Standard disclaimer, don’t own them... or Marsbars (wish I had one now though- is 3 am too early to find a 7/11 store for a chocolate fix.)

A/N: Sorry this has been awhile in updating, things went a bit pear shaped, actually the dreaded lurgy struck my kids, but thankfully it didn’t come with little pink curly tails, (if you get my meaning, just ordinary yuckies, which are bad enough, temps of 40.9 I can do without.)

But that’s enough of my boring life,

... The Tracy clan are facing another family disaster, will Scott have to face the same future his father faced, or will he be spared... Will International Rescue survive if the worst happens?

Hope you enjoy...

TBZ.

Sasquatch: Chapter 9

Rubbing his face Virgil stood and stretched before striding down the short corridor to the forward elevators his mind wandering down dark paths, both distant and recent. The memories Zoey’s disappearance invoked were ones he’d hoped never to face again. As the elevator doors closed a chill ran down his spine. Somewhere out there on the mountain that had claimed his mother’s life, was his brother’s wife lost and alone.

If only they knew what had happened. Virgil sighed then froze. “Damn.” hastily he punched the button to return him to the helm level. Racing back into the helm he booted up the computer and searched through the security files. Thunderbird two had a wide security field, anyone approaching within four hundred meters of the large plane was recorded, either as a video image or thermal imaging. Somewhere there would be evidence of where Zoey had gone and what had happened. “Why didn’t I think of this sooner... Damn, damn, damn.”

He traced back through the internal video footage and located Zoey in the infirmary attending to one of the casualties on a bio-bed. The young boy seemed to be sleeping. Virgil watched as the young red haired woman turned to smile at someone entering the infirmary. Someone in International Rescue uniform appeared in the frame blocking Virgil’s view of Zoey. The International Rescue Agent shook his head then turned and allowed Zoey to pass them out of the infirmary doors. Virgil stopped the play back and searched the files for the corridor camera, finding the correct time stamp he watched as Zoey and the International Rescue Agent he now knew was Gordon crossed into the living quarters, Alan and Jeff soon appeared carrying a stretcher they also went into the living quarters, a few minutes later the three men left and headed back to the elevators, Zoey following shortly behind them, and returning to the infirmary. Fast forwarding a few hours, Virgil watched the traffic in and out of the two medic bays. Finally he noted Zoey exiting and heading towards the forward elevators.

Again he tracked through the files to find the Pod cameras, locating one that over looked the entire pod he watched Zoey exiting the elevator and looking around the Pod while rubbing at her lower back, he couldn’t see her face hidden the helmet but could imagine the scowl on her face just by the stiff posture she held. With a reminiscent smile he watched her as she cross between the crowds of rescue workers and seemed to pause on the ramp, before disappearing into the early dusk.

Noting the time stamp, Virgil swapped to the external thermal imaging cameras he matched the blob of heat with that from the visual Pod camera and watched as Zoey skirted around the helipad. A large thermal image suddenly appeared directly in front of her and Virgil blinked, stopping the playback and rewinding to watch again. No he wasn’t imagining it the figure just appeared suddenly. He froze the image and increased the focus; the person had been hiding under the snow. Virgil shook his head, whoever it was had been deliberately hiding. Pushing the play button he watched as the encounter played out.

The sudden gust of snow and flare of heat from the helicopter taking off briefly scattered the thermal recording, but as the image cleared Virgil saw a large hot spot near one laying in the snow, then the two merged and he watched them disappear out of range of the cameras.

Moving to another sub-routine Virgil brought up the thermal-radio radar system, generally they only used this system for ground searches from the air, but as the system was built into the security system it was always on. Virgil searched the history log and found the correct date stamp. Sorting through the myriad points of heat and movement was time consuming but as a single image separated from the main group and headed out towards the tree line and disappeared, Virgil knew he had a strong lead on what had happened and a direction of where Zoey had been taken. Now he knew where to start the search.

Making a note of the GPS and saving the history log Virgil stood and yawning he looked at his watch and noted that it was past eleven o’clock. Tapping his com-link Virgil headed towards the elevator once again. “Virge to Command.”

Jeff responded quickly to the hail, “Virge, what’s up?”

Virgil leaned against the wall of the elevator as the doors closed, “I’ve got a lead on Zoey. The thermal radar picked up an image heading into the trees north west of the resort.”

“F-A-B we’ll be back in shortly.” Jeff responded.

Reaching the pod Virgil wandered across the empty echoing space and sat on the edge of the pod ramp looking out into the dark cold night; snow was coming down again, not as heavily as earlier, but enough to cover any tracks Zoey’s kidnapper may have left. Virgil sighed and patted the ramp, he didn’t need tracks, with Thunderbird two’s sensors he was positive that they would find her. He just hoped that she was unharmed; he didn’t want to think about what would happen if the worst came to pass. Yawning again Virgil leaned back on his hands and waited.

----

Jeff thanked the Deputy Mayor for her offer of assistance in the search for Zoey and collected Alan from where he sat drowsing. “Com’on son. Let’s get back to your brothers.” He pulled Alan to his feet and wrapped an arm over his shoulders guiding the teen towards the distant Thunderbird two, intense relief infusing his body when the boy didn’t pull away.

Father and son crossed the snow covered field getting dusted by falling snow, as they reached the ramp into the pod Virgil pulled himself to his feet. “I tracked her from the infirmary to where she was taken.” Virgil said getting straight to the point. “I should be able to get a GPS location on the way back, unless he’s gone deep underground.”

