The Complete Thunderbirds Story Chapter 1: -One-, a thunderbirds fanfic

The Complete Thunderbirds Story

Adapted by Lee Homer

-One-

Jeff Tracy was born for space. From a young age, he saw it as his purpose in life. The thought of exploring the stars and colonising alien worlds fuelled his imagination and ignited his passion. During his youth, he joined the special forces, trained to become an astronaut and test pilot, working his way up the ranks towards his dream job. By the time he joined the World Space Administration, he had already built a life of his own. He met and married a beautiful, fair redhead called Lucille who then birthed a baby boy. Family meant everything to him, but his career took precedence. For the past three years, he had worked on various projects in the field of space propulsion. He oversaw various experiment equipment, designed to propel man beyond the Moon. It was a gruelling job, but one that he felt could make a difference. He hated the sacrifices that came with it, but he wanted to make his name in history. Fuelled by the loving support from his wife, he believed he could do anything.

On a warm and sunny Floridian morning, A Space Shuttle lifted off from Cape Kennedy on its ascent towards the stars. Strapped safely in his seat in the passenger module, Jeff enjoyed the flight, accompanied by an equally excited astronaut, Major Allison Richards. The Shuttle, Codenamed 'Ultra' was an ultra-light reusable spaceplane that could be reused for several launches, saving money for new materials. With the aid of its booster rockets, she broke away from the Earth's gravity and glided through space on a fixed orbital path towards the orbiting space station known as 'Freedom.' Jeff and Allison discussed the mission briefing. Their conversation eventually turned into idle chit chat.

"You're leaving the service soon, aren't you?" she asked him with a solemn smile. "Guess you're more valuable to the Space Administrator as a constructor. I mean, you've been on eighteen space missions in your career and it's like you've done it all."

With the Space Administration's help, Jeff had set up a corporation of his own. He had the goal of running his own aerospace engineering company. He called it 'Tracy Construction and Aerospace Corporation' or TCAC. He looked at the young major and chuckled.

"Not quite all," he replied. "I never got to land on the Moon. I never got to make that historical leap for mankind. That would have been a heck of a story to tell my Son, Scott when he gets older."

The Major smiled when they turned to view the stars around them. The Freedom space station floated ahead of them, spinning gracefully in the bright sunlight. Established in 1984 by NASA and President, Ronald Reagan, the International Space Station was constructed to house an international team of astronauts, each one from different cultures, to man the station. By the mid-'90s, it had transformed, becoming the Freedom space station. Other nations including Europe, Russia, Canada and Japan poured their hearts into the project, seeing it as a unified symbol of peace. Regular space flights ferried people and modular components to the station. Jeff's job was to test the components and report his findings to Earth. As soon as the spaceplane docked, Jeff and Allison began their momentous task. Climbing into their thick and bulky spacesuits, they conducted their experiments in space. After a few short hours, a silent smile broke across his face when a voice sounded over his helmet intercom.

"Freedom control, to Tracy. We have a call for you from Earth. Return to base and take a few hours."

Later on, in the sanctuary of his cabin, Jeff took the personal call. The small monitor flicked on, revealing the face of a smartly dressed man. He was a space mission coordinator at the WSA, who had some important news to relay to him. Jeff had been awaiting an answer to an application he had submitted months back. He had given up all hope until now. The coordinator delivered their answer in a formal tone.

"Hey, Jeff. I'm sorry it's taken this long, but we finally got a reply from the board of directors. They like your application and the dedicated work you've given us over the years.

"I hope it's good news," Jeff replied. "I honestly thought they had rejected my application."

"It certainly is, Jeff. Your dream has come true. Congratulations, Jeff. They want you on the next Moon mission as mission commander."

Jeff made no effort to conceal his joy at the news. Long had he dreamed for the commanding position. Once his call ended, he frantically packed his bag, intending to catch the next flight home. The following morning, Shuttle Ultra gently touched down at the Space Port. Jeff eagerly made his way to the main terminal building, hoping to receive a mission briefing from his superiors. Instead, he was met by a shorter balder gentleman, dressed in a chequered shirt and tie. The man smiled as she reached out to pat Jeff on the shoulder. The man was his father, Grant Tracy. Jeff had shared the news with them before he boarded the shuttle home. Grant placed his arm around his son as the pair walked towards their private helicopter. He felt his Dad's smile irradiate around him.

"It's good to see you, Son. Your mother and I were so thrilled to hear that you got the job of mission commander," He said. "I had a word with the Commander. I'm going to be here to assist you with your training."

"Gee, thanks Dad, but I don't need it," Jeff replied. "I need to study the F.L.O drawings before I do anything else."

