Epilogue
Disclaimer: I do not own seaQuest: DSV - If I did, the third season would have never happened. Neither would some of the second. As this is a crossover with The Thunderbirds movie, I do not own that either, cause then it would be the live action Thunderbirds series
Alan and Lucas sat in the limo, quietly talking. Across from them, Jeff and Nathan were doing the same. John and Tim kept looking between the two groups and looking at each other, trying not to laugh. They were not sure what was so funny, but this morning it seemed as if everything was.
Suddenly, Alan looked behind him. "Dad, where are the guys and Commander Ford?" The new rental car, having been replaced during the night, had been following behind them.
John smiled at his little brother. "It's OK, Sprout. Scott and the others are just dropping the Commander off at the hotel. He will be sitting in for Captain Bridger for a few meetings starting today."
Lucas stared at his clenched hands. "Captain, if you want to go back to the conference, I'll be OK on the seaQuest."
Bridger reached over to cover Lucas' hands. "Lucas, if I had my way I would be taking the seaQuest back out to sea and as far away from the past twenty-four hours as possible. Speaking of the seaQuest…" As the car pulled up in front of the berth for the sub, Bridger got out and began to collect Lucas from the vehicle. "Ford arranged for our luggage to be sent back – that man is just too organized at times." Alan and John snickered – that sounded like their oldest brother.
As Bridger began to walk Lucas over to a waiting Kristin, Tim O'Neill made to follow. A hand on his sleeve stopped him in his tracks. Tim turned around to see Jeff Tracy standing by the limo, the two blonde Tracy sons watching expectantly.
"First off, Tim, I wanted to thank you for what you did for Gordon back when you served together. I know the rapid response is the only reason we still have him. Second, thanks for all you did for Alan. You and Commander Ford could have stopped looking once Lucas was safe and the Tracys won't forget what you did." Tim was blushing a bit, uncomfortable with the praise. He was taken off guard when Jeff continued. "But last night, when the boys were doing CPR on their brother, Gordon's communicator was on." He tapped at his watch, smiling. "We all wear one. Gordon's happened to be tuned to International Rescue's space station." Tim went rapidly from blushing to a deathly white. "Seems you were there when someone," John shrunk back in his seat, "decided it was a good idea to spill some beans that were not supposed to be let out of a can. But, as my mother always said, if life gives you rotten apples, make applesauce. And it occurs to me, International Rescue could use you."
Tim's eyes went wide. "Me?" he asked in a hushed voice. "Mr. Tracy, how could I help the Thunderbirds?"
Jeff smiled. "I have agents, scattered throughout the world, people who help us to facilitate rescues. IR has no borders, no boundaries. We can help when and where the UEO may not be able to. But sometimes, someone within say, the UEO flagship, would be in a position to supply information that could save lives. You wouldn't be breaking any trusts. But you could do immeasurable good. So how about it? Would you be interested in joining the team?"
Looking at Alan and John's smiling faces, Tim nodded. "Yes, sir. I would be honored."
Shaking his hand, the Tracy patriarch once more smiled at the shy officer. "Then welcome to International Rescue, agent 40." Jeff slipped the younger man a small communications device. "This is a dedicated communicator, absolutely untraceable. You won't regret this, Tim. Oh, and from now on, it's Jeff, got it?" Clasping a hand briefly on O'Neill's shoulder, Jeff waved a last time to Bridger and climbed back into the limo.
As the Tracys drove away, Tim stood there in shock. Beginning his walk up to the waiting Bridger and Lucas, Tim shook his head in amazement. "It's a good thing International Rescue is a secret organization – because no one would believe this!"
Safely back aboard seaQuest, Bridger made sure Lucas was comfortable in the sickbay. Lucas was so busy snickering at the way Katie Hitchcock veered from berating Ben for getting hurt to fussing over her injured ex, that he seemed not to notice he was clearly being made to stay in the bed. As Bridger began to fuss over the teenager as well, the sixteen-year-old became serious.
"Captain, I just can't understand it?"
"What's that Lucas?"
"Why."
Bridger looked puzzled. "Why what?"
With suspiciously damp eyes, Lucas leaned towards Bridger, who in turn put a comforting arm around him. "Why did Stark come after me; why did Le Chein help her, then try to help Alan; why did all of this happen?"
Nathan hugged Lucas close to him. "Marilyn Stark is a very disturbed person, always blaming others for her own faults. George Le Chein was someone who was grieving deeply and struck out in anger. He regretted his actions later and tried to make it right. As for why you and Alan were caught up in all that, oh, Kiddo…You both hold such precious places in the hearts of your families. If we had lost either one of you last night, the hearts of the family with the loss would have been shattered forever. You are our strength, but that in turn makes you our weakness. And Stark was cruel enough to take advantage of that. Because we love you, Kiddo, and like she said, you aren't my son by blood or law, but in my heart you are as much my child as Robert ever was. Never forget that."
Lucas cuddled closer, drifting off for the moment, secure in the knowledge that the Captain would be watching out for him.
At the same time, a plane was taking off from one tropical paradise to another, and another father sat watching his youngest sleep, still exhausted from the trauma he had endured.
Both fathers leaned back, giving thanks that their hearts were not ripped asunder by the loss of their son, both men grateful beyond belief for the miracle that their son was once more by their side. Silent prayers were shot upward, as they drifted off to sleep with their sons in their arms.
And in the sea, a happy dolphin made his way back to his pod on the seaQuest. His friend was back, his family was back. It was a good thing that pretty lady had showed him where to find his Lucas. There was no music, but the pretty blonde lady had showed him where to find Lucas. He hadn't been able to help Alan, he had seen the boy in a small boat as he helped Lucas but the lady had said it was OK. Her other sons would get their little brother. Darwin had to help his pod. It was good; both pods were together, both pods were happy.
In the end, family was all that was important.
A/N- Ah, the end...for now. I will get started on the sequel soon, I have gotten a bit distracted with something I am working on with another FF writer. (Back to Thunderbirds for a moment. Sorry guys. The plot bunny from hell was nibbling at our ankles.) But this story is wrapped up and I hope to have the sequel started by the beginning of the month. In the end, the kids are OK, the dads are OK, and Tim gets to kinda join the Thunderbirds. I love it when the little guy gets a moment to shine. And how do you like the Darwin twist? Sorry, I couldn't resist. HUGE applause to my beta and head cheerleader Sam1 - you rock girl!
Anyhoo, thanks for sticking around for the ride. It's been fun. - CC