleeping out here."
 
Dianne stirred, blinking bleary eyes at him. "What...?"
 
"It's late and you're tired, love. Time for bed," Jeff said, rising from the sofa with the aid of his crutches. He offered her a hand, but she waved it away as she staggered to her feet, rubbing her eyes. She followed him automatically into the bedroom, kicking off her slippers and lying down on the bed, fully dressed. He shook his head as he pulled the covers up over her then hobbled around to his side of the bed to join her in slumberland.

Post by Tikatu on 12/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1900 is a reply to message #1898] Sat, 28 July 2012 18:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Monday, March 26, 2068, noon, Tracy Island.
 
"FAB Four requesting permission to land," came the cockney tones of Parker.
 
Jeff grinned and turned to the radio behind him. "Permission granted, Fab Four. And welcome." Then he lifted his arm and activated his telecomm. "Dianne, Lady Penelope is here."
 
"Penelope? Wonderful! Thank you for telling me!" Dianne said. "I'll meet you at the hover cart! Dianne out."
 
Jeff smiled, then retrieved his crutches and headed out to the balcony. He looked down at the pool, where Gordon and Brandon were teaching Dominic the finer points of scuba diving. He knew that later there would be many more people there, splashing and relaxing, but right now, the pool was a classroom.
 
He hopped down the stairs, holding onto the rail with one hand and his crutches with another. Settling himself in the passenger seat, he waited for his wife. In less than a minute, she was pelting down the steps, and had flung herself into the driver's seat.
 
"I've got the kids finishing up their work before lunch. Kyrano's going to meet Parker in the hangar with the luggage float and I've told your mother to expect two more for lunch," she said breathlessly as she sped down the path to the airstrip. Jeff held onto his seat for dear life; his wife could fly Thunderbird Seven safely and with care, but the smaller hovercraft was a different story.
 
They made it to the bottom of the cliff in record time, just as Parker was unfastening the hatch to the dark pink jet and swinging open the steps to reveal Lady Penelope. Dianne came around to help Jeff with his crutches, then she hurried over to embrace the aristocrat, giving her a kiss on both cheeks.
 
"Penny! It's so good to see you!" she gushed.
 
"And to see you, too, Dianne," Penelope replied with a smile. Then their attention shifted as Jeff approached.
 
"Oh, my! Jeff, you look so very much better than you did last time I saw you," Penelope said as she embraced Jeff. "Just the cast on the foot now? How wonderful!"
 
Jeff gave Penelope a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, I'm finally healing. Another week or so and I should even have this off. Then some physical therapy and I should be good as new."
 
"Oh, I cannot tell you how relieved I am, Jeff!" Penelope said as Jeff and Dianne led her over to the hovercart. The three boarded the small craft, and Dianne began to pilot them back up to the villa.
 
"I'm afraid you'll have to stay in the Round House for a few days," Dianne said apologetically.  "One of our new recruits is in the guest room at the villa, waiting for her things to arrive from the mainland before moving into one of the apartments."
 
"I'm sure I shall be comfortable," Penelope said. "You will have to show me those new apartments. I am so intrigued by the thought that the Cliff House has been completely renovated."
 
"I'd be glad to show you around, Penny," Dianne said. "You'll have to meet some of our new folks. They're settling in really well."
 
"And Kat? How is my Kat doing?" Penelope asked.
 
"Brains is very pleased with her work," Jeff answered from where he sat in the back. "She's been making friends and was a big help in one of our more intensive rescues recently."
 
"Yes, I remember hearing about that," Penelope said. "I shall have to spend some time catching up on her news."
 
By this time, they were at the villa, and Emily was at the bottom of the steps, waiting.
 
"Lady Penelope! It's so nice to see you again!" she said, and she guided the aristocrat up the steps and into the coolness of the main house.

Post by Tikatu on 12/01/2005


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[Updated on: Sat, 28 July 2012 23:49]

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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1914 is a reply to message #1900] Sat, 28 July 2012 19:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Monday, March 26, 1:30 p.m. Tracy Island

Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward walked through the lounge, then wandered onto the balcony and looked down at the pool.  The young people there seemed to be having fun; there was a great deal of splashing and laughter.  Kat was among the swimmers. Penelope watched for a moment, and then decided to join them at the poolside.  As she approached the pool, several people greeted her and Kat looked up and noticed her. 

"Lady Penelope!" she called. "How nice to see you!" The young girl climbed out of the pool and, wrapping a towel around her, approached Lady Penelope.

Lady Penelope took a good look at her former employee. Kat now had a slight tan, and her hair was lighter in colour, probably from the effects of the tropical sun.

"It is so nice to see you again, Kat," Penelope said with a smile, "You are looking very well."

Kat grinned. "Thanks. It must be the work and change of air down here."

"Let's go for a walk on the beach," Penelope suggested. "I want to hear all that's happened."

The two young women headed for the beach.

"I hear you had a tough rescue?" Penelope ventured.

Kat swallowed hard. Even though she had talked to Dr. Tracy, she still couldn't erase the memories of that rescue in the Ural Mountains, and the children from her mind. She still had occasional nightmares about it, but instead of the children being rescued, none of them could be saved.  She would wake in the night, drenched in perspiration.