Jeff nodded and looked at Alan nearly asleep on his feet, “Let’s get your brother to bed and then well do a few passes.” They headed towards the elevators, “have you told the others?”

“Not yet. I spoke to John earlier. He said Scott’s passed out. I didn’t want to disturb them again in case it woke him.” Virgil replied.

Jeff nodded and directed Alan into the living quarters settling him on the lower bunk. Pulling his boots and jacket off Jeff tucked his youngest into bed. Straightening up and rubbing his back to release the aching tension that had built there, Jeff sighed “This has got to be one the longest days of my life.” Joining Virgil in the helm, Jeff looked over the information Virgil had gathered, tears gathered in his eyes as the encounter played out. He realised that Zoey had become disorientated by the snow being blown up by the helicopter and had run straight into her attacker instead of escaping him. “Don’t let Scott see this.” He said looking at Virgil.

Virgil frowned and looked at his father, “He’s gonna want to see it.” Virgil voiced hesitantly, “He’s got a right to. She is his wife.”

Jeff closed his eyes and released a sharp breath, “I know…” he looked with pain filled eye at Virgil, “I just want to protect him from what I went through.” He shook his head, “I know I failed you boys…” Jeff choked on suppressed tears, “but if I can spare him this, I will. He doesn’t need to know about it now. After we’ve found her and we’re home… maybe.”

Virgil studied the man beside him, suddenly seeing him for the grief stricken man he was, not just his father, but a man who had never gotten over the loss of his wife. “Ok. I’ll keep a lid on it, for now. But if he asks I’m not gonna lie.”

Jeff nodded in understanding and turned to the control panel starting pre-flight checks, Virgil followed suit and before long the deep rumble of Thunderbird two’s engines could be felt. Virgil watched his father’s dexterous control of the large machine. He smiled quietly recognising the techniques he’d seen Scott employ so often. ‘They’re too much alike.’ he thought.

As the huge green plane rose above the icy field and banked towards the mountain pass where the other’s waited in the Hoarfrost Virgil checked his panels and began setting a search pattern.

“We can begin the search from here.” Virgil indicated a point several miles from the resort, “If we follow up this defile then these valleys we should find her, he can't have gone far.”

“Hmmm.” Jeff looked at the search pattern, “I’ll fly. You watch the sensors,” Jeff looked at the chronometer in the middle of the central control panel, “It’s twelve thirty now, we’ll do half a dozen passes over those valleys from 500 meters, mark anything that comes up and we’ll cross reference, and do a closer pass before heading back to the others.”

“FAB.”

Working seamlessly, father and son began searching for the missing Zoey, making several passes over the designated valleys Virgil marked the points he wanted to come back and search again.

----

The distant rumble of Thunderbird two approaching caused Zoey to look up from the half dose she’d fallen into.

“What is that?” Lucy asked from where she sat beside the sleeping Sally.

Zoey stood excitedly and looked towards the ceiling, “Thunderbird two.” At Lucy’s uncomprehending look Zoey clarified, “My husband and the rest of my team.”

“Your husband?” Lucy looked at the dirty blood smeared uniform, “International Rescue? Thunderbird? I’ve not heard of them? But then I’ve not been...” she allowed the sentence to peter out ruefully.

“Yeah well. They’ve only been in operation about four years.” Giving a grin of encouragement she added, “Believe me they won’t stop till they find me.” She looked at Lucy and Sally lying on the bed. “Well be out of here soon and then we can get Sally to a hospital.” Zoey said with confidence, the rattle of chains caused her to swing towards the stairs as the door swung inward. She clutched at the wall to stop herself falling as the room spun around her. Looking up at the doorway as the room stopped spinning she saw the giant of a man dressed in animal skins, he looked like a massive bear or monster, ‘Sasquatch’ Zoey thought, ‘Damn Al was right.’ The monstrous form stood in the entrance a large bore shotgun swung in his loose grasp. “Shhh.” He marched down the stairs, a sneer on his grotesque face. “U stay ‘ix ‘ally. Me shoot.” He pointed the muzzle at Zoey and Lucy then grinned and pointed at the ceiling. “Me shoot. U No go.”

Glowering he stomped back up the stairs slamming the door shut and the rattling of chains indicating he’d locked them in again. Zoey watched him leave and looked around the small enclosure. “No other way out. Damn I’ve got to warn them.”

Lucy shook her head, “I’m sorry... there’s no way. He’ll kill them.” She shuddered.

“Not on my watch he won’t.” Zoey picked up her helmet and looked at the ruined communications equipment, “Where too far from Thunderbird two and without the helmet to boost the signal I can’t get through...” she paused at the sound of the huge machine approaching again.

----

A hour and a half later, Virgil had four points marked on his panel, “Which one first?” he asked Jeff.

Jeff looked at the four hot spots, “Which was the hottest?” Virgil pointed to one several miles from the resort. “This one. But those two are closer.” Jeff looked at the results, “That one is probably a bear.” Jeff pointed to a small orange spot on the screen. That might be something. But I think it’s still within the range of the resort. So it’s possibly one of their buildings. We’ll still want to check it out. There may be people trapped in there. He looked at the bright red point glowing white at its centre. That’s a building with a fire. That’s where we’ll find her.” Jeff said confidently. He looked at Virgil. “I just hope she’s all right.”

Virgil nodded, “You think they heard us fly over?”

