Thanks for all the reviews and support! Again, I don't own the Thunderbirds, so please don't sue.

"John! Over here!"

John looked up to where Scott was standing. "What?"

"I found the airshaft."

John hurried over to his brother's side. Scott was peering down into a dark tunnel. "I think we can get in this way."

John looked doubtfully at the hole. "Scott, this thing can't be more than three feet across. We won't fit!"

Scott frowned. "Unless it gets narrower, we'll be fine." He sat down and leaned forward into the hole.

John tried another tack. "Scott, there might be you know…rodents." John grinned at Scott's discomfiture.

Scott looked up in alarm. "True." He got to his feet and pushed his younger brother towards the shaft. "You go first."

John scowled, and strapping a headlamp to his forehead, he descended into the tunnel. After spending years in the darkness of space, his eyes adjusted quickly and he inched his way downward. After nearly ten minutes in the cramped tunnel, it suddenly widened out, and John dropped lightly to the floor. He immediately doused his lamp and listened intently for signs of detection, his heart beating wildly. It was eerily quiet. The only sounds were his breathing and a steady drip far in the distance. Willing his heart back to normal, John turned his lamp back on and called up the shaft. "All clear Scott, come on down."

A few minutes later, Scott landed next to him, eyes warily casting about for anything out of the ordinary. "Thanks Johnny." He shuddered seeing tiny tracks in the dust at his feet.

John almost laughed out loud, but instead grinned. "Who'd have thought big, tough Scott Tracy would turn out to be such a wuss."

Scott glared at his younger brother. "I'll remember you said that next time there's a thunderstorm."

John's blue eyes twinkled. "Why do you think I volunteered for Thunderbird 5?" He glanced down at his scanner. "Something or someone's jamming our communications but everything else seems to be working. The last signal I got from Fermat was over this way." John pointed off into the darkness.

"Let's go find him." This time Scott led the way, both brothers creeping silently forward, alert for any signs of danger. What they failed to notice was the tiny beam of light, extending along the width of the tunnel.

"Sir! One of the alarms has been triggered!" Transom looked up at the Hood.

"Which one?" Hood demanded.

Transom turned back to the computer and pulled up the screen. "Here, near the main airshaft."

"How many of them?"

"Two sir."

And the Thunderbird ships?"

"No sign of them sir. Our systems haven't been able to penetrate their cloaking devices." Transom replied. "Wait a moment, another alarm has been activated. This time there are four of them.

Hood smiled evilly. "Really, how interesting." He turned to Transom. "Show them to me." He ordered.

She quickly pulled up another computer screen. "I can't Sir, something seems to be jamming the visuals." She punched buttons on her keyboard. "It's no use. They're somehow jamming us."

Hood scowled down at the computer. "Clever Jeff, very clever." He pondered for a moment, his forehead creased in concentration. "They got here before the other group, so we must assume they arrived in Thunderbird 1. Scott, the oldest, pilots the rocket, so Jeff must be with the other group. Since Scott was up on Thunderbird 5 with John, I would imagine they are still together." He paced the room, still deep in thought.

"But Sir, we shot at Thunderbird 5, it was a confirmed hit. They're dead."

Hood laughed. "No Transom, they are not dead. The Tracy boys are tougher than that. There was far too little debris for Thunderbird 5 to have been totally destroyed."

"Then how did they get here? I've been monitoring the island, and Thunderbird 3 never took off." She asked puzzled.

"I'm sure they managed it somehow." He closed his eyes a moment, then smiled. "In fact I'm sure of it."

"Sir?" Transom called out to him. "Should we go after them?"

"Of course, but who first." Hood peered down at the screen. "Hmmm…let's start with Captain Courageous and his younger brother. Mullion!"

The man stepped forward. "What?"

"See these two? Take care of the taller one, leave the blonde to me."

Mullion laughed. "Yes sir!" Still laughing he left the room.

"Any sign of Alan yet?" Hood asked.

Transom shook her head. "No, only the brief glimpse on the camera yesterday. They haven't tripped the alarms, so they're still somewhere in the mine."

