Yeah, I'm gonna hide until the next chapter.
Sun Probe's going to be split across a few chapters. I'm thinking at least three. I'm still trying to decide. You'll see later.
I own nothing aside from original characters and plot points.
ENJOY!
Life eventually settled down on Tracy Island following the visit from David Evans and the death of Scott's friend. Scott attended the funeral in the dress blues and commendations he dreaded wearing and with both Indiana and Gordon by his side. It was a hard two days. But they made it through.
Everyone noticed that Scott and Indiana seemed to be closer than they were before. They tried asking Gordon if anything happened while they were away, but the fourth son wouldn't give anything away. Although, Alan noted bitterly that Gordon was looking like the cat who ate the canary. Did he win the pool?
Surely, he didn't. If he had, he'd be gloating and demanding payment.
But Alan put that to one side for now. He focused on the program playing on the television in Jeff's office. Jeff was sitting behind his desk while Tin-Tin occupied the chair near the desk, Alan stood behind her and Scott and Indiana stood together towards the back. If anyone looked closely, they would notice that Scott's hand was fidgeting with the hem of Indiana's shirt. He kept clenching and releasing, sometimes toying with the fabric between his fingers. Almost like a grounding technique.
Indiana didn't know if Scott was aware he was doing it, but she wasn't going to stop him.
"You know, a rocket launching never fails to give me a kick," Jeff remarked.
"Especially that one, father," Scott agreed, "Just think! A rocket to the sun!"
"Hold it a minute," Alan cut in, noticing that a reporter had appeared on the screen.
"That film, folks, taken a week ago, showed the launching of the Sun Probe. Within the next hour, we hope to bring you live pictures direct from Sun Probe itself, showing the completing of this daring and important project. We also hope to bring you shots of the rocket in space via our latest tele-radio cameras. As you all know, the object of the mission is to capture a few fragments of matter released by the sun. With me in the studio is Professor Heinz Bodman, who is going to explain just how the Sun Probe project will operate."
"Say, where's Brains?" Jeff suddenly asked, "Doesn't he want to hear all this?"
"Ah, this is old stuff to him, father," Scott answered, "He's in his workshop playing around with his latest invention."
"Want me to try and get him?" Indiana offered.
"No, no, I got it," Scott declined, already moving.
"How's he holding up?" Jeff asked worriedly.
"A lot of nervous energy, so situation normal," Indiana shrugged.
Scott was right. Brains was in his workshop working on his latest invention. Braman was his name. He was programming the robot to do a variety of things.
"Now, uh, Braman, I'm gonna test your secretarial characteristics," Brains proclaimed before asking, "Now, tell me, what are my appointments for today?"
Braman whirred on the spot for several moments, processing Brains' request and pulling the answer from his hard drives before responding, "9am – monitor electronic telecast from Cape Kennedy. 11am – check Thunderbird 2 alarm system. 1pm – have supper."
What Brains hadn't noticed was Scott walked into his workshop as Braman recited Brains' schedule. His presence remained unnoticed until Scott said, "Gee, Brains, your robot is sure improving nicely."
"Yeah, Scott, but he's still late with his responses, I'm afraid," Brains responded.
"Yeah, well, what I came to say was, when you're through, there's a very interesting program about the Sun Probe on the air," Scott told him.
"Oh dear!" Brains cried as Scott walked out, "Braman, you have such a lot to learn still! Perhaps if I taught you chess, it might improve your mathematical powers."
Brains froze when he finally noticed that Scott had left. The scientist wish he hadn't. He had been wanting to check on someone he considered a friend since he had come back from his friend's funeral. But Scott was never the person you wanted to push. He also figured the others had him covered.
So, he busied himself with preparing for a game of chess with Braman.
Scott walked back into Jeff's office just as the professor was wrapping up his explanation of the project.
"Is he coming up?" Indiana asked, moving to allow Scott to resume his previous position.
"No. When I left, he was talking about teaching Braman chess," Scott shook his head.
"Thank you, Professor. This, then, is the plan. A dangerous mission, yes, but all foreseeable protective measures guard the solarnauts against the sun's immense heat and radiation. Twenty-foot-thick protective walls surround these three brave men in the cramped cabin of the solar module."
"I don't know how I'd go being stuck like that for a week," Indiana quipped, "Cramped conditions, on top of two other people… It'd be like living with my siblings again."
Scott and Alan laughed, understanding what Indiana meant perfectly.
