Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Dad! NOOOO!” Scott’s scream filled the airwaves as he watched the Zero-X explode before his very eyes, with his father aboard. The anguish, heartbreak and devastation was clearly audible in his voice as he attempted to make sense of what had just happened, but his mind refused to accept it. “D – dad…” he whimpered, as he stared at the slowly disappearing smoke where the Zero-X had been mere seconds before. “Dad…”

There was nothing left of the Zero-X; it had been totally vapourised. No wreckage, no body, nothing.

Voices were shouting at him but he was oblivious; his eyes were glued to the now empty sky where his father had been aboard the Zero-X. “Dad…” he whispered again. He wasn’t crying though, he was in too much shock, it still hadn’t sunk in that his father, the great Jefferson Grant Tracy was dead. His body vapourised along with the craft.

Colonel Casey was shouting at him, trying to bring him back out of his shock. “Thunderbird 1, respond! Thunderbird 1 do you copy? SCOTT respond!” The voice continued until finally it broke through the wall of pain and anguish. “Commander! Respond!”

Scott blinked several times and swallowed convulsively. “Thun – Thunderbird 1 responding,” he finally managed to get out. His voice was hollow, harsh, as if he had a throat full of rusty nails tearing it apart.

“Scott,” Val said very gently yet firmly, “return to base, there’s nothing you can do. I’m sorry… sorry for your loss.”

“No! I – I need to search… he can’t be…” He switched channels, his voice still raw but determined. “Thunderbird 1 to Thunderbird 5… John, begin detailed scan and search of the immediate area, see what you can find.”

“Sc – Scott…” John’s voice was quietly subdued as he replied. He’d seen the whole horror on his scanners. There was absolutely nothing left. He didn’t think it would be possible for a craft to vapourise into absolutely nothing, leaving no trace, but he’d seen it. There’d been an odd spike which he put down to the actual explosion of the Zero-X and then… nothing… no falling wreckage, no body… nothing, apart from the escape pod that carried The Hood, which the GDF were tracking. “There’s no – nothing left… dad’s gone!”

“No! I won’t believe that!” Scott shouted back. “Initiate search, John! Now! We have to find him!”

John took a huge breath, held it and let it out slowly. He knew it would not be wise to argue with Scott with his brother’s current state of mind. He’d been right there, on the scene, helpless to do anything and if he knew his brother, he was already blaming himself for the tragedy; that it should have been him and not his father that went across to the Zero-X to confront The Hood, but if he had, then… John felt the tears sting. Oh God, what are we going to do now? The family, International Rescue, Tracy Industries, the GDF…

The astronaut shuddered. Once before, Scott had had to take responsibility for the family when their mother and grandfather had been killed, and their father and grandmother had disappeared in their grief. He’d been twelve… TWELVE! He’d stopped being a child and turned into an adult and attempted to hold the family together. He never got to do all the things a teenager would normally do; he’d lost opportunities with his running; his baseball. John really believed Scott could have made it to the Olympics with his running, but it all went down the drain as he tried to raise his younger brothers single-handedly and it had almost killed him.

The shame still lingered that as the immediate younger brother John hadn’t done much to help him in the first six months; caught up in his own grief; not until in the very early hours of a summer morning, when he had awoken and gone to get a drink from the kitchen. He had passed Scott’s bedroom door. It had been slightly ajar and he had heard mumbling. Not wanting to intrude but curious about who he could be talking to, he had pressed his ear to the crack in the door and heard the sobbing, and Scott pleading quietly for help because he couldn’t cope any more; he was so tired, keeping them all in hand without much help; tired of fighting to keep Child Protection Services away from their door; of making excuse after excuse for their father’s absence. But it had been the final three words that had broken John’s heart again and given him the resolve to help his eldest brother going forward, for Scott had sobbed, “Mom… help me…”

Then it had gone very quiet, and John had cautiously pushed the door open and in the moonlight shining through the huge windows he saw his brother collapsed on his bed, total exhaustion having overtaken him. Concerned, John had entered the room, grabbed a blanket and covered him over, then knelt by the bedside and gently carded his fingers through Scott’s hair.

“I’m sorry, Scotty,” John had whispered quietly, “I’ll help you from now on, I promise. We’ll all try to help you. You don’t have to do this alone anymore…” He savagely wiped the tears from his own eyes before leaning over and placing a gentle kiss on his brother’s temple. “I’m sorry we let you down, it won’t happen again, big brother.”

John had been as good as his word and took over the responsibility of getting his brothers up, washed, dressed, fed and even done their lunches for school. Scott had stood open mouthed at the kitchen. The two eldest locked eyes and John saw the unshed tears of thanks and also for the first time how thin and drawn Scott was; the dark shadows under his eyes and he knew it couldn’t go on like this.

He suggested calling their grandmother, but Scott shook his head, saying they could manage a while longer and that she still needed to come to terms with her loss, and silently John wondered about Scott’s grief. Apart from that one night when he had eavesdropped on the silent plea for help, he had never seen him openly cry or show any form of grief, apart from the pain that seemed to be constantly visible in his eyes.

So they had battled on alone for another four months until one morning, John had heard a loud thumping noise, Alan screaming in fright and had rushed out of his room to find Scott lying in a heap at the bottom of the stairs and little Alan bawling his eyes out, shaking Scott’s arm in an effort to make him wake up.

Heart in his mouth, John ran down the stairs, screaming for Virgil. He leapt over Scott’s crumpled body, and pulled Alan away. “Alan, Alan, listen to me! I need you to get Virgil! Tell him something’s wrong with Scott… can you do that?”

“Sc – Scotty’s dead!” Alan wailed. “Scotty! Scotty wake up! Please wake up!”

John quickly grabbed one of Scott’s wrists and felt a pulse, but it was weak and thready. “It’s all right Alan, Scotty’s alive, but he needs help, so please go and get Virgil.” He stood, lifted Alan onto the stairs and urged him on.

The little boy went running up the stairs, screaming at the top of his lungs. “Virgil! Virgil! Scotty’s bleeding! Virgil!”

His screams caused Gordon to appear. Their ray of sunshine frowned as Alan ran by, then looked down the stairs at the scene below and the colour left his face. John was on the phone to their grandmother asking what to do. The phone was on speaker.

“Whatever you do, don’t move him, John, just in case of broken bones. Show him to me.”

John did as he was told and Sally did her best to access Scott’s condition. She was concerned about his colour, he looked grey. There was blood seeping quite freely from a cut on his head and she frowned. Her grandson looked so thin and drawn.

“Can you check he’s breathing for me, John?”

The boy held his fingers just under Scott’s nose. “Yes, he’s breathing, but his pulse is thready and weak,” he replied.

“How does he feel temperature wise?”

“Cold.”

“I’m on my way. Now, get the first aid kit, try and stem the bleeding from that cut, and cover him with a blanket, but as I said, under no account move him, just in case of a spinal injury. Call for an ambulance. If Scott regains consciousness, don’t let him move or get up. He needs to be assessed. Now, where’s your father?”

John looked uncomfortable.

“John?” Sally prompted.

“I don’t know. We haven’t seen him for weeks.”

Sally felt the anger well up, but now was not the time. John needed to call an ambulance. She would take care of her absent son. “I see,” was all she replied. “I’ll sign off now so you can call the ambulance. I’ll see you shortly.”

John looked up as Gordon suddenly appeared with the first aid kit. “I heard what grandma said,” he offered seriously. “Is Scotty going to be okay?”

“I’m sure he will be,” John tried to reassure him as he called for an ambulance and explained the situation.

“Where are your parents, son?” the operator asked.

John’s mind leapt into overdrive. He couldn’t tell them the absolute truth, or the CPS would be called in, so he… exaggerated. “Our mom’s dead, and our dad had to leave for the office early today,” he said crossing his fingers. “Our grandma’s on her way over.”

“Okay… the ambulance should be with you shortly. You’re doing a good job there. Just keep your brother warm. I’ll stay on the line with you until the paramedics get there.”

“Thank you.”

He glanced up to the top of the stairs and saw Virgil with Alan sobbing in his arms and watched as his younger brother’s eyes grew wide and he bit his lip. There was guilt showing and John realised that he too was now feeling remorse that he hadn’t done more to help the eldest.

Averting his eyes, he saw that Gordon had unwrapped some gauze and was pressing it firmly against the cut on Scott’s forehead. “Is this right, John?” Gordon asked quietly.

“Yes, you’re doing fine,” John replied, giving him a slight smile.

By now, Virgil had come down the stairs with Alan still in his arms, and made his way to the front door to await the arrival of the ambulance.

A siren was heard a few minutes later and an ambulance screeched to a halt. Two paramedics leapt out with their kit and ran into the house as John confirmed to the operative on the other end of the phone that they had arrived and they signed off.

“Okay kids, please would you give us some room to work?”

The children moved out of the way so the paramedics could take over and watched in concern as they examined their eldest brother to ensure there were no broken bones, then they carefully fitted a neck brace, lined him up on a back board and placed him on his back, stretching his limbs out straight. Scott didn’t even stir.

One of the paramedics frowned as they placed an IV in Scott’s arm, at how thin he was and the two of them glanced at one another, before turning to smile reassuringly at the remaining children, who looked to be in a much better condition.

“How is he?” John asked.

“He has a concussion. There doesn’t appear to be any broken bones, but we’re taking precautions as he’s fallen down the stairs. Did any of you see it happen?”

“No,” John replied. “I was in my bedroom, when I heard the thump and then our youngest brother started screaming and I rushed out and saw Scott at the bottom of the stairs.”

“Okay, I guess the only person who an tell us then, is Scott himself. Does he have any health issues? He looks very thin.”

“He’s been doing a lot of worrying lately, about us. We lost our mom a few months back…” John’s voice trailed off.

“It’s okay, I understand. Now we can only take one of you with us, if any of you want to go.”

“Virgil, you go with Scott. I’ll stay here with the others until grandma gets here, then we’ll all come to the hospital.”

“Okay, John.”

Their grandmother had been horrified when she had finally set eyes on her eldest grandson. He was malnourished and had collapsed from sheer exhaustion. Having wheedled all the information from John and the confession that they hadn’t really seen their father for over ten months, she had got straight on the phone to him; interrupted an important business meeting and told him to get his butt to the hospital immediately as his eldest was unconscious with a concussion, bruising and suffering malnutrition after collapsing and falling down the stairs.

Jeff arrived just over an hour later and his mother had dragged him in to see the state of his eldest son, then demanded an explanation for which Jeff had nothing to say. The lecture he had received from his mother made him feel like he was ten again. It stung and it hurt. Words like disappointed, neglect, negligence made him wince and he apologised.

“Don’t apologise to me Jefferson Tracy!” she had snapped. “Apologise to your children! And especially to Scott! I am so angry at this moment, but… I too have to take some of the blame. I deserted them in my grief as well. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

And now… now it was happening all over again but there was going to be even more pressure on Scott with the added responsibilities of International Rescue and Tracy Industries. Their eldest brother was going to need all the help he could get.

John brought himself back to the present. He worked to set up an algorithm to carry out as detailed a search as was possible, then diverted all calls to the GDF. As of now, International Rescue was offline until they figured out what they were going to do. Taking a deep breath, he told Scott what he had done. Of course big brother had tried to argue, but they weren’t in a fit state to take on anything at this moment, especially if Scott wanted to continue the search for their father and any wreckage, so he finally agreed.

John told him to return to base… this news was something they had to deliver in person. Not over a radio. Tasks done, the astronaut got into the space elevator and headed home himself.

Scott didn’t even remember the flight home to the island. One moment he had been over the danger zone and the next, Tracy Island was contacting him and giving him clearance to land.

Post-flight checks were carried out on automatic and then he just sat in the pilot’s chair; his mind numb. It had been a nightmare, it had to be! He turned his head to glance behind, expecting to see his father getting up out of the seat but of course it was empty. The chair blurred in front of his eyes and he fought to hold the tears back, but failed.