"Well, we'll talk about it later when we get to the ranch," Grant smiled. "Everyone's waiting for us there. Your Mother has stopped talking about your promotion all morning."

Jeff frowned for a moment as he climbed into the red and white whirlybird. He hoped Lucille would accept the news. He always feared that she'd reject his future exploits because it meant he wouldn't be home with her. She was an amazing woman, but could he really ask her to wait for him again? Grant climbed into the pilot seat, wrenched the controls back and the helicopter lifted off the pad. Jeff sat there and dreamed. He dreamed of the future that lay ahead of him and the opportunities that it presented.

The noonday sun hung in the air over the Tracy Ranch when the helicopter arrived. Nestled deep within the Kansas countryside, the old wooden homestead provided the family with peace and luscious countryside. It was the perfect family retreat. Grant set the helicopter down in a clearing outside the property and switched off the motors. As they made their way towards the front porch, the door swung open. The pitter-patter of tiny feet echoed towards him. Jeff knelt with a smile as his baby boy, Scott, clumsily ran out to greet his father. Jeff lifted his little boy into the air and held him with a tight embrace.

"Daddy!"

"Oh, I've missed you, son," he said affectionately.

Lucille and his mother appeared in the doorway. Jeff wasted no time in getting them. After hugging his mother, he held his wife close to him. Her warm and alluring smile projected a warmth that could melt his heart. Despite his prolonged time in space, they were very much in love.

"Did you miss me, Sweetie?" He asked her softly.

"Always," Lucille smiled. "Scott won't stop talking about that rocket ship you promised to build him."

"I haven't forgotten," Jeff chuckled. "I never forget my promises. I'm sorry, I've been away for so long...again."

The smile faded from her face, but it quickly returned. "Yeah, well you're about to go away again."

Before he could utter another word, Grant ushered them all into the house. As they sat down to dinner that evening, Jeff divulged the details of his mission to the family. He noted the supportive yet saddened look in his wife's eyes. After dinner, they retired to the sitting room to watch the TV. Grant felt the awkwardness between Jeff and his wife during their meal and decided to help. When Lucille returned from putting Scott to bed, he struck up the conversation again.

"So, Jeff, you've been given a real job to do up there," he said. "I can't believe they're ready to install a Moonbase up there."

"Yep, and I've been given the job to survey the site," Jeff replied. "It should take at least seven weeks, then I'll put in my resignation. I've been doing this job for far too long."

Lucille walked up behind her husband and wrapped her arms around him.

"Imagine it. In ten years, Man will live on the Moon," she said. "We're all proud of you."

Without a response, Jeff took Lucille's hand and walked her out onto the porch. He gazed into her eyes for a moment, before diverting his gaze onto the Moon above. He had to leave again in a couple of days so he could begin the one mission that would define his career forever. He spent those few days in the arms of his wife while spending time with his Son. Saying goodbye was always difficult. On the morning of his training, he held his son for the final time.

"I'll see you in Seven Weeks, Hon," he said. "Maybe, I'll get to build Scott his rocket ship while I'm up there."

"Please be safe up there?" she replied. "We'll see you in seven weeks."

"I promise to call you when I arrive at the test facility," he assured her. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Lucille sighed heavily as she watched Jeff's helicopter disappear over the horizon. Her pride overshadowed her fears. It got easier over time, but she never forgot the long sleepless nights she had without him.

Jeff's training began at the testing facility at the Cape. Dressed in a red flight jumpsuit, he entered the mission control simulation room where he met another friend of his. Luke Davis was the mission controller at the facility. He had served with Jeff for many years and couldn't wait to train with him for the mission. By the end of the week, Jeff was prepped and ready to go. Luke stepped into the bay with a box of materials. He set it down on a workbench that was set up at Jeff's request.

"Six weeks in Solitary, eh, Luke?" Jeff chuckled.

"Well, you were the one who wanted to check out your rocket design theory," Luke replied. "Can't believe you set up the room into a laboratory over the space of a week."

"Yeah well, I appreciate you setting up the workbench for me. At least I can build that rocket for Scott, I've been promising."

"Sure thing. We'll be monitoring your progress from the observation bay. Good luck."

The weeks raced by and Jeff worked tirelessly away at his designs. When he wasn't working, he took the time to build a few models for his son. By the end of week seven, the door opened and Jeff returned to civilisation. Luke congratulated him on his success and decided to send him home. When he returned to the ranch, he gave his model rockets to Scott. The look of joy on his little boy's face said it all. He realised that Scott would grow up to be a Space buff. Perhaps he would even take over the company from him one day. He sat down and stared at the last model which he had built. It was a rocket which he had painted red with the number 3 etched into the bottom of it. He wondered if there was any significance in it? Sadly, his downtime was cut short by a rigorous training schedule. He'd try his best to work his time around it just so he could spend more time with his family. It wasn't just the training that required his attention. He also made the time to start his fledging company. When TCAC opened, it resulted in a night of celebration and passion. A few months followed when Lucille made the announcement. She was pregnant again which led to much excitement amongst the family. Little Scott squealed at the fact that he was going to have a little brother or sister.

As Summer approached, Jeff met the other members of his flight team. The crew consisted of Pilot Major Larry Hauptman, Engineer Hank White, a civilian and Scientist Major Allison Richards. He was surprised to learn that Richards had personally asked to be assigned to the mission. A familiar face was just the thing he needed to help him feel at ease. Before they could get acquainted with each other, they were ordered to report to the hangar. Larry Hauptman received a call from the mission control tower.

"Okay, people. We've been ordered to report to Edwards Air Force Base. The Aurora's waiting for us."

Time continued to race by. Out on the airfield, the door to a hangar bay slowly slid downwards. The Aurora rolled out onto the strip and taxied out onto the runway. It was a super-fast jet designed after the SR71 Blackbird, a reconnaissance spy plane. The Aurora was picked to provide the astronauts with a simulated environment that they would experience in space. Jeff marvelled at the appearance of sheer power and beauty of the machine.

"That's the Aurora," said Mission Controller Luke Davis. "It'll be the testbed to help you adapt to the high altitude and speeds you'll be flying at when you're on the mission.'

Major Larry Hauptman, the team's pilot turned to Davis. "She has a dual flight deck. What's the plan, Luke?"

"You and Colonel Tracy will take the first flight," Luke replied. "Major Richards and Engineer Wright will go up later."

The rest of the day was spent in the briefing room as the Mission Controllers took the crew through the pre-flight theory and checks. After a good night's rest, Jeff and Major Hauptman were ready for the tests. The Aurora was designed to fly to an altitude approaching the threshold of space at a speed approaching Mach 3.5 - 2700 mph. Familiar with Shuttle vehicles which were thrust into orbit on the back of rockets, Jeff soon realised that flying the Aurora was a different and more demanding discipline. Exhilarated by the experience, he began to relax and enjoy the thrill of the examination. In the cockpit beside him, Larry Hauptman was silent.

"You take her for a spell," Jeff suggested over the connecting radio link.

"Real nice of you. Colonel!" came the cool reply.

Jeff sensed the edge in Hauptman's tone. "What's eating you, Larry? I'll shut down the auto transmission to Ground Control. If you've got a problem, let's hear it."

Hauptman took control of the Aurora and pushed the delta-shaped bird into a heart-pounding dive.

"Pull her up!" shouted Jeff.

But Hauptman, grim-faced, shook his head and maintained the craft in the sickening dive position. As the G-forces tore at their bodies, Jeff tried to maintain a clear head. The Aurora was plummeting towards the Earth at an incredible speed and it was all he could do to stay conscious.

"What gives you the right of command, Tracy?" Hauptman snarled between clenched teeth as he continued to hold the controls firmly. "The way I hear tell, you've left the service!"

If the violent manoeuvre was designed to frighten or shock, Hauptman had miscalculated Jeff's nerve and self-control.

"You've heard right, major," Jeff announced crisply. "But that doesn't change things. I've been put in charge of this mission and you're stuck with me."

"Maybe," snapped Hauptman. "But I sure don't have to like it!"

"Okay, Hauptman, you've made your protest," Jeff said icily. "Now, are you going to pull us out of this dive, or do I have to crack you on the jaw?"

With a scowl, Hauptman pulled back on the controls. The Aurora's engines screamed in protest and for a split second, as dense, low-level cloud rushed up to meet them, Jeff thought that the controls were not going to respond. But the major was a first-class pilot; he had calculated exactly to what limits he could push the sleek machine. At level flight, Hauptman nodded to Jeff to resume command of the Aurora, and flicking the switch to reinstate the radio link with Mission Control, Jeff returned to test altitude and returned to the original flight plan.

Once the test flight was over, Jeff brought the Aurora in for a perfect landing. As he went to the debriefing session, a serious question was in the forefront of Jeff's mind: Should he tell Mission Control about Hauptman's feeling towards him, or should he ignore what was potentially an explosive situation? The crew were scheduled to spend many weeks together, in extreme conditions, in an unfriendly environment beyond this world. Could Jeff risk the success of the mission for the sake of a petty personality clash?