Summary: With help of her friends, Vani scores an invitation to an aeronautics gala. While every woman would love to be on the arm of a Tracy at an event, she uses the opportunity to get intel, if not arrest a major player in recent underground dealings. But who's to say that's not the only information that will be gathered tonight.
A/N: credits to @thescoutpilot for the banner <3 - hope y'all also enjoy the extra piece within xoxo.
Morning light filtered into the room, basking the man buried under thick blankets. He had been awake for hours, he just couldn’t bring himself to get out of his warm cocoon. But he wasn’t the only one awake. Conversations down in the main living space gave the impression Scott, and perhaps another brother was awake. Glancing to his bedside clock, Virgil groaned at the time. 6:37am. What sociopath willingly gets up early to do things before 9am. Oh that’s right, Scott. His ex-military brother lives as if he’s still in the barracks - 4am wake up, drills and exercise before making their way to their respective posts. Virgil tried this once, however quickly went back to bed once he learnt Scott did all of this before his morning coffee. Like he said, sociopath.
He tried listening in on the conversations, faintly hearing Scott’s ‘business’ tone. Having taken over their father as CEO of Tracy Industries, Scott had to see to all of the executive decisions alongside his uncles, and consistently meet with people to discuss business ventures. How Scott was able to balance Tracy Industries, International Rescue and look after his family, Virgil will never understand. He supposes Scott reverting back to his old Air Force routine gives him some peace of mind. Virgil was about to turn away and return to the beautiful world of sleep, before he heard a feminine voice. It wasn’t as aristocratic as Penelope’s, nor as blunt as Kayo’s. The voice certainly lacked the accent both had. It wasn’t his Grandma, whose booming voice could wrangle any kid from anywhere. He supposed getting out of bed to investigate wouldn’t be too bad. Besides, his body yearned for the sweet nectar that was coffee.
Rubbing his face, Virgil slowly but surely made his way down the hall. Rounding the corner, he found Scott sitting in the sunken lounge looking up at a hologram of the mysterious woman. In his sleepy gaze, all he saw was blue light, no distinguishable features. At the sound of his footfalls drawing closer, Scott turned his gaze and smiled.
“Morning sleepyhead.” Scott hummed, earning a groan from Virgil. Words were too hard this early.
“Wow, he really is a sleepy bear.” The feminine voice echoed, and Virgil instantly perked awake. Looking up at the hologram, he found Vani staring back at him with a playful smirk.
“Vani, hey-” Virgil quickly greeted, before running his hand over his hair to tame the frizz. “Everything okay?” With the way he suddenly regained wakefulness, Virgil didn’t need coffee anymore. It always was the case with Nirvana - she was a shot of espresso.
“I’m well Virgil, just asking Scott for a favour.”
“To which I’m trying to negotiate with our darling Nirvana.” Scott countered.
“That’s what you call negotiating? No wonder you got arrested by the GDF.”
“Hey that Janis was a real pain in the ass-”
“Scott, I need this. I don’t ask for much.” Vani pleaded, looking down at her friend. It was true - Vani rarely admitted she needed help. And for his brother to deny the request stirred something within Virgil.
“What do you need, Vani?” Virgil interjected, walking down to the table and looking up at her. Meeting his gaze, she smiled softly down at him and Virgil felt his heart skip a beat.
“Remember that building that was burnt down, potentially a front for an underground crime ring?” Of course he did - it was the first time in years he had seen Nirvana, and took his breath away as she always did. Had he not pushed for her to come home, he would’ve lost her again. Nodding, he prompted her to continue. “Well, I was right. Not surprising, I always am. After much reconnaissance with Penelope and Kayo, we’ve identified who it most likely is.” Shifting to the side, Vani’s projection showcased a man with equal menace to the Hood, but a more ice cold appearance. “Alexander Montgomery. If we’re talking about big bads, this guy is their leader. Taking him down will create a domino effect of seizing illegal dangerous goods, stop smaller crime rings, and arrest hundreds of lackeys in his employ. And we have an opportunity to grab him.”
“So let’s do it.” Virgil agreed, turning to Scott. “What’s the issue?”
“The issue is the opportunity itself.” Scott admitted as he stood. Bringing up another display, Scott swung it over to his brother. “It’s the annual Global Aeronautics Gala. The one Tracy Industries is invited to every year.”