"Oh, Lady Penelope, that rescue really did make me question my being a full member of International Rescue.  Thank goodness that I talked to Dr. Tracy.  She reminded me that I wasn't the only one affected, and to be honest, we have all agreed that it was a traumatic event and everyone felt affected one way or the other. Actually," Kat added, "I am rather glad I did not go on the latest rescue in the Argentine. Brains is bringing me au courant with the auxiliary vehicles, so that in future, I can lift that burden from him entirely."

Lady Penelope looked concerned. "I am sorry that you had such a bad experience. But Dianne is a good listener."

"She is so kind," Kat said. She giggled. "I am so looking forward to John's return from Thunderbird Five. When he comes back he is going to show me the stars through his telescope."

Is he? Lady Penelope thought and her thoughts wandered back to when John had taken Kat to the Island, and, at Kat's request, had brought her home again.  Yes, I can see just how easy to beome attracted to John. I am not sure, however, how suited Kat would be for him. "Anyhow let's change the subject.  How are you enjoying being here?"

"I am enjoying it enormously," Kat replied with enthusiasm.  "I have made a good friend in Elise. She is going to be second pilot on Thunderbird 2.  Nikki and I went out with everyone on Alan's birthday treat to Christchurch.  That was some evening! Christopher and Brandon sang and," here she blushed, "I fear Scott and I got slightly worse for wear.  Nikki met a very nice young man called Jake, who danced with her and nearly caused a fight with Alan.  I danced two dances with Virgil and one with Brandon, who seriously needs lessons."

Lady Penelope smiled. "Seems like you are fitting in very well."

Kat looked at her ex-employer.  "I am. Although, I do still miss you, you know. I miss the tea breaks we had, and the shopping we did together." She paused and sighed, then brightened. "How's Lil and Lofty?"

Lady Penelope smiled. "Lil is very well. Lofty is turning out to be an absolute treasure. I can't find any fault with his work, and he is as loyal as Parker."

They walked along on the edge of the sea, and the wavelets rippled round Kat's ankles. Lady Penelope remained on the dryer sand, not wanting to spoil her sandals. Kat picked up some smooth flattish pebbles, and started skimming them over the water.  Lady Penelope smiled at Kat's game.

Without turning round Kat remarked, "I rang my mother recently, to wish her a Happy Birthday." She suddenly went quiet, a sign that Lady Penelope picked up on.

"And?" Lady P

"Oh, it just brought things back to me. My brother has had a promotion and has moved to Washington state. My other brother and his fiancée are working on an old building, prior to their wedding and living there. Dad is helping them with the renovations."

"A touch of homesickness?" Lady Penelope asked, looking at Kat. 

Kat nodded.  "I feel I am so ungrateful. I have a wonderful job here, and yet..."

Lady Penelope faced Kat.  "My dear, what you are experiencing is perfectly natural.  You have left your safe environment to work thousands of miles away, with a family you hardly know.  Of course you would suffer bouts of homesickness."

Kat looked at Lady Penelope, and with a slight smile, said, "I think that the hardest part is lying to my parents.  My mother was very nice when I phoned her, but I had to say that I was in Kansas. I am afraid that she will contact my brother to check on things."

"Your mother still keeps in touch with me, which I will encourage, that way I can minimise her concerns. In fact, I told her that the vehicles needed so much work doing on them, that you were kept really busy."

"Oh! Lady Penelope, don't let Mr Tracy hear you."

"My dear," Lady Penelope replied, "that is strictly between you, me, and your parents."

The two young women walked further along the beach.  Kat swinging her arms and gazing up at the cloudless, blue sky.

"It is so peaceful here," Lady Penelope remarked.

"Yes, no one would ever guess what this island hid, would they?" Kat replied. The two turned and began retracing their steps. 

"So," Lady Penelope said, "What do you think of International Rescue as an organization?"

"Mm." Kat paused to gather her thoughts. "It is, of course, so well run and organized, but..."

"Yes?

"I used to think that being a member of International Rescue was all about being able to save everyone." She blushed and shook her head. "Oh my, how naïve I must have sounded."

"Nonsense," Lady Penelope said.  "I used to think that being an agent would be a glamorous vocation. I soon learnt the truth: that it could be far from glamorous and sometimes downright dangerous. Especially when things didn't turn out as you would expect them to."

Kat bent down and, picking up a small piece of driftwood, hurled it into the sea.

"There is just one small problem...." Kat trailed off.  "I shall be required to learn to fly."

"Oh?" Lady Penelope raised her eyebrows.

"You know what a complete mess I made of learning to fly. I am so afraid that I will fail miserably and they won't want me. I mentioned the fact to John, who said that they use a simulator here on Tracy Island, but even so, I am so nervous. What shall I do?"

Lady Penelope glanced at Kat and seeing that she was upset, remarked, "Kat, my dear, I am sure that Scott will take things slowly, and a simulator is much better than starting lessons in an aeroplane.  Have you told him of your fears?"

Kat looked startled. "Oh, Lady Penelope, I haven't said a word. I didn't like to in case they told me they didn't need me."

"Kat," Lady Penelope smiled at the young woman.  "I know that your experience as a mechanic will ensure that you are a valued employee, even if you never learn to fly."

"Oh, Lady Penelope, do you really think so?"

"I know so. In fact, I mentioned that you had a problem learning to fly to Mr Tracy, when he asked for references."

"You did? How did he take it?  Surely he wouldn't want anyone who can't fly; to be able to fly is an absolute must on an island."

