Welcome to chapter 10! Here begins another episode chapter. Thanks be to the blessed readers and reviewers!

Ms Hobgoblin: I did enjoy writing this one. It was fun. As for the other comments, my usual reply stands. Read on and find out:-)

New Beginnings, First Missions, Old Friends

By Phoenix Sparrow

Chapter 10: PAROLA SANDS

A month later, we were in Thunderbird 2, cruising over the ocean toward the west coast of the United States. It was very peaceful: until Virgil broke the silence.

"We're nearly there," he said, turning his head slightly, but not taking his eyes from the view ahead of him. He was sat in the pilot's seat wearing his blue uniform.

I'd been studying a map of the area to try and help Alan find the circuit from the landing point. "I found it, Alan. When you reach the highway you turn left, and then you come to the racetrack on your right."

"And you meet Kenny Malone there?" Virgil said.

"Yep, that's right," Alan replied. He had a wide smile on his face, which he'd been unable to remove since we'd told him about his excursion. "Boy, that guy's a great mechanic. Wait'll he sees what we've got tucked up in the pod." He looked at me, then Virgil. "Pity you two can't come to the Sands with me, though."

"Alan, you know we can't," Virgil replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Supposing father received a distress call while we were gone. Anyway, we'll be watching the telecast."

"I guess I'm lucky getting leave like this."

"Well, it's not a pleasure trip altogether, you know," I said. "Brains'll want to know how his new engine works under prolonged stress."

"Right," Virgil said, his voice returning to its normal official-sounding tone. "Stand by, Alan. I'm just about to take her down."

The massive craft started to lower to the ground below and Alan left for the pod.

I got up and stood next to Virgil so I could see through the cockpit windows.

Virgil pulled the lever next to him and I heard the whine of the pod door being lowered.

"Don't forget," I said into the radio, "we'll be watching you. And give my love to Grandma."

"OK, Tin-Tin. Will do," came his reply over the comm.

I looked out the windows and saw the red car pause at the edge of the road before blazing away in a cloud of dust.

I handed the radio to Virgil and rested my hands on his arm and shoulder.

"Alan Tracy from Thunderbird 2. Calling Alan Tracy from Thunderbird 2. Come in, Alan."

"Thunderbird 2 from Alan Tracy, loud and clear."

"Well, kiddo. What's the first impressions like?"

"The first impressions are great. Tell Brains he's done it again; she's a beaut!"

"Oh, fine," Virgil said, glancing at the small figure of the rapidly departing BR2 in the distance. "Take it easy, though, Alan. You don't want to get any tickets for speeding."

"No. I guess not," he replied laughing. "Boy, I can't wait to try her out tomorrow at the Sands."

We watched until the car was completely out of sight, then Virgil raised the pod door and lowered the craft back into position.

"Well, Tin-Tin," he said, sighing. "That's our mission completed. We'd better get back to Base."

"Yes, Virgil," I replied, staring at the point I'd last seen the vehicle. "I just wish I was going with him." Virgil turned to look at me. "Well, uh, to keep him company, you know," I said, quickly, looking at him.

He turned away and started playing with the controls. "Yeah, I know." He started the motors and we headed back home.

The next day, we were watching the race. It was exciting seeing someone I knew on television, especially seeing as he was winning.

We were all in the lounge; Mr Tracy was sat at his desk and I was stood beside him, Scott was stood next to the desk and in front of the television, without being in the way of Gordon and Virgil who were sat on the chairs on the side of the desk.

We hadn't moved since the race started. It had been close all the way through between Alan and the person called Gomez. (Alan had called us last night to tell us a bit about the race.) Finally, Alan prevailed and won. We watched as Alan climbed the podium and collected the trophy.

"Look, here's Alan, now," I said, noting that he didn't seem as happy about winning as he used to.