It was nine o'clock when John received a call. It was Alan.
Hey, what's up Alan? John asked. He could see there was something bothering him.
I've failed chemistry again. Alan said mad.
What? John asked. I thought you studied with Virgill?
I did! Alan said. I guess it wasn't enough…
John looked at his little brother and was mad at himself for not be able to help him. But perhaps there was something he could do…
Why don't you come over here for a couple of days? John asked. So that I can help you with your chemistry.
Really? Alan asked with a smile on his face. Would you want to do that?
Of course. John said with laughter in his face.
I'll ask dad right away. Alan said as he ran out of sight.
It was then that John actually started to think about Alan coming to Thunderbird 5. John loved all of his brothers very much, but he also liked his peace and quietness. Well it's just for a couple of days. He thought.
John? Jeffs voice sounded.
Yes dad. John answered.
I appreciate you want to help Alan with his schoolwork. Jeff said.
Glad that I can help. John said.
Gordon will bring him this afternoon if that's ok with you. Jeff said.
Yeah sure. John said. I'll make sure I cancel my appointments for today.
Jeff laughed. Anything on the monitor? He asked.
Only a volcano that's rumbling a bit in Hawaii. John said. But that's not dangerous at the moment.
Alright, keep on eye on that. Jeff said.
FAB dad. John said.
He turned the monitor off and walked to the bedroom. He had to figure where Alan was going to sleep. The only thing he could think of was Alan sleeping on his bed and he sleeping on a mattress he found in one of the storage rooms.
He walked back to his monitors and checked the volcano, but it wasn't dangerous yet.
It was one o'clock when John could see the Thunderbird 3 coming towards him. A smile came in his face. He bet Alan had irritated Gordon so that he would bring him as soon as possible.
Here he is John. Gordon said.
You sound like you're glad you're rid of him. John said.
He was begging me to bring him up here. Gordon said.
Alan looked mad at Gordon.
I would do the same if I were stuck with you three. John said.
Alan and John laughed at a bit shocked Gordon.
I'll pick you up on Wednesday Alan. Gordon said. Good luck John.
Gordon went back to the Thunderbird 3 and John walked with him to ask some questions about the last few baseball games. Alan looked around him. This place was huge. For some reason, he felt nervous. This was the first time he'd ever be in the Thunderbird 5.
So, we're finally rid of him. John said when he walked back in. Welcome to the Thunderbird 5 Alan.
Alan laughed a bit nervous. At that moment John thought he had made a big mistake. What if the kid get's homesick?
I'll give you a tour. John said. Give those to me. He took two of Alans bags.
This is the sleeping room. John said while he opened the last door of the corridor.
Alan walked inside and threw his bags on the mattress.
No, you can take my bed. John said. He threw the other two bags on the bed.
But this is your bed. Alan said. I'm the one asking a favor from you, so I'll sleep on the mattress.
This is your first visit to the Thunderbird 5. John said. I don't want you to get sleepless nights while you're with me.
He grabbed Alans other bags and threw them on his bed as well.
Okay, if you say so. Alan said.
So, how is it on planet earth? John asked.
Boring. Alan said, making John laugh.
They spend the rest of the afternoon finishing the tour and laugh about stories John told Alan about Scott, Virgill and Gordon.
It was now ten o 'clock and the both of them were sitting at the monitors. John was watching the monitor closely and Alan looked around a bit.
What are you looking for? Alan asked.
O, sorry. John said. You see this? He pointed at the spot that was the volcano.
Yes. Alan said. What does that mean?
That's a volcano that has a chance to erupt. John said.
And you have to watch it all the time until it's time to call dad? Alan asked.
Well I don't have to watch it all the time. John said. If the volcano erupts, an alarm goes off in the whole station.
We had to make a volcano with chemistry once. Alan said.
Yeah, that's one of the basics in chemistry. John said. He looked at the clock. But we'll look at that tomorrow. He said. It's time to go to bed.
The both of them stood up and walked to the corridor.
I'm going to take a shower. John said. Sleep tight Alan.
Alan watched how his brother took the second door and walked on to the last one. As soon as he fell on the bed, a sigh of relief escaped his mouth. He was already feeling comfort being in Thunderbird 5. A wave of tiredness fell over him and a few minutes later, he was fast asleep.