A brief author's note before we start. I couldn't have done any of this without Darkflame's Pyre! We've been chatting about the things my kitten, Kayo, gets up to. And the trouble she causes! She's cute, fun, adorable and a little pain in the butt, but I love her loads! Somehow, somewhere along the lines, we got the idea of what might happen if Scott had a cat. So each time we'd chat about Kayo, we found ourselves shifting the misdemeanours of my cat onto a hypothetical Tracy cat. And that, my friends, is how Scout was born. Pretty much off of this has been based on things my own kitten has done, or does do. And I've had Kayo since she was eight weeks old, so basing it from day one! This probably doesn't make sense anymore, but I hope you enjoy the pure and utter random fluff that we've managed to create! Thanks for the chats, Pyre!

Gordon sat in Lady Penelope's sitting room, lounging back on the sofa with his arms draped over the back.

Scott had sent him to the London office of Tracy Industries to pick up a prototype that the engineers wanted the Tracy's own engineer to check over. Gordon was just pleased to go on the errand as it meant he was able to visit the England based aristocratic agent before he returned home.

"So, what did you have to pick up from the office?" Penelope asked as she sat back into her own armchair, delicately crossing her ankles.

Gordon shrugged. "Dunno," he said. "They just asked if our personal engineer could take a look at it. Brains has been a bit busy lately, working on some upgrades to Thunderbird Three's engines, so he asked if one of us could come out to collect it."

"And you volunteered?" Penelope asked, offering him a plate of biscuits.

Gordon took one, savouring the lack of charring. He shrugged as he swallowed his mouthful. "Actually, Scott asked me, but I didn't argue."

Penelope smiled. "Tea?" she asked, indicating the tea service on the table.

Gordon looked and shook his head. "No, thanks," he said.

Penelope nodded, looking at Parker who had stepped forward to pour. "Thank you, Parker," she said to him.

He smiled, handing her a cup on a saucer, then looked towards the door, hearing the phone outside ringing. "H'excuse me, m'lady," he said, waiting for her small nod before leaving the room.

Gordon watched him go. He got on well enough with the man, but he still hadn't quite forgiven him for the comments about any of his four brothers or even his grandmother being preferable to his own company.

Returning his attention to Lady Penelope, he smiled at her. "So, I hear that your last mission went well."

Lady Penelope was about to answer when Parker walked back in. He waited by her chair until she looked at him. "Sorry, m'lady, that was your h'acquaintance, Miss Taylor. She was asking h'if you know of anyone wanting a kitten, m'lady."

"A kitten?" she asked, looking thoughtful. "I'm afraid I don't, Parker. Please convey my apologies."

Gordon had been listening with interest. "No, hang on a minute," he said, holding up a hand. An idea had begun to form in his mind.

"You know of someone?" Penelope asked, surprised.

Gordon grinned. "Whose birthday is it tomorrow?"

Lady Penelope regarded him, her eyes slightly wide. "If you're thinking what I believe you're thinking, I'm not sure it's such a good idea."

"Why not? I think it'd be great! Can I go and see them?"

The look on his face reminded Penelope of a child waiting for permission to go to the funfair. His eyes were bright and pleading and he was smiling widely. She glanced at Parker who shrugged ever so slightly. "H'I shall inform Miss Taylor that we will be round if convenient."

Gordon's smile widened, if that were at all possible. "Thanks, Lady P," he said, sounding thoroughly excited. "This is gonna be the best present for Scott ever!"

Lady Penelope wasn't as certain, but stood and invited Gordon to join her as they walked toward the door. "Parker," she said, glancing at the man as he re-entered the room. "Please prepare the car."

"Yes, m'lady."

Gordon sat in the back of FAB1 alongside Penelope, looking out the window as they drove along the lanes. There was something about the English countryside that he really liked.

Penelope watched him, the excitement on his face giving him an even more childlike quality. She smiled then faced forward as she recognised the street as her friend's residence.

The car pulled up outside the front door of a detached house, surrounded by a fenced garden full of a multitude of colourful flowers. "Nice place," Gordon muttered as Parker moved round to open the door for Penelope.

"Thank you, Parker," she said, taking the offered hand to help her out of the vehicle. Gordon climbed out after her and looked up at the house. He looked back down as the front door opened.

