JEFF Tracy stood alone on top of a small cliff edge overlooking a valley across the lunar surface. Down below stood the battered and sad remains of Shadow-Alpha-1. This was the first time he'd seen it since he'd left to set up International Rescue. He knew how much the base meant to his best friend Captain Lee Taylor and had heard the story of what happened when Scott and Alan had flown to rescue him from getting destroyed by a deadly meteor shower.

Alan walked up and stood alongside. "Reminiscing, Dad?" he asked.

"Big time, Alan," replied Jeff. "I spent quite a few years living here along with Lee and the rest of the people who worked there." He let out a sad sigh. "Kind of breaks my heart to see it looking like that."

Alan looked at the base. He hadn't been the one to set foot inside the base. Only Scott had done that. He did wish that he'd had the chance though. "Nothing lasts forever, Dad," he said.

"Quite right, son," agreed Jeff. He turned to face the opposite direction. "Man moves on. He rebuilds. Makes things better."

Alan also turned around. "Always pushing harder. To reach out further," he said as he gazed at the giant new complex that was being built in the neighbouring valley to where Shadow-Alpha-1 was located.

Base Endeavour was a brand-new exploration complex. Not for the exploration of the Moon, but as a base for training and potential exploration to further out into the Solar System and possibly even beyond.

Jeff and Alan had come to visit the base because the person behind it was another of Jeff's old friends - Professor Martin Grissom. Construction of the base's main complex including the Control Center, Training School, Living Quarters and Medical Facilities were already completed. The last two sections, fuel storage and a large launch pad were in the final stages of construction. It had been a swift and efficient operation for the whole project had only taken around nine months so far.

"So Jeff, what do you think?" asked Professor Grissom.

"I'm very impressed, Martin," said Jeff. "The speed of the construction on its own is simply mind-boggling."

"Bet Brains is sorry he didn't come now," remarked Alan.

"He'll get his chance," said Jeff. "If he wasn't working on Thunderbird 2 I reckon he probably would have come."

They soon reached a room inside the main building. Inside were several technicians looking over what looked like a large telescope. Standing at a desk looked to be the base commander.

Professor Grissom seemed keen to make introductions. "Jeff, Alan, this is Commander Gorski."

"Commander," said Jeff, shaking the Commander's hand.

"Jeff Tracy," said Gorski. "This is indeed an honour."

"Hi," said Alan. "I'm Alan."

"We have a fix on the target, Professor," Gorski said, completely ignoring Alan.

"Magnificent," said Professor Grissom excitedly. "You really should see this, Jeff."

Alan blinked. Gorski hadn't expected Gorski to not even pay him any attention whatsoever. He felt a bit hurt by this, but he didn't want to create a scene so he stayed silent.

Professor Grissom and Gorski took Jeff over to the telescope with a somewhat disheartened Alan a few steps behind. Reaching the telescope, Professor Grissom excitedly peered through the viewfinder. "Ooooh!" he said like an excitable child. "There she is, Jeff. Take a look."

Jeff peered in through the viewfinder. "Amazing!" he said. "Such a clear visual."

"Advanced magnification makes observation so much easier," said Gorski.

Jeff moved back. "Alan, take a look."

Alan, still feeling hurt by Gorski paying him no attention, walked over to the telescope and looked in. His feelings were washed away by what he saw. A battleship grey-coloured planet stood large and clear through the telescope's viewing portal. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "There she is. Planet Traxton!"

5!

4!

3!

2!

1!

"Thunderbirds Are Go!"

"CONSPIRACY" Part 1

THUNDERBIRD 2's vast hangar was a hive of activity. The ship was undergoing essential maintenance. Its four VTOL engines were being serviced with Brains overseeing the work himself with assistance from MAX, Braman and a few other smaller robotic repairers.

