I might - heavy emphasis on MIGHT - do a separate story for those mature scenes that are missing. You know, if there's enough demand.
I also wanted to give my dad a quick shoutout. (Even though part of me hopes he never finds this.) His birthday's coming up and he's the reason I got into Thunderbirds to begin with. I'll forever remember being six years old, walking into the living room and finding him watching City of Fire on VCR and asking me if I wanted to watch it with him. That started a lifetime love and something we will always share. Happy birthday, dad. Here's to many more.
You all should know by now. I own nothing aside from original characters and original plot points. (If I did, I think my mum may push for Indiana or at least a doctor to be added. Because seriously. There were times those boys needed a doctor. What can I say? It's the mama bear in her.)
ENJOY!
Begin flashback
"Take up launch positions," Alan had instructed.
"F.A.B," Scott nodded as he and Tin-Tin rose from the settee to find their seats.
In the meantime, Alan disappeared up the elevator to Thunderbird 3's cockpit. Scott studied their female passenger as she strapped herself to prepare for take-off. He knew Tin-Tin was nervous, but he noticed that she wasn't as nervous as she had been the night before. Her talk with Indiana must have helped.
Scott also couldn't help but wonder if there was a bit of excitement outweighing the nerves. After all, this was her first mission. She had been eager to do her part since International Rescue started operations.
In a lot of ways, this was the perfect mission. Scott needed to be up in the cockpit with Alan. He couldn't be downstairs in the lounge operating the safety beam. And Tin-Tin worked closely with Brains, so she was familiar with a lot of the Thunderbird machines. She was the perfect person.
He heard Alan's voice crackle through the speakers, "Standby for blast-off."
Mere seconds later, Scott and Tin-Tin heard – and felt – the thrusters of Thunderbird 3 coming to life. They barely heard Alan report that they were about to lift-off before they felt the rocket move. Briefly, Scott glanced at Tin-Tin to check how she was handling everything. She was handling everything like a champ. She didn't even appear fazed.
This impressed Scott. After all, not everyone is cut out for space travel.
"Blast-off, A-OK," Alan reported through the speakers, "Leaving Earth's atmosphere in ten seconds."
"Okay, Alan! I'm coming up!" Scott called as he rose from his seat, "See you later, Tin-Tin."
"Yes, Scott," Tin-Tin nodded as she too got up.
When Scott entered the cockpit, he saw that Alan was in full command and had already changed into his uniform. So, Scott moved to change into his own.
"Okay, Scott. We're clear of atmosphere," Alan informed his eldest brother before speaking into the radio, "Tin-Tin, you'd better get the electronics side lined up. We'll be in the danger zone in about 65 hours."
Tin-Tin responded through the radio, "Yes, Alan. I've already started."
End flashback
Scott subtly shook his head as he snapped himself out of the flashback. Thunderbird 3's launch was textbook. Now, just over two days later, they were approaching the danger zone. It didn't take them as much time as it took the Sun Probe to get this far, owing to the differences in technology. Brains had truly outdone himself when he designed the Thunderbirds.
He watched as Alan tried to make contact with the Sun Probe.
"Solar Module from International Rescue. Do you read me?" Alan spoke into the radio, "Come in, Solar Module. This is International Rescue."
A few moments later, they heard one of the solarnauts aboard the ship respond, "Solar Module to Thunderbird 3. Where are you? Can you help us?"
"We hope so," Alan nodded, "We're going to try to fire your retros from space."
Tin-Tin voiced her concerns through the radio, "We're two hours away form the calculated release area, Scott."
Scott understood Tin-Tin's warnings. Prior to launch, they discussed the finer details of the rescue operation. One of the things they determined is that Thunderbird 3 shouldn't go too close to the sun. They had designated a specific point to fire up the safety beam that's the closest they dare go. Any closer than that could risk wreaking havoc on Thunderbird 3's own systems and cause them to experience the same troubles as the Sun Probe.
Not to mention the heat.
"Check," Scott acknowledged, "But the cabin temperature is increasing rapidly. We can't go much closer to them."
"Why not try it now?" Alan suggested.
"Okay," Scott relented, "At least we'll know how short we are of success."
"I heard that," Tin-Tin piped in, "Operating safety beam now."
