Great story. I loved the introspection and it was so like Virgil. Thanks, Beth

That was marvellous. It was a fantastic insight into Virgil's character and how he sees himself. The contrast both with the pilot/artist was very nicely done, but I also liked the differences between Scott and Virgil as people that you highlighted too.

I think I like the two conversations best, because of what they reveal about all three characters. The ending too was perfect, just that hint that the conflict is not totally resolved, but that Virgil is going to carry on doing what he feels he has to.

Thank you for sharing this.

What an excellent story. I was intrigued by the artist versus pilot viewpoint and how Virgil felt that painting was now more a therapy than a hobby. You can really feel how he feels torn in different directions.

And the bit at the end with Scott and Virgil was just right. Virgil trying to express his befuddled thoughts but not having to as Scott is one step ahead of him.

I just felt that the characterisation was right and it gave me another angle on Virgil. It was also very well written. Thanks for that!

Very realistic look at how Virgil might have felt after this episode, and the different ways that Jeff and Scott would handle this. Well done!

Excellent take on what might have happened afterwards. Wonderful reading. You've really got inside the heads of all three of them, particularly Virgil.

That must have truly been one serious wake-up call and it's only right that Virgil would reassess his priorities after that.

I particularly liked the understatement at the point where Scott remembers what happened with Fireflash.

"“That’s how I felt too. After that first mission with the Fireflash and you...” he trailed off and something unfathomable crossed his face.

Something miserable and wretched."

It is plain that, just in stating so little, Scott is mentally back in that tower, looking down on the underside of overturned elevator truck, desperately waiting for his brother to respond to his call. So much said with so little. Wonderful.

Well you certainly rose well to the challenge and produced a wonderful story I really enjoyed it. TINYC is one of my favourite episodes and you seem to have captured the aftermath of Virgil's ordeal perfectly and that of his family in trying to spare him further distress by seeing the state of his beloved Thunderbird. Well done.

It may have started as a challenge to you but it sure didn't end up that way.

I enjoyed this wonderful piece immensely. You rose to the challenge I gave you and then surpassed it. What more would one expect from a writer?

Virgil's love of his craft - his honest worry - the interaction with Scott and his Father... It was all just so very well written in my eyes. You touch on so many aspects of the rescue business and the details of all of it are great. It's reality at its best.

FAB!

Having said all that - this is no perfect world - Virgil's trauma at what happened to TB 2 makes us realise more than anything - things can and do go wrong.

Believe or not but that's the reality of life.

Let these events unfold. We'll all be the better for it.

Yours in writing

mcj!

That was great! I love stories that focus on Virgil, and his inner struggle is really well written here. Thanks for posting it!

Utterly eloquent, and extremely well written. Thank you!

That was really good. I could totally see the internal struggle for Virgil. It was really well written.