"He was perfectly reasonable about it; after all, you are a very experienced mechanic. I am sure you will find your niche here and to be honest, I think there are probably enough pilots here already. Now let's head back to the villa, so I can meet all your new friends." And the two young women began retracing their steps, back to the villa.

"Have you two caught up with each other?"  Dianne asked as she came down to meet them.

"Yes, Dianne," Lady Penelope answered.  "Kat and I have really caught up with all the news."

Post by Tawnyangel22 (with copious recent edits by Tikatu) on 12/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1932 is a reply to message #1914] Sat, 28 July 2012 20:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tuesday, March 27, 2068, 1:00 p.m., Tracy Island
 
Jeff looked around at the table full of people. Everyone was mingling and chatting and eating, though the latter activity was winding down. He decided that it was time to start the meeting he had called, and tapped his glass for attention. The crowd quieted and turned their faces toward him.
 
"John, Callie? Are you with us?"
 
John's voice came from the small speaker on the table at Jeff's right. "FAB, Dad. We are reading you strength five. Both Callie and I are here."
 
"Ahem. Thank you, everyone, for coming and eating lunch together at the house today. As you know, I wanted to have a meeting after lunch, or at lunch, as the case may be, so that the training, maintenance, and fun of the afternoon could go on without a hitch." Jeff paused to take a breath. "First of all, I want to tell you new recruits how pleased I am with your performance so far. I can see that you are all eager to do your part in our organization and are tackling the training head on. Good work!"
 
The older members began to applaud as Jeff did, joined in by the newbies as they applauded each other. Jeff stopped clapping, and the applause faded out.
 
"There are three small, but vital, issues that I want to address today. The first concerns our uniforms. Am I correct when I say that all of you, with the exception of Elise, John, and Callie, have received your new outfits?"
 
The operatives at the table looked around at each other and nodded. Callie answered in the affirmative over the speaker for herself and John. Jeff took stock of the situation and after a moment, said, "Good. If there are any issues with the fit of the uniforms or rips or tears, please tell Tin-Tin or my mother. The visors you have been issued still need to be fitted for the Heads Up Displays. Brains is in charge of that and will let you know when he is ready to install the technology." Jeff smiled. "Of course, these are only interim uniforms until the new Penelon/Kevlar synthetic that Tin-Tin has developed is ready for cutting and sewing. Then your uniforms will be much more durable and virtually bulletproof. Please remember to wear your caps and gloves when on a rescue. They are both for your safety and our security."
 
Jeff took a sip of water. "Speaking of security and safety, Dianne has a word to say about the new locator implants. Dianne?"
 
Dianne pushed back her chair and stood up. "I expect our new locator chips to arrive any day now. They are very small, and should not present any discomfort, no matter where they are implanted. Once they are, there will be some calibration to be done, and the calibration will be uploaded to Thunderbird Five for tracking from space, and to Mobile Control for tracking on the ground. Alan will have his implanted before he relieves John and Callie, then the rest of you will have them implanted when the space crew returns."
 
She turned to her children. "Everyone in the household will have a locator chip, including the children, Kyrano, and both Emily and my mother, Lisa." She turned now to Lady Penelope. "Jeff would also like for you and Parker to wear locators, as well as some of our other, more active agents. We'll make arrangements for implantation a bit later." She looked out over the room again. "You may choose where to place the chip on your body. It's unobtrusive and hypoallergenic, so put it where you feel most comfortable. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask."
 
Christopher raised his hand. "Why do we need these? Aren't the wrist communicators enough?"
 
Dianne looked at Jeff, who said, "The wrist communicators are easily removed and left behind, or removed and smashed. This is something that isn't easily detectible from the outside, nor is it easy to remove. It's a nearly foolproof way for us to keep track, not only of our operatives on the field, but our household members in case of emergency. It's a good replacement for the edible transmitters that we've used in the past."
 
Dianne rolled her eyes. "Believe me, anything is an improvement to those things. They give me such indigestion!"
 
A smattering of laughter met her comment, and she looked around. "Any more questions?"
 
Callie's voice came over the speaker. "What if these things cause an allergic reaction? I've got very sensitive skin...."
 
"The chips are hypoallergenic and are implanted subcutaneously. In the trials of the device, there were no reports of allergic reactions," Nikki said. "Believe me, Callie, I went through the literature and study reports very thoroughly."
 
"Oh okay, Nikki," Callie said, still sounding doubtful.
 
"If it will make anyone feel better, I'll be the first victim," Dianne said with a grin. There was some chuckling at that. "Any other questions?" she asked. When no one replied, she sat back down.
 
Jeff took up the thread of the meeting again. "The last thing I want to discuss with you is the matter of code names. The use of initials as code names is no longer a viable option. I had thought of assigning code names to each of you, but Kyrano," here he nodded at the retainer, "felt it would be better if you picked your own. So, I want you all to give it some thought over the next couple of days and bring me your decisions by Friday. This includes you, too, Penelope, and Parker. We are often in communication with you and your security is just as important as ours."
 
"Thank you, Jeff. I shall give it some thought," Penelope said graciously.
 
"Well, that concludes this meeting," Jeff said. "Those of you who have training should report to your instructors. Dismissed."
 
People began to rise from the table. Scott called out, "Kat, Nikki, Brandon? Meet me down in the aircraft hangar. We're going to take a look at Ladybird today."