"Lady Penelope," said the woman at the threshold.

"Sophie, so lovely to see you," Penelope replied, grasping her friend's hands and kissing her on the cheek. "I'm so sorry to impose at such short notice."

"Not at all," she said, stepping away from the door and inviting them inside.

Lady Penelope followed her friend, Gordon following behind, while Parker waited outside with the car.

Gordon couldn't help but look around as he followed through the house. There were photos and trinkets everywhere which made him smile.

Sophie opened a door and led them inside, Gordon's smile widening. He could hear the sound of tiny paws thudding across the laminate flooring and the squeaky mews of kittens playing.

Penelope glanced round, watching him. She found how pleased he was amusing.

Gordon followed the sounds to a corner next to an armchair and crouched down. Four tiny kittens were playing on and around a blanket, jumping on and off it as they chased each other. His grin widened even more, threatening to split his face almost. One was pure black, another was a dusty sand colour, one was white and grey and the last was black and white.

Sitting back on his ankles, Gordon reached out to the tiny creatures. The little black and white one leant forward and sniffed his fingers. He wriggled them and the kitten reached out with a paw to try and catch them. It sat back on its haunches and raised both front paws to catch his fingers and pulled them close to chew on them.

Gordon laughed. "I like this one," he said.

"She's very feisty, that one," Sophie said. "If ever there's one running around, it's her."

"Sounds like my brother,"Gordon said, thinking of Alan.

"Sounds like you, too," Penelope said, smiling.

Gordon smirked at her, then looked down as the kitten climbed onto his lap and started to chew on his wristbands.

"They're old enough to leave their mother, fully house broken and I don't want any money for them," Sophie said. "I just want to know that they'll be going to a good home." She looked at Gordon, almost expectantly, but on seeing the look on the man's face, she was reassured that the kitten would receive good treatment.

Gordon looked back up at her. He'd let the kitten climb up onto his shoulder where it was chewing on his hair. "Are you sure? I mean, I don't mind paying."

Sophie shook her head. "She seems to have taken a liking to you."

Gordon grinned, which made Penelope smile. "Gordon, are you sure this is a gift for your brother and not for yourself?"

"Well, we do live in the same house," he responded. "It's not like I'd never see her again." Penelope laughed as Gordon looked up at Sophie. "Can I take this one then, please?"

Sophie nodded. "I've got some pet carriers if you need one."

"That would be great, thanks."

Gordon sat in the back of FAB1 looking through the holes in the box at the kitten. "She's so cute," Gordon said.

"She is rather adorable," Penelope replied. "But are you sure Scott will approve?"

"I'm sure," Gordon said. He was thinking back to when they were a lot younger and Scott asking for a pet. It was one of his earliest memories. "Anyway, I'll help."

"I'm sure you will."

They pulled up outside the front door to Penelope's stately home and Parker walked around once again to hold the door.

"Gordon," Penelope called out, noticing that he was still sat in the back of FAB1, poking his fingers through the holes and grinning as the kitten swiped at them. "Gordon," she called again, a little louder.

He looked up at her. "Oh, sorry," he said, grabbing the handle of the carrier and sliding across the seat.

"Quite alright, Gordon," she said. "Now, I believe you need to get back home. The vet I called for you is on the way to the airport. Don't forget to stop in to get her checked over."

Gordon nodded. "Thanks, Lady Penelope," he said, smiling at her. "For taking me there, I mean."

"Not at all, Gordon. I just hope Scott is as enthusiastic about her as you are."

"I'm sure he will be," Gordon said, lifting the carrier and looking through the holes again.

Penelope smiled. "Well, just be certain to take care on your drive to the airport. Don't forget to visit the vet and don't leave the prototype in your car."

"I won't, I won't," he responded, though he had already forgotten why he'd been in England in the first place.

"Alright, Gordon." She leaned forward and kissed his cheek in much the same way she had her friend. Much to Gordon's disappointment. "It was lovely to see you. Give my love to everyone on the island and have a safe journey."

"Thanks, Lady Penelope," he said again, heading over to the hire car that Parker had just brought round for him.

The vet gave the young kitten a clean bill of health and her first set of vaccinations, as well as those she'd need to travel.