“I was trying to convince Scott to let me go with him as a plus one, so I can get cozy with Alexander and arrest him.” Vani interjected. Virgil didn’t know what irked him more - the idea of Vani throwing her safety to the wind, trying to lower a criminal mastermind’s guise. Or the fact that his brother would be taking her out to a gala, like a date. The latter, definitely the latter. Vani was a strong, independent woman. Who Scott clearly didn’t deserve.
“I’ll go with you.” Virgil volunteered without second thought, earning him a confused look from his brother, and an affectionate one from Vani.
“Virg, there’s two problems with that. One, it’s addressed to the CEO. You’re not even in the building.” Scott began.
“We can always argue that you fell sick, and I’m taking your place.” Virgil countered.
“Fine, but my second point is that if this goes south quickly, then we risk the wellbeing of those guests, employees and you two.”
“I won’t let that happen Scott.” Vani vowed. “I’ll look after him.” But who would look after you, Virgil pondered. Turning to face Virgil as Scott thought to himself, Vani looked at him. “So, you got a tuxedo?”
-o💚O🖤o-
Virgil couldn’t remember the last time he wore a suit. Probably when he used to join his dad on business events with his brothers. Staring at himself in the mirror, Virgil stuck his tongue out trying to figure out how to weave his bowtie. After many failed attempts, Virgil debated using the clip-on bowtie that Gordon gave him. But then again, he doubts a room full of engineers and executives would appreciate a goldfish bowtie. The door to the hotel room opened behind him, as Vani entered.
“I still refuse to believe a man who knows multiple types of knots, and is an aeronautical engineer, can’t tie a bowtie.” Glancing at her in the mirror, Virgil slowed his movements and watched in awe. Emerald fabric framed her beautifully and suddenly Virgil remembered why he loved green. Her wild chestnut curls were neatly tucked back, with two defined ringlets gracing her cheeks. “Need some help?”
Turning on his heel, he walked to her. “I know when I’m defeated.” He chuckled, placing the tie fabric in her hand, fingers grazing. Eyes meeting hers, Virgil smiled softly. “You’re beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She smiles, glancing over him. “You clean up quite nicely too.” Threading the green fabric around him and drawing herself closer, Vani began weaving it into a bowtie. While her gaze was trained on the tie, Virgil watched her. He smiled a little at the way her mouth was parted slightly, twisting into shapes as if mouthing instructions. He loved watching her eyes move with her mind as her hands worked swiftly, securing the fabric. “All done.” She gently brushed the suit jacket, hands lingering on his chest.
“I love when you do that.” Virgil said, eyes lifting from her lips into her gaze.
“Do what?” She looked up.
“Move your mouth while you’re laser focused on something, as if talking through what you’re doing.” Chuckling at the way Vani instantly closed her mouth, he brought his hand up to her cheek and stroked gently. “Don’t be embarrassed, it's cute. Especially with the way your two front teeth peek out from under your lip while you’re doing so.” Rolling her eyes, Vani chuckled and looked up.
“Is this suit making you more of a gentleman?”
“Are you implying I was never one to begin with?”
“On the contrary, you’re one of the few good men in this world. And I get to have you all to myself tonight.” Vani hummed leaning up, and Virgil found himself leaning down instinctively.
“I have you all to myself tonight as well.” Virgil muttered, his hands resting on her hips, slowly pulling her close.
“Is that why you volunteered to take Scott’s place?” Vani arched forward, smirking a little at the way Virgil’s lips twisted in slight annoyance.
“I simply volunteered because Scott was hesitant on having your back.”
“He would’ve warmed up to the idea. I would’ve convinced him.”
“And how would you have done that?” Virgil grumbled. He knew Vani and Scott were close, both being Air Force pilots. A mischievous smirk spread on her lips.
“A girl can’t reveal all of her secrets.”
“Still, he wouldn’t be able to protect you if something went wrong. Scott sometimes acts too recklessly.” Virgil declared. Quirking an eyebrow, Vani looked at the man before her. It was unlike Virgil to fault his brothers. He’d rather get punched in the face.
“Are you doubting his ability to protect me?”
“Yes.” Virgil admitted too quickly. But before she could open her mouth, he argued leaning in. “No one could ever look after you the way I know I can.”
-o💚O🖤o-
“Virgil Tracy and Claire Kodak, Tracy Industries.”
A brief pause as the vendor looked at the tablet, a frown on their face. “The invitation was addressed to the CEO, Scott Tracy.”
“My brother unfortunately fell ill, and asked me to step in. Was there no amendment, if not a note added?” Virgil tilted his head, an air of authority in his action. It seemed to spook the vendor, as he started to frantically scan the ticket.
