A continuation of my FabFiveFeb - Virgil (a.k.a A Rescuer’s Sacrifice). Part 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 (In chronological order not posting order). I’ve finally gotten to Virgil! He’s ready to be rescued! Enjoy!
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The dark was starting to get to Virgil as he lay trapped. The cold of the metal against his back made him shiver, though this sent pain down his legs. He knew he should reach out to his brothers, tell them he was alive, but they had to focus on Alan. Virgil was so worried about Alan. John had left the main feed on, he must have guessed he was conscious, but Scott and Gordon hadn't radioed in for a while. He hoped that was a good thing.
The seconds ticked by. Virgil's neck was starting to feel the strain of being held twisted for so long. The only sound was his breathing. Virgil ached to reach out to a brother, even if it was just John. He knew they would be upset that he'd kept quiet, but Alan was in trouble. Their baby brother was their responsibility. They let him become a full member of International Rescue. They let him take on tasks no one else would. They sent the boy, though if Virgil was honest to himself Alan was now a young man. Alan, a young man. When had that happened? He was still the same joyful adventurous person, just bigger, older. His youngest brother had grown up so much, and now he was lying in rubble. Crushed in a building they had sent him into. The guilt Virgil felt, he knew he shared with Scott. Scott would be feeling it, the guilt of Alan being trapped. The worry. That man worried. But Virgil worried about Scott in return, the brother who had stepped up, been their guide ever since their father's accident. They'd gotten through it together, he hoped they could get through this, whatever this would be, together too. Virgil could live with paralysis if Alan survived.
Virgil was so lost in his thoughts he jumped when Scott's voice sounded over the comm.
"John. Alan is out. He is unconscious, has broken bones and suspected concussion. There may be more, but we'll let the medics find that. Gordon's taking him to the evacuation point. Can you make sure there is an ambulance there? I want Alan in a hospital pronto."
"FAB, Scott. Right away."
"Anything from Virgil?"
"Negative."
"I'm heading to Thunderbird Two now. Gordon will meet me there."
"FAB."
Virgil's heart sank at the list of injuries Alan had. He knew they would all be feeling the same. But Alan was alive and the relief that he was on the way to the hospital calmed Virgil’s racing heart. He knew his brothers had made the right call rescuing Alan first. Virgil reached his fingers out and stretched. He tapped his comm.
"John?"
"Virgil! Status update."
"Trapped under metal beams, one pinning my head. Pain in my back and legs, it shoots down if I move."
"That matches the sensor readings I've been getting. Did you lose consciousness?"
Virgil felt the twist of guilt in his stomach. "No. I've been conscious the whole time."
"That's what I suspected. Scott's not going to be happy when he finds out."
"I know. I just didn't want to distract from Alan."
"You know we would have still gone for him first."
"I just felt like I had too."
"Maybe you’re suffering from shock."
Virgil smiled at the level-headedness of his brother. It was a comfort and a relief to no longer be alone. The blue glow from the hologram lit up the rubble around him, and although he couldn't see John, Virgil could imagine his brother floating above his wrist. Virgil was such a visual person. Vivid images could fill his mind when inspiration hit. Right now, the vivid image of John had replaced the broken one his mind had created of Alan. Virgil felt calm.
"Maybe."
He had said it softly. John would understand. John would know that he didn't have to concentrate on talking to Virgil, that Virgil was just happy knowing he was there. There had been many an occasion when they were children that they would quietly spend time together. John reading as Virgil painted or played the piano. John never minded the right kind of company.
"Scott knows that you've been in touch."
"Thanks John."
"I couldn't keep him in the dark."
"I know."
Virgil was relieved. He knew it would ease Scott's worry, knowing he was awake and communicating. He knew they would be close now, that they would be coming soon. Virgil could be very patient at times; however he was eager to get out of this uncomfortable position.
"Virgil?"
"Yes John?"
"There's going to be a delay, Scott's just going to rescue the people trapped in the fourth floor."
Shock filled Virgil as he realised that he had forgotten all about the people he had been trying to rescue. They would still be trapped. Guilt filled him at the thought of forgetting the reason why he was here. Maybe he had hit his head. He had never forgotten someone before, especially not a group of people. Maybe he had misread his own condition. But Alan still came first. Those people must be really scared, still trapped high and having just had International Rescue fail.
"Thanks for the update."
He was glad John left it there, not forcing him to acknowledge that he had forgotten. John would add it to the record and his assessment of Virgil. It would extend his recovery time, but Virgil could fight that later. Although John would just set Grandma on him if he thought Virgil was pushing it. He knew he would just have to accept that it was going to be a while before he was piloting Thunderbird Two again. Virgil sighed and lay still. His eyes were focused on the darkness when it lightened. His heart skipped a beat. There was no change, but noise came from beside him. More light flooded in and Virgil winced slightly as his eyes adjusted.
"Virgil!?"