Jeff shook his head, “Nothing we can do if they have. Just have to hope that he doesn’t hurt her.” With consummate ease Jeff slowed Thunderbird two to a crawl, employing the VTOL engines and glided over the designated area. “Drop a marker as we pass over, I’ll try to get you as close as I can.”

Virgil nodded, “You want me to try and contact her.”

Jeff thought about it, he was concerned about aggravating Zoey’s kidnapper, but decided to risk it in the hopes of ascertaining her location and health. “Try pinging her first. See if you get any feedback.”

Virgil nodded and opened the com-link sending an electronic signal that would indicate if International Rescue equipment was in range, he studied the return reading with a worried frown, “I’ve got feedback from the com-link, but it’s weak, I’d say the helmet is out of action and can’t boost the signal.”

Jeff nodded, “Makes sense. The blood and vomit at the resort would indicate a blow to the head. It probably put the radio out of commission.”

“Do I try the audio?”

Jeff thought deeply as they hovered barely three hundred meters above the forest canopy. “What are you getting on life readings?”

Virgil changed panels and pulled up the readings for the individual International Rescue operatives, “I’ve got a reading, respirations shallow and rapid, but consistent, heart rates up a bit. BP’s good, temperature is down a bit, 35.8C.” Virgil released a breath as the tension drained from his a little. “She’s alive, and not too badly hurt.”

“F-A-B. Try the audio.”

Virgil opened the com-link. “Thunderbird two to Ward do you read? Zoey can you hear me?”

----

Flicking frantically at the com-link Zoey listened to the static shouting into the small microphone, “Ward to Thunderbird two. Ward to Thunderbird two. Do you copy?”

The static was broken by a weak signal, “Thun...bir.. ..wo ...ard copy .... Where ... you?” Virgil’s voice sounded tinny over the small speaker built into the wrist com-link.

“Locked in a cellar, he has a gun. I say again. He has a gun. Golf, Uniform, November.”

“F-A-... ....ard. Targe.. Gun. rece.., stay .... be there ....”

“F-A-B.” Zoey sank back against the wall relived she’d got the message across.

----

“Right let’s get back to the resort, so we can discuss how we’re going to go about getting her out of there.” Jeff stated firmly, suddenly feeling years younger.

Virgil shared a smile with his father, “She’s alive.” He whispered exhilaration filling his voice. “She’s alive.”

----

Zoey looked around the cellar the only furniture was the bed on which Sally lay. Standing a little too quickly she swayed as her head protested the sudden move to the vertical plane. Holding herself upright by bracing against the wall Zoey looked at the bed then up at the door way. She had to stop that beast getting back in here, ‘Scott and the others will sort the rest out.’ Zoey mused with absolute assurance in her husband and his family.

“Help me get Sally off the bed, we need to block the doorway.” Zoey said as she stumbled across the room.

Lucy shook her head in confusion but helped get the child off the bed. They tucked her into a corner away from the door protected by an outcrop of rock. Then the two women carried the bed up the stairs and taking the legs off they jammed the bed frame across the doorway and shoved the legs in the rock wall to act as pins, holding the frame in place. Yanking planks of wood off the stairs Zoey braced the bed in position. Giving it a firm tug to make sure it wasn’t going to move. She looked up at the wooden ceiling noting the shafts of light filtering through and hoping the giant wouldn’t put two and two together and come through the ceiling. Or worse start shooting through it from the floor above.

Then the two women crouched on the musty mattress beside the too quiet child. Zoey checked her again and was concerned to see that although she showed no sign of fever anymore, she was still unconscious and breathing rapidly. ‘She’s getting worse. Com’on guys.’ Smiling reassuringly to the woman beside her Zoey began to prey as she hadn’t since Grandma Tracy’s had left Kansas and stopped taking her to chapel.

----

In the Hoarfrost Scott tossed restlessly on the folded down stretcher, moaning and crying out. Beside him Gordon woke with a start and looked around the enclosed cabin, he noted John slumped in a seat at the front of the cabin near the pilots-cabin hatch, his head tilted back against the wall, mouth hanging open a dry snore echoing with each inhalation. Gordon grinned tiredly, and stretched out his legs trying to relieve the tension in his back and legs that were protesting the cramped cold conditions. Standing he pushed his hands against the ceiling of the cabin and arched his back listening to cracking joints he sighed with relief as the muscles ceased spasming.

Deciding that a warm drink would help he opened the small locker that contained their rations and pulled out the last flask of coffee. Pouring a cup of the barely warm beverage he jumped and nearly spilled it as Scott’s gravelly voice broke the quite, “Can I have one of those.”

Glancing over his shoulder Gordon noted Scott had sat up and was running fingers through his hair, causing it to stand on end.

“It’s not very warm.” He warned.

“Don’t care. I just need the caffeine.” Scott responded.

Nodding Gordon handed his cup over and pulled another one out for himself, pouring the quickly cooling liquid into it. He refastened the lid and pulled out sugar and whitener handing them to Scott, who tipped three packets of sugar into the liquid followed by the powdered milk.

Grimacing Scott sipped at the overly sweet luke warm liquid. “Ahhhh.” He sighed leaning back against the wall. “What time is it?’

“Gordon looked at his com-link watch, “two forty. Thunderbird two should be back soon.”

Scott nodded silently and looked across at John a slight smirk on his face, “Got a camera?” Gordon smiled, “Nah… unfortunately. That would make great blackmail material.”

