*The crackle of static*
Unidentified figure in abandoned IR Hangar identification 001.
Hooded figure, 6ft.
Seeking immediate assistance- roof is damaged- won't open upon command.
- Bird
Nirvana looks at the transmission, frowning at the message that's broadcast. The familiar sentient voice, usually so stoic now sounding what humans would considered panicked, worried Vani. She remembered Jeff showing her the old hangars when she started at International Rescue. If someone went there, it was never good. If someone intimidated Bird, it was worse.
Pressing a button, Vani leaned forward and spoke into the receiver. "This is IR Agent 193 - I'm on my way Bird."
Running down the hall, she made her way to Scott and told him about the broadcast. It wasn't long before both air force pilots were speeding to old hangar in Thunderbird 1. Vani hoped she wasn't too late.
Prior to International Rescue, Jeff had a mentorship program in the World Air Force. Being a renowned pilot and astronaut, they were like “come teach the youngins”. The mentorship program meant that Jeff would select the best performing cadet to then help him on missions and tasks (essentially become his right hand officer, and second in command).
Enter Nirvana Jansen. She was within the top 50% but sometimes fell short, but what attracted Jeff to her was her stubbornness (he saw himself in her). Against better judgement and advice, Jeff took Nirvana on in the mentorship program, and they became quite close (father/daughter bonding).
After she finished the program, Jeff brought her on as IR's Australian Agent 193. She was the covert ops and espionage agent before Penelope and Kayo. Then Jeff’s accident happened and she wasn’t as present as much, until she crossed paths with Virgil on a rescue.
Summary: When Jeff Tracy is asked to mentor up and coming Air Force cadets, he happily agrees to. However, one cadet he comes across changes the way he approaches teaching entirely.
A/N: This is a part of Nirvana Jansen’s world-building. Any reference to the Air Force is based on the Australian military.
-✈️O✈️-
Even years after service and being an astronaut, Jeff still got goosebumps at the sight and rumble of a Super Hornet flying overhead. He could probably pilot one blindfolded. It was his skill and quick-thinking in the field that granted him ranking of Lieutenant Colonel. But it also seemed to inspire the next generation of Air Force pilots. Scott, his firstborn, joined the academy straight out of high school and was now a flying officer at 21. Jeff couldn’t help but puff his chest out at the praise he had heard from his colleagues about Scott’s natural talent in the sky. That was Scott Tracy - a chip off the old block.
It was with this talent, that Jeff had been recruited back into the World Air Force as part of a mentorship program. Their rationale was that if the world had more pilots with a Tracy mentality, then they’d be unstoppable. Unfortunately, they didn’t account for the recklessness and stubbornness that many of the previous pilots seemed to develop under Jeff’s wing. Good old fashioned Tracy mentality. Sipping his coffee, Jeff watched as a group of cadets did their morning exercise. The crisp early morning air brought a chill, but the sun shining was enough to not have them suffer too much.
“Reminiscing Tracy?” A familiar voice approached. Colonel Dwayne Percy was one of Jeff’s closest friends since their cadet days, and had vouched for his place in the mentorship program. While Jeff went off to become an astronaut, Percy held the fort and climbed the ranks.
“Just thought how weird it is to think that,” Jeff points to the cadets. “Was Scott three years ago, and us nearly thirty.”
“I like to think I could outrun those rookies.” Dwayne hummed, and held his hand out. “Good to see you again Jeff.” Grasping his hand, Jeff smiled and carefully wrapped his arm with the coffee around Percy.
“You too brother. How’s Liam and Dani?” Jeff pulled back.
“Dani’s PhD has just been accepted,” Dwayne beamed. “Dr Daniella Percy has a nice ring to it. Liam was cheering in the background during her dissertation, I had to use my combat training to quieten him.” Jeff let out a laugh as Dwayne pursed his lips. “But even then, the committee heard muffled cheers.”
“I think he was proud of your daughter, Dwy.”
“Yeah he could’ve been a bit more subtle about it.” He chuckles. “How’s Lucille and the boys?”
“Lucille is flourishing as always, she just started as a coder for the local military base working from home. Alan’s starting high school-”
“You’re joking!”
“I’m not, he’s 13 in March.” Jeff chuckled at the way Dwayne appeared to have stopped processing the world around him. “Gordon’s off in W.A.S.P’s cadet program. We’re all going to see him when he does the hydrofoil demonstrations, as part of his final ascension to seaman apprentice later this year. John’s completing his astronautics degree, doing an internship over at NASA, and Virgil is off at Yale doing his engineering postgrad. You obviously know how Scott is.”
