zero-xlent

[zero-xlent]

You have absolutely missed a fair amount of events while you were away, Mr Tracy. Have you watched any of the news footage from your time away? Have you watched the Olympics?

I’ve been working my way through it all, eight years is a lot of news after all. But the Olympics recording?

At least a hundred times over.

And every time I wish I could’ve been there in person, seen it the exact moment it happened.

My dear boy’s moment of glory before the world. How could I have missed such a thing?

I know there are so many things unaddressed between Gordon and I, and that maybe he may not want attention over it from some silly old man so many years later. But god I want to run to the top of the island and scream his praises. For everything he put in, all the effort and sacrifice and determination for that moment before the whole planet, and all the hell he pushed through afterwards.

I want to scream it until my lungs run out and I want Lucille to hear it. I want her to know.

[zero-xlent]

Mr Tracy?

I'm sorry for lashing out at Scott... And Gordon... I made everything a whole lot worse than it should have been. I was upset but I should have kept it to myself instead of yelling at everyone about it...

The truth is... The reason your family took me in is because of Gordon, it was his suggestion to let me stay the night when I had nowhere else to go, he saved my life in more ways than just pulling me out of rubble that day. He's my hero, my big brother, my best friend, he took me under his wing, he taught me how to surf and taught me about all the local sealife and he saw my potential to become an aquanaut and decided to start training me. He's the one I go to whenever I need help because he always knows how to sort it and make me feel better. I don't think I could ever be without him now... We were glued to eachother.

Recently he's been spending less and less time at home... Less and less time with me... You probably know why. I miss him a lot, it hurts because he's so happy and I want to be happy for him but... I just feel like I never see him anymore, like he doesn't want to hang out anymore, like he doesn't even care anymore. Every time he plans another trip I beg him to stay but he never does, I always have to put aside my feelings so he can go off and be happy and it just... HURT seeing him beg you to not go on your vacation the same way I beg him. How come he gets to tell other people what to do and I have to bury my selfish feelings otherwise I'm holding him back from true happiness?!

I'm sorry, I just love him so much and I miss him, I'm so scared that one day he'll head over to London or go off on another one of his remote retreats and never come back. I'm scared I don't matter to him anymore now that he has more important priorities, I'm scared I'm a burden to him and keeping him from being happy, I'm scared I might lose him. Who am I kidding... I yelled at him to go and not come back... I've already lost him... I've lost my best friend...

I'm so sorry Mr Tracy, this is probably a lot to take in. I just... don't know what to do anymore.

-Squirt🫧

Apology accepted, young squid, although I think it is one that should be more directed to Scott and Gordon.

Now I’m not going to say that how you handled the situation was okay, because it wasn’t (take it from an old man with many years of mistakes under his belt), but it was a mistake, and the fact you can own up to making that mistake goes a long way in showing how mature you can be.

I can see why you’ve become so attached to him, Gordon is a brilliant, kind young man. And I understand that given your history, you may feel inclined to immediately think of the worst case scenario, and no one can blame you for that, but this is something you really need to talk to Gordon about. Else it won’t get any better and you’ll just get stuck in a cycle of upset.

Yes, we always want to keep those we love close, but sometimes we need to let them be close to those who love them just as much, and know that they’ll come back. Gordon may spend more and more time with other people but that doesn’t mean he loves you any less than before. He may not completely know how you feel, and ultimately he needs to be allowed to live his own life. I’m sure that if the roles were reversed, he’d want you to have that independence. If I know one thing about Gordon, it’s that he would never intentionally try to hurt someone he loves. He’s imperfect, as we all are, and he’ll make mistakes, but trust me when I say that there isn’t a single truly bad bone in that boy’s body. But he can’t fix those mistakes if he doesn’t realise they’re mistakes, which is why you need to talk to him.

Gordon’s fear over my taking a potential trip… it isn’t unfounded I’m afraid. The last time I went off alone, I didn’t come back. They thought I was dead. And I’ll admit, I’m a lot more brittle than I used to be. Much as I hate acknowledging it, it’s fact, and good reason for him to be scared.

But Gordon will come back, he always will. I won’t lie to you, kiddo, things change, that’s inevitable. But they won’t be turned on their head. Gordon will always come home and look out for you. Because he loves his family and you’re part of that family.