Oh God, please… please let us find him… I can’t do this again… not on my own… I can’t look after the family, International Rescue and Tracy Industries alone… it’s too much and I’m not ready

His comms crackled into life. “Hey Scott, what’s keeping you and dad?” It was Virgil.

Scott lurched out of his chair and slammed a fist against the bulkhead. That hurt… a LOT, but it did what it needed to do; it grounded him once again. Having pain to distract his thoughts was a blessing. Using his undamaged hand, he savagely wiped his tears away and set his jaw. He was the head of the family for the moment, he had to be strong for them, support them through this time of uncertainty.

“Scott?” came Virgil’s voice again.

Taking a huge breath to steady himself, Scott practiced the reply to ensure his voice was firm. It took him two attempts before he activated his comms and responded. Then he took a final look around the cockpit of his ’bird and made his way to the lounge.

John had gathered everyone there; all his brothers, Brains, Kayo and her father Kyrano and told them all to sit. This was enough to raise feelings of concern, then Scott appeared as the wall swung him round into the lounge and he froze.

“Where’s dad?” Alan asked innocently and Scott felt something grip his heart and squeeze it tight.

His mouth opened and closed and John, seeing his older brother struggling, went to stand beside him, hoping his physical presence would give him the strength to give them the tragic news, then placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently, as if to say ‘you can do this, Scott’.

Scott cleared his throat. He didn’t want to look at any of his brothers, or the rest of the family, but he forced himself to. He’d done it before in his albeit brief career in the Air Force, now he called upon that inner strength again. He swallowed convulsively, then began speaking.

“As you know, The Hood stole the Zero-X and dad and I went to get it back. The Hood didn’t know what he was doing; the Zero-X’s engines were becoming unstable and if we didn’t take back control then it would explode and probably take half the earth’s atmosphere with it.

“I went to board her, but dad overruled me and told me to take the controls of 1 instead. I protested, but he told me not to argue, and he was gone. We kept comms open… I won’t go into the conversation dad had with The Hood, but there was a scuffle and The Hood managed to gain access to the escape pod and eject. Dad attempted to get the Zero-X back under control but…” he paused as he gathered the strength to continue.

“But?” Gordon prompted.

There wasn’t a easy way of saying it. So he came straight out with it. “The Zero-X exploded,” Scott said quietly.

He saw Kayo’s hand go to her mouth and Kyrano’s lips tighten.

“So he’s been injured?” Alan queried. “How badly? He’s in hospital, right? That’s why he’s not here and—”

“Alan, stop,” Scott pleaded.

“Then what are you saying?” The youngest’s voice was rising as the look of anguish on both Scott and John’s faces were raising alarm bells.

Scott was saved by saying the actual words by Virgil. “You’re trying to tell us he’s dead, aren’t you?” the middle brother said in a whisper.

“What?! No! Say it’s not true, Scott! Say it!”

Scott almost broke at that point. “I’m s – s – sorry, Alan.”

“NO! I don’t believe you!” Alan screamed at him. “You’re lying! Why didn’t you save him! Why, Scott? Why did you let him die!”

Virgil watched as Scott flinched violently at Alan’s outburst. Around the lounge there were gasps of disbelief, horror, grief. Kayo began sobbing and her father put his arms around her in an effort to console her.

Virgil moved to put his arms around Alan, who pushed him off. “I hate you!” he screamed at his eldest brother. “I hate you! You should have saved him!” He burst into tears and Virgil’s arms closed around him, holding him in a tight bear hug, trying to console him.

John was aware of Scott taking a step back and straightening up to his full height. Under his hand he could feel his older brother trembling, before he pulled himself away and walked ramrod straight out of the lounge, down to the pool, then along the path to the beach.

The second eldest felt a knife in his heart. He knew Alan didn’t mean what he said, it was the grief talking, but he knew Scott was already blaming himself for what had happened and those words had simply added fuel to the fire. They desperately needed one another now, more than ever. If Scott broke, they would be done for.

“Effective immediately, International Rescue operations are suspended indefinitely,” John said, finishing off what Scott had meant to say next. “We need to go and see grandma in person and tell her, then bring her back here to the island. We need one another more than ever. You should know, Scott ordered me to initiate a search for dad, despite there being nothing left.”

Gordon pulled himself together. “What do you mean, nothing left? Surely there’s wreckage; a… a body?”

“The Zero-X was vapourised. There’s nothing left. Nothing.”

“B – b – but t – that’s not p – p – possible,” Brains began. “There should be some residue left. There is no way it could totally disintegrate without leaving some form of evidence behind. I w – would suggest w – w -widening the s – search area, John. The s – s – speed the Zero-X was t – t – travelling means the debris could be s – s – spread f – further afield than you think.”

“You… you mean dad could still be—” Alan began.

“Let’s not jump to any conclusions, Alan,” Virgil said gently. “First things first, we need to get grandma before she finds out some other way…” his voice trailed off as he glanced towards the beach, “… and we need to make sure Scott is all right.”

Alan straightened up, red eyed, tear streaks down his face. “I – I didn’t mean what I said,” he suddenly wailed. “I – I was just so upset. Do… do you think he’s all right? He won’t do… do anything stupid will he? I – I can’t lose him too, I just can’t!”

John and Virgil exchanged glances, then the middle brother motioned to Gordon to take his younger brother. “I’ll go and find him,” he said. “In the meantime, prepare Tracy One and when I get back, I’ll go and get grandma.”

“FAB,” John responded.

Virgil heaved a huge sigh to psych himself up for the next conversation. None of them could let the situation get as bad as it had last time. This time they were all old enough to help the eldest hold them and the business together. Scott didn’t have to do it all on his own.

Kyrano disappeared to make some camomile tea and to give himself something to do. He would not believe that his dearest friend, the man whose life he had saved and in turn had saved him and his daughter, was dead. He didn’t feel it within, so it couldn’t be true.

In the lounge, John watched Virgil’s measured steps as he went to follow and find his eldest brother.

Chapter Text

He took some finding. In fact, it took so long that John flew out to fetch Sally from the mainland. Thunderbird 5’s sensors had been unable to locate Scott. He had removed his comms from his wrist and dropped it on one of the loungers by the pool clearly indicating that he wished to be left alone, but Virgil wouldn’t risk that. Nine years ago they had almost lost their eldest brother and he wasn’t going to risk any chance of that happening again.

Virgil thanked whatever deity that his brother had headed towards the beach and not up the cliff path. In his present state of mind, he wasn’t quite sure what Scott would do but he hoped his deeply ingrained responsibility for looking out for his brothers would curb any self-destructive action.

For now, Virgil just wanted to make sure his brother was all right. He knew Alan’s words would have cut him to the core, for Scott loved all his brothers, especially Alan, who he had practically raised single-handedly when their father had disappeared for a few months nine years ago after the avalanche. Hell, Alan had even called him ‘dad’ for a while, until Jeff had returned home.

Scott wasn’t in his usual brooding place, or the other three that he had been known to frequent. Frustrated, Virgil was about to ask if John would go and collect their grandma when he saw Tracy One leave the island. Well, that’s taken care of that problem, he thought, as he back tracked and headed to the last place he could think of that was vaguely in the direction Scott had taken. Now all I need to do is take care of mine…

He walked along the beach then turned inland, up a very narrow path towards Scott’s ‘secret’ haven, a collapsed lava tube and cave that he had single-handedly transformed to create a green hideaway complete with a small hut, a pool and a cave. It even had solar panels to provide light and electricity for when he decided to stay there overnight. All the boys had a ‘secret’ haven spread out over the island that none of the other brothers invaded unless there was an emergency, or if they were extremely worried about them.

It took him 17 minutes to get there, but eventually he reached it, and carefully peered down into the collapsed tube. It had been ages since Virgil had last seen it, and it had improved one hundred fold, with the vegetation having taken a good hold. The pool was very full, and was in fact just starting to overflow over the barrier Scott had erected at the far end, to flow down the covered part of the tube to the sea.

Scott, Virgil observed, was swimming butt naked in the pool. He was the best swimmer after Gordon and had a mean freestyle, with an excellent technique and was swimming lengths as if his life depended on it. He sighed heavily. All signs pointed to a very upset Scott, going by the speed he was swimming as he vented his anger and grief on the water.

Having four brothers meant none of them were shy of their bodies. Hell, Scott had done his fair share of changing diapers on all of them apart from John, who was only 18 months younger than him and shared bathrooms meant one or other of them was always coming and going, often without any clothes on. Although the youngest two were still growing, they were all fit; the eldest two were lithe with lean muscle, Virgil had gone down more of the bulky muscle training, but that was because of his job with International Rescue. Gordon was slightly stocky and it looked like Alan was going to be an image of John and be a similar height, which would make Gordon the shortest at just under six feet.

Virgil made his way down the uneven, rocky steps into the bottom of the lava tube and stood on what was referred to as the ‘patio’ by the water’s edge and watched his brother swimming. His technique wasn’t as smooth today which indicated his mood and Virgil waited for him to turn at the end of the pool and start on his return journey before he knew he would spot him.

Sure enough a few breaths later and Scott suddenly stopped mid-stroke as he spied his younger brother standing on the edge, arms folded across the muscular chest. As he began to breaststroke over, Virgil disappeared into the little hut, went to the fridge and retrieved a couple of beers before returning to the pool side.

“What are you doing here?” Scott asked coldly. He looked up at the beer Virgil was waving at him, sighed and pulled himself out to sit on the side before taking the offered drink. “Thanks,” he mumbled as Virgil sat down next to him and took a swig of his own beer. Scott’s nakedness did not phase him whatsoever.

They sat in silence for a number of minutes, then Virgil spoke. “You know he didn’t mean it, right?” he asked him softly.

The only response he got was the sharp twitch of the muscle in his jaw and Virgil knew that Alan’s remark, no matter how unintentional had hurt him deeply.

Scott took a long draught of his beer. “It should have been me, not him,” he finally replied in a whisper and Virgil sighed. “It’s my fault. I should have stopped him and gone in his place. What do any of us know about running Tracy Industries, Virg? When word gets out, the shares will tumble, the board will be at me… I know they think I’m not capable of carrying out the CEO duties… then there’s Alan and Gordon’s guardianship if dad is declared dead, there’s International Rescue, the family… how did he do it all?”

Virgil hated to add to the list, but had to say it. “The first thing you need to do after John gets back here with grandma, is call Brent Goodman, dad’s lawyer and let him know what’s happened. I’m assuming dad will have left instructions with him in the event of…” he couldn’t finish the sentence.

“He’s not dead!” Scott snapped, rubbing his forehead with his left hand as if to push away a developing headache. “He’s not! He can’t be…”

“Scotty… I know this is hard but… there was nothing left.”

“Just shut up, Virgil! You heard what Brains said… there had to be some residue if it had vapourised… we’re looking in the wrong place, that’s all!”

Scott sounded desperate and he knew it; clutching at straws, and the flimsiest of life lines for a chance that their dad was still alive somewhere out there.

“I need to get back into Thunderbird 1 and continue the search. Every second counts…”

Virgil closed his eyes in despair. This was going to be so much harder than he thought. “The GDF are looking, aren’t they? They’ll let us know if they find anything.”

There was a scoff from his brother. “The GDF…” he muttered. “What do they know anyway.” He paused. “I need to go fetch grandma,” he said, knocking back the remainder of his beer and standing up.

“John’s gone to fetch her,” Virgil replied evenly. He was beginning to develop his own headache. An upset eldest brother was a real handful to control and reason with. “Scotty, sit down and just take a few minutes.” He grabbed his hand and tried to pull him down, but he jerked himself free, put the bottle down on a convenient boulder and grabbed his clothes.