“Jeez, from the sounds of it we’re gonna have four more duplicates of Jeff Tracy after Scott. You must be proud of them all.”
“Naturally.”
“Think you can sprinkle some of that Tracy talent amongst them.” Dwayne motioned to the very cadets Jeff had watched train.
“Depends on who is willing to take on the challenge.” Jeff hummed as Dwayne motioned to the hangar behind them.
“I think you should first consider who’s the best performing cadet.” Dwayne mused as they both made their way inside. Jeff felt like he was travelling back in time, thinking about when he and Dwayne wore their flight suits, about to board one of those incredible jets and set off in the sky. They affectionately called each other Maverick and Goose. Thankfully Dwayne didn’t meet the same fate as his namesake. But they did feel the need for speed every now and then. Leading him to the makeshift office space, Dwayne brought up the profiles of the top performing cadets across all aspects. Jeff had read their brief summaries on the flight over. Admittedly, he found them all too similar to other cadets he mentored. “If I were you Jeff, I would select Freddy Martin.” Dwayne highlighted his profile, and handed the pad over to him. “He’s got the best flight scores, best mental aptitude and physical strength.”
“Those could change in combat easily.”
“Not under your mentorship.”
“You want me to throw him into conflict Dwy? I can make that happen.” Jeff smirked as his friend rolled his eyes.
“No Jeff, but I’m just saying there’s some potential there.” Dwayne hummed.
“Between you and me Perce,” Jeff placed the pad on his lap, looking at his friend. “These up and coming cadets don’t strike me as combat ready, they’re following the book too much and rely on rigid structure. Ergo these perfect scores. They’re being mass produced.”
“You know the conditions of this program Jeff - you either recruit a high performing cadet or you leave.” Dwy tilted his head. “And it’s unlike you to back down from something.”
“You’re right.” Jeff leaned forward. “Scrapping the criteria entirely, who do you think are the worthy candidates?”
“Jeff this isn’t how it works-”
“Dwy, what have we listened to most of our careers? Our air force commanders, or our gut?”
“Are we factoring you into this equation?”
“You are, if you want me to mentor these kids.” Jeff countered, smirking as his friend huffed.
“Our gut.” Dwayne muttered.
“And have they ever been wrong?”
“No,” Dwayne admits, looking to Jeff. “But then again, that can be your dumb luck. Seriously, how are you and I still alive with the amount of stupid stunts you roped me into?”
“Hey I didn’t rope you into anything. You wanted to come along.”
“Yeah to make sure you didn’t die, you dumbass.”
“Love you too, now answer my question.” Handing the tablet back to Dwayne, Jeff watched his friend tap and swipe at the screen. The five profiles that were on display were soon removed with three new faces.
“Here's my answer.” Dwayne looked at him. “Carlson McArthur, Nirvana Jansen, and Isiah Al Ahmed.”
“What makes them stand out?” Jeff hummed as he scanned their faces.
“Well for one, Carlson and Isiah are from military families- navy and army respectively. Their answers are very applicable, but not what the Air Force needs so to speak. Their insight is valuable, and if they were in the heat of it, they would be wise decisions.”
“And her?” Jeff motioned to the woman’s photo that sat in between the men.
“Ah Nirvana. She’s certainly a character.” Dwayne huffed and rubbed his face. That told Jeff plenty that she was a handful. “Don’t get me wrong Jeff, she’s great with strategy and hand-to-hand, but she doesn’t exactly get on with others.”
“Lone wolf?”
“More like she doesn’t see the need for teambuilding exercises. She’s very on the fly and reacts well to situations. But when someone challenges her, she doesn’t back down. Almost always, it results in physical altercations. Sounds like someone else I know.” Dwayne glared at Jeff, who simply batted his eyes innocently.
“Does she win?” Groaning, Dwayne pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I still think you should consider Freddy to save me the paperwork.”
“I have a better idea.” Jeff smirked. Dwayne reached into his desk, grabbing the bottle of aspirin.
-✈️O✈️-
Jeff’s attention turned to the door as Freddy and Nirvana followed Dwayne into the hangar. With one last look at his friend, Jeff looked at the two cadets. There was a hushed conversation between the two of them, with the man taunting the woman. Jeff could sense that if Freddy wasn’t put in check soon, she would see to it personally. “Cadets, this is Lieutenant Colonel Jefferson Tracy. As you know, he runs a mentorship program for the cadets he believes are the best performing.” Jeff watched both of the pilots before him. Freddy looked like he wanted to comment on ‘best-performing-cadets’. Nirvana on the other hand, was a little harder to read.