Hood stared into the television monitor. "Where are Jeff and company now?"

"Here sir. Transom replied. "They seem to be heading in different directions."

Hood made himself comfortable in a chair. "So Jeff, divide and conquer is it? We'll see about that." Hood sat back and closed his eyes. "Now the fun begins."

Jeff led Tin-Tin and his sons through the dark tunnels of the ruined mine. They crept through the gloom, eyes and ears alert. Finally they came to a fork. "Time to split up." The left side looked as if it had not been used since the cave-in three years ago, rocks and broken beams covered the path, and while the right wasn't much better, it had at least, less debris to climb over.

"We'll take the right." Both Virgil and Gordon spoke at the same time.

Jeff rolled his eyes, but before he could say anything, Gordon thrust his hand out. "I'll shoot you for it. Rock, paper, scissors."

"You're on. One-two-three!" Virgil's fist opened flat. Gordon's stayed a fist. "Ha! Paper covers rock. We're taking the right." Virgil smiled smugly at his brother.

"Wrong." Gordon opened his fist and wriggled his fingers. "Fire beats everything." He grinned devilishly. "We're taking the right. See ya Gus, Tin-Tin." Whistling under his breath, Gordon started down the tunnel.

Jeff smiled in spite of himself. "Good luck son. Keep in touch."

Virgil nodded coolly but Tin-Tin smiled back. "We will Mr. Tracy. Be careful." Jeff nodded and followed his second youngest down the tunnel.

Virgil glared after his brother's retreating back. "I'll give him fire." He muttered to himself. "Come on Tin-Tin." They began to pick their way through the rubble. They had gone a few hundred yards when Tin-Tin suddenly stopped. "Honey? What is it?"

She shook her head and looked around uneasily. "I—I'm not sure." She glanced behind her. "Something is happening."

"Like what?"

She turned back to him, her coffee colored eyes wide with fear. "My uncle. He knows we're here."

John…

John's head snapped up and he looked around. "Did you just call me?"

Scott turned. "No. Why?"

"I thought I heard something." He looked around nervously. "Someone called my name."

Scott stood very still. "I don't hear anything bro. Maybe it's Dad. Did you check your communicator?"

John glared. "It wasn't my communicator." He snapped.

Scott held his hands up in defense. "Just asking."

John…

"There it is again! You had to hear it that time!"

Scott paused quietly again, then shook his head. "Sorry Johnny, I didn't hear it." He looked closely at his brother. "John? You OK?"

John was pale, and his blue eyes looked too large in his face. "I swear Scott, I heard someone call my name."

"I believe you John." He looked around warily. "Well, we're not doing anything just sitting here scaring ourselves. Let's keep moving." He motioned for John to go ahead of him. He watched as his brother crept forward, stopping once or twice to look around in confusion. Scott's mind was in turmoil, he told his brother he believed him, but now wasn't so sure. Hearing voices, that can't be good. Wish I could talk to Virgil.

Suddenly John stopped and held his hand up. "Wait here!" He disappeared around a corner. Long minutes passed and Scott was starting to get worried, when he heard John call out. "Come on Scott, it's all clear!"

Scott hurried to catch up with his brother. The tunnel had suddenly opened up, most of the debris was cleared and it was dimly lit. What appeared to be an elevator shaft was at the far end. John stood off to one side, his eyes darting around the hallway.

Scott paused in front of the elevator doors. "Should we risk it?"

John shook his head. "They're probably waiting for us."

"You're right. This has been too easy." Scott looked around, the skin on the back of this neck prickling. "They know we're here."

"Then let's not stick around." John looked down at the scanner in his hands. "There's another tunnel down this way. It should lead to the old offices in the center of the mine. Ten-to-one, that's where Hood's set up his headquarters."

Scott nodded as he peered over his brother's shoulder. "That's near where the housing was too. Alan and the others are probably being kept there." Scott tried his communicator. "Damn, we're still being jammed." He pulled the pistol out of his belt and stepped in front of John. "Let's go."