Scott gave a snort of laughter.

“I heard that.” John muttered, and opened his eyes to glare at his brothers.

Gordon shrugged and grinned without remorse, he held up his cup “Coffee?”

“Hmmmm Yeah. Please.” John responded.

Gordon poured a third cup and handed it to John who grimaced, “Yuck Cold.”

“Yeah well it’s all we’ve got.”

The three sat quietly in the darkened space, each caught up in their own thoughts.”

Scott shivered and pulled the blanket around his shoulders, “Is the heater on?”
“Yep.” Gordon said, “But I think the battery is running low. Want me to start her up and warm the place up?”

Scott shook his head, “No. I’ll do it.

He put down the empty cup and crossed to the pilots-cabin slumping in the a seat and began start up checks, absently he checked the temperature gages, ‘minus 12 outside, 2 degrees in here, Damn no wonder I’m cold.’ He shivered again, “Gotta talk to Virge about fixing the heater.” He muttered. Before long the engines rumbled to life and the internal temperature began to rise. Quietly he sat looking out at the dark night and distant stars. His thoughts wandered to his missing wife and the pain bloomed anew in his chest. He couldn’t believe how quickly it had all happened, one moment he’d been laughing with her, the next she’d been taken from him. Absently wiping tears from his eyes he sucked in a harsh breath, behind him he could hear Gordon and John talking quietly.

He thought about the past evening, remembering the confrontation with his father. He cringed as he remembered the anger that had flooded him when Jeff had struck Gordon. He couldn’t believe the rush of emotions, he hadn’t realised how much anger he had buried over the years. He resolved to apologise once they got home. His father didn’t deserve his anger, he could understand his father’s actions, especially now when he faced a similar fate.

The distant rumble of Thunderbird two’s approach drew him from his thoughts, standing he leaned forward to look out the windscreen trying to locate the large machine, seeing the distant glow of engines he returned to the passenger cabin, “Two’s on the way back.” He told his brothers, grabbing up his helmet he strode the short distance to the external hatch and climbed out into the glacial conditions to stand watching the great green shadow approach. As Thunderbird two settled in the snow once again and began to rise on her stanchions Scott strode towards her intent on finding out what Virgil and his father had discovered.

----

Jeff finished shutting down and venting the engines, he turned to look at Virgil who was sitting slumped in his seat, eyes heavy and shoulders bowed. “Com’on lets go find the others then we’ll get a few hours sleep before dawn.”

Virgil perked up, and stood to follow Jeff out of the helm. “You really think Scott’s gonna wait around now we know where she is?”

Jeff looked at his middle son as they stepped into the elevator, “He’ll have to. If we go in blind, someone’s going to get killed and that someone might be Zoey.”

Virgil nodded, “Yeah. But will Scott see it that way.”

A grim look appeared on Jeff’s face, “I’ll make sure he sees it that way.” Jeff stated firmly.

They entered the pod to find Scott, John and Gordon striding up the ramp, “Well?” Scott demanded immediately looking at Virgil.

Virgil looked at his father and deferred to him when Jeff stepped forward, “We’ve found her, she’s alive and conscious...”

“You’re sure?” Scott interrupted, “You’ve spoken to her?”

Jeff nodded, “Yes, briefly, the signal was broken. But yes she responded to the hails.”

Scott’s stiff posture relaxed as the tension drained from him. “Right. Where is she? Let’s go get her.” He made to pass his father and brother heading towards the elevators.

“Scott wait.” Jeff called.

Slowing Scott turned to look at his father, John and Gordon both halting beside him. “What?” Scott asked unease abruptly returning to his voice.

“She said her kidnapper had a gun. We can’t just go rushing in there in the dark. We have to take it slow and wait for dawn.” Jeff responded.

“No. I’m not waiting.” Scott turned and marched towards the elevators intent on reaching the helm.

Jeff strode after him and grabbed him by the shoulder swing him around. “Scott. We have to wait.”

“NO!” Pain lanced across Scott’s chest.

“We wait till morning.” Jeff ordered in his most forceful voice, the one he’d used on raw recruits in his air force days.

Scott’s eyes turned frosty his face stilling as deep rage filled his mind. “I. AM. NOT. WAITING!” roared.

“YES YOU ARE.” Jeff stated equally as firmly. “If you go in blind and he starts shooting, what do you think will happen? We don’t know if he has one gun or more, what type or where he is in relation to Zoey.” Jeff clasped Scott by the shoulders forcing him to look at Jeff in the face. “Scott I want to go in there now as well. But if we do it could get her killed.”

Horror filled Scott’s eyes as he registered the truth in his father’s words, “But what if he hurts her before morning?”

Jeff shook his head, “We have to take the chance Scott. We can’t do anything till dawn and we’re not equipped for this sort of rescue. We need the National Guard. We’ll tell them where she is and let them handle it. They have the weapons and marksmen to deal with this. I’m sorry but you’re gonna have to stand back and let them handle it.”

Scott shook his head while Jeff spoke, not wanting to hear what was being said, every instinct he had insisted he go charging in to rescue his wife and child. But reason dictated otherwise, he understood what his father was saying; his own military training indicated the logic of his father’s words, but still... “I’ll wait, but if they aren’t ready to go at dawn, I’ll take action myself.”

Jeff nodded, “I’ll go speak with Dawson now.” He squeezed Scott’s shoulders reassuringly, “We’ll get her back Scott, I promise.”