You’ve said some things you shouldn’t have, things that probably hurt, but there isn’t a shadow of a doubt in my mind that Gordon still loves you to pieces. What matters now is you showing that same love (which I have no doubt you will) to apologise, talk things out and work with him to make things better for everyone. It may be rocky at first, and you may not like it, but with enough effort from all sides you’ll find that balance.

Don’t go giving up just yet, Squirt, not when there’s something worth fighting for.

[zero-xlent]

That’s right, son, Pizza freezes 😌 it can dry freeze too but I wouldn’t recommend that from personal experience.

I’m more impressed you managed to balance all of that climbing out of Thunderbird One!

It’s a wonderful sight to see, but personally I’m more happy to see the bearer.

Welcome home, son. 💙

Hey family, I’m home! With a peace offering you might be more pleased to see than you are the bearer 🥴

Alright so I might have over-catered just a li’l but in my defence some of the boxes have wedges and wings in and things like that in them… yeah.

(I couldn’t decide what I thought people would want so I got one of everything. Which means there are four vegan pizzas here and I just realised our resident vegan is not home so… ah. I mean pizza freezes, right?)

[zero-xlent]

And you understood the assignment with your little pose, son 😌

Post your very first photo!

Ok so I always assume people don’t mean the VERY first photo cos those are often kinda messy and revealing for the poor mother so uh, I think this was the ‘official’ first one Dad sent round to announce my early arrival:

[zero-xlent]

Hm, fair enough.

I can see the logic there

How does it feel knowing Kip Harris was almost your step dad?

What.

@granny-turismo Ma?!

[zero-xlent]

Why would he bring dynamite?! Son am I missing something? 🫣

This gets worse and worse

How does it feel knowing Kip Harris was almost your step dad?

What.

@granny-turismo Ma?!

[zero-xlent]

How does it feel knowing Kip Harris was almost your step dad?

What.

@granny-turismo Ma?!

[zero-xlent]

Maaaa!

Next week? As in next week next week? You’re-

I think I’m going to be sick

@scramjettracy it wouldn’t be possible for your old man to take a tour of the New York offices on a very specific day? See what you’ve done with the place? Please?

How does it feel knowing Kip Harris was almost your step dad?

What.

@granny-turismo Ma?!

[zero-xlent]

How does it feel knowing Kip Harris was almost your step dad?

What.

@granny-turismo Ma?!

[zero-xlent]

Hey Dad,

I’m sorry. Really sorry for upsetting you. Y’know, last thing I wanted to do. Just… sorry.

I’m gonna stay clear for a couple of days, but didn’t want to not let you know.

Be back on Saturday for my roster.

- 🐠

It’s alright, son. Well, the situation isn’t alright, but I’m not mad at you. I’m… sorry for blowing my top as well. The last thing you boys need is an extra voice yelling your way.

I’m just worried about the both of you.

At least keep in contact, please. And come back safe and sound.

And know that I love you, son.

[zero-xlent]

Don’t take it personally, Destiny, the Colonel just doesn’t want to be seen acting like the softie he is for animals 😉

The girls and I have been talking and… what are the odds Colonel White will veto the idea of getting a pet? It doesn’t have to be a large animal that requires constant attention.

[zero-xlent]

I’m sorry I’ve let you and Mom down.

I’ve let all of them down. I’ve tried so hard but I’m just not good at this - no point pretending anymore - not now you’re back to be the Dad they need.

Just… I don’t know how to be a big brother anymore either. I used to be good at that I think but it got messed up.

Anyway, should I maybe stay out here a few days? Give you chance to get to know them all again without me being in the way confusing things?

S x

Oh son, we’ve all gone and made a mess of this haven’t we?

I’m not mad at you or Gordon. Okay, maybe in the moment I was, but damn it I’m worried about you both. Arguments are a normal part of life, especially between siblings, but what happened yesterday? That’s not normal, son. And from what I’ve heard, this is causing a genuine rift. I can’t bear to stand by and watch the two of you drift apart over something that could be fixed.

