John slammed Tanith against the wall the moment he was out of sight of the guards. "Let me make one thing clear Tanith, you even think about harming me, my family, my people or my world and I will make you suffer." He warned; his voice low. "You will behave."

"I don't know what the Tok'Ra said to the military to get them to agree to your being on Earth." My father added. "But one bad move and I will personally deal with you myself, long before my son needs to raise a finger."

"I will behave."

I growl. "You will not speak unless spoken to and you will remain by my side. Your continued survival relies on your obedience."

"I assure you I will behave. I have what I want." I growl and my family made sounds of fury.

"Very well Tanith." I state. "But now Hebron must have control." I flicked a switch and the device on Tanith's shoulder turned blue indicating host control. I push a jacket into Hebron's hands, thick enough to hide the device. "Stay quiet ."

"We can still hand him over to the authorities." Dad offered.

"If I lose Tanith and Hebron I will be classed as a traitor. I must keep hold of him, I am his guard until we are ordered to return to base." I sigh. "I hate this as much as you do but Hebron doesn't deserve what the government will do to him. It is not him that is the enemy, it is the parasite plugged into his brain." I state firmly. "Hebron, you keep Tanith in control and do not do what that parasite asks and the next few months may pass peacefully for us both."

"I will keep Tanith suppressed." Hebron agreed. "But Tanith is telling the truth. He has become quite affectionate with you. When I became his host he suppressed me, ignore me but then he met you and started talking to me, learning how to you would react to his actions, what you'd prefer him to do. He could have escaped to any Goa'uld at any time but he keeps coming to you."

"That doesn't fill me with warm fuzzy feelings." I reply. "Get in the car." I instruct forcing Hebron to crouch down and enter the vehicle as Gordon and Dad got into the front. Scott took the other side and Virgil squeezed in beside him as I sat next to Hebron. Hebron looked a little uncomfortable being between Scott and I, since both of us were armed and prepared to shoot despite Herbon being in control. "I am putting a blindfold on you, where we are going is top secret."

Hebron did not protest as I slipped a blindfold on him. Now that he could not see I pulled out the strong sedative I was carrying and before he could register the move, I injected Tanith. I knew the moment it had spread to Hebron because the male had slumped against me.

"He's out." Scott stated. "Take us home, Dad."

"Are you sure you want him on Thunderbird 5?" Dad asked.

"I don't want him on Earth." I reply. "And he will not be able to use my bird's system without my say so."

"I don't like it."

Neither do I, but there is little alternative.

"I will not allow him to dwell on the island with you and Alan, especially Alan. I want to keep that kid out of danger." I insist. "I will not allow the Goa'uld anywhere near Alan."

"He makes sense." Virgil stated. "If the Goa'uld can jump hosts…" The man didn't need to say anymore.

"Alright." Jeff replied. "But I want hourly updates, John. I need to know what's going on at all times. If I suspect for even a moment that something is up I'll send Scott and Virgil up… with weapons." The silence in the car was deafening. Jeff did not approve of guns, so Jeff declaring he'd permit John's two older brothers to handle guns said a whole lot. Jeff would kill Tanith and Hebron if it ensured his family's safety.

"It will not be necessary, I assure you. Any trouble and he'll be dead before you arrive." I reply. "The device installed within him will be triggered to release its poison. I will not hesitate to activate it if I suspect there is danger to myself, my bird or my family."

I'll trigger it if that beast tries anything.

I know but we must be careful, the council do not trust us at the moment. We have failed them one too many times, it seems.

Fools.

Fools, they may be but they hold power over us. If we anger them they will either imprison us or abandon us. I don't think you want to be trapped with no allies. The military is only a friend right now because we link them to the Tok'Ra, we cut that connection and we are of little use.

There is my knowledge but you humans have such short attention spans, that and you can be arrogant, thinking you know all. The government will kill or experiment on us the moment they think they have enough knowledge. We must obey the Tok'Ra and pray that your government will not betray us.

We are not the only prideful species. You Tok'Ra seem to think you know all too.

We are older.

Age does not always equate with wisdom, Nai'R'Da.

"I'll return to duty as a member of International Rescue whilst I'm home." I state outloud. "If you would permit me."

"Of course." Dad replied, a fond smile on his face. "Why would you doubt that? Thunderbird 5 is yours, has always been yours."

"Good to know." I answer a grin on my face. "I'll return to my post and give hourly updates. Nai'R'Da can take the night shift whilst I sleep."

"You can switch control?" Virgil asked startled and awed.

I laugh. "Of course. Nai'R'Da needs less sleep than I so I can sleep and he can go for several days without rest. Even when he's asleep I have his strength so I can fight and restrain Tanith if he should try and cause trouble."

"Good to know but I still don't like it." Scott stated. "Are you sure you don't want one of us up there with you?"

"No, that just gives him a hostage to use or a new host. It is best if it is just me and him." I reply firmly. "And I need to get him up there fast. The last thing we want is him to awaken and see or hear anything we don't want him to see or hear."

