Chapter Twenty - Epilogue

Disclaimer - I swear, if I have disclaimed ownership of the Thunderbirds or seaQuest once, I have done it twenty times since I started this story.

Kristin smiled at Lucas gently, all the while treating Nathan for his head injury. Amazingly, no stitches were needed but he did indeed have a mild concussion. "Well, Lucas, I am afraid that trip to the carnival is definitely out. I don't think the Captain is up to roller coasters at the moment."

"Was I ever?" Nathan joked quietly. Jeff laughed softly as well. Lucas gave a small chuckle and shaking his head, turned to join the others gathered nearby.

Kristin looked over at Jeff when he laughed but he just shrugged. "No sympathy from me. I raised five sons and have been dragged through plenty of carnivals, state fairs and amusement parks. Luckily with Alan, he had older brothers more than willing to take him to things like that." Looking over at the two teenagers, being teased into laughter by Ben while Katie, Tim and John looked on indulgently, Jeff nodded. "I admit I sometimes let the boys take on more of raising Alan than I should have. But Scott recently assured me that looking out for Alan helped them with their mother's death. He does look so much like Lucy. Acts like her as well - her humor, her compassion, her strength of will…Alan inherited those along with the blue eyes and off-beat smile."

Sensing his father's eyes on him, Alan turned and smiled back at his father. The boy had been upset at Cobb's death, but was quickly coming to terms with it. As Jeff had said to him as they had walked back to the bridge, "Alan, Frank Cobb was someone who chose not to be saved. He hurt people and was trying to kill you just because he thought he could. You would have saved him if he had been willing. He made the choice to die. You can't save everyone. And you can't save people from themselves."

Jeff smiled even more as he watched Dr. Emily Haas finish checking on John's injury. He did need a couple of stitches just as he had told his younger brother. But amazingly, both of his sons had come through this incident relatively unharmed. And watching John gently run a hand over Emily's hair before his fingers softly traced her face, Jeff felt a sense of contentment. John had given up so much to help his father fulfill his dream. Maybe it was only right that he was the first of the Tracy sons to fall in love.

"So is that the reason why Dr. Haas has been given a couple of days off?" A new voice came upon the scene. Nathan, Kristin and Jeff all turned to see who had joined the conversation. An attractive young woman approached, having gotten past the cordon of UEO security personnel who had blocked off the area surrounding the seaQuest's docking area. "I'm Wendy Smith, and yes, Captain Bridger you did know my mother. And no, Dr. Westphalen, you have no reason to be jealous."

A frown had replaced Jeff's earlier pleasant demeanor. "You're a Psi," he said, in an accusing voice.

Wendy tensed for a moment before turning to face the billionaire. "Yes, Mr. Tracy I am." Putting on a determined smile, she refocused her attention on Nathan. "I've decided to take you up on the offer, Captain Bridger. Dr. Westphalen?" Kristen nodded, silently urging her to continue. "You are staying on for another tour?" Kristen nodded one more time, and Wendy smiled. "While I am also a medical doctor, I'll be taking over only the crews' emotional and mental health. I'll leave most of the physical well-being to you and Dr. Levin."

Trying to be pleasant but sensing a tension in Jeff that didn't require any psychic ability, Kristin indicated that she wanted to give a quick check on the other seaQuest members who had been aboard during the hijacking. "Nathan, stay put. I don't want to sedate you with a concussion, but I am sure I can figure out something to keep you resting."

"Kris, if you want me in bed you only had to ask." The concussion still leaving him slightly reeling, Bridger didn't realize he had said that aloud until Jeff laughed, Wendy giggled and Kristen gave him what Lucas called her "death stare". The look only made Jeff laugh harder and as Bridger cringed into his seat, Kristen stalked off, muttering, "Men and their juvenile sense of humor."

Looking Jeff straight in the face, Dr. Smith had no trouble being as blunt as needed. "Mr. Tracy, it is a matter of honor among Psychics that we not probe someone without their permission. Feelings however can sometimes simply scream at you. And when someone is thinking of something strongly, it may burst out to a Psi as clearly as if that person had said it out loud. You are a fair man, a man of integrity. To you discrimination on any level is an abomination. So maybe I should tell you about a man I met a few years ago at a special institute for "gifted people". The man had been badly injured in an accident. I was one of the people who tried to help him but the negative emotions he projected were so disruptive I eventually had to leave his case. In the early session, I sensed his hatred was towards the man he blamed for his accident. His name was Trahan Belegant. I believe you have met him since then. And you know of his psychic abilities. His "gifts" are the reason you have taken a dislike to psychics but you must understand something. Few Psychics are like him. Most would never use our gifts to hurt or manipulate others."

