AN: Gosh, this brings back memories…. It's been a while. Firstly – thanks to mcj for her input, help and support. Secondly, unfortunately, the rights to these characters don't belong to me. The concept of 'Thunderbirds' is not my intellectual property. No financial consideration is or will be sought from the publishing of this story; it is for your entertainment only. This disclaimer does not apply to original characters or the story subject matter. And thirdly (finally!) some of the concepts in this tale could be considered a little sensitive so the rating will probably increase as the story progresses.
PARADOX
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is good men do nothing
CHAPTER ONE:
"The death toll now stands at 354 known civilian casualties and is expected to rise further as conflict continues in the coming days. Early reports suggest Russian forces entered the town of Kelmayalfa on the border between Russia and Gallium, at approximately one o'clock this morning. Russian President Dimitry Chevlock has made a statement defending his actions, claiming that Gallium should form part of Russia after the assassination of Gallium's First Minister, Sergei Vladisgov last week. Mr Vladisgov is alleged to have signed an agreement which gives Russia power over Gallium in the event of his death.
Meanwhile, mainstream media in Gallium are calling out for proof of this agreement amid suspicions that the document, if it exists at all, may have been faked by Vasilli Machov, Second Minister to Mr Vladisgov, and also cousin to Mr Chevlock. Mr Vladisgov was shot and killed last Thursday during a state visit from Russia's Energy Minister, in what some believe was a blatant assassination by Russian Forces to gain power over Gallium and its valuable supplies of Vorva. Gallium was acknowledged as a country in its own right 15 years ago after …."
The image of the reporter froze suddenly and three loud bleeps emitted from the speakers on the opposite side of the room.
"Base, Calling Base from Thunderbird Five."
Virgil swivelled in his chair and tapped at the touchscreen integrated into the boardroom table in front of him. "Base, go ahead John."
John's image appeared from the screen. "You know, I talked to Dad about a radio protocol," he offered up a wan smile in the face of Virgil's blasé dissent. "I thought we were going to at least try to observe it."
Virgil waved a hand in an act of dismissal, "My radio protocol's been just fine for the last eight years and Dad hasn't signed off on anything new yet. Besides, I think that's the least of our problems right now."
John dipped his head towards the television screen on the wall, gesturing to the frozen image of the female reporter. "Gallium?"
"Yeah," Virgil's attention briefly returned to the television screen. "Pretty rough out there, huh?"
"You're telling me," John replied. "You think that's what this big meet up is about? Gallium?"
Virgil offered his brother a shrug, "I can't think of any other reason. We have to consider how we're going to handle it."
John nodded an acceptance but once more indicated the screen, "What's the latest?"
"I'm not sure, I was catching up before the meeting," Virgil pressed a few more virtual buttons on his touch screen and the television screen began to play once more.
"…the discovery of the element Vorva, used in some forms of consumable energy. When Russian Authorities attempted to take control of the supply of Vorva, Sergei Vladisgov led the people to Independence with the inside assistance of Vasilli Machov who was then Russia's Foreign Councillor. Having formed a government, with Sergei Vladisgov at it's head, all seemed to be running well and the country prospered from the production of Vorva. However, over recent years, there have been several reports of conflict between Sergei Vladisgov and Vasilli Machov, mostly due to Vorva; with Vasilli Machov's manifesto of increased tax and exportation for Vorva in firm opposition to Sergei Vlasidgov's theories of reasonable profit but sustainable development.
With the premature death of Mr Vladisgov, whether Vasilli Machov was involved or not, it would appear Russian forces are primed to take control once more. Gallium Government Authorities meanwhile have voted to invoke Emergency Administration Measures to prevent Vasilli Machov taking control until a full investigation is complete. Global concerns have been centred on the dire political situation and the high possibility that civil war in Gallium will lead to the destruction of Vorva. For a world reliant on it, the potential consequences could be devastating. The Joint Committee currently governing Gallium made a statement asserting their right of independence, going so far as to allege that Russia's invasion is an act of aggression under UN Guidelines. The World Security Council is due to meet this afternoon to discuss the issues raised by both sides, however, it's anticipated that Gallium will ask for military support which the Security Council will provide.
World Security forces are currently investigating the circumstances of Mr Vladisgov's death, with early reports indicating Russia are not cooperating with their investigation. Mr Chevlock has previously made it clear that Russia will withdraw from the World Council in the event they are not supported, and that they would consider any country allying themselves with World Security Council as an enemy to Russia. The world waits as the World Security Council makes a decision which some believe could lead to a Third World War. Maria Avert…"
"It goes from bad to worse," John sighed, interrupting as the correspondent signed off. Virgil pressed a few more buttons and the screen winked out. "I'm glad Grandma isn't around to see this."