Virgil, Gordon and Hayley Madison were busy too. Virgil was busy tinkering with the one of the Mole-Pods whilst Gordon was making adjustments to one of Thunderbird 4's robotic arms. Hayley was taking some time away from her training to become a Medical Officer in the Global Defence Force to visit Virgil. It was a weekend and whilst she spent time at the GDF Training Facility in America, she would alternate her weekends with one being spent with her parents in England and the next with Virgil on Tracy Island. As all was quiet and she'd had enough of studying for her exams, she decided to lend the boys a hand with the maintenance and very quickly impressed everyone by showing them that she was good and mechanics as well. It made a nice change and she enjoyed doing it. At this moment in time, Hayley was working near to Virgil. She was attending to one of the other Pods which had been set up in its Elevator-Car mode. She lay on her back on one of Alan's old skateboards which she rolled back and forth underneath the undercarriage of the Pod whilst it stood on a set of blocks with its wheels off the floor.

Hayley was enjoying herself so much that she suddenly began singing as she adjusted part of one of the wheel frames with a spanner. "London's burning! London's burning! Fetch the engines! Fetch the engines! Fire-Fire! Fire-Fire! Pour on water! Pour on water!"

Gordon came out of Module 4 to look for a piece of equipment that he'd misplaced. Hayley's singing distracted him however and he came over to see her. He then saw a strange looking tool on the ground near to where she was. It had a nozzle on one end and some kind of pump handle on the other. "What's this for, Hayley?" he asked with interest as he picked it up. "Washing the wax out of an elephant's ear?" He peered down the nozzle and accidentally pushed the handle causing something black and sticky to shoot out and splash him in the face. "AAH! HELP!" he cried. "IT'S ATTACKING ME!"

Hayley rolled out from under the Pod and raised her eyebrows. "It's a grease gun, silly," she said before holding out her right hand. "Hand it over, Gordon. I need it to grease this squeaky wheel. It's been driving Virgil mad." She took the grease gun from Gordon and rolled back under the Pod.

Virgil then came out from Module 2 where he'd been working on the Mole-Pod. He was carrying a box of tools to put back in their right places. There were two, one on top of the other, and Gordon wondered if he could help his brother.

"Do you need a hand, Virg?" asked Gordon.

"Thanks, Gordon, but I've got this," Virgil replied. He then effortlessly placed the tool boxes into one of the storage cupboards and closed the door. He then turned, saw Gordon and gasped. "Gordon! Just look at your face!" he said before trying to prevent himself from laughing. "Are you going on the war-path?"

An old mirror stood on one of the other cabinets. Gordon looked at himself to see his face was almost completely covered in the grease. It made him look like a commando trying to hide in a jungle. "No," he said sheepishly. "I had an accident with Hayley's grease gun."

"Well you'd better get cleaned up," said Virgil, still trying not to laugh. "We can't let standards drop just because Dad is away."

Hayley had come back out from under the Pod having put grease on the wheel. She couldn't help but giggle at Gordon's misfortune.

Alan couldn't take his eyes away from the telescope. The planet of Traxton was an amazing sight.

"What do you make of it, Alan?" asked Jeff.

"It's so cool!" Alan replied. "I just wish I could take a photo of it. You know, for the memories."

Professor Grissom smiled. "Push that then," he said, pointing to a small red button on the side of the telescope.

Alan pushed it, and he heard the distinctive sound of a camera shutter clicking. "Wait, what?"

Professor Grissom then reached over to a nearby device as a sheet of five perfectly clear photos came out. The Professor then took a pair of scissors and neatly cut one off from the rest of the set and handed it to Alan. "There you are, young man," he said. "Your own personal photo of Traxton."

Alan looked like a kid on Christmas Morning. "Gee, thanks, Professor!" he said. "I will treasure this for the rest of my life."

Jeff looked proudly at his son. "Good for you, Alan," he said, patting him on the shoulders. "Where do we go next, Martin?"

"To see the man himself, Jeff," said Professor Grissom. He turned to Gorski. "Commander, where is Dr Traxton?"

"Where he always is, Professor," said Gorski. "In that confounded laboratory of yours."

"Ah, yes, of course," said Professor Grissom, scratching the back of his head. "Silly me. This way." He then guided Jeff and Alan out of the room.

