Know if been AWOL for a bit, my muse has taken an extended vacation and real life got super busy, good but busy.
Joy of that though is getting to find and catch up on all the fab content that's been going on.
Found this WIP in my notes and thought I'd toss it out- see if I can jump start the creative side of my brain.
Only a vague recollection of where I was going with this and actually two different versions of the opening. So Here's a hasty mash up of them which i didn't cheapen by proof reading so... Also not my usual main character!
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Scott was the worst.
He was an unfair know-it-all who thought he knew everything and had the right to boss Alan as he saw fit. In fact all his brothers thought they were the boss of him. Just because of an accident of birth order. Alan Bartlett Tracy, Rescue operative, astronaut and arguably (depending on the brother and circumstances around the topic) genius, was also, he mused darkly, the littlest brother. It was one of the unalterable facts of the whole stupid universe- The sun would always rise; E would continue to equal mc2; Virgil would always be a caffeine addict, and he, Alan Bartlett Tracy would always be the baby.
All of them saw him as a kid. Scott however was without a doubt the worst- still ruffling his hair as he had when Alan was little.
Then again he bossed everyone, Even John sometimes though that didn't make it better. In fact- Pretty Much Everything Wrong in Alan’s life at that moment he was certain was down to the interference of his stupid eldest brother.
He was ruining Alan's life and he didn't even care.
OK, so Alan hadn't done the stupid assignment and maybe he'd lied and told his stupid teacher it was because of a rescue and maybe John had found out (John always found out) and told Scott and he was now grounded. Not much of a change considering he was trapped in a stupid island in the middle of the stupid sea but stupid Eos had him locked out of his games as per stupid John's instruction and he hadn't yet found a way around her stupid locks.
He was missing a really important (stupid) tournament in his favourite game. If someone beat his record because he wasn't there to defend it he'd never forgive his older brother. He'd told him as much earlier that day, and a bit more, rather loudly before stomping off.
So yes, he hated his stupid older brother.
Take now for example. He was back in Two reconfiguring a pod to search the earthquake site following a fairly strong aftershock. Obviously the stupid pod needed configured but he was also aware that sending him back was to give him a chance to rest while the pod was built, and to keep him away from the main action where things had got... messy. Still, he blamed Scott.
It didn’t feel fair. Sure it was nice to be able to sit in the shade for a little while and drink some water but that wasn’t the point. Stupid Scott had sent him back because he was the youngest.
They just didn’t see him as an equal. He was taller than Gordon now! His stupid grades were at least as good as John’s. He had passed every stupid medical training scenario Virgil had thrown at him to the point his brother had had a chat with him about the possibility of studying medicine. (He’d be lying if it didn’t appeal slightly; to be like Grandma. The lure of space though was too strong and he loved being in the field like this with his brothers. (Usually) That however was not the point! He was up to date on all the same stupid rescue training as the rest of them. He was an important part of International Rescue.
Well, when they let him.
When they weren’t being bossy. Even Gordon felt he had the right to tell him what to do. The worst moment had been a couple of days ago when he’d gone to complain to Gordon about another of Scott’s injustices and Gordon had told him to cut Scott some slack.
Betrayal.
Gah.
They were all against him.
“Stupid....button," He jabbed the controls with each word more forcefully than he perhaps should. "Stupid...pod!"
“For a genius your vocabulary is shockingly limited.”
Alan showed Gordon what he thought of the comment with a simple gesture.
“Scores highly on non verbal communication though. Noted. Probably best not let the Commander see you doing that.”
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Sure! I’ve already answered L in far too much detail here, but as for the other two:
C. Who is your favourite character to write?
I have many, mainly because I have written for many different fandoms and I usually settle with a favourite for each of them., so have a list of my usual suspects:
Bleach: Yylfordt Granz. Starting it off with my disposition occasionally for minor characters, those of you who know Bleach might vaguely recall that one blond arrancar right at the start of the arc that curb-stomped Renji right up until Ururu got involved and then the limits got released and yeah. That guy. Got all of maybe an episode and a half at most, with one tiny mention again later with Szayelaporro revealing he was his brother and a Grimmjow flashback. Super minor, but I love him and I love writing him. This actually stems from a long-term RP session where I ended up controlling him and he quickly became one of my absolute favourites. Ulquiorra is also fun (I like arrancar, okay).
Naruto: Itachi Uchiha and Suigetsu Hozuki. I love writing most of the Uchiha, to be honest, including Itachi’s mother, Mikoto, and Shisui, but it’s just so easy to poke at Itachi and find cracks to play with. So, so, easy. Suigetsu is a good, breath of fresh air after all that Uchiha angst - instead we have a water boy who’s been imprisoned and experimented on loads who just loves to wind up other people (especially Karin and I admit I am a SuiKa shipper through and through).
One Piece: Shachi. And we stick with the minor characters. Shachi finally got named in the manga in the Wano Arc, but his first appearance was the Sabaody Archipelago, some many, many chapters before, and we only knew his name because Oda said so in an interview once. So Shachi is a bit of a cheat because I have written so much for him based on the very limited canon that we have that I’ve basically developed him as a character myself. We don’t actually know for sure that he’s anything like the character I write in my series Tales From The Heart but I like him, and a lot of people have told me they like him, so he’s staying like this in my fics. I do also love writing Law, though (Heart Pirates best crew).
