#thunderask

[edutainer2022]

Character Ask Game

25. What was your first impression of this character? How about now?

For Scott.

@janetm74 Thank you so much for the ask!

I will revisit a little meta I did on getting to know Scotty as a character and have some additions.

"How do I love thee, let me count the ways". I stumbled into TAG through Tumblr osmosis I think some time in the second half of Season 1 run. I remember liking the 2004 movie, and I zeroed in on the "missing Dad" part, but I was generally amiably "on the fence" and non-committal. Nice boys, overall. A little bit too much focus on "child hero" Alan (because it's a kids cartoon and you're an adult, duh!). I was dabbing into bits and pieces here and there, not having a full picture. Tunnels of Time drew my attention, because of the sheer DEVASTATION Scott demonstrated. The elder brother and in charge sans Dad - I was bound to pay attention. John was the character I am - an introverted "intellectual". But the Tall, dark, charismatic and going kinda recklessly nyoooom didn't hurt either. Then I came across Recharge. And it hit me like that Runaway train. My Dad died when I was 22 and I took over as head of the family, as my Mom checked out in grief. I'm fairly sure I GAVE THAT SAME SPEECH in the Arctic tent to someone at some point - I miss him, I HAVE TO DO IT ALL (and do it fast), keeping busy with IR the PhD/work/postdoc/more work is the only thing that keeps me from going crazy. Verbatim. I'm still giving that speech sometimes. I saw a mirror of grief, self-worth issues and (non)coping mechanisms I recognized so much it was uncanny. So I knew these things: I've met yet another character that I know all too well what makes tick and will love forever - it's pretty much always the same character, give or take; the uppity Top Gun Flyboy persona is absolutely a facade - he's Tall, Dark, and Emotionally Compromised (hello there, sweetie!); I need to rewatch the earlier episodes keeping that in mind. And of course, Recharge (re)contextulizes everything - chasing a sizable city time and again to martyr himself for or to generally self-destruct, chasing Dad's shadow pretty much beyond the edge all but consciously (pretty candid for a kids show), going insane with a combo of worry, grief and guilt, keeping up the Next in Command mantle, sometimes just barely, the whole convo with Lee up to and including asking him to stay, the Chain of Command implications, the Hood's return implications, randomly adopting people and pushing them to be and do better. And just like that, I SAW Scott Tracy.

That was nine years ago, give or take. I've been through more losses, pressure of "command", responsibility, betrayal and just plain tragedy ever since. And every step of the way I feel I can relate to Scott more. The need to lift and inspire people to be their best selves - even when your own soul is writhing in pain and doubt. The crippling guilt over failure. The understated loneliness. The very unsubtle nonexistent concept of personal happiness. Being back in fandom also helped me explore (and confirm) and share lots of nuance about this character that I also felt were true. I wish for Scott a lot healthier emotional coping structure and support going on into his next decade than I got his age. He's my emotional support emotional wreck and disaster.

[mrsthunderkin]

@loverofmythology 👀👀👀👀

[xthunderbolt]

I want to give inner sloth a pat on the head, but he would probably bite me

And you'll love it because he got fangs look at his faNGS THEY'RE SO DAMN CUTE

[thundersyst3m]

HELOOOO WAVES HAI :3

HIII!! HENLOO!!! :3

[stormcloudsbrewing]

my asks are open!! (i think)

pls ask me things i love talking to people, i promise i'll reply!!!!! ik its been super long since i was really active but i do miss talking to people on here

[thundercatscenarios2011]

Para Natty: has oído hablar de un youtuber brasileño llamado Papyrus da batata??? Si no es así, te lo recomiendo.

Ah si ya lo vi...es muy bueno :D

~Natty

[connoisseur-of-thundera]

Could we possibly get some Lion O fanservice? (Sorry Lion O for us insisting to get you undressed but you're too hot)

Sorry for the super late reply, anon.

I found the reference for the outfit on the internet. I think it suits him lol.

[mrsthunderkin]

Bart does not need the vest to look handsome, but it does make him look rather dashing (place here and image of some fool wiggling their foot and twirling their hair) lol but anyway the inventory idea is so cool! Love seeing little snippets of their lives! Who is Peri?