“After consideration, he wants to come to a final decision through one question.” Dwayne motioned to the room. “There’s a piece of paper and a pen for you to document your response. You’ll be given five minutes. Cadet Martin, you’re first.” Following Dwayne into the room, Jeff turned his attention to the woman before him.
“How are you on this fine day?”
“I’m well.” Jeff noticed the lack of ‘sir’. Odd for a cadet.
“Not much for small talk huh?” Jeff tilted his head.
“Not when waiting, no.” Nirvana looked up at him. “But I am curious.”
“Oh?” Jeff probed. “How so?”
“Is this a humiliation ritual? Some sick hazing technique to get cadets in line?” Nirvana squinted.
“Not at all, I’m doing this out of curiosity.” Jeff watched her.
“Why? Your eligible pilot is in that room.”
“He’s not eligible unless he can answer that question.”
“He can answer any question.”
“And you can’t?”
“Not the way the Air Force would appreciate.”
Thinking to himself, Jeff decided to take the leap of faith. “Nirvana, may I ask you something?”
“You may.” She looked up at him.
“What is a weakness of the Air Force?” That evoked a change in her expression. Looking confused, Nirvana watched the man carefully, as if trying to determine his ulterior motive. “Answer the question Cadet.” Jeff pushed. Thinking to herself, Nirvana glanced down for a brief moment before returning his gaze.
“A lack of cohesion.” She determined.
“Elaborate.” Jeff tilted his head. Quite ironic from someone who was said to be socially distant.
“The Navy and Army secure terrain and maritime regions with offence, whereas the Air Force is more surveillance and defence.” She began. “We’re taught to think solely for the Air Force and act on their beliefs, without considering the other military sectors, even if it’s in their domain. There’s no point in supporting a sector if you’re not going to consider their situation.” Looking up, Nirvana straightened at the look of deep thought on Jeff’s face. “If the AF won’t consider working together, then it’s more likely to fall apart.”
“I see.” Jeff hummed. “How would you rectify this?” He watched the cogs turn in her head. After a brief pause she looked up.
“I would simply understand what their objectives and limitations are. If we can match them, we can act. If not then I would address the higher command of the respective military sector. I would rather do as they suggest, as opposed to what I was taught for the Air Force.”
“You say suggest, why not command? Are you impartial to following orders?”
“Sometimes not all orders are thought out well, especially if there’s other factors at play. Like I said, we must consider all instead of one.” She concluded. Jeff pondered on this thought and nodded. Since the end of the Global Conflict, many sectors were responsible for certain aspects, and taught to work objectively. But times have changed, and not many people realised that.
As Jeff came to his own conclusion, the door to the spare room opened. Freddy seemed to have lost any confidence he had, as Dwayne gave him permission to leave. Once the red head had left, Dwayne looked to Jeff. “Cadet Jansen, you’re up.”
“Before she goes in,” Jeff intercepted. “May I see Cadet Martin’s response?” Dwayne frowned a little, but trusted his friend. Retrieving the paper, he walked over and placed it in Jeff’s hand. Under the same question, block writing answered “Not enough personnel or resources to meet the goals of the Air Force. Without more manpower we lack strategy and impact.” Just as he thought.
“I’ve made my decision.”
“You have?” Dwayne crossed his arms. Jeff nodded, and folded the piece of paper handing it to Dwayne.
“If you can still catch up to Martin, thank him for his time,” Nirvana shifted uncomfortably, as Dwayne nodded. “But tell him he hasn’t been successful on this occasion.” Confusion struck both Dwayne and Nirvana, as they looked up at the smiling Lieutenant Colonel.
“He’s not going to be happy.” Dwayne argued.
“Everyone needs a bit of a reality check every now and then.” Looking at Nirvana, he smirked a little. “Welcome to the Jefferson Grant Mentorship, Cadet Jansen.” Extending his hand, Nirvana exhaled and took it, shaking firmly. “I look forward to working alongside you this next year.”
“Thank you Sir.” She said a tad breathless. She must’ve been in shock to address him as ‘Sir’, Jeff thought.
“Alright Cadet,” Dwayne interjected. “Back to the barracks. You’re not to share this to any one else until the official announcement is made. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Colonel Percy.” As she was dismissed, Dwayne walked to Jeff and sighed.
“You know you’ve just cursed me to a very strongly-worded meeting with the General right?” Dwayne groaned, as Jeff kept his gaze on the door where the cadet was walking towards. “He’s gonna tear me a new one, all because you had to have your way.”