Virgil offered him a sad smile, "Yeah, me too." Glancing skyward, he added, "I like to think she's in a much better place."
"Who's in a better place?" Alan swaggered in and plopped himself down into one of the chairs, immediately reclining it and slouching.
"Penelope," Virgil covered easily, not wanting to remind anyone of the loss of the Tracy matriarch. "She's sent her apologies. Apparently, she's gone to Southern France to meet up with a prospective new agent. I think she's slowly convincing Dad that she needs some help."
Alan leant forward to the centre of the table and swiped a bottle of water, forgoing the glass and unscrewing the lid. "I hope this new agent is just as blonde and hot."
"Don't let Tin-Tin hear you say that," John warned.
"Don't let Tin-Tin hear you say what?" Tin-Tin and Brains entered the room, the former glanced expectantly at John as she pulled a chair out and delicately sat down.
Alan sent a panicked look in Virgil's direction but he was saved from intervening as Gordon entered, wearing a suit, complete with orange shirt and tie.
"What the hell are you wearing?" Alan laughed out loud at his older brother, successfully diverting Tin-Tin's attention.
"Dad said a business meeting," Gordon defended his dress sense as he pulled out the seat alongside Tin-Tin. "I dressed for business," he smoothed his tie down with a sense of pride.
Virgil smiled, "He meant International Rescue Business, not Business Business."
"Well, I think you look very smart, Gordon," Tin-Tin offered the aquanaut a winning smile. Alan's shakes of laughter soon died down when she added, "I do like a man in a suit." Reaching out to Gordon's sleeve, she caressed it. "There's something about the command it carries that's very attractive to a woman, you know."
Virgil risked a glance at John and rolled his eyes as Gordon and Brains both looked uncomfortable, the latter nervously pushing his glasses up his nose. Tin-Tin's attention turned to John, one eyebrow raised pointedly.
John returned it.
Touché; neither needed to look in Alan's direction to know he would be seething.
The silence was interrupted as Scott strode in, folder under one arm and large mug of coffee in the opposite hand. He took a seat alongside Virgil, eyeing the chair at the head of the table with barely concealed dread.
"Morning, John," he greeted his space-bound brother with a nod.
Behind him was the ever authoritative force that was Jeff Tracy. He duly took his place at the dreaded seat and any conversation or frivolity lingering in the air started to die away.
Gordon gently extracted himself from Tin-Tin's loosened grip. "If it's command you want, Tin-Tin," he whispered, inclining his head slightly towards his father. "He's your man."
Jeff frowned when he noticed Gordon's attire but didn't comment.
"Everyone," Jeff acknowledged around the table. "I'm sure you all know why we're here. I'd like to talk about the conflict in Russia and Gallium, and how this is going to affect us. As your Field Commander, Scott has had some level of discussion with me on the subject and we both felt it was a decision we should make as a team."
Virgil's eyes slid to Scott, surprised that this hadn't formed part of their normal confidence.
"The World Security Council will make a decision this afternoon about whether to support Gallium and risk war with Russia, or give Russia full and unrestricted access to the world's largest known source of Vorva." Jeff sighed out a breath of unease, "Frankly, I'm surprised Gallium hasn't sked us for assistance already, especially with the civilian casualties. We have to be prepared for the moment they make that call."
"What exactly are you asking us, Father?" John frowned. "Whether we think we should respond? What's the alternative? Not respond?"
Jeff let his head drop a little to one side, acknowledging that was indeed his intention.
"Surely we have a duty to help whoever needs us," Alan was quick to voice his opinion. "We're talking about civilian lives here; those people didn't sign up for this."
"But the service personnel did?" Gordon immediately took a position of opposition.
"Well at least they had a choice." Clearly Alan's tone had been influenced by Tin-Tin's flirting.
"If we get involved," Gordon ignored the comment, "we run the risk of the opposing county viewing us as a threat, or equally the supporting country viewing us as an ally." He sighed. "Dad, I thought the whole concept of International Rescue was one of political impartiality."
"This shouldn't be about politics," Alan was insistent. "It should be about saving people's lives."
Jeff responded to Gordon's point, "International Rescue can only exist in a politically impartial world whilst all parties agree to allow us to act with political impartiality. The World Security Council is being forced into making an allegiance one way or the other. I don't think it'll be long before the same happens to us."