Thunderbirds: Scott Tracy. What’s this? A not-minor character? One of the main cast? Scott’s unusual in that he’s actually a major character - a main character, in fact - that I default to. I usually stick with minor characters because they give me more wriggle room to play with, but Scott’s been an absolute favourite of mine since I first saw the original Thunderbirds back as a kid, to the point that those infant school playtimes were spent with myself and two friends (both boys, both older than me) running around pretending we were the Tracys and I was always Scott (M was Virgil and W was Alan; John and Gordon got left out, sorry boys!). He’s rash, impulsive, and the best big brother in the world. And TAG gives me even more excuses to break him to pieces :D
P. What are your favourite tropes to write?
Favourite tropes, hmm... this sort of question is stupidly difficult for me because my brain doesn’t often work in ‘tropes’. More genres, if anything. Hurt/Comfort (physical or emotional), Angst, Whump, Fluff, Family, Friendship. Those sorts of things, mainly. Hiding an injury/illness is one I like to play around with a lot. Don’t think I’ve actually written much kidnapping but my muse likes to toss those ideas around at me a lot. Same with things like Identity Reveal, I guess. Found family/Friends as family is satisfying, especially when I’m in a fluffy mood. ‘What if x character didn’t actually die’ is another one I toy with but don’t think I’ve actually finished or posted many.
But yeah, I don’t really think in ‘tropes’, so if there’s any prevailing tropes anyone’s noticed in my stuff, I’d be interested to hear what they are :D
@sofasurf: Thomas was so engrossed in what he was doing, he missed the worried glance Rick and TC exchanged over his head.
“Listen, Tommy, buddy, this isn’t healthy. When was the last time you slept?” Thomas waved a hand around distractedly, as if to brush off Rick’s question.
“Doesn’t matter. I can sleep when I find out who’s after Juliet.” TC clapped a hand gently on Thomas’ shoulder, and Rick sighed.
“Don’t worry, TM, we’ll keep her safe, I promise.”
Thanks for the encouragement to get back to this. 🥰
Ok so I left Scott in a bit of a pickle... so be warned it's angsty.🙄
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Panic gripping him fully now he backed away from the closed door until his back hit the wall. Sliding down to the floor he curled tightly in on himself as the flood of memories threatened to drown him, until he couldn’t think straight, couldn't breath and here and now became there and then.
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“Scott Tracy is in distress!” Eos voice cried frantically from John's wrist.
Both brothers leapt up, the data pad John had been filling forms in clattered to the ground.
“What?”
“How..?”
“I am attempting to alert assistance!”
“Eos! What's happening?” Penny seemed most capable of clarity.
“Commander Scott Tracy is struggling to breathe!”
“Wait, you can't...” Penny's attempt to stop the brothers crashing into the corridor fell on deaf ears.
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Jody had cleared the first two layers of security and was patiently waiting for the security guard to make the final clearance and bring her to her client.
“All a bit strange, this one,” Fred commented conspiratorially.
“Indeed,” Jody was not going to be drawn. “How’s Peter finding sixth form?”
The older man grinned at mention of his youngest son. “He’s loving the social life but not so much the workload.”
Whatever Jody had been going to reply was cut off by the sudden sounding of an alarm.
“What the...?” Karl leapt for the console. He swore. “That shouldn't...You better stay here!”
Jody had moved with him and looking over his shoulder at what the alert was ignored the last part of his statement, that was her client!
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“But our brother...”
“I'm sorry sir but I am going to ask you to move aside please. You cannot access the cells, I don't care who is down there. “
“He needs help!”
“Then he'll be getting it, sir. Now back away!” his hand rested on the Taser on his holster.
A man with a black bag and a security pass marked medical came hurrying up and the three were forced to move aside as the security guard waved him quickly through.
Was he there for Scott?
Virgil nearly pushed after him but Penny grabbed his arm and forced the irate man to take a step back- palm flat in the centre of his chest.
“Let me!” her glare dared them to disagree as she turned back to the security guard. “I'm sorry. I know you are just doing your job but as you can see my friends are...” she eyed the two Tracy’s who looked about ready to pull the building apart, “concerned about their brother. Clearly something is going on but if we can't go down some reassurance might help...” again she paused, “relax the situation.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Please!”
He regarded her a moment then stepped away and spoke into his radio. He nodded, face grim then turned back to Penny.
“All I can do is to assure you if there is a problem with one of our detainees they are receiving appropriate care.”
“Thank you,” Penny cut across John before he could say what he thought of that lack of information. “We’ll wait back in here then.” She turned and herded the two frantic men back into the side room they had been waiting in. “John dear. The tablet,” she picked it up and handed it to him. Understanding her the astronaut shook himself and bent over the tablet, fingers flying as he sought less official reassurances of his own.
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The terror was overwhelming. Lost in a nightmare of sounds and images his lungs burned. A small part recognised his breathing was too fast and too shallow but he couldn't stop it.
Darkness threatened the edge of his vision. Unable to focus on the dark shadows threatening around him, he struck out at the faceless shapes that loomed. They would not take him.
Not again.
The barking. Hands attempted to grab him again.
No, no, no, no!
There was a grunt as one of his uncoordinated blows connected. The threat retreated and he dropped back pushing himself with frantic hands until he felt the hard wall behind. With nowhere else to go he curled in on himself on the floor.
Loud Voices echoed. Angry.
He waited for blows that didn't come.
Then suddenly loud music startled him. Just enough to break the panic slightly.
“Please, wait” a woman’s voice, vaguely familiar. “Let me try this before you give him...”
English.
He couldn't catch the rest of her sentence or the deeper voice that replied. But trying to focus on it pulled him closer to reality.
“See, he's coming back.”
More sounds from deeper voices.
Now he turned his face towards the voice. The music continued.
It was loud. Classic rock? Like Alan currently favoured. Alan?
Thought of his youngest brother woke a little more of his awareness.
“Don't talk breathe. Good. Yes. Like that. In...out” The voice kept talking. Steady and calm. Anchoring. “That’s the ticket. Again.”
That Place did not have a voice like that.
It just kept talking. About nothing that he could make sense of but a body gently pressed against his side- he was on the floor he realised. Not comfy but not cold stone. He half expected it to be Virgil beside him but then he realised it wasn't; remembered why and the panic flooded back, his breathing speeding up again, vision tunnelling.
The voice became more urgent “Scott...I know but... just another moment, please. He’s not going to pass out, we've got this.”