His gal

His co-worker

The stealer of shirts and hearts

The bossiest of bosses

The song in his chest

And the smudger of lipstick

Periwinkle Said Archivist of the Glass Archives

Who belongs to @owlcatchyoul8r

[mrsthunderkin]

Please dump Isadora art? I want to show her to a friend because she's Their Type, but all her images are tagged different 😭😭😭

I

Will

Gladly

Supply

You

With

Issadora

Art

This one is her disguised self

[edutainer2022]

✍️ more fic writer asks!

4: a story idea you haven’t written yet

8: if you had to write a sequel to a fic, you’d write one for…

12: a trope you’re really into right now

@janetm74 Thank you for the asks!

4. A story idea yet to write - that's a big angstfest that I'm trying to approach lately. The aftermath of Dad's return and Scott's resurfaced anxiety and guilt.

I also really wanna finish a story of Jeff doing some bedtime reading (with a twist). I had it written out in my head for ages.

8. Surprisingly, probably DRESS CODE. I feel like I need to revisit the idea of how a "uniform makes a man" with Dad back in the picture.

12. Holding a hand for comfort, support or reverently through a bedside vigil. Also the Pieta. People be holding a Fallen Scooter in their laps a lot in my stories lately, and drown in anguish and empathy.

[edutainer2022]

Hi! For the fic writer’s asks:

1. The last sentence you wrote?

18. If you keep them, share a deleted sentence or paragraph from a published fic

30. Share a fic you’re especially proud of!

@hebuiltfive Thank you for the ask!

1. Last sentence:

"You don't have to, you know? Do only what we like." (It's a little Scott and Gordon thing I've been tinkering with).

But more precisely last I worked on notes for a story. Need to rewire them into text. It's maybe gonna be my angstiest piece to date.

18. A paragraph from an unpublished story - maybe this:

"I'll cherish the privilege. You have my word. And, Scott? You deserve to know what it feels like too."

Or this:

It's a back door of the hospital, facing a back alley. Not the GDF facility anymore, but a private establishment, intent on all the security, comfort and discretion Tracy money could buy. Scott still needed professional oversight and care. Their infirmaries both on the island and at Gran Roca were well equipped, but Jeff was taking no chances. Things were considerably better compared to the husk of the son he, quite literally, bundled up in a blanket and whisked away from the GDF base. But Scott was having trouble regaining weight and muscle, by the virtue of barely eating or sleeping, and it worried Jeff to no end. It worried his Ma too, which was, arguably, worse.

30. The fic I'm proud of. I'm very tempted to say SWEET CHARIOT as it's still my manifesto of Jeff's return, sort of.

But in terms of streamlined writing and achieving imagery and mood goals, I'd go with PLAY OF LIGHT ,

(There is a field) I'll meet you there

...blue, like she'd never known

[edutainer2022]

More asks if you wish!!

2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on

This one rather amuses me, for Scott of course: 31. If the had a tumblr what would it look like?

42. 3 comfort items

@astranite Thank you so much! I actually did 2 (a canon/headcanon hill I'll die on) and several others, I think (which all fall under headcanon)for Scott a while back, and I'm THRILLED to revist it.

CW: we're talking about Scott, so there are LOTS of heavy themes and topics mentioned, angst and death. My mind often goes dark places with him. Tread with caution.

2. A canon or headcanon hill I will die on.

I'll do several, because I can.

Scott has a suicidal ideation/death wish. As in, he genuinely thinks he needs to die in sacrifice- the way Dad did. He doesn't actively seek it, but has sort of internalized that as an inevitable fate, because that's the least he can do against the magnitude of Dad's sacrifice.

He blames himself for Dad's death (canon text).

Scott excelled in academia. A prom king, President of the class, sports team captain and a valedictorian both in high school and college.

Scott is 29-ish (under 30) by the end of Season 3. I WILL die on that hill. Symbolically, that means Dad's disappearance spearheaded him into "legal, albeit too young" adulthood, and Dad's recovery ("saving father from the abyss") heralded transition into "full manhood".

Scott will loose a son some time down the line - IR equipment gone wrong, a rescue,  combat etc. (narrative symmetry is a ruthless thing). Sorry. I mulled it over every which way. A lost significant other is a gestalt already closed by Dad Tracy. And in a timeline that is not an incandescent wish-fulfillment HEA, it would unfortunately fall to Scott to experience what his father happily dodged - a son so adamant to follow in his Hero's footsteps, and a father so encouraging and approving of that - he'll pay the ultimate price.