Virgil studied him, purely from an artistic perspective to try and give himself a break from their current situation. All the brothers were incredibly good looking although the youngest two were yet to mature, but his older two were something else. John was the redhead, slimmer than Scott, still muscled, but his face was beautifully angular and sharply chiselled with those cerulean-turquoise blue eyes that reminded Virgil of shallow seas, whereas Scott possessed rich brown hair with hints of red that framed softer features, but he still possessed that firm jaw, and those weapons of mass destruction in his cheeks, along with those incredible blue eyes that changed shade depending on his mood. They could be almost grey-blue like their father’s all the way through to cobalt, or even ultramarine and his eyelashes were criminally long for a man.

Either one of them could dress the cover of a fashion magazine and in fact Scott had featured on the cover of a couple of women’s magazines with the question of ‘Is Scott Tracy the world’s most eligible bachelor’, which he had absolutely hated.

Virgil always discounted himself, but he was no ugly duckling either. That thick mass of black hair, melting chocolate brown eyes that saw so much, dimpled chin, height and those muscles meant that he too turned plenty of heads. With the three of them all being well over six feet in height, when they went out together, they never failed to attract attention.

“Are you coming? Or are you going to sit there all day?” Scott’s voice broke into his thoughts.

Virgil’s eyes refocused on his brother to see that he was now dressed. Necking the rest of his own beer, he nodded and stood up. Scott placed the two bottles in a bin near the hut and they set off back to the villa, but he paused at the steps when they got there. He had to face Alan and he didn’t want to; not if his youngest brother was going to hurl more abuse at him.

Virgil placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “It’ll be all right, Scott,” he said softly. “I’ve got your back.” He received a brief watery smile then watched as his brother straightened up, put his shoulders back and began walking up the steps to the villa.

Inside, Gordon saw them approaching. “It’s Virgil and Scott,” he said softly to Alan.

The youngest looked guilt stricken. “Wh – what does Scott look like?” he asked. “Is he all right?”

“He’s um … looked better,” Gordon replied truthfully, then wished he hadn’t said that, as fresh tears appeared in Alan’s eyes.

Scott paused on the threshold of the lounge, the muscle in his jaw twitching repeatedly and he found he couldn’t enter the room, especially with Alan staring at him, red eyed and bottom lip trembling.

It looked like they were at a stale mate, then Scott finally grew a pair and started to speak. “Alan—”

“Scotty!” the youngest shouted at the same time as he flew across the room and threw himself at the eldest. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it! Truly I didn’t! Please forgive me, please!”

Scott closed his eyes as his arms automatically enfolded Alan in a tight hug. “It – it’s all right, sprout,” he managed. “You were upset.” He swallowed the enormous lump in his throat as the youngster squeezed him as tight as he was able.

“I didn’t mean it, honest,” he repeated, “I … it was the shock… I love you, Scotty, truly I do!”

Scott closed his eyes tightly to stop the tears spilling out. He had to hold it together, he just had to; they couldn’t see that he was broken. “An – and I love you too, Allie,” he mumbled back, continuing to hold him tightly, but he lifted one arm to include Gordon, who also threw himself into the hug, then Virgil joined in and they shared a long group one.

“John’s gone to get grandma,” Gordon finally said, looking up at the eldest.

“Okay,” Scott replied. “We need to make sure her room is ready. I can’t remember if the bed is made up or not, so let’s get to it, and do a bit of tidying up,” Scott said gently.

With the speed that Tracy one was capable of, the round trip would take about four hours, so the brothers kept busy and the villa was spotlessly clean by the time John came back over the comms asking for permission to land.

“You’re clear to land, Tracy One,” Scott replied. “Wind speed 11.3 knots, sou’ sou’ west.”

“Copy that, coming into land now.”

Several minutes passed as the jet taxied into the hanger, post-flight checks were carried out and then John and Sally arrived in the elevator. Scott knew by the red eyes and the look of devastation on their grandmother’s face that John had already broken the news.

“Grandma!” Alan and Gordon cried as they flung themselves at her for a comforting hug.

“How are you, boys?” she asked, but she was looking at Virgil and Scott.

“Not… good,” Virgil replied. “I think we’re all still in shock.”

It was at that point that Kyrano arrived with soothing tea for everyone and some sandwiches that he had made. Kayo arrived back as well, and Sally drew her in for a hug. Brains was hiding away in his lab again and they decided to let him stay there for a little while, until they had sorted out what needed to be done, but there was no way they were going to let him hide away alone. The news had to have affected him just as much.

“As soon as it’s daylight I’m going back out there,” Scott said firmly.

“John’s altered the algorithm for the search area,” Gordon told him quietly. “An alarm will go off should the sensors find anything.”

Sally took a deep breath and pulled herself together. Her grandsons needed her. “The first thing we are all going to do, is eat something and drink the tea that Kyrano has so kindly provided. Once we’ve done that, we must contact Brent Goodman. Your father set out instructions should he disappear or…” she couldn’t finish that particular sentence, “…and that will include what to do about Tracy Industries.” She paused and her eyes settled on Scott. “Scotty, you will step up as temporary CEO; John has already informed me that International Rescue operations have been suspended indefinitely. Everyone will need to do their part.” She looked round at them all. “I don’t want a repeat of what happened last time, is that clear?”

The brothers all stared at Scott who looked very uncomfortable.

“Now, come on, eat something. I know you probably don’t want to, but it’s important you do. Sit down everyone, and that includes you, Kyrano. It’s got to have been a big shock for you too. Join us, you’re part of our family.”

Meal finished, Scott and Sally disappeared into Jeff’s office to make the call to Brent Goodman. Scott had paused at the doorway, but Sally, guessing at what was going through his mind, had taken hold of his arm and gently encouraged him with some comforting words, to go in. It seemed so wrong to sit at his father’s desk, but Sally didn’t give him any choice.

It took him a few minutes to compose himself and then he took a deep breath and made the call.

Brent Goodman hid his surprise well at seeing Scott and Sally appear on his call, but he frowned on seeing the tightness in their faces.

“Scott, Mrs Tracy, this is a… surprise,” he said. He was going to say ‘pleasant’ but the expression on their faces made him drop that word, but like a typical lawyer he got straight to the point. “What’s happened?” he asked and his frown grew as he saw the pained expression cross Scott’s face.

“It’s—” Jeff’s eldest stopped and cleared his throat. “It’s dad,” he finally managed to get out.

Brent leant forward in his chair. “Tell me.”

“Dad’s… missing and we… have to… to assume the worst.”

“What!? How?”

Scott shook his head. “I can’t… I can’t…” He was aware of his grandmother squeezing his shoulder in reassurance.

“An aircraft exploded with my son on board,” Sally said remarkably calmly. She gave Scott’s shoulders another squeeze as she felt him slump slightly.

“Oh my God!” Brent exclaimed.

“We have to accept worst case scenario at least for the moment,” Sally continued. “We need to protect Tracy Industries. The search is continuing, but it’s not looking good. Last will and testament must wait until… if Jeff is declared legally dead, but we need to know his instructions with regard to the business; we can’t leave it hanging in limbo.”

Brent nodded in understanding. “If there is no evidence to suggest…” He took a large breath and let it out sharply. “If needs must, Jeff can be declared legally dead… I’m sorry to be blunt, Scott,” he said as he saw the him flinch, “…after six months. You’re right, Mrs Tracy, we can’t leave the business alone that long. As it is, when word gets out, the company shares will take a hammering. I will need both of you to attend the New York office as soon as possible. I have to go through some documentation and you will both need to sign some paperwork—e-signatures will not suffice in this instance. I know this is a difficult time for the entire family, but when do you think you can get to New York? Let’s see, New York is 17 hours behind. Can you be here for 10:30 on the 7th?”

“We can do that,” Sally replied.

Brent nodded. “Very well, we will convene then in Jeff’s office. I’m sorry for your… possible loss and I hope there will be good news.”

Sally thanked him, then they signed off.

“I’m sor – sorry grandma,” Scott mumbled. “I let you down.”

She hugged him tightly. “Never, Scotty. I know this is incredibly difficult for you, but we’ll get through it together.” She straightened up. “We’ll pack a bag and leave first thing in the morning, that will give us time to recover before the meeting the following day. It’s going to be a difficult time for all of us and I’m afraid you are going to come under close scrutiny and be subjected to a lot of pressure, but we will all support you. You don’t have to do this alone, okay kiddo?”

“Yes, grandma.”

It hadn’t even really started yet but Scott was already feeling the pressure. He wasn’t sure what was going to be the biggest fight; the board of Tracy Industries, the GDF trying to get their hands on the Thunderbirds, what to do about International Rescue, or trying to become legal guardian of the youngest two. All four of them were huge and the young pilot felt physically sick as he thought about them. Sure, he’d accompanied Jeff Tracy to numerous board meetings, social functions and meetings with the GDF but all of those meetings his father had been in control. Scott had been there to observe and learn and discuss them in depth after the event. Now all eyes would be on him; would he be found wanting?

“Scotty, breathe,” Sally said to him, breaking him out of his reverie. “I have every confidence in you and you’re going to make me so very proud. You’re a Tracy and you’re a chip off the old block, as Parker would say. You are your father’s son.”

At that precise moment, he didn’t feel like it. He felt like a frightened little boy about to go and face his darkest nightmares and that caused the bile to rise. Oh God, no! Not in front of grandma!

She saw his skin starting to pale and go that tell-tale shade of green. Sally said nothing, but simply shoved him towards the door and he legged it to his bathroom before he made a total fool of himself.

He nearly flattened Virgil in his haste, causing the younger brother to jump back out of the way, and his worried glance following him as he disappeared into his bedroom. Concerned, Virgil went after him, and heard him heaving into the toilet bowl.

Not saying a word, the younger man went into the ensuite bathroom, knelt down by his brother’s side and simply rubbed Scott’s back in gentle circles, ignoring the trembling he felt beneath his hand.

“It’s okay bro, I’ve got you,” Virgil whispered as he continued to rub Scott’s back,. His brother was breathing heavily and began to tremble more violently and he realised that delayed shock was setting in.

Scott heaved a few more times, but nothing came up and he partially collapsed onto the floor. Virgil continued to support him until he was satisfied that he wasn’t going to be sick anymore and got up to get him a drink of water, cradling his head against his chest as he helped him take a few sips.

They stayed as they were for a few minutes, then Virgil took the glass away, placing it on the shelf by the wash basin and returned to heave Scott as gently as possible to his feet. He guided him back into his bedroom and onto the bed, lifting his feet and removing his shoes.

Scott went to get up, but Virgil sat down beside him and held him down. “I – I can’t Virg… so much to do…”

“It can wait a couple of hours, Scott.”

“I – I have to pack… going to New York tomorrow with grandma.”

Virgil continued to hold him down. “It won’t take long to pack. You need to rest for a couple of hours.” He gently carded his fingers through his brother’s hair, trying to soothe him.

Scott was still breathing heavily, still trembling, his blue eyes fixed on Virgil’s face as the younger began to softly hum the lullaby that their mother used to sing to them when they were children. Virgil watched his eyes widen initially, then the breathing began to ease, and his eyelids grew heavier as he finally succumbed. Fingers continued to comb gently through his hair until the younger man was convinced that Scott had finally fallen asleep, then he carefully rose to his feet, placed a blanket over his brother’s still form and moved round to the other side of the huge super-king-sized bed and carefully manoeuvred himself onto it, laying a protective arm across his brother’s waist.

“I’ve got you, Scotty,” he whispered quietly as he placed a gentle kiss on his temple.

Chapter Text

It was very late in the evening when Scott stirred. He’d managed to sleep for approximately four hours for which Virgil was thankful, but he knew he needed much, much more, with what the next few weeks or months were going to bring.

During that time, both John and Sally had poked their heads round the door and quietly backed out again to make sure the youngest two kept the noise down

It was the sudden sharp intake of breath and the little moan that alerted Virgil to the fact his brother was waking up. He leant up on an elbow and gently rubbed his arm.

