I don't own Thunderbirds, Star Trek or anything that is associated with them. I obtained information about Star Trek technology from CD ROMs Star Trek: Omnipedia and Star Trek TNG Technical Manual. The crew of the Orac and the ship are my own creation.
Encounters
Five months have passed since the wormhole had been stabilised. During that time negotiations have been made between the two universes. During the negotiations, patrols were set up at both terminuses to monitor traffic entering and leaving the Abacus Wormhole. In the Federation Universe, they had a marine station and a few submarines to monitor things from that end which was located in the Northern Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile the Supermarionation Universe only had a few submarines monitoring at their end in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. The negotiations were about exchanging technologies and concerns about the intruders who managed to bypass the patrols and now occupy both universes. The Federation Universe managed to capture the intruders a few days after slipping through. But the Supermarionation Universe was having difficulties due to the intruders having more advanced technology then the ships that were tracking them. It was decided that the Federation Universe would send a few ships to help track down the intruders and keep the numbers down to a minimum. Also a few ships from the Supermarionation Universe will be sent to the other universe to escort the intruders back and to aid in their capture. From doing this both sides will get acquainted with the technology from either side.
Since the majority of criminals that stir trouble in the seas in the Federation Universe have gone to the other side, things have been very quiet. The Navy decided to send their flagship, the Orac, with the first fleet. Reinforcements came so that if some enemies from either universe tried to get through during the swap they would be stopped quickly. The ships from the Federation Universe would be the first to go through.
"Helm, set a course for the Abacus Wormhole. Mr Harding ready all weapons and prepare to fire if there is trouble once we leave the wormhole." ordered Gelding. No unexpected enemies came to take the opportunity as Orac lead the fleet through the wormhole. However in the Supermarionation Universe the WASP fleet and patrol were under attack. The enemy was about to enter the wormhole as it opened when torpedoes and missiles came at them from the ships that were travelling through. The enemy side surrendered and were taken away. Then the Supermarionation fleet went through without any troubles.
"Well, that went smoothly didn't it" Harding commented. Everyone on the bridge gave a slight chuckle.
*
3 weeks later on a tropical island somewhere in the Pacific, Jeff Tracy, the leader of the secret organization International Rescue, was reading an article on the swap of ships. He read some of the article out loud, "The exchange of ships between the two universes a few weeks ago went smoothly, with the exception of a small conflict that happened at our end but was quickly resolved by the Federation forces. The Federation people will work with different organizations in our universe to control damages by the criminals from their universe."
"What kind of damages are they implying father?" asked Virgil.
"It says here that the Federation technology and weapons are more advanced than ours and they can beat our defence systems easily."
"Would that affect International Rescue in anyway?" Scott asked.
"I'm not sure yet son. We haven't had any problems yet and if the Federation forces can keep an eye on things we should be fine. Although I would like to know how advance their technology is so we can know what we are up against."
Gordon asked, "Aren't they going to hold a conference about what technology the Federation will share as well as an explanation on how some of their technology works?"
"It won't be for a few days yet. I'm already organising some agents to attend the conference and collect information so we can see what we're up against if the crooks from both universes decide to team up and try and get plans of the Thunderbird crafts using the Federation technology."
John then said, "I've heard that there is a TV show about us. I wonder how much the Federation Universe knows about International Rescue." Jeff was about to reply when Alan's portrait started to beep. Jeff put the paper down and pressed a button, "Go ahead Alan."
"Father, there's been a distress call from the coast of northern California. Three people are trapped in one of the buildings in the abandon factory and it is on fire. There is a lot of rubble and doors to get to the trapped men and usual measures wouldn't be able to get to them in time. Also the abandon factory is isolated and the road leading to it has been cut off due to roadwork."
"Thanks son, brief Scott when he's airborne," Jeff motioned to Scott and he went to the wall that would lead him to Thunderbird 1. Jeff turned to Virgil and said, "Take pod 5 with the fire fighting equipment and take laser cutters to get to the trapped men. John, Gordon go with Virgil."
"Yes father" all three said together.
