OK, as a little Christmas present from me, here's another one. Enjoy!
Jeff marched down the hallway towards Command Control, Virgil at his heels. Both Brains and Gordon looked up as they entered. "Fill me in Gordon." Jeff ordered.
Brains answered instead. "Some one's trying to fi-fi-fi-locate Thunderbird 5. They've tried twice in the last h-h-h-sixty minutes."
"How?" Jeff asked.
"They sent a brief energy transmission Dad. It's really short, like some one calling then hanging as soon as we answer. Hence the ping." Gordon told them.
"Our security protocols de-de-de-picked it up first and warned us that it was a false a-a-alarm." Brains added.
"It's the Hood." Jeff said angrily.
The others nodded. "That's what we suspected." Gordon replied.
"Have you contacted John?" Virgil asked.
Gordon shook his head. "No way. We figure that's what they're waiting for. Once we answer, they can trace the signal back to whoever we're calling. In this case, Thunderbird 5."
"Thunderbird 5's position was moved after the Hood's last at-at-attack." Brains stuttered. "My guess is that he's trying to target T-T-T-the station again."
Jeff frowned at the computer. "Is there anyway we can get in touch with Thunderbird 5 without Hood homing in on the signal?"
Brains nodded. "Good old-fashioned e-mail."
"Let them know what's going on. Under no circumstances are they to contact us." Jeff said firmly.
"FAB Dad." Gordon turned towards the keyboard and began typing.
Jeff turned to Brains. "Any ideas?"
"I might be able to bounce a signal off a series of s-s-satellite relays." Brains told them, thinking for a moment.
"Will Hood be able to track it?" Jeff asked.
Brains shook his head. "Not if I use al-al-al-plenty of different satellites. There would be too many to t-t-track."
"What if there's a rescue? John'll have to call us." Virgil said.
Jeff swore under his breath and paced the length of the room. Brains frowned for a moment. "I may be able to scr-scr-scr-hide the signal."
Jeff looked up. "Do what you can Brains."
Brains turned back to the computer, then back to Jeff. "M-M-M-Jeff, this guy has my s-s-s-Fermat." He said quietly.
Jeff placed his hand on Brains's shoulder. "We'll get him back Brains. You know we will."
Brains nodded, smiling faintly. "Let me s-s-see what I can do." He bent over the computer.
John frowned at the monitor in front of him. He took a pen out from behind his ear, and scribbled a few notes, then peered back at the screen.
"Hey."
John looked up to see his brother leaning against the doorframe. "Hey."
Scott walked in and sat down on the edge of the desk. "Are you going to tell me what you're working on, or is it a matter of national security?"
John smiled thinly. "I'm trying to boost the output signal of the communicators. Hopefully, I can give them enough power and we'll be able to home in on them."
"You can do that?"
"Obviously not." John sighed and sat back in his chair.
Scott glanced around at the papers and notes covering the desk, his gaze finally coming to rest on the untouched sandwich at John's elbow. "When was the last time you ate something?" Scott asked, already knowing the answer, since he made the sandwich yesterday. John shrugged, his eyes not leaving the screen. Scott reached over and pushed a button on the monitor, effectively shutting it off.
John jumped up in his chair. "Hey! What are you doing!" He turned the screen back on. "Dammit Scott, that wasn't funny."
"It wasn't meant to be." Scott spun John's chair until his brother was facing him. "I know for a fact you haven't eaten or slept since yesterday. Now, get your ass to the kitchen for a meal and then to bed."
"I'm fine Scott." John glared at him, dark circles under his blue eyes.
Scott met John's gaze fearlessly. "That's not a request John." Scott's tone booked no argument.
They stared at each other for a few minutes before finally John sighed. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Maybe I'll be able to think straighter after a nap." He stood up and stretched his arms over his head, wincing a little at the ache in his chest.
"And something to eat." Scott said firmly.
"Yes mom, and something to eat." John grinned at his brother until Scott shook his head and smiled back. They both started out the door.
"You've got mail."
John paused. "What?" He turned back towards the computer.
Scott grabbed him by the arm. "No way, you can play later."
John shook off his grip. "No, I just want to check this. I never get e-mail. Not up here anyway." He quickly pulled up the screen and read the message. "Scott, you'd better take a look at this."
Hearing the anxiety in his brother's voice, Scott leaned over to read the e-mail.
John (& Scott too since you're up there…)
Do NOT respond to this message. Some one (three guesses who, and the first two don't count) is trying to pinpoint TB 5's location. He's pinged us twice so far with no success. My guess is that he's going to fake needing a rescue next. DON"T ANSWER THE CALL. Brains and Dad are working on setting up a satellite relay to talk to you directly without compromising your position. Until then, sit tight and eat more chocolate. We'll be in touch. Have a nice day.
Gordon
Scott turned to John. His brother sat staring at the screen, his face pale. Scott gripped his shoulders. "John, it's OK. He can't find us. He won't find us."
