THE MISSION TO NOWHERE.
TRACY ISLAND.
"Go ahead Virgil." Jeff sat in the lounge watching as the picture of this son came to life.
"Alan and Gordon have just got back and I'm returning to base, ETA thirty minutes."
"Okay son, oh and Virgil can you put Gordon on."
"Sure dad." Virgil said and the picture was interrupted, Jeff could faintly hear Virgil yelling for his brother to come over to the communicator.
"Hi dad." Gordon's face came into view.
"There you are son; I just thought I'd tell you that you got some mail delivered. It looks important."
"Okay, I'll get it as soon as we get back, thanks."
"Oh and Gordon, how did it go, I hear it was pretty touch and go there for a while."
"We're all okay, poor Alan looks exhausted, but apart from that everything is a okay."
"Well you don't look so good either."
"Gee thanks."
"Alright son I'll see you back at base." Jeff said with a smile. He signed off. He had been beginning to notice that all the boys were looking tired; it had been a busy spell for International rescue the extra work had been taking it's toll.
1 HOUR LATER.
All the boys had now returned home, and Gordon had collected his letter. They had freshened up and were now sitting in the lounge ready for a de- briefing of the mission.
".Well Alan and Gordon both got out, they saved everybody before the bomb blew, so I'd call it a success." Virgil continued.
"As long as you don't count the fact that you tried to kill me again." Alan butted in, he was smiling, but Jeff knew him well enough to know that something was on his mind, and he had a point.
"What? Tried to kill you? If I wanted you dead you would be." Virgil retorted keeping his tone light.
"That's enough boys, Alan has a point. You boys are putting yourselves in real danger too much. A safer solution should be used; I don't want any of you to die." He got a murmur of agreement from his sons; death wasn't an option for any of them.
"Sorry Alan." Virgil said meekly, Alan smiled.
"What was that Virgil? Did you say you were sorry? Did everybody just hear Virgil admit to being wrong?"
"Alan." Jeff said testily. Alan and Virgil exchanged smiles.
"Alright you boys can go." Jeff said, and watched as they got up and made for the door.
"Oh Gordon." Jeff called. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
"Sure dad." Gordon walked across the room and sat in front of his father.
"What was that letter about?"
"Oh it was just something from one of my old school friends, Tom Reynolds, he's organising a get together and wondered if I wanted to come."
"Are you going to go?"
"I don't know, I mean what with things being so busy round here." He trailed off.
"I think we can manage, what with all the work you've been doing you deserve a bit of time off."
"Really dad? Gee thanks, it's at the weekend."
"That's fine; I'll arrange your travel."
"Thanks."
LATER THAT EVENING.
Jeff sat at his desk working, he'd seen Alan go out on to the balcony a while before, he decided to go out and see what was wrong.
"Alan?" Jeff called, Alan spun round to face him.
"Oh dad, you startled me."
"Sorry son. What are you doing?"
"Not much." Jeff looked at his youngest son, Gordon had been right when he'd said that Alan looked exhausted, he needed a break. Jeff thought that the trips to Thunderbird 5 were getting him down, he'd been less like his old self every time he'd come back and Jeff was worried about him.
"What?" Alan asked uncomfortably.
"Have you heard about what Gordon's up to at the weekend?"
"I think everyone's heard where he's going."
"That's Gordon alright, do you know Tom Reynolds?" Jeff had been wondering whether he could convince Gordon to take his younger brother along, he defiantly needed a break.
"Tom? Yeah I knew him." Alan said dismissively.
"Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired I guess, night dad." Alan said and walked into the house.
"Night." Jeff called as Alan disappeared from view.
THE NEXT MORNING.
"What? Oh dad no way! I'm not taking him along, he'll ruin everything."
"Now Gordon, that's no way to speak about Alan, he's not a child anymore. You said yourself how exhausted he looked."
"Yeah he was looking pretty bad earlier, but even so, does he have to come?"
