His mother was buzzing when she picked him up, though Jeff couldn't blame her. Of all the boys she had been in Alan's life the most. He'd been so little when they had lost Lucy that he had no memories of her. When Jeff realised he wasn't coping, he'd called Mum in and she'd taken on that maternal role. She'd been there for many of Alan's first, so his high school graduation was a big milestone. It also meant the last of his boys was becoming an adult. It was bittersweet. Jeff would never hold them back, but he'd missed so much he wished he could keep them young that little bit longer. The flight was spent being informed of the plan.

Jeff was deposited in the engineering room, where he stepped up onto the raised walkway. He'd dressed as instructed, in a smart white shirt and it wasn't long until his eldest boys joined him. John was first, having come down in the space elevator and changed. He'd bounded up the steps effortlessly and given Jeff a hug.

"Ready for this, Dad?"

"Definitely. I always enjoyed watching you boys graduate."

Scott and Virgil entered next, followed by Kayo, Brains and MAX, then Parker, Lady Penelope and Gordon. The Mechanic stood off to the side. Finally, Mum entered with Alan. It was a proud moment seeing his youngest son in International Rescue blue. The boy had worked hard to earn the right to wear it. His mother joined him as Alan received hugs from his brothers. It felt surreal, the scene below, knowing he was actually part of this day. Pride bubbled up higher within Jeff with every stair Alan ascended. Seeing Lucy's graduation hat, the one she'd stolen and never returned, on her youngest son's head made it feel like she was there with them. She would be so proud of her boys. Jeff handed over the certificate which would inform the world of how bright his son was. Jeff held back as long as he could, which wasn't long, before pulling Alan into a hug. It all went smoothly.

"Congratulations son. We should talk about college."

"College? I don't even have my own car yet."

"You have a rocket."

"Oh yeah, that's true."

There were smiles all round.

Beep beep beep beep

"Sorry everyone, we have a situation."

The whole assembly sprung into action. The boys and Kayo ran for the lift and were gone in seconds. Alan has run off holding his hat and scroll. Jeff was never going to keep up with them. Instead, Mum passed him his cane and they accompanied Parker and Penelope to catch the lift when it came back down. When they entered the living room, scans of the situation were being projected above the table. John was the only one left in the room, though Lucy's graduation had been thrown on the sofa.

"Fancy taking the lead on this one until I'm on Thunderbird Five? Alan's going to give me a lift."

"FAB."

"Parker, I believe we could make ourselves useful in the kitchen. I might have a few contacts who could advise on this situation."

"H'right m' lady."

Jeff headed over to the desk as John disappeared. Taking up his seat felt just like the old days. He also knew how much faith was being put in him in allowing him to be involved, even just temporarily. With his mother to his left, Jeff answered the call.

"This is Jeff Tracy of International Rescue. How may we be of assistance."

The relief in the voice on the other end was quickly replaced by panic as the situation was relayed.

"International Rescue, boy am I glad to hear from you. It's the suspension bridge, it was signed off to be able to support the weight of the Saturn Probe, but it appears to be failing. The men in the cabin are trapped, the cab is currently hanging from the bridge, caught by one of the cables, but it won't last long. The probe is pulling it down slowly. It'll be in the water in no time. The drivers weren't able to get out in time. They're trapped…."

"Stay calm, International Rescue is on the way. Thunderbird One will be with you in a matter of minutes."

"Thank you, oh thank you!"

Jeff kept his tone even as he asked for all the facts. He didn't require all the information, but it was a way of keeping them calm. With the basics collected, he excused himself and muted the microphone, keeping the connection open.

"Base to Thunderbird One."

"Yes father?"

"Two men are trapped in the cabin of the truck. It's currently hanging from the bridge but it won't be long until it is pulled into the water. Hopefully you'll be able to catch it before it goes under. The probe is sinking to the bottom of the river but that is not our priority. As per regulations, no one was in it while it was being transported."

"Yes, father. I'll survey the situation and see if I can grab the cabin. I may need Thunderbird Four to cut it free."

"Thunderbird Two and Four are fifteen minutes behind you Scott."

"FAB."

"It's a shame to lose the probe like this," Brains announced to the room, "thankfully half the scientific equipment was to be installed at the launch site, however years of preparation has just been lost. The project managers sh-should have checked the bridge's stability better."

"That may be so Brains, but right now two lives are in danger."

"Sorry to interrupt, but I have a distress call that requires your attention."

"Send it through, EOS."

The AI blinked off the screen before Jeff and was replaced with the snippets of speech.