As they left, Alan glanced back at Gorski and gave him a hard stare. Gorski wasn't phased and gave him a grimace in return. ",What are you looking at?" Gorsky asked.

"Are you always like this?" asked Alan.

"Like what?"

"Rude and dismissive?"

Gorski was offended. He began to walk threateningly towards Alan. "I beg your pardon? Who do you think you're talking to, boy?"

"Someone who clearly has no faith in the astronauts of the future," said Alan.

"Astronauts are fit, fearless, grown people, not excitable teenagers!" Gorski snapped. "Look at you. I bet you're not even out of high school!"

"Hey, I passed high school a year and a bit ago!" Alan retorted. "I bet you weren't an astronaut when you were in high school. Plus I happen to be a son of Jeff Tracy and-"

Gorski grabbed Alan and put his threatening face close to Alan's. "And you will never be like him," he said darkly. "Nobody is greater than Jeff Tracy. He gets recognised wherever he goes. I bet you never have, have you?"

"Alan?"

Gorski looked up. Although Jeff was out of view, he quickly let go of Alan. "Get out," he hissed. "Before I tell your father what a nuisance you are."

Alan hastily left the room, trying hard not to burst into tears.

"There you are!" said Jeff when Alan appeared. "Wondered where you got to."

"Sorry, Dad," said Alan.

"Is something wrong, son?" asked Jeff, noticing how pale Alan was looking.

Alan looked back towards the telescope room, the door now shut. "I had, er, a chat with Commander Gorski."

"Oh, dear," said Professor Grissom. "I must apologise, Alan. I'm afraid Commander Gorski isn't quite the man to lead this base despite his belief that he is."

Jeff was concerned. "What did he say to you, Alan?"

Alan hesitated. "Can I tell you later? In private?" he asked.

"Very well," said Jeff. "Come on then."

They headed off down the corridor towards the laboratory. Alan looked down at the photo of Traxton. He wanted to feel excited again because of having this unique gift presented to him, but Gorski's words had hit him hard - especially the line about not getting recognised like Jeff did. As much as he hated to admit it, this was actually true. Sure International Rescue was globally known with many having seen their ships, but he'd never passed people and seen them stop and gape at him in awe. Walking down the corridor they would pass some other members of the base's population who would all stop and greet Jeff with excitement and wonder. Not one said anything to him or even seemed to notice he was there. He looked down at the floor and noticed that his feet were touching the floor being covered by Jeff's shadow. Gorski may be a horrible man, but one thing he's not is wrong, he thought sadly. Alan was so busy feeling sorry for himself that he didn't realise that Jeff and Professor Grissom had gone down another corridor, and he continued straight on until another person came out of a door and bumped into him. "OOF!"

"Whoops! Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry!" said a woman's voice with an Australian accent. "Are you alright?"

"I'm, er, fine," Alan said, still dazed. He looked up and stopped dead. He found himself face to face with a young woman. She looked to be about Kayo's age but was the same height as him. She had long brown hair and a face that seemed familiar to him. It was the most beautiful face he'd ever seen. Her green eyes looked caring and welcoming. Alan looked around, suddenly realising Jeff and the Professor were nowhere to be seen. "I am sorry, I must have been day-dreaming," he said. "And now I seem to be lost."

"Where are you headed?" asked the woman.

"To Professor Grissom's laboratory I think," said Alan.

"Ah, well I can direct you," said the woman. "Backtrack about ten metres and turn left. It's right down the end."

"Thanks," said Alan. He turned to go.

"Hold up," the woman said suddenly. "Aren't you Alan Tracy?"

Alan stopped dead, wondering if he'd heard correctly. He turned back. "Yeah…I am," he said. "How do you know?"

"Well the uniform kind of gives you away," said the woman with a laugh. "Plus you're the one that flies Thunderbird 3 and does all the cool space missions, not to mention it was you who saved the Earth by taking your ship to the Sun to stop that solar matter business."