"Well not strictly, no. I could always organise something else for him to do, but if you hadn't gloated so much he might not of wanted to go with you."
"He wants to come with me, he said that?"
"Not in so many words, but he does know Tom Reynolds."
"Yeah, but they are all friends from my year, he wouldn't know anybody."
"Of course Alan knows them, and besides he needs a break."
"How is he?" Gordon tentatively asked, he could see that something was worrying his father.
"Well he say's he's fine, of course, but I've noticed a change in him recently."
"Yeah he's been quieter."
"I think there may be more to it than that, but whatever it is he's not telling. I just think it will be good for you two to get away for a bit, and spend some quality time together. You've always been so close I thought that."
"You thought that maybe I'd be able to get it out of him?"
"Yeah, but I'll understand if you want some time alone."
"Couldn't he come and join me afterwards?"
"Well I can't have you boys away for too long, suppose you're needed."
"Yeah I guess, I was looking forward to some time to my self, but if you think Alan needs a break that badly, then I suppose he can tag along."
"That's a good boy, now go and tell him, you'll be leaving tomorrow."
MEANWHILE: TOM REYNOLDS'S FLAT.
Tom Reynolds sat in a darkened study at a chess board, across from him sat the Hood, in one of his many masks.
"Well what is the latest news on the Tracy brother?" The Hood demanded.
"Gordon is bringing his little brother Alan along, I hope this is not a problem sir."
"No, no it's even better." Looking down he moved a piece on the board. "Check mate, Mr Tracy."
LATER THAT AFTERNOON ON TRACY ISLAND.
Alan sat quietly in his room reading a book; he didn't feel like joining the others at the pool. However, it seemed like peace and quiet was far away on the island as he heard a knocking at the door.
"Come in." He said wearily.
"Hey kiddo." Gordon said as he entered, he was smiling.
"Hey granddad what do you want." Alan returned his smile.
"What would you say if I said that I wanted you to come with me to the mainland tomorrow?"
"I'd say what did dad promise you in return."
"Hey, okay, so it was his idea, but I'd still like you too come."
"Really?" Alan asked in doubt.
"Yeah, we don't really get time together here on the island."
"If you're sure, yeah I'd love too come."
"Great, get ready we're going tomorrow."
THE NEXT DAY.
Alan and Gordon were packed and ready to leave, they had loaded everything onto a small two seater plane, Alan climbed into the cockpit, and Gordon got into the passenger seat.
"Now boys remember to call once you get there, oh and try to stay out of trouble." Jeff said exasperated.
"Now father, what could we possibly do." Gordon said leaving his sentence hanging in mid air.
"That we haven't done before?" Alan asked and quickly fired up the engine before his father could respond. The noise of the engine drowned out the final farewells. Within a few minutes, they were soaring high above the island.
A FEW HOURS LATER ON THE MAINLAND.
Alan was bringing the small plane into land; with his usual skill he gently touched down and brought the plane to a halt. Deftly Alan jumped down and went to collect the luggage, Gordon however found getting down more difficult, he caught his foot and landed in a heap by Alan and the luggage. Alan laughed when he saw Gordon lying on the floor.
"Give me the sea any day." Gordon grumbled quietly.
"Come on Gordon stop lying around and grab your bags, we need to get going."
"Lying around!" He got up and grabbed his bag. "Hey it wasn't this heavy before, what have you put in it?" He asked suspiciously.
"Come on granddad stop moaning, not far now." Alan said with a smile.
"You're pushing your luck."
"Of course." Alan said striding quickly away from Gordon and towards the main airport hanger.
"Hey wait up." Gordon called after him, breaking into a jog he caught up with his brother and they disappeared inside. In the bushes Tom lowered his binoculars, picking up a radio he contacted the Hood.
"They've arrived."
"Good, were they alone?"
"Yes, just Alan and Gordon."
"And you know what to do?"
"Yes I'm just about to go and meet them."
"Well get on with it, remember you're dealing with International Rescue, be careful, you know the consequences if you foul up?"
