squidsinashirt

[squidsinashirt]

Can’t say no to Grandma, Dad…

@ilikebigshipsandicannotlie is right, you just gotta check for dynamite.

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

What.

@granny-turismo Ma?!

[squidsinashirt]

… have you been pre-gaming your night out with the GDF already? I can’t say much, the world’s largest glass of wine was handed to me. But the GDF? You must have lost your mind.

No, Scott, I don’t remember. I was eight. But I do remember what came after that - the office door permanently shut, the two empty spots at the table. Earth to Scott Tracy - it’s not like things were sunshine and roses before the Zero-X so… don’t sit there telling me about Jeff Tracy’s glory days like you’re failing to measure up when not even he did. You're not him, even if just about everyone is insistent on trying to squeeze you into boots you outgrew years ago. You’re you.

Frustratingly, infuriatingly you.

Glad to see we’ve got another end of the scale from smug though - I’ll stick coy on there.

I’m not being coy. I’m not hiding anything. I’m just…. protective. Because I know how this usually ends. Everything I’ve ever cared about? Implodes. And yeah, maybe that’s just part of being a Tracy - saving the world while losing the things that make it worth saving. Walking away from the impossible with the scars to remind you of who paid that price for you.

But I can’t get this wrong, I can’t… history’s taught me that if it shines, it’s only seconds away from going up in flames, and that’s just… not an option.

And I have to tell Dad all of this somehow, I have to explain it, and I know what he’ll think, I know how disappointed he’ll be. Because I’m still a little kid to him, and I’m still not good enough. He’ll look at me like he always has - like I’m still the reckless disappointment who never quite measures up, who looks too much like someone he can’t forget. Like I’m the one he has to worry about screwing up the legacy.

But that’s just who I am, right? Reckless and smug and selfish and arrogant…

You, on the other, are his Bluejay. Who took his dream and ran with it and look at what you built. How could he not be humbled by that? I think you give yourself too little credit.

So… there you go. About the same on the ‘hypocrite and coward’ scale.

Anyway. That’s enough. Gonna start thinking about heading to bed, it’s later here… have a good night in Rat Town with your new pals. Don’t cause a Situation.

I’m sorry! I’m sorry ok? Didn’t mean to make it about me… I didn’t know I had.

Didn’t mean to make light of your worries. God knows we’re all terrified of losing him again right? ‘M just scared if we don’t let him live a li’l we might lose him again. Despite appearances I don’t actually want to trap everyone on the island with me if they don’t wanna be there.

But you and Dad should talk - properly - not just about Penny. He really wants to make up for everything and you should take advantage of that. I know I’ve sucked at all this but he’ll do better. It’s gonna be ok now you’ve got a proper father again.

Again, sorry for everything. I do love you Fishy, I wish I was better at proving it instead of just pissing you off all the time.

S x

This is such a load of BS Scott, what does a “proper father” have to do with anything?!

I know Dad and I need to talk. So aware of it that it’s dragging me out for middle of the night swims. I can’t even face him right now though, and I just… thought maybe the king of ‘easier said than done’ would get that? Guess I was wrong.

I love you too Scotty, and I hate fighting. I absolutely hate it, and I hate that we keep ending up on opposite sides like this. It feels wrong. Like I’m letting both of us down.

I think I feel that about everything at the moment, if I’m honest, but… anyway.

Enjoy NYC.

( @scramjettracy )

[squidsinashirt]

The eyeroll that comes with Thunderbird Five’s initial reply is laced with warmth, despite the little huff of protest that accompanies it.

Because that’s just the thing about John: the universe’s best listener, with an absolutely zero tolerance filter for what he deemed to be unnecessary brotherly white lies. If you wanted the services of Dr Tracy, therapist to a select number of billionaires, then it required a rather large element of honesty.

“Do I wanna talk about what? My continued perfect form in disappointing our father? Why our eldest brother is such a monumental, know-it-all pain in the tentacles? I don’t know John, I’m not sure even you have the answer to that one. One of the universe’s great mysteries, y’know? Up there with the meaning of life and where socks go in the wash.”