The male voice spoke again, low and indistinct but the woman's didn't falter now just kept up a steady stream of speech.
He flinched as a large hand gripped his wrist the way Vigil sometimes did but the grip was gentle pressing lightly on the inside of his wrist so he didn't pull away. The voice kept talking. He relaxed ever so slightly.
Gradually, gradually his breathing returned to something approaching normal.
He began to focus on what was actually being said. The occasional word eventually becoming full sentences. He listened a moment eyes closed, focusing on breathing more deeply as his scattered thoughts began to understand the words.
“Are you... are you reciting...case law?”
“You didn't respond to my thoughts on Ugg boots so yes.”
He huffed a breath that might have been amusement under other circumstances.
“You back?”
He nodded his head once. Focusing on trying to steady his breathing to the rhythm he realised the woman was gently tapping in his leg.
The woman he realised was his barrister. Who he had only just met. This should be humiliating but he was too tired, the emotions from the flashback still too real to actually care.
“Can you tell me three things you can see?”
He raised his head slightly, “Shoes, sink...” a pause as his eyes focused, “grey hair?”
“Sorry, mine.” A hand reached out and grabbed the wig from the floor, “It's itchy. I'm supposed to ask if you mind me removing it but well...”
He waved a hand indicating retrospective permission.
“What do you hear?”
“My youngest brother’s playlist?”
A laugh.
“What else? “
“You, voices outside.”
No dogs.
“Good that's good.”
They sat pressed together on the floor for a moment. His thoughts began to form more coherence. “How did you know about the music? That it’d help.”
“My older brother.”
Scott turned to look at her. She smiled a little sadly.
“Flew combat like you. He... this...happens sometimes. .” she gestured their current location.
Scott simply nodded. Enough said.
Movement in his periphery made Scott start back cracking his head hard on the wall. He swore.
“Careful!”
A large man was kneeling to his left just outside his immediate line of sight watching him carefully. He smiled warmly when Scott turned his head to look at him.
That was mildly unnerving. Now he was more aware of his surroundings, he could see at least two other men in the corridor beyond the open door.
“Good to have you back, Mr Tracy.” Scott looked at the stranger slightly wary. Beyond him on the floor he could see the open medical bag, he sucked in a breath at the sight of a vial and hypodermic sitting beside it, his pulse picked up again and the man adjusted his position blocking it from view.
He handed over a small cup of water which was pressed into his hand, Jody steadying it as his hands were shaking.
She nodded to the man Scott didn't recognise. “Dr Girvan, he's a police doctor, he'll check you over till we decide about this afternoon.”
“Decide?”
“Well, obviously if you're unable to attend... well we'll have to postpone.”
With that icy dose of reality the hand that had loosened is grip on his chest tightened slightly. He straightened himself, “Of course I’m able to attend.”
She looked at him intently, “Scott, I will get you out of here. But there are things beyond any of our control.”
“I'm fine.”
The intense gaze continued, an unprofessionally frank assessment from well within his personal space as she had yet to move away from where she was physically pressed against him, grounding him. Finally she seemed to come to a conclusion. There was an exhale, of frustration or amusement Scott’s tired brain couldn’t decide. “Of course you are.”
She nodded to the man, Scott now realised had a medical scanner subtly held at his side. The man stood and reached out a hand to help her up.
Before she pulled herself off the floor Scott put a hand on her arm, “Thank you, Ms Donavon.”
“I think you can probably call me Jody at this point. Don't you?”
Things are happening in various places. What does it me for Scott.
This is getting away from me so thanks to those sticking around. Please let me know your thoughts- I love some of the theories. Not sure what you'll make of this one...
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Green ducked into the empty office and dialled.
“I've done what you asked. The heat is going to get intense when they realise that I've impeded the investigation the way I have,”
He ground his teeth at the response, “Of course I have! But nothing subtle about what you asked. It won't take long and then it's gonna get really unpleasant here.”
He listened for a moment.
“No you listen. I'm the one taking all the risk. I'll happily push his buttons; always felt his sort need taken down a peg or two. I mean he's already swirling the drain... But... this is going to burn all my bridges here...
Easy for you to say.... I'm serious, I’m gonna need double my usual and the documents we discussed.”
His voice slightly rose at the end. And he seemed to catch himself on looking over his shoulder and lowering his voice again.
“Fine.” He hung up and slipping the phone back into his jacket pocket and stood for a moment thinking.
He'd do what they asked. Though they clearly felt he was no longer useful; time to start that new life his extra activities had been building towards since he was approached his first month in the job. The guy in the bar had been right; ready money for those who kept their eyes open and their mouth shut.
He was no fool though; clearly his employers felt he was no longer necessary, this had gone beyond the usual making evidence disappear. They obviously had no qualms about him being caught. Normally he was given time and the resources to ensure any “creative” contributions he was paid to make were neatly hidden. This time they had wanted big things, things that would become obvious very soon and that were fully traceable to him. Well, he was not gonna be anyone's loose end. He seen those getting tied up on too many occasions.
Time to disappear.
Might as well go out with bang by tipping Tracy off the ledge he was clearly perched on. If he finished big maybe the shadows wouldn't try too hard to find him when he scarpered.
Might as well push all the buttons he could then leave the country a wealthy man!
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“The problem that we have, Scott, is that your version of events doesn't match the evidence we have. We have CCTV footage of you following Guinevere into her apartment and fleeing half an hour later. There is a glass with your fingerprints on it and traces of that expensive scotch you were drinking all evening. We can't find the homeless man you allege you gave your coat to- not a trace. How do you explain that?”
“I can't. It's not...I didn't.”
“For the record I am showing Mr Tracy photographs from the crime scene.”
All the air left Scott's body.
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The data pad smashed against the far wall, screen splintering, a spiderweb of cracks instantly breaking the image into a thousand pieces.
