Thunderbirds Are Go One-Shots

Addition or Subtraction?

November 28, 2045

"No, put that down, young man!"

"But, Grandma!"

"No 'buts', John. Scott's taking apart the holo-projector right now."

"But-"

Grandma Tracy held up a finger, "No, what did I just say?"

Seven-year-old John sighed, "No 'buts'."

"There's a good boy!"

Halfway across the room, six-year old Virgil was tussling with Gordon. Their laughter echoed as they began to chase each other around the room.

"We're so proud of you, son," Grandpa Tracy clapped Jeff on the back as he entered the room. "First NASA, then, the Moon base and Mars! Not to mention all that space exploration, and now you've got such a healthy, happy family."

"Thanks, dad," Jeff said as his father swept up his youngest. Gordon giggled as his grandfather tickled him. When the amber-eyed child was set down again, they resumed their conversation. "But Shadow Alpha One isn't complete yet. I just go up every now and then, while Lee's up there full time. He's always loved the moon, and he doesn't have a family to take care of."

"But that doesn't stop you from dreaming, does it?" Grandma Tracy asked knowingly. "I've heard that fancy new plane has a top speed of mach thirteen..."

Jeff looked down. "Yeah..."

"When are you going to get started on being the fastest? I know you could do it, son, you are smart and determined enough!"

Jeff sighed. "I don't know when I'm going to go after that, but it can't be right now."

"Why not?"

But their conversation was interrupted.

"Mama!"

They looked and saw John run over to Lucille. He hugged her.

"Hi, baby," she spoke as she returned the hug.

Scott got up and went to hug her as well, but was stopped in his tracks.

"Scott Carpenter Tracy, I know you didn't just leave those pieces of the holo-projector on the floor," Lucille told her oldest.

Scott turned and scooped up the parts. He dumped them on a table before returning. Virgil and Gordon looked up, and joined the crowd of boys hugging their mother.

Jeff looked on proudly.

"Now," Lucille pat each of her sons on the back, "go sit down, I have an announcement."

Her sons all obeyed, going and finding laps to sit on. Soon, everyone was sitting and looking up at Lucille, who stood in the middle of the room.

"Right," she started, a little nervous, "I'm expecting-"

Grandpa Tracy muttered to Grandma, "go figure."

Lucille continued, "-twin boys."

Jeff was smiling widely. Gordon, the almost five-year-old, looked slightly confused, Virgil looked from Gordon to his mother, John smiled, and Scott gasped. Grandpa and Grandma's jaw dropped.

"Lucille, that's incredible!" Grandma Tracy was the first to speak. She got up and hugged her daughter in-law.

Lucille laughed. "Gordon, Virgil, you look confused."

"Uh... What?" Virgil asked, "does that mean I'm getting another little brother like Gordon?"

"You're going to get two little brothers," Lucille went over to them. "You're going to be a big brother, Gordon."