"...I'm trapped. Help me…"

"This is Jeff Tracy of International Rescue. Where are you trapped?"

"J-J-Jeff Tracy? The astronaut?" A young girl sobbed.

"Yes, the astronaut. How may I help you?"

"I'm in the Saturn probe. My Dad was one of the engineers who built it and I snuck onboard this morning. I don't know what happened. There was a big clunk. I hit the wall and bumped my head. I'm scared."

A loud sniffle echoed over the comm.

"What's your name?"

"Maisie."

"Right, Maisie. International Rescue is already on the way. We're going to get you out as soon as we can. I need you to be brave for me now. I'm going to mute my microphone so I can let them know where you are and discuss how to rescue you. I'll still be able to hear you though. I'll still be here."

"O-okay."

Muting the microphone, but still hearing the child's terrified sobs, Jeff activated the comm to Thunderbirds One and Two.

"Base to Thunderbirds One and Two."

"Yes father." Scott and Virgil answered simultaneously.

"There's a change of plan. There's a child trapped within the probe itself."

Brains was currently standing by the table inspecting the scans that floated about it. The fallen truck bed was to the left though Brains had shifted the view so the probe was now taking centre stage.

"Scott," the engineer piped in, "the probe should be water tight so the child has time, however the cabin of the truck won't be. Please focus on them until Thunderbird Two arrives."

"FAB, Brains."

There was a pause over the comm line and all Jeff could do was wait. Brains continued to study the scans, muttering to himself as his fingers moved about. Numbers appeared to produce a series of calculations which slowly hoovered beside the scan. MAX beeped occasionally in response to the engineer, the robot standing besides his creator, moving now and again to keep out of the man's way. Jeff smiled. MAX was very much an improvement on Braman, who had been technologically advanced but also rather annoying.

"Thunderbird One to base."

"I'm listening, Scott."

"I'm scanning the area as we speak. The images should be available in a moment. The cabin is still suspended, though barely. I'm going to attach a line in a moment."

"Thank you, son."

Just as promised, a more detailed scan popped up before Jeff. Thunderbird Five's scanners were incredible but nothing could beat an on-site scan. The outline of Thunderbird One swung around on the screen, her main hatch opening beneath her. A second later there was a dart of movement as something left the craft. A small red circle appeared briefly above the water before switching to green. The slender Thunderbird's thrusters glowed as it rose straight up.

"I made contact with the cabin but the impact knocked it free of the bridge. I'm struggling to keep the cabin above water. I'm going to need Gordon to cut the cabin free, and soon."

"Thunderbird Two is almost with you, Scott."

John's voice rang out over the comm line confirming he'd got up to Thunderbird Five. The space elevator was the quickest way from Earth to the satellite, but Thunderbird Three was the safest.

"Thunderbird Four is ready to deploy."

"Thunderbird Two is approaching from the south. Preparing to drop the module."

The holographic image of the Thunderbird Two glided up the river until it was less than half a kilometre away. She paused, still for barely a second, before the module dropped from her belly. After much wobbling, she shot the module with the grapples ready for retrieval. It also had the added bonus of stopping the module from drifting downstream. Jeff's heart flickered as the door splashed into the water and the small shape of Thunderbird Four dived out into the flowing river. With Thunderbird Four gone, the mechanism activated and closed the door allowing Virgil to retrieve the module.

"I'm approaching the cabin now, Scott."

The scans beneath the river became instantly clearer as the submarine closed in. Her sonar and scanners were perfectly designed for water and brought fresh clarity to the display. Unlike Thunderbird One, the surface and waves had no effect on her equipment. The little submarine closed in on the cabin, which was barely being kept above the surface. Jeff was certain the occupants would be wet as he tapped on the projection and zoomed in on the rescue. This new perspective meant his heart was racing in anticipation. As he watched his sons work he was there with them, in a way he never had been before. Adrenaline rushed through his veins as the little submarine paused in front of the truck.

"Scott, give me a little slack, I'm about to cut the cab."

"FAB, Gordon."

The diagram wasn't detailed enough to show exactly what Gordon was doing, but beside him a large grasping claw descended down and slowly reached for the probe. As Jeff's eyes observed the silent display, his mind drifted to the sounds it would make as it closed around the probe. A dull echoing thud, just like the small asteroids and debris that used to hit Alfie, or his cabin home in the Oort cloud. It could be a frightening sound if one was not prepared for it. His fingers moved instantly, touching the communications icon and tapping the one for the girl. Damn it! He'd slipped on that one, left a small child on her own and scared.