“John!” Virgil's hand was in his biceps turning him away from the holographic image of their older brother falling apart.
That angle of the camera had not allowed his brothers to see the images Scott had been presented with but the pained gasp that escaped his body and the way he half stood before his solicitor’s hand on his arm gently pulled him back to his chair spoke volumes.
The Commander of International Rescue had breathed slowly for a second then responded to the questions in a voice so devoid of emotion Virgil felt sick with grief for his brother. John's response had been uncharacteristically physical.
“We have to get him out of there!”
“I'm trying,” John was angry but Virgil didn't pull away. “This doesn't make sense. None of it. It all feels... wrong.”
“I know, Johnny. We’ll work it out.”
“Eos, I need ALL the evidence. I want to see everything the police have.”
“John...” Virgil was conflicted.
“John, you said we should keep our activities to surveillance only due to the hightened security of the police systems.” Eos was direct. “You said being caught would make things worse for Scott Tracy.”
“That was when I was sure this was all a mistake. Now it feels like a set up.”
“John if you are caught...” Virgil’s anxiety was evident.
“Then we won't be. Quickly Eos.”
The door opened softly interrupting any further objection Virgil wanted to make, though actually he agreed with John. They needed to see everything regardless of the risk.
“John dear,” Penny scooped up the broken pad, a look of understanding on her face. “My friend will take Scott as a client. Things have progressed somewhat more speedily than expected. The bail hearing is at 12. We will meet her there and hopefully have Scott home here with us while we sort out this unfortunate nonsense.”
She paused a moment running her eyes over both men. “While a low profile is required perhaps you should not appear in court in the clothes you put on yesterday morning and have not slept in.”
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Eos zipped through the system. She was a ghost; invisible.
Still she took a little extra care covering her tracks. This was dangerous; digging in these places. For her, but especially for John.
Her usual thrill at the challenge was dulled by concern for the Tracy family; her family.
Scott Tracy was in serious trouble. She had taken a few moments to research the criminal justice system in the UK and likely outcomes of Scott Tracy’s current situation.
They did not appear to be optimal.
John had been watching the interrogation of his brother. The interrogators seemed to think Scott Tracy had not done what he said he had done. They claimed their evidence proved the Commander was dishonest.
They thought Scott Tracy had hurt someone. This was not part of his coding. Eos knew that.
The distress of John, Virgil Tracy but most of all Scott Tracy when the police had shown him the images of what had been done.
She paused for a nanosecond- a virtual age by her standards.
She had found those images but something had stopped her from sending them immediately to John. She needed to keep him safe and they did not feel safe. Certainly they had hurt Scott Tracy a lot.
The solicitor man had made the police leave Scott alone for a moment. They had agreed, the unpleasant one not as graciously as the other one.
John and Virgil had left for the court but the police we going back into speak to Scott Tracy again. Eos would be watching.
The solicitor man had stepped out of the room also to speak quietly into his phone. More about the reasons for the court visit- Eos half listened to his call as she moved, John had empowered her to gather all information and she slid in and out of systems all over the building doing just that.
Henderson was on the phone to his wife, a teacher, 36; he had not been home since the case broke and his daughter was missing him.
John, Virgil Tracy and Lady Penelope were in a taxi approximately 30 minutes from the courthouse.
Scott Tracy was alone.
He was pacing the room. His movements without thought, trapped. She waited until he lifted his eyes to the ceiling and signalled her presence. It took a few attempts before he saw her- the little light on the security camera blinking F.A.B. in Morse code.
He finally saw.
He blinked twice, frozen in his pacing then he swore gently and sank back to his chair taking his head in both his hands. The door opened though and he snapped his composure back into place, something Eos could see he was finding harder each time. He turned his head to face the door but not before giving the camera an almost imperceivable nod. He was not alone.
Eos zipped on. John was not able to watch the feed now he was in public so Eos concerned herself with the task at hand.
She was going to find and examine this evidence herself and take her findings to John.
Eos did not fully understand rage, but if she did maybe it felt like her desire to find whoever had done this to her family and hurt her John. Eos did not like to see him distressed.
But he was.
Increasingly.
She broke through the last encryption and found the files.
The evidence.
The video files.
Her reviews lasted seconds. She felt a strong emotion. It was not one she had ever experienced before. She felt her programming burning.
How dare they!
How dare they!
Suddenly she realised she was not alone. Someone else was poking through these files. They were slow though, clearly human. She watched a moment as they clumsily butted against the firewall she had restored behind her- every letter of her programming screamed danger at her. She dropped a tiny snatch of code in the hope she could follow it later and in a nanosecond she had retreated to the safety of Five leaving no trace of her having ever been there.
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“Boss!”
“Problem?”
“I... wait... no. I could have sworn I saw something.”
“Like what?”
“I thought there was someone else there.”
“Our friends?”
“No, it looked... it must have been a glitch.”
“You're sure?”
“No one could have been in and out like that, it was just a second,” a tired sigh and the sound of knuckles cracking. “I've been staring at this screen too long.”
“You're in though?”
“Yep. No sign of our friends but I'm analysing the files now- starting the trace- this could take a while. It's not their usual M.O. but it is definitely them. This is sloppy by their standards though.”
“Good. Sloppy is where we get ‘em”
“I can't find anything to link Tracy to any of our known players.”
“I don't think you will.”
“Sir?”
“As you said, this isn't their normal style. This feels different... personal. This whole thing it doesn't fit any other patterns or serve what we know of their agenda. It's maybe to keep us looking at Tracy and not at the girl."
“At what point do we weigh in?”
“Don't tell me you're soft for the Commander too, Jones?”
“Pff. Course not. Pulled my best friend’s cousin off the side of a mountain though, genuine real life hero he is.”
“Not our concern Jones. Sember ocultus, remember, sember ocultus. We can't go tipping the bad guys off that we're on to them just because one man is having a bad day.”