“Oh I spoke to General Matthews hours ago.” Jeff admitted casually. Dwayne could’ve easily snapped his own neck with the force it created, turning to Jeff.
“You what?” He ground out.
“I went over your head, made my statement and put forth a good argument, and he approved it ten minutes later.” Jeff smiled and looked at his friend, who was scandalised by the whole ordeal. But then he let out a laugh and shook his head.
“Jeff Tracy; still giving me ulcers 30 years later.”
Summary: In the weeks after a mission that left the relationship between Jeff and Nirvana tense, Jeff invites Vani to the ranch for Christmas. While she would prefer to spend the holidays alone, she agrees. This is the first time she’s seeing Jeff since then, but also meeting all of the Tracy brothers. How will Vani fare letting people in, and better yet, how will she go being in a healthy family environment?
Nirvana Jansen
Previous Fics
First Impressions
-🟩🟢🟩–
Vani had never seen snow before. As beautiful as it was blanketed over the vast expanse of land, she hoped after today she would never have to see it again. It was too cold for her liking. Who willingly enjoys such frigid weather?
Walking up the long driveway, she glanced up to the large house in the distance. She wasn’t sure if it was the cold, or her own hesitation, but Vani found herself frozen still, unwilling to move. Coming here was a mistake, she thought to herself. Why would he invite you if that was the case? Her rational brain argued. True. But then again, the last time they had seen each other, things didn’t end on good terms.
-🟩🟢🟩–
“Sir, our pilots have lost control of their crafts and are descending without any sign of recovery.”
Jeff and Nirvana had been called to the USS Truman, where the Navy was sent to scout an area recently flagged as an active zone. They needed two extra sets of eyes to provide reconnaissance, while the Navy pilots focused on a potential maritime seizure. What the Colonel and Cadet had found was nuclear weaponry made illegal after the global conflict. If it were to detonate, it was capable of wiping out most of the Eastern seaboard. Having returned to the ship, they waited in the operations centre, watching many monitors as pilots took off. Vani had observed them all day, and every time they launched, she got goosebumps. Jeff even commented on how much more epic the view would’ve been if Danger Zone had been playing.
They watched as the pilots flew into the flagged airspace, only to be struck with projectiles that emitted a potent gas into their cockpits and electrified their systems. They were sitting ducks to further attacks, if not certain death.
“Sanchez, Klein, Ahmed - PULL UP NOW!” The commander roared into the microphone. The silence that emitted from the speakers was chilling. Engineers and crewpersons looking blankly at each other, confused, concerned. Vani looked to Jeff, whose stoic expression told her enough. Those three pilots were unresponsive. They weren’t surviving.
Vani once again looked at the engineers. Looked at Commander Hoffsteader. Looked at Jeff. She had an idea, but it was a costly one. Without a second thought, Vani ran forward to the desk where the secondary controls for the aircrafts had sat. Unfortunately, they were blocked by an engineer. So naturally, she had to move him aside.
“Hey-”
“Cadet! What are you doing?!” Hoffsteader roared, approaching the desk.
“Acting.” Vani responded.
“You pull away Cadet or-” The commander spat, only to be stopped.
“Give her a chance.” Jeff encouraged.
“She’s acting out of line Tracy!”
“I’m saving their lives,” Vani spat as she pulled wires out and reconnected them, before giving the desk a good old Jeff-Tracy-Fix. As the system regained control, she slaved the systems of all three aircraft to a singular joystick. “You’d let them die.” She glanced venomously at the older man, whose reddened face looked as if it was about to explode.
“That insubordinate woman will endanger us all. If she screws this up-”
“Officer Jansen,” Jeff began firmly. “Is simply trying to regain control. Let her.” Jeff watched as the Commander exhaled sharply, and ran his hand over his sweaty face.
“I’ll have you both if this goes belly up.”
“Can I focus please?” Nirvana growled, watching the monitors. Cutting the engines, and toggling the flaps, Vani glided the planes down on an angled approach. The tension palpable in the room, Vani held and watched as the ground grew closer. Warning signs blared, alarms screamed, and the all familiar ‘Danger’ ‘Terrain’ rang in her ears. At the very last second, Vani jerked the joystick to the right and towards her, controlling the crafts in a hard turn. As they spun in the air, she drove the throttle forward, and the sudden spark fired engines and propelled the pilots away to safety. The room erupted into cheers, Vani exhaling and using the computer to direct the craft on an automated flight path back to the ship.