“Virg?” came the sleepy question.

“Yeah Scotty. Go back to sleep,” he whispered soothingly.

“What time is it?” He didn’t even question why his brother was there on the bed with him.

“Midnight. Sleep Scott. You need it.”

Virgil felt him suddenly stiffen.

“D – dad…”

Immediately the hand moved from his arm and started carding through his hair again. “Shush, it’s okay, go back to sleep.” He knew the movement of his fingers had a hypnotising effect and combined with some soft humming it lulled the eldest back to sleep again, and as it did so, Virgil decided that as International Rescue was closed down, he would fly Scott and his grandmother to New York tomorrow. The two of them needed to be rested to be able to cope with the assault they were going to be under and Virgil didn’t envy them one bit, so he made the decision there and then, that he would accompany them to every meeting to offer all the moral support he could. John was more than capable of watching the youngest two, and Kyrano would be there to assist. That was his final thought as sleep claimed him as well.

The next thing he was aware of was that Scott was missing. It was 3:30 am.

Shit! Where has he gone? he asked himself and dragged his body up from the bed to go in search of his errant brother.

Scott wasn’t sure what woke him the second time, but he could see it was 3:00am and Virgil was curled up tightly against him, a protective arm slung across his waist. Carefully and slowly he eased himself away from his brother, leant over and placed a delicate kiss on his temple, tucked the blanket around him and left the room, determined to check on his other brothers. Guilt consumed him as he realised he had abandoned them earlier when they needed him the most. He would make it up to them. He had responsibilities now.

John wasn’t in his room and Scott sighed, knowing where he was likely to be. Gordon wasn’t in his room either, but the eldest suspected he knew where he was and he was right. Alan was asleep on the floor of his bedroom as usual, his head just about on his pillow, but not a blanket in sight and Gordon was lying huddled protectively around him. He had dragged a pillow and the quilt from the bed, but the youngest had managed to throw it off and so only Gordon was covered.

Scott very carefully lifted Alan’s head to move the pillow under it then tidied the quilt so it covered both of his youngest brothers before kneeling, gently running his fingers through their hair and placing a kiss on their temples before leaving quietly to go down to the kitchen.

He quickly made a couple of mugs of hot chocolate and went upstairs again. Holding the mugs by their handles in one hand, he climbed the narrow, steep steps that led up onto the roof. Sure enough, John was there, wrapped in a blanket, staring up at the stars.

Scott somehow managed to clamber out without spilling a drop and made his way across and sat down beside him, placing one mug by his side and holding the other out to his younger brother.

The smell wafted across under John’s nose and broke his reverie. He blinked a couple of times, initially looking in confusion at the offered mug, then pulled himself together and gave his brother a weak smile.

“Thanks, Scotty,” he said as he took it from him. He placed it down temporarily whilst he moved the blanket so it wrapped round both of them to keep off the chill of the night air, then they both picked up their mugs and sat in companionable silence, sipping the hot drinks, allowing the warmth to spread through them.

It remained quiet until about half the contents had been drunk and then Scott heaved a sigh and John immediately knew he was going to say something.

“I’m sorry, John,” he said quietly as he gently bumped and then leant against his shoulder.

“Sorry?” John queried, giving him a sidewards glance before once again gazing out over the island and the stars that were lower in the sky.

“I shouted at you. That was… unforgivable.”

“You were upset and in shock. It’s okay, I know you didn’t really mean it.”

“It was no excuse; you were upset as well and—”

“You were right there on the scene, Scotty… how are you holding up?”

The eldest shook his head in denial. “I still can’t…” he couldn’t finish the sentence and instead started a new one. “Thanks for standing with me earlier, it meant a lot. How are you doing?”

It was John’s turn to sigh. “We’re probably orphans… can’t say I was expecting that. It’s Gordon and Alan I’m more concerned about… and you.”

“I checked on them before I came up here, they’re both asleep on the floor in Alan’s room. I covered them over, tucked them in… you don’t need to be worried about me, I’ll be all right. Grandma and I are flying out to New York tomorrow morning to meet up with Brent Goodman to sort out the position in regard to Tracy Industries. Would you and Virgil be okay looking after the youngsters whilst we’re gone? I’m not sure how long we’re going to be away for. And can you keep me posted on how the search for… dad… is going?”

John almost opened his mouth to say something else, then changed his mind. “Of course I will. Shouldn’t you be in bed sleeping, if you’ve got meetings coming up?”

“I’ve had seven hours; I need to pack, but Virgil’s asleep in my room at the moment.” Even in the dark he saw John’s eyebrow rise. “I er… had a bit of a wobble,” Scott finally admitted and John nodded, but said nothing. Seven hours of sleep for Scott was like a whole weekend for everyone else.

“I know you’re probably sick of hearing this already, but I’m gonna say it anyway,” John said, placing a hand on his brother’s thigh. “You don’t have to do this alone. You’ve at least got Virgil and me and grandma to help. It’s going to be really tough, Scotty. You’ve been in board meetings with dad… you know what they’re like. We’ve got your back, okay?”

“Yeah, I know.” He gave a huge sigh. “I was thinking about the board and I was wondering… how much of the company does the family own? If the board are going to be difficult, is it worth us trying to buy it back completely?”

John pondered. “I can find out. Let me do some digging. I’ll have the information for you before you go into the meeting. You know that once word gets out about dad being missing, shares are likely to take a pretty sharp dip. We could use that to our advantage.”

“Isn’t that insider trading?”

“Not the way I’ll be doing the buying. You leave it with me. As it is, we must have the controlling percentage, but as you say, it would be nice to have a nice high majority or get the entire company back, then we could fire the board and be done with it. Get the people we really want in there.”

“I’ll need to be seen making some decisions to either get the board behind me in the early days, to show I know what I’m doing.”

“You got any ideas?”

“A couple.” He glanced at his immediate younger brother. “I might need you and Virgil to join me in New York, but I’ll let you know after the first round of meetings.” He stared into his half empty mug, his thoughts taking on a similar colour to the dark, almost black liquid.

John glanced at him. “You’re gonna be a fantastic CEO, Scotty.”

“That’s bullshit and you know it! I’m 21! What the hell do I know about being the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company?”

“A hell of a lot more than you’re giving yourself credit for. Just take this one piece of advice from your younger brother… don’t try and be Jeff Tracy, okay? You are Scott Tracy. Do it your way, not dad’s.”

“But what if I get it wrong?”

“You learn more when you make a mistake, but you won’t. You were born to lead, Scotty, but if you’re feeling that unsure, play it safe for a couple of months until you get your feet under the table; then do it your way and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. You’re the boss. Remember that and… if any members of the board quit, all the better.”

“Thanks, Johnny. I just wish I was feeling as confident as you are.”

“There you are!” another voice chipped in. The two elder brothers turned their heads and saw Virgil peering out of the hatch at them. “Come on, back to bed both of you!”

Scott was secretly glad that Virgil had decided to come with him, if only to lend him some moral support as he was feeling like he was going to be Daniel entering the lion’s den but this time to be devoured by the board.

They landed at the factory just outside New York and were driven to Tracy Industries Head Office. There was a penthouse suite right at the very top of the building that was used by the family when they had to stay over for meetings and functions, secure from the rest of the building by some sophisticated security measures, so there was no chance of them being disturbed.

At 08:00 the following morning, Scott was already in his father’s office, checking emails and other correspondence to see if anything important had come in since his father had last checked. He then put a divert for all comms to come to him. By 9:30 he had a headache developing and he had yet to sit through the first meeting of the day.

He was rubbing his forehead when Virgil and his grandmother arrived and they immediately went into their own versions of smother hen mode.

“Scotty?” Sally asked him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m all right, grandma,” he responded.

Virgil poured him a drink of water and pulled a packet of headache pills from his pocket. “Here, take these,” he said placing the water on the desk and handing two pills he had poked out of their protective packaging.

Scott took them a little reluctantly and washed them down with the water. “Thanks, Virg,” he finally replied rubbing at his forehead again. “There are a few emails I’m going to need help with. Research and Development stuff… would you take a look at them for me?” he asked his brother, “seeing as you’re working in that section.”

“Sure, Scott. Forward them onto me and I’ll take a look, then we can discuss them if you like.”

“That’d be great, thanks.”

“See Scotty,” Sally said squeezing his shoulder. “You don’t have to do it all on your own. We can help and I’m sure John would too. Spread it around, share the load. Now, is there anything we need to go through before Brent gets here.”

“I just need to get through the rest of these emails so I’m up to speed. Virg, I’ve forwarded all the R&D ones to your email.”

“I’ll get straight on it. We’ll be ready.”

At 10:25 there was a knock on the door and Jeff’s PA, Gail, popped her head round the door. “Scott, Brent Goodman is here,” she said.

Scott looked at his grandma and brother before looking back at her. “Show him in please, Gail, and arrange some coffee,” he replied.

She smiled, nodded, then held the door open for the lawyer. Brent Goodman was in his fifties, of average height, impeccably dressed, grey-haired, brown-eyed and one very sharp and shrewd lawyer… that was why he was Jeff’s lawyer.

“Good morning Mrs Tracy, Scott, Virgil.” He held out his hand and shook hands with each of them. “I’m sorry about the circumstances of our meeting. How are you all holding up?”

“Thanks Brent,” Sally said quietly. “It’s early days yet, but my boys are taking it hard.”

“As must you, Sally. No mother expects to outlive her child.” He moved to the conference table and placed his briefcase on it. “I have brought the documentation with me and messages Jeff recorded. I have no idea what’s on them.”

He pulled out three tiny containers that were individually labelled and handed them out. They contained media that would slot into their comms units. Usually messages would be downloaded from the server, but it seemed Jeff had been very specific about these particular messages.

They paused as Gail appeared with fresh coffee and pastries which she placed on the conference table. “Thank you, Gail,” Scott said, giving her a slight smile.

She knew something was going on, but as yet was in the dark as to what. Scott knew he would have to bring her up to date once the first briefing was over.

“I’ll leave you for a little while whilst you take a look at them and then we’ll press on with the necessary paperwork, okay?” He got up, nodded at them and left the room.

“Grandma, you stay here,” Scott said. “I’ll go to my office. Virgil, you coming with me, or are you going to go to your office to read the one for all of us?”

“I’ll come with you, if that’s all right, Scott,” Virgil said quietly. The two brothers had no secrets from one another. It was almost creepy that they knew what the other was thinking; could communicate without actually speaking and then, there was the mysterious language of the waggling eyebrows and expressions. All the brothers could do it, but it was on a totally different level between Scott and Virgil.

“Are you going to be all right, grandma?” Virgil asked the elderly woman.

She nodded as she stared at the tiny data card, then she seemed to pull herself together and walked towards her son’s desk to see what message he had left her. “We’ll meet back here in thirty minutes,” she finally managed to say.

Her two grandsons nodded and left and Sally inserted the tiny data card into the slot and waited for it to play.

Jeff Tracy’s head and shoulders popped up from the holoprojector and a hand tightened on Sally’s heart as her son gave her a warm smile.

“Well mom, if you’re watching this, then things haven’t gone to plan. I’m sorry. No mother should have to bury their son. I don’t know what’s actually happened to me, but I hope it occurred whilst I was doing something I believed in. That will be of little comfort to you, I know, and I most sincerely apologise for inflicting this on you.

“Now I need to ask you to be strong again and take care of the boys, especially Scott. We both know what he’s like; he’ll be taking my death harder than his brothers, because he knows what lies ahead. A great weight is about to fall on his shoulders and I know he’ll try and take the responsibility for everything on his own, to protect the others. Please don’t let him, mom. I know he was just a child last time and now he is very much a fine young man, but it almost killed him. He needs to take care of himself, so please mom, make sure he delegates some of the responsibility.

