Thunderbird Five Is Go {John Tracy}

4 - Recommendation

4

"Good evening, Lady Penelope. Fancy seeing you here." Crystal Ava Summers glided over in a sweeping black dress over to the pink-clad Lady Penelope, flanked by Parker.

"Yes, I rarely turn up at American college graduations, do I?" Lady P chuckled, a tinkling little laugh.

Crystal nodded in response. She whispered, "I'm secretly really quite tired of this sophisticated 'aristocratic' life, you see." Her dark blue eyes twinkled in a very strange and coy way, "I'm really very done with all the British formalities I have to put on – the 'oh, would you like some tea, Earl Grey infused with orange blossoms' sort of life."

Lady P inclined her head graciously, "Yes, sometimes one does long for some variety among all the receptions and parties, especially when it is all an elaborate alias. In fact, this is precisely what I came to this graduation for."

Crystal raised one eyebrow, "Oh?"

"Yes, I was wondering if you have some time after to discuss a possible job opening. It's something you've mentioned once before, and I think you'd be the perfect fit for it. It is of the strictest confidence."

"Ah, shall we go to my apartment in a bit for some tea? I think I feel a cold coming on," she caught on quickly.

Lady P nodded, "Yes – oh I do love those shoes of yours. I've been looking for new pink heels for some time."

Crystal laughed her frivolous laugh, "Oh, why, thank you." She extended a foot to display the shoe, as a couple passed by. "Come over to my apartment for a cup of tea? Let's do some catching up, shall we?"

"Oh, yes, it would be my pleasure," Lady P followed.

As they stepped out of their respective cars, Crystal unlocked the door to her apartment. She typed in a passcode, pressed her hand to a scanner, and entered voice recognition to unlock the second door. "My apologies for the wait, please do come in."

"I think we would prefer to talk in a more ... secure area," Crystal pressed a hidden spring in the wall. Her wardrobe spun around to reveal a trapdoor. Crystal then took out a small key from somewhere within the depths of her gown to open it. They stepped into a small room with a simple table and four chairs.

"Lovely, thank you," Lady P sat down.

"Now, what is this top secret job you speak of?" Crystal relaxed visibly. As if shedding her polished veneer, she dropped her British accent and lapsed into a more casual tone.

Lady P extracted a file from her purse and pushed it towards Crystal, folding her manicured hands neatly as Crystal slowly opened it.

"International Rescue," Crystal read, eyes widening. She looked up at Lady P, who smiled in acknowledgement. She read on, silently.

Lady P cleared her throat delicately, "This opportunity is very rare, and, as I happen to be connected to International Rescue, I was asked to look for potential applicants. You're the first person I could think of that I deem worthy of the position. You have the qualifications needed, and though you have no field experience just yet, you seem more than fit for the job with a bit of training. I will be putting you in contact with an International Rescue agent who will send you the date for an evaluation trial. However, I'm sure you are capable of acing it, as well as a few good words I put in for you."

Crystal stammered a little, "Of course, I- I've been looking into joining NASA or the GDF, but ..."

"You will consider this?" Lady P tilted her head.

"Yes," Crystal answered. Her eyes danced, belying her calm exterior.

***

"FAB1 calling Tracy Island, I have succeeded in contacting a potential candidate and will bring her for the trials in four days."

"Thank you, Lady Penelope. Your help is much appreciated," Scott shut the comm.

Alan jumped up, "Her? It's a girl?"

Scott nodded curtly, "I'm not happy about it either, but she is fully qualified, in fact, very much so, and we'll see the results of the trial. After all, Lady Penelope recommended her quite enthusiastically."

The room lapsed into silence. Kayo cleared her throat loudly. "I don't see why a girl can't join if she's capable," she pointed out.

"We'll see when the results come out, alright?" Virgil said.

Everyone nodded.