Shortly after Thunderbirds 1 and 2 took off towards the danger zone.
*
Jim Harding let out an 'oof' as he hit the floor. Natalie back flipped away from him as he tried to trip her. They were both fighting each other not only to train but also to keep themselves from dying from boredom. It's been 3 weeks since they came into this universe and for 2 weeks they managed to find and return 50% of the intruders and returned them back to the Federation Universe. For the past week everything was very quiet. Either the intruders were planning something big or have decided to lay low for now. "Argh!" Natalie yelled as Jim kicked her in the chest, sending her flying a bit before hitting the floor. She flipped back onto her feet and was about to kick him when Smith's voice came over the comm system, "All senior staff please report to the conference room."
"Maybe it's some action at last." Suggested Jim. Natalie agreed as she grabbed a quick drink form the replicator as well as a towel. Both then trotted to the nearest turbolift and went to the conference room.
"We just got a call saying some people from our universe have joined forces with criminals from the Supermarionation Universe." Gelding informed. "Authorities have told us that the group have been trying to get photos and plans of the Thunderbird crafts. Fortunately they have failed every time. Just recently they have obtained a portable sensor that would get the schematics of the Thunderbird crafts very easily and so have asked us to deal with them since the majority of the group are made of people from our universe and also because we are dealing with Federation technology."
"But wouldn't their photo alert pick up the scans the sensors do?" asked Smith.
"As far as we know that only works with cameras and we are pretty sure that the photo alert won't detect a scan." Said Harding.
"Well that will be a big problem for International Rescue." Stated McIntyre.
Gelding continued, "We are currently organising a meeting with the World President so that we can somehow discuss with International Rescue some dangers they might face and suggest some changes to stop being scanned by our technology. But right now we have a bigger problem." He pressed a button and the side screen showed a map. "I've been informed by our authorities that the group are here," and a factory lit up. "People have witness trucks carrying equipment being taken here. Their description matches the portable sensor and holographic projectors Also a distress call was made to International Rescue from this area. We have strong suspicions that this group are trying to obtain the schematics of the Thunderbird crafts once again and this time they might succeed. The group are also planning to trap International Rescue as well and I don't know what they are going to do to them."
"Probably try to get them to tell where their secret base is since we don't know where it is either." Suggested Natalie.
"That's what we guessed so we tried contacting them but someone is preventing us from contacting them."
"So what do we do sir?" Davidson asked Gelding.
"We will send an away team of two groups to the abandon factory. One group will keep an eye on the rescue as the other group dismantle and bring the sensor back to Orac and delete any data on the Thunderbird crafts." Gelding then turned to Harding, "Mr Harding, assemble a group and monitor the rescue. If anyone tries to capture the International Rescue members intervene and bring them back here. If they don't make a move then capture the group after International Rescue have left. Try and stay out of their way and minimise contact with International Rescue for now. We don't want to alarm and distract them too much with them asking how much we know about them. We'll do that once we arrange a meeting with them. Also assign some security personnel to keep watch as the engineering group," he then turned to Chief of Engineering Lieutenant Commander Mark McIntyre, "dismantle the portable sensor. Once they have done that tell them to keep watch of the Thunderbird crafts. Any questions?" No one said anything, "Dismissed." Everyone stood up from their seat and went about their assigned tasks.
*
Orac stayed a few kilometres away from the coast while a transport sub shipped the 2 groups to the shore. Harding had chosen 9 people for his team to dismantle the portable sensor. Natalie is one of Harding's team members. As Harding once said, "you never know when you need a science officer or an engineer, who happens to know how to kick butt, to help out". McIntyre tried not to appear worried for Natalie since she is his niece. He knows that she can look after herself and Jim would look out for her and wouldn't let any harm come to her. Jim had become good friends with Natalie; sometimes they act like they were brother and sister.
It was night time when they reached the sore and started sneaking up to the factory. McIntyre got out his tricorder and started scanning the area for a while before saying, "I have located the portable sensor, it is in that building over there to the right." Harding was also scanning said, "I'm picking up 6 life signs, 3 in the burning building and 3 in another building to the left. I am also picking up photons, that must be the holographic fire."