Scott gave a brief nod of acknowledgement.

----

The dawn approached slowly with little noise from the giant above or any activity on the com-link. Zoey drifted, her mind wandering to the plans Scott and she had been making. She lay against the wall wondering where he was, imagining she was at home in their room. In her mind she could hear the quiet sound of his breath as he slept, felt the beat of his heart against her cheek. Tears tricked down her cheeks at the realisation that if it all went wrong they might never see each other again or see their child born. She huddled in the corner her arms protecting the precious child she carried inside her body.

----

Dawn was a long time coming for Scott Tracy and his brothers, the five of them sat in the forward lounge of Thunderbird two drinking coffee by the gallon. Virgil winced as he watched Scott fill his mug once again. Scott’s usual limit was two or three cups a day as the caffeine would send him into chronic insomnia, but in the last twenty-four hours Virgil suspected he’d drunk ten times that amount. He could imaging the repercussions, Scott was going to be unbearable for the next week or so, till the caffeine worked its way out of his system. Zoey was not going to be impressed, it had taken months for her to break Scott of his caffeine habit, but it looked like he’d taken a massive back slide with recent events.

Alan was curled up in the corner the only one that had managed more than a few hours of sleep that night. He twitched and whimpered in his sleep, startling awake briefly before drifting off again. Virgil watched as the youngest Tracy again startled awake and John crossed to comfort him, sitting up this time Alan ran his hands over his face and looked at John who returned the look sympathetically. “Nightmare?”

Alan nodded. “Yeah... it’s getting worse. I can smell the thing John. It’s rank.”

John pulled the younger blond into a hug, “It’ ok Al. Considering what’s happened it’s no wonder you’re remembering the Avalanche.”

Alan pushed angrily away and stood, “When are you jerks gonna realise it’s not the Damn avalanche. It was a monster, a Sasquatch that took Mom.” Tears gathered in his eyes, “Just like Zoey. Something took Mom, hell maybe it’s the same thing.”

John shared a look with Scott and Virgil each concerned with Alan’s reaction, and his inability to face reality regarding their mother’s death.

“Alan...” Scott began.

“No wait Scott....” Gordon broke in a thoughtful look on his face. “Maybe he’s right.”

Scott’s sceptical look caused Gordon to shrug. “Think about it. We’ve always assumed Al was dreaming right?”

The three elder brothers nodded, “He took a pretty hard blow to the head.” Virgil added.

“Yeah fine. But what if the monster was this mountain man...” Gordon voice tapered off as his thoughts drifted, he looked at Alan wonder suddenly lightening his face, “You say he stank?” Alan nodded. “Like old wet wool?” Gordon asked.

“Yeah. Sort of, but worse. Much, much worse.” Alan agreed.

Nodding vigorously Gordon turned to face his elder brothers, “Remember when we went for the walk while Mom rested?” Virgil nodded dubiously looking at John and Scott to see if they were following Gordon’s train of thought, neither seemed any the wiser.

“We ended up in that shop.” Gordon stood and looked out the window at the resort buildings smothered in snow and ice. “That one.” He pointed, joining him at the window Alan nodded suddenly seeing where Gordon was going.

“It’s him!”

Gordon nodded, “I’d stake my life on it.” He agreed, turning to look at his confused elder brothers.

Jeff entered the lounge at that moment and frowned at the tension evident in the room. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“Gordon’s lost the plot.” Virgil stated.

“No he hasn’t.” Alan defended, “He’s got it. Damn. Damn damn.”

“Alan language.” Jeff automatically corrected.

Across the room John suddenly whistled, “The big guy, the one that knocked the ski poles over?” he looked at Gordon and Alan. Both nodded, broad grins spreading across their faces as John registered their train of thought.

“Merda!” John swore

“John!” Jeff looked stunned at his usually quiet son.

“We missed it Dad. He took her and we missed it.”

“What?” Jeff looked around at his family at a loss, “Missed what?”

Virgil sitting quietly suddenly jumped to his feet and raced across the room to the control panels built into one wall, quickly he booted up the screens and found the security logs he’d saved earlier. Finding the one he wanted he watched the huge apparition rise out of the snow in front of Zoey once again. Stopping it to zoom in he looked more closely at the form, playing with the focus to sharpen the image. Behind him Scott stood watching, “What the hell is that?”

Virgil looked over his shoulder, “Ah... I checked the security tapes and found this... It’s Zoey.” He looked at his father not sure what else to say.

Jeff cleared his throat and stepped towards the two, “Virgil tracked Zoey to the point where he took her, that’s how we found her.”

Scott looked between his father and Virgil, “And you were going to tell me this when?”

Virgil flushed and shied away.

“Don’t blame your brother, I told him to keep it to himself.” Jeff stated, he looked at Virgil, “Now what have you found?”

Virgil looked at the image he’d managed to clean up, it revealed a tall form that appeared to be covered in hair, and for all intents and purposes it looked like a strange large bear. “Al. Is this what you saw?”

Alan stepped forward and looked at the image, “Yep that’s it.”

John and Gordon joined them, Gordon let out a low whistle, “Sasquatch.”

John nodded, “Yeah. Sorry Al. We should have listened to you.”

Jeff looked at his sons questioningly.

“Alan’s nightmares Dad.” John clarified, he looked at Alan.

“That’s what I saw take Mom.” Alan told his father and brothers.

Jeff looked stunned at Alan.

