International Rescue: The Next Phase


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Re: Learning The Ropes [message #684 is a reply to message #683] Tue, 24 July 2012 20:00 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Tikatu is currently offline  Tikatu
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Registered: April 2012
Location: South Carolina
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Field Commander
Ubiquitous one

Gordon strode over to where his colleague sat by the pool, and blocked the sun. "Okay, Big Mac, up and at 'em. There's more to International Rescue than just the rescues."

"What do you mean?" Brandon asked.

"Come on and I'll show you." Reluctantly, Brandon got up and followed Gordon.

Brandon sat before Thunderbird Four's controls. Part of his training involved checking the equipment and making sure all was in working order for the next rescue. He listened attentively as Gordon told him how to activate the diagnostics.

"Okay, go ahead and activate the system." Brandon nodded and pushed the buttons that activated the diagnostics. Gordon glanced at the readout and, satisfied with what he saw, showed Brandon the indicators of a properly working diagnostics program and what to look for in the read-out.

"While that's running, we'll check out the rest of the gear; make sure it's in good working order." Gordon went to the equipment locker, pulling out the air tanks and setting them aside to be refilled. Together the two men worked, making sure the masks didn't leak and the regulators functioned as they should.

"Very good, Brandon. Just a few more things to check, then we'll be finished."

"What else is there?" Brandon asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"Let's see, we have the trough lights, and the rudder. Then there's the external check for damage."

"And you've got to do this every time Thunderbird Four goes out?" Gordon nodded. "In that case, lead on, Gordon." Both men walked back to the pilot's chair. The diagnostics program was complete and both senior aquanaut and his colleague looked over the printout. Occasionally Gordon would point out something in the readout to Brandon, reinforcing what he had said to him earlier.

After checking all the gear, filling the air tanks and verifying everything was in proper working order, Gordon and Brandon began the external check of the sub.

"Brandon, now we need to check every square inch of Thunderbird Four. Pay special attention to the seams, as they were put under a great deal of stress during the rescue. We also need to check the underside of the sub, making sure there's no hidden problems."

"Gotcha, Gordon." Brandon turned, looking at the sub, then back at his teacher. "Do you expect me to check out the bottom hull? It's too low for me to crawl under there."

"Ah, sorry about that." Gordon went to a control panel and pushed a small button and Brandon watched as Thunderbird Four rose up on a hydraulic lift.

"I take that as a yes," Brandon said good naturedly as he walked under the sub. He slowly went from one end to the other, looking for the external signs of metal fatigue. After he was convinced that nothing was wrong with the metal, he turned his attention to the side of the sub, paying special attention to the seams. As Brandon did his inspection, he noticed slight dents in the hull but nothing that would be considered a hazard. He double checked to be sure and, when he was satisfied, he made his report to Gordon.

"That's not too bad, considering the beating she took." Gordon nodded, pleased with his colleague's assessment.

"Not bad, Brandon, not bad at all. Soon you'll be able to handle the post rescue equipment checks solo."

"Thanks, Gordon. That's good to know."

"Now that we're through..." Gordon went over and lowered the sub back down to its turntable. As he did so, he winced slightly. This did not get past Brandon's eagle eyes.

"Are you okay, Gordon?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little sore from the rescue."

"So, how did your check-up go?" Brandon asked casually.

Gordon sighed. "Not too good. I strained my back when we hit the water. Brains told me to take it easy for a while."

"That could be a problem in our line of work." Brandon shook his head then smiled at his friend. "How about we go sit in the Jacuzzi? That should help with the pain."

"Sounds good to me," Gordon replied.

Both men went to their rooms, changed and met at the Jacuzzi. Brandon entered first. Gordon followed, sitting down in the hot water, letting out a contented sigh of relief. About 15 minutes later Gordon stood up. "I'm feeling much better now, Brandon. I'm going to go swim a few laps. He stood up and headed for the pool.


Post by MagicMaster8 on 08/09/2004


Jeff heartbeat Dianne plain My IR:TNP OTP!
 
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