"We're approaching the cliff-face." Dad stated. "There is no cameras or listening devices in the immediate vicinity." He added. "Preparing for take-off."

John loved this part, when their car would convert into a small plane. It was almost like a kid's fairy tale, ordinary objects turning into magical devices, but unlike most kids, John got to live that fairy tale.

You got to live more than a fairy tale. You are in the middle of a sci-fi novel or film! Alien creatures, planets, spies, governments, good and bad and don't forget the action. Now if only we didn't have to deal with this fool!

Don't spoil my good mood. At least not yet.

There was an air of smugness and pride when Dad landed the vehicle with an ease that spoke of experience and skill. They moved as one cohesive until. Scott and John transported a still drugged Hebron into Thunderbird 3 and tied him in place. John used the remaining drug he had to dose the Goa'uld again to ensure the beast was out until they were up in his bird.

"It is a shame you can't stay for a little while." Gordon complained.

"I know, but that drug will only work for a short period of time, Tanith is no doubt filtering it out already and that means time is running short." I reply. I embraced my brother and gave him a fond smile. "Contact me later and we'll talk."

"John." I startled as a body impacted my own, I hugged Alan tightly.

"Hello, Alan."

"You can't stay." Alan asked.

"No but we'll talk later, okay?"

"Who's that?" Alan asked catching a sight of Tanith. "And where have you all been?"

"You wouldn't believe us if we told you." Scott replied, ruffling Alan's hair.

"Tell me!" Alan demanded, looking amusingly childish with his pout and stamping his foot.

"I will tell you later." Dad assured. "But right now Scott and Virgil have to take John and our friend to Thunderbird 5."

"Why is that man going?" Alan demanded.

"I will explain later." Dad assured again. "Get going, John."

I spared a few moments to embrace my father and Gordon once again. "At least I will be near Earth and in contact this time." I stated with an amused smirk. Dad shook his head as he sighed and Gordon chuckled. With a big grin I climbed into Thunderbird 3's cockpit where Scott and Virgil were already priming the vessel, preparing for lift-off.

"Bay cleared." Dad's voice stated a few moments later.

"Thunderbird 3 ready and waiting." Scott replied.

"You have permission to lift off." Dad answered.

"FAB." Scott replied.

With a skill that spoke of years of practice Scott had soon got Thunderbird 3 out off the bay and heading for Thunderbird 5 who waited for her partner and friend silently.

I am coming home girl.

It is a machine.

Blasphemy! She's my girl.

Silly human.

Rude symbiote.

There is no gender, it is a machine. I do not understand why you humans give a gendered identity to inanimate technology.

My girl is more than technology. And she certainly is a she. For such a wise symbiote you sure are clueless. A machine can become sentient given time. After all what is the human brain but an advanced computer? My girl may not be alive as you see life, but she is alive to me.

And you care for her. I will say no more. Besides she is a beautiful machine.

Thank you for acknowledging her identity.

Only because you'll torment me forever if I refuse to acknowledge her as a female.

Damn straight.

Thunderbird 5 was a beautiful sight. Brains and Dad had repaired her beautifully. She was whole and well, it brought tears to my eyes. The last time I saw her she was in pieces. Nai'R'Da tightened around my spine reassuringly and Virgil and Scott kept quiet allowing me to have a few moments to myself. God, I loved my bird, seeing her in pieces had destroyed me and now seeing her whole was a priceless gift.

"Preparing to dock." Scott stated needlessly as he brought TB3 round. "Preparing docking clamps."

"Adjusting position." Virgil added as he slowly shifted TB3 to the right angle for docking. The loud clang of metal meeting metal indicated that they were successful. "Engaging oxygen, opening doors."

And then I was on my bird, her floors spotless, her walls undented and whole. My computer consoles were replaced, the screens active already revealing the climate of the world below. I glanced around the room and Nai'R'Da went silent with grief as I spotted the location that Nai'R'Da's host had died in. I'm sorry.

Don't be.

Allowing Nai'R'Da his silence I had my brothers escort my guest to the living quarters. "Secure him there." I stated indicating a chair. "It will keep him out of trouble for a time."

"It is not entirely secure." Scott stated. "It's not nailed to the floor."

"I know but there is no point keeping him tied up forever. I will keep him contained, but for now secure him so he can't interfere." I could see Hebron's eyelids twitching indicating that the man would soon awake. "You must leave soon." I told my older brothers.

Both looked hesitant but finally Scott hugged me tight. "Stay safe."

"Just say the word and we'll return." Virgil assured as he too embraced me before leading a reluctant Scott back to TB3.

I took my seat at my console and pressed a button contacting Earth. Dad's face soon appeared with Gordon and Alan at his side. "Hey Dad." I greet. "We are safe and sound on Thunderbird 5. Scott and Virgil are boarding Thunderbird 3 and will soon be heading back home."

"Are you okay?" Dad asked with worry.

"My guest is still unconscious and he won't be able to creep up on me I can sense him." I promised.

"Thunderbird 5, this is Thunderbird 3, ready to disengage." Scott's voice came through the comms.