“Aye, but...”
“It's well above our pay grade, Jones; but I imagine those at the top will want the golden boy safe before this gets out and his company crashes flushing the world's economy round the U- bend with him. But they’ll hold their nerve, see what the bait on the hook will catch, who blinks first. If we can nail ‘em in the act, well, that’s a risk worth it. Pretty boy'll be fine”
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So here goes the story proper! I hope you like it. It's gonna be a bit of a roller coaster. But let's have some fun
before that tsunami hits.
@idontknowreallywhy is my hero.
Prologue is here on Ao3 and here on tumblr
Chapter 2 is here
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“Well at least our illustrious leader is having a good time” Vigil nudged John where he stood leaning on the bar with his back to the gathered throng.
“He still with her?” John turned round intrigued enough by this to risk making eye contact with those around him. He followed Virgil’s head tilt to where Scott Tracy, captain of industry; Commander of International Rescue and serial flirt was dancing with the beautiful young brunette whose arm he had nudged at the very start of the evening; the accidental impact causing a very full glass of red wine to pour down the front of her mint green dress.
The surprised cry of the girl had Virgil and John preparing to wade into the fray to rescue their brother from the embarrassing scene they anticipated. Instead the girl had accepted the apology and light blue silk handkerchief offered with good grace and amusement. Though the handkerchief was returned unused almost immediately;
“I’m not using this to mop up red wine,” seeing his uncertainty at why it was rejected, she leant towards Scott, and in a stage whisper added, “It’s worth more than the dress!”
Scott’s unexpected bark of laughter suggested to Virgil that he wouldn’t need to worry about Scott finding entertainment that evening and he’d been right.
The party at the American Embassy in London was not their usual style but Scott had been at college with the ambassador’s senior aid and, as big brother had pointed out it didn’t hurt them to network; Tracy Industries had major stakes in a lot of countries and industries world wide. Plus Penny would, of course be there and had offered to let them stay with her in her apartment and the promise of Parker’s famous cooked breakfast was not to be ignored.
Virgil and John had made small talk with acquaintances and been introduced to many new faces. How Scott did this on a regular basis, often with enjoyment, Virgil didn’t really understand, John certainly didn’t; although the astronaut had had a very pleasant conversation with a large Norwegian man about some new advancements in long range satellite something or others. Virgil had zoned out, especially when they both became animated and kept switching to German. Gordon was right Spacecase was a colossal nerd.
Big brother had dutifully done his usual working of the room knowing many more people than either of his younger brothers, but he and the girl had found each other again each time they were separated by other people or brothers. It was an unusual display of preference for Scott who was usually very careful not to give prying eyes a potential glimpse of his private life.
The risks of gossip columns finding much out about the evening were low tonight he supposed; the embassy had heavy security and there were almost more bodyguards lining the walls than actual guests which amused Virgil; they’d given their own security the night off, Kayo had been unimpressed but out ranked by Scott; “Come as a guest or go catch a show or something, Kay!” She’d selected the later but Virgil wouldn’t be surprised if their usual detail was outside despite what Scott had instructed.
The crowd at the party had a large number of high profile guests; not the usual paparazzi fodder though; well apart from a minor royal Virgil knew Grandma would want to hear about later. Virgil watched his fellow guests; these men and women, these were people with true power; what deals between companies or, more dramatically between countries, were being formed while he and John sipped expensive scotch at the bar? That kind of power held no allure for him except where it could be used to help people in need. He knew Scott’s opinion was similar to his own on that front but unlike Virgil, Scott knew exactly how to wield that power. Virgil was in awe at how a lot of these people looked to his older brother and listened when he spoke. Good things often happened where Scott Tracy intervened.
He sipped his drink and watched as the girl laughed at something Scott whispered in her ear as they danced. This girl was nice. She’d disappeared briefly into the restrooms to deal with, “the carnage” as she’d dubbed the vivid red stain marring the front of her chiffon gown. There wasn’t a dry cleaner in the world would be able to salvage that. Unlike many of those they often encountered who would have made a huge fuss especially knowing who Scott was, this girl seemed more amused; “It's a dress and an accident, my life is hardly ruined!” That was immediate brownie points.
Scott had lingered until she returned from her clean up attempt to apologise again. She’d returned still smiling, told Scott he could buy her a fresh drink- laughing as he pointed out it was an open bar, “Then you’re getting off lightly aren’t you, Armani?”
Another surprised laugh from his brother and introductions had been made. She was Eve Ramsey, currently living in London but about to start her first overseas placement for the British embassy in Germany as a junior aide. Her accent was similar to Penny’s, though with a slight lilt to it that Virgil couldn’t immediately place.
Also unlike others, if she was at all starstruck by meeting The Scott Tracy, she hid it well. Her polite, “What do you do?” Had left Virgil momentarily floundering until she’d laughed, “Sorry, couldn’t resist. You must be Virgil? Thunderbird Two’s pilot and that makes you,” a warm smile was flashed at John, “Thunderbird Five. I have always wanted to go into space!”
There followed a short enthusiastic conversation with John about his lifestyle that showed her to be well informed and intelligent and had John relaxing into the topic in a way not many people could manage so quickly. Scott was clearly delighted at this development which made Virgil grin to himself. The Commander clearly liked this one.
“Thunderbird Five must be incredible!” Eve broke off with a sigh.
John smiled, pleased. “She is!”
“Thunderbird One is pretty incredible too, don’t you think?” Scott insisted, not completely joking; his eyes twinkled and the dimples were deployed with full force. Virgil watched with interest, Scott actually making an effort to flirt? Always interesting; this was usually where they swooned, melted or eyelashes fluttered and the socialites ensured the ego of their mark remained intact; he’d witnessed it many times.
Eve however was not the usual girl. She looked at Scott, her own eyes twinkling back as she pretended to consider it carefully before grinning cheekily; “I’m sorry, my degree is English Literature; Thunderbird One, well I guess she’s just a bit too phallic for me!”