The welding arm powers down for a moment, Gordon peering through the glass at his feet before carefully adjusting his angle to inspect the pipe. Taking the momentary pause to stretch back in his chair, wiggling stiff fingers and toes. Groaning as he did, before looking back to the gloating blue holo of his brother. Shaking his head rather more miserably than he would usually allow.

“Don’t think I wanna eat, but thanks.”

The spaceman’s final offer gives him pause for thought though. It isn’t so much that Five is somehow off limits - Gordon has only ever doubted that he’d gain entry once, and that particular incident involved a rather large number of water balloons - but actually being invited is a different matter entirely.

“I must look pretty sad if you’re willing to give me that kinda breathing space, though.”

“Four souls all safe aboard the supply vessel, Thunderbird Five. All satisfied customers, hoping for a five star review…”

Gordon slid back into the cockpit of his ‘bird, tapping at the communications controls to call up the image of his elder brother as he did. Settling back into his seat, moving to fire up the sub’s impellers once more with a wave to the crew watching.

“Heading back down to the pipeline’s depth. I’ll wait for the epoxy to seal, and then I’ll weld over it to secure it. It’ll take a bit but at least it’ll hold until they can replace it fully.”

The truth being that the nagging start of a headache square and centre behind his eyes said he should’ve preferred an early bunk, and maybe leaving the island prior to grabbing dinner had been a poor choice when it left him with only celery crunch bars for an answer.

And the uncomfortable, draining feeling even the thought of home brought over him helped absolutely nothing.

“How long do you think I can claim it takes to weld a pipeline, John? A week? Two? Could be a big pipeline, after all… might not have to go home for a bit. Yeah, maybe I need to weld the entire thing.”

Then again, it couldn’t all be bad - not when had the best listener this side of the cosmos at your disposal.

"FAB, Thunderbird Four." Up in orbit, John flicks aside a now-obsolete section of holographic data from the completed rescue, and shrinks down the window monitoring the crew's triage by local authorities. "Great work, Gordon." He hones his field of view in on the damaged pipeline, spreading his fingers to zoom in on the little tracking blip that marks his brother's Thunderbird. "I'm monitoring your position." John adds, a little unnecessarily - as if he's ever doing anything else.

"Four's welding attachment is reading green across the board." John notes, "If you're not finished within forty-five minutes, I'll be surprised." He adds, apologetic but unrepentant. "I can tell the others the damage was worse than my assessment... but operation much beyond that timeframe is gonna flag up some warnings in the system." The little sub will start cycling the air after another hour or so of work, and, privately, John doesn't think Gordon's got it in him to keep going for so long. The kid's looking downright miserable.

"Do, uh-" There's a crinkle as the spaceman's nose goes a little scrunchy, "Do you wanna talk about it? Or-" Tentative, John tries to calculate the best way to approach the subject. To come up with a distraction better than a pipeline. "You just want some downtime, right? I can always recommend a quiet tropical island or two on your route home. We can call it a fuel stop - I don't think the report really needs to specify if it's fuel for Thunderbird Four or for Gordon Tracy." John's shoulders roll themselves through a shrug. "I know you didn't have dinner before you left."

"Though, if, uh, if you want a few more hours than that'll give you..." His head tilts, considering, "If you want some space?" The very corner of John's serious mouth quirks as if the pun was intentional. "You're always welcome up here. I could send down the Elevator?"

[squidsinashirt]

I’m sorry! I’m sorry ok? Didn’t mean to make it about me… I didn’t know I had.

Didn’t mean to make light of your worries. God knows we’re all terrified of losing him again right? ‘M just scared if we don’t let him live a li’l we might lose him again. Despite appearances I don’t actually want to trap everyone on the island with me if they don’t wanna be there.

But you and Dad should talk - properly - not just about Penny. He really wants to make up for everything and you should take advantage of that. I know I’ve sucked at all this but he’ll do better. It’s gonna be ok now you’ve got a proper father again.

Again, sorry for everything. I do love you Fishy, I wish I was better at proving it instead of just pissing you off all the time.