“I guess International Rescue has been shut down for the moment. I hope the boys will start it up again when they are ready. If they do, don’t let them start too soon, and don’t let them take unnecessary risks. I know I’m asking a lot of you, and I really am sorry, but you know what they’re like.

“Please let them also take care of you. Let them support you too. I know you’re tough, you had to be with dad and the boys to contend with, but you need time too, so make sure you get it, okay? I couldn’t bear to think of something happening to you too.

“I need to talk about Tracy Industries… Scott is to step up to be CEO. Virgil will continue as head of Research and Development and I’d like John to step up as CFO. His mind is just what the company needs. The board are going to give Scott a hard time, I know that. His age is very much against him, but he does have a very wise head on those young shoulders and I know he will be an incredible CEO… he just needs to have confidence in himself. He can do it. Also, tell him to be himself; to be Scott and not try to be my clone. There have been a number of times we haven’t seen eye-to-eye and looking back I realise now that his ideas were solid.

“We hold the controlling majority of the company; the board cannot oust the boys. Have the courage to dismiss the board if they get too objectionable if what Scott suggests is viable for the company. He has lots of ideas for diversification that I was against, but now I’ve had time to think about it more, I realise that he’s the man to take Tracy Industries to vastly new heights.

“I am so incredibly proud of my family and I want to thank you mom, for your support. I can never repay you. You’ve been a hard task master, but I wouldn’t want you to be any other way. I love you mom, I always will.”

His picture froze, coming to an end, and Sally unconsciously let her hand reach out to try and caress his face. Tears were cascading down her face and she let them. This was her private moment of grief, and then she would square her shoulders, pull herself together and start a new chapter. Her grandsons needed her and she would be there.

“Love you too, son,” she whispered as she removed the data card. Placing it safely in its protective holder, she put it in her bag, took a deep breath and waited for her two grandsons to return to the office.

Scott sat behind his desk, and had dragged another chair round so Virgil could sit down beside him. He suddenly felt like a small child again as he fingered the data card, almost too scared to play it and find out what it contained. Virgil, unconsciously knowing what he was feeling, squeezed his right hand firmly, lending him the courage to continue.

Taking a deep breath, he inserted the card into the player and the holoprojector flickered into life. Jeff Tracy’s head and shoulders appeared, the 3-D image appearing slightly blue and Scott felt his breath hitch a little at seeing his father’s face. Virgil squeezed his hand again, lending support.

“Hello Scotty. I’m sorry son, if you’re watching this then things have gone horribly wrong and for that I can only apologise. Before I get onto the business end of things, I need to issue you an apology. I don’t think I ever said these words enough to you as you were growing up so I’m going to say them now, but know I silently said them every day of your incredible life. I love you son, so much, from the second I set eyes on you as you lay in your mother’s arms, that love grew and grew. I am also so proud of what you have achieved in your life so far. I admit I pushed you to do more when you didn’t need it. You knew what you wanted from such an early age and you achieved it. Flying is in your blood. If anyone should have sprouted wings instead of arms it was you; you are a natural in the air, you can fly anything and my chest swells with pride when I look back at what you have done. That being said, you are my first born and as such are destined to be so much more.

“You will succeed me as CEO of Tracy Industries as of this moment. Although it’s no excuse, this is the reason I was hard on you as you grew up because you were always meant to succeed me at some point and I was doing everything I could to prepare you for the role. You attended board meetings with me, attended functions; we discussed everything afterwards. I know we didn’t always see eye-to-eye; and I realise now, your vision of the company is far wider than mine and perhaps—although I am ashamed to admit it—I was a little jealous of what you could see.

“You have such a wise head on those young shoulders, I know you can take Tracy Industries forward, but listen to me, son… you don’t have to do it on your own. You have John and Virgil and eventually I hope Gordon and Alan will assist you as well.

“People have often remarked to me how alike we both are. Take this advice, Scotty. Don’t try and be Jeff Tracy because you think that’s what I would like. You are your own man; you are Scott Carpenter Tracy. Be Scott Carpenter Tracy. Run the business as you see fit; it is yours and your brothers’ legacy. I have every faith in you and your abilities.

“Don’t let the board bully you, you are the boss. Listen to advice, be guided by those with experience, but do what your gut tells you. Let your brothers help you. I think you’ll find they’ll exceed in their fields as well.

“And don’t forget, your grandmother can help as well. She has a lifetime of knowledge that you can make use of.

“My shares transfer to you, so you alone have a majority, but with the rest of the family’s we own 81% of the company. More than enough to stave off any attempt by the board to usurp you from your position.

“Now to International Rescue. I assume it is currently shut down and I completely understand that. You need to mourn and regroup but, I hope that some day in the future, you will start it up again and continue to do the great work. Perhaps eventually, when they’re older, Gordon and Alan will want to join too, but again, it’s your choice and I pass no judgement on your eventual decision.

“There is so much more I want to say to you. Look after grandma and your brothers, but also let them look after you. You do not have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders alone. I know you, you will try, to protect your brothers, but it’s too much Scotty. Make sure you have a life outside of Tracy Industries and International Rescue. I love you all so much, but you are my first born and as such have a special place in my heart. Just promise me you will take care of yourself, listen to advice when it’s given. My heart swells with pride when I think of your achievements. I love you son and I want you to have a long and happy life.”

Jeff smiled at him, his eyes crinkling just as Scott remembered him doing just a couple of days ago and then the holoprojector switched off.

Virgil sat in gobsmacked silence. His father had most certainly praised Scott in front of his brothers, but never to his face… until today… but then it wasn’t actually to his face, for this had been a recorded message. He glanced at his eldest brother and saw him sitting ramrod straight in his chair. The only sign of emotion was the ticking of the muscle in his jaw.

Scott tried to clear his throat so he could speak, and it came out like a partial sob. His breathing shortened as he fought to keep control of his spiralling emotions. He couldn’t show any weakness, especially in front of his brothers, despite the special relationship he had with Virgil, he just couldn’t. Tears were attempting to escape his eyes but he fought bravely to keep them where they belonged, but almost lost the battle when Virgil turned in his chair and threw his arms around his shoulders.

“I’m so sorry, Scotty,” the younger man mumbled against his neck. “It made me so angry that dad didn’t tell you to your face. We all saw the effect that had on you… it pushed you to do more and more as you looked to gain his approval and you never got it when it was most needed. We all love you bro and we’re gonna pull our weight this time. We won’t let you down, I promise you.”

Scott returned the hug so tightly that Virgil grunted in surprise, but he knew the reason for it.

“Don’t,” he whispered. “Don’t hold it in, Scotty, let it out, you’ll feel better for it.”

If at all possible, the hug got even tighter.

“And… if you’re trying to break my ribs, you’re doing a pretty good job!” Virgil felt fists grab the material of his suit jacket for a couple of seconds before the hug slackened off.

“S – sorry,” came the muttered response. He drew back slightly and they leant their foreheads against one another. “Thanks, Virg.” He straightened up and took a deep breath. “Do you want to take a look at the other message?”

Virgil shook his head. “No, I think I’ll wait until we get back home. We all need to sit together to see this… you included and I don’t think either of us is in a fit state to sit through another message at the moment.”

Scott nodded. “Okay… well… I guess I’d better break the news to Gail.”

“Do you want me to come with you and offer moral support?”

Scott shook his head. “No, I’ll be all right. See you back in… dad’s office in about ten minutes.” With that, he stood up and walked out of the office towards Gail’s.

She looked up as he approached. “Scott, what can I do for you?” she smiled and then it faded as she studied his face. “What’s wrong?”

Scott grabbed a chair, placed it by the side of her desk so he was quite close to her and sat down. “Gail… I have um… some bad news… about dad.” He paused and she jumped straight in.

“Oh no, has he been taken ill? Can I do anything?”

Scott held up a hand to make her stop talking, took a breath and carried on. “Dad’s… missing, presumed… dead.”

One of her hands flew to her throat as she gave a sharp intake of breath and she swallowed a number of times before attempting to speak. “Pre – sumed?” she questioned.

“He was attempting to gain control of an experimental aircraft when it… exploded. The craft was… vapourised… there was nothing left.”

“Oh Scott! I – I mean… Mr Tracy—”

He shook his head. “I’m still Scott. Mr Tracy is… was… my…” he couldn’t finish the sentence and he suddenly found the middle-aged PA hugging him as much for her sake as his.

They stayed as they were for a few minutes, then Gail pulled herself together, drew back and looked him straight in the eyes. “What do you need me to do?” she asked, a hand on his arm.

“Bless you, Gail,” he responded. “I believe Brent has arranged a board meeting for this afternoon.”

“Yes, at 2:30. I’ll have refreshments standing by… and a baseball bat for any member of the board that gives you a hard time.”

Scott found himself smiling despite the circumstances. “It may well be needed. Thank you.”

“I really am sorry, Scott. Just know, that if there is anything I can do, just ask. Your father was a fine man and you will be even finer.” She boldly leant forward and kissed his cheek, making him blush.

He nodded his thanks and almost shuffled out of the room and into his father’s office where a now composed Sally was waiting. Virgil joined them five minutes later, and Brent a minute after that.

“If you would all be seated we have some documentation to sign,” Brent said indicating chairs and the conference table and they all sat and waited for the lawyer to begin.

Chapter Text

“If I happen to repeat anything that Jeff has said in his messages, then I apologise, but I have not been privy to their contents,” Brent began as he looked at the three of them. He took a breath before continuing. “Because there is no trace of a body, Jeff cannot be declared legally dead for a minimum of six months, so his last will and testament cannot be read until after that. However, with regard to Tracy Industries, Jeff instructed me that should he go missing and be presumed dead then his shares are to be transferred immediately to you, Scott. This is to ensure the Tracy family maintain control of the company. If you would sign this to complete the transfer of the shares to you…” he passed over the relevant paperwork.

Scott dutifully read it and satisfied with the contents, pulled out a very expensive looking fountain pen, signed and dated it. Brent also signed it, scanned it and forwarded a copy to him.

“Now we come to the position of CEO. Once you sign this documentation you will be CEO of Tracy Industries.” He passed the paperwork over. ”It requires the signature of two witnesses. Mrs Tracy, if you would sign below, please. Virgil, if you would also sign it and then I will also sign it as the representative lawyer.”

This was done, the document was then scanned so that an electronic copy of it could be filed on the server, with copies sent to Scott, Sally and Virgil.

“Dad’s message said the Tracy family own 81% of the shares,” Scott said quietly.

Brent nodded. That is correct. With that majority the board cannot oust any of you from your positions.

“Where would we stand in regard to obtaining the remaining 19%?” asked Scott, ignoring the look of surprise that Virgil gave him.

“As far as I am aware, the majority of the remaining 19% are held by the board members with a few percent being held elsewhere. Persuading any of them to sell may require you to pay over the odds for them however—and please do not take this the wrong way, Scott—but it could be some may consider selling anyway because you have taken over and they envisage the company being hit hard on the stock market. There is also likely to be a drop when it is announced that Jeff is missing. That’s all I can say.”

“Thanks Brent. For this afternoon’s meeting, I assume it’s going to be a little hostile? I know there are at least three that don’t like me.”

“I won’t lie to you, Scott. It may be a rough meeting, but Sally and Virgil are here to lend you moral support and to back you up. You can do it. If you couldn’t, Jeff wouldn’t have put you in control, okay?”

Scott nodded and squared his shoulders.

“Good,” said Sally. “Now that’s settled, we have an hour so let’s eat. We will all need our strength for this afternoon.” She smiled reassuringly at her two grandsons, then moved to Jeff’s desk and let Gail know they were ready for lunch.

It was a generous mixture of food that came into the office. Both Scott and Virgil would normally have made an aggressive attack on it, but today their appetites were sadly lacking. However, Sally insisted they eat something. They needed fuel for the battle that was about to commence.