"There will be no mistakes, and providing I get my cut you don't have anything to worry about."
"You'll get your money as soon as I get one of Tracy brothers, now go." Tom put the radio away and got up to meet the brothers, this wouldn't be easy. _____________________________________________________________
INSIDE THE HANGER.
Gordon and Alan were talking playfully when Tom arrived slightly out of breath.
"Gordon!" he called, Gordon and Alan turned to face him.
"Tom! Hiya, how have you been?"
"Good, you?"
"Same here, you know Alan?"
"Yeah, hi."
"Hi." Alan replied, "You don't have to worry about me getting in the way I have a few things I want to do whilst I'm here."
"You do?" Gordon and Tom replied in unison. Alan looked strangely at Tom before turning back to Gordon.
"Yes, I didn't tell you before cause you would of told dad and we all know what would have happened then."
"But Alan."
"Perhaps now isn't the time." Alan said pointing slightly to the bewildered Tom.
"That's a shame, but surely you'll come and have a drink with us first Alan?" Tom asked.
"Yeah Alan come and have a drink."
"Okay, after we've checked into the hotel dad arranged."
"You're staying in a hotel?" Tom asked.
"Umm yeah." Gordon said "are you alright Tom you seem very ."
"I'm fine just a little stressed, you know how it is." Alan and Gordon looked sympathetically at him.
"Yeah we know." Gordon said.
"Let's get to the hotel." Alan reached for his bags and began walking towards the exit, Gordon and Tom not very far behind.
Le café rouge- two hours later.
Alan, Gordon, Tom and a group of Gordon's old school friends had commandeered the balcony upstairs; they were all sat round two large tables. Gordon was talking loudly to the men sat beside him, obviously having a good time. Alan on the other hand was itching to get away. A timid looking waitress appeared in the doorway.
"There's a phone call for a Mr Reynolds." Tom stood up and followed her downstairs. Going into the private booth he picked up the phone.
"Tom Reynolds."
"Ahh Mr Reynolds," the hood's silky voice floated through the speaker, "how goes operation persuasion?"
"Well so far so good, I think Alan is going to be the easiest to take as he is planning on splitting from the group anyway, it will be hours before Gordon notices he's missing."
"Excellent, make sure you leave his watch behind, understood?"
"Yes. What are you going to be doing with him?"
"Not having second thoughts are you?"
"No, I need that money too badly."
"Good, it's not for you to worry about Mr Tracy, you leave him to me." The line went dead as the hood disconnected. Tom took a deep breath and plastered a fake smile on to his lips, just as he was opening the door he caught a glimpse of Alan walking past. Silently he followed the young man to the restroom. Alan had his back to Tom as he exited the cubicle. Tom pulled a small gun the hood had lent to him from his pocket and pointed it at the unsuspecting man. Alan turned round deep in thought.
"Oh hey Tom" he said distractedly and went to walk round him. Tom gave Alan a push backwards startling him. He looked down at the gun in his hand. "Tom what's going on?" He asked raising his hands.
"That's enough talking Tracy; keep those hands where I can see them." Tom's attention was drawn to the door as people could be heard passing by, Alan took the opportunity to rush at his attacker, he ploughed into him and they both went crashing to the floor. Tom however was stronger than he looked and he soon had Alan pinned beneath him.
"Stop struggling Alan you're only making it worse for yourself."
"Making it worse, I fail to see how."
"Well it means I have to do this." Tom quickly stood up pulling Alan with him; he then pushed Alan with all his might and watched as he collided head first with the row of china hand basins that lined on one wall. His body went limp and as his head drooped to the floor a smear of blood was left on the white sink.
"Told you it would be worse." Tom reached down and tore Alan's watch from his wrist, throwing it to the floor he picked Alan up and made for the fire exit. Just as the hood had planned there was a car waiting outside, Alan was thrown carelessly in the back. The car then sped away down the deserted alley way. Tom watched it disappear before turning and going back inside. A slight smile played around his lips, he was rich.