Post by Tikatu on 13/01/2005


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[Updated on: Sat, 28 July 2012 23:47]

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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1935 is a reply to message #1932] Sat, 28 July 2012 20:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tracy Island, Tuesday, March 27th  1.30 p.m.

They were standing alongside the Ladybird, Tin-Tin's aeroplane, listening to Scott. Kat looked at Nikki and Brandon, who were both paying close attention.

Her thoughts began to wander.  She thought back to when she was working for Lady Penelope.  Lady Penelope had paid for Kat to have higher education in automotive, marine, and aviation mechanics.  She had also paid for Kat to have flying lessons.  Now there was a problem.  Kat could still remember the instructor patiently explaining how to fly, but every time that he had handed the controls over to Kat, she had frozen.  Time and again the young girl had tried, but on every occasion she would just freeze up.  The written test had gone well, but Kat could remember crying to her parents. "I'll never be able to fly, and Lady Penelope won't need me," she had sobbed. In the end, both Lady Penelope and Kat had agreed that for the time being, she would not have any more flying lessons.

"Kat!" Scott's voice brought her back the present. "Perhaps you could tell your colleagues about the mechanics of the engine."

"Oh, er, yes, Scott."

Kat wandered round the small plane, her friends following her.  "Well, maximum speed is 3,000 kph, endurance 15 hours."

"How is it powered?" Brandon asked.

"It's powered by 2 Tracy Aerospace turbojets and 2 ram booster jets."

"Here is the main jet engine turbofan, here is the port ramjet booster unit." Kat added, leading then round the other side, where she pointed out the Tracy Aerospace turbojet engine and the engine air intake.  Heading back towards the front, she pointed out the radar scanner and the radar pack.

"Okay, I think that's enough about the plane, now let's head for the simulator," Scott said.  The small group followed him along to the simulator.

Kat watched as her friends took their turns trying to fly a virtual plane.

"Come on, Kat. Your turn next." Scott called.

Kat scrambled into the simulator. In front of her was a mock version of an aeroplane's cockpit.  There was a very complex mixture of dials, handles, knobs and buttons.  Suddenly Kat felt the age-old panic.  You're in a simulator, she tried to reassure herself.  You can't physically crash.

"Now, when I say so, start the engine,"  Scott called from outside.

Kat looked hard at the cockpit and the conglomeration of dials, buttons and levers. Suddenly she didn't feel very confident at all.

"Okay, start the engines and taxi down the runway for takeoff," Scott said  Kat started the engines and started slowly to move forward. 

"A bit more speed, please," Scott ordered.  "Or you will never leave the ground."

Kat gritted her teeth. Slowly she pushed the handle forward and saw that she was indeed rising up from the ground.  The ascent was very unsteady; the plane appeared to be unbalanced.

"Good, good, keep it smooth." Scott said, as he watched on his monitor.

To Kat the plane seemed to be rolling alarmingly, the horizon came first up one side and then up the other.  She pushed hard on some levers, suddenly the plane formed a barrel roll. Kat totally panicked.  She started pushing and pulling levers.

"Okay, steady, Kat, try and relax. Just do one more circuit and then see if you can land the plane," Scott calmly called, watching from his monitor

Kat realised that it was one thing to get it in the air and keep it there, but it was an entirely different matter to land the thing. Starting her descent, she began to wobble and to over-compensate, then tried to gain altitude again. 

"No, no, Kat. Lever back and hold it steady,"  Scott said in a calm and steady voice

This made Kat nervous again. "I can't find the runway," she almost sobbed, "What can I do?" Kat began to completely lose it, and headed in a sharp descent to the ground below.  With a sickening crunch the plane crashed.

"Well, Kat,"  Scott remarked kindly, as he looked in at the young girl trembling in the pilot's seat.  "Let's try this again later. That's all for today."

Kat smiled weakly. "Sorry Scott, guess maybe I should keep my feet on the ground, or if in the air, I should not be the one flying."

"Don't worry about it," Scott said kindly.  "We'll try again tomorrow."

As Kat walked away from the simulator, she didn't feel too sure about trying again.

"Well, how did you do?" Nikki and Brandon both wanted to know.

"I crashed," Kat replied with a slight sob. "I simply crashed the thing. Guess I panicked.  Just like when I tried to learn to fly for real."

Nikki put a hand on Kat's shoulder and squeezed it. "I'm sorry you're having trouble. Even if you can't learn to fly, you are a really great mechanic."

Kat smiled at her friend. "Thanks."

Brandon looked at the two girls. "Well, we'd better move along; there's a lot more work to do."

Scott walked behind the three. Hm, Kat has a real fear of flying a plane. I'm not sure flying is going to be for her.

Post by Tawnyangel22 on 13/01/2005



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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1947 is a reply to message #1935] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tuesday, March 27, 2068, 1:30 p.m., Tracy Island.
 
As Jeff rose to leave, Gordon came up to him.
 
"Dad? I'll be down at the pool, working with Dom on scuba, but I wanted to let you know that I already know what I want my code name to be."
 
"What's that, son?" Jeff asked, pulling out his PDA to make note of the choice.
 
"Cousteau. I can't think of a better name than that of the world's most famous aquanaut and oceanographer."
 
Jeff smiled. "That's a great name, Gordon. I'll put it down as your code name."
 
"Thanks, Dad!" Gordon called as he headed out through the dining room door to the hallway and the pool.
 
"Well, that's one down," Jeff said as he put Gordon's choice in his PDA.
 