It was while they were eating that there was a knock on the door and it opened to admit a grey-haired man of similar age to Jeff with a distinguished bearing. Sally immediately rose from her chair and spoke before Scott could.

“Hugh!” she said moving forward. The tall man gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Sally, Scott, Virgil; I got here as soon as Brent gave me the news, and for the meeting. Figured you could do with some moral support.” The accent was incredibly clipped an British. Sir Hugh Creighton-Ward was a very old friend of Jeff’s and was involved in the business and International Rescue as the London agent.

“Hugh,” Scott said shaking his hand. Virgil did the same.

“I took the liberty of informing Sir Hugh of the situation, knowing he was a good friend of your father’s,” Brent said.

Scott nodded in understanding, but was grateful for the forthcoming moral support. Remembering his manners, he offered refreshments to the Englishman.

The meeting was being held in the boardroom as it was the only room with a table large enough to take them all. There were six members of the board—one of which was Sally—all of which had been summoned. In addition Brent’s deputy would be there as part of the legal team, the Chief Financial Officer, Head of Research and Development, which was Virgil, Head of Media and Communications, Chief Operations Officer, Head of Security and Head of Overseas Operations, which was Hugh.

By two-fifteen, Scott had worked himself up to feeling physically sick and had excused himself to go to the private restroom. Virgil watched him go, a frown of worry etched on his face, and decided to give him ten minutes before he went and found him.

With five minutes to go, Virgil excused himself and went along to the restroom. Entering quietly, he saw Scott leaning on the sink, eyes closed, breathing heavily. His reflection in the mirror looked haggard and Virgil could swear he could see the weight of the world sitting on his eldest brother’s shoulders; a weight that was bearing him down, causing those usually so upright and straight shoulders to stoop and bow.

Virgil almost hated to speak, but the meeting was imminent. “Scotty? It’s almost time,” he said softly.

Scott straightened abruptly; self-consciously; guilty of being caught in a moment of weakness and Virgil sighed quietly. He stepped close and put an arm around his brother’s shoulders.

“You okay?” he asked him quietly.

The eldest glanced at him via the mirror, the cobalt eyes large and haunted. “Of course,” he responded and a feeble smile flashed across his face.

“Scotty… it’s okay if you’re not. This is big.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” came the snappy reply that was immediately followed by, “Sorry… sorry.” He turned to look at the younger man. “Virg… if I’m in this state now, what am I going to be like after a week… a month… six months…?”

“Remember, we’re here, Scotty. We’re all going to help, okay. So… are you ready?”

“No, not really but… thanks, Virgil.” He returned the hug and straightened to his full height once more. He took a huge breath and let it out slowly. “Let’s do this!”

Virgil grinned at him and gave him a slap on the back. “That’s the spirit!”

They returned to Jeff’s office to collect Sally and Brent, then walked to the boardroom, where they paused just outside. Gail was waiting for them. “They’re all present and a little confused regarding the meeting,” she informed Scott. “Refreshments have been served, I have your coffees ready.”

“Thank you, Gail,” Sally said. “Are you ready as well?”

The PA glanced at her, then at Scott and gave him a slight smile. “More than; I have everything ready.” She gave him a wink which caused his lips to twitch.

“You’ve hidden it well,” he quipped and she grinned broadly at him, raising an all knowing eyebrow at their private joke.

“Okay?” she asked him. He nodded and she opened the door for them, allowing them to walk into the room and following behind, shutting it after her.

All heads turned and stared at the three Tracys, the lawyer and Hugh as they took their seats at the table and eyebrows rose as Scott took Jeff’s usual place, Gail beside him.

Scott took another deep breath and let his eyes travel round the table, assessing their mood and the atmosphere within the room. Outwardly he exuded supreme confidence, but inwardly he was still feeling slightly sick.

Three of the board members gave him a welcoming and reassuring smile despite their confusion. Everyone apart from Scott sat down. He nodded at Gail who started recording the meeting.

“Thank you for coming at such short notice,” he said, his voice remarkably calm considering how fast his heart was thumping in his chest. “I’ve called this meeting because of an incident that occurred three days ago, concerning my father, your CEO.”

He paused as a murmur went through those sitting at the table, which gave him a chance to swallow and clamp down on his emotions so he could deliver the news.

“Whilst attempting to regain control of an experimental aircraft which had been stolen and partly sabotaged, it… exploded and we must work on the assumption that Jeff Tracy has been killed.”

“What about wreckage?” Jason Clarke, one of the board demanded. He was just over forty, with light brown hair showing a hint of grey and was very sure of himself .

“The aircraft was vapourised. There was no wreckage and… no remains. A search of the immediate area bore no results, we have widened the search but as yet there has been no trace. Tracy Industries cannot be in limbo for the time it will take for my father to be declared legally dead, so as per his wishes I am assuming the role of CEO.”

The room erupted as practically everyone started speaking at once.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please!” Scott said in his commander’s voice. He was ignored, so he went into full military mode. “Quiet!”

The snapped order shocked them all into silence and Scott caught Gail’s slight smirk out of the corner of an eye.

“You?” Elias Jones spat. “What the hell do you know about running a multi-billion dollar company?” He was one of the three board members who considered the eldest son of Jeff Tracy to be unsuitable for any role within Tracy Industries and made this known to anyone who would listen.

Scott fixed him with a hard stare from flashing blue eyes. “I know what my father has taught me,” he began evenly. “I know I’m young, but my father taught me well.”

“You and Jeff used to disagree quite often, where the hell do you think you’re going to take the company?”

Scott held onto his temper as he continued to stare at Elias. “What you say is true, we did disagree on a number of things however, following the personal message he left for me—in case of his death—I have received his blessing going forward. If you have no interest in taking part in this new journey, I am ready and willing to accept your resignation from the board.” He looked at the rest of the board and heads of departments. “And that goes for the rest of you as well.”

Elias stood up, fury written in his features, then glanced around the table. “I put forward a vote of no confidence in Scott Tracy becoming CEO of Tracy Industries!” he almost shouted.

At this point Brent stood up. “That isn’t going to work, Mr Jones, the Tracy family owe the majority of shares in the company, you cannot oust Scott from his position. Now, I suggest you sit down so we can continue this meeting in a civilised manner unless you wish to resign your position, in which case you may leave… now.”

“I would be interested to find out though,” Scott began. “All those in favour of my appointment as CEO of Tracy Industries…”

Initially nine hands went up without hesitation, and then another one joined them; that of Elaine Cartwright, a middle-aged woman who had attempted to attract his attentions when she realised the future position Scott would have in the company, and had been firmly but politely turned down by the—at the time—nineteen year old heir. She had hated him ever since.

“All those against?” Scott asked and almost smirked as no hands went up much to Elias’ extreme annoyance. He’d lost anyway with the vote of nine in Scott’s favour, but hadn’t got the courage to vote against him. “Abstentions?” Four hands came up and Jeff’s eldest son dared to look… smug. “Gail, motion carried.” He looked at Elias again and raised a questioning eyebrow.

“My resignation will be on your desk within the hour!” Elias snapped as he grabbed his briefcase and marched towards the door.

“I look forward to it. You have one hour to clear out any of your belongings and leave the building, or security will escort you out,” Scott said calmly, then looked at Sanjay Singh, Head of Security to ensure he understood the instruction. He nodded in response.

Elias bristled and stormed out and the new CEO heaved a slight sigh of relief.

“Next order of business,” Scott began, looking at the head of Media and Communications. “Arthur, I need you to compose a formal notice of the fact that CEO Jeff Tracy is missing presumed dead but the family are continuing to search for any trace of him. In the meantime, I am now the acting CEO of the company. Further updates will be issued as and when etc.”

“I’ll get on it immediately after the meeting finishes, Scott,” came the reply. “And on behalf of all of us, may I offer our condolences to you and the rest of the family at this sad and upsetting time.”

“Thank you, Arthur. Your words are gratefully accepted and appreciated.” Scott paused for a few moments before continuing. “We all expect that the value of the shares will fall at hearing the news, so it is important we all work together to bring them back up. In light of this, as Elias said, my father and I disagreed on a number of points, I now have his blessing and as CEO of Tracy Industries, I propose to expand our Research and Development department and one of the first things I would like to investigate is the creation of useful devices that are affordable for everyone. All ideas will be considered, whether it is something to make life easier for disabled people all the way through to new innovative toys for children.

“We need to ensure that all our eggs are not in one basket. Our primary business is still in the aeronautical-engineering field, but I propose one or two subsidiaries to enable us to expand into other fields. Toys, medical, farming on both land and sea.”

There were several mumblings of agreement and encouragement, but the CFO, Ben Birchwood looked highly displeased. “And how are you planning to pay for this?” he asked, his voice cutting.

Scott gave him his full, undivided attention. He knew the CFO didn’t like him either, but it didn’t bother him. “As the Tracy family are majority share holders, I thought it would be prudent and wise to reduce the dividend payable. That should assist in starting off small approved projects.”

“You can’t do that!” Ben protested suddenly realising that with the probably drop in value, any dividend was likely to be reduced anyway and for him it was a nice little income.

“I can, and I will,” Scott stated evenly. “I have my family’s backing.” He looked at Virgil and his grandmother who nodded.

“This whole expansion is a good and solid idea,” Virgil chipped in. “I’m all for it.”

“As your CFO, I am not. If you choose to go through with this, I will resign and then where will you be?”

“Is that a threat, Ben?” Scott asked silkily.

“Er… no, it’s a statement of fact.”

“We’re going through with it, I speak for all the Tracy stakeholders on this matter,” Scott stated. “Any objections from anyone else?”

“I’ll stand with you Scott,” said Miranda.

“As will I.” That was Cornelius Carter, who had made his fortune in the manufacturing industry and was an old friend of Jeff Tracy’s. He was only along for the ride because he enjoyed all the boardroom shenanigans and this one was turning out to be a doozie!

“Count me in too,” Arthur added, and it was echoed by Sally, Sanjay and very grudgingly by Jason. The COO, Zinia McLeod huffed and nodded slowly.

“Motion carried.” Scott turned to his brother. “Virgil, think you’re up to handling that?”

The younger man grinned. “You bet. Already got some great ideas that won’t be too expensive, but could generate a lot of revenue,” he enthused.

“Great.” The CEO looked round at them all, then fastened his eyes on Ben. “Are you with us or against us, Ben?” he asked bluntly.

“Against.”

“Then you may leave the room. Thank you for your service, and goodbye.”

Ben seemed somewhat taken aback by the calm way Scott spoke and the fact that he wasn’t worried about his CFO quitting, but it was too late now. He stated he was against and he was now out. Scowling, he grabbed his briefcase and stormed towards the door.

“Those that are no longer with Tracy Industries will be paid what they are owed for their services, and will no longer be admitted to any TI building or plant.”

It turned out that Scott could be as cut throat as any shrewd businessman and he suddenly found he wasn’t afraid to put it into practice. The door slammed shut as Ben left.

“Next item on the agenda; appointment of a new CFO,” Scott began. “I propose Mr John Tracy. Do I have a second?”

Virgil looked surprised, but reacted quickly. “Seconded,” he said.

“All those in favour?”

All hands were raised, admittedly a few somewhat slower than the majority.

“Motion passed,” Scott said beginning to feel a little more relaxed about the whole thing. “Any other business?”

He appeared to have shocked the board and various heads into total and utter silence.

“No? Arthur, please let me have sight of the planned media release concerning my father as soon as possible. If there is nothing else, I declare the meeting closed. Any documentation that requires signing, please forward to my mailbox. Thank you for your time, ladies and gentlemen.” He nodded at them and they all rose and began filing out of the office. Most of the board and officers shook his hand and a couple grasped his lower arm as well as if to enhance the show of support as they left. The ones he expected to be less than courteous nodded at him and left without a word until there was only Sally, Virgil, Brent, Hugh and Gail left.