It was several moments of silence between the four of them. Gordon came in occasionally asking for an update before deciding to go swimming. He, too, expressed his surprise that Brains wasn't watching with him. But that surprise quickly disappeared when told Brains was working on Braman. Brains had been working on him for weeks. He was hoping to build a robot with a finer brain than a human. A tall order, if you asked anyone, but Brains was determined to try.
"They'll be going into orbit soon. Surely, Brains won't want to miss this," Jeff remarked, getting up to try his hand at retrieving Brains from his lab.
"I'm going to make some cocoa," Indiana decided, detaching herself from Scott, "Anyone want any?"
"No thanks," Tin-Tin declined kindly.
"I'm good," Alan shook his head.
"I'll give you a hand," Scott decided as he went to follow Indiana.
"Don't say it," Tin-Tin immediately chided Alan.
"I wasn't gonna say anything!" Alan cried out in defence, raising his hand for added effect.
"You want one?" Indiana asked Scott as she went to grab a mug.
"Please," Scott nodded gratefully as he began gathering the ingredients he knew she would need.
While Indiana busied herself with making the cocoa, Scott just stood there watching her. He wasn't stupid. He was aware of the shift between them in the last few weeks. That shift seems to have magnified since they went to his friend's funeral. He was pretty sure Gordon had caught onto it.
The little shit seemed to have a suggestive grin anytime he walked past the two of them. Sometimes, Scott was overwhelmed with the urge to smack it off him.
Or throw him in the pool.
Honestly, what he would do to his younger brother depended on two things. Scott's mood and Gordon's obnoxiousness.
Well, at least he was too old to get grounded should he decide to seek retribution against his brother.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Indiana smiled at him.
"Just thinking," Scott shrugged as he approached her.
"Careful, Scooter," Indiana chided him playfully as he hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek, "Gordon's shit-eating grin's been annoying me enough. I don't want it from everyone else."
"Touché," Scott relented as he relaxed his embrace, "Although, I don't know why we're hiding."
"Particularly since we haven't had this conversation," Indiana drawled, "We kissed on a hike and probably would've done a lot more at Carter's funeral if it weren't for two things."
"Just two?" Scott snorted.
"Your brother, for one," Indiana began listing, "And also, it wouldn't have felt right. Your best friend had just died. Aside from worrying I was taking advantage of you, a funeral's not exactly the appropriate place."
"Ana," Scott cut in gently as he grabbed her hands, "You wouldn't have taken advantage of me. Although, you're right. It was the wrong time and place."
"And would Gordon have kept his displeasure quiet about us having sex in the bedroom next to him?" Indiana added, "He let us share a bedroom and yet, he gave us shit for it the entire time we were out."
Scott shrugged to signify he agreed as he accepted the mug Indiana offered him.
"Well, folks, the Sun Probe has been fired. We will give you all the details as they are received from the spaceship. The tension here in the studio mounts as we await further news."
"No Brains, I take it?" Indiana asked as she and Scott walked in and noticed the scientist's absence.
"I think he just wants to wrap up some things with Braman before he joined us," Jeff guessed, "He knew the Sun Probe's routine by heart when I brought it up to him."
"That doesn't surprise me," Indiana grumbled, "This is a scientific marvel."
"We have just heard that the probe has collected the matter from a prominence. It is now on its way to rendezvous with the main ship. The solarnauts are in excellent condition. Wait! The probe is being collected now! Just look at this tele-radio picture!"
The footage on the screen cut from the reporter in the studio to footage of the rocket in space, as the reporter had previously promised. They saw the main body of the rocket approaching the probe as it floated ahead of them. Everything seemed to still in the lounge as they watched the two beings connect. The hard part was over.
"Well, they pulled it off. I've got to hand it to them. They're great," Jeff praised.
"I don't think they're gonna make it."
Everyone turned around in surprise at the voice behind them. They hadn't realized Brains had walked in and was standing in the doorway to the lounge.
"How's that?" Jeff demanded.
"I said I-I-I don't think they're gonna make it," Brains repeated himself.
"But everything's going fine!" Jeff began objecting.
But it was almost like fate was ready to punish Jeff for his words.
"Hold it, folks! Something's gone wrong! In picking up the probe, the main ship has locked its course! The tracking stations report that the spaceship is heading on a collision course with the sun! Stay tuned to this channel for minute-to-minute information!"
Everyone looked at each other in surprise. Brains came over to join the others near the chairs as they began discussing what just happened.
"What went wrong, Brains?" Jeff immediately began asking.
"Well, in collecting the Sun Probe, the solar ship had to steer onto a collision course with the sun," Brains began explaining.