"Two," replied Dianne. "As far as I'm concerned, 'Doc' is my code name and always will be."
 
"Okay, Dr. Tracy," Jeff said with a grin. She gave him a gentle swat on the arm with the back of  her hand, then closed in for a kiss.
 
"I'm off to the schoolroom," she told him. "See you later, love."
 
"Later, dear heart," Jeff murmured as he watched her go. Then he took his crutches and made his way to the elevator and his office.

Post by Tikatu on 13/12/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1953 is a reply to message #1947] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tuesday 27th March, 2068 2pm

Christopher composed himself as he walked along the corridor coming from the lift to the Monorail. Asterix was curled up in his arms, purring contentedly.

"Nearly there." Christopher looked down at his pet and smiled. The smile quickly vanished as he turned the corner towards the kitchen. Almost immediately, Asterix mewed as he sniffed the air. Christopher saw Kyrano working there. The old man looked up and smiled when he saw his little friend there.

"Mr Asterix." Kyrano walked over, drying his wet hands. "How nice to see you again." He stroked Asterix, who purred. "And welcome to you, Mr. Jordan; it is rare to see you here in my kitchen."

"Thank you, Kyrano." Christopher smiled, then he paused. "I wonder if I could talk to you about something."

"Certainly," Kyrano said. "Would you like some tea?"

"Thanks." Christopher grinned. He sat down at the table in front of him. Asterix leapt down from his arms and starting winding himself around Kyrano's ankles.

Kyrano brought their tea and sat down in front of a nervous Christopher. Asterix leapt onto Kyrano's lap and started kneading gently before settling down.

Christopher sipped at his tea before looking at the old man. "I wanted to ask your advice about something."

Kyrano smiled, before sipping from his cup. "Is it to do with my daughter?"

"I can't get anything past you, can I?" Christopher said.

Kyrano smiled again. "I have noticed your looks in her direction, and I have noticed that she enjoys your company."

Christopher nodded in agreement. "I feel happier when I'm with her, and I'd like to think that we could get to know each other a lot more..

He got up from the table. "I'd like to cook a nice romantic meal for her, something that she would like and appreciate."

Kyrano thought for a moment. "I will prepare a menu of her favourite foods for you, then you can cook the meal for her."

"You are the consummate professional Kyrano." Christopher smiled. "Thank you. I really care about her, you know."

"I can tell," Kyrano said. Asterix could sense that his master was about to go, so he leapt off Kyrano's lap.

"Farewell, Mr Asterix," Kyrano said, and the little cat miaowed back as Christopher picked him up.

"Thank you again, Kyrano," Christopher said as he left the kitchen. He thought that he saw Alan looking at him as he entered the dining room, but he dismissed the anger in the younger Tracy's eyes.

"Alan, mate." Christopher stopped at the table. "Do you know where your Dad is?"

"He's in his office," Alan said curtly, before going back to the book he was reading.

Christopher shrugged the animosity off as he walked towards Jeff's office. "Don't know why he's angry at me," he said as he tickled Asterix's ears. "He finished with Tin-Tin ages ago."

Reaching the office, he knocked on the door.

"Come in," Jeff Tracy's deep velvety voice issued from within. Christopher opened the door and entered.

"Christopher." Jeff smiled. "To what do I owe this visit? Sit down."

Christopher sat in front of his employer; he was still a little nervous around him and was loath to be informal with him.

"I just came by to see how you were, Mr. Tracy." Christopher relaxed a little. "And to tell you that I have got a code name for myself: Asterix."

"Named after your cat?" Jeff raised his eyebrows. "Interesting."

Asterix leapt onto Jeff's desk and mewed. He padded across the leather top and started to purr and rub himself against this new human, who smelt friendly.

"He certainly likes you." Christopher smiled. "You must smell right to him."

Jeff just laughed.

Post by The_Wrong_Trousers on 14/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1955 is a reply to message #1953] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tuesday 27 March. 1.35pm. Tracy Island.

Dominic glanced up as his copper-haired companion descended the stairs and headed over to the pool.

"Yo," he said, and Gordon waved back.

"Ready?" he asked as he headed over to the neat pile of equipment that he had left in preparation for the class.

Dominic followed him over. He regarded the pile of unfamiliar scuba gear before him, and his face scrunched in confusion. What on earth was it all for? Gordon must have noticed his consternation, and he turned, giving him an encouraging grin.

"Ah, relax, it's really not that difficult."

Dom smiled back, somewhat crookedly, and nodded.

"I trust you," he said.

Gordon nodded, and turned to hide a different type of grin - one of pride. It was nice to be trusted.

Soon enough, they were going through the basics. Gordon showed his pupil how to use the regulator, the mask, the fins, the vest, and showed him the hand signals. Dom was attentive throughout, and Gordon was encouraged. Perhaps Dom would prove a natural at the sport. It wasn't long before they had gone through everything, and they were strapped in, ready for their first dive.

"Sweet Mother of the Word Incarnate," Dominic said as the tanks were strapped on.

Gordon chuckled at the exclamation. They were very heavy, but he knew the other man would get used to the weight. They practised what to do if water got in the mask in the shallow end of the pool.

"Ready to go under?" Gordon asked.

Dominic nodded, his previous hesitance gone, now only ready for the dive.


Post by ArtisticRainey on 14/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1961 is a reply to message #1955] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tracy Island, Tuesday, 27th March, 3.30 p.m.