Jeff and Gordon picked their way carefully through the mine tunnel. It was relatively clear other than being dimly lit. "Well, they've got to be here somewhere Dad. The lights wouldn't be on if it was deserted." Gordon said.

Jeff nodded in agreement. "I wish we could communicate with the others. I'd feel better if I knew what was going on."

"I don't think they really feel like chatting Dad." Jeff started to speak, but Gordon raised his hand. "Before you start with me, I just want you to know that I happen to agree with you about John."

Jeff looked stunned. "What?"

Gordon nodded. "Look Dad, I love him, but he's seriously messed up right now. He's jumping at shadows, look at the way he armed TB5." Gordon shook his head. "I told Virgil that I thought John was a liability, that he shouldn't be here helping us. He could get us all killed."

Jeff sighed. "I wouldn't go that far Gordon, but yes, your brother needs help."

"Dad, I don't think you realize how serious this is."

Something in Gordon's tone made Jeff pause. "What do you mean?"

Gordon looked down at his feet, avoiding his father's gaze. "I…I went looking for John this morning. Virgil asked me to help get him down for X-rays. Anyway, there was no answer when I knocked on the door, so I went in. I figured he was still sleeping."

"And?" Jeff asked when the silence had gone on too long.

"Well, he had already left, but…Dad, I found a half empty whiskey bottle on the floor next to his bed. And one, already empty on his desk." Gordon sighed. "I told Scott, and he got all ugly and stormed off. I guess he was trying to talk to you when you guys had the fight." Gordon finished quietly.

Jeff closed his eyes and clenched his fists. "Dammit…" He turned to his son. "Why tell me this now?"

Gordon shrugged. "I thought you should know." He looked up, his eyes boring into his fathers. "We might not get out of this one Dad. I'd hate to have bad feelings between us if this all goes to hell in a hand basket."

Jeff smiled tiredly at his son, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're right Gordon. We'll take care of business here, then work on putting things back together at home."

Gordon grinned. "Knew you could do it Dad. We only—"

Jeff clasped a hand over Gordon's mouth and pulled the both of them to the floor. "Some one's here." He whispered, nodding down the tunnel.

Gordon followed his father's gaze, and saw two figures emerging from the darkness. He saw his father pull his gun out of his belt and aim it down the tunnel. Gordon gripped a rock tightly in his hand as the figures came closer.

"Dad? Is it really you?"

Jeff stared for a minute, then scrambled to his feet, shoving the gun back in its holster. He sprinted forward. "Alan!"

"Dad!" Alan rushed into his father's arms.

Jeff gripped his son tightly for a few moments, then pushed him back to look at him. "Are you all right?"

Alan grinned. "I am now."

Gordon stepped forward. "Hey there Sprout." He said, stepping in front of Jeff to embrace his brother.

Jeff hugged Fermat. "What about you?"

"I-I-I'm fine Mr. Tracy." Fermat stuttered, smiling up at him.

"How did you two get away?" Jeff asked them.

Alan blushed and stammered something. "We p-p-picked the lock on the door t-t-two days ago and have been hiding here e-e-ever since." Fermat told them.

"Picked the lock?" Gordon asked, grinning. "Go Parker!"

Alan's expression sobered. "Parker, Lady P. Dad, the Hood told me he killed them."

Jeff shook his head. "No Alan. Parker's fine. He's being taken care of."

"And Lady P.?"

Jeff looked away. Gordon placed a hand on his father's arm. "We'll find her Dad."

Jeff smiled thinly. "I know." He took a deep breath and composed himself. "First thing first, we need to get out of here. Hopefully one of the others can knock out the jamming device so we can communicate." They started off down the tunnel, Jeff in front, the boys in the middle, and Gordon bringing up the behind.

They moved quickly through the mine, Jeff occasionally turning to send his youngest a warm smile. Suddenly, the timbers above them began to creak.

"Boys move!" Jeff hollered, breaking into a run. The boys followed at his heels.