Alan blushed. "Why, er, thanks, I guess," he said, a little embarrassed. "I'd better re-join my Dad. Nice to meet you, Miss, er-"

"Doctor, actually," said the woman. "Dr Telford. Please call me Sophie."

"Right, Doc, er, Sophie," said Alan awkwardly. "Thanks again." He turned and hastily walked away.

Jeff suddenly appeared from the corridor as Alan reached it. "Where have you been this time?" he asked, sounding a little irritated.

"Sorry, Dad," said Alan. "I let Gorski's words get to me and I got distracted. Thankfully I bumped into someone who pointed me in the right direction." He indicated to Sophie just as she looked back to give him a flirty wave. She hastily stopped and scurried off with embarrassment when she realised Jeff had seen her. Alan gave a giggle. "Wow, I think she likes me, Dad." He looked up and saw Jeff was looking along the corridor after Sophie with a stunned look on his face. "Dad?"

Jeff snapped back to reality. "What? Oh, sorry, son. It's nothing. Come on."

Alan followed, but not before taking one last look back in the direction of where Sophie had been.

They soon reached the laboratory where they found an older, short and slightly rounded man with glasses who was looking at a series of photographs of the planet.

"Dr Traxton?" said Professor Grissom.

The man jumped and the pictures went flying in all directions. "Damnation! Grissom, how many times must I-" He broke off, suddenly noticing Jeff. His jaw nearly hit the floor and he forgot all about the photos for a moment. "Oh, my goodness! Jeff Tracy?!" He dashed forwards and shook Jeff's hand vigorously.

"Dr Hubert Traxton, I presume?" said Jeff.

"Traxton?" repeated Alan. "You mean?"

"Yes, Alan," said Professor Grissom. "This is the man who discovered the planet."

"And who it's been named after," added Jeff as the excitable doctor finally let go of his hand. "Good to meet you, Doctor."

"Not as good as it is to meet you, Colonel Tracy," said Dr Traxton. "I have followed your exploits with a massive interest. It was one of my dreams to meet you or Captain Taylor one day."

"Doctor, young Alan here has something you might want to look at," said Professor Grissom.

The doctor looked at Alan. "Oh? And what might that be?" he asked with interest.

Alan showed him one of the photos taken from the telescope. "I pushed the button to get these," he said.

Dr Traxton's eyes nearly popped out of his head as he almost snatched the photo out of Alan's hand and gazed at it. He began to tremble with excitement. "This is the clearest image we have to date of Traxton!" he said. "The boys on the telescope have done wonders for us. They should be proud."

"I'm curious, Doctor," said Jeff. "Where exactly has this new planet come from?"

"A most interesting question," replied Dr Traxton. "Nobody knows. The fact it's heading straight on a continuous course is intriguing. It's my guess that it belonged to a distant or neighbouring solar system that has either died out or something happened that caused it to break from its orbit or position in space."

"Is it going to join ours then?" asked Alan.

"Not likely," said Dr Traxton. "It's trajectory is beyond that of Pluto's orbit and therefore isn't likely to get affected by the gravity pull of our Sun. It should simply pass by our system and then be lost forever until it reaches an end."

"Which is why we need to get this base up and running as soon as possible," said Professor Grissom. "We only have a window of about eighteen months to get the Guinevere constructed and launched so that we can set foot on Traxton, explore it, study it, and return before it gets out of our reach forever."

Alan looked at the photo of Traxton in his hand. "Man, that'll be quite an achievement," he said.

It was late in the night over the South Pacific when Thunderbird 3 re-entered the Earth's atmosphere. Tracy Island was practically hidden in the darkness and would have been invisible had it not been for the guidance lights around the Roundhouse where Thunderbird 3's silo was located.

"Tracy Island from Thunderbird 3. We're coming in to land," Alan reported over the radio.

"F-A-B, Alan," acknowledged Gordon. "Welcome home."

Thunderbird 3 went from horizontal to vertical flight before using the thrusters to gently guide it down into its silo.

"And we're down," said Alan after touchdown was completed.