I pressed a few buttons disengaging my end of the clamps and sealing the doors, ensuring no oxygen was lost when Thunderbird 3 disengaged. "This is Thunderbird 5, you are free to disengage. Fly safe, brother."

"Don't worry about us, worry about that beast you have with you." Scott retorted.

"I am." I assure.

"Thunderbird 3 disengaged. Altering course and returning to Earth." Virgil stated. "Good luck, John, call if you need any help."

"Will do, Virgil, get home safe."

I turn to the screen showing Dad, Gordon and Alan. "Thunderbird 3 is disengaged and heading home. Thunderbird 5 is secure. I will contact you later. I must go and deal with my guest."

"Be careful John." Dad warned.

"I will, I promise." I assure. "Thunderbird 5 out."

"Goodbye son."

"Talk to you later, Dad." I reply before disconnecting the call.

I could hear Tanith shifting in the back room, only to still as I approach. "Tanith." I greet.

"No Hebron."

I notice the device glowing blue. "Of course, forgive me."

Tanith could still be manipulating him.

True enough.

"I am going to release you but first I must make a few things clear. You and Tanith cannot access any systems on this vessel, they are all registered to me and my family, any attempt to hack will be seen as a threat and you will find yourselves secured before you can blink. Any attempt to threaten myself or my family will result with the same reaction. If I cannot stop you I will activate the device embedded in Tanith's body and kill you both. Do I make myself clear?"

"We understand."

"Good." I state, cutting the ropes binding him. "You are to stay within sight at all times."

If Tanith and Hebron were unhappy with their orders they made no sign of their displeasure. Instead they followed me back to the main room where they both gasped. "We are in orbit around your planet?"

"Yes. But do not think for a second to use this to your advantage."

"No I am thinking nothing of the sort, neither is Tanith. We are both fascinated. This machine is highly advanced and beautifully crafted. Why white?"

"No reason, other than preference."

"You like white?" Hebron asked.

I ran a hand through my hair and allowed a small smirk to appear on my face. "Of course." I point to a chair off to the side. "Sit there and behave yourself."

Hebron was surprisingly obedient and I relaxed albeit slightly as I returned to something familiar and reassuring, the monitoring of my bird and planet. Hebron watched me closely, clearly fascinated with the ease I handled my bird with. I slid from side to side with practice ease, sliding from one screen to another, absentmindedly typing with one hand and scrolling through information with another.

"You've been here before and for a long time." Hebron stated. "I cannot describe the ease with which you move."

"I've worked on this station for years." I reply seeing no harm in answering, Tanith could not use such information for his benefit, in fact the knowledge that I knew my bird inside and out would put him off the idea of sabotage, not that he could sabotage Thunderbird 5, Dad had ensured that only I could control her and he had also insured that I could defend myself from missiles by attaching small but powerful weapons on the hull of my bird.

"What is this vessel called?"

"Thunderbird 5." I replied reluctantly, unfortunately being up here meant Tanith and Hebron would hear those terms often so there was no use trying to hide it.

As if fate was answering my thoughts my console came alive. "This is International Rescue." I state into my ear piece as I slid to the necessary console. "How may I be of service?" I ignored Hebron's stare, relying on Nai'R'Da to watch the man as I focused on my current duty. "International Rescue is on its way and will be with you soon. Until then I need you to gather the people together and reach a safe spot. I need numbers and information on any injuries." I listen for a few moments. "Okay, sir, I am going to put you on hold, I will return shortly."

I slid down to another panel and activated the communication to Earth. Dad was at his desk and he sat up as he activated his end of the communication. "Problem son?"

"A forest fire in Australia, a small village is in danger, two houses are already burning to the ground and the survivors and gathering and trying to reach a safe location. There is a small lake not far from their homes and they are heading there." I report. "The village is in a panic and the caller, a Mr Boon is trying to gather everyone together. There are a few burns but mostly they are terrified."

"Can the police and fire-rescue services get to them?"

"The authorities are on their way but they are at least an hour out. This village is pretty secluded."

"What's going on?" Scott asked as he emerged with Virgil and Gordon in tow.

"Forest fire in Australia, a small village is about to be swallowed up by the flames." Dad informed. "Rescue services cannot reach the village in time to rescue the people."

"Okay John?" Virgil asked.

"Still in one piece." I reply.

"Boys, we have a go." Dad stated moving to join my brothers at their picture frames. Before they disappeared down specially designed tubes to the vehicle bay Dad turned to me. "It is good to have you back son."

"It is good to be back." I reply with a smile. "Now let's go rescue those people."

"FAB!" Gordon stated as Virgil and Scott smiled. "Our Guardian Angel has returned!"

"Guardian angel?" I asked amused.

"Well you do keep the people calm and keep us focused." Gordon defended.

I hum. "I like that."

"Well Guardian Angel, go do what you do best." Scott teased.

"FAB." I reply before turning off the comms and returning to the civilian. "Rescue is on its way. Now here is what I want you to do…"