Stepping back, two officers grabbed Nirvana by the arms and escorted her out of the control room. Nearly throwing her into the wall, the officers retreated back into the operations centre, as the Commander advanced on Vani. “You got some nerve Cadet.” Hoffsteader growled. “Disobeying direct orders from your superior officer? You get off on being a pain in my ass?”
Vani glanced briefly past Hoffsteader to Jeff. Only for her mentor to look at her with a rare, angered expression. Vani felt her stomach drop - she wasn’t usually on the receiving end of this expression. And now that she was, she wanted to curl away in the farthest corner of the universe. She was alone on this. Just like she always was. Returning to meet Hoffsteader’s gaze, she tilted her head up and put on a brave face.
“I simply wanted to try and save my fellow pilots.”
“You could’ve killed them!”
“If I wanted to kill them, I would’ve followed your orders.”
“You disrespectful little brat-”
“Well guess what Commander, because of my ‘disrespect’” Vani held up her fingers and did quotation marks to emphasise the point. “Three pilots come home safely and back to their families. I’ll be sure to salute you when they all thank you.” Hoffsteader clearly wasn’t used to someone arguing against his authority, and so glared at the young woman with disgust and a burning anger. Vani stared up at him with a cool, challenging expression.
“The only reason I don’t rip those wings off your shoulder, and throw you off my ship is because Jeff happens to be a good friend of mine.” Nepotism - how convenient. “Get out of my sight Cadet.” Hoffsteader growled, turning on his heel and shoving past Jeff. Once he was out, Nirvana spun on her heel and left. She sincerely wished Jeff would stop chasing her, stop calling for her as she made her way out through the maze of winding tunnels.
As she opened the bridge door and stepped onto the deck, she felt a hand clasp her arm and spin her on her axis. But she refused to meet Jeff’s gaze. She couldn’t handle seeing that expression again.
“You want to explain to me what the hell that was back there?” Jeff pushed, with a commanding tone.
“Oh please as if you wouldn’t have done the same thing-” Vani defended.
“You practically threw an engineer to the side.”
“A head wound on an engineer is more damning than the loss of three pilots?!” She threw her hands up, scoffing. “I acted on what I thought was right-”
“Nirvana, do you realise the consequences of your actions? You could be thrown out of the Air Force, blacklisted.”
“Hey you’re the one that asked me four months ago what I thought the Air Force’s biggest weakness was!”
“And I said to acknowledge it, not to act on it.”
“That’s the same thing!”
“No it’s not!” Jeff raised his voice, and Nirvana admittedly cowered. “You may be sticking it to the man, but you have to think about what happens to those pilots, and those who aren’t the man! You can’t be a self-sacrificing idiot if you ain't considering what’s gonna happen to those you’re sacrificing for.”
“Jeff, if I didn’t intervene, they would’ve died! What if that was Scott?”
“I know what you’re getting at. I admit, it was the right call.” Jeff sighed, and Vani felt her body slump slightly. “But the way you approached it was dangerously reckless Nirvana, and I’m incredibly disappointed in you.”
Jeff regretted the words as they left his mouth. The way her eyes shook, trying to be stoic but hurt, he wanted to hold her and apologise. But it needed to be said, as harsh as it was. Inhaling sharply, Nirvana pulled away and made her way down the bridge, far away from Jeff.
-🟩🟢🟩–
Stepping onto the porch, Vani relished in the heat radiating from inside. She rapped her knuckles against the door, hoping someone would come soon and pull her out of the cold. She was one minute away from racking up a breaking and entering charge. A moment passed before the door opened, and a refreshing wave of warmth hit her. She looked up half expecting her mentor. But instead found a man nearly a head taller than her, taking up the doorway in a green flannel. She couldn’t help but let her gaze roam over his form. His black hair, long and ruffled, brown eyes soft and inviting. Mouth open slightly in awe, Vani gave an awkward smile. “Hi.”
He seemed equally as confused, staring at the woman who appeared at their front door. He knew Jeff had invited his mentee to Christmas dinner. But that was as much detail as he gave all of his sons. “Hi.” Was all he could say, too taken aback by the sight of her. The flush at her cheeks, a beautiful deep pink on her olive skin, contrasted against her hazel eyes. Snow ran through her reddish-brown curls, and he yearned to reach out and brush it away, to touch the soft ringlets.
“Any chance you could let me in? I’m really fucking cold.” Vani chuckled awkwardly. Snapping out of his trance, the man nodded quickly and stepped aside.