"Well done, son," said Jeff. "As expertly as always."

Alan blushed. "Thanks," he said. Then he remembered something. "Dad, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Alan," said Jeff. "What is it?"

"Why were you looking at the girl I was talking to in the way that you were?"

Jeff went a little pale for a second. "Ah, yes…" he said. "What was her name?"

"Dr Sophie Telford, I think," said Alan.

"I see," said Jeff. "Well, I'm not quite sure if I can say it, Alan. but, if you really want to know the answer, take a look at the old family photo in the hallway." He then got up and left, leaving Alan confused.

As it was late, everyone else was in bed except for Gordon who was on night watch. Jeff and Alan were both tired after their long day and decided to head to bed as well. But Alan had a little something he wanted to do. He found an empty picture frame in one of his chest of drawers and placed his copy of the photo of Traxton inside it before he put it up on its stand on top of the drawers. He felt very proud of himself. He then laid down on his bed and checked his phone. There were many messages in his Facebook account where millions tried to get him to become friends with them and would constantly send messages asking him to tell them stuff about International Rescue, something which Alan knew he could not do. Normally the last thing he would do before bed was select all the day's messages and simply delete them. However, as he was about to do so, he saw a name that caught his attention. It said 'Sophie Telford wants to send you a message'. Intrigued, Alan pressed the button and viewed the message. The message read…

"Hi, Alan.

I hope you don't mind me messaging you. I still feel bad about almost knocking you over earlier today. I do hope you can forgive me. Also, sorry for my little wave as your father appeared. He must have thought that I was weird. I am still buzzing so much that I met you in person. I couldn't stop telling my colleagues about it. I think they must have thought I was crazy, getting excited over one of Jeff Tracy's sons where everyone else gets excited over the presence of your father. Believe me, I know what it's like to be stuck in the shadow of a great man. But enough of that. I'm glad I got to meet you, and once again, sorry for walking into you.

Maybe I'll see you again if you come for a return visit to Endeavour?

All the best.

Sophie."

Alan couldn't stop looking at the message. "Woah…" he said to himself. "She really took a liking to me." Then he remembered. "Hang on. What was that Dad said about the old family photo?" He got out of bed and walked back out into the hallway. He moved around quietly so as not to disturb anybody. He soon reached a large photo in a frame on the wall. It showed the entire Tracy family taken several years ago. Alan had been very young at the time. The family were in two rows. In the front were Scott, Virgil, John and Gordon. Behind them were Grandma and Grandpa Tracy, Jeff and finally Lucy Tracy. In her arms was a bundle of white blankets that contained a one year old Alan. it was as he looked at Lucy that he noticed something. Her face and eyes looked very similar to Sophie. Now he understood what Jeff had been on about. "Woah…" he said again in awe.

Alan was the last to arrive at breakfast that morning. Jeff was already there along with Gordon, Scott, Virgil, Hayley and Kayo. Grandma was cooking and Brains was nowhere to be seen.

"Morning, Alan," said Scott as Alan sat down. "Sleep okay?"

"Very well, thank you, Scott," said Alan as he sat down between him and Gordon. "Shouldn't you be in bed?" he asked Gordon.

"Soon, little bro," Gordon said with a yawn. "Very soon."

As Alan waited for Grandma to bring his breakfast over, he took out his phone and looked at Sophie's message once again. He'd deleted all the others but kept this one. He was so busy admiring it that he failed to notice Scott's eye peer over.

"Scott, are you peeping at his messages?" asked Virgil with a hint of disapproval in his voice.

Scott didn't seem to hear Virgil and instead pulled the phone from Alan's hand. "I say!" he exclaimed. "What is this then, Alan?"

"Hey, give that back!" Alan cried, trying to snatch the phone back.

"Talking to a girl are you?" said Scott slyly.

All eyes, including Jeff, looked over at Alan with surprise.

"What's this then?" asked Kayo with interest.

Alan grabbed the phone off Scott. "Scott!" he said crossly. "This wasn't to have been seen!"