TRACY ISLAND.
"Go ahead Virgil." Jeff sat in the lounge watching as the picture of this son came to life.
"Alan and Gordon have just got back and I'm returning to base, ETA thirty minutes."
"Okay son, oh and Virgil can you put Gordon on."
"Sure dad." Virgil said and the picture was interrupted, Jeff could faintly hear Virgil yelling for his brother to come over to the communicator.
"Hi dad." Gordon's face came into view.
"There you are son; I just thought I'd tell you that you got some mail delivered. It looks important."
"Okay, I'll get it as soon as we get back, thanks."
"Oh and Gordon, how did it go, I hear it was pretty touch and go there for a while."
"We're all okay, poor Alan looks exhausted, but apart from that everything is a okay."
"Well you don't look so good either."
"Gee thanks."
"Alright son I'll see you back at base." Jeff said with a smile. He signed off. He had been beginning to notice that all the boys were looking tired; it had been a busy spell for International rescue the extra work had been taking it's toll.
1 HOUR LATER.
All the boys had now returned home, and Gordon had collected his letter. They had freshened up and were now sitting in the lounge ready for a de- briefing of the mission.
".Well Alan and Gordon both got out, they saved everybody before the bomb blew, so I'd call it a success." Virgil continued.
"As long as you don't count the fact that you tried to kill me again." Alan butted in, he was smiling, but Jeff knew him well enough to know that something was on his mind, and he had a point.
"What? Tried to kill you? If I wanted you dead you would be." Virgil retorted keeping his tone light.
"That's enough boys, Alan has a point. You boys are putting yourselves in real danger too much. A safer solution should be used; I don't want any of you to die." He got a murmur of agreement from his sons; death wasn't an option for any of them.
"Sorry Alan." Virgil said meekly, Alan smiled.
"What was that Virgil? Did you say you were sorry? Did everybody just hear Virgil admit to being wrong?"
"Alan." Jeff said testily. Alan and Virgil exchanged smiles.
"Alright you boys can go." Jeff said, and watched as they got up and made for the door.
"Oh Gordon." Jeff called. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"
"Sure dad." Gordon walked across the room and sat in front of his father.
"What was that letter about?"
"Oh it was just something from one of my old school friends, Tom Reynolds, he's organising a get together and wondered if I wanted to come."
"Are you going to go?"
"I don't know, I mean what with things being so busy round here." He trailed off.
"I think we can manage, what with all the work you've been doing you deserve a bit of time off."
"Really dad? Gee thanks, it's at the weekend."
"That's fine; I'll arrange your travel."
"Thanks."
LATER THAT EVENING.
Jeff sat at his desk working, he'd seen Alan go out on to the balcony a while before, he decided to go out and see what was wrong.
"Alan?" Jeff called, Alan spun round to face him.
"Oh dad, you startled me."
"Sorry son. What are you doing?"
"Not much." Jeff looked at his youngest son, Gordon had been right when he'd said that Alan looked exhausted, he needed a break. Jeff thought that the trips to Thunderbird 5 were getting him down, he'd been less like his old self every time he'd come back and Jeff was worried about him.
"What?" Alan asked uncomfortably.
"Have you heard about what Gordon's up to at the weekend?"
"I think everyone's heard where he's going."
"That's Gordon alright, do you know Tom Reynolds?" Jeff had been wondering whether he could convince Gordon to take his younger brother along, he defiantly needed a break.
"Tom? Yeah I knew him." Alan said dismissively.
"Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired I guess, night dad." Alan said and walked into the house.
"Night." Jeff called as Alan disappeared from view.
THE NEXT MORNING.
"What? Oh dad no way! I'm not taking him along, he'll ruin everything."
"Now Gordon, that's no way to speak about Alan, he's not a child anymore. You said yourself how exhausted he looked."
"Yeah he was looking pretty bad earlier, but even so, does he have to come?"
"Well not strictly, no. I could always organise something else for him to do, but if you hadn't gloated so much he might not of wanted to go with you."