“Sorry, sorry. Please come in.” Watching as she crossed the threshold, he quickly closed the door. “May I take your coat?” He offered, trying to act chivalrous.
“No thank you.” She hummed, undressing. God, the sight of her taking off her winter wear shouldn’t be as hypnotising as it was, the man mused. Placing her coat, scarf, beanie, and gloves aside, she turned to the man before her. “Sorry, I should probably introduce myself. I’m-”
“Vani!” A familiar voice called out. Turning to it, Vani smiled as Scott walked over in a grey sweater, jeans, and a cheesy red apron that joked how the recipe didn’t consider one’s opinion. “I see you’ve met Virgil already.” He smiled, and Vani glanced at the green clad man.
“Virgil.” She smiled, and he felt his cheeks flush red.
“Vani.” He returned, with a bit more sheepishness than he’d like to admit. With his arms outstretched, Scott invited Vani into a hug and she relished in the warmth. “Christ, you’re cold.” Scott huffed, gently brushing the snow out of her hair. Virgil had never felt jealousy before, and yet seeing his brother do exactly what he wanted to do first, sent envy through him.
“I get cold easily, you know this. Remember Ottawa?” Ottawa?
“How could I forget? You refused to break away from my side.” Scott purred down at Vani, and she shoved his arm.
“Don’t read too much into it.” Vani scolded, but her smile said otherwise.
“Hmm, I’ll do as I please.” Scott winked and turned to Virgil. “Nirvana is dad’s Air Force Mentee.”
“Well, if dad invited you home for the holidays, he certainly has a lot of respect for you.” Virgil commented. He wished he didn’t announce it with such a big smile, as a brief flash of hurt crossed her expression.
“I don’t think that’s the case, but even so I appreciate the invite.” Vani gave a small smile. Damn it, he struck a nerve, Virgil mused.
“A Tracy Christmas is certainly something.” Scott intervened, flourishing to the doorway towards the lounge. “Come on through. Now I’ve gotta go tend to the gravy, but dad’s out the back, and our brothers and sister are somewhere.” As Scott and Virgil started to make their way to the heart of the home, Vani followed a few steps behind and admired the walls. Family photos, abundant with smiles and loving energy painted each one of them. It was a foreign feeling, but she couldn’t help but stare at them. The way Jeff and Lucille held their children with such love, such admiration. Is this what Alex could’ve been? Impossible, Vani thought. That man only acknowledged you, when you gave him something he wanted. A figure in her periphery, Vani stood to attention and turned, seeing Virgil look at her curiously.
“Admiring the family pictures?”
“It’s odd to think Jeff has five sons.” Vani admitted.
“Named after five of the Mercury 7 space pilots.” Virgil pridefully added.
“He’s a good man, and from what I’ve heard,” Vani faced Virgil. “Raising good sons.”
“Funny how dad told you about us, when he hasn’t told us anything much about you.” Virgil hummed.
“I suppose there’s not much to share.” Vani shrugged. “I’m just a pilot with a laundry list of bad choices.”
“And yet, dad chose you among so many pilots.” Vani frowned at his words. “I’ve learnt long ago to trust the decisions he makes. He wouldn’t have chosen you to mentor if he didn’t think it was worthwhile.” Virgil watched her, slightly hurt at the disbelief that painted her face. Such beauty should never wear a plagued expression.
“Sometimes I think he’s an idiot to have done so, I seem to cause him a lot of trouble.”
“Well Jeff Tracy loves trouble, so I think you’re doing him a favour.” Virgil countered, and Vani let out a chuckle. It was natural, and she smiled a little at the ease she felt.
“I hope you’re right. Otherwise tonight’s going to be really awkward.” She looked up at the man, who drew closer to her. If she thought Scott was warm, Virgil was hot. In all regards. The heat he radiated was soothing, and Vani wanted to bury herself into his arm and absorb it. And there was this smell, like toasted coconut and pine. It was soothing, calm - like a forestscape. They both watched each other for what seemed like an eternity, only to be disturbed by a sudden shriek emitting from the kitchen.
“Gordon, I told you not to touch the gravy!” Scott growled.
“But I’m hungry!” A younger voice whined. A sigh from Virgil told Vani enough.
“We should probably go see what that racket’s all about.” Vani suggested.
“We should, but more so to stop Scott from killing our little brother.” Virgil huffed, leading her down the hall. As they rounded the corner, Vani was greeted to the sight of Scott holding a teenager under the kitchen tap, near drowning him in water. Well, at least that was one childhood experience they had in common.
“Scott, it’s not that bad!”