Virgil snorted Scotch out his nose. And even John laughed out loud. Scott looked momentarily stunned. Any rejoinder was cut off however by the arrival of the host, the American ambassador who shook Scott’s hand enthusiastically, “Tracy, good to see you, son.”
“A pleasure as always, sir.” Scott nodded and smiled. Tom March had been an acquaintance of Jeff’s back in the day and was always a friendly face when their paths crossed.
“Boys,” he nodded to John and Virgil who both shook his hand as well, exchanging pleasantries.
Scott made to introduce their new companion but the ambassador had already leant forward and kissed her cheek.
“Hi, Uncle Tom.”
“Evie! I didn’t realise you were back!”
“Yes, yesterday. Thought I’d come say hi.”
“It’s good to see you. How’s your mum coping with the move?”
“Oh you know; complaining about the plumbing but getting everything whipped into shape. They won’t know what’s hit them.”
“Indeed. You need to come over before you leave. Martha will want to see you.”
“I’ll try.”
“Good.” He glanced at Scott then back at Eve eyebrows raising slightly and winked. “You young’uns have a good night then.” And he moved on to speak to the next group of people.
“Hi, Uncle Tom?” Scott raised an eyebrow teasingly.
She rolled her eyes, “An honorary title; I babysat his daughters when our families were stationed in Belgium at the same time. He and my father were at Oxford together, a fact I am rarely allowed to forget as I dared to attend Cambridge,”
“Oh so your father works for the diplomatic service as well?” John asked, though her university of choice was noted for later.
“Yep, I guess it’s in my blood.” She laughed self deprecatingly, “My coffee making and filling will be making a difference!”
Scott smiled at her, “Gotta start somewhere!”
“Indeed.” They held each others gaze a moment and Virgil cleared his throat while John rolled his eyes.
Still not breaking eye contact Scott clipped John on the side of the head, “Hey!”
They had continued like that the rest of the evening- having a dance here and there, chatting to people individually and coming back together to talk some more.
The evening was progressing and Virgil was enjoying the sight of a relaxed dancing Scott. He had not been short of partners himself, including several surprisingly pleasant encounters with the minor royal. Grandma must never find out or she'd be designing his coat of arms and booking Westminster Abbey! Thankfully John and Scott were the only brothers here and could be counted on for discretion. Even John had danced a couple of times with a pretty red head. Now though they had both retired to a discreet corner from which they could watch proceedings. Feeling Virgil's gaze Scott looked over and smiled as he recognised the, ‘can we go now stance?’ of John. He bent down and whispered to the girl and led her off the dance floor to join his brothers once again.
Conversation was light and easy until Eve laughed, and, glancing at her watch, finished the glass of champagne she had been drinking, “It’s been lovely meeting you but I actually have to go now. I am having breakfast with my brother early tomorrow.”
Scott rubbed the back of his neck and ducked his head a little. “I…mmm…I’ll see you home?”
Virgil and John exchanged amused glances.
Eve looked up at him, blushing prettily, “Umm…I…if you want…don’t want to take you away from the party.”
“I don’t mind…I mean…if you wanted.”
“Oh good grief,” John interceded. “Just go both of you, I’m getting nauseous.”
They all laughed and Eve, cheeks still pink handed her empty glass to Scott and left to get her coat.
“I’ll see you back at the apartment in a bit.”
Vigil couldn’t keep the smirk off his face, “Sure!”
It was Scott’s turn to roll his eyes, “I’ve known her ten minutes,” he paused though and rubbed his neck again, “though I think I might ask her if we could have dinner tomorrow night…?”
“You’re ditching us?” Virgil teased.
“Well,,I mean…”
“Don’t be daft. I like her. You absolutely should ask her out.”
“She’s pretty great isn’t she?” Virgil clamped his hand on Scott’s shoulder and shook his head, “Oh dearie, dearie me!”
“Nauseous!” John contributed but he was grinning.
“You’re both annoying, you know that?” He downed the rest of his Scotch and set his empty glass on the bar behind John. “That’s good stuff,” he commented before clapping Virgil on the shoulder, “Later losers!”
“And just like that we are abandoned!”
“They grow up so fast.”
They stood in companionable silence for a moment. Virgil asked the bartender the name of the scotch Scott had been drinking. Top shelf stuff, he’d order him a couple of cases for his birthday. Contented with the world he looked back at John who had started poking at his comm.
“What are you doing?”
“Never too soon to start background checks; Eos can do a preliminary search immediately…See if the lady checks out.”
“Hey! That’s the potential mother of our nephew and nieces you could be maligning.” He bumped John’s shoulder and got a dark look for his trouble. Vigil ignored him, he was in a good mood. He took another contented sip of his drink. Scott deserved a little happiness, it had been a long time since he’d seemed so smitten. Virgil liked to see Scott happy; maybe this would be a passing thing or maybe it would become something- either way it existed outside the office and International Rescue and that had to be a good thing.
John stopped typing and finished his own drink. “Have you seen Penny, maybe we could go too?”
“She was last seen in a crowd of impressionable diplomats that direction,” he motioned with his glass towards the opposite side of the room. John looked at him expectantly.
Virgil sighed, “I’ll go find her since you have the whole not moving from the corner thing going.” John nodded his assent, sarcasm proof, losing his eyes to his wrist comm which had just beeped discreetly. Eos was swift. Virgil put his glass in the bar where a new bar tender nodded his thanks.
He’d taken only a few steps when he turned back surprised as John swore. John often swore but this was just one word and in English.
Worrying.
The red head was reading his screen a frown on his face. He tilted it to Virgil as he approached.
“She’s not a wanted terrorist, is she?” He desperately tried to lighten the look on John’s face but his brother shook his head slightly, indicating Virgil should see for himself.
“No…but look who her dad is!”
