** WARNING, THIS STORY INCLUDES THE - POSSIBLE - DEATH OF A BELOVED CHARACTER**
This wasn't supposed to happen. The Hood's POV.
From a safe distance, The Hood watched and waited. Within a few moments, the great hulk of a craft, Thunderbird 2 appeared and slowly lowered itself onto the tarmac.
Perfect, punctual to the letter.
The Hood had been tracking the comings and goings of shipments, trying to figure out where International Rescue would pick up and drop off supplies for their island retreat. Because you simply cannot stay there isolated forever. That simply wasn't possible.
He was also aware that they often changed tactics. Using private jets, other crafts and various drop-off points around the world. But there was always a pattern to their motives. And he believed he'd just cracked it.
Well, obviously, since he was here and Thunderbird 2 was sitting there just across the tarmac.
There was a hiss as the pneumatic landing legs extended, pushing into the ground and raising this green beast upwards. He watched as a module opened up and personnel ran back and forth with metal trolleys, laden with cargo.
All he had to do was to get on board … or as close as possible … just to stow away the tracker. But they were too darned quick. They'd managed to load the module within 10 minutes and Thunderbird 2 launched.
Grr, maybe next time, because obviously, they were going to use this place again.
Silently cursing, he made to turn away when he was shoved aside by a burly, well muscled man, running in the opposite direction.
"Hey, watch where you're going," The Hood snarled.
The man barely acknowledged him as he disappeared around the corner and out of sight.
But the Hood's attention was quickly diverted when he heard a massive explosion and a bright flash of light. He turned to see Thunderbird 2 in a ball of flames, descending rapidly.
"NO NO NO NO NO NO NOOOOO!"
This cannot be happening. This really cannot be happening.
He wanted those Thunderbirds … just not like this.
The exchange between John and Virgil prior to the explosion.
Virgil: I'm approaching the area, I have been cleared, time for pick up
John: Don't forget those pizzas
Virgil: As if I'd forget, you've been harping on about them ever since I told you I was on shipment duty.
John: Well, I just want to remind you, that's all.
Virgil: Pfft. Anyways, Thunderbird 2 has landed, deploying the module right now.
John: So, what's the weather like down there?
Virgil: The weather? Seriously? You've got the most sophisticated technology you could get your hands on up there … and you're asking ME about the weather? Can't you do better than that?
John: I was bored.
Virgil: It's dry … but a little bit windy, nothing I can't handle, and we should be loaded up within ten to fifteen minutes and I'll get back. Can't have our Starman starving up there now can we?
John: Now less of your cheek Virgil
Virgil: You've been hanging around Parker for too long, adopting that fake British accent of his
John: It's Cockney Virge, at least get it right the first time.
Virgil: Oops, and there we go, I just need to sign off the checklist and we'll be done.
John: Will do. See you when you arrive.
Virgil: Or you'll be clawing down the doors of the space elevator.
John: As … if. Oh, there's a bit of turbulence nearby. You might want to….
Virgil: I know, I know. I'll take a detour and bring your pizzas safely home. I can't believe I've been demoted to a pizza delivery boy.
John: I heard that. Just get home safely, okay?
Virgil: Will do. And here we go, all loaded and signed for. Starting up the launch sequence, will be with you in … five … four … three … two … one … and we're off. Whoa!
John: Virge? What's wrong?
Virgil: Nothing, just a little cross wind. I should be …
Comms shut off and Virgil's icon vanishes from John's view.
John: Virgil? Virge? come in Virgil.
Static.
John: *with a catch in his voice* International Rescue … we … have … a … situation.