“Gordon, you dropped scalding hot gravy on your collarbone.”
“You’re waterboarding me!”
“False, I’m giving you basic first aid.” Scott huffed, and splashed the child with water. Vani could’ve sworn she saw a brief smirk of satisfaction on his face.
“I hope you know Scott, this is my first impression of the teenager you’re currently wrestling.” At the sound of a new voice, the shaggy haired teen's head whipped up and stared at the woman before him.
“Honestly, probably one of the few good first impressions he’s given.” A new voice behind Vani interjected. Jumping, she turned to see another brother nearly as tall as the door appear.
“Vani, meet John” Virgil motioned to the red-headed brother, who waved in greeting. “And, Gordon.” Virgil sighed, looking at the teenager who finally freed himself from his eldest brother’s hold.
“Scott, I didn't realise your girlfriend was coming to dinner.” Gordon teased, and Virgil nearly throttled Gordon at such a thought.
“Oh you’re the troublemaker.” Vani confirmed, squinting her eyes slightly. This child was definitely Jeff’s - she could tell by the outrageously bold Hawaiian print shirt he wore. With shorts. And sandals. In this fucking cold?! Vani screamed internally. Gordon squinted back, and put his hands on his hips.
“And you’re someone.” He pointedly said.
“She’s dad’s mentee, you squid bastard.” John murmured, as he walked past them into the kitchen to grab a glass of water.
“But dad never invites his mentees home.” Gordon looked back to John and Scott, then back to Vani in disbelief.
“Seems to be a rare event.” Vani joked, putting her hands on her hips. “Do I get a gold star?”
“Why do you want one?” John looked up with a serious willingness that threw Vani off. Virgil leaned down and whispered.
“John helps teach grade school science as a volunteering stint.”
“Well in that case, I’ll take one.” Vani hummed, John nodding and walking off. “So, now I’ve met four of the five Tracy boys. Where’s the other one?”
“Alan’s upstairs playing games with our adoptive sister Tannie.” Gordon hummed. “To which, I’m returning to. Nice to meet you, Dad's Mentee.” He saluted and jogged upstairs, just as Scott scolded “Her name is Vani!”.
“Speaking of your father,” Vani started, looking to Scott. “You said he was outside?”
“Yeah, cutting some firewood outside.” Great, back outside she goes. Noticing the distaste in her expression at the thought of breaching the cold, Virgil walked to the front and grabbed his own winter jacket.
“Here,” Virgil returned. Vani looked up at the man before her as he held out the thick winter jacket. “This might be a bit warmer for you.”
Vani’s gaze softened at the gesture, giving a small smile as she reached out. “Thank you.” As she took the jumper, electricity hummed and shot between them as their fingers grazed each other. She could’ve sworn that his fingers moved towards hers. Draping it over her shoulders, Vani was enveloped in a thick warm blanket of fleece, bundling her up before she even zipped it up. As she flipped the hood over her hair, she made her way outside. Virgil watched as her form retreated, walking towards his father.
“Scott” He heard his little brother start. “I think Virgil’s got a crush.”
“That he does John, that he does.”
-🟩🟢🟩–
Swing, crack, split. The repetitive notion kept Jeff’s mind off the biting chill that ate at his face. He was finishing up, and hopefully he would return to the warmth of his home soon. He heard crunching footsteps in the snow, most likely Scott coming out to check on him.
“Need a hand?” The soft voice nearly made Jeff lose his balance. Spinning on his heel, he looked down at the woman he hadn’t heard from in weeks. A sudden wave of relief washed over him, and Jeff smiled widely.
“You came.”
“I did.” Vani nodded a little.
“Listening to me for once? Very unlike you kid.” Jeff joked, his breath smoking out like a dragon.
“Every part of me wanted to not come.” Vani admitted. “I thought,” She bowed her head, like a scolded child. “I thought after Truman you wanted nothing to do with me. I shamed you, embarrassed you, put you in the firing line-”
“Whoa whoa whoa, honey.” Jeff put the axe down, gently holding her shoulder. Vani looked up at the sudden contact, and Jeff’s heart wrenched at the sight of her glossy eyes. It sent him back to that day on the ship. “You did nothing wrong. You did what you thought was right.”
“I disappointed you.” Her voice cracked, bottom lip quivering. And for a brief moment, Jeff saw a vulnerable child afraid of being left behind because of failing to please those she considered a friend. A father. A loved one.
