Chapter Five
As Thunderbird Two launched into the sky, its three occupants were preoccupied. At the moment, they had no a clue as to how they were going to find the rest of their family or what they would do when they did. They could only hope that wherever Scott, John and Alan were, that no real harm was coming to them. Jeff reasoned that the kidnappers would not dare to damage the merchandise they were hoping to exchange for quite a nice piece of change.
"Dad?" The pilot of the great, green bird half-twisted around in his seat to talk to his father.
"Yes, Virgil?"
"Did you recognize the voice or hear anything in the background on that recording that might give us some kind of lead?"
"I'm afraid not, son. I've had Brains analyze the voice pattern and try to pick up on any background interference, but there's just nothing there." He sighed in frustration and rubbed the back of his tired neck. I guess we're going to have to start from square one this time. There's no doubt that these guys are professionals. It could be that their only agenda is a monetary one. They may be using abduction like terrorists use violence but without the political or religious ramifications."
His second youngest thought about this for a moment.
"But, if that's true, Dad, and this is a professionally orchestrated plan, what chance do we have of finding them? And if we do, we can't just go in there with all the heavy artillery. We're supposed to be private, albeit rich, citizens, not the fearless International Rescue with all the specialized equipment at their disposal."
"I know, Gordon. Right now, I wish Scott could be here to formulate a plan of action. That's his forte. By now though, I'm sure he must have thought of something and is making those bastards regret their actions in a big way."
It was then that the Vid-Sat phone began to vibrate in his pocket...
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Scott's wrists had been tightly bound together, his arms yanked painfully behind him. He grimaced as he was now being dragged by them through a detour in what he had discovered was an elaborate system of tunnels. This particular one opened up into a dimly lit room with a floor made of old, wooden planks. He reasoned there must be something sending fresh air into the area because he could feel a draft blowing through. In the middle of the room was a single folding chair, into which he was unceremoniously shoved by the back of his neck. The lighting was turned up a couple of notches to reveal a stockpile of video equipment which looked to be brand new as no dust had yet settled on it. Several of the 'lackeys' were hurriedly setting up the equipment and training 'set' lighting on him as they went around measuring its intensity with hand meters. He squinted and tried to avert his eyes from the glaring brightness.
When they were finished with their task, the man in charge paced in a slow circle around his chair, as if he were building up to something. Scott hadn't yet been told exactly what was going on, but he could wager a guess. Since their arrival, there had been no mention made of any communication with their father concerning their well-being. Alan was taking care of John, loosening the tourniquet at regular intervals so that the leg would not die. He was still losing an inordinate amount of blood, however and they could only keep him alive for so long. He knew that his father must have a plan for getting them out of this mess. He just hoped it would be in time. Finally, the formidable man spoke, his condescending tone reaching Scott's ears like the sound of fingernails scratching down a blackboard.
"Well now, Scott. Are you ready for your debut?"
He was determined not to make this easy for the bastard. "What are you talking about? Why have you brought me here?"
"You are very bright, it should be fairly obvious."
He summoned a couple of his associates. "Untie his hands, clean him up and get him a new shirt." Turning to his prisoner he said, "I need you to convince your father that I have been treating you well and that I have every intention of releasing the three of you once the ransom is paid."
So, as they had suspected, it was a simple kidnapping, not an attempt at bringing down International Rescue. They could at least be grateful for that.
"Why would I want to do that, considering what you've done to John?"
"It is but a part of the debt you owe me for sparing young Alan. The rest you will pay after your father has received my instructions. Unless, of course, you'd like him to find out that his eldest son now goes by the name of Virgil."
He'd gotten the reaction he was going for. For a brief moment, Scott had let his guard down and whirled on him at the mention of the brother to whom he was the closest. Too late, he realized his mistake but did his best to salvage the situation.
"Who's Virgil?"
The backhand he received across the face was swift and unexpected.
"I warn you, I will not be patient for much longer. You will do it or you will die."
"Go to hell."
"Very well. He looked to his guards and clapped his hands to get their attention. Go back down to the holding chamber and get the other two. Oh yes, and don't forget to bring the 'implements.' Perhaps we shall have entertainment for the evening after all."
"No!"
"What was that, Scott? I-I didn't quite hear you."
"Don't...don't harm them any further." He bowed his head in defeat. "I'll do what you ask."
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Back down in the 'chamber' the two younger siblings weren't fairing much better. John was conscious for now, but his color was becoming a sickly shade of gray and his skin had become clammy to the touch. Alan was beside himself with helplessness. There was simply nothing more he could do for his brother except wait, wait and pray that help would soon arrive, or that by some miracle, they'd find a way to escape. The obvious problem was how to get John ready for transport. There was nothing in the meagerly equipped room that could even be substituted for a gurney and, for all he knew, Scott was out there being tortured or worse and might never return alive. Alan feared all that was left for him now was to wait and come to terms with his own mortality.
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The camera was rolling as Scott read from a prepared script. The things he was being forced to say made him want to wretch. It was a carefully woven tale of the mutual respect between the kidnappers and their hostages. It depicted the situation as being one where the three Tracy sons were being treated as guests at a resort, with free run of the facilities and all the sustenance they could hold. It ended with instructions on where to leave the huge ransom. The drop was to be at the base of the Twelve Apostles Rock formation along The Great Ocean Road, south of Melbourne. The satchel was to be left underwater in an airtight compartment, affixed to the rock so that it wouldn't be pulled out to sea by the strong ocean currents. As soon as the contents were retrieved and verified, it was vowed that a time and place for the release of Jeff Tracy's sons would be determined. He was warned once again against involving the authorities and advised to wait for further instructions.
All that was left now was for Scott to add his own personal remarks so the whole commentary would appear more authentic to his family. Unseen in the background were several armed men with their weapons at the ready in case he decided to try any tricks or changed his mind about cooperating. The time and date stamp on the equipment was set for Zulu time in accordance with the world-wide atomic clock, so there could be no doubt as to when the recording was made. The field commander of International Rescue set his jaw, looked straight into the camera and began his ad-lib.
"Dad, really, I don't want you to worry unnecessarily. The boys and I are just fine. There's been no harsh treatment of any kind and I'm sure if you cooperate with this gentleman, he will do the honorable thing and release us. I have no reason to think that we won't soon be the 'FABulous Five,' together all over again. We all love and miss you..." He paused as his voice began to break..."See you soon."
'The Boss' gave a throat cutting motion and the camera was turned off.
"Very good, my young friend. You have ensured the safety of your brothers."
"Does that mean you'll be getting John some medical attention?" he asked hopefully.
"Oh, I think you and Alan are doing a fine job of that on your own. I simply meant that he wouldn't be injured further. Where did you receive your first-aid training?"
Scott was again silent.
"Very well, once the ransom has been paid, the balance of your outstanding debt to me will be due. Until then, you will remain here with me on the upper level, where I can keep an eye on you."