Scott and Alan immediately turned to a screen where they could see the safety beam. They watched as a line was drawn on the screen from the tip of Thunderbird 3's nosecone, hoping it will reach the Sun Probe. Their hopes built when the line crossed the halfway point, but they were quickly dashed when, not long after, the line faded altogether, indicating the safety beam failed to reach its target.
"Negative. We're four hours short," Scott reported.
"Four hours?!" Alan cried out in dismay, "But that means we'll have to go much closer to the sun than was estimated!"
"It looks like it," Scott sighed.
Tin-Tin voiced the concerns the boys were thinking, "Can we stand the increased heat and radiation?"
"On paper, no," Alan shook his head, "But we can't just abandon those three guys. We sure have a problem."
Scott and Alan looked at each other as they weighed up their options. Alan was right. They couldn't abandon the three solarnauts. Especially when it wasn't guaranteed Thunderbird 2 would be successful. Thunderbird 2 may have found the perfect spot to transmit the safety beam from the Transmitter Truck – just below the summit of Mount Arkan – but they were just as likely to fail as they were to succeed. As Gordon and Indiana stated before, both Thunderbirds had an equal chance of success or failure.
"We go on to the first estimated region," Scott finally decided, "If we succeed, great. If we're still short, we'll decide what to do from there."
"And quietly hope Virgil and Brains are successful on Earth," Alan quipped, "I don't feel like finding out just how creative your girlfriend can get with her physicals."
Scott almost rolled his eyes. It wasn't the first time someone had referred to Indiana as his girlfriend, and he knew it wouldn't be the last. Normally, he would strongly refute that. Although, he reasoned, his (and Indiana's) adamant denials just created the opportunity for even more relentless teasing. After all, there was the saying about protesting too much.
But that wasn't the reason why he couldn't say anything.
The morning of the launch was.
Begin flashback
Scott blinked as the early morning sun shone its way into where he slept. It took him a moment to gain his bearings. This wasn't his bedroom.
The sleeping figure next to him told him where he was.
He then remembered the events of the night before and smiled. It was nice to have a moment to themselves for once without the brothers interrupting and making leud comments.
Although, he had heard whispers about a betting pool.
Turning onto his side, Scott wore a gentle smile on his face as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind Indiana's ear that had fallen over her face throughout the night. He lovingly ran his fingers down the side of her face, determined to commit it to memory.
Indiana stirred and let out a quiet moan, but didn't rouse from her sleep. What finally roused her was when Scott leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. Indiana shifted slightly so he could move closer and press himself against her as he kissed her more deeply.
"Hey," Indiana murmured when they finally broke the kiss.
"Hey," Scott murmured back.
Indiana turned away from him to look at the alarm clock on her bedside table. It read 5:15am.
"We should probably get up," Indiana sighed as she moved to get up.
She let out a surprised yelp when she felt arms wrap around her from behind and pull her back. Scott had manipulated everything so she ended up on top of him being held in a tight grip so she couldn't even attempt to wiggle away.
"Scott," Indiana giggled as he kissed her more soundly.
"Mission briefing's not until 0630," Scott reassured her as he briefly broke the kiss, "We've got time."
Indiana rolled her eyes playfully. But the playfulness quickly went away when Scott rolled them over so he was on top, latching his mouth onto her collarbone as he did.
"I know you," Indiana managed to gasp out as he moved his mouth to her jaw, "It might not be enough."
"I'll make do," Scott growled before capturing her lips in a bruising kiss.
He certainly made do.
End flashback
Alan smirked when he noticed his oldest brother suddenly shift uncomfortably in his chair before rising abruptly. He barely muttered an excuse about needing to relieve himself as he went away.
Shaking his head with a small laugh, Alan didn't doubt what Scott was thinking about and the relief he was seeking.
He knew that lovestruck look anywhere.
Alan thought back to the pocketbook he left on Earth, containing the information of the bets just about everyone on Tracy Island had placed on Scott and Indiana's relationship. Even Jeff placed a bet (although, if confronted, he would staunchly deny it). Then, he grumbled.
With the way Gordon was carrying on, he might've won the pool.
Damn bastard.
So he didn't face his brother's wrath when he came back, Alan busied himself with checking the controls and monitoring their tracking systems. Fortunately, it did the trick. Scott came back a few moments later – in a better mood and none the wiser to his baby brother's thoughts.