“I said that out of worry, sweetheart, but I didn’t mean it.” Jeff cooed, as he drew Vani into his chest and held her close. Shoulders shaking, Vani buried her face into his jacket as she began to breathe quicker and more shaky - trying to stop herself from crying. “I was afraid you were going to lose everything you worked so hard to get. Hey,” Gently pulling back, he met her gaze. “I was never disappointed in you, and never will be, you hear me?”
“You promise?” Vani whispered.
“Swear on my life.” Jeff assured, gently wiping tears from her face. “I am so proud of you Nirvana. You’ve grown into a wonderful young lady that I’m proud to call my daughter.” Seeing her crumble, Jeff pulled her close as Vani broke into sobs, relief flooding her.
“I’m sorry Dad.” Vani whimpered, and Jeff wrapped his arms tighter around her.
“It’s okay, baby girl. I got you.” Jeff comforted, rubbing her back. “I’m glad you’re here tonight.”
“I am too.”
“Well, more so to tell you the good news.” As Vani looked up at Jeff, he smiled down at her. “I spoke with the General. He commended you on your efforts, and chastised Hoffsteader for his handling of the situation. Especially given the eyewitness statement.” Vani knew the eyewitness was Jeff himself. After all - he had quite an influence. She felt a rush of satisfaction at the knowledge that Hoffsteader got some sort of heat for what happened.
“He’s lifting your authorised leave, and you’re coming back into the field.” She was going to be flying again. And with Jeff too. Excitement filled her body, but an air of unease did as well. She was only returning because of Jeff’s influence, nothing else. Like everything else she had been given, it was because she knew Jeff by association.
“He only gave me back my position because of who you are.” Vani pointed.
“And what if he did? I think you should take it and run.”
“But-”
“Nirvana.” Jeff firmly stated, holding her shoulder. “Come back into the field, and fly with me. That’s an order, Cadet.”
Looking up at him, Vani inhaled a little and nodded. “Yes sir.”
“Good.” Turning his attention back to the logs, Jeff picked up the axe.
“So you met my sons.”
-🟩🟢🟩–
Sitting at the large dining table, Vani watched the boys act like…well boys. It wasn’t helpful that Jeff encouraged their behaviour, and was equally as playful. She managed to meet the youngest brother Alan, who was more than happy to learn more about Vani’s adventures as a pilot. Even though Scott was right there. She also met their adoptive sister Tanusha. One of Jeff’s oldest friend’s daughter, was living with them while her father was on a work trip. In reality, it was deep covert ops. Vani supposed Jeff wanted to keep Tanusha ignorant to preserve her childhood. He was good like that. The girl was polite and shy, seeming to stay close to Alan, who was the same age as her. Vani smiled at the sight, sympathising with her shyness. But she was also longingly reminiscing about her brother and her so many years ago. Before everything changed. A hand on her shoulder drew her out of her thoughts, turning to Jeff.
“Would you like some, hon?” Jeff asked.
“Sorry?”
“Sticky date pudding, Virgil made it.” Jeff held up the dish.
“I’ve never had it before, but I’d be happy to try it.” Vani gave a small smile.
“What were you raised under a rock?” Gordon quipped, who then cowered slightly at the look Jeff had given his mischievous son. “Sorry.”
“No, it's quite alright.” Vani held up a hand. “I grew up sheltered, and so naturally as an adult I didn’t really try to experience new things.” While she was adopted by a Navy cop at nine years old, it was the two of them for many years, until he soon died in action. At that point, Vani was able to be emancipated, and lived in the house as if nothing changed. And so tonight was the first time Vani got to experience a family dinner this intimate. A long forgotten memory.
“Well we’re happy to show and experience those things with you.” Virgil smiled at her, as he sat beside her. Vani admittedly found herself gravitating towards Virgil as they sat for dinner. His calming presence was helpful in reducing her nerves, and consequently giving her the confidence to talk with the others. Conversation struck up, and they quickly fell into a rhythm and dynamic, as if they had known each other for years.
As Jeff scooped the dessert into a bowl with some vanilla ice cream, he placed it before Vani. The buttery, spiced scent wafted, and made her mouth water. Virgil watched in anticipation as Vani took the first bite, chewing slowly then pausing. She turned to the man sitting beside her, and smiled widely. “I think this is my new favourite dessert.”
A flush of red crept on his face, and he smiled shyly. “Really?”
“Yes - this is amazing.”
“I’ll make it as many times as you’d like then.”
“I’d like that.” She smiled. As she took another bite and looked amongst her friends, Nirvana felt a sense of calm and belonging. Maybe the snow wasn’t as bad as she thought it was.