Small pieces of debris began to rain down upon them. Gordon looked up and saw the crack forming across the ceiling. "We're not going to make it!" He yelled.

Jeff followed his son's gaze. "Faster! Hurry!"

Larger pieces were now falling, and they had to dodge them as they ran. Fermat stumbled to the ground.

"Fermat!" Alan yelled, pausing.

Jeff grabbed his son's arm and pulled him down the corridor. "Gordon will get him."

They came to a fork in the tunnel. "This way!" Jeff called back, leading them away from the widening crack.

"My ankle…I think I've tw-tw-tw-sprained it." Fermat winced in pain.

Gordon hauled Fermat to his feet, and half dragged the boy down the passage. The younger boy leaned heavily on Gordon, slowing their progress. Looking front, Gordon saw his father and brother pausing under an arch farther down the left side of the fork. Glancing back, he took a deep breath and shoved Fermat as hard as he could towards his father. Fermat went staggering into Jeff's outstretched arms as the ceiling came crashing down.

It took nearly a minute for the dust and timbers to settle. Jeff looked around. "Looks like we're not getting back out that way." He said, looking around in the dim light of his head-lamp. "You boys alright?"

Nodding, Alan got to his feet and bent to help Fermat to his feet. "Yeah, we're fine Dad."

Fermat coughed. "Speak for yourself Alan." He winced as he put weight on his bad ankle.

"We'll get you patched up as soon as we get to Thunderbird 2." Suddenly Jeff froze. "Where's Gordon?"

Alan looked around frantically. "He was right behind us!"

Fermat nodded. "He p-pushed me right b-before…" His voice trailed off as they all turned to look at the pile of rubble.

"No…" Jeff whispered hoarsely. "NO! Gordon! Gordon answer me!" Jeff began pawing at the fallen timbers, but finally realized the situation was hopeless and sat back on his heels, his face in his hands.

"Dad, try him on the communicator." Alan said, still trying to move some of the rubble.

Jeff shook his head. "They aren't working. Hood's using something to jam us."

Alan's forehead creased in thought, then he smiled ferally at his father. "Then let's go un-jam us." Jeff looked up, puzzled. "Fermat and I have been running around here for two days, we can get to Hood's control room and disable the computers."

Jeff shook his head. "No. It's too dangerous."

"C'mon Dad! What about Gordon? And Scott and John and Virgil? Are we going to let the Hood and his creeps get them too?" Alan walked over and helped Fermat to his feet. "We can do this Dad. We have to." Fermat nodded in agreement.

Jeff put his head in his hands again, then sighed and looked up at the determined look on Alan and Fermat's faces. He got to his feet. "All right. Lead the way."

Virgil and Tin-Tin paused as the tunnel suddenly opened up before them. Instead of the rough hewn rock walls, they spied a brightly lit hallway with closed doors on either side. "What do you think this is?" Tin-Tin asked.

Virgil looked down at his palm scanner. "From the info John gave us, it looks like storage." He looked around. "Although, it beats me why a supposedly abandoned mine needs storage." Virgil stepped forward cautiously. "Keep your eyes and ears open." He told Tin-tin.

Suddenly she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back. "Virgil! Wait!"

He stopped, startled. "What is it?" She pointed down. Virgil frowned and crouched down. In the dust, he spied a faint red beam. "Laser warning alarm. I'll bet Gordon's sub that this isn't the only one either." He said, looking up.

Tin-Tin nodded in agreement. "They're probably all over the place. Who knows how many we've tripped so far."

"Damn…" Virgil swore softly. He straightened up, and looked back the way they had come, then faced forward again. "All right, let's go. Be careful. No use letting them know exactly where we are." The both stepped carefully over the beam and walked to the first door. Virgil tried the handle. The door swung open and he flashed his light inside to reveal an empty room. "Let's try the others."

They moved forward, trying each door. All were unlocked and held either nothing or boxes of outdated mining supplies. Finally they came to the last door at the far end of the hallway. Virgil reached for the door, surprised to find it locked. He raised an inquiring eyebrow at Tin-Tin.