"Sure, but wasn't that part of the plan?" Alan cut in.
"Yeah, yeah, it was. But I suddenly figured that the radiation level at that distance from the sun could interfere with the ship's control system," Brains revealed.
"So, the solarnauts can't fire the retros and break away?" Jeff surmised.
"Right," Brains nodded before continuing, "Now, as a safeguard, the Solar Control Centre on Earth can send a radio beam to fire the ship's motors by remote control."
"Then why don't they do it?!" Scott demanded impatiently.
"They're probably trying that right now," Brains reasoned, "but I have severe doubts whether their beam will penetrate the radiation, either."
"Please standby for a newsflash."
Everyone immediately turned to the TV as the reporter announced they were going to cut to Colonel Benson at the Solar Control Centre.
Indiana already knew what he was going to say. There was no hope. The safety beam failed. Those solarnauts were going to die.
But nothing prepared her for what he said next.
"All efforts to alter the spaceship's course by firing the retros by radio beam from Earth have failed. Now, I have a vital request to make. If International Rescue are watching, would they please communicate at once with Solar Control Centre, Cape Kennedy. I repeat, this is vital. International Rescue, we need your help!"
Seriously, though. Indiana should've seen this coming.
"Get me Cape Kennedy," Jeff immediately ordered Tin-Tin.
"Yes, sir," Tin-Tin nodded dutifully.
Indiana's brows furrowed and she did a double take when she suddenly noticed that Brains was no longer in the room. Nodding in agreement, Scott, Alan and Indiana got up and began heading to the lab. They knew what Brains would be doing.
"What's going on?" Virgil asked as they bumped into him, "Something happened with the Sun Probe?"
"Yeah," Indiana nodded, "They went to retrieve the probe, but then the retros failed and they're gonna crash into the sun. Colonel Benson just issued an appeal on television for International Rescue to intervene."
"What does Brains make of it?" Virgil inquired.
He got his answer when he stood in the doorway of the lab. Brains had activated Braman and was about to commence another game of chess with him.
"Gee whizz! He sits there playing chess while those three guys in that spaceship are heading for disaster!" Alan cried in disbelief, "I just don't dig him."
"Everyone deals with stress differently," Indiana reasoned.
The young doctor was right. Everyone dealt with stress differently.
But the three solarnauts aboard the ship weren't dealing with theirs all that well. Not that anyone blamed them.
"Try the retros again!" Solarnaut Asher desperately implored Colonel Harris.
Colonel Harris tried the controls a few more times before sighing in defeat, "It's no use. The circuit's dead."
"It's the radiation. It's reached an all-time high," Solarnaut Camp reported as he checked the monitors.
"Temperature's up around 120 again!" Solarnaut Asher cried.
"Increase refrigeration!" Colonel Harris immediately ordered.
They heard the whirr of the refrigeration plant kicking in to cool the main cabin down. But deep down, they knew it wouldn't last forever. Soon, the refrigeration plant would give out and the heat would become unbearable.
"I guess the radiation level is too high for the Earth to get the safety beam through. We're too close to the sun," Solarnaut Camp stated.
"And getting closer every second," Colonel Harris grumbled bitterly.
Was there any hope for them?
That hope was now debating the best course of action. They had been debating for several hours, going around and around in the same circle, never reaching a resolution.
"Right. Let's go over it once again," Jeff told everyone firmly, "The Sun Probe rocket is heading straight into the sun; and unless we can fire the retros to make the rocket turn round, those three solarnauts are doomed."
When Jeff turned to Brains, the resident scientist began speaking, "Well, Mr. Tracy, the only solution for us is to fire the retros by radio beam."
"Well, the radio complex on Thunderbird 3 would seem the obvious choice," Scott pointed out.
"But, Scott, the transmission range of Thunderbird 3 isn't powerful enough!" Virgil began objecting, "I think Thunderbird 2's transmitter would stand a much better chance."
"Well, that would apply if both craft were at ground level," Scott relented.
"Agreed," Alan nodded, immediately catching onto his oldest brother's train of thought, "But we could take Thunderbird 3 into space and get through much more effectively."
Indiana quietly shook her head as she turned to Gordon. They were having the same arguments. The same debates. The same points were being repeated. Yet, they couldn't come to an agreement.
"What's your opinion, Brains?" Jeff asked.
"Well, Mr. Tracy, I think we may be underestimating the heat and radiation resistances of our spacecraft, but the transmission potential of Thunderbird 2 could certainly be tremendous," Brains answered.
