It was a quiet afternoon on Tracy Island, Jeff was out on the balcony with his eldest son Scott, listening to his second eldest, Virgil, playing the piano in the lounge. The youngest two Alan and Gordon were battling each other in a game of chess whilst Tintin sat next to the piano sewing a tear in her uniform.

"Alan, what time are you retrieving John?" Jeff asked, distracting his son for a moment, allowing Gordon to gain a move.

"Ah Dad, you cost me a victory" Alan moaned as Gordon winked "I'm going up later, but I can go up earlier if you'd like?"

"Would you do that son?"

"Sure. Tintin, are you nearly finished with the tear? Then we can go up" Alan smiled as Tintin looked up.

"Another ten minutes and I should be done."

The room went back to its peaceful atmosphere and Alan got up to start packing, his room was basic with a shelf full of racing trophies and awards, one of the walls had a couple of posters of his favourite racer and various NASA photographs. He grabbed a bag and began to pack wishing that he didn't have to go up to the satellite for a month, then headed back to the lounge to leave with Tintin.

Soon they were in Thunderbird 3 and heading towards Thunderbird 5.

"Thunderbird 3 to Thunderbird 5, get the docking tube ready John, we'll be with you in two minutes" Alan said over the radio.

"Sure thing Alan. Been busy at home?"

"It's been a pretty quiet month actually, no doubt it's been even quieter up there."

"You bet, right the docking port is ready, see you soon" John shut off and went to get his bag.

All of a sudden an alarm sounded, he ran back into the main room and skidded to the control panel, he looked down to see an alert reading a meteor shower.

"Thunderbird 5 to Thunderbird 3! Back off, meteorite shower!"

"What? How far away?"

"Thirty seconds Alan, get out of there."

"John, we're practically next to you, we'll be fine."

"Alan, I'm serious, you'll be in direct orbital path of them, get out of here!"

Alan frowned "alright John, call us when it's clear again."

Suddenly a meteorite struck three's hull near the main control panel, John gasped in horror as Thunderbird 3 spun out of control away from the satellite.

"Thunderbird 5 to base, come in please!" John cried over the radio.

"What's wrong John?"

"A meteor shower father, it's struck Thunderbird 3 and she's in big trouble."

"She's been hit!?" Jeff exclaimed "are Alan and Tintin ok?"

"I don't know father."

"Well, try to get in contact John, radio back as soon as you get a reply."

"FAB" John bit his lip "Thunderbird 3 come in, Alan, can you hear me?" There was no answer "Alan, come in" still nothing.

Within Thunderbird 3 the two occupants were not in a good state, Alan had struck his head on the control panel, and Tintin had sprained her ankle and been knocked unconscious in the spinning. Back on the island Jeff was comforting Kyrano whilst discussing the meteorite crash with Scott, Virgil and Gordon.

"We've got to try something" Virgil said lifting his head out of his hands.

"The question is how we do it. This is Thunderbird 3 we're rescuing, our biggest ship" Scott replied.

"Our best bet is to send Thunderbird 1 up there, it'll be difficult, but the fastest way" Jeff suggested.

"But Dad, how do I dock alongside Thunderbird 3?" Scott asked resting his hand on Virgil's shoulder.

"You'll just have to try son, Thunderbird 2 would be even harder to rescue 3" Jeff smiled.

"We could try" Virgil looked up.

"That's impossible Virgil, she wouldn't reach the speed needed to get us into orbit. Besides, we don't know how far Thunderbird 3 has drifted."

"C'mon guys, both crafts stand an equal chance of success, but for this, I have to agree with Scott" Gordon sighed as Virgil shook his head "sorry Virg, but we need to get our little brother quickly."

"Let's get going then" Scott turned and started to head towards the lamps.

"Wait a minute Scott, how are you rescuing T3?" Jeff asked.

"I don't know but we'll be in touch, c'mon fellas."

"Boys" Jeff hung his head "be careful. And Scott? Watch your motors in space alright?"

"Yes Dad, wish us luck" Scott smiled grimly and left the lounge to his bird, the other two went down to the passenger entrance.

"Base to Thunderbird 5? John?"

"Loud and clear Dad."

"Thunderbird 1 is going to try and get Alan, it's our only option."

"Right father."

"Could you keep an eye out for any other meteorite showers?"

"Sure Dad, I just hope Alan gets in contact soon."

"So do I."

Meanwhile Thunderbird 1 had entered orbit and had started to scan for T3, Gordon looked out at the stars and laughed to himself.

"I never get over how strange this is."

"What?" Scott asked.

"Thunderbird 1 being in space, it's just weird."

Scott chuckled "I know, between you and I, I'm still getting used to it, it doesn't feel right."

"Radio John Scott, let's see if he's managed to get in contact with Alan."

"Alright. Thunderbird 1, to Thunderbird 5."

"Hi Scott, you in orbit I gather?"

"Yep. Have you had any word from Alan?"

"No Scott, I'm getting worried, I would've thought one of them would get in contact."

Meanwhile in Thunderbird 3 Tintin woke up, in pain and fear she got to her feet almost collapsing again as her ankle failed under her, gradually she edged closer to the radio.

"Thunderbird 3 to Thunderbird 5, come in please?"

"Tintin, is that you?" John turned up the volume.

"Yes, where are we?"

"Nowhere near me that's for sure. What happened?"

"We span out of control and I guess I was knocked out."

"How's Alan?"

"He hasn't come round yet, in fact he hasn't moved at all" Tintin's voice wavered.

"Alright, look after him, Scott and the others are locating you in Thunderbird 1, it's going to be a difficult rescue, but we'll get you two, don't worry."

"FAB John."