Virgil read.
Then swore.
“What do we do?”
“I don’t think there is anything we can do…”
“It might not come up…we can talk to him in the morning…it might, I mean it might not be a problem."
“Or….” John trailed off and they both stood suddenly miserably helpless, watching the door their brother had just left through.
Sorry for the big gap in posting- real life is just very full on at the moment- lot of spinning plates, most smashed!
@idontknowreallywhy consulted hard on this one.
Anyway. You know that one scene you can picture fully before you start a fic. Finally, finally we've got there.
Tw I do give Scott a hard time here. Sorry if it's all too melodramatic.
The bail hearing continues.
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As the doors closed behind John and Virgil, Jody met her client’s eyes. He thought of flying, of Alan’s laugh, he shut out memories of another more recent laugh, of darker colder things. He nodded slightly and sat straighter in his seat bracing for what was to come.
He could do this.
He had no choice.
“Your Honour, my client suffers from medical issues due to an incarceration he suffered while serving in the USAF.”
“I was not aware...
“It is not a matter of public record but my client was held prisoner after his jet was shot down over Bereznik. His subsequent three months as a prisoner of war has left him with occasional recurrences of post traumatic stress disorder. There is concern that being confined at this time, combined with the connection to Bereznik in this case might prove exceptionally detrimental to his mental health.”
“Your Honour, perhaps the defendant should have considered this before he committed a crime that carries a mandatory life sentence!”
“The compassion and evident impartiality of the prosecution is noted and I will remind him of the burden of proof.” He turned his withering gaze from the prosecution barrister who had the decency to look shamefaced for a moment. Then he turned his attention to Jody who waited patiently to be invited to speak.
“Ms Donovan if you would be so kind to explain what's going on. My list has been rearranged for what is already proving an irregular experience and I think we'd all like to get some clarity this side of tomorrow.”
“Thank you, your honour. I can supply evidence to support my client’s claim, with the speed of events I am unable to produce it till later today. Dr Patricia O’Brien a specialist in this type of trauma who has been treating my client for several years is prepared to testify to the particulars should the court require. We ask that the court show compassion for a decorated war hero.”
“Your flair for the dramatic is noted. I will take this into consideration upon receipt. Clearly this information could have bearing on the case.”
“Of course your honour.”
Ms Donavon, If bail is granted your client can expect the conditions to be extensive. It would be equally pertinent for you to take instructions on matters such as surety and a potential residence address within the jurisdiction.”
“Thank you, your honour. “
“I’ll rise until 2pm. Your client will remain in downstairs in custody until then.”
He rose and left the court.
Jody moved across to Scott, “That was encouraging. You'll be ok for a couple of hours? I'm going to speak to your brothers, explain what's happening and then I'll come and we can discuss what you can expect from this afternoon. I know this isn't your choice of strategy but I agree with your brothers, we need to get you out of here to figure out what is going on. This isn't...” she gestured the space around them, “Things are being moved along in a strange way. We need you out so we can regroup. This is a good first step to that. You'll be ok?”
He gave a half smile and Jody got the sense of armour being worn in the form of a charmingly wry grin, believable except if you looked into his eyes.
His painfilled eyes.
“Tell them I'm ok. Fine even. Yea,” his lips moved in a facsimile of a grin, “Tell them I say I'm fine,” He straightened the grin gone a look of tired determination in its place. She squeezed his arm slightly, an unprofessional impulse just as the guard led him away.
Gathering her files quickly she nodded at the prosecution as he held the door for her and went in search of her client’s family. They were not going to be pleased that they'd been removed from proceedings.
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Virgil was pacing like a caged tiger, behaviour more usually seen in Scott who had been eerily still in the courtroom. The engineer had a fist twisting the hair on the front of his head tightly and seemed to be having a conversation on his own head.
“This is ridiculous!”
“I know, dear heart but we have to trust the process,” Penny’s voice was calm but Virgil noticed with a morbid satisfaction she was biting on her thumb nail in an uncharacteristic way.
“The same process that has landed Scott on trial for murder? Forgive my lack of reassurance.”
“Vee,” John's voice held a gentle rebuke.
“Sorry, Penny.” The blonde just waved a hand to show no offence had been taken.
“How could they just kick us out like this?”
“So they can talk about his file.”
“But we're his family. We lived the aftermath. How could they remove us!”
“Virgil,” John sighed and put it a leg to stop Virgil's pacing motioning to the seat on his right. Virgil took the hint.
“He could have said it was ok for us to remain, he must have instructed Jody to do that- the court was empty. Why?”
John sighed sadly looking up from the data Eos was sending him. “We both know why, Vee.”
Virgil visibly deflated in his seat. “I know.”
They sat in silence before the sound of the courtroom door alerted them to the fact it was clearly over. Jody approached and motioned them to follow her into a side room where they could speak in private.
She passed Scott's message, the “fine” drawing a sad huff of laughter from the brothers, clearly a meaning she didn't comprehend.
“I have looked over the information; what I'm cleared to read anyway. I'm a confident as I can be at this stage that the ruling should go in our favour, at which point Scott will be released on bail which you'll need to pay upon his release. I need some numbers of accounts and an address here in London where you so be staying. You can access a sizeable amount of cash quickly?”
John looked at Virgil and they both nodded. “Good. Always helpful to have things in place to expedite matters. I'll leave the forms here. Sorry to be callous but with means such as yours, the figure will be high- we’llneed the money immediately if the ruling is in our favour.”
John took the data pad she offered him scanning the first page of the open document and nodding again.
“I'll let you sort these details for the court and I’m going to go and discuss this afternoon with Scott, I feel it best I prepare him for what details I intend to present.”
“Thank you, Ms Donovan.”
“Jody.”
“Jody,” Virgil’s smile was genuine.
As she hurried to the cells below, Jody took a moment to app the warm brown eyes, different to her clients yet strangely alike.