"What's that noise?" said an Ensign.
"It's the Thunderbirds crafts," said Harding, "Ok let's move out, try not to get seen by anyone and keep in contact of each other." Everyone nodded and the 2 groups headed in opposite directions to their allocated assignments.
*
"Thunderbird 1 to base." Scott called on the radio.
"Go ahead Scott." Replied Jeff.
"We have arrived at the danger zone and now proceeding with the rescue."
"Be careful all of you and good luck."
"Thanks father". Scott ended the transmission and got out of Thunderbird 1. He met his brothers at Thunderbird 2.
"So what's the plan Scott?" asked Gordon.
"Those trapped men would run out of air soon so Gordon and John will start cutting through the rubble and doors. Virgil will get the fire fighting spray to douse the flames; I will help him as well and carry a first aid kit." They all got the equipment and started towards the building. John looked above the building and noticed something strange. The smoke seemed to 'cut off' about six feet above the flames. 'Must be the lack of light' he thought and saw that there was no moon around. He hurried up to his brothers as they entered the building.
*
Meanwhile, Harding and his team watched International Rescue enter the building. He then tapped his combadge, "Harding to McIntyre."
"McIntyre here."
"We are now proceeding into the building."
"Acknowledge. We are starting to dismantle the sensor and already deleted the data on the Thunderbird crafts."
"Good. When you have finished you and the engineering personnel return back to the ship with the sensor and security, guard the Thunderbird crafts and stay out of sight. Harding out." Then he motioned his team to start heading for the building.
*
"Hey Tony, where's Phil?"
"He went to check on the portable sensor; all of a sudden it stopped scanning, Bob." Tony, Phil and Bob were 3 of the 6 that were at the factory setting the trap. The other 3 were pretending to be trapped and waiting to capture International Rescue when they came to rescue them. Tony and Phil were from the Federation Universe while Bob was from Supermarionation. Tony talked into a radio to the trapped men, "Ok the International Rescue people should start to cut their way to you now so start getting ready."
"Sure thing Phil. Thank goodness we are using a hologram for the fire instead of a real one."
"You were never fond of the heat, Larry."
Larry, who was from the Federation, was about to reply when Phil interrupted on the radio, "Guys I found out why the sensors stopped scanning."
"What's the problem?" asked Bob.
"We have some uninvited guests taking the sensor apart."
"Who?" asked Tony.
"It's Orac."
"Who's Orac?" questioned Zack, who was another trapped man, he is from Supermarionation Universe.
"It's that advance submarine we told you about when it came here and started tracking people down. I bet they have a team looking out for the International Rescue people if they know about the sensor." Said Phil.
"And I bet that Commander Harding and Lieutenant Yates are in that team." Said Larry who has encountered them before. "And if they are there then we will need backup."
Bob was a bit confused, "are they good fighters?"
"Yes they are." Replied Larry with a hint of hate in his voice.
Phil spoke up, "they have finished taking the sensor apart and are now taking it to the shore."
"Don't bother with them Phil, come back here and help us stop those who are following International Rescue. I'll call for backup to deal with anyone else who might be outside and could interfere with our plan." Said Tony. Phil started to head back and when he got there the 3 men left for the burning building and were sneaking behind the security team.
*
The sensor was finally loaded up on the transport sub and the engineering people went back to Orac while the security people went back and hid near the Thunderbird crafts. As they got into position they saw 3 men go into the building. Lieutenant Livingstone taped his combadge. "Livingstone to Harding."
"Harding here."
"Sir, the sensor and engineering personnel have gone back to the ship. We are now in position and just noticed that you have company."
"How many?""3. I guess they noticed the sensor going offline and saw us dismantle it."
"This is going to be tricky. International Rescue is going to be ambushed by the trapped men and we have 3 following us making sure we don't interfere. Livingstone, send 3 people to follow the men and stop them from stopping us, if that makes sense."
"Yes sir, Livingstone out." He pointed to 2 other people and they went with him into the building.