It doesn’t make either of you disappointments in my eyes. And don’t even think for a second that your mother would be disappointed in you. In any of you. She’d be so damn proud of how far you boys have come.

Now listen here. You have not let your brothers down. Of course mistakes happen but you’ve been doing the best you can for years with the cards you’d been dealt. When you never should’ve had to because…

Because you were just a kid.

And it was my fault you got that taken from you. If anyone has failed you and the family it’s me. Yes, I want to try again, to be some semblance of a half-decent father, but I can only hope to be half the man you are, Scott Tracy.

That includes being a father to you too, young man! There are five Tracy brothers, not four. And when each of you was born, I made a promise. One I intend on keeping every single day until I’m six feet under. That promise applies to all of you.

Damn it Scott I’m scared for you!

If you need to stay out for work that’s okay. But I want a call every night you’re gone and I want you asleep in a bed before midnight! And when you come back I want to talk. We’ve both been making mistakes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to fix it. And I plan on getting to know you as well.

Just come back soon. Please.

[zero-xlent]

It’s not your fault, Squirt, you don’t have to apologise. If you link it all back far enough, the fault lies with me.

I should’ve done better.

Now, how about we have a little chat. There’s a bit of a running thread with your words that has me worried.

My dear Jeff,

I do hope all is well on your stretch of the Pacific, and that your boys haven’t had to drop into anything too dramatic lately (though I’ve long suspected the Tracys attract excitement the way some people attract fine wine).

Just a quick message to say I’d be delighted if you’d consider coming up to the lodge in Scotland for a few days. Just the two of us - no grand agenda, unless you count a bottle or two of obscenely good whisky, some fine fare and some good weather (perhaps, it is Scotland after all!).

We can catch up properly. If the mood strikes, I have a business matter or two I think might intrigue you, small ventures in I’d value your thoughts on - nothing urgent, just the kind of thing one likes to talk over near a fire, away from boardrooms and broadcast signals. Otherwise, perhaps we can swap notes about being fathers to suddenly grown and alarmingly capable young adults?

Bring your walking boots and your wit. The heather’s just coming into bloom, and the trout are practically begging to be caught.

Do say yes.

Yours ever,

Hugh CW

Hugh! It’s so lovely to hear from you again, you old sea dog!

The boys are doing about as fine as can be in our line of work. Of course they’re all grown now but with each physio appointment they seem to be respecting my authority to get them to rest. You know how much they mean to me.

It would be an honour to catch up with you, although I suspect a few sons may have a protest or two about it. But how could I ever pass on an opportunity to see a such a dear old friend again? I sure have missed you and your correcting my every fourth word 😉

If it’s business you’d like to discuss I’m sure I can lend an ear, although I’m still catching up with everything so my suggestions may be dated. Imagine that! You’re right about away from boardrooms and broadcasts, privacy and the chance to actually discuss something without fear of being made a spectacle is by far the best way to think about things. I’m already tired of the press, how do you and Penny handle it?

The parenting department I could definitely do with some advice in. My own notes are feeling a little sparse but between the two of us I’m positive we’ll figure it out!

Looks like I’ll be digging those old boots out of storage. I’m sure I can find the right moment to slip away, so do keep an eye out for a message telling you when to crack open that whiskey!

Yours,

Jeff Tracy.

[zero-xlent]

Alright…

Just let me know when you land, okay?

My dear Jeff,

I do hope all is well on your stretch of the Pacific, and that your boys haven’t had to drop into anything too dramatic lately (though I’ve long suspected the Tracys attract excitement the way some people attract fine wine).

Just a quick message to say I’d be delighted if you’d consider coming up to the lodge in Scotland for a few days. Just the two of us - no grand agenda, unless you count a bottle or two of obscenely good whisky, some fine fare and some good weather (perhaps, it is Scotland after all!).

We can catch up properly. If the mood strikes, I have a business matter or two I think might intrigue you, small ventures in I’d value your thoughts on - nothing urgent, just the kind of thing one likes to talk over near a fire, away from boardrooms and broadcast signals. Otherwise, perhaps we can swap notes about being fathers to suddenly grown and alarmingly capable young adults?

Bring your walking boots and your wit. The heather’s just coming into bloom, and the trout are practically begging to be caught.

Do say yes.

