THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!
THE APPOINTED ANXIETY
WRITTEN BY ZARIUS
(Contains spoilers for "Escape Proof")
The Hood waltzed away from the smouldering wreckage of his former ally's mechanical digger, his holographic disguise holding steady. He was satisfied.
International Rescue had succeeded within their usual perimeters; they had saved the life of someone trapped in the very tunnels created by The Mechanic, the same tunnels he had vigorously used to take pursuit of the meddlesome Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward and her snivelling busybody manservant.
Parker was her vital link, without him and his evasive skill; The Mechanic's drones would have easily dealt with her for good. Once again, he had been outpaced by a man who was years ahead of him in age, yet possessed the sharp reflexes of a skilled artist, crafting an escape route in Houdini like fashion, snatching life from the jaws of assured death.
Death had scheduled far too many appointments in Samara for Penelope, and it would surprise even its grim figure, were it given physical presence on this earth, that she was forever outpacing him.
Still, she would be dealt with another time, and she would have to wait in line.
The explosion that levelled the digger could only have been triggered by The Mechanic; he had been able to recover from the shock treatment The Hood had given him en route to escaping.
That meant he was now out there, and that he carried a grudge against him. The Hood was somewhat enticed by the challenges to come.
The GDF breathing down his neck, International Rescue keeping all eyes and ears in one direction while having to keep an extra beady eye on what they did for a living, not knowing when they would face compromise or disruption as they tried to maintain their sworn vow of helping those in need.
This, the grim spectre of fear, was the best appointment to schedule against them.
For is it not fear that comes before death?
It is fear that takes us to the farthest edge of existence in the hope that we may have our hand held in assurance, within a dwelling where the inevitable cannot find us. It is fear that compels us to find strength in the words and actions of others, for we have no confidence in our own hearts and minds.
Fear dictates the treachery of allies, for there will always come a time where even our equals will deem themselves our superiors.
This was the challenge, and The Hood readily accepted it. He knew he had his own fears, but he would not sit back and allow that fear to appoint a rendezvous with him. He would not give in to that.
He would let International Rescue, the GDF, the meddlesome Penelope, and The Mechanic all consider their options, and come to terms with their appointed anxiety.