Alan noted that Scott's return was good timing, because the tracking systems told him they were at the first estimated region.
"We're at the first estimated region, Tin-Tin," Alan reported, "Just give the word and we'll put you in a release capsule and get you to safety."
That was something they had adamantly discussed in the pre-mission briefings. If Tin-Tin felt at any point she couldn't continue on with the mission – or Scott and Alan deemed it in her best interests to not continue on with the mission – she would be placed into one of the release capsules stowed aboard Thunderbird 3 and arrange for her to be sent back to Earth. Tin-Tin had been reassured repeatedly that, if at any point she decided to take them up on that offer, there would be no shame.
"We have been through the whole question, Alan," Tin-Tin reminded him, sounding exasperated, "Any delay increases the danger to the solarnauts. I will go with you."
"Good girl," Alan praised, "Okay. Let's try the safety beam again."
"Yes, Alan. Here goes," Tin-Tin nodded.
Scott and Alan watched with bated breath as they watched that line reappear again. Again, they fell short. But there was still a bit of hope for them. While they still failed, they were closer to success than they were during their first attempt.
"That's what I was afraid of," Scott sighed in frustration, "Another two hours before we're in range!"
"Alright. Another two hours it is," Alan relented before remarking, "Let's hope we can all stand up to the heat."
Scott couldn't help but agree. The temperature inside the rocket was increasing rapidly, and would only continue to increase as they inched ever closer to the sun. Not to mention the radiation levels that would soon begin wreaking havoc on the ship's control systems just like it did for the Sun Probe. He knew that part of International Rescue's job sometimes meant putting yourself in danger to save others who were in danger. But this was taking it to a whole new level.
At least in previous rescues, there was hope everyone would come back alive.
But this one? They may not be able to come back.
Scott couldn't help but think of the last words he spoke to Indiana before they went to the pre-mission briefing.
Begin flashback
Eventually, the two of them rose out of bed and prepared for the day. Thankful for their bedrooms being in surprisingly close proximity, Scott was able to stealthily sneak back to his bedroom, having donned his boxers and holding his other items of clothing close to him, while Indiana was in the shower. Scott had a quick shower and prepared himself for the day. He couldn't help but be scared.
He must've been staring at himself for a while, trying to calm his nerves, because he suddenly felt Indiana's arms slip around his waist and her forehead rest between his shoulder blades.
"You okay?" Indiana asked worriedly.
Sighing, Scott turned around, grabbing her hands in his own, "I've been on dangerous missions before, but this one just feels different."
"Probably because the stakes are higher than normal," Indiana guessed.
Scott nodded, brushing his lips over her knuckles with an intense look in his eyes that made Indiana weak at the knees.
"We should probably talk about this when you get back," Indiana suggested.
Scott knew what she was talking about. They had been shifting, but they didn't talk about them. Everything was spoken, yet unspoken at the same time. Ever since that hike.
And the funeral.
"You're right," Scott relented, placing his hands on the smalls of her back to pull her against him, "But in case I don't, can you give me some idea?"
Indiana gave him a coy smile as she stroked the hairs on the nape of his neck, "I thought I already did last night."
"Careful, woman," Scott growled, nuzzling her face with his.
Indiana laughed, throwing her head back as Scott moved down to her neck, nuzzling her soft skin and committing her to memory.
The moment turned serious again when he captured her lips in a languid kiss, murmuring, "I wish you were coming with me."
"What could I do?" Indiana whispered, softly sucking on his lower lip.
"I don't know," Scott choked out, suddenly grasping her face and kissing her like a man dying of thirst.
Gasping, Indiana finally broke their embrace. If they were any longer, someone would hunt for them. And if someone hunted for them, they would get caught. That was the last thing they wanted. They didn't want to deal with the comments.
Especially when they themselves didn't know what this was.
"There is something you could do," Scott suddenly proclaimed.
Indiana looked at him in confusion. Then, he approached his bedroom door and said those six words:
"Wait for me to come home."
End flashback
Scott mentally kicked himself for saying those words. Why would he say that instead of what he really wanted to say?
Because he didn't want to scare her. And why did he think, "Wait for me to come home" would be less scary than, "I love you"?
Probably because, "Wait for me to come home" signified hope and left things open. Let things open for either one of them to walk away from what they had started building. Not that Scott wanted to, but he would respect Indiana's wishes if she decided to put a stop to this. It'd break his heart, but he'd respect it.