Yours ever,

Hugh CW

Hugh! It’s so lovely to hear from you again, you old sea dog!

The boys are doing about as fine as can be in our line of work. Of course they’re all grown now but with each physio appointment they seem to be respecting my authority to get them to rest. You know how much they mean to me.

It would be an honour to catch up with you, although I suspect a few sons may have a protest or two about it. But how could I ever pass on an opportunity to see a such a dear old friend again? I sure have missed you and your correcting my every fourth word 😉

If it’s business you’d like to discuss I’m sure I can lend an ear, although I’m still catching up with everything so my suggestions may be dated. Imagine that! You’re right about away from boardrooms and broadcasts, privacy and the chance to actually discuss something without fear of being made a spectacle is by far the best way to think about things. I’m already tired of the press, how do you and Penny handle it?

The parenting department I could definitely do with some advice in. My own notes are feeling a little sparse but between the two of us I’m positive we’ll figure it out!

Looks like I’ll be digging those old boots out of storage. I’m sure I can find the right moment to slip away, so do keep an eye out for a message telling you when to crack open that whiskey!

Yours,

Jeff Tracy.

[zero-xlent]

That’s not what I meant…

God damn it Gordon I know I’ve always been shit at showing it but I love you. You have never, will never be a disappointment to me. The “Great Jeff Tracy” doesn’t exist and we both know it!

Just-

Just come back soon. Please.

My dear Jeff,

I do hope all is well on your stretch of the Pacific, and that your boys haven’t had to drop into anything too dramatic lately (though I’ve long suspected the Tracys attract excitement the way some people attract fine wine).

Just a quick message to say I’d be delighted if you’d consider coming up to the lodge in Scotland for a few days. Just the two of us - no grand agenda, unless you count a bottle or two of obscenely good whisky, some fine fare and some good weather (perhaps, it is Scotland after all!).

We can catch up properly. If the mood strikes, I have a business matter or two I think might intrigue you, small ventures in I’d value your thoughts on - nothing urgent, just the kind of thing one likes to talk over near a fire, away from boardrooms and broadcast signals. Otherwise, perhaps we can swap notes about being fathers to suddenly grown and alarmingly capable young adults?

Bring your walking boots and your wit. The heather’s just coming into bloom, and the trout are practically begging to be caught.

Do say yes.

Yours ever,

Hugh CW

Hugh! It’s so lovely to hear from you again, you old sea dog!

The boys are doing about as fine as can be in our line of work. Of course they’re all grown now but with each physio appointment they seem to be respecting my authority to get them to rest. You know how much they mean to me.

It would be an honour to catch up with you, although I suspect a few sons may have a protest or two about it. But how could I ever pass on an opportunity to see a such a dear old friend again? I sure have missed you and your correcting my every fourth word 😉

If it’s business you’d like to discuss I’m sure I can lend an ear, although I’m still catching up with everything so my suggestions may be dated. Imagine that! You’re right about away from boardrooms and broadcasts, privacy and the chance to actually discuss something without fear of being made a spectacle is by far the best way to think about things. I’m already tired of the press, how do you and Penny handle it?

The parenting department I could definitely do with some advice in. My own notes are feeling a little sparse but between the two of us I’m positive we’ll figure it out!

Looks like I’ll be digging those old boots out of storage. I’m sure I can find the right moment to slip away, so do keep an eye out for a message telling you when to crack open that whiskey!

Yours,

Jeff Tracy.

[zero-xlent]

GORDON COOPER TRACY.

Is this what the two of you have been up to all this time? I should certainly hope not for the sake of you both and the rest of the family because I’ve already had it up to here with this childishness!

Scott’s own attitude (one I am FAR from impressed with) is going to be dealt with I can assure you that but that does NOT give you the go-ahead to start throwing around such language.

For god sake I did not fight tooth and nail to survive out there for eight years just to watch as two of the only things that kept me from throwing off my helmet in the middle of space, two of the only things that kept me going, go at each other’s throats like a pair of damn animals who seem to have forgotten that they are BROTHERS!

My dear Jeff,

I do hope all is well on your stretch of the Pacific, and that your boys haven’t had to drop into anything too dramatic lately (though I’ve long suspected the Tracys attract excitement the way some people attract fine wine).