"Well, we've got to make up our minds soon," Tin-Tin sighed, "The whole world is waiting for International Rescue to act and, after three hours, we're no nearer a decision."
"Gordon, Indiana," Jeff began as he turned to the aquanaut and the doctor, "You two have been quiet. Where do you stand on this?"
Gordon and Indiana, who have been quietly talking to themselves, turned to face their unexpected audience.
Indiana began speaking first, "Well, from what everyone's been saying, both Thunderbird craft have their strengths and weaknesses that could either help or hinder this mission."
"So, why don't we gamble on one or the other paying off?" Gordon finished.
"Right. Gordon and Indiana hit the nail on the head!" Jeff proclaimed, "We'll launch a two-pronged rescue attempt. First of all, we've got to get Thunderbird 3 launched as soon as possible. When do you think that could be, Brains?"
"Well, the radio equipment would have to be modified, but I should think launching could take place soon after sunup," Brains answered.
"Right. Go and organise that now, Brains," Jeff ordered.
"Yes, Mr. Tracy. I'm on my way," Brains nodded as he stood up.
"Virgil," Jeff turned to Thunderbird 2's pilot, "You'd better get to the computer room and work out what point is best for Thunderbird 2 to project a safety beam towards the Sun Probe. Get Grandma to organise some auxiliary clothing."
"Right, father," Virgil nodded dutifully as he too got up to leave.
"Indiana, I want you to make sure the infirmary about Thunderbird 2 and the first aid kit in Thunderbird 3 is fully stocked. Make sure the boys are prepared for anything," Jeff requested.
"F.A.B.," Indiana nodded with a smile as she rose to her feet.
"Father, we'll need an extra crew member to operate the safety beam," Alan told his father.
"Alright, Alan, you'd better take Tin-Tin along with you," Jeff decided, "Launching takes place at 0800 hours."
"Perhaps I will go give Dr. Evans a hand," Tin-Tin decided as she went to follow the doctor.
"Sure. I'll welcome the help," Indiana smiled as the two girls left the room, "Let's start with Thunderbird 3. They'll be launching first."
Everyone in the room knew that, more than anything, Tin-Tin wanted someone to talk to. This would mark Tin-Tin's first mission with International Rescue. Indiana's been on several with them so far. So, it would make sense that Indiana would be the perfect person for Tin-Tin to confide her excitements and fears.
Scott watched as the two girls disappeared down the hallway, chatting animatedly along the way. Part of him was saddened that Indiana wouldn't be the extra crewmember aboard Thunderbird 3. But he also reasoned that Indiana's expertise wouldn't be required. Tin-Tin has been angling to go on a mission for a while and she was the perfect person for the job.
But a larger part of him was glad Indiana was staying behind.
It gave him someone to come home to.
Indiana rolled out a kink in her neck as she approached her bedroom. It was a long few hours as she and Tin-Tin worked to make sure everything aboard Thunderbirds 2 and 3 were restocked. It would've been longer if it hadn't been for Tin-Tin offering her assistance. Actually, Indiana suspected it would've taken her all night. Of course, Tin-Tin joined Indiana so she could have someone to talk to, but Indiana certainly appreciated the help.
Indiana was able to help settle Tin-Tin's nerves. Indiana remembered when she went on her first mission with the boys. It was nerve-wracking, but she found that the nerves went away when she went to work. So, when Thunderbird 3 launched, Tin-Tin should immediately get to work setting up everything she would need. Even if it would take a couple of days to get to the danger zone. Keeping busy would help keep her nerves at bay.
Indiana smiled as she felt the all-too-familiar hands on her shoulders, helping to relieve some of the tension that had gathered in her body. Slowly, the hands moved from her shoulders and downed her back, the man's presence crowding her as the hands moved to grasp her hips.
She turned around and looked up fully at Scott. There was something recognizable, yet unrecognizable, in his eyes. He had looked at her plenty of times in plenty of different ways. But this felt different.
This felt like the start of another tectonic shift in their relationship.
The way Indiana found herself pressed between her bedroom door and Scott's body with his lips on hers confirmed that the shift was occurring.
Inhaling deeply through her nose, Indiana immediately reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck. She stroked the hairs on the nape of his neck, having learned by accident that it was something that drove Scott crazy. It had the desired effect. Scott let out a helpless whine as he suddenly placed a desperate hand against the door near her head.
When Scott began leaving hot, open-mouthed kisses on her neck, Indiana pressed the button to open her bedroom door, pulling him in with her.
The door slid shut behind them.
I'm hiding until next chapter.
Buh-bye!