A Christmas holiday in a hot country certainly was a change for Scott, and his three younger siblings. A Christmas holiday, in a privately rented villa with a pool, in a hot country was an even bigger change of senery. Not that the 9 year old was complaining, of course. Scott had been on a private plane ride with his father, just to see the view from above. The world was in mild chaos after the Global Conflict of 2040 ended, but this part of the world seemed so calm!

It was here that Scott was given a very special mission. With the whole family around, taking part in the christmas trip, his mother and father wanted to get some alone time, to spend the day as a couple. Since Scott was the oldest, he had to watch over his little brothers. Of course, Lucy and Jeff had also asked Grandma Ruth to watch over their sons, but they didn't tell Scott that. They knew Scott wanted to look after his little brothers, and since he was 9, they decided to let him try.
As Jeff and Lucy left, all four sons waved with vigour, wishing their parents a good and fun day. Gordon, who was being held by Scott, waved and giggled a little, not really understanding why his mummy and daddy were leaving, but it didn't matter - Grandma was there to help.

Scott set out to complete his day's mission. The morning was filled with helping Virgil with his painting. Scott might not have known much about art, but he knew his 5 year old brother had a natural talent just like their mother. He might not have been able to give good ideas, but he dished out so many compliments and words of encouragement for the art Virgil effortlessly produced on the canvas he had. Scott was in sheer awe of his best friend's talent, and he was not about to hide that awe, no way!

The afternoon of Scott's mission meant he had to put on his swimming trunks. Gordon wanted to go swimming, and so Scott complied with the 1 year old's request. He helped Gordon change into special swimwear made for babies, before picking him up and carrying Gordon through the rented holiday home. He of course stopped by Virgil and John to check on his little brothers. Both brothers were getting ready to head out with Scott and baby Gordon, what use was it to stay inside when they were on a hot christmas holiday? Scott led all his siblings out to the pool, his Grandmother pretending to read but really glancing over to make sure they were safe and happy.
The crisp, blue pool was cool against the warmth of the sun, and Gordon squealed in delight when Scott dipped him in the water. Legs were kicking into motion, like a ship ready to leave the docks, and Scott gently moved about in the water, helping his littlest brother learn to swim with the armbands on.

By nightfall, Scott had his attention on John. The mission had its eyes taken to the skies above, and Scott was sat by his eldest sibling, listening to him with a smile as John enthused about the wonders of space and different planets. The night was cool, allowing the brothers to lie back on deck chairs by the pool and watch the stars hanging above them in the sky. The sky was clear, and the pair were so engrossed in what lay above them, that Scott didn't even hear his mother and father arrive home from their day out.

Christmas in a warm country for a holiday was certainly a surprise for all the young boys, but Scott had been given another mission, and just as always, he'd completed this mission to the best of his abilities.
There was no doubt about it.