"Why do you think this one's locked?" She asked.

Virgil frowned. "I have no idea, but I intend to find out." He pulled a small laser cutter from his pack and started to burn around the lock. Finally he finished, and motioning to Tin-Tin to stay back, he kicked the door open and stepped inside.

Instantly, something shot itself at him, and before he could react, it connected, hitting him somewhat south of his belt. Virgil stood, shocked for a moment, then the pain set in and he dropped to his knees moaning.

"Lady Penelope! No! Wait!" Tin-Tin cried out.

Penny, who was just about to follow up her attack with her fists, paused. "Tin-Tin?" She looked down and gasped. "Virgil!"

Virgil looked up, his face ashen. "G-G-Good to s-see you Penny." He said through clenched teeth.

She knelt down next to him. "Dear God Virgil, I'm so sorry." She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"P-Please don't t-t-touch me." He replied, his voice raspy.

Penny bit her lower lip and glanced up at Tin-Tin. The girl smiled encouragingly and Penny had to stifle a giggle. "Darling, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was you."

Virgil replied by moaning again. Penny and Tin-Tin each grasped him under the arms and helped him to sit on the edge of the cot. He sat there, his head down, hands between his legs, rocking back and forth. It some time, but finally his breathing evened out and he looked up. "You always greet people rescuing you that way?"

Penny blushed scarlet. "I thought you were some one else." She said lamely.

"Yeah, I figured that." He took a deep shuddering breath and tried to smile up at her. The smile faded and was quickly replaced with anger at seeing the bruises on her face. "Who did that to you?" He growled.

Penny brought her hand up to her cheek. "Courtesy of our friend Mr. Mullion."

Virgil struggled to his feet. "I'll kill him." He took a step forward and winced. "On second thought, maybe I'll let you kill him." Penny smiled, then her blue eyes filled with tears. Virgil shifted uncomfortably. "Oh man, don't do that." He took her in his arms and held her tightly.

A few minutes later, Penny stepped back, wiping her eyes. "Forgive me. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment."

"We all are Lady P." Tin-Tin smiled.

She smiled back, then shook herself. "Now then, have you found Parker and the boys? Where are Jeff and your brothers?"

"Parker's not here. Hood managed to drop him and FAB 1 off a cliff near the coast." Virgil held a hand up before she could interrupt. "He's fine. He's currently recuperating in a Boston hospital. We'll be bringing him home as soon as we're done here."

"We haven't found Alan or Fermat yet, but John said he pinpointed Fermat's tracking signal. That's how we found you." Tin-Tin added.

"The rest of the Tracy clan is around here somewhere, trying to find you and the boys. Hood's got some kind of jamming device we can't communicate with each other. Our best bet right now is to get back to Thunderbird 2 and stand by." Virgil said.

Penny shook her head. "I disagree. We need to find your brothers, and take care of the Hood once and for all." She turned to Tin-Tin. "I'm sorry that he's your uncle dear, but he's an evil man and must be stopped."

Tin-Tin met her gaze fearlessly. "He is my uncle only through my blood, not my heart."

Penny turned back to Virgil. "He's gotten stronger. He was able to subdue myself, Parker and Alan without showing signs of tiring."

Virgil smiled ferally. "Don't worry. I brought some power of my own."

Penny arched an eyebrow curiously but he refused to elaborate. "Well, since you seem to have things under control, I suggest we leave before they come looking for me. I'm sure there is an alarm of some kind on the doors."

Virgil nodded. "Then let's get going. The longer we stay here, the more likely we'll get caught." He took a cautious step forward, wincing as he limped towards the door. Penny caught Tin-Tin's eye and winked at her. The young woman giggled. Virgil glared at them. "Or maybe I'll just leave you both here for Hood to find." He snapped.

The woman laughed out loud. "Come Virgil, I said I was sorry." Penny stood on her tip-toes and lightly kissed his cheek.

Virgil blushed, and muttering under his breath, slipped out the door, the women right behind him.