John looked up, his eyes wide and shook his head. "He did last time."
"He won't John. And if by some chance in hell he does, we're ready for him. He can't hurt you again." Scott said firmly.
John's body began to shake. He got to his feet and rushed out the door. Scott followed right behind him. John made his way to the galley and poured himself a shot of whiskey, downing it in one gulp. He then poured himself another one, and sat down at the table. Scott picked up the bottle, stunned to see it was nearly empty. John's earlier words came back to haunt him.
"You're going to turn me into an alcoholic."
He turned back to his brother, his heart pounding. "John. Talk to me."
John merely poured himself another drink. He swallowed that one as quickly as the first, and sat staring at the small amount of liquor left in the bottle. "Leave me alone Scott."
Scott shook his head. "No way brother. Talk to me."
"Leave me alone."
"No."
John picked up his glass and hurled it against the wall. Scott ducked just in time as glass shattered everywhere. "I said leave me alone!" John shouted. He tried to push past, but Scott held him back. Not able to break free from his brother's grip, John swung his left fist, solidly connecting with Scott's jaw. Scott staggered back, releasing John's arm. John marched past his brother, out of sight.
Scott shook his head to clear it, and glancing at the mess in the galley, decided instead to follow John.
He found his brother on Thunderbird 5's bridge, furiously issuing commands into the computer. John barely glanced as Scott walked in. "Back off Scott." He snarled. Scott didn't answer. Finally John straightened up. "I armed the system and put a pass-code in so you and Dad won't be able to shut it down. I'm not staying up here defenseless."
Scott held his hands up in acquiescence. "I wasn't planning on shutting it down. In case you haven't noticed, I happen to agree with you."
John glared at his brother a moment, then started to push by him. Scott backed out of the way, not wanting another punch.
"Incoming transmission."
John and Scott both turned to the computer. "What the hell?" John rushed over to the computer.
"Is it Dad? Or a rescue?" Scott asked, leaning over his brother's shoulder.
John shook his head and looked up at Scott, his face pale. "Whoever it is, they're not one of us."
"Incoming transmission."
Jeff's head snapped up as he stared at the screen in his office. A moment later, Virgil popped his head in the door. "Dad? My communicator just beeped."
Jeff nodded. "Some one's contacting us."
"John?" Virgil asked, coming over to the other side of the desk.
"It'd better not be." They stared at the screen a few moments.
"Hello Jeff."
Jeff stared at the face on the screen. "What do you want?" He growled.
The Hood smiled evilly. "Now, is that any way to greet an old friend?"
"You're no friend of mine. Where is my son?"
Gordon, Brains and the Belagant family entered the room at a run. "Dad? What's going on?" Gordon asked. He looked up at the viewscreen. "What do you want?" He scowled.
"I was just waiting for the rest of you to show up." Hood arched one eyebrow and glanced around the room. "But two are missing. Transom." The screen split, showing John and Scott looking at them in surprise. "There you are. How are things aboard Thunderbird 5?" He chuckled maliciously.
"How did they find us?" Virgil whispered angrily.
Brains shook his head. "I don't kn-kn-wait! The communicators! He must have used them."
"How?" Jeff demanded.
"John's been trying to lo-lo-find them. Hood must have disabled the outgoing signal, but has been a-a-able to receive the incoming transmissions from TB5." Brains looked stricken.
"Do you think he knows where they are?" Gordon asked, not really wanting to know the answer. Brains merely nodded.
"Now Jeff, about Alan."
They all turned back to the screen. "If you've hurt him…" Jeff snarled.
"And what will you do Jeff? You don't even know where I am." Hood glanced at John, who was frantically pushing buttons on his computer. "John is it?" John looked up. "Don't bother to try and trace my transmission. You won't find me that easily."
"Don't be too sure about that." Scott replied heatedly.
"Scott." Jeff warned. "Where's Alan, Fermat and Penelope?" Jeff demanded, turning his attention back to the Hood.
"So concerned Jeff. Too bad that concern doesn't pertain to everyone." Hood beckoned to someone off screen.
"Alan!" Jeff and his sons exclaimed at the same time.
"W-w-where's Fermat?" Brains asked.
Alan shifted. "He's fine Brains. Hood's taking good care of us." Alan said scornfully.
"Where's Penny?" Jeff asked.
"Dad…She's…" Alan's voice trailed off and he looked down at his feet.
Jeff felt his throat tighten and his heart pounded painfully in his chest. "She's what Alan?" He asked hoarsely.
"Dad, he told us…He told us she was dead." Alan replied quietly, his blue eyes bright.
Jeff clenched his eyes shut and put his head in his hands. Virgil placed a comforting hand on his father's shoulder. "We'll get you back Alan." He told his little brother.
Alan nodded and Hood's face appeared back on the screen. "You'll pay for this." Jeff growled.