"He wants to come with me, he said that?"
"Not in so many words, but he does know Tom Reynolds."
"Yeah, but they are all friends from my year, he wouldn't know anybody."
"Of course Alan knows them, and besides he needs a break."
"How is he?" Gordon tentatively asked, he could see that something was worrying his father.
"Well he say's he's fine, of course, but I've noticed a change in him recently."
"Yeah he's been quieter."
"I think there may be more to it than that, but whatever it is he's not telling. I just think it will be good for you two to get away for a bit, and spend some quality time together. You've always been so close I thought that."
"You thought that maybe I'd be able to get it out of him?"
"Yeah, but I'll understand if you want some time alone."
"Couldn't he come and join me afterwards?"
"Well I can't have you boys away for too long, suppose you're needed."
"Yeah I guess, I was looking forward to some time to my self, but if you think Alan needs a break that badly, then I suppose he can tag along."
"That's a good boy, now go and tell him, you'll be leaving tomorrow."
MEANWHILE: TOM REYNOLDS'S FLAT.
Tom Reynolds sat in a darkened study at a chess board, across from him sat the Hood, in one of his many masks.
"Well what is the latest news on the Tracy brother?" The Hood demanded.
"Gordon is bringing his little brother Alan along, I hope this is not a problem sir."
"No, no it's even better." Looking down he moved a piece on the board. "Check mate, Mr Tracy."
LATER THAT AFTERNOON ON TRACY ISLAND.
Alan sat quietly in his room reading a book; he didn't feel like joining the others at the pool. However, it seemed like peace and quiet was far away on the island as he heard a knocking at the door.
"Come in." He said wearily.
"Hey kiddo." Gordon said as he entered, he was smiling.
"Hey granddad what do you want." Alan returned his smile.
"What would you say if I said that I wanted you to come with me to the mainland tomorrow?"
"I'd say what did dad promise you in return."
"Hey, okay, so it was his idea, but I'd still like you too come."
"Really?" Alan asked in doubt.
"Yeah, we don't really get time together here on the island."
"If you're sure, yeah I'd love too come."
"Great, get ready we're going tomorrow."
THE NEXT DAY.
Alan and Gordon were packed and ready to leave, they had loaded everything onto a small two seater plane, Alan climbed into the cockpit, and Gordon got into the passenger seat.
"Now boys remember to call once you get there, oh and try to stay out of trouble." Jeff said exasperated.
"Now father, what could we possibly do." Gordon said leaving his sentence hanging in mid air.
"That we haven't done before?" Alan asked and quickly fired up the engine before his father could respond. The noise of the engine drowned out the final farewells. Within a few minutes, they were soaring high above the island.
A FEW HOURS LATER ON THE MAINLAND.
Alan was bringing the small plane into land; with his usual skill he gently touched down and brought the plane to a halt. Deftly Alan jumped down and went to collect the luggage, Gordon however found getting down more difficult, he caught his foot and landed in a heap by Alan and the luggage. Alan laughed when he saw Gordon lying on the floor.
"Give me the sea any day." Gordon grumbled quietly.
"Come on Gordon stop lying around and grab your bags, we need to get going."
"Lying around!" He got up and grabbed his bag. "Hey it wasn't this heavy before, what have you put in it?" He asked suspiciously.
"Come on granddad stop moaning, not far now." Alan said with a smile.
"You're pushing your luck."
"Of course." Alan said striding quickly away from Gordon and towards the main airport hanger.
"Hey wait up." Gordon called after him, breaking into a jog he caught up with his brother and they disappeared inside. In the bushes Tom lowered his binoculars, picking up a radio he contacted the Hood.
"They've arrived."
"Good, were they alone?"
"Yes, just Alan and Gordon."
"And you know what to do?"
"Yes I'm just about to go and meet them."
"Well get on with it, remember you're dealing with International Rescue, be careful, you know the consequences if you foul up?"