Sally laid a hand on Scott’s arm. “Well done, Scotty,” she said with some pride in her voice. “You are your father’s son.”

“Hear hear,” said Hugh.

Virgil slapped him on the back. “Hey bro, that was pretty impressive!”

“I could do with a drink,” the eldest replied sagging slightly in relief.

“You handled them well, Scott,” Gail said. “I didn’t need the baseball bat.”

“Say what?” Virgil queried as he noticed them obviously sharing some private joke or something as they grinned at one another.

“I’ll get the minutes tidied up and send them through,” Gail said and slipped out of the office.

“Brent, I need the relevant paperwork drawn up for formally becoming Gordon and Alan’s legal guardians.”

Brent nodded. “I’ll get on that straight away, so I will also take my leave. As soon as it’s prepared I’ll get back to you. Looking forward to working with you,” Brent said as he shook his hand and then he was gone.

Scott took a couple of deep breaths then straightened up again before leading the way out of the boardroom and back to his dad’s—no, his—office with the others trailing behind.

When he got there, he found a measure of whisky sitting in a tumbler on the desk and an eyebrow rose. Gail he thought smiling slightly as he sank gratefully into the comfy chair behind the desk and wilted as he reached for it and took a quick mouthful before anyone could say anything.

There were some extra tumblers sitting by the decanter on top of the low bookshelf, and Hugh helped himself and raised an eyebrow at the others. Both Sally and Virgil declined and moved to the coffee machine instead.

Hugh moved to the sofa and took a seat and looked over at Scott. “What’s next on your agenda?” he asked the young man.

“Going through all dad’s emails and prioritising what needs actioning. Virgil’s taking a look at the R&D stuff for me. I need to contact John and tell him about his new position and then make a list of ‘to do’ items.” He took another mouthful of the whisky and this time savoured the feel of it as it made its way down past his throat towards his stomach, warming him and reducing the tension in his body

“Scott, take this one bit of advice, don’t try and do it all at once, you’ll burn yourself out. Take your time, Rome wasn’t built in a day. You have your family, let them help you, okay?”

“Thanks, Hugh.” One eye was on the screens in front of him, the other on his guest.

“If you need me to stay, I will,” the Englishman offered.

“Thank you for the offer, but I do know you have other places to be. I think between all of us we can manage.”

“In which case,” Hugh replied, draining the rest of his glass. “I will take my leave. As you say, I do have other places to be, but if you need me, just call.” He elegantly rose from the sofa and Scott stood up to shake his hand. Then he turned, went to Sally and hugged her, shook Virgil’s hand and left.

“Heed his words, Scotty,” Sally said. “He’s been in business longer than your father, so he knows what he’s talking about.”

“Of course, grandma.” He looked at the screens again. “There are a few emails here that need my attention…”

“I’ll go to my office and look at the R&D stuff and report back later,” Virgil said to him, taking Scott’s nod as an acknowledgement before he left too.

“I’ll leave you in peace, but don’t work too late, Scott, you hear me?”

“Yes grandma.”

“You’re a good boy, Scott,” Sally said kindly, as she leant down and kissed the top of his head. “I’ll see you back at the penthouse later.” With that, she left him alone in the office.

Scott slumped even further in the chair for a few moments before rising and pouring himself another generous measure of the amber liquid, then set to work, jotting down notes as he came across something that needed to be attended to. By the time he’d finished it, it was three pages long and he wearily rubbed a hand across his face. So much to do! How did dad manage it all?

He prioritised the list as he thought fit and saw one he could immediately get off it following a call and contacted his immediate younger brother.

“Hi Scott, what’s up?” John’s cheery voice asked. With International Rescue currently being offline, he had a lot of time to spend on his star gazing and was making the most of it.

“Hi Johnny, as of this moment, following the approval of the board, I am appointing you Chief financial Officer of Tracy Industries. Congratulations.”

“Errrr… wow, thanks! What happened to Ben?” John asked, so shocked by the news that he forgot to utter his classic line of ‘don’t call me Johnny’.

“He quit. As did Elias.”

“Only two?”

“Yep.”

“You must have made a good impression then! I’ll take a look online and see what the situation’s like and if I need to come to New York, if Ben’s… you know… done anything, I’ll tell you. Do you need me to lock him out of the system?”

“Yes please. Keep a lookout for their shares going on the market.”

“You did good, Scotty. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”

“Thanks. It was nerve wracking initially but, I held my own.”

“Well don’t overdo it on your first day. I’ll get a financial report together for you and then we can see where we stand and how to proceed… Oh and Scott…”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t call me Johnny.” But the second eldest was grinning as he said it and made his older brother laugh. “Speak later.”

Chapter Text

Virgil returned to Scott’s office at around 16:30, having spent the last few hours going through R&D emails. A couple of projects required the CEO’s sign off. One was a more civilian version of the medi-scanner that IR used which would be made available at a reasonable price to the emergency services and help them more quickly diagnose casualties and hopefully save more lives. Its biggest advantage was that it was a lot lighter and smaller than the devices they currently had to lug around.

The younger man studied his brother as he approached his desk and sat down on the chair opposite him. Scott looked a little tired. It wasn’t surprising, his first day in the job, it had to have been stressful and Virgil was thankful it wasn’t him that was having to shoulder all the responsibility.

“Hey Scott. I’ve gone over all the emails for R&D now. There’s one I’d like to get signed off as soon as possible, for the new lightweight medi-scanner for the emergency services. It’ll make their job a bit easier and faster. Brains has signed it off from his side and we’ve fully tested it now, so I’d like to get it into production.”

“Has there been any interest from the emergency services?” Scott asked.

“We gave the five test devices to different emergency services to test and every single one of them has come back with an order for when they go into production. There is also an article planned for medical journals etc to advertise the device. If all goes well, this could be a really big seller.”

“Then I will give it my blessing.”

Virgil grinned and forwarded the paperwork for his signature. “I should have another couple in the next few days, I just need to take an actual look at them first and be satisfied they are operating within the specified parameters, but I won’t bother you with the details now.” He paused. “You look tired, bro. I think you ought to call it a day.”

“I’ve just got a couple of reports to read after I’ve finished the rest of dad’s emails. You get on up to the penthouse. I’ll be another hour.”

Virgil raised a sceptical eyebrow at him. “Really? An hour?”

“Yes.”

“If you’re thirty seconds late, I’m coming down for you. It’s your first day, ease yourself in.”

Scott looked up at the worried expression on his brother’s face and gave him a warm smile. “I’m easing Virg, honest. With IR offline, I’ve only got TI to worry about really. I just need to get on top of these emails and read those two reports and I’m done for the day.”

Virgil sighed. “Okay,” he finally murmured. “But I mean what I say. No more after that, or else!” He leant across the desk and placed a hand over one of Scott’s. “Take care of yourself bro.” With that, he stood up and left the office, pausing by Gail’s desk. “Don’t let him work beyond 5:30, please.”

“I’ll keep an eye on him for you Virgil, I promise.”

“Thanks, Gail.” He smiled at her and left for the penthouse.

5:30 pm came and went. Gail stuck her head round the door. “Scott, it’s gone 5:30,” she said softly.

He looked up briefly. “I just have 11 more pages to read, then I’m done,” he assured her, then seeing the expression on her face, added, “honest.”

“Then you will call it a day?” she asked him.

“Promise. You get off home and thanks for all your help today.”

She smiled affectionately at him. “It was my pleasure. You just make sure you get on and read those 11 pages and then go to the penthouse, or Virgil’ll have my guts for garters!”

“Have a good evening, Gail.” He returned his attention to the report.

She sighed. “You too, Scott. See you tomorrow.” With that, she left him to complete his reading of the final report.

Scott glanced at the time. 5:50 pm and he’d just finished the report and also jotted down some notes. He would have liked to have written them up properly before leaving the office, but wanting to prevent Virgil from coming down and dragging him upstairs, he decided he could do it later on his laptop in his bedroom. So he shut everything down, locked his office and entered the elevator that would take him up to the top floor, entering the code that would allow it to travel up that far.

He exited as the doors slid open and literally slammed into a solid obstruction that turned out to be Virgil who was about to make his way down to get him.

They hung on to each other to stop themselves falling over.

“Hi Virgil,” Scott said grinning.

His brother looked at him through narrowed eyes. “You’re late,” was all he said as he released him and stepped back. “Go get changed, it’s time for you to relax.”

Scott gave him a sloppy mock salute as he answered. “Yes sir! At once sir!” Then evaded what had been a well aimed clip round the head and made his way to his bedroom. Safely behind closed doors, he set himself up at the small desk so he would be ready to continue working after he’d eaten. He then had a quick shower and changed into jeans and a blue shirt before returning to the large lounge.

Virgil had ordered in a Chinese take away and had set it up on the dining room table. Scott could smell it wafting into the lounge so went to join his brother and grandmother where they ate the meal in companionable silence; at least until the main course was finished.

“So, Scotty. What did you think of your first day as CEO?” Sally asked as she served up a generous portion of apple pie for him.

“It was… trying,” he admitted. “ I know we’ve all dealt with a hostile public during rescue missions, but somehow it seemed different in the boardroom.”

Sally nodded. “It is slightly different. People will look to dig up any dirt they can find to ruin either yourself or the company to serve their own interests. If you thought you were in the public eye before, you’re in it even more now.”

“I hate it,” Scott confessed. “I just want to do my job… but that’s closed down.”

“You did really well today, bro,” Virgil interjected. “Perhaps once you’re more happy and enough time has passed, we can start up International Rescue again. Get yourself an excellent board for the company, then it should be okay.”

“I do feel bad that we’re letting those down who really need us by suspending operations, but I didn’t see what else I could do at this time. We need time to… to grieve and we’ve lost an operative with dad… there are only three of us. Gordon joins the WASP next year and Alan still needs to graduate.” He wiped a hand across his brow in weariness. “I wish I had a time machine,” he mumbled half to himself as he picked up a spoon and made a half-hearted attempt at his favourite dessert.

Virgil frowned and lay a supporting hand on his shoulder. “We’ll be okay, Scotty,” he said quietly, doing his best to instil some confidence into his voice.

“Yeah, of course we will.” He was quiet for a few moments, then straightened up and rose from his seat. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m feeling tired. Think I’d better get a decent night’s sleep in readiness for what lies ahead.” He gave his brother and grandmother a slight smile, then left the table and went to his room.

Sally frowned after him. Scott never went to sleep early, but then, the last week or so had been anything but normal, so it was no wonder that the eldest brother might be feeling exhausted and, if he was going to get through the next few months at least, he would need as much rest as he could possibly get.

What they didn’t realise, was Scott had no intention of going to bed. He was ensconced at his desk, reading outstanding reports and drawing up his itinerary for the next couple of weeks. He had to visit every TI location mainly to let them know that he was in charge and fend off any threat to his control of the business both from within and outside.

He worked on the outstanding paperwork until midnight, and it was then he felt his eyes closing, so he went in search of coffee to keep him going until he had finished. The rest of the penthouse was quiet, so he assumed Virgil and his grandmother had retired for the night. He obtained the necessary caffeine and returned to his room, shutting the door quietly behind him and sat down at his desk to continue working.

Virgil wasn’t sure what woke him at the godforsaken time of 3:30, but something had. Usually he would just roll over and go back to sleep, but something was niggling at him and he found himself tossing and turning instead.

Realising that sleep was going to evade him unless he did something about it, he got up and decided to make himself a hot chocolate to see if that would lull him back into the land of nod. It was as he made his way to the kitchen, that he noticed that Scott’s bedroom door wasn’t completely closed and he could see a hint of light escaping.

Frowning, he dared to push the door open slightly and gave a sigh of exasperation at the sight. Scott was sprawled partly across his desk having dozed off, head cradled on one arm. “Oh, Scotty,” he whispered as he entered the room fully.