Gordon nodded enthusiastically, “I reckon that that is the guy in the shop.” He looked at his father, “the one that knocked the ski poles over. Remember? He stank, I can remember it, stank like the wet sheep Gramps used to keep.”

Jeff nodded, the pieces suddenly falling into place, he looked at his son’s in horror, “If he took her... then what happened to her?”

“Could she still be alive?” Virgil asked the question on all their minds.

Jeff’s eyes closed in pain, ‘God. Oh god.’ Opening his eyes he looked at his eldest son’s pale, pale face.

“I’m sorry.” Scott said, he sank to the seat behind him, “Dad I’m sorry.”

Jeff frowned, “Why? What have you got to be sorry for?”

Scott looked at John then returned to looking at his father, “I left her behind.”

“No you didn’t Scott. We did.” John sat beside him.

Jeff looked at his eldest sons where they sat in devastated silence, “What are you talking about?”

The brothers exchanged a look then faced their family. “We packed everyone up Dad. It was us that chose to leave the mountain. ” John stated in a subdued tone.

Scott nodded and looked at his hands, fingers fiddling with the com-link, “The local police said her body had been washed away by the avalanche, that they wouldn’t be able to recover it.” He looked up at his father, “You just kind of... I don’t know. I had to do something, so John and I packed the SUV got you and the kids in the back and drove home.”

Jeff shook his head, “I’m sorry I don’t remember much of that time. It’s all a blur. Are you saying you drove home?” he questioned Scott.

Scott flinched under his father’s eyes, thirteen years old once again, “Yeah. I drove. Johnny navigated and the boys were in the middle seat. You were in the back.”

Jeff paled, he’d always assumed he’d got his family home somehow, he couldn’t remember how. But it had never occurred to him that he hadn’t driven them home. “You drove home?”

Scott nodded reluctantly the guilt still burning his conscience.

“Scott you weren’t even thirteen yet! Didn’t anyone say anything? Stop you? Question you?”

“No,” Scott shrugged a flush of red colouring his cheeks, “I was already pretty tall, I guess everyone figured I was older.” He glanced at John.

John swallowed heavily and continued the story, “We drove over night like you always did, so there wasn’t much traffic anyway. Scott and I got everyone inside before we called Grams.” Eyes filled with childhood guilt looked up at Jeff. “Grams assumed you drove, we didn’t correct her.”

Jeff shook his head in disbelief. John’s clear blue eyes reflected the same guilt and anguish as Scott’s suddenly they looked so much like the boys they’d been. Jeff realised his sons had buried much more than pain over the years, closing his eyes on the pain as he felt the weight this newest failure crash down on his soul.

“So it’s our fault if she’s still out there.” Scott added, John nodded in agreement.

Jeff sat down beside his eldest son, resting a hand on the younger mans hands and stilling the fiddling. “Scott.” He looked up at John, “John. It wasn’t your fault. You shouldn’t have had to deal with any of that. You were children, I was the adult. I should have been the one making the decisions and getting you home safe. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for the pain and damage I’ve done over the years since your mother... well since the accident.” He glanced up at his three younger sons. “You boys mean the world to me. I wouldn’t have survived if not for you.” He gave a tight smile, “I know I haven’t been the father I should have been. I’ve put business and International Rescue ahead of your interests too many times. And you’re right Scott saying ‘sorry’ isn’t enough. Things have to change and they’re going to. I promise.” He grasped Scott by the back of the neck gently and leaned his forehead against Scott’s. “Well get Zoey home and then we can sort this all out. OK?”

Tears gathered in the younger mans eye at the look in his father’s face, a look he’d been waiting thirteen years for, “Yeah Dad.”

Standing Jeff dragged his eldest son’s into a tight embrace, these boys of his had pulled the family through the disaster, without them, he realised he wouldn’t have had a family left when he finally dragged himself out of his melancholy.

----

As the sun broke the horizon the Tracy men stood watching the National Guard set off to find the missing International Rescue medic. Scott stood irresolute, desperate to follow and find his wife but also knowing he’d get in the way of these professionals.

As the rescue party disappeared between the trees Jeff turned and returned to Thunderbird two, they had equipment to pack away. “John load up the Hoarfrost, Gordon, Alan put the ATPC away and clear up the aft lounge.” He looked at Virgil standing beside Scott, returning his father’s look Virgil nodded at the unspoken request; someone had to watch over Scott.

The hour’s passes slowly, Scott sat on the edge of the pod ramp, his eyes never leaving the distant trees. Various brother’s came and went, he was aware of someone’s presents at all times and grimaced, realising he was being watched over just as he’d watched over each of his brothers in the past. His mind wandered distant memories, the after effects of sedation causing him to lose focus and drift in half sleep.

----

An unexpected guttural roar was the only warning as gun fire erupted. The chains on the door rattled and the door shuddered as the giant man pounded at it, trying to break it down. Roaring angrily he turned the gun on the wood firing indiscriminately. Zoey crouched over the terrified Lucy and Sally Tracy instinctively protecting them. The heavy pounding of feet on the floor above them ceased as rapid gun fire and indistinguishable shouts were heard.

Quiet descended as suddenly as the earlier eruption of noise and activity. The sound of many feet across the floor above them caused the two women to look up hesitantly. “Lieutenant Ward?” a voice called out.

Zoey looked up surprised, ‘Lieutenant?’ that was a new one. She shrugged and called out, “Down here.”