Scott is not close to Grandma (mainly because Scott was close to Mom, aka the woman who took over as #1 in Jeff's life, later Scott is a living, breathing reminder that Jeff is gone, and is a mirror and foil to Jeff's shortcomings).

Scott can play the piano (Mom totally taught him first, having big hopes for those long, long fingers), but he never applied himself to practice the skill, like Virgil did. They can play duet on a very rare, precious occasion, when the mood is right.

Scott is more than a decent dancer - cowboy line and square dancing, but also waltz and tango. It was a Mom thing, originally, the prep for a middle school Formal or something. He later practiced with John, who was too shy to take dance classes. While we are at it - my hard headcanon is that, for all that he's Dad's replica and seeks Dad's approval like air, Scott was close to Mom, her White Knight, and takes after her a lot in mannerisms and character (it's maybe more obvious to the adults in their lives, as the boys' memories of Mom are hazy with every passing year).

Some time far off down the line, Scott will run for World President and win. Maybe it's gonna be one of his tried and true "keeping busy with X is the only thing that keeps me from going crazy" tactics. There's literally no heavier duty than the weight of the whole world.

13. Dumbest thing they’ve ever done.

Got engaged or eloped, even, back in Flight School, to a fellow cadet. His trusted second in an air group and a wingman. Of course they usually got suggestions to "get a room" after flight exercises. At some point they did. Both stupidly young, of course. Scott asked Dad for Mom's engagement ring and withstood Dad's stern questioning stare with a defiant stance that "when you know - you know". Dad had little to object to that, but had his reservations. For one, it was against regulations - Scott was CAG (captain of air group), ergo, within direct chain of command. For two - Jeff already had plans of the Tracy Island and IR well underway. Scott was completely game and ready to join Dad, he believed in IR and Dad's dreams since day 1, since TV-21. Of course, in his idealistic mind the Love of His Life was to join them - an exceptional pilot she'd be a great asset to IR team, they worked seamlessly together. It'd be great! Bereznik recon was to be among Scott's last assignments. Only the fiancée didn't exactly subscribe to idyllic dreams of "getting kittens off trees under Daddy's watchful eye" - she thought they were to share a life of service, career soldiers and fighters, test pilots, command material. She thought Scott was betraying that shared dream in favor of indulging Dad yanking his leash. Mom's ring was returned. The breakup was so earthshattering that it may or may not have made Scott loose focus for a second, while flying over hostile territory. It only took a second... The brothers never knew of that whole relationship and situation, only Dad. And maybe Kyrano. I have a whole fic idea about the ring being first taken off Scott, together with dogtags, in interrogation, then retrieved.

16. Deepest darkest secret they won’t even admit to themselves.

These are things and thoughts Scott hates himself for territory - so, certainly, they would come across as jarring (and vastly untrue) to anyone, who actually knows Scott. I'll do several, because why limit ourselves in ways Scotty's mind would torment him.

Scott has taken a life or lives. Not just by proxy, as in people they couldn't save (Dad being first in line in his mind). And not just in combat/self defense. I think Scott has eased someone's suffering at some point and provided assisted suicide (a fellow POW in Bereznik, a rescuee). It's a whole different pit of hell that haunts him. I'd say Scott also has a DNR and maybe, that one time after a dark day and one too many helpings of scotch he asked either Virgil or John to do the same for him - to mercy kill. Virgil is horrified (Scott's DNR gets ignored on multiple occasions not for nothing), but John promises he'd do it. They all pretend that conversation never happened later.

On very, very bad days that happen more often after SOS, Scott kinda wishes they never found Dad's signal. Dad's signal means not only did he fail to save him, but he failed to search hard enough afterwards and settled into just living on. Scott is also not fooling himself- Dad's signal may mean there's no Dad alive anymore on the other side after eight years in outer space - which means loosing Dad all over again and watching the brothers and Grandma loose Dad all over again. Unthinkable. Unbearable. His fault.