Kat entered the laboratory where Brains and Tin-Tin were working.

"So, how did your flying lesson go?" Brains asked.

"Don't ask," Kat replied, sitting herself on the edge of the workbench. "I panicked and crashed the plane."

"Oh, I am sorry," Tin-Tin said. "Better luck next time."

"If there is a next time. Honestly, I just don't think I'm cut out to be a pilot."

"While we are all here together, let's decide on our code names." Brains looked at Tin-Tin and Kat

"What have you decided to call yourself, Brains?" Kat asked her boss.

"Well, I have decided to be called Einstein."

"Einstein!" Kat laughed.

"There's nothing wrong with Einstein," Brains said huffily

"No, there isn't anything wrong, except that when I hear the name Albert Einstein, all I can picture is an elderly, white haired man." And she giggled, causing Tin-Tin to laugh with her.

"Okay, then what do you want to be called?" Brains said, when the laughter had died down.

Kat thought for a moment. "Mm, when I was working with Virgil on the winch, we discussed code names, and I suggested I could be called mini grease monkey, or MGM for short. Virgil thought that was a good name."

Tin-Tin giggled and Brains snorted. "I'd say that fits you to a T, Kat." He turned to Tin-Tin. "Do you have one yet, Tin-Tin?"

"Yes, I believe I do. My name in Malaysian means Sweet, so I'll suggest that I use that as my code name," Tin-Tin replied

Brains called Mr Tracy on his communicator. "Mr Tracy, Kat, Tin-Tin and myself have decided on our code names. I would like to be known as Einstein, Kat has decided on MGM which stands for mini grease monkey, and Tin-Tin will be known as Sweet."

"Thanks, Brains," Jeff replied. "I will add those to the code names of the others.


Post by Tawnyangel22 on 15/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1970 is a reply to message #1961] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tuesday 27 March. 1.50pm. Tracy Island.

The dive went well -- for the first while. Gordon was wary, despite the apparent ability of the other. While floating under the clear waters of the pool, guiding Dominic's attempts to get the correct amount of air in the jacket went easily, the whole lesson was not fated to be so.

They floated down to the deepest part of the large pool, Gordon watching his pupil with quick eyes. Dominic seemed unaware of the intensity of the scrutiny as he carefully manoeuvred under the water, and Gordon was glad. He didn't know whether the dark haired man would be nervous or not. He seemed to be taking to it well, although Gordon was aware that this was the safe, warm pool down from the villa, not the dangerous, wind-swept expanse that the ocean could be. But they would get to it in time. For now, the basics needed to be mastered.

When it happened, Gordon immediately knew what was wrong.

Suddenly the whole lesson went awry, and Dominic darted to the surface, clutching at the mask. Gordon ascended as fast as he was able, and when he broke the surface he took off his mask as the other man swam to the side. Gordon followed.

Dominic was panting, his arms flung out onto the pool tiles, keeping him from slipping back under. He glanced over at Gordon and shook his head. Gordon could see a slight tremble in him.

"Mask...with water -" he panted, and Gordon nodded.

That was one thing he had hoped wouldn't happen; he had known people, that when their masks filled with water, even on the forth and fifth dives, they refused to go back under again. He hoped that it would not happen here.

"It's cool, Dom. Don't worry," he said, and the other man gave him a tight grin, his chin resting on the sun-warmed tiles.

They were silent for a moment as Dominic got his breath back, and Gordon began to prepare his 'you can do it - don't give up' speech. But before he could start, Dominic brought his arms back into the water and kicked off, beginning to tread.

"Can we go back down now?" he asked.

Gordon laughed with slight shock and pleasure, and nodded his head. This had never happened before. Surprises, sometimes, really were fun.


Post by ArtisticRainey on 16/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1975 is a reply to message #1970] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tuesday 27 March, 4:00pm,Tracy Island.

After training was completed for the day, Nikki settled down to watch some TV. She was flicking through the channels to find something interesting when a show caught her eye. It was a news report on their last rescue. Nikki listened to what Ned Cook had to say. He always had nothing but praises for the organisation ever since the boys rescued him and his colleague in New York. Nikki turned up the volume slightly.

"This is Ned Cook reporting on location from Mendoza, Argentina to give you the latest update of this troubled city. Not long ago, this city suffered from a terrible earthquake. Earlier, we were able to visit one of the hospitals to gain interviews from various patients who were rescued by the valiant International Rescue team. All the stories were extremely fascinating, but one struck me as very intriguing."

"One of the patients, who by request shall remain anonymous, told me, and I quote, 'Everything was falling around me. I tried to escape, but I wasn't moving fast enough for International Rescue. So they decided to things into their own hands. The next thing I saw was a fist flying toward my face'."

"Oh no." Nikki put her hand over her mouth. She didn't think her actions would get this far. She listened as Ned Cook continued.

"Now, as you may know, I was once rescued by that brave team and I know they would not attack someone for being slow. I had my suspicions about this particular patient. There was something about his story that wasn't right. So, using my brilliant reporter skills, I did some digging and found someone who could give us the truth as to what really happened. This is what I found out."

Nikki leaned forward as the picture on the screen switched from Ned Cook to someone else. The name on the screen said, "Juan".