*
"Oh what fun." Whispered Natalie sarcastically.
"I know." Replied Harding. Natalie scanned with her tricorder.
"I can see the 3 trapped men, they all have weapons, same with the 3 men behind us."
"Do any of them have phasers?" asked Harding.
"Only one does and that's with the trapped group. International Rescue has almost reached the trapped men."
"Right everyone ready phasers and set for stun."
*
"We're almost there." Said Gordon.
"Is it me or is it not as hot it's supposed to be for a building on fire?" asked John. They all looked at each other with concern.
"The temperature is only warm. It could be a trap by crooks from the Federation Universe." Suggested Virgil.
"They might have technology to produce false images." Said Gordon.
"I noticed that the smoke was kind of 'cut off' about 6 feet from the flames." Added John.
"I'll radio Dad and let him know." Said Scott and activated his watch.
"What is it Scott?" asked Jeff, and Scott explained the situation.
"It may not be a trap so keep on with the rescue, but be ready for any trouble." Said Jeff.
"Sure Dad." Replied Scott.
"This is the last one." Said Gordon.
"Right, get ready fellas." Said Scott as he and Virgil drew their guns as Gordon and John started to cut through the last door.
*
"Jim, International Rescue are cutting through the last door." Natalie informed.
"Harding to Livingstone."
"Livingstone here."
"Get ready, International Rescue are about to reach the trapped men."
"Acknowledge."
*
"OK, here we go!" said Virgil as he kicked down the door. Sure enough there was no fire in the room. Only 3 men with guns pointed at them. One of the men said, "So, you have figured it out that it is a trap." He fired a phaser at Scott. He dodged it and then returned fire as all 7 men took cover.
*
Harding's team heard the gunshots and started heading towards the sound. "Hold it right there!" said a voice from behind. They all stopped and turned. "You are not going to interfere with out plans."
"Wanna make a bet." Said Livingstone as he and the other 2 fired phasers and stunned the 3 men.
"Take them outside and tie them up, we'll handle the last 3. Be ready to back us up if we need it." Ordered Harding and then he turned and led his team towards the shooting scene.
*
As Livingstone and his group dragged the unconscious men outside, they were met with more resistance. "Where did you come from?" asked Livingstone.
"Our buddies that you are dragging now called us in for backup, a good thing they did too." Said a man. He was about to fire at them when the hiding security personnel came out and fired at the group. More attackers came out of nowhere firing phasers and forcing the Orac people back to the shore. Wounded and overcome, the Orac people were about to surrender when the transport sub came carrying reinforcements. The attackers surrendered and everyone was loaded onto the sub. "What about the others, they have no backup?" asked Livingstone.
"The Captain said for all of us to take care of this group first, then we will come back." Said the driver of the sub. Livingstone didn't like the idea but with so many prisoners to monitor and so many wounded this was the best thing to do.
*
Harding's team heard the exchange of fire outside but they didn't stop. "What?" whispered Harding loud enough for his combadge to pick up his voice.
"That's right sir. We were met with an ambush but we overcame them. We are now heading back to the ship so I'm afraid you don't have any backup for a while." Livingstone said.
"I guess we are on our own for now. Try and came back with as soon as you can. Harding out."
They reached the room where the fight was happening. As Harding started signalling to enter the room a phaser shot form behind. They were ambushed again and retreated into the room.
*
"What was that?" asked Gordon. They all looked to see more people burst into the room firing at each other. In the confusion Scott was stunned. Then Virgil was rendered unconscious and Gordon was overpowered. John managed to slip away.
"There's too many." Said a Lieutenant.
"I know. We have to back off to outside, we can handle them better there." Answered Harding.
"What about International Rescue? I saw them get captured and taken away."
Harding saw Natalie slipping into another room and said, "Natalie can keep an eye on things as we handle this lot."
"Will she be ok?"
"If we deal with these guys and not let anymore enter the building she can handle those 3 easily." With that the team started retreating back outside.