Dad's return is not all unicorns and soothing rainbows. Well, it is - for everyone else. His brothers got Dad back, Grandma got her son back, Lee, Casey, Lord Hugh, Brains and Kyrano got their friend back, Tracy Industries got their CEO back, IR got the Commander back, the world got Jeff Tracy back. Which is all to exemplify how much Scott has been a placeholder in everyone's eyes. The brothers and Kayo can talk Dad's ear off a mile a minute about their pursuits and accomplishments, but Scott hasn't got much to show for it. He's only ever been doing... this "being Jeff Tracy" thing for the past eight years, trying to keep his head above water. He missed Dad to the point of wanting to die - but Dad is not back, advising him how to run the show and being there for him, he's back to pick up where he left off.  Alan and Kayo are even trained enough to fly One now. Why would anyone need Scott anymore? (This DOES NOT lead to any good places or conclusions. Scott's undercurrent fear is to see disappointment and disapproval in Dad's eyes, once the euphoria settles down  and he starts to delve into reports how Scott handled things).

Berezniki guards drilled into him that by the time they're done - noone would want what's left of Scott, broken and damaged beyond repair, and Scott is unsure he still doesn't believe them.

Scott doesn't actively want kids of his own. He loves his brothers beyond anything and Alan is his son in all ways that count. But he can't in good conscience pursue to bring a life into the world and then let it suffer the loss, like he did - Scott doesn't  exactly envision a happily ever after timeframe for himself, where he gets to grow old and be there for the kid(s). Nor does he envision a timeframe where he's loved and seen by someone to want to eventually stick around and raise a family. (Let's not forget these are dark, secret assumptions, and Scott is, obviously, way off the mark in them).

[edutainer2022]

From the writers thingy!

What fic meant the most to you to write?

Rec a fic you wrote or posted in 2023

:)

@astranite Thank you so much for the ask! Pretty much writing, beyond academic work, is really important to me now. I came back to writing fic after a 5 years hiatus that packed A LOT of heartbreak some time soon after the start of the war in 2022. And I came back to writing fic for TAG, which I cherish. If I were to highlight the stories of this year (I really need to upload them to AO3, Tumblr search is bonkers!), I'd probably go for ONE WORD ANSWERS (Jeff gives an interview) - fic often dubs as meta with me and the idea that Jeff would openly appreciate Scott's role in the family and strife as a leader is very important to me; UNLOVE ME (a Scott and Havoc story) - Scott and Havoc leave rent free in my brain as an utmost impossible story, I'm really proud how it turned out and the discussion/full on fic-'verse it spawned over the day is mind-blowingly inspiring and rewarding; LEAN ON ME (Scott, his brothers, Tycho Reeves being a dingus) - yet again, the meta-theme is kinda important to me and I wanted to address it (pretty much since the first half of Season 3 aired), I'm marginally proud to have juggled multiple participants of a conversation, and the story gave me feels that I needed to feel better. DRESS CODE also means a lot to me in terms of character study. I kinda have a loose companion piece in mind for it.

[mrsthunderkin]

Can you please tell us more about Grinnoch? (Hope I spelled it right)

I shall do so in a ref sheet!

[xthunderbolt]

If Wrath can fight on the outside with both Freya and Iduna...does that mean that the demons can do the same? Is it possible that we may get Sloth fighting side by side with Kuro and Mahiru?

Been wishing on that since we seen inner kuro the first time and trust that no one wants that as much as I do. 😔 😭 He could appear with that skeleton horse, he could appear in that sinister nonchalant way he pulled on mahiru when he entered the rose, or he could pull a peekaboo on tsubaki, I would love everything.

But it seems unlikely, or maybe a 50-50 now that we see him appearing as more than just a voice in kuro's head. Can't really speculate on this since I've missed a lot of chapters and the info in them might have been relevant to form a theory on here. Did we see other inners do something similar? Did we even meet all the inners?

Cause the thing is that with the wrath pair I've always thought it just comes from this special move the girls have, and inner wrath is just there like a representative or an "illusion", a split version of him or at max as some sort of power move freya has since we've seen him outside her when she tried to stop tsubaki.

I'd say it's a bit like what the guys in shaman king had, if you've seen the anime.

[xthunderbolt]

Kuro doesn't seem different now that he got sloth back what do you think about that?

Hm so. While I kind of think that it might be a little early to talk about this, you know how in all animes and mangas the characters come back looking all dark and emotionless or evil and insane?

I think it's very tanaka for kuro to be different. It's very tanaka to not have a cliche. And I also think that it's part of kuro's character development, because it shows that compared to last time, now he has control. Now he and inner kuro are at peace with each other and in sync and collaborative, just as inner kuro promised him.

I'm more curious now to see if mahiru changed.