"I tried to persuade my friend to leave his apartment, knowing full well that it wasn't safe anymore. He was only interested in the ice-skating finals." Juan rolled his eyes. "No amount of persuading would move him from his seat in front of the TV. I don't think International Rescue attacked him. Something must have hit him and his imagination ran wild. It wouldn't surprise me. That place was falling apart anyway."

Nikki turned off the TV and thought about what she just saw. She had to tell Jeff. Even if Ned Cook didn't believe the patient he interviewed, and Juan told his version of the story which would back up hers, he still had a right to know.

xxxx

Jeff looked up from the newspaper he was reading when Nikki entered the lounge.

"Mr Tracy, there's something I need to tell you."

Jeff put down his newspaper and signaled for Nikki to sit down on the couch, "So, what do you need to tell me?"

"I just saw a news report by Ned Cook on our last rescue. He interviewed that guy I punched." Nikki looked down briefly. "I know, it was wrong to hit that man, but he got violent and because of him, I dropped the hypospray. I couldn't think of any other way to get him out of that building. Now we could get into trouble because of me."

"We won't get into trouble because of it. We have agents who could make sure of that. What did Ned Cook have to say on the matter?"

"He didn't believe the story. Plus he interviewed someone named Juan, who claimed to be that guy's friend. He said that he tried to get Juan to leave, but he was glued to his TV. So Juan's story made his friend's sound like a lie, I guess," Nikki explained.

"To me, it sounds like, thanks to Ned Cook and Juan, this man's story won't get out of hand. But in future, try not to make it a habit of punching our rescue victims."

Nikki smiled. "I won't. Thanks for listening." She could have sworn she saw a bit of amusement in Jeff's eyes. Nikki stood up to leave. She stopped when she remembered something. "Oh. Mr Tracy? I thought of a code name for myself. But then, thinking it over, after punching out that guy, I don't know if it's appropriate now. It was always a nickname used by my elder brother and it's also a nickname for a nurse."

"What's the name?"

"Angel."

Jeff smiled. "I think it's a good name. I'll place it into the PDA." Nikki nodded and turned to leave, but turned back when
Jeff called her. "By the way, where did you learn to punch like that?"

"From the same person who gave me the nickname. My brother."


Post by Nikki-browneyes1 on 16/01/2005


Jeff heartbeat Dianne plain My IR:TNP OTP!
Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1977 is a reply to message #1975] Sat, 28 July 2012 21:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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Tracy Industries D.C. offices; Tuesday, March 27, 4 PM (9 AM March 28 on T. I.)

Lena returned from a meeting and, as she always did, checked for messages first. She was surprised and a little worried to see she had an email from Jeff. She thought it might have to do with an incident from a few days ago.

Leonard Peterson had emailed Tracy Industries I&M supervisors in other states, complaining about her and calling her presumptuous. He intimated that she was trying to grab assignments that should rightfully go to those with more experience and seniority. Two of the people who received the email informed her of it. They had communicated with her off and on during the years she had been with Tracy Industries, and knew her well enough not to believe what he had said. She'd replied, telling them the basic facts about what had happened and left it at that.

Considering the incident closed, she had forgotten about it. Now she realized that it wasn't. She opened the message and read:

Lena,

Word reached me that Leonard Peterson tried to make trouble for you. I had someone investigate the rumor, and found out what occurred. I have come to the conclusion, based on this and other reports about him, that he does not belong with Tracy Industries in any capacity, and he has been fired.

Now the problem is to find someone to replace him. You told me that some of his staff would be more than qualified, and I agree, having looked over their records. But I need someone to check them out personally, with an eye to how the staff would handle one of their own being promoted to their supervisor, and how that person would act toward his or her former peers. I believe you would have the insight and objectivity to do this. None of my employees there have that, so I'm asking you to go there for a few days and work with them, then give me your recommendations.

You would, of course, stay in the penthouse. If you wish to take some of your family with you and make it a working vacation, feel free to do so. The records of each of the employees are attached to this email. Look them over and, if you decide to accept, please let me know. I'll have the company jet fly you and your guests up and back.

Jeff Tracy


She opened the attachment and read the records. It seemed to her that there were two or three who had the qualifications and the seniority for the job, but she knew - as Jeff did - that more was needed for it. She smiled, as she realized it would be a new challenge, and one she began to feel eager to accept. She chuckled, thinking about Jeff's offer to let her bring some of her family with her. I'd love to take dem all, but I doubt even de Tracy penthouse could hold dem. And de place would never be de same. But, maybe . . . She began to make some calls.


Post by Hobbeth on 16/01/2005


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Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1981 is a reply to message #1977] Sat, 28 July 2012 22:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
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******Wednesday, March 28, 2068, 9 a.m.; aboard Thunderbird Five******

Callie was unable to sleep most of the night after what Jeff had discussed in the debriefing the night before. I've got to come up with a code name for myself, but I don't know what I can use.

After a good breakfast, she went into the lounge area and started writing down possible ideas. "CL? Seal? No way, that's definitely not going to work. I could try 'Crimson Tide'--or even better, 'Bear' for one of the most famous coaches of all time, Paul 'Bear' Bryant!"

She was excited about the idea and was about to contact Jeff when she suddenly stopped herself. "Wait a minute, I can't use that. I don't think everybody knows who Bear Bryant was, since he was the coach over a century ago. Guess that's out, too."