*
Natalie managed to slip into another room unnoticed. She watched them go outside and the baddies following them. 'They'll be able to handle them better outside' she thought as she got her tricorder out and started scanning. There were 6 life signs in another building. 'Hang on if there are 4 International Rescue members and 3 baddies there should be 7 life signs. Where is the last one?' She moved the tricorder around until she found the last life sign. 'Now is that International Rescue or a baddie? One way to find out.' She took out her phaser and proceeded to sneak on the lone life sign to see who it is.
*
In the other building Chris, Larry and Zack just finished tying Scott, Virgil and Gordon to chairs and left the room. Then Scott and Virgil started to come to. "Aww my head," said Virgil.
"What was I hit with?" mumbled Scott.
"About time you guys woke up." Gordon said.
"Do you know what they are going to do to us Gordon?" Virgil asked.
"They are going to get us to tell them where base is."
"Hey where's John?" Scott said a bit concerned.
"I saw him slip away so he's probably wondering around looking for us."
The door opened and Chris and Larry came into the room. Chris then spoke, "so you two finally woke up, good. Now then if you want to get out of here alive I suggest you tell us where your base is."
"We will never tell you," said Scott. Zack came back into the room and said,
"I can't find the blonde one." Chris rolled his eyes, "You were never good at finding anyone Zack. I'll go find him." He left the room. Larry turned to the captured men; "We'll be outside to give you sometime to think before we ask you again and this time you'll feel pain if you don't tell us where you base is." Both men then left, closing the door.
"I hope John won't be found," said Virgil.
*
'Where did they take them to?' thought John as he entered a room. 'I wish there was an easier way to find them.' He stopped walking and sighed. Then he heard footsteps, faint but he could just hear them. John quickly went around a corner and drew his gun, ready if it was any of the goons that had kidnapped his brothers.
*
Natalie did one last scan and saw that the person was in the next room. She got her phaser ready and went to the corner where the person was hiding. She then jumped around and came face to face with John. She then lowered her phaser but John still aimed his gun at her. "You can lower your gun, I'm not the bad guy John." 'Crap I shouldn't have said his name'. The now concerned John asked, "Who are you? How did you know my name?"
"I'm Lieutenant Natalie Yates from the flagship Orac. I know your name from the TV show we have about your organisation."
John lowered his gun, "Orac...that's the large submarine people have been talking about from the Federation Universe."
"That's right."
"Were you the ones that came into the room before?"
"Yes, we didn't know that there was another ambush coming from behind again. Look, John, I know you have a lot of questions to ask me about how much we know about your organisation but I can't answer them right now. We were sent to stop you guys from getting kidnapped as well as stopping them from getting the plans of the Thunderbird crafts. Let me help you find your brothers."
"Ok, but I've been looking everywhere and I don't have a clue where they are."
Natalie got out her tricorder, "I know where they are. This is a tricorder, it scans for different things but what we want are life signs." She looked at the tricorder and a concern look came onto her face.
"What is it?"
"There was 6 life signs before in the building your brothers are being held captive. Now there are 5, 3 in one room and 2 in another. Someone must be looking for you." She moved her arm to the right and found the last life sign. "There he is," she showed the readings to John. "It is 10 meters away to the right and he has a weapon."
"So what should we do first?"
"We should take this guy out first and then deal with the other two who are with your brothers." John agreed and they both set off.
They got to the room where Chris was searching. "How should we take him out?" John whispered.
"With this." Natalie said taking her phaser out.
"Wouldn't that kill him?"
"It has a few settings, simply stun and kill." She took aim and fired. Chris fell to the floor as Natalie and John went over to him to see if he was fully unconscious.
"What is that weapon you have anyway?" John asked.
"It's called a phaser." then her combadge spoke.
"Harding to Lieutenant Yates."
Natalie tapped her combadge. "Yates here."
"We have finally dealt with the ambush and now taking them back to Orac so you'll be on your own for a while. How are you going?"
"I have located where they have International Rescue captured. I also bumped into John who managed to get away from them and I have just taken out one of the 3 men. We are now proceeding to where they are being held captive."