“Apologies Mr Tracy, the amendment was made last night.” The vendor sighed, relaxing his shoulders.
“No harm, no foul.” Virgil gave a small smile.
“Enjoy your night.” Nodding in acknowledgement, Virgil made his way into the main hall with a lovely woman on his arm.
“Scott should let you do more liaising for Tracy Industries,” Vani - Claire - began. “You’re a natural.”
“My heart is pounding in my chest.” Virgil huffed, coming to a halt just by the east pillar.
“You’re okay, Virgil.” Vani looked at him, gently squeezing his arm. “You’re doing great.”
“You do this all the time?” Virgil looked at the woman beside him.
“Every now and then, it’s fun playing dress up.” She mused.
“Are you often…alone?” Virgil asked. Was it to see if Vani was safe during these reconnaissance missions, or to note any other admirers Virgil would have to face? Not that he was jealous.
“Depends on the person I’m tracking.” Vani replied vaguely. Live orchestral music filled the hall, many patrons moving to the centre.
“Shall we dance?” Virgil held out a hand, and wore a sheepish smile.
“I’d like that very much, it gives me an opportunity to scan the crowds better.” Vani hummed, taking his hand.
“Oh, of course.” Virgil murmured, as he guided Vani to the centre, giving her a brief spin and letting the emerald dress shimmer against the marble floors. Placing his hand on her waist, Virgil held her hand and guided her in a practiced waltz. The scent of her perfume; floral and tart encased him. While her gaze flitted around the room, hazel eyes moving like hummingbirds, his gaze remained on her. The only thing that mattered in that hall.
“You dance quite well for an engineer.” Vani smiled up at him as she returned her focus.
“You forget I did ballet.” Virgil smirked.
“Then you automatically dance better than all the other men I’ve had to work undercover with.”
Other men? A sudden sour taste filled Virgil’s mouth. Did they hold her just like this? Feel her warmth against them? Get to revel in the smell of her hair, smile at how the tropical scent suited her so well?
“And do they keep you safe?”
“They do, Adam especially.” Adam? The use of a first name, said so casually - why did it make him agitated? Focus, Virgil.
“I’m glad to hear.” Virgil forced a brief smile, his grip tightening slightly on her hip. Not to hurt but to…claim.“You and Adam work together a lot?” He asked a bit too pointedly. Vani, hiding her knowing smirk, looked at him with an innocent face.
“Recently, yes. We know each other from our Air Force days.” Seems Vani attracts pilots like honey attracts flies, Virgil thought.
“Would you say you’re,” Virgil pulled her to his chest, the gap between them growing smaller. “…close?”
“If I didn’t know better Virgil, I would say that you’re jealous of me being with another man.” Vani teased, batting her eyes.
“And if I was?” Virgil tilted his head, as he took her hand and spun her to his chest. Her back molded nicely against him, one hand remained on her waist as the other held her hand softly.
Looking amongst the crowd, Vani hummed. “I would tell you that you have nothing to worry about. He’s busy with Spectrum, and I International Rescue. Besides, he couldn’t handle me.” Looking over her shoulder, she met his brown eyes. “Could you?”
“I’d like to think I could.” Virgil played along.
“I’m not exactly easy.”
“I never wanted easy.” His hand moved closer over her belly, pulling her closer if possible. He got a thrill as she unknowingly arched back, leaning against him. Her; siren eyes he could look into for hours, parted lips he ached to kiss.
“And what is it that you want?” Vani whispered between them.
“You.” Virgil breathed. Eyes softening, Vani’s playful nature left her. “Ever since I first saw you. In the snow; skin flushed, snowflakes peppering your cheeks and hair. You were just…radiant.” Virgil continued. “I know you may not believe it - but my feelings for you are genuine. And the idea of another man so much as touching you - no, near you - drives me insane. Call it obsessive, but tonight was the perfect opportunity to get you alone. I’ve missed you.”
Everything around them began to soften; the music crescendoed and the talking died down. Vani had never felt so open, exposed, in any of her missions. And yet, she didn’t fret. Because she was in the safest place she could be - in Virgil’s arms. He’d make sure of it.
“I missed you too.” Vani admitted. Virgil’s gaze softened as she spun to face him, his hands not moving nor loosening their hold. “I thought I was the only one.”
“You’ve never been alone.” Virgil assured, his hand cradling her cheek and stroking over with his thumb. Bowing her head slightly, and looking away shyly, a blush crept up on her cheeks. Virgil was transported back to that Kansas Christmas so many years ago.