“Lieutenant. This is Chief Dawson of the National Guard. We’re going to get you out in a moment. Are you alone?”

“Negative Chief. I’ve got two civilians down here, one needs a hospital STAT.”

“Understood. We’ll have you out shortly. What’s blocking the door?”

Zoey explained the barrier she’d put in place and stood back as the National Guard dealt with it resourcefully making an opening large enough to carry a basket stretcher through. Two men tramped down the stairs and efficiently loaded Sally into it Lucy followed her daughter out into the early dawn. With slower movements Zoey followed the effects of the concussion building as the adrenaline faded.

The trip back to the resort was completed in a blur, clarity only returning at the sight of Thunderbird two sitting in the car park of the destroyed resort. Bustling rescue teams swarming over the ruined buildings.

----

The rescue parties’ return was abrupt; they burst through the trees and were halfway across the intermediate space before Scott registered their presents in his semi-conscious state. He was racing across the snow before he consciously registered what was happening, frantically screaming into his com-link for help.

Sliding off the skidoo, Zoey stumbled towards Thunderbird two, a figure raced across the snow and dragged her into his arms. “Scott.” Zoey breathed clinging to him before passing out.

Scott’s heart stilled as Zoey slumped in his arms; quickly he lowered her to the ground and examined her as Virgil raced across the snow towards him, medic satchel in hand. As Virgil skidded on his knees to her side, Zoey’s eye’s opened briefly; she looked at the two men and focused on Scott through his visor, then turned to Virgil. “The girl... appendicitis, hospital STAT.”

“Yeah after I’ve check you out.” Virgil agreed.

“No. I’m fine. Now Virge, Sally needs help now.” Virgil looked at Scott and shrugged, “Get her up to the infirmary. I’ll follow with the others.”

Zoey sighed as Scott lifted her, she watched Virgil approach Lucy and Sally and direct the National Guardsmen carrying the stretcher towards Thunderbird two. Wrapping her arms around him, Zoey snuggled against Scott and let the darkness take the blinding pain away.

----

Virgil quickly examined the child in the basket stretcher, barely glancing at the woman beside her, noting the child’s pallor and sunken drawn skin he directed the National Guardsmen towards Thunderbird two and the infirmary, eternally grateful that one of the National Guard’s medics was present, he allow the man to check the child over and tend to her needs. Leaving the mother and child in the secondary medic bay with the National Guard medic, he went to check on Zoey.

Virgil entered the central infirmary unit and quickly evaluated his brother’s state and that of the unconscious woman on the bed. Scott was hunched over the bio bed where he’d laid Zoey and had started undressing her. Scott met his eyes briefly as Virgil entered the room, “What do you want me to do?”

“Just stand out the way, let me check her out.” Virgil stated in a calm professional tone, falling back on training and trying to put out of his mind who he was working on.

He began a routine assessment, linking up monitors and inserting a IV catheter knowing he’d need it later. Noting that except for the unconscious state, her vitals’ were within normal range if a bit lower than he’d like, “We need to get back to base. I want to run some tests.” He muttered while examining the head injuries. “Zoey... Zoey can you hear me?” he asked, receiving no response he looked up at Scott. “Tell Dad we need to get back to base STAT.”

Scott nodded and with an anxious look at his wife bolted out of the infirmary.

Virgil noted the movement of the large plane lifting off absently. With minimum fuss he started IV fluids and continued to monitor his unconscious sister-in-law and her unborn child. “Com’on Zo’. You’ve gotta be OK. Scott needs you. We all do.” He muttered while going about his duties. Briefly checking that the National Guard Medic had everything he needed.

Scott reappeared looking pale and shaky; Virgil glanced at him then directed him to sit out of the way. “Who’s taking One home?” he asked in passing.

Scott shook his head trying to register what Virgil had asked. “Ahh... John and Gordon. Al’s up with Dad.” Virgil nodded realising he had no one to call on if Scott freaked out on him. Surreptitiously he readied a hypodermic with sedative; if he needed to, he’d sedate Scott and deal with the repercussions later and he knew there would be repercussions, Scott didn’t take to being sedated at the best of times, and this was hardly the best of times. He returned his attention to the pale form laying on the bio-bed.

Pulling on gloves Virgil opened a wound pack and began probing at the wounds on Zoey’s head, he winced when he examined the large gash across the back of her skull, blood had already pooled in a dark patch on the pillow of the bed and as he probed the clot broke away and another sluggish pool of blood seeped out staining the already bloody pillow with a fresh coating, he grimaced and placed a pad over the wound to stem the flow. “Scott pass me a fresh pillow will you?” he asked without looking up.

Receiving no response Virgil looked up to find Scott staring at Zoey’s face, his eyes glazed. “Hey! Scott!” Virgil called more firmly. Suddenly snapping out of the trance and Scott looked at his brother. “Yeah?”

“Pillow. I need a clean pillow.”

Scott frowned as if trying to work out what Virgil was talking about. “Oh. OK.” He dashed out of the room, the doors hissing closed behind him.

Virgil shook his head looking across the room at the spare bed with fresh white pillows on it. He glanced down a Zoey supported in his arms as he tried to keep the clean dressing away from the soiled pillow and sighed. The hiss of the door reopening caused him to glance up to find Scott with an armful of pillows, far more than the situation warranted. Virgil shook his head and with a half smile nodded, “One will do. Put the others over there.” He nodded towards the second bed.