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He’d met his brothers’ frightened gazes with the most steady and reassuring one he could manage. He had held it together as his barrister had made the appeal for special consideration. He hated that his record was being used like this. It was a violation, but as she had pointed out the prosecution would no doubt be digging it up. He felt nauseous at all the implications of this. What if... he shut that down as tight as he could.
He’d met her eye and held his head up as he been lead out of the court room. He was a Tracy he lived through worse.
He didn’t feel that confidence now.
His hands trembled and he balled them into fists to stop it showing.
The guard opened the door and motioned for him to enter the tiny room. He closed his eyes and walked forward, breaths deliberately slow and steady. The rhythm had been taking more and more effort to control as they had moved deeper under the courthouse. No natural light and a horribly familiar feeling of his hands being bound was not helping him.
This wasn't there.
The resounding clang of the door closing behind him caused him to start. His heart rate and breathing both accelerated, all pretence of a steady pattern deserting him.
He was here. This was not Bereznik. He would not be here for long. He would not be tortured.
No torture.
He could do this.
He was not there.
He could do this.
He was not there.
Anxiety had him pulling at the bandage on his hand, fingers digging into the cut. The pain helped keep him in this reality; an unhealthy coping mechanism that would have Virgil tearing his hair out.
He forced himself to open his eyes and slowly turn, taking in every inch of the square box he found himself in.
Not there. Not a stinking straw mattress on the ground. Proper flooring. Not there.
He knew he was breathing too fat and tried to steady himself but he was loosing the battle. He thought he heard dogs in the distance.
Not the dogs. Not here. They weren't here.
There was a bang as a cell door nearby closed and the dark wave of the past closed over his head.
Panic gripping him fully now he backed away from the closed door until his back hit the wall. Sliding down to the floor he curled tightly in on himself as the flood of memories threatened to drown him, until he couldn’t think straight, couldn't breath and here and now became there and then.
OK so my plans to stay ahead of this have epically failed. Real life is proving extremely busy and the muse has abandoned me. This is a short chapter but I hope it works!
@idontknowreallywhy has agreed to breathe deeply and not scream at the liberties I take...
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“Your Honor, my client is fully aware of the serious nature of the charges he faces but we would ask the court to look to the many character witness statements. My client is not a flight risk and we request that bail be granted.”
“Your Honour, the prosecution are concerned that releasing the defendant on bail could in fact pose a substantial flight risk; not just from the country but the court should be well aware that the defendant has access to vast personal resources and indeed transportation beyond the norm.”
“Is my learned friend suggesting my client might flee the planet?”
“Well it is an option most normal people do not have at their disposals.”
“It’s certainly a point that I have never had to consider before. On the one hand, your client is recognised worldwide and until now has been considered an intentional hero. On the other, this is a serious crime with potentially very real legal and political ramifications. It is vital that, should this proceed to trial, there is no appearance of bias due to wealth or status. These charges are severe enough to warrant your client be remanded in custody.”
Virgil, watched with mounting dread from his seat between John and Penny. He kept a hand firmly on the astronaut’s knee; to ground himself or to stop John leaping up and punching someone he couldn’t say.
Scott had given them a forced grimace of a smile when he'd seen them. He looked even worse in the flesh than he had in the illegal video of the interrogation. Virgil kept his eyes glued on his brother. He was pretty sure the prisoner, his mind stuttered at the word, was not in the courtroom with them- his vacant stare fixed on the middle distance.
They had to get him out of here. Now.
The courtroom was practically empty. The three of them the only public in the gallery.
No press. It felt strangely quiet.
Since the war, there were special levels of media regulation that could be put in place in extreme cases. Virgil hadn’t really been concentrating as John had explained the complete media silence where Virgil had expected banks of journalists clamouring for a photo of the Tracy family in crisis. The embargo could only be held for a short time though, so if this wasn’t cleared up soon; he shuddered at visions of the incoming storm, earning him concerned looks from the other two.
At least this barrister seemed to be as good as Penny claimed.
In any other circumstance Virgil would have enjoyed watching how she held herself despite being considerably younger than the prosecution barrister she was calmly facing off against.
He focused on what she was saying.
“There is a further matter that it might be appropriate for the court to take into consideration, but it is of a sensitive nature. May I request your honour hears the detail in chambers?”
“Miss Donavon, with the special measures in place for this case chambers is scarcely more private.”
“It is at the express request of my client your honour.” Jody placed particular inflection in the words and was relieved when the judge’s eyes flicked to the three anxious figures in the gallery and to the haggard figure in the dock. He was not a man known for his bleeding heart but Jody had also found him to be gruffly compassionate towards those in his courtroom when occasion merited it.
His lips pressed into a tight line.
“Very well.” He spoke quietly to the court clerk who gave the instruction to clear the room.
Two people rose and left without question. John and Virgil were startled to realise they were going to be forced to leave as well. A guard came to stand at the end of their row.
“Now hold on!” John started to voice a complaint but Penny soothingly pulled on his arm.
“Let's not get fined for contempt, darling.”
Scott turned and looked at them. He smiled a grim smile in an attempt to reassure the younger brothers. More aware of his surroundings than Virgil had thought then. He made eye contact with each of them, pausing at Penny and nodding slightly, he knew she'd understand and calm the other two. When Jody had explained this potential line of argument, he'd been adamant, his younger brothers would not hear any details put forward. They wouldn't hear what Jody proposed to say to get him released from the hell he was facing. He could spare them that.
The idea that IT would be spoken of. That those things would be mulled over. That Dr Patricia O”Brien, the Trauma specialist who has helped him through some of his darkest days might already have arrived at the court.
He didn't want to think about any of it. He squeezed his injured hand hard. Welcoming the sting it brought.
It was with a growing dread he faced the idea that maybe Green was right.
Maybe this defence was actually also the solution to the case.
Maybe he'd blacked out and gone back to the apartment.