S x

This is such a load of BS Scott, what does a “proper father” have to do with anything?!

I know Dad and I need to talk. So aware of it that it’s dragging me out for middle of the night swims. I can’t even face him right now though, and I just… thought maybe the king of ‘easier said than done’ would get that? Guess I was wrong.

I love you too Scotty, and I hate fighting. I absolutely hate it, and I hate that we keep ending up on opposite sides like this. It feels wrong. Like I’m letting both of us down.

I think I feel that about everything at the moment, if I’m honest, but… anyway.

Enjoy NYC.

( @scramjettracy )

[squidsinashirt]

I mean, I absolutely am, but you’re very polite about it, as always.

Under the circumstances, y’know I’m actually kinda glad you’ve heard from him. He’s off in New York for a meeting. Despite kicking off an entirely different argument, it did all stem from being worried about Dad, and this trip with your dad.

I know, I know, I do know that he’s probably entirely capable of far more and he needs to get back to some kind of normal but… I dunno, I can’t really shake the worry about him.

And I haven’t spoken to him yet, I dunno how to broach that, and it’s driving me slightly insane and-

…I’ll tell you the whole thing when I get there - long story, needs hand gestures for true effect. Preparing myself for the disappointed face already because it’s… not pretty.

You’ve got a way with words, Lady Creighton-Ward (although maybe it should be slightly more concerning that there is a “usual Tracy spat” definition). Anyone ever tell you that?

Anyway, just getting my stuff sorted. The jet’s in NY, and Alan’s first on with One so I’ll bribe Virg for a lift.

See ya soon

x

Hey you,

Hope you’ve had an alright morning, feet up as planned. He says as he’s about to wreck the peace…

Think you’ve got room for a stray for the night?

I’m on my forty-eight off, meant to be catching up with the swim boys for a splash and lunch in Auckland, and then home to do nothing, but that’s gone a bit sideways.

Scott and I had it out last night. Properly. I really tried to stay calm, tried to keep a lid on things, but I didn’t manage it. Said things I wish I hadn’t. Then, in my infinite wisdom, I threw Dad into it too. Just to really round things off.

Definitely not my finest hour and I feel awful now, obviously.

I keep telling myself I’m going to do better. I want to. I’m trying. But I didn’t manage it, I fell short, and I seem to be doing it with everyone - Scott, Dad, the others… you. You’ve been patient and kind and way more than I deserve, and I’m probably rubbish at showing it.

I hate that any of this spills over on you. You shouldn’t have to deal with my mess. I’m sorry, Pen.

I know you’ve had a crazy week and the last thing you need is your idiot dragging his self-inflicted drama over, but if you’ve got a little space for one emotionally fried, slightly soggy squid who can’t quite keep it together, I’d really love a quiet night with you. And probably some of your legendary tough love and no-nonsense talking to, because clearly I need it.

Promise I’ll make my own tea. Won’t even talk over the film. Just… yeah. Want to see you.

G x

You're not about to wreck the peace, Gordon! You should know by now that you are always welcome. You can stay for however long you want or need. I'll have Parker set up the guest room that overlooks the gardens - it's peaceful with excellent views, especially during the excellent weather we've been having recently.

We can talk more once you've arrived and settled in, but I feel obliged to tell you now that I have already received a message from your brother. He did inform me that he'd upset you, though I'm sure there is a lot more to the story than that. Something about my father inviting your father up to Scotland for a visit, I believe? Whatever it was that caused the fallout, I hope it's not anything more serious than the usual Tracy spat.

As I said, we can talk more (or less, if you'd rather not talk about it) when you get here, but always remember that no matter how bad things may seem, there's always a way to patch everything back up again. I have every faith that you and Scott (and Jeff, for that matter) will be able to put this all behind you sooner rather than later.

Looking forward to seeing you soon, @squidsinashirt,

Penny x

[squidsinashirt]

FAB

Hey. It’s 2am. Some of us are trying to swim here.

Rude.

[squidsinashirt]

In my defence, I thought it was further out when it woke me, and I thought it was just a few rumbles.