"Just be careful, we'll be back as soon as we can."
"Acknowledged. Yates out." and she tapped her combadge, ending the transmission. John had a slight puzzled look and Natalie explained, "It's a combadge," she pointed to the badge, "it's how we communicate with one another." He nodded and then both started heading to the final place.
*
The 2 men came back into the room and Larry spoke, "Ok, you ready to tell us where your base is?"
"Never." answered Scott.
"Then I'm afraid I'll have to beat it out of you." Larry started to walk over to Scott.
*
Natalie and John snuck into the room as the 2 men left it and saw Scott, Virgil and Gordon tied up. They also heard what Larry was going to do to Scott. Natalie looked around and saw a chair and kicked it. It fell, making a loud noise. She and John then got ready for anyone coming to investigate the noise.
*
"What was that?" asked Zack.
"Go and check it out, it may be that blonde." said Larry.
Zack, with his gun ready, went into the room. Just as he entered Natalie kicked his arm, sending the gun flying out of his hand. While Natalie dealt with Zack, John went into the room and aimed at Larry, who was about to punch Scott. "I suggest you back away to the wall and drop that phaser." John said. Larry smirked and fired at John. Natalie came into the room and knocked John out of the way. "I'll deal with him, you untie the others," she said before charging at Larry. Larry fired at her but she moved out of the way and kicked the phaser out of his hand. Natalie was about to aim her phaser at him when he tripped her and she fell, the phaser was thrown out of her hand as she hit the ground, knocking the wind out of her. "I have learned a few movements since out last encounter. This time I'll beat you." Said Larry as he bent down, took off her combadge and threw it to the other side of the room. "And none of your crew mates are going to help you now." Natalie got her breath back and kicked Larry. She got up and ran for her combadge and grabbed it, only to have it fly out of her hand as Larry kicked her arm.
As Larry and Natalie fought each other, John untied his brothers. "Who's that?" Scott asked John.
"That's Natalie, she's from Orac, I'll tell you everything later." Then something landed near John. He looked down and saw two objects and picked them up 'it's Natalie's combadge and a phaser' he thought and looked up to see Natalie receive a blow to the head.
Natalie hit the floor and was now unconscious. Larry smiled an evil grin as he walked over to her and drew a knife. "Now you are finished!" he said and was about to stab her when a phaser fire hit him and the knife dropped next the Natalie. The Tracy brothers looked at John who just fired the phaser. "He's only stunned," he told them.
"We better go before more turn up," said Scott.
"Wait, we have to help Natalie. She helped me find you guys and she was sent here along with others to stop our capture." John said as he went over to Natalie and assessed her. "It's only a bump to the head and a small graze on the cheek, she should be fine." He picked her up and they all made their way back to the Thunderbird crafts.
Outside Thunderbird 2, John was cleaning up the graze on Natalie's face. "What should we do with her now?" asked Virgil.
"You could return her to us." said a voice. It was Harding.
"I'm Lieutenant Commander Jim Harding, Chief of Security. What happened to her?"
"She was knocked unconscious when fighting one of the crooks," informed Scott.
"May I?" Harding asked and John moved away from her as he scanned Natalie's face. "A minor concussion and some bruising under the graze." he read out. "Thanks for taking care of her. We'll take it from here and get her to back to the ship."
"Wait, how much do you know about us?" asked Scott.
"I'm afraid my Captain ordered me not to say anything and that we will arrange a meeting with you to answer all your questions. Don't worry we won't tell anyone and we don't know where your base is so your secret is safe." Scott nodded and Harding went and picked up Natalie and headed for the shore as security personnel went into the complex to see if anyone else was in there. The Tracy's went into their crafts and took off for base.
In Thunderbird 2 John was looking out the window when Gordon interrupted his thoughts "Hey what's that John?" John looked at object that clung to his sleeve. He took it off and held it in his hand. "It's nothing." He said. 'I forgot to give Natalie's combadge back. She'll probably get issued with a new one. Still I would like to return it to her.' he thought as he looked out the window again, thinking about if he'll ever see Natalie again.