The last thing he wanted to do was push her into something she didn't want.
But now, Scott wasn't just suffering emotionally. He was suffering physically. The heat was unbearable. His hair, usually well kept, was frizzing in the heat. He was sure parts of his uniform were soaked with sweat.
He remembered everything Indiana told him about the differences in heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The fact that he was sweating profusely told him that he and his youngest brother (and, undoubtedly, Tin-Tin downstairs in the lounge) were suffering from heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion was characterized by heavy sweating. Heat stroke involved decreased sweating.
That was on top of the usual symptoms. Clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, excessive thirst, headaches, muscle aches and cramps, nausea, slow heartbeat and overall weakness and fatigue that could potentially lead to fainting.
"We daren't go much closer! The hull won't stand much more!" Alan gasped out before turning to the radio console, "Try the signal again, Tin-Tin."
The silence on the other end scared both Tracys more than anything they've faced so far. Looking at his brother, Scott knew that Alan was more terrified than he was and wanted nothing more than to run down to her.
But he couldn't. Not yet.
"Tin-Tin, try the signal again!" Alan repeated firmly.
Tin-Tin sounded dazed when she responded, "Yes! Try the… signal again…"
Tin-Tin switched on the safety beam again. Alan and Scott watched the screen more intently than they had before. They desperately hoped that this would work. They desperately hoped this would be the one that would reach the Sun Probe. Alas, it wasn't. What was even worse was it got so close, but still fell so short.
"It's still short!" Alan cried in dismay before asking desperately, "Can't you increase the power, Tin-Tin?"
"I can overrun the system up to about point five," Tin-Tin responded.
"Then, do that, will you?" Alan pleaded, "We just can't go any closer."
Weakly, Tin-Tin grasped the two controls – one that switched on the safety beam, and one that increased the power. Desperately, Scott and Alan watched the line on the screen that showed the beam reaching from Thunderbird 3.
If they had the energy, they would've cried in relief when the line finally reached the Sun Probe.
Inside the Sun Probe itself, the solarnauts themselves weren't faring any better. Colonel Harris was the only one still conscious. Solarnauts Asher and Camp were slumped in their seats next to him unconscious. They had given into the heat.
The ship began rumbling around him, but it took several moments for Colonel Harris to understand what was happening. He was delirious from the heat.
He had also given up hope of rescue.
"This is it, I guess. The ship's breaking up. I figured I'd be dead before it happened. I reckon it won't be long now," Colonel Harris sighed.
He had prepared himself for death. Long before the launch, they all had prepared themselves for the fact that a mission of such high risk could go dangerously wrong. They were also prepared that, if the worst did happen, nothing could save them.
"Why am I still alive? Why isn't the module melting?" Colonel Harris suddenly asked himself.
Then he heard it. "Say, that noise…"
He sat more upright when he finally recognized what the rumbling and the noise was.
"It's the rocket motors! They've fired!"
No sooner than those words were said did the rocket turn round. They were now flying away from the sun and beginning their long voyage back to Earth.
"Asher! Camp! We're leaving the sun! We're gonna live!" Colonel Harris cried in jubilation.
But the jubilation would be short-lived.
"Okay. The solar ship's out of danger," Alan sighed in relief, "Let's head for home."
"Just in time, I guess," Scott panted, "I couldn't stand much more of this heat."
"Fire retros," Alan nodded in agreement.
Alan pressed the button to fire Thunderbird 3's retros. Scott was waiting to hear the sound of the retros firing. He was waiting for the ship to turn round. He was waiting for the computers to tell them they were now on a course heading back to Earth.
But none of that happened, and dread filled his gut.
"Well, fire retros, Alan! It's getting unbearable!" Scott snapped irritably.
"I have!" Alan responded, raising his hands in defence, "But they're not working!"
"Alan! We're still on a collision course with the sun!" Scott cried in horror.
Their new reality immediately began setting in. They had succeeded in saving the Sun Probe.
But who would rescue the rescuers?
Yes, I borrowed a line from the 2004 film in there, but that movie also contributed to my interest in the show. It's what made my dad dig out the old VCRs. Also, they did nail some of the casting. Especially Lady Penelope.
BYE!