Just a quick message to say I’d be delighted if you’d consider coming up to the lodge in Scotland for a few days. Just the two of us - no grand agenda, unless you count a bottle or two of obscenely good whisky, some fine fare and some good weather (perhaps, it is Scotland after all!).

We can catch up properly. If the mood strikes, I have a business matter or two I think might intrigue you, small ventures in I’d value your thoughts on - nothing urgent, just the kind of thing one likes to talk over near a fire, away from boardrooms and broadcast signals. Otherwise, perhaps we can swap notes about being fathers to suddenly grown and alarmingly capable young adults?

Bring your walking boots and your wit. The heather’s just coming into bloom, and the trout are practically begging to be caught.

Do say yes.

Yours ever,

Hugh CW

Hugh! It’s so lovely to hear from you again, you old sea dog!

The boys are doing about as fine as can be in our line of work. Of course they’re all grown now but with each physio appointment they seem to be respecting my authority to get them to rest. You know how much they mean to me.

It would be an honour to catch up with you, although I suspect a few sons may have a protest or two about it. But how could I ever pass on an opportunity to see a such a dear old friend again? I sure have missed you and your correcting my every fourth word 😉

If it’s business you’d like to discuss I’m sure I can lend an ear, although I’m still catching up with everything so my suggestions may be dated. Imagine that! You’re right about away from boardrooms and broadcasts, privacy and the chance to actually discuss something without fear of being made a spectacle is by far the best way to think about things. I’m already tired of the press, how do you and Penny handle it?

The parenting department I could definitely do with some advice in. My own notes are feeling a little sparse but between the two of us I’m positive we’ll figure it out!

Looks like I’ll be digging those old boots out of storage. I’m sure I can find the right moment to slip away, so do keep an eye out for a message telling you when to crack open that whiskey!

Yours,

Jeff Tracy.

[zero-xlent]

Easy now, kid, there we are, deep breaths.

I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with this, this shouldn’t be the norm.

Why don’t we take a seat outside for a few minutes? See if we can get to the bottom of it and cool off a little ourselves before dealing with this mess.

My dear Jeff,

I do hope all is well on your stretch of the Pacific, and that your boys haven’t had to drop into anything too dramatic lately (though I’ve long suspected the Tracys attract excitement the way some people attract fine wine).

Just a quick message to say I’d be delighted if you’d consider coming up to the lodge in Scotland for a few days. Just the two of us - no grand agenda, unless you count a bottle or two of obscenely good whisky, some fine fare and some good weather (perhaps, it is Scotland after all!).

We can catch up properly. If the mood strikes, I have a business matter or two I think might intrigue you, small ventures in I’d value your thoughts on - nothing urgent, just the kind of thing one likes to talk over near a fire, away from boardrooms and broadcast signals. Otherwise, perhaps we can swap notes about being fathers to suddenly grown and alarmingly capable young adults?

Bring your walking boots and your wit. The heather’s just coming into bloom, and the trout are practically begging to be caught.

Do say yes.

Yours ever,

Hugh CW

Hugh! It’s so lovely to hear from you again, you old sea dog!

The boys are doing about as fine as can be in our line of work. Of course they’re all grown now but with each physio appointment they seem to be respecting my authority to get them to rest. You know how much they mean to me.

It would be an honour to catch up with you, although I suspect a few sons may have a protest or two about it. But how could I ever pass on an opportunity to see a such a dear old friend again? I sure have missed you and your correcting my every fourth word 😉

If it’s business you’d like to discuss I’m sure I can lend an ear, although I’m still catching up with everything so my suggestions may be dated. Imagine that! You’re right about away from boardrooms and broadcasts, privacy and the chance to actually discuss something without fear of being made a spectacle is by far the best way to think about things. I’m already tired of the press, how do you and Penny handle it?

The parenting department I could definitely do with some advice in. My own notes are feeling a little sparse but between the two of us I’m positive we’ll figure it out!

Looks like I’ll be digging those old boots out of storage. I’m sure I can find the right moment to slip away, so do keep an eye out for a message telling you when to crack open that whiskey!

Yours,

Jeff Tracy.