Hood smiled again. "I already have." He turned his attention to John and Scott. "Now John, how are things in space? Anything eventful happen lately?"
"Everything's just peachy up here you creep." John replied scathingly.
Hood laughed. "Sleeping alright John? No…nightmares?"
John paled. "Leave him alone you son of a bitch." Scott said angrily.
"Temper, temper Scott." Hood turned back to Jeff and the others. "Now Jeff, did you really think you could hide their location from me? Didn't you learn anything last time?"
Jeff's head snapped up. "Stay away from my family."
"No, I don't think I will." Hood's tone grew serious and he met Jeff's gaze with intense hatred. "If you want your son back, you'll have to come and get him. In fact, bring what's left of your family, we'll have a party."
"Just name the time and place." Jeff replied coldly.
"That would be too easy Jeff. You figure out where I am. With all your intellect and superior equipment, it should be child's play. Since I am feeling generous, I'll give you some time to find me. You have three days. After that, I sent little Alan back to Tracy Island in pieces." Hood smiled malevolently.
"You bastard!" Gordon stepped forward, his face an angry red and his brown eyes flashing dangerously. Virgil held him back, his own face clenched in anger.
"We'll be there." Jeff told him, his own anger barely concealed.
"I shall be waiting." Hood made as if to terminate the connection. "Oh, there is one more thing. Say good-bye to your sons." He laughed evilly and the screen went dark.
"What was that supposed to mean?" Virgil asked.
Jeff shook his head. "I have no idea—"
"J-J-Jeff! There is a m-m-m-projectile headed for Thunderbird 5!" Brains announced as the alarms started screaming.
"No!" Jeff and the boys hurried to Brains side. "John! Commence defensive maneuvers!" There was no answer. "John! Scott! Come in!"
"Impact in thirty seconds." Brains intoned.
"Dammit John! Scott! Answer me!" Jeff shouted.
"John! Activate the weapons! Now John!" Scott's voice sounded frantic.
"Weapons are armed, but not triggered." Brains said.
"Unidentified object approaching. Impact imminent."Thunderbird 5's computer told them.
"Scott, for God's sake fire!" Jeff ordered.
They watched in horror as the clocked ticked down.
"John! Fire the guns! Fire the damn gu—" Scott's voice was abruptly cut off.
"Scott!" Virgil yelled.
"John!" Gordon yelled at the same time.
Brains's fingers flew across the keyboards. Then he stopped and stared at the screen, his face going pale.
"Brains where are they? What happened?" Jeff demanded.
Brains turned to his friend and employer. "J-J-Jeff, Thunderbird 5 has dis-dis-vanished from my scanners."
Everyone in the room stared at Brains. Tin-Tin buried her face in her father's chest. Kyrano and Onaha held her close. Gordon gripped Virgil's arm tightly. "What exactly does that mean Brains?" Jeff asked hoarsely.
"They're gone."
"Impact confirmed. They are no longer transmitting." Transom smiled at her boss.
"No! Scott! John!" Alan whirled on Hood, his blue eyes blazing. "What did you do to them!"
Hood laughed. "They are none of your concern Alan."
"They're my brothers!" Alan rushed towards the evil man, only to be stopped in his tracks by an unseen force.
The Hood's red eyes glittered as he stared at Alan. "Watch your tone Alan. I'd hate to have to kill you so quickly." He said malevolently.
Alan stood in the center of the room, one fisted hand frozen over his head. Suddenly Hood released him, and he slumped to the floor. "You'll never get away with this. My father and brothers will stop you." He said sullenly.
Hood merely laughed and gestured at Mullion. "My boy, I already have. Take him back to his room."
Mullion roughly pulled Alan to his feet. "Watch it you gorilla." Alan snapped.
Mullion grabbed Alan by the collar and shoved the boy against the wall. "I'll kill you." He snarled.
"You can try but your boss won't like it." Alan met the man's gaze fearlessly.
Mullion scowled and continued to push Alan down the hall. When they reached the door to his room, Mullion practically threw him into the room. Allan stumbled to the floor. Laughing evilly, Mullion locked the door behind him.
"A-A-Alan!" Fermat rushed to his side. "What happened?"
Alan winced as he got to his feet. "I saw my Dad and brothers. Brains too." Then he sobered. "Hood did something to Thunderbird 5. John and Scott are in trouble, I know it." He paused a moment. "Fermat, I'm scared." Alan said in a small voice, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Fermat sat down next to him and placed a comforting hand on Alan's shoulder. "I'm sure John is f-f-f-OK. He's tough and this time, he has S-Scott up there with him."
Alan smiled feebly. "You're right, as usual." He sighed, then looked up, his face now set in a mask of determination. "I don't know about you, but I'm getting sick of sitting around."
"W-W-What do you mean Alan?" Fermat asked.
Alan grinned at his friend. "What do you think about getting out of here?"
Fermat smiled back. "Sounds like a plan."