"This can't not be about politics," John stepped in. "The ideal of International Rescue's existence being politically impartial is exactly that, an ideal. Realistically, we all know that we're allowed to exist. We rely on Government and Heads of State not acting aggressively for fear of what we have at our disposal." He hesitated, not really wanting to remind those present of the dreadful memories. "If nothing else, Virgil's run in with the Sentinel proved that. It's not that they haven't got the power, it's just that by mutual understanding they don't exercise it."
Virgil lowered his head, not yet ready to join the debate.
John continued, "Now we have to face the possibility that if we do intervene, we become targets ourselves."
"John's right," Jeff agreed. "The technology we have at our disposal could end any World War before it's even started if it fell into the wrong hands."
"Or it was taken in to the wrong hands by force," John elaborated.
Gordon's expression became thoughtful. "Father, just how close were they to realising who we were when those documents went missing for the AL4?"
"I'm led to believe they were very close," Jeff replied. "What's your point, Gordon?" he quipped as direct as ever.
"Well it's like John just said: it's not that those in authority haven't got the power, they just don't exercise it," Gordon explained. "When those documents went missing and we were pegged for the bad guys, they did exactly that, and they came pretty damned close to finding out who we were and where we were. What stops them doing that again? Not just Russia or Gallium but any of them?" He shrugged. "I know if I was a commander, of any military force in any country, knowing that the technology was out there, I'd want my hands on it. Even if my reasons were purely defensive."
"I agree," Scott spoke up. "I don't think it's just Gallium and Russia we need to consider here."
"So what do you suggest?" Alan was clearly shocked at the potential outcome of this decision. "We don't get involved for fear of 'what if's', and allow hundreds of people to die?"
"That's what's happened so far," Gordon pointed out. "No one's actually requested our help...which is odd in itself."
"The victims were nearly all from attacks through last night," John reported. "I've been in touch with one of our Agents in Mongolia and he seems to think there was some kind of communications black-out last night after Russia invaded."
"So, Russia deliberately prevented those civilians in Kelmayalfa from asking for help?" Alan tutted and shook his head. "That just shows the level of calculation that went into this attack." He took a moment to think before adding: "And that maybe Russia has already considered the implications of International Rescue getting involved, hence the black-out."
"Not necessarily," Scott shrugged that theory off. "A communications black-out that powerful, if attainable, is probably SOP for a military operation which involves attacking another country."
"An attack on a terrorist state," John reminded him, his tone indicating that he didn't entirely believe that.
"That depends on your definition of terrorism," Gordon pointed out. "These people have defended their land, their livelihoods from rich, greedy ba…." He checked himself, remembering the company he was in, "people." He changed "Besides, Gallium was acknowledged as a country by the World Security Council years ago so that line of argument is totally flawed. Particularly as Russia is part of the World Security Council."
"And voted in opposition of Gallium," John debated.
"But was in the minority," Gordon returned. "And fully accepts that the council operates on a majority verdict."
"The point remains," Jeff returned the debate back to the issue he originally raised. "As an Organisation, we need to consider our options."
"I don't see we have an option," Alan sat back, his mind made up and his arms folded resolutely across his chest. "International Rescue is a symbol of hope to everyone. "Everyone," he emphasised. "Irrespective of nationality, race or any other factor. If we don't respond we're condoning the deaths of civilians and it's catch 22; whether we act or not we're aligning ourselves with one country or the other by our actions or inaction."
John cleared his throat, uneasy at the notions he was about to voice, "Alan has a point. I'm not sure how comfortable I'd feel sunning myself on a tropical Island, sitting on the technology to save hundreds of lives but not using it."
"And it does kind of go against everything International Rescue stands for," Gordon agreed.
There was a silence around the table.
"Okay," Jeff nodded, picking up a stylus and starting to make notes on the virtual touch pad in front of him. "So, we have to do something. The question now becomes what? Are we happy to attend Gallium, if that call comes?"
"And, what about rescues outside Gallium and Russia?" John spoke up.
Alan threw his hands up in the air, "If we don't respond to any rescues we're not actually functioning," he pointed out. "We might as well pack up now."
Virgil thought he saw Scott flinch out the corner of his eye.
"We could do a lot to improve our security systems," Gordon pointed out. "That would make things safer for us out there."