"What's her name?" asked Gordon, who no longer seemed sleepy. "Tell us!"

"No!" Alan cried.

Jeff cleared his throat loudly making everyone fall quiet. "Scott, as the eldest of my sons I thought you would have known better," he said sternly.

Scott looked ashamed. "Sorry, Dad," he said. "Something just happened in me. Sorry, Alan."

Alan sighed heavily. "Her name's Sophie," he said begrudgingly. "Dr Sophie Telford. She's a doctor on Base Endeavour. I bumped into her whilst daydreaming."

"Oh, I bet you did," said Hayley cheekily.

Alan looked over at Jeff. "I looked at the photo, Dad," he said. "I see now what you mean about her."

"I thought you might," Jeff replied.

The others were puzzled. "What's this?" asked Gordon.

Alan brought up Sophie's profile picture. "Take a look," he said, showing it to Scott first.

Scott stared at it with a stunned expression. "Good grief!" he exclaimed.

Alan then showed Gordon who had an almost identical reaction. "But…she looks like…" He was too stunned to finish his sentence.

Virgil and Hayley then looked. To Hayley it didn't mean much, although she instantly thought that Sophie looked attractive. But Virgil almost went white when he saw the picture. "That's almost exactly what Mom used to look like!"

Kayo then looked at the photo. "Gosh, she does as well!" she said. She then handed the phone back to Alan just as Grandma put his breakfast on the table.

"Heavens above," Grandma said when she saw the photo. "The likeness is incredible. Looks like you have a winner there, Alan."

Alan nearly choked on his orange juice. "Can I just say something?" he said. "She's sent me a message. That is all. I have not replied to her. We're not in a relationship or anything. This isn't like Virgil and Hayley or Gordon and Lady Penelope. No offence," he added hastily.

"Maybe not yet, bro," said Gordon as he got up to go to bed. "But if you do respond, then you have to make it official." He winked and scampered off before anyone could have a go at him.

Anyway," Grandma said. "Everyone eat up and then hurry off if you please. I need to cut your father's hair before his date tonight."

"You have a date tonight, Dad?" asked Scott.

"Not exactly a date, son," Jeff replied. "I'm going to London to have dinner with Colonel Casey. There are some things we wish to discuss about our partnership with the Global Defence Force."

"Nothing serious I hope, Mr Tracy?" asked Kayo.

Jeff shook his head. "No, no, no. Just to see if there's any improvements needed. That sort of thing."

"And we're going as well," Virgil said. "Hayley and I wish to have a celebration meal before she goes back to the GDF Training Camp."

Scott, Alan, Virgil, Hayley and Kayo went up to the lounge to relax.

"Say, Virgil, how's Brains getting on with Thunderbird 2?" Scott asked.

"He's fixed the VTOL thrusters and is conducting some tests," Virgil replied. "He reckons the heavy lifting on the last mission was a bit more than she could handle."

"Lifting an entire submarine out of the ocean's a tough job for any aircraft," said Hayley.

"Because nobody else can do it but me," said Virgil proudly. "That's what's great about the big bird."

Just then there came a familiar beeping sound. It was John signalling in from Thunderbird 5.

"Already?" said Kayo, looking at her watch. "It's only nine-thirty!"

John's hologram appeared out of the eyes of his portrait on the wall. "International Rescue - we have a situation."

"What do you have, Thunderbird 5?" asked Scott.

"An unusual one," said John. He brought up a hologram showing a large open area surrounded by mountains.

"Hold up, that's Bonneville Salt-Flats!" Alan said, recognising the area. "That's where Team Speed are going to attempt the World Record later today."

"They won't unless we help them, Alan," said John. "A fire has broken out on the roof of the hangar where the special car is being housed."

"Is this an actual life and death situation, John?" asked Scott.

"No lives in immediate danger," John said. "But the car's inside the garage, and according to the team manager Mr Gillespie it's full of the octangal fuel they use to power it."

"Octangal?!" exclaimed Virgil. "That's the most dangerous fuel on the planet. If that fire causes the car to explode-"

"It'll destroy everything within a twenty mile radius," said John. "There'll be nowhere for the ground crew to run to."