Just before Vani could give an answer, her eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance. One that stood out amongst the rest. And yet, he was trained to hide in plain sight. As she met his gaze, Vani’s face fell into one of shock, confusion. The sight had Virgil frowning and following her gaze, only to see a man staring back at them.
“Vani-”
“Virgil, stay here.” Pulling away, Vani made her way towards the man, who suddenly spun and sprinted out at the last second. Concerned patrons turned their attention to the sudden disturbance, Vani weaving expertly amongst them as she chased the man out of the hall. He had ducked into a closing elevator, giving her an icy look as the doors closed just before she could stop them. Glancing to where the screen illuminated their destination, she ran to the stairwell, ignoring Virgil calling out for her.
Climbing flights of stairs, Vani mindlessly travelled up the thirteen floors. It was him. She refused to let him go. At the sight of the large bold numbers reading ‘13’, Vani came to a slow. Eyes dipping to the foot of the door, she watched the gap for shadows crossing. Nothing. Drawing her gun from her garter belt and aiming it up, Vani breached the door and looked around. As she spun to her right, she saw the man at the end of the hallway. The dark night and building lights illuminated the outline of his bein, as he stood before the large window overlooking the city. Holding herself steady, Vani took tentative steps towards the man, scanning over his form.
Shaved temples on either end of a mop of shaggy brown curls. A mosaic of aged, thickened skin from years of torture and unwanted invasion, scattered across his head and face. The most notable was a large sliver down over his forehead, eye and cheek. What would’ve been beautiful green turned white and pale. It made his presence all the more daunting. And that was excluding his 6’5” build.
“Where is he, Slicom?” Vani growled a little. But he didn’t answer, simply tilted his head to the side. A quick darting of his eyes just over her shoulder, turned her attention to the approaching footfalls. Hurried, they’re about to strike. Before the figure drew too close, Vani swiveled on her heel and braced her hand against the man’s shoulder, pressing the barrel of her gun into his stomach and firing thrice. A quick glance saw another man approaching. With all her might, Vani swung the deadweight man into the approaching one, and watched them barrel. Before the second man could even react, a bullet had pierced his skull between his eyes.
Going to stand, a thick arm suddenly wrapped around her neck, and the other twisting her arm in a hold painful enough for her to surrender the gun. Glancing up, she saw Slicom’s hardened gaze. Only Slicom would have that advantage over her. Gasping for air, she thrashed as a third man approached with a needle. No! Not again! Violently twisting her side and against her body’s protest, Vani elbowed Sli’s ribs with as much force as she could muster. Earning a grunt, his grip loosened and opened an opportunity for her to throw her head back and collide with his nose. The victorious crunch of bone snapping and a damning roar, she freed herself and charged the third man. Dodging the swing of his arm, she twisted the offensive arm and pierced his own neck with the syringe, plunging down the sedative and letting him fall. Drawing her blade from the garter, she charged Slicom as he cradled his nose, trying to orientate himself. As he looked up at her, she threatened to pierce skin on his neck. “One move is all it takes.”
She was met with the chilling sensation of metal against her tricep, just before the junction of her arm and chest. Quirking an eyebrow at Vani, Slicom watched her with a teasing yet calculating look. As if he was echoing her own words. While she could strike his neck, one dangerous flick from him could sever her brachial artery and nerve, and render her immobile. They reached a stalemate. Blood trickling down his face, he watched her coolly as she glared at him angrily.
Loud clapping and joyful laughter echoed through the room. But the laugh brought anything but joy. Glancing to her side, Alexander Montgomery approached with a wide manic smile at the sight before him. “Beautiful!” He clasped his hands together. “Poetic; well worth the wait. You really had me on the edge of my seat Nirvana.” Drawing his steps closer, he scanned over both of the operatives. “You’ve certainly improved, grown into quite the killer.”
“I’m not a killer.” Vani glared.
Alex quirked an eyebrow, glancing at the three men behind him, limp and lifeless. “I think they would argue otherwise.” Standing before Vani and Slicom, Alex looked between them before his gaze turned on Vani. “I should’ve known you’d eventually find me.”
“You weren’t exactly hiding.”
“Maybe that was a part of the plan. And what was yours? To arrest me, and finally put an end to what I’ve built?” Alex watched her predatorily.
“You’re not one to dance around, sp when are you getting to the point?” Vani growled, her eyes moving to him.
“You’re right, I prefer the direct approach.” Alex lifted his hand and signalled someone in the background. A man with a large build approached, carrying another over his shoulder. No. “However, I don’t think your companion appreciated the point I made. All 5mL worth of phenobarbital.” This asshole drugged him-
“You want me to surrender.”