"There will be no mistakes, and providing I get my cut you don't have anything to worry about."
"You'll get your money as soon as I get one of Tracy brothers, now go." Tom put the radio away and got up to meet the brothers, this wouldn't be easy. _____________________________________________________________
INSIDE THE HANGER.
Gordon and Alan were talking playfully when Tom arrived slightly out of breath.
"Gordon!" he called, Gordon and Alan turned to face him.
"Tom! Hiya, how have you been?"
"Good, you?"
"Same here, you know Alan?"
"Yeah, hi."
"Hi." Alan replied, "You don't have to worry about me getting in the way I have a few things I want to do whilst I'm here."
"You do?" Gordon and Tom replied in unison. Alan looked strangely at Tom before turning back to Gordon.
"Yes, I didn't tell you before cause you would of told dad and we all know what would have happened then."
"But Alan."
"Perhaps now isn't the time." Alan said pointing slightly to the bewildered Tom.
"That's a shame, but surely you'll come and have a drink with us first Alan?" Tom asked.
"Yeah Alan come and have a drink."
"Okay, after we've checked into the hotel dad arranged."
"You're staying in a hotel?" Tom asked.
"Umm yeah." Gordon said "are you alright Tom you seem very ."
"I'm fine just a little stressed, you know how it is." Alan and Gordon looked sympathetically at him.
"Yeah we know." Gordon said.
"Let's get to the hotel." Alan reached for his bags and began walking towards the exit, Gordon and Tom not very far behind.
Le café rouge- two hours later.
Alan, Gordon, Tom and a group of Gordon's old school friends had commandeered the balcony upstairs; they were all sat round two large tables. Gordon was talking loudly to the men sat beside him, obviously having a good time. Alan on the other hand was itching to get away. A timid looking waitress appeared in the doorway.
"There's a phone call for a Mr Reynolds." Tom stood up and followed her downstairs. Going into the private booth he picked up the phone.
"Tom Reynolds."
"Ahh Mr Reynolds," the hood's silky voice floated through the speaker, "how goes operation persuasion?"
"Well so far so good, I think Alan is going to be the easiest to take as he is planning on splitting from the group anyway, it will be hours before Gordon notices he's missing."
"Excellent, make sure you leave his watch behind, understood?"
"Yes. What are you going to be doing with him?"
"Not having second thoughts are you?"
"No, I need that money too badly."
"Good, it's not for you to worry about Mr Tracy, you leave him to me." The line went dead as the hood disconnected. Tom took a deep breath and plastered a fake smile on to his lips, just as he was opening the door he caught a glimpse of Alan walking past. Silently he followed the young man to the restroom. Alan had his back to Tom as he exited the cubicle. Tom pulled a small gun the hood had lent to him from his pocket and pointed it at the unsuspecting man. Alan turned round deep in thought.
"Oh hey Tom" he said distractedly and went to walk round him. Tom gave Alan a push backwards startling him. He looked down at the gun in his hand. "Tom what's going on?" He asked raising his hands.
"That's enough talking Tracy; keep those hands where I can see them." Tom's attention was drawn to the door as people could be heard passing by, Alan took the opportunity to rush at his attacker, he ploughed into him and they both went crashing to the floor. Tom however was stronger than he looked and he soon had Alan pinned beneath him.
"Stop struggling Alan you're only making it worse for yourself."
"Making it worse, I fail to see how."
"Well it means I have to do this." Tom quickly stood up pulling Alan with him; he then pushed Alan with all his might and watched as he collided head first with the row of china hand basins that lined on one wall. His body went limp and as his head drooped to the floor a smear of blood was left on the white sink.
"Told you it would be worse." Tom reached down and tore Alan's watch from his wrist, throwing it to the floor he picked Alan up and made for the fire exit. Just as the hood had planned there was a car waiting outside, Alan was thrown carelessly in the back. The car then sped away down the deserted alley way. Tom watched it disappear before turning and going back inside. A slight smile played around his lips, he was rich.