"I agree, Gordon," Jeff nodded. "But we can talk about that later. First, we have to establish what we're prepared to do. So, in principle, what we're saying is that we're happy to continue attending any rescue we're called to?" He looked around the table.
Alan and Gordon both nodded, whilst John offered a shrug of agreement which suggested he'd go with the majority, either way. Jeff's attention turned to Virgil whose head remained bowed, still deep in thought. When Virgil didn't engage in eye contact, Jeff turned to Tin -Tin and Brains, "What about you two, what are your thoughts?"
"Well," Tin-Tin glanced at Brains, "whilst we don't regularly attend rescues, I appreciate that our opinions may not carry the weight that the others do…"
"Not at all, Tin-Tin," Jeff interrupted her. "This is a team decision. You're as much a part of that team as any of us around this table."
"Then, I agree with Alan," Tin-Tin smiled across the table at the youngest brother. "International Rescue is a symbol of hope to humanity and for humanity's sake we must not be embroiled in the politics of this. I know that's easier said than done but could we not contact the world government or the Security Council and ask for some kind of immunity? Or, perhaps a temporary truce when we're on the scene?"
Jeff nodded thoughtfully, "That's a good idea Tin-Tin, I can certainly look in to that."
"Of course, there's no way to enforce it." All eyes turned to Gordon and he raised his hands in an act of submission. "Hey, I'm just saying, treaties, truces, they're all great on paper but out there in the real world, they're worth squat." He paused, sensing the frowns of disapproval around him. "If we're going to put ourselves in this kind of situation, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves. And by that, I mean, the big guns."
John was shaking his head, "We're not soldiers; this isn't about playing Cowboys and Indians, Gordon."
"Of course we're not soldiers, that's the point!" Gordon returned, his frustration beginning to surface. "You're talking about going in to a warzone. Anyone who thinks we're just going to land and all the fighting will stop whilst we rescue all the civilians which, incidentally everyone's trying to kill, isn't living in the real world." He looked from brother to brother; acutely aware he was becoming more unpopular by the minute. He adopted what he hoped was a softer tone, "You're talking about entering a world where people are shooting at each other. They're not all lined up with the good guys on one side and the bad guys on the other," he shot a pointed glare at John. "It's chaos. People don't use their brains or stop to ask questions, they shoot. They shoot to kill." He lowered his head for a few seconds and then raised it again, looking towards John. "And that's before we even consider Russia going all out to attack us if they perceive us to be allying ourselves with Gallium."
Tin-Tin looked offended and Gordon winced.
"He's right," Scott agreed with a sense of bitterness. "The potential gain of technologies far outweighs the risk of breaching any treaty." He looked towards Tin-Tin. "And war is war, casualties are an unfortunate consequence of war, especially civilian ones."
"I understand that," Tin-Tin conceded.
"Don't rule it out," Jeff interrupted her again, sensing the despondence. "I'll look in to it. The World Security Council may be able to offer us some kind of armed escort or support."
"I don't think we should forsake all that International Rescue stands for," Tin-Tin reiterated her original point, despite the opposition, "just because Russia got greedy and we're faced with a few operational problems." She looked around the room. "Never give up, at any cost. Isn't that what International Rescue's motto is?"
Jeff nodded again, a glint of pride in his eyes. "You're right Tin-Tin." He turned his attention to Brains. "What do you think, son?"
"I … err…. I can see …err…. B-both sides," Brains began. "I ah….agree with ev-everything …err… Tin-Tin s…says. However, I err… do think…we….err….have a re-responsibility to the …err… world…. to use our … err… technology c-carefully. And, err…. not t-take ….. err… un-unnecessary risks to its … err…. S-safety." He paused to see how his point was being received.
"I couldn't agree more," Jeff's encouragement spurred him on.
"I err… have some err… s-security updates, I've been …err… w-working on," Brains continued. "Perhaps we could err… p-push them through a … err… a bit q-quicker," he raised a hand to place his spectacles a little higher on his nose; a nervous habit he had acquired of late.
"Agreed," Jeff nodded. "Take whatever resources you need to get those in place as soon as possible, Brains."
"I err…" Brains continued a little more apprehensively than normal. "I'm also …err… a-acutely a… aware that the one p…person who this is err… most likely to affect…. Err…. Hasn't commented." He looked across the table to his fellow engineer, uneasily. "V…Virgil?"
Virgil looked up but didn't actually make any attempt to speak.
"Brains is right," Tin-Tin agreed, studying her fellow engineer and flicking her eyes towards Scott. "It's all very well us making these decisions sat around this table, but on the balance of probabilities it'll be Scott and Virgil who have to take action."