At that moment, Alan ran up to the trio. "Dad, Brains called Emily to tell her what was going on and then he had Secretary Noyce call and make sure Emily got a few days off. She is going to fly with us to the States. That's cool, isn't it?"

Jeff put a hand on his son's shoulder and smiled. "Very cool. I think we may have to get use to Emily being around a lot."

Glancing back at his brother, Alan nodded. "Yep. Mom would have liked her, don't you think?" And then Alan turned to Wendy. "Hi, I'm Alan."

Wendy smiled and held out a hand which Alan quickly shook. "Dr. Wendy Smith. I'll be joining the crew soon."

Alan nodded, saying, "Yeah, I hear you have been giving advice in regards to Lucas since the incident in Hawaii. But he released some of his pent-up aggression and anxieties." Leaning over he stage-whispered, "He beat the stuffing out of one of the hijackers."

Dr. Smith laughed lightly at the boy's enthusiasm for his friend's fighting. "I can tell you have released some "anxieties and aggressions" of your own. Get in a few licks?"

Momentarily flummoxed, Alan laughed after a minute. "I forgot, you're a Psi. That's cool. My friend Tin has some abilities. But they really freak her out. I tell her it's cool. Stuff like that is like anything in the world. It's all how you use it which decides if it is good or bad, right?" Turning and running back to the group, he tossed a wave and a smile over his shoulder.

Watching him go, Wendy smiled again before looking at Jeff seriously. "Be careful about your opinions, Mr. Tracy. I feel that you know Alan's friend very well and don't distrust her. But then there is Alan himself…"

Stiffening at what he felt was an attack on his son; Jeff openly glared at the woman. "And just what does that mean?"

"Alan has psi abilities as well." Before Jeff could interrupt, Wendy continued. "Mainly empath abilities. But the psi factor is strong." Seeing Jeff watch his two blonde sons smile and joke with their friends from the sub, she cocked her head. "He hurt your sons, especially John and Alan, didn't he? Belegant, I mean." Jeff nodded tightly. "John was probably a target of opportunity but Alan? He would go after Alan as a perceived threat. And if you are the one that Belegant harbored so much hatred for…Alan could be in grave danger from him."

Wendy bent her head for a moment, sucking in her breath. Jeff Tracy might present a stone face to the world, but the emotions rolling off of the man were a clear reflection of the protective father that few would ever see. The intensity of his feelings was almost painful to her. Deciding that a casual retreat was prudent at this junction, Wendy merely gave a small smile as she assured Bridger that she would be ready to sail with the seaQuest when it next left port.

Jeff looked over at Nathan, not entirely surprised to see the mild look of censure. "She's right. I do despise intolerance. And I do think the world of Tin-Tin and her family. Her father, Kyrano, assures me that his brother was the exception in their family. They are for the most part, honest, caring, hard-working people who happen to have a strong psi factor running among them." Sighing slightly, Jeff leaned against the wall next to Nathan. "And one of these days, Tin-Tin may become my daughter-in-law. I guess the best thing I can do is try to remember most psychics are more like her – or your Dr. Smith – than like the Hood."

"And Alan?" Nathan asked.

Jeff closed his eyes and dropped his head towards his chest for a moment. "Alan was always sensitive, even if he hated to show it. I guess I never thought much about it. I remember when Gordon was hurt – Alan was the only one he could tolerate most of the time. Same with John after the incident with the Hood. And he was the one who seemed to be able to tell when one of his brothers needed him after Lucy died. An empath. I guess that explains a lot." He chuckled slightly. "I don't know. Sometimes it seems lately as if up is down and left is right. All mixed up and confused."