I will take up your offer of tea. Can you throw in the headache one too? Dunno if it’s the storm or just tired or what but yeah. Your finest triptan cocktail on the side please.

Hey. It’s 2am. Some of us are trying to swim here.

Rude.

[squidsinashirt]

2am’s a wonderful time to swim.

Well, it’s always a wonderful time to swim, there is no bad time, but 2am is especially good.

Hey. It’s 2am. Some of us are trying to swim here.

Rude.

[squidsinashirt]

Hey. It’s 2am. Some of us are trying to swim here.

Rude.

[squidsinashirt]

Hey, you’re allowed to be angry at me all you want kid, fire away. Not gonna stop you.

But you and I both know that last statement’s way wrong. Because then everybody else would never have got the chance to love you, and they absolutely do.

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.

[squidsinashirt]

Nobody is leaving you, Squirt. I know that’s what you’re expecting, because of what happened before, but that’s not what’s gonna happen.

You have a home with all of us, and you always will 💛

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.

[squidsinashirt]

Sorry, interference on the line, got a Situation report coming in at the same time.

Change of plan, we are going to head over to help out some commercial divers off the Golf Coast. Might be a while.

Thunderbird Four out ✌🏻

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.

[squidsinashirt]

Oh no, not the whole time - there was a brief interlude a couple of years ago when I was unconscious. Well, from one of us anyway.

Don’t worry, it’s impossible to forget he’s my BROTHER, trust me I have contemplated it.

Genuine apologies for continuing to be a disappointment to the great Jeff Tracy though. I’ll work on that.

Four and I are going for a swim. I’ll be back later.

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.

[squidsinashirt]

@ilikebigshipsandicannotlie He’s got your disappointed face and eyebrows to a tee…

@scramjettracy Oh wow, look, a convenient change of tack. That’s deep, Scott, truly. ‘No one knows how long we have.’ Incredible insight, thank you. Not sure I’d have ever quite grasped that without you so graciously pointing it out to me. Thank you so much.

I don’t know how you missed your golden boy over there being the world’s most infuriating, smug - oh wait, no, I’m the smug one, sorry - self-righteous, patronising son of a-

Alright, fine, whatever.

’m going for a swim.

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.

[squidsinashirt]

Yeah, as much as it might seem impossible to you, I am occasionally capable of thoughts beyond making a joke. I don’t think being worried about Dad is entirely unreasonable either but hey, guess I was wrong.

It’s actually not what you seem to think it is at all. Maybe I’d just like to get to the point of having a conversation about… all of that with him before, y’know?

But you’ve always gotta make it about you though, don’t’cha Bluejay?

God forbid I want something outside of all of this, and space to work out how that actually works but that’s your problem with it all - that’s not a choice you made, so that doesn’t make it the right one. That’s always been the rule, right? Despite you being the one telling me “hey, if you need more time away, whatever you need”. Bullshit lip service, clearly.

And I appreciate you’re used to controlling everything and everybody that shares a last name with you, but Penny’s very much her own person. If your comms isn’t working for dialling calls out, you should get Brains to look at that for you 🤗didn’t realise I was locking you in the office when she was here either. Don’t blame me for you not making the effort.

You don’t ‘get it’, despite what you think.

But y’know, as ever, Scotty knows fucking best. Whatever. I’m heading out.

@thunderfledgeling bub, you know that’s not true and I love you loads. But you’re allowed to be angry and if that’s how you really feel, then that’s totally valid and I’m sorry.

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.

[squidsinashirt]

Maybe I have genuine concerns that go beyond the fear that you might tell a story about the delight I was as a toddler. Hm?

Oh no, no, no. I’m not interfering. Whatever comes is solely on your lanky shoulders 🫡 I’m going to Auckland for a hair cut and a smoothie and a shot of their pool.

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.

[squidsinashirt]

Continue digging your hole, Snake C. Tracy. I would not have expected anything less 🐍

I’m not worried about being embarrassed anyway. Giant rabbit suit, remember? ✌🏻takes more than that to make me blush.

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.