"...see it. I'm going to try to close the hatch."

"That's it." John's deep calm voice filled the room and relief flooded Jeff's veins instantly. The records stated John often stayed on the line with frightened people. It was something International Rescue was known for, the calming reassuring voice who answered the phone. "It might be a little stiff but it'll help keep you safe. The probe is designed to withstand the vacuum of space so can handle a little water pressure."

"And Thunderbird Two is here?"

"Not only Thunderbird Two, but Thunderbird One is up there too."

"Really?"

"Really," Jeff could hear the smile in his son's voice as he kept Maisie distracted from her situation. The awe of being close to a Thunderbird couldn't be beaten. "What do you think of Thunderbird Four?"

There was a squeal of metal over the comm as Maisie presumably sectioned herself off. It was a clever idea from John, a way to reduce the risk of her drowning if there was a breach. A quick glance at his settings confirmed his microphone was still turned off.

"Thunderbird Four is cool, but I don't like yellow."

John's laugh was short but hearty.

"I would be careful to not let that slip to Gordon. He loves how bright his Thunderbird is."

"I won't. It's not like I'm going to meet him any time soon."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that one. Thunderbird Four is right outside rescuing the drivers."

Another gasp came from the child as the general comm line activated.

"Scott, I'm almost through the rod. Prepare for detachment in five…four...three...two…one!"

The cabin detached from the main body and started to slowly rise towards the surface. That was two of three rescued as Thunderbird One flew higher with the cabin hanging below. Jeff knew that the cabin would be on dry land in a few minutes and there was already an ambulance crew on standby to whisk the occupants away for a check up. Thunderbird Four was already heading towards the probe, the scan updating as Gordon guided the craft down to it.

"You mean I have THREE Thunderbirds out saving me?"

Jeff could almost picture how flabbergasted the child was. Despite the situation, she was no longer as panicky as she had been and John was pretty sure she was physically okay.

"Technically we have required all five Thunderbirds in this rescue. I was on Earth when the call came through. Thunderbird Three was launched to bring me up here so I can have access to all my equipment."

A sideways blonde head popped up next to John's, the International Rescue blue of his uniform just visible in the picture.

"Hi Maisie, I'm Alan and I fly Thunderbird Three."

The youngest Tracy waved as a giggle came in response.

"Hi Alan."

John exaggerated an eye roll and pushed his brother out of shot, bringing a smile to Jeff's face. It was simple brotherly antics which anyone could recognise, but it was played up to keep the child's mind away from her situation.

"Hey!"

Alan's complaint was heard from behind John, however his middle son's eyes had become harder, a clear sign that the fun was over.

"Okay Maisie. Everyone's ready now. Thunderbird Two and Four are going to start lifting the probe out of the water with you in it. There's going to be a lot of rocking so I need you to keep as low as possible so you don't hit your head again. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes."

"Good. I'm going to be here the whole time so you won't be alone. If you feel or see water at any point, let me know straight away and we'll get you out of there pronto."

"What happens if water comes in?"

"If water starts coming in Thunderbird Four will cut you out, however it's safer to leave you inside and keep the probe whole."

"Okay."

There was a small squeal from the girl when the probe first shifted. The hologram of the situation showed Thunderbird Four clamped to the lower side of the probe with two taut cables attached to the claw. Jeff switched comm lines, leaving John to his job.

"Virgil, the probe is tilting to the left."

"Got it."

Jeff tapped the hologram of each Thunderbird to bring up its current status. Thunderbird Two's engines were nowhere near their limit but he could see the uneven pull of each. Thunderbird Four's thrusters were going hard with the right left one trying to correct the probe's tilt. The metres beside the engines shifted as Virgil adjusted his craft's position. Thunderbird Four's thrusters responded, evening out and helping to guide the probe to the surface. It was a smooth operation, one he was sure his boys had done countless times. Thunderbird Four's equipment continued to scan the area about it, detecting every little movement. Jeff's eyes scoured the readings, hoping the construction was good enough to withstand the pressure. It wasn't long until the probe broke the surface of the water and Thunderbird Four released its clamp. Thunderbird Two's engines took over completely, straining at the sheer weight of it. It might be light enough to launch into space, but it was still heavy.

"Need a hand Virgil?"

Thunderbird One glided into view and Scott performed a fancy little twist so his craft was beside his brother's.

"Wouldn't say no, don't want to put the girl out of action."

"Gordon wouldn't appreciate having to find alternative transport home."

Laughter passed over the line as the grapple of Thunderbird One shot out of her belly and attached to the end of the probe.