Dropping the extras on the bed, Scott brought the fresh pillow to Virgil; gingerly Virgil pulled the soiled one away and slipped the clean one behind Zoey’s head, lowering her gently. Scott held the soiled pillow a look of horror on his face.

“Scott!” Virgil stood in front of his brother wondering if he was going to have to use the sedative after all, “Scott give me the pillow.” Reluctantly Scott released the item and Virgil dumped it in the bin. Shaking his head Virgil looked at Scott, “Hey why don’t you sit over here.” Virgil directed him to the second bed. “Just stay here ok?”

Nodding Scott looked at Virgil and gave a forced smile, “Not much help am I?”

Sighing Virgil returned the smile, “Just take it easy. OK. She’s gonna be fine?”

Scott nodded, hope shining in his eyes. A abrupt and insistent buzz erased the hope as Virgil raced to the bio bed, registering instinctively the reading the bio bed was giving him and with practiced easy he assessed and diagnosed the problem, increasing the IV, he looked for any obvious signs of bleeding. Scott stood behind him, his own breathing coming fast in panicked pants. Finding nothing Virgil returned to examining the head wounds. “Damn.”

“What?” Scott snapped, “What’s wrong.”

Glancing up Virgil met worried grey eyes. “We need to get to a hospital STAT.”

Scott turned grey, his eyes moving to Zoey. “Why?”

Virgil shook his head, “I don’t have time to explain...” he crossed the room to the com’s panel and tapped a key linking him with the helm. “Infirmary to helm.”

“Helm here,” Jeff’s reply was immediate. “What’s up Virge.”

“I need to get Zoey to a hospital immediately.”

“We’ll be at the Staging point in two minutes.”

“Negative.” Virgil snapped, “We need to get her to the Denver Major Trauma Centre NOW.”

“F-A-B” Jeff acknowledged, and Virgil felt the immediate change of direction as the heavy ship lifted and banked east towards Denver.

The bio bed alarm sounded again, rapidly Virgil responded, he paled slightly when he realised she’d stopped breathing. Pushing the panic away he wrenched open a locker and pulled an intubation set out.“Scott. I need your help. Hold her head like this.” In the face of an emergency Scott stepped up to the mark and obeyed each snapped command Virgil gave, together, they re-established Zoey’s airway and stabilized her. “What’s wrong?” Scott asked once the immediate threat was dealt with.
Virgil looked up from the data pad he held, “I suspect she’s got a fracture to the temporal bone. It’s putting pressure on the brain, there’s probably a haematoma, but without imaging I can tell, and I can wait to get her back to the island.”

“What?” Scott shook his head, anatomy had never been his thing, well at least not the medical kind.

“Here.” Virgil indicated the bloody contusion over Zoey’s right temple.

“But that’s so small, the one on the back did more damage.” Scott looked at Virgil worry in his eyes.

Shaking his head Virgil grimaced, “Afraid not.” He turned back to the data pad, typing details in while checking and documenting all the information the surgeons where going to need. He shook his head in concern this wasn’t going to be good for the baby. He glanced at Scott standing beside his wife clutching her hand in his. ‘Should I tell him?’ Virgil wondered then decided against it. Zoey had to come first, they’d worry about the baby when, if, she pulled through. Virgil hated himself for being so pragmatic, but he was realistic enough to realise that Zoey’s life hung by the thinnest of threads at present. Putting the Data Pad down, he did a quick check of her vitals and slipped out of the infirmary into the corridor.

“Infirmary to Helm.”

“Helm here,” Jeff responded, “We’ve contacted the hospital they are standing by to receive her. What’s going on?”

Virgil took a deep breath, “The head injury is worse than I first thought, she’s intubated.” Vigil sucked in another breath his chest tight with worry, “It’s not good. She’s going to need surgery and... Damn. I’m gonna need some help down here.”

“F-A-B.” Jeff’s replied in a subdued tone.

Deeply worried Virgil returned to the main infirmary bay, glancing in at the secondary unit to see the National Guard Medic sitting in a chair, while the mother hovered over her daughter. The medic noticed Virgil and nodded that everything was alright. Acknowledging the assurance Virgil stepped through the doors and into hell. The bio bed alarms screamed at him, only matched by his brother’s pleas for help.

----

Across the corridor Lucy stood beside the bed holding her daughter’s hand and listened as the alarms sounded again. She flinched knowing that the young woman that had so recently saved their lives was fighting for her own, that her husband was at her side begging for her not to leave him.

Lucy had heard his cries for help as the doors opened then closed, shutting out most of the noise but not all of it.

A third man in the white uniform of International Rescue raced into the short corridor that divided the two medical bays. The alarms had ceased their screeching, but as the doors opened Lucy noted the two men already in the room poised over the bed, dark heads close as the fought to save Zoey’s life. The third man pulled his helmet from his head and tossed it towards the wall. The last Lucy saw as the doors slid closed was the blond man striding towards the bed that held Zoey as the darker haired man looked up at him with tortured blue-grey eyes.

The doors slid closed and Lucy was left with a mental image of the man’s face. The agony evident in his eye was heart rending, she closed her own eyes in sympathy and turned to her daughter, running fingers through her hair, comforting herself as much as her daughter.

TBC...

A/N: Now is that a cliff hanger or what? Will she die? Will they recognise Lucy?

One last chapter to come... I’ll try and get it up before the start of term, but you know what it’s like, ‘life happens.’

Anyway thanks for reading, please review.

TBZ.

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