WORLD President Younger walked into his office and sat down as a group of five holograms appeared in front of his desk. Each showed a high-ranking member of the World Navy's division commanders including the Royal Navy, United States, Russia, Japan and France. "Good morning, gentlemen," the World President said. "My secretary says this is of the utmost urgency?"

"Da, Comrade President," said Admiral Dreykonov - leader of the Russian Navy. "We receive distress signal from one of our submarines - the Konovalov. Then nothing."

"What do you mean by nothing?" asked the World President.

"The signal was weak and brief," said Admiral Dreykonov. "It's like whoever turned on the beacon change their mind and switch off again."

"And where is Konovalov?" asked the World President.

"Signal traced to Denmark Strait area," Admiral Dreykonov said. "It could still be there, lying on seabed. Or gone elsewhere."

"Hi-jacked?" suggested Admiral Davidson of the Royal Navy.

"I cannot begin to believe such a thing could happen!" snapped Admiral Dreykonov. But then he changed his tone. "However, it not impossible."

"Is a search being organised, Admiral?" asked the World President.

Admiral Dreykonov nodded. "Da. Six Russian ships near the area are being sent to search. We would be grateful for any assistance."

"The United States have about eight surface and submarines in the area, Admiral," said Admiral Yates of the United States Navy. "Aircraft are available too. I'll have them diverted to the area immediately."

"Thank you, Admiral," said Admiral Dreykonov.

"The Royal Navy has some units in the area as well," added Admiral Davidson. "Just tell us where to look and we'll do what we can."

"Much gratitude," said Admiral Dreykonov gratefully.

"Excellent. Thank you, gentlemen," said the World President. "That's still a large area for you all to cover for one small vessel. I'm going to get you some additional backup."

The Admirals looked intrigued. "What would that be, Comrade President?" asked Admiral Dreykonov.

"If there are survivors, they may be in need of rescue," said the World President. "And for deep-sea such as this, there's only one outfit that can pull it off. Excuse me, gentlemen, whilst I get in touch with them."

The Tracy family were taking some downtime in the lounge of the Gran Roca Ranch house. For Jeff, it felt very strange being back here after so many years. He'd not actually been back to the ranch since his return from the Oort Cloud, fearing it would bring back memories of his late wife. However, that had turned out not to be the case.

The brothers, even Gordon, had relaxed a lot more since their terrifying training ordeal with Kayo whereas Penelope had been fine ever since it had finished. Parker however, still seemed a bit sour about it all.

"Oh, for goodness sake, Parker," Penelope said in annoyance. "It was only an exercise. Nothing to be so down about."

"Speak for yourself, m'lady," replied Parker gloomily. "It wasn't h'a fair fight."

"Of course it wasn't a fair fight, Parker," laughed Alan. "With Kayo's suit - it was hardly going to be."

"It's not that, Mr Alan sir," said Parker. "It's just…it's just-"

"He can't bring himself to hit a lady," Kayo said.

"Hmmm," said Jeff. "I understand why you would feel that way, Parker. But don't forget, if you were facing off against The White Ghost or Silver Swan, they wouldn't hesitate to attack you."

"Plus, you took down The Luddites in the vault single-handed," added Virgil. "If I recall there were a few girls in that group as well."

"That was different, Mr Virgil," said Parker. "I couldn't see their faces."

Silence fell as everyone tried to figure out Parker's logic. But before anyone could say anything, a beeping sound made them all jump.

"Someone's calling us?" Scott asked. "Unless it's a friend of yours, Dad?"

John checked the caller. "It's EOS," he said. "Go ahead, EOS."

"Hello, John," EOS said. "Sorry to disturb you all but we have a situation."

"EOS, I told you, we're on vacation for the week," John said. "Any emergency calls are to be forwarded to local authorities."

"Not this one, I'm afraid, John," EOS said. "I've got the World President on the line. He said it's most urgent."

John opened his mouth to speak but Jeff cut him off. "Allow me, son," he said. "EOS, put him through."

"Yes, Mr Tracy."

"But, Dad," Scott began, "I thought you said-"

"I know what I said, Scott," Jeff replied shortly. "But if there's one person we cannot ignore a call from, it's the World President."

At that moment, a hologram of World President Younger appeared from the mantelpiece above the fireplace. "Hello there, Jeff."

"Mr President," said Jeff. "Hope you're well?"

"As can be," said the World President. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I understand you're taking a break?"

"We didn't anticipate hearing from you, Mr President, but it's not a problem," said Jeff. "I hear you've got a problem though?"

"Yes, and it's a big one," said the World President. "We need your help in locating a missing submarine."

Everyone's attention was now well and truly caught.

"Missing submarine?" said Jeff.

The World President nodded. "That's right. It's the Konovalov of the Russian Navy. they picked up a distress signal that went quiet shortly after - which can mean only one of two things. One - the vessel has sunk. Or two - it's been hi-jacked."

"Mutiny?" asked Jeff.

"Most likely if so," said the World President. "The Russian, Royal and US Navies are sending ships and planes in to search the area. But the Denmark Strait and above and below are big areas. I was hoping you could pitch in? I'm sorry. I know you're on vacation, but I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't serious."

Everyone looked at Jeff who was considering the matter carefully. "If the vessel is sunk, confirmation is required," he said. "There may be survivors who'll have no means of escape if there are. If in the wrong hands, that submarine is a formidable weapon." He turned back to the hologram of the World President. "Tell the Russian Navy to send us what they have on the sub, Mr President. We'll head out there and do whatever we can to help."

"Thank you, Jeff," said the World President. "There'll be many restless nights if this submarine isn't located in one way or another. Good luck." He then signed off.

Jeff turned to face the others just as Grandma walked in. she did not look happy. "You're not going out on a mission?" she said with anger in her voice. "We're supposed to be on vacation!"

"Sorry, Mother," answered Jeff grimly. "But with a deadly weapon missing that could cost many innocent lives if not dealt with isn't something we can ignore. Boys, let's get moving. Scott, take Thunderbird 1 and-"

Virgil coughed loudly, cutting Jeff off. "Pardon me, Dad," he said. "But we already have a slight issue. We're gonna need Thunderbird 4 for this and no prizes for guessing where she is."

"Back on Tracy Island," said John.

"Bingo," said Virgil.

"Then launch Thunderbird 2 immediately," said Jeff. "Take Gordon back to the island and switch the modules so that you can collect Thunderbird 4. Then head straight for the Denmark Strait."

"F-A-B," said Virgil.

"On our way," added Gordon as they both headed for the subbasement.

Scott then spoke up. "You were saying to me, Dad?"

Jeff thought for a second as he tried to remember what he'd been saying before Virgil had interrupted. "Ah, yes. Scott, take Thunderbird 1 direct to the Denmark Strait and begin using the sonar equipment to see if you can locate the missing vessel. If you do before Thunderbirds 2 and 4 arrive, call them in."

"Got it," said Scott and he left the lounge as well.

"Anything we can do?" asked Penelope eagerly.

"Actually yes," said Jeff. "FAB1 has aqua-mode. You can go and assist in the underwater search