For the next couple of hours, she struggled to come up with a good codename. She wrote down at least 50 different names, including "Astro," "Comet," and "Sporty." Unfortunately, none of them worked, seeing as the majority of them sounded more like dog names. "Ugh, this is hopeless! How am I going to come up with an effective code name by Friday?"

Upstairs, John heard the commotion and took the elevator down to the lounge. "Callie, is everything okay?"

"No, John, it isn't, right now," she answered in what she felt was defeat. "I'm trying to come up with a code name for myself, but nothing's coming to me."

John frowned. He looked at the crumpled list she had thrown away. "Milky Way? Galaxian? Nebula?"

"It's all useless so far. I don't know how many more crazy ideas I can come up with. I even tried 'Telescope.'"

He shook his head. "Callie, you're trying too hard. This isn't if you'll pardon the expression rocket science. Nor is it something to get all anxious about." He took a good look at her, noticing the reddened, shadowed eyes. "You lost sleep over this, didn't you?"

She had the good grace to look sheepish. "Yeah. I did. I thought it was really important."

"It is important, yeah, but not that important." He gave a moment's thought about her problem and simply asked, "Callie, let me ask you something. Do you have a favorite constellation?"

"Yeah, Ursa Major, the Big Dipper. Why?" She gasped. "Of course, Dipper--no, Ursa. That's it! I could be Ursa! Why didn't that come to me beforehand?"

John smiled. "Like I said, you were trying too hard. Sometimes you have to go easy on yourself."

"Thanks, John. Now I can contact Mr. Tracy with my decision. Say, want me to give him yours, too?"

"Oh, um..." He started fiddling his fingers in nervousness. "I, uh...I haven't come up with one for myself."

"I don't know if the list is gonna be of any help, but feel free to look at it."

John looked at all the names and shook his head. "Sorry, but none of these names will work for me."

She looked at him and smiled. "John, you discovered the Tracy Quasar, right?"

"Yes, but--" He realized she had just helped him. "Callie, you're a genius! I could go by the code name Quasar."

"Then it's finally settled. We'll be Quasar and Ursa. I'll let your father know."

******11:15 a.m. in the Tracy Villa Lounge on Tracy Island******

Jeff sat quietly in the lounge. He was drinking a cup of coffee when he noticed the eyes in John's portrait flashing. "Go ahead, John." He saw Callie's face instead. "Oh, Callie. My apologies. What can I do for you?"

"Good news, sir. John and I finally came up with code names for ourselves. His will be Quasar, and mine will be Ursa."

"How fitting for the two up in space," Jeff said with a smile. "Very well. I'll place your code names into the PDA so I won't forget. Is there anything else?"

"No, sir, that's all. I'll be looking forward to coming back to the island next week."

"That's great because you'll be just in time for Scott's birthday on the 4th."

"We'll be looking forward to it, sir. Thunderbird Five out."


Post by TracyFan4Ever on 16/10/2004


Jeff heartbeat Dianne plain My IR:TNP OTP!
Re: Gear Up and Buckle Down [message #1984 is a reply to message #1981] Sat, 28 July 2012 22:19 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Tikatu is currently offline  Tikatu
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Wednesday, March 28, 2068, 1:30pm

Brandon sat on a rock, looking out over the ocean, the sun to his back. He had come to his quiet spot to contemplate and decide on a code name for himself. The first time he had found the place, it had been after a particularly hard rescue (that of Jeff and Elise). The area was untouched, the pristine sand undisturbed. He had stood looking out over the crystal blue ocean, letting the gentle sound of the waves relax him and taking in the scent of the tropical flowers. Afterwards, when he needed a place to think, he would always come to this, his special thinking spot.

Man I didn't realize it would be so hard to come with a code name. He mulled over several nicknames. Hotshot... No. Big shot... No way. Makes me sound conceited. After mentally going through the list, he closed his eyes shaking his head.

There's got to be something I can come up with. As he sat there thinking, a smile formed on his face. That's it!

Flashback

In the hangar, Aaron and Brandon stood side by side, folding their parachutes, neither one saying much. Finally Aaron broke the silence.

"Hey, Brandon thanks for saving my butt. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been there."

"No problem, friend. We both made it down safely and that's all that matters." Brandon continued folding his parachute, making sure it was done properly.

"So, Big Mac, when do we go up again?"

Brandon turned, looking at Aaron, a look of surprise on his face. Only then did he see the cheeky grin on his young friend's face and his expression changed to one of pride.

Laughing and ruffling Aaron's hair he replied, "How about same time next week? It's late and I think we've both had enough excitement for one day."

End Flashback

Jeff had finished putting the latest code name entry into his PDA and was ready to leave the lounge when he heard a voice saying, "Excuse me, sir."

"Hello, Brandon, what can I do for you?" he asked, motioning him to enter.

"Well Mr. Tracy, I've given my code name a lot of serious thought and finally came up with one."

"And it is...? Jeff queried, reaching for his PDA.

"I've decided on Big Mac, sir."

"Interesting code name," Jeff remarked softly as he entered the name. After doing so he asked Brandon if he needed anything else.
"No sir, there isn't."

"In that case, if you'll excuse me, I have some things I need to discuss with my wife and she does not like to be kept waiting."

"Sure thing, Mr. Tracy; let me give you a hand." Brandon handed Jeff his crutches and together they left the lounge.


Post by MagicMaster8 on 17/01/2005


Jeff heartbeat Dianne plain My IR:TNP OTP!

[Updated on: Sat, 28 July 2012 22:22]

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