Nathan shook his head, winced at the pain that caused, then continued with a slight laugh. "I think that you are a remarkable person Jeff, and you have raised your sons to be just like you. But you are a father. They are your sons. It is more than reasonable for you to want to protect them. And the Hood threatened all of your sons. The good man that you are would see reason soon enough. You just had the bad luck to run into a psychic councilor while you were still trying to work it out in your head."

Watching the younger people laughing and smiling, Emily and Kristin trying to be discreet as they silently checked the others for injuries, Jeff relaxed. "They're looking good. All of them. Maybe I haven't messed up too badly."

"No, Jeff, we haven't screwed up too badly." When Jeff turned back to Bridger with a raised eyebrow, he smiled in reassurance. "We dads have to stick together. And we have to do the best we can by our kids. Guide them, love them, support them, and have enough faith in them to let them go."

Swallowing, Jeff nodded. He knew Bridger was right…Sighing, he changed the subject. "OK, we have to get going. I still have that meeting in Manhattan and Alan needs to get to Wharton's. And John will have some down time…Darn it. With those stitches, he'll be grounded for an extra week. I am not looking forward to telling Gordon he has to do his rotation on Five a month early."

"Five?"

"Our space station."

Nathan raised his eyebrow at that. "You have your own space station?"

"You have your own island."

"So do you."

Jeff chuckled again. "Point taken. But yes, we do have a space station and an excellent intelligence network. As efficient as Section Seven with higher moral standards."

Bridger frowned. "Sodom and Gomorrah had higher moral standards than Section Seven." Changing the subject again, Nathan sighed. "Well, we have two weeks in dry dock, but maybe Alan and Lucas could get together during Alan's Christmas Break. The seaQuest is scheduled for shore leave during that time."

"I have a better idea. Why don't you and Alan come to Tracy Island for Christmas? No snow, but with Onaha's cooking, no one seems to mind." Jeff paused and looked over at Kristin. "Unless you have plans with Dr. Westphalen…"

"Nope. Kris is going on a cruise with her mother and daughter for Christmas. Woman lives on a sub most of the year and she is going to take a vacation on a cruise ship." Nathan frowned. "Your home is also your base. I take it Lucas doesn't know…"

Jeff shook his head. "No, you and Tim are the only people from seaQuest who know. But we occasionally have to put on what Gordon has dubbed "Operation Cover-up" and we can arrange things so Lucas need never know."

As Kristin, Lucas and Alan rejoined the pair, Nathan was agreeing to the plan. Ignoring the teens confused looks – the men would fill them in later – Nathan put a fatherly hand on Lucas' arm. "So, I guess its movie time and room service for three, kiddo. Not too disappointed, are you?"

Lucas smiled. "Actually, that will be for two, Captain. Ben talked Katie into joining Tim, me and him at that carnival. She said something about need to get used to being in his company again in a social setting." With a snort, he elbowed Alan. "Women. Who can understand them?"

"No sane, rational man." Noticing the glare Kristen was sending him, Alan pulled back and grabbed Lucas' arm. "Frankie, help me grab my gear. I think a strategic retreat is in my best interest if I ever wanna see sixteen."

The adults in both groups smiled in relief as the two laughing teenagers ran back onto the seaQuest. Two boys had done what many grown men could not. They had defeated not only threats from outside sources, but had conquered their own fears and self-doubts.

Jeff finally gathered up his sons and Emily so that they could head for the States. At the same time Nathan left the details of handling the details of the fall-out from the hijacking and to get the repairs – more than when they had started out – started under the keen eye of Commander Ford. But the men had achieved the goal they had set out on at the beginning. Their sons were back in control of their lives and it was time for the next adventure to begin in their lives.

A/N - OK, Alan and Lucas are safe, so is everyone else (except Cobb who is a bad guy pancake). And just in case you think I left some issues hanging - wait. A few issues from here will be addressed in the next story. As I said, I need some down time, so don't expect the next part for about 4-6 weeks. And it will be under Thunderbirds, not seaQuest. I am sure you can tell from the last chapter when and where it will be happening.

Thanks to everyone who read and followed along, especially those who reviewed. A huge thanks to those who helped me: Sam1, my amazing beta; Shudunedus, for her tech support on the seaQuest (and B/K feedback); and Questfan for her overall SQ font of knowledge. I couldn't do it without you and since Sam1 is the only one to tell me that, I just wanted the rest of you to know. Later! - CC