Gordon's voice came from the light and filled Virgil with relief. His co-pilot had arrived! It dawned on Virgil that John had said Scott was going to perform the rescue, he hadn't thought that Gordon might start rescuing him in the process.
"I'm here Gordon. I'm okay."
"Don't lie, Virgil. I can see the metal beams crushing you.”
Virgil couldn't help but smile, even though he could hear the worry beneath Gordon's jovial tone. He was frustrated that he couldn't reach out or see Gordon. His gloved hand lay in front of his face as a shadow passed over the light. Virgil could hear Gordon moving, dust showered down on him and the sound of scraping was heard above. Virgil was now completely bathed on light. His heart lightened even if the load pinning him down didn't.
"I'm just clearing the bits I can away." Gordon's strained voice came from behind. Virgil could picture his brother trying to move something a little heavier than he could lift. "Just stay still."
That was harder than Gordon thought as the desire to move him body had increased with the light. Virgil's numb legs and arms were uncomfortable and all he wanted to do was shake them out. Virgil was dreading how much his neck muscles would complain when he was finally released. His head had been twisted to the side so long. The noise was suddenly beside him, dust falling on his arm and swirling around his fingers. Virgil watched it settle. Shuffling sounds came to his ears just before a face appeared before him. Gordon grinned at him; his helmet coated in a thin layer of grime. The relief in the brown eyes was a comfort to Virgil.
"Still okay down here?"
The blond's eyes were scouting Virgil's face in a way Virgil would that of a rescuee. His brother was searching for subtle changes, things that could be wrong. Virgil wondered if he saw anything, knowing Gordon wouldn't tell him if he did. Virgil knew the drill, even if he wasn't thinking quite as well as he normally would.
"I'm still okay."
Virgil could feel Gordon's arm against his, and the pressure reassured him. Whatever happened how his family was with him. They were going to get him out and they were going to face the next few months together.
"I know you are."
Gordon grinned and was just pushing himself up when there was an almighty crash from above. More dust fell and Virgil watched a piece of floor fall in front of his face, blocking most the light. Fear rose within him at how close it was.
"Gordon! Are you hurt? Did any hit you?"
The dust was settling. A gloved hand that was not his own moved in his vision and wiped the front of Gordon's helmet.
"I'm good. It missed me."
The smile that could be seen through the cleared patch of toughened glass showed Virgil how worried Gordon was. Gordon wouldn't lie to him. He would say if he was hurt, right? Virgil wasn't certain anymore.
"Stay put. I'm going to see what happened and start clearing what's fallen. We'll get you out in no time, Virgil."
Gordon disappeared and Virgil was left alone in the dim light, once again waiting for International Rescue to save him.
So, I have a wildlife question if someone can steer me in the right direction. A pair of birds built a nest in my garage right by the door (at eye level) where there is always a lot of activity. The babies hatched and I still see the parents in the garage (they have access to come and go) tending to them so I'm not super worried that all the traffic through the garage will scare them off. I am concerned about when the birds start fledging though. One of the birds fell out of the nest and died today (RIP baby 😓) so I put a towel down on the floor under the nest just in case. I know that's not the best idea because their claws can get stuck but I don't know what else to use? Also when they are ready to go, do I put them outside? Or just leave the door open to outside? I'm just worried because we have 2 dogs and 2 cats who hang out in there. Please help with any advice!
Blow drying Eponas leggies after a medical bath treatment. It is cold here and I felt bad hahahaha. Look how great they are looking! It has been a battle. Daily treatments for over a year now. The progress is crazy slow but we are seeing results. Yay Epona!
Team Zumateers awaiting their pre show course walk with Nicole Irvine! So much fun and learning at Zuma’s first horse show! #kids #horses #reacue #jumping #pileofpoles #obstacles #rescue #adopt #lease #sponsor (at Zuma's Rescue Ranch) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEVNItHFx8R/?igshid=1my36n8cl7fnq
Reposted from @helping_meowt 🚨🚨 NEEDS OUT NOW 🚨🚨 Reposted from @maraalmo Omg what a stunner kitty!! Needs #foster #reacue #pledges or someone to #adopt 💕 DM @maraalmo If you can foster. Please contact the shelter if you can adopt #Repost @rita_earl_blackwell with @make_repost ・・・ Presley 🖤 #A5377483 3month old neutered male 3-1/2lbs. Sweet and friendly baby boy. He arrived at the shelter so badly covered in fox tails he needed to be shaved down. His hair is growing back in. Please share, tag and comment to help him be SEEN. He’s available for adoption or rescue at the Lancaster Animal Care Center 💻 email [email protected] to set up an appointment to meet him and scoop him up! Be sure to include his #A from above along with you phone number! @lancasteranimalslaco #seenequalssaved #helpingmeowt - #regrann - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/CDvhJQiBkET/?igshid=5mcle204r71w