“No, to submit.” Alex began, stroking Vani’s cheek. “The one thing you never learnt, my darling daughter.”
I have had this idea for a long time of a power rangers/thunderbirds crossover where International Rescue often has to respond to the disaster zones left after battles. If there's one thing that's consistent it's me wanting to crossover the things I love.
Characters: Scott Tracy, John Tracy, Virgil Tracy, Gordon Tracy, Alan Tracy, Kayo Kyrano, Brains, Grandma Tracy, Wilson, Lindsey, Lucille Tracy (mentioned), Jeff Tracy (mentioned)
Summary: I love TOS/TAG with all my heart, but I really wished they'd done a TAG version of The Uninvited. Get rid of the guns and the (kinda accidental?) ethnic genocide, and it's a great ep, and the new dynamics of TAS would have only improved it. Like what do you mean your big brother has been shot down, and everyone is kinda like 'gee! wonder if he's dead or not? golly how darn frustrating'. So I decided to take matters into my own hands. And sprinkled some of my favourite fanon/headcanons in there for good measure.
“You can’t fool me!” Wilson watched Lindsey tighten their grip on the gun. “You’ve come to steal my discovery!
That’s it, they’ve cracked!
Wilson backed himself up against the wall behind the fountain. That hissing gas sound had not stopped, but it definitely sounded quieter under the sound of his pulse beating in his head. Maybe the gas had something to do with it? Or maybe this was the heat and stress of the day finally rearing its ugly head?
“Now, hold on!” Tracy exclaimed, sounding more annoyed than, you know, fearing for his life. “You called International Rescue for help! That’s why I’m here.”
But Lindsey was clearly too lost in their delusions to be reasoned with. They squeezed their eyes shut and pulled the trigger. Wilson dived behind the stone basin of the fountain, hands over his head as the unbelievably loud bang echoed through the room. From his position he managed to see that Tracy was also taking cover behind a statue.
“What are you doing!? He’s here to rescue us!”
A bullet pounded into the wall above him, cracking the ancient artwork and sending dust showering down into his hair. From the small bullet hole a minute hissing sound could be heard. More gas leaking in.
“No!” Lindsey screamed. “He just wants to take credit for my discovery!”
“Dr Lindsey, I’m not trying to take anything away from you. But you do need help!” Tracy beseeched from the other end of the room. Wilson could see him fiddling with something in his hands.
“You’re the one who needs help! You’re gonna die!” Yet another bullet blasted through the room, ringing in Wilson’s ears and obliterating the head of the statue Tracy was crouched behind. Lindsey didn’t seem to realise they were destroying the very artefacts they were trying to defend.
“You’ve been through a tough time.” The iR operative tried again. “I can get you to a hospital!”
“Then you’ll be able to take the glory, won’t you!?” Thankfully, Lindsey kept closing their eyes before firing, though Wilson was sincerely hoping they’d run out of ammunition soon.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Lindsey. Put the weapon down!”
“Listen to him!” Wilson added and was rewarded with another wild shot in his vague direction.
“You’ll have to kill me before I let you have this pyramid!” And there went another bullet. At this point Wilson could barely hear himself think with the deafening echo of ballistic fire.
“You can’t hide behind that Anubis forever, Captain Tracy!”
“I know. I just needed to buy a little time!”
Wilson watched as the man quickly leaned out of his hiding place, gripping his own… something. Suddenly a bright flash exploded and flew across the room and over Lindsey’s head, forcing them to duck and rub their eyes. For a terrible second, Wilson wondered if the GDF knew iR carried firearms, but then he noticed the lack of impact. The light source clattered to the floor, still emitting a brilliant beam but seemingly harmless. And then Tracy was across the room, batting the real gun from Lindsey’s hands while they were still disorientated.
“Dr. Wilson, are you alright?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. What was that?!” He stood from under the fountain and moved to meet up with Tracy, who was busy checking his colleague for injuries. But Wilson was halted in his tracks when a firm hand grabbed his shoulder, an ominous metal pipe pressed firmly into his back.
“LED flare.” Tracy answered, not looking around. “Non-flammable. Don’t worry, we’ll be getting out of here soon.”
“...About that.” He answered awkwardly, finally prompting the iR operative to look around.
He sighed and once more held up his hands in surrender as two guards appeared from behind Wilson. “This day keeps getting better and better.”
The guards’ guns were much bigger than Lindsey’s, and they didn’t look too happy with them all.