The vet had started to mention quarantining until Gordon assured them it was a private island, with a direct private flight.

And so, with a bag of supplies for the tiny creature, Gordon had made his way back to their hangar at the airport. He signed the car back in and collected the carrier and supplies. He'd then returned to the car, after making it several paces, to retrieve the prototype. Luckily, it was only a small item, able to tuck under an arm.

The plane loaded and final checks made, Gordon climbed up into the cockpit. He glanced at the box and at the small nose sniffing the air through one of the holes. He grinned and reached out to tap it gently. A rumbling sound issued from inside the box, making Gordon smile wider again. "Wow, kitten, you've got a purr like a jet engine and believe me, I know jet engines."

The kitten didn't respond. Gordon chuckled and opened a radio channel with the air traffic controllers to request clearance for take off.

When granted, Gordon started the plane rolling down the runway, gaining speed until the vehicle lifted off the tarmac.

As he banked the aircraft round, pointing it towards home, he glanced at the clock. It would be early morning on the island, already Scott's birthday.

"Hmm," he said to himself as the plane settled into cruising height and speed. "0600. John's an early riser and he came home for Scott's birthday last night." He glanced at the box beside him. "What do you think, kitten? Should I call ahead?"

The kitten meowed squeakily.

"I think you're right," he said, reaching for his personal communicator. "Gordon to John," he said.

"Go ahead, Gordon. Is everything alright?" John answered almost straight away.

"Everything's fine," Gordon said, glancing at the small hologram of his second oldest brother being routed through the console in front of him. "Uh, are you alone?"

"Yes, why?" he asked, suspiciously.

"Because, um, I kinda picked up a gift for Scott and I don't want him to find out about it."

"I wouldn't worry," John said. "He's off island at the minute. He was called out to attend to a cliff rescue."

"Didn't Virge go as well?" Gordon asked, surprised.

"No, it's a pretty straight forward one. Just a walker that fell down beyond the reach of the local services. Scott just has to attach their stretcher to his grapple line and winch it and one of the local rescuers down the cliff face."

"Nice, so is he on his way back?"

"No, he's not long left."

"Oh, good," Gordon said, relieved. He was glad that Brains had given their jets the upgrade of engines almost as good as those on Fireflash. The big commercial plane would be faster, but their private jet would get him home in only a few hours. Three, maybe three and a half, tops.

"Why? Is this gift something you need to hide from him?"

"You could say that," Gordon said. At this point, the kitten meowed one of its squeaky little meows.

"Gordon," John said, slowly. "What was that?"

"Uh, Scott's present?" he said.

"Why does Scott's present sound like a kitten?" John asked. Gordon glanced down at the console as the small holographic brother crossed his arms over his chest.

"Because it's a kitten," Gordon answered, grinning sheepishly.

"Gordon, you didn't!" John said, dropping his arms and looking surprised.

"You wait until you see her, John. She's so cute! And don't you remember how when we were kids Scott always asked for a pet!"

"Gords, Scott was ten. I'm pretty sure he's outgrown the need for a pet when he's got you and Alan to look after instead."

Gordon pouted slightly. "You wait, John, I reckon this is gonna be the best birthday present I've ever got him."

"I guess it's gotta be better than tying fishing line across his bedroom and bathroom doorways," John conceded.

"Hey, that was a great idea!" Gordon said, grinning. "And anyway, he didn't have a nosebleed for that long."

John sighed. "I hope you know what you're doing, Gords," he said, rubbing a hand over his eyes.

Gordon grinned. "Course I do!"

A few hours later, Gordon was landing the plane and taxiing it into the hangar. He climbed out of the cockpit, tucking the prototype under his arm and picking up the bag of supplies in one hand and the carrier in the other.

As he turned around, he was surprised to be greeted by his other three brothers. "Oh, uh, morning, guys," he said.

"John gave us the heads up," Virgil said, peering at the carrier.

Alan was grinning almost as much as he himself had been. "What does it look like?" he asked.

"She's black and white," Gordon said. "Come on, I was gonna take her up to my room until Scott gets back so you can see her."

"You don't have long to wait," John said. "He's on his way. E.T.A. approximately twenty-five minutes."

