Countdowns and Pool Parties
"All personnel report to Launching Bay Four" Screamed the microphones scattered all over the place. Thunderbird 2 blasted at full throttle through the barrier that Security had put up. NASA were not prepared in any way shape or form, it was thought that The Opal would have been stopped before this took place. Security guards and police officers were running about, escorting scientists out of the premises, towards safety. Some stayed behind to try and think of a way to stop Thunderbird 2 without damaging it. Before they even had chance Thunderbird 2 let off a mass of smoke, blocking the view of any incoming defence. It was at this point that it was landed and all passengers were offloaded. The convoy of passengers were escorted towards the latest rocket, mounted upon Launching Bay Four and loaded on.
"For crying out loud, John! Hurry up!" Virgil shouted, noticing through the window of the Helicopter that Thunderbird 2 was grounded and The Opal was boarding the new Open4 rocket, originally destined for Mars.
"I'm trying." John stated, rather calmly. A few moments later, John had landed the low-on-fuel helicopter and was running alongside the rest of his family towards the control room.
Brains greeted them there, along with Lady Penelope.
"What are you two doing here?" Jeff asked, watching Fermat run into his fathers arms.
"About that." Lady Penelope began. "You see, Jeff. Before coming here, The Opal stopped by at Tracy Island. He kidnapped the girls and flew here. Brains and I were downstairs in the Thunderbird 3 silo, so he was unknowing of us. Parker flew us here the moment we knew they were gone."
"Great." Jeff said, sinking into a chair.
"Open4 Rocket Manual Launch Start Procedures in 10...9...8..."
"Its started!"Alan shouted. "What are we going to do? Tin-tin is aboard that rocket!"
"I know, Alan. She's not the only one. Brains, can you override the command?" Jeff asked, leaning over Brains, who at this point was sat on a chair in front of the master computer.
"Poor, poor Jeff Tracy." The Opal spoke over a broadcasting communicator from the inside of the Rocket. "In less than a minute I'll be launching myself and half of your beloved family into space. In which case, with my intelligence and ability to navigate, you'll never find us. That little rocket of yours would never make it to Mars and back. It seems, that the only aircraft capable of doing to, is the one I just happen to be in." He laughed mockingly, shutting off the broadcast and continued with the launching procedure.
"Brains! What can we do?" Jeff was getting quite worried, as were the boys.
" I-I-I'm trying Mr. Tracy. The programme seems hard to override." Even Brains had a tone of uncertainty to his voice. All the Tracy's could do was leave it in the hands of Brains. Within the next 30 seconds, they would know weather their loves of their lives would be safe on the ground, or floating around space somewhere with a wanted madman.
"Launching in 10...
...9...
...8...
...7..."
Each of the Tracy boys and Kya were staring out of the window towards the rocket, hoping that some miracle would take place and the rocket wouldn't launch. Jeff and Lady Penelope were watching Brains type away on the computer, as fast as his fingers would let him.
"...6...
...5...
...4..."
"Brains! HURRY!"Jeff shouted, getting more and more worried. Exhaust fumes began to pour out of the rockets thrusters and rumblings of engine start-up echoed across the entire complex. NASA workers were sending out emergency evacuation messages to anyone within 5 miles of the site to be on the safe side.
"...3..."
Brains' hands were moving so quick it was almost a blur. John placed his arm around a worried Kya's waist. It was now or never.
"...2...
...1...
Launching procedure aborted"
An immense sigh of relief swept over every single person in the control room. Alan was close to tears and Fermat nearly passed out. Brains started at the computer screen with sheer amazement.
"Brains!" Jess shouted, filled with immense joy. "How the..." His sentence did not need finishing. Police were on their way towards the rocket to arrest The Opal and his accomplices. The girls soon ran in and joined them, relieved expressions plastered across their faces.
"So... How did you do it?" Kya asked Brains.
"Well, Miss Kya." He began. " I was using immense numbers of configuration methods, and bypassing main systems, but then it occurred to me that this would be the obvious way to attack a system so great. "
"So..." Kya said, leaning forwards slightly.
"So. I simply sent the message to the Open4's computer to say 'Cancel Launch'." There was a small uproar or laughter.
"Well." Jeff finally spoke. "I think its time to go home. Will you be joining us, Penny?" Jeff asked.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world." She smiled, walking alongside him towards Thunderbird 2."
Music was playing loudly in the background as the pool party began to get into full swing. Lady Penelope was lay on a sun lounger next to Tin-tin talking. The Tracy boys were in the pool with their girls, enjoying a splash about and some chill out time. John however was stood on the small balcony, overlooking the beach and the sea, where it was much quieter. Jeff joined him after a few moments.
"John..." He began, putting his arm around John's shoulder. John was looking down towards the pool, where his brothers were having much fun with their girls, happily messing about and simply having fun. Jeff knew this bothered him slightly. John hadn't had a girlfriend since eighth grade, and that ended badly.
"I will when the right person comes along." John laughed, looking at his fathers concerned face. "Anyway, I have t live up to my reputation of being the careful one, don't I?" He laughed again, patting his father on the back.
"I believe Miss Kya is waiting for you." Parker said from behind them, almost causing Jeff to jump six feet in the air. John turned around and began to walk out towards the steps down to the beach, but something made him look back. His gaze was met by his fathers confused face.
"Don't panic, Dad. " John said. "Were only going surfing."
So. Thats it :) Final chaper, up and compleate. Wow! Finally got it done! Please drop me a review if you have time :) Would be really great :) Any tips would be accepted greatfully too :) Thanks people for reading and please check out my other fics too :) I do all-sorts. Yet again, bit thanks to MEG for being there and geting me to hurry up. Kim x