His brother was usually a light sleeper, so the fact he hadn’t stirred showed just how tired he really was. Virgil switched everything off before gently carding his fingers through his brother’s hair to reassure him, then carefully pulled him back towards him so he could get one arm under his shoulders and the other under his knees and lift him. Scott’s head lolled gently against his chest as Virgil moved him and carefully laid him down on his bed. His hand carded once more through his hair before he pulled the quilt over him.

“Sleep well, Scotty,” Virgil whispered as he placed a kiss on his temple. “Tomorrow, you and I are going to have words about you working to the small hours of the morning.” With that, he slipped quietly out of the door, made himself a hot chocolate and returned to his own room.

His internal clock was annoying efficient as ever. Scott heaved a huge sigh as he slowly woke up. He still felt tired and the bed was so comfortable… he jerked awake. Bed! How did I get here? I was at my desk… Virgil!

It was 3:00am when he’d last glanced at the time; it was now 6:00 am so he’d managed to get three hours sleep. Three measly hours but he wasn’t the sort of person to roll over and try to go back to sleep, so he heaved a heavy sigh and rolled wearily out of bed.

A tepid shower helped to revive him before he threw on some jeans and a shirt and once again ensconced himself at his desk to continue from where he left off. With any luck he could make a dent in what was left of his work before the others rose.

The list grew to three pages in length and Scott sighed. There was so much to do. The most important task was to issue a formal notice to all employees before the media release was approved and issued, so he set about writing it. It took him half an hour as he started, stopped, re-worded, fiddled, edited. If he read it once, he read it at least twenty times and satisfied he could do no more, sent it on its way to every employee of Tracy Industries and its associated subsidiaries. Another task completed.

There was an email from Arthur containing the media release. Scott read it carefully. There was no doubt in his mind that Arthur was very good at his job and he approved the release as it stood. Another struck from the list. If only they all were this simple!

Sighing, he stood up and went to the kitchen to make himself a coffee. Ideally he would have loved to have gone for a run, but not in the centre of New York unless he had a security detail and he really didn’t want company.

Taking his coffee back to his room, he sat down at his desk and brought up a map of all TI holdings throughout the world. He needed to visit every site to make an appearance and let everyone in the company know that he was in charge. But before even starting on getting the ‘tour’ arranged, he contacted John to warn him that the media would shortly be full of the news of their father’s death. Then he briefed him on his plans.

In turn, John informed him he would have the financial report ready for him by the end of the day. He also added that both Gordon and Alan were doing okay. There had been some tears and release of emotion, but that was a good thing; better than it being bottled up inside to fester.

Scott wondered if that was an attempt to give a hint to him to release his own feelings. All his life he had bottled things up because he had to be the strong one. He was the eldest and had to lead by example. Unfortunately, it had become worse after he had left the air force.

John had never confessed to Scott that he had heard the sobbing and pleading of his eldest brother all those years ago as he lay collapsed and exhausted on the bed, begging his dead mother to help him. He knew he would be mortified and embarrassed, but he must have wondered who had covered him over that night; yet he had never asked or enquired. Perhaps he thought he had done it unconsciously by himself. Whatever Scott thought, John was determined to never tell him about that night.

“Do what you can to keep Gordon and Alan away from seeing too much in the news. It’ll upset them.

“FAB.”

“Anything else I should be aware of?”

“No. So far I haven’t uncovered anything sinister in the financial records, but if I do, you’ll be the first to know. I’ll also keep a watch on the media and deal with it should things get out of hand.”

“In which case, I’ll let you get on. Thanks, John. Give the youngsters my love.”

“Will do. Speak later, Scotty.”

Scott glanced at the time. Gail wouldn’t be in the office for another half an hour yet, so he sent her an email instead, asking her to arrange a tour of all TI locations over the next week. It would be exhausting, but he needed to be back on the island for his younger brothers. It would be nigh impossible to stop the youngsters from seeing some form of media coverage, but he knew John would do his best to shelter them from it.

There was a knock on the door and Scott looked up to see Virgil poke his head round. “How much sleep have you had?” he demanded of his brother.

“And a good morning to you, Virg,” Scott remarked. “I assume you put me to bed this morning?”

“Sorry, morning,” the younger man replied. “And yes, I did. Admit it, Scott, you had to be really tired, you didn’t even stir when I picked you up! So how much sleep have you had?”

“About three hours or so,” he finally admitted.

Virgil shook his head. “You can’t keep doing that now—”

“Don’t fuss, Virgil. I’m fine.”

“Maybe you are at this moment, but I’m thinking ahead.” Virgil walked up to his desk. “I love you bro, I don’t wanna see you burn out in six months. Promise me you’ll look after yourself, please.”

Scott sighed. “I promise,” he finally replied.

Virgil looked sceptical but kept quiet. “So, what’s the plan for the next couple of days?”

“I’m planning on a tour of all premises over the next week or so, to show that the Tracy family haven’t forgotten their workers.”

“What, every single location?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s a lot of travelling, Scott.”

“I know, that’s why you’re coming with me… unless you have to be elsewhere?”

“I have a couple of assignments to get completed, but I can do those whilst travelling, but I need to return to Denver in two weeks.”

“That’s fine, we should be done and dusted before that. I’ve asked Gail to work out the route and book us accommodation for the duration and get the itinerary together.”

“One issue though, Scott. I haven’t got enough clothes with me.”

“I’ve ordered some.”

“Of course you have,” Virgil said sighing. “When are we leaving?”

“Tomorrow morning.”

“What’s grandma doing?”

“Don’t know. We’ll find out shortly. She may like the opportunity to visit friends on the mainland.”

A voice wafted through the closed door, slightly distorted but clearly that of Sally Tracy. “Boys, breakfast is here!”

“Coming grandma!” Virgil called back.

It took Gail the entire morning to sort the ‘tour’ out, arranging the itinerary, booking hotel suites where one at an office building wasn’t available; setting up meetings, but she’d done it, and in a most logical way as they made their way across the States and then the various offices around the world; Japan, Germany, UK, Australia and then back home.

Arthur had contacted him to say he’d set up an interview with invited media companies as the phone lines had been going crazy ever since the news had broken. He apologised profusely but told him it would be in his interests to at least make a face-to-face statement. Scott’s shoulders had sagged at his news, but he knew it was the right thing to do and nodded.

So, dressed once more in a suit, his brother and grandmother beside him, he stood on the steps of the New York office, facing a sea of faces, cameras and microphones. Arthur spoke up first, to inform the reporters how the interview was going to run.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Scott Tracy, CEO of Tracy Industries will make a brief statement and will then answer a few questions.” He turned his head and nodded at his boss.

Scott took a deep breath and stepped up to the podium. He surveyed the sea of faces before him. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. As you know, Tracy Industries released a statement yesterday advising of the unexpected… death of Jefferson Tracy whilst attempting to recover a stolen experimental aircraft. As of yesterday I have taken over as CEO. All staff have been informed of the sad loss of my father and have been assured that there is no danger to the company or any of its subsidiaries. Obviously there will be a period of adjustment as I take over the reins and once I have settled into the role, there will be some exciting new developments taking place as the board, department heads and I look to take Tracy Industries forward.

“In the meantime, I respectfully ask that you leave my family alone during our period of mourning the loss of our father. Thank you.”

Arthur stepped forward. “Mr Tracy will now take a couple of questions,” he said and a load of hands immediately shot up. He pointed at one. “Yes, Kat Cavenaugh?”

“Mr Tracy, what do the board think about you taking over as CEO? I mean you’re awfully young for that position.”

“Yes, I am young, but I have spent a lot of time with my father in the business; have attended board meetings, R&D meetings with him and he taught me a lot. The board is behind me and on the whole welcomed me into my new position.”

“So, they weren’t all on your side then?”

“One member of the board did not agree, but the remaining members were behind me.”

“Next question,” Arthur said. “Yes, Ned Cook.”

“Mr Tracy, the shares of Tracy Industries have taken a hit this morning; how are you planning to fund these new developments and what sort of things are you planning?”

“We fully expected the share price to be hit at the news, but have every confidence it will recover once investors see that the company is completely stable and going from strength to strength. As for what we as a company are planning, I’m afraid I can’t divulge that at the moment, but what I can tell you is that we are looking at something small, that will have a huge impact on the efficiency of the emergency services.”

“Winston James, your question, please,” Arthur said.

“It’s a well known fact that you and your father had a number of disagreements regarding the expansion of Tracy Industries; are you using his death as an excuse to get your own way?”

Scott just prevented himself from wincing at the question and instead gave the man a hard glare. “It is true, we did disagree on numerous occasions. However, my father left me a video message in which he gave me his blessing and apologised, stating that he may have in fact been slightly jealous of my forethought for other directions TI could take. As I stated, we will wait until the situation calms down before embarking on anything large, but there is no reason we cannot start a couple of smaller projects. TI needs to grow and expand its ideas but at a controlled pace. I am not going to allow the company to just barge ahead in a haphazard fashion. Business needs a cool head and to examine all aspects carefully before charging ahead.”

“But you are the hot-headed son aren’t you, Mr Tracy? You have quite a temper.”

Scott could see where this was heading, but he was a very quick thinker. “I don’t see myself as hot headed, but as passionate about the business. Yes, I do have a temper, doesn’t everybody? But my military training has taught me to control it. I have had to make snap decisions in my career and I am not afraid to make them, but I now answer to a board of directors who will assist me in curbing any over enthusiasm I may have.”

“Davinia Walters,” Arthur said.

“Mr Tracy, you’ve been voted the world’s most eligible bachelor in the world for the last two years in a row… when can we expect to see a Mrs Tracy?”

“I’m too busy and have too much responsibility to think about settling down at the moment. Next question.”

“But is there a special someone you have your eye on?” Davinia persisted.

“No. Next question.”

“Dan Slater… how are you going to handle the pressure of running such a huge company as Tracy Industries?”

“I have my board and I have my family who will help me. Next question.”

And so it went on for another five minutes or so, then Arthur butted in. “That’s it ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for your time and your attendance.” He ushered the family back inside to the safety of the building and into the elevator ignoring the questions that continued to be fired.

As soon as the doors closed, Scott visibly relaxed. “I think I’d sooner face a firing squad than that again,” he muttered making Virgil smile.

“You did well, Scott,” Sally told him, patting his arm.

“You’re a natural, bro. I couldn’t have done that!”

They returned to Scott’s office (as it was now) and he eyed the decanter of whisky lovingly, but refrained from approaching it. He turned to face his grandmother. “Grandma, Virgil and I are going to embark on a whistlestop tour of TI locations starting tomorrow. I hope I haven’t been too presumptuous, but I assumed you would not want to accompany us.”

“Oh definitely not. I don’t think I could stand the pace, but I will take the opportunity to drop in on some friends.” She turned to Virgil. “I expect you to look after your brother, and not let him overdo things.”

“I’ll do my best, grandma,” he replied looking pointedly at his brother who raised an innocent eyebrow. He had about as much chance of keeping Scott in order as a chocolate fire guard keeping heat at bay! He glanced at the coffee machine and saw a fresh pot, so helped himself before turning and wafting the pot at Scott, who nodded, so he poured him one and handed it over. “Grandma?” he asked her.

“Not for me, sweetheart. I’m going to take my leave, unless you need me for anything else?”

“Thanks for coming, grandma,” Scott said. “I think we can manage now.” He came forward, gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. “Safe journey.”

“Thank you. And you…” she poked him in the chest, “take notice of your brother and don’t overdo it, do you hear me?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes grandma,” he said resignedly.

She nodded and turned to be given a bear hug and kiss from Virgil, then left.

Virgil nodded at Scott. “I still have a few bits and pieces to go through before we leave tomorrow. See you later for lunch?”

“Sure thing Virg.” Scott sat down and immediately began opening various screens, causing Virgil to shake his head as he left the office.