"F.A.B.," Gordon said, looking at Alan and nodding in the direction of the stairs to their rooms. The two youngest Tracy's wandered off, leaving the middle two stood in the hangar.

Virgil glanced at John. "What was he thinking?" he said, smirking.

"I'm not entirely convinced he was," John answered.

Virgil shook his head, chuckling. "His heart's in the right place, even if his brain cells are scattered all over the place."

John smiled.

Virgil tugged the older man's arm. "Come on, seeing as she's here, we might as well go and see her."

"You think this is a good idea, don't you?"

Virgil shrugged slightly. "I think it could be," he replied.

John sighed. "We'll see." He was wondering if this was how Scott felt all the time, constantly trying to keep the youngest ones in line. Still, he wandered off after Virgil who was already headed towards the stairs.

Gordon and Alan were sat cross-legged on the former's bedroom floor, watching the kitten chasing the spot of light reflecting off Alan's watch.

"He's cute, Gords," Alan said.

"She, Al. She!"

"Oh yeah, sorry." He tilted his wrist to make the light spot travel across the room and under Gordon's bed, then used his free hand to cover the watch.

The kitten ran after it, skidding to a stop next to the bed, her tail twitching from side to side. She tucked her legs in close to herself, then pounced forward, diving under the bed then running out of the other side at full pelt. The two boys both cringed when the kitten ran into the wall.

"Well, that wasn't intelligent," Alan said.

"Al, Scott said when you were learning to walk you used to walk into walls all the time."

"Yeah, but the kitten can already walk. She's just kamikaze'd head first."

"Doesn't seem to have fazed her," Gordon said, watching her run back across the room. Alan had uncovered his wrist again and the dot had appeared halfway up the wall behind him.

The kitten stopped in front of Alan, all her legs tucked into her tightly again, when Alan covered his wrist again. She looked around as if trying to find it again, when she noticed her twitching tail.

She raised a paw slowly and batted her tail, then tucked it back in again. Suddenly, she was pouncing forward, grabbing her tail between her front paws and scraping her back claws against it repeatedly, doing a roly-poly in the process.

The Tracy brothers both laughed, watching her, when the door opened and Virgil put his head round, with John stood behind him.

"Virgil!" Gordon beamed. "Isn't she just so cute!"

"You do realise you sound like a six-year-old girl," Virgil said, walking into the room. He carefully stepped over the creature to sit on the edge of Gordon's bed, while John walked in and shut the door.

Gordon shrugged. "But try and tell me she's not."

Virgil watched the kitten grab her tail again, then pounce after Alan's watch light once more. "I gotta admit, she is kinda..." He thought, trying to find another word.

"Cute," Gordon said. "It's really the only way you can describe an eight-week-old kitten."

"She's eight weeks?" John asked, walking over, hesitantly stepping across the floor. The kitten seemed to find the shine on his shoes interesting and everytime he tried to put a foot down, the tiny cat was there beneath his foot. He made it across the room at last and sat down on the chair at Gordon's desk. "But she's so tiny. Are you sure she was old enough to be separated?"

"Yes, the lady I got her from said she was ready and Penny called me after I spoke to you to tell me that the lady had called her again. Said she was sorry for forgetting to say but she was eight weeks old and was born at the beginning of February."

"Must be the runt of the litter," John said, watching as the kitten tried to pounce on his shoelaces.

Gordon shrugged. "I guess the others were bigger, but not by much." He reached out to pick her up, grinning as she sat in the palm of his hand, looking up at him with huge wide eyes.

They all glanced up at the open window when they heard the sound of engines.

"Scott's home," John said. "I better go up to give him clearance."

Gordon nodded, watching as he stood up and headed to the door. "Oh, hey, John?"

The red-haired Tracy stopped at the doorway and looked over his shoulder at him.

"Don't give us away, please?" Gordon asked.

John nodded and left the room. He'd give Scott clearance and return.

"So," Gordon said, turning back to his remaining brothers. "If Scott follows his usual pattern for an early morning rescue, he'll land, perform post-flight checks, then go straight to the kitchen for coffee."

Alan nodded. "Probably. So, what are you gonna do?"

"Take her downstairs and let her into the kitchen."

Virgil, still sat on the bed, couldn't help but grin. "Well, whatever the outcome, he will definitely be surprised."