"Son?" Jeff encouraged. "You're probably the one who has the most exposure to the people?"
Virgil felt like the eyes of everyone were on him.
"Scott does too," Virgil attempted to deflect. "I don't have a military background." He didn't allow eye contact long enough for his father to make any meaningful assessment. "I'm probably not the best person to comment."
Scott recognised a cop-out when he heard one. "You're the one who's on the front line. What do you think?"
"I think…" Virgil hesitated, not really sure. "I think you're all right. As Alan and Tin-Tin said, International Rescue is a beacon of hope to people in dire situations. To take that away from the whole world…" he shrugged. "We have to have a whole heap of justification."
A few moments of silence ticked by.
"And … is war justification?" Jeff asked.
"We don't even know that there's going to be a war yet," Virgil tried to put things into context.
"It's highly probable," Jeff sat forward, looking around the faces at the table. His family. "In fact I have it on good authority that's it's more or less guaranteed. The World Security Council will support Gallium."
There were sharp intakes of breath and several gasps around the table.
"Russia will withdraw from the World Council and act in opposition," Jeff concluded.
"Can Russia really do that?" Alan asked, wide-eyed. "I mean, we're talking one country against, close to, the rest of the world. That's a hell of a lot of countries."
"If Russia leaves the World Council," Scott butted in, the voice of explanation, "it's highly likely that other countries will follow. Those that trade closely with Russia or rely on exports, not to mention the oil and power resources they have. There are a lot of countries out there who wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of Russia, probably wouldn't even survive financially without Russia and the World Council is only powerful whilst everyone subscribes to it." He heaved a sigh, one corner of his mouth higher than the other in an expression much like a grimace, "If enough countries leave, the council will lose power and the world will end up divided; Russia and her allies against everyone else."
"Talk about a step back in evolution," Alan shook his head. "That's insane!"
"That depends on which side of the fence you're sitting," Gordon grinned suggestively. "I still say the best defence is a good offense."
"So," Jeff wasn't quite ready to go down that road again, sensing John bristling on the screen he diverted attention back to Virgil, "assuming that war is declared. Virgil?"
"Maybe," Virgil leant forward on the table and twiddled a pen. "I guess I agree we should do something…" he began. "I just don't know where we're going to draw that line: who's a casualty of war and who's a rescue victim?" He took in a breath. "I agree with what Scott said, civilian death in war is inevitable, in fact it's actively encouraged. I think it'd be naïve to think that armed forces are only going to attack armed forces, despite all the World Security Council directives to exactly that end. But, if we start interfering, we leave ourselves wide open for those countries to have just cause to come after us, which, we've already established, they have the power to do. On the other hand, we have the technology to save those civilian lives and to not use that…." He sighed and shook his head. "John's right, I don't think I could sit around doing nothing in the knowledge we could save lives out there. And most importantly," he raised a hand to Tin-Tin and Alan, "it goes against everything International Rescue stands for."
There were a few more moments of silence.
Virgil opened his mouth a few times amid the feeling that he should voice the thoughts circling his mind, but hesitant to do so for the implications it might bring forth. Jeff, astute as ever, could see his dilemma.
"Something else, Son?" he prompted in a tone that sounded more like a father than the command he'd yielded since entering the room.
Virgil ran a hand across his face and then gulped. Eventually he shook his head, unwilling to divulge his thoughts.
Jeff raised an eyebrow of encouragement. "This has to be a joint a decision. It's imperative that we're all honest here today about what we really think."
Virgil knew the comments, despite being directed at the entire room, were intended for him.
"I don't really want to be the one to say this out loud but…" Virgil hesitated and leant forward on the table.
"But…" Scott took his turn to prompt his closest brother along.
"But…." Virgil continued, watching the others closely in an attempt to interpret any reaction from his colleagues. "If we're considering not attending a call because our technology may be compromised and potentially have an effect on the outcome of a war, surely what we're actually saying is that we can't adequately protect the technology we have." He looked directly across at Brains who was nodding and Gordon, who was slowly moving his head in agreement.
"I a-agree," Brains supplied. "Our s-security is … not i-ideal, the concern is v-valid."
Virgil looked around again. He knew his brothers were educated men and that they were probably having the same thoughts.
A deep breath.
Then another.
Finally, he found his voice. "If we can't protect the technology in the current climate, maybe we should be asking ourselves if we should be operating at all?"