"Hey! There's water all the way from here to the island, so I don't need you two."

"The fastest route from your current location to Tracy Island would take three days, four hours and twenty three minutes, assuming you take appropriate breaks."

Even Jeff chuckled at EOS's intrusion. The AI certainly knew when to pick her moment.

"See, easily doable."

"You better get going then," Scott sniggered, "I'm sure Grandma will have a special victory meal prepared when you get home."

Jeff held his tongue. He didn't mind the banter, as long as it didn't distract from the rescue, and this one still wasn't over. Scott and Virgil were still carrying the probe containing a very brave little girl. The stakes were still high if something went wrong. Thankfully, they were approaching a large grassy area and they both quietened down as they focused on lowering the probe to the ground. Both Thunderbirds detached their grapples, though only Thunderbird One landed straight away. Virgil headed off to go pick up his brother.

"John, I need a clear scan of the probe. Is any of it breached? What's the safest way in?"

Scott was already a little holographic blue triangle hovering about the probe. Jeff's read of all the rescue files meant he was well aware of his eldest son's love of the jetpack. It seemed even as an adult, Scott preferred not to have his feet on the ground. The toddler who climbed and jumped off everything was still in there.

"My scans suggest there was no breach, so it should be safe to get Maisie out the way she went in. There's a hatch about a third the way down."

The blue triangle located the hatch and disappeared inside the probe. The little red blip that indicated Maisie was very quickly engulfed by the blue triangle.

"I have Maisie. We're making our way out now."

"FAB, Scott."

The blue triangle moved back the way it'd come and soon it was back in the air, abet only a few feet above the ground. It headed straight towards the red triangles which represent the local services, in particular the ambulance. The little blue triangle stayed in the ambulance as they did the initial assessment of the child's injuries. Before long Thunderbird Two landed beside her sister and two more triangles popped out. The yellow and green triangles hurried over to the ambulance and the comm line activated.

"So you're the rascal that doesn't like yellow?"

The words were dripping in merriment in a way that only Gordon could do. The man had been an energetic bundle of joy and laughter as a child, and you knew if it stopped either something was wrong, or he was about to be naughty. a subdued giggle came from the child before Scott filled his brothers in on the situation.

"A small bump on her head that's giving her a little headache and a few scrapes but nothing too serious. They are happy for us to take her to the emergency room if we want."

"How do you want to get to the hospital, Maisie?" Virgil's calm voice spoke.

"By Thunderbird!"

"Now, seeing as you're still sitting here, I'm guessing you don't want to go in Thunderbird One."

"She wants to travel in Thunderbird Four, despite its colour."

"Noooo!" Maisie squealed, "I want to sit in Thunderbird Two!"

"Your wish is my command."

"Show off." Scott muttered.

Jeff was sure he was missing things by not being able to see. Gestures and expressions, even if small, could make the difference. Though know Virgil, he was sure he'd just give a humble bow to the child. The red marker was soon between the yellow and green triangles being led toward Thunderbird Two. Scott's triangle headed away towards the police car to give a handover and get the details of where to send the report. Some departments can be extremely fussy, though a copy of every rescue report was always sent to the GDF. The reports they sent out were thinner than the reports they kept themselves. The GDF only needed to know the basics, and although International Rescue was more open with them now, there were still secrets they needed to keep. Scott had provided Jeff with the information that they were happy to share which he pulled up.

The rescue was now over and if there was one thing Jeff could do to help his boys, it was to help fill out the reports. EOS already had a file created, with the transcript of the comm line recorded and written on a timeline. A second timeline has the major event times, such as when Thunderbird One arrives, which was useful as Jeff always had to check flight data to work out the rough timings when he was an operative. This was where Jeff started, fleshing out the points and giving more details to them based on his observations. The boys would read through and add more later. His fingers slipped into the rhythm of typing, even if he was slower than he used to be.

Jeff jolted as a mug of coffee was placed beside him. His mother smiled down at him, love overflowing from her blue eyes as her hand squeezed Jeff's shoulder. His mother had been almost inseparable from his side since he'd returned to Earth. Jeff couldn't blame her, he wanted to do the same with his boys, but there were still times when the woman would fill up with love and wonder. It was a miracle he was home alive.

"You did great."

"Thanks Mum, for everything."

His mother's lip quivered, before she wrapped her arms around him. Jeff lent his head against her shoulder, well aware of the slight frailness in the woman's body. She was active and healthy, but ageing couldn't be stopped. Jeff was lucky to be able to spend more time with her.