Scott got up from his seat. "Okay, John. Tell Mr Gillespie that we're on our way," he said. He pressed a button on Jeff's desk. "Brains, are you done with Thunderbird 2?"

"N-Not quite, Scott," Brains said. "Why do you ask?"

"Because she's needed, Brains," said Scott. "We have a situation that will require her."

Brains didn't look too happy but didn't argue. "V-Very well," he said. "But, Virgil? Try not to p-push her too hard this time."

"F-A-B, Brains," said Virgil.

"We might need a few extra hands," Scott said. "Alan, you come with me. Hayley, would you go with Virgil?"

"F-A-B!" said Hayley and Alan again.

"Excellent," said Scott as he ran to the revolving wall panel. "Thunderbirds are GO!"

"Good luck," said Kayo.

Scott stood with his back against the revolving wall panel and pulled down the lamps. The wall turned and he disappeared from where he would take the express elevator down to Thunderbird 1. Virgil ran over to the rocket wall painting and leant against it before it tilted back so he could begin his journey down the long slide to Thunderbird 2. Alan and Hayley went down in the raising chairs to the changing areas where Alan would be given his uniform and Hayley her blue jumpsuit minus any utility sash for she wasn't a permanent member of the team. Reaching the bottom of the elevator, the doors opened and Scott, now dressed in his uniform, stepped out onto the extendable platform taking him to Thunderbird 1 where he climbed into the pilot's seat and was hoisted inside. Alan joined him directly afterwards and Thunderbird 1 then started its journey up the diagonal tunnel towards the launch bay underneath the swimming pool. Virgil meanwhile had been changed into his uniform on his way down the tunnel. He reached the end and swung down into the cockpit of Thunderbird 2 before closing the hatch above him. He then ran to his seat and sat down before activating the steering control and selected Module 3 from the list. The conveyor activated sliding Modules 1 and 2 underneath before stopping with Module 3 underneath. Another flick of a switch and the main body of Thunderbird 2 was lowered into place. Hayley arrived via the floor elevator a few seconds later. Once she was seated, Thunderbird 2 began to taxi forwards. The cliff face opened and it emerged into the open with the palm trees falling back to let it pass on its way to the launch ramp. By this time Thunderbird 1 was in position in the launch bay with the pool now open. Some blast shields had risen into place over the kitchen and dining room windows to protect them from the blast of engines. Once Thunderbird 2's ramp was hoisted into position, they were ready to go.

5! 4! 3! 2! 1!

Thunderbird 1 was first to launch, slowly rising upwards out of the swimming pool and its thrust once again pushed the sun-loungers away. Thunderbird 2 then took to the skies, rising off the ramp and climbing high above Tracy Island where the two ships formed up and were on their way to the United States.

Kayo watched from the lounge once the shields had been lowered. She first watched the two ships flying off into the distance and then looked down at the pool which was now closing up again. "I'd better go and put those sun-loungers back," Kayo chuckled to herself. "Although I don't know why Mrs Tracy insists on them still being there." Before she could leave however there came a beeping from the holo-phone on Jeff's desk. Kayo went over to see who was calling and blinked in surprise. "Private GDF frequency?" she asked. "Must be Colonel Casey." She pressed the button to receive the call. It wasn't Colonel Casey whose hologram appeared though. "Captain Rigby?!"

"Kayo, thank goodness it's you who answered!" the GDF Captain said with relief. "I need your help."

"What's the matter?" asked Kayo.

Rigby looked around. "Is anybody else there?" he asked, sounding nervous.

"Er, no?" Kayo replied. "Mr Tracy is in the kitchen with Grandma Tracy and most of the others have just left on a mission."

"Good," said Rigby. "I need you to come to Aquatraz on the double."

"Why?" Kayo asked with a frown. "What's going on, Wayne?"

Rigby looked around again before answering. "It's Colonel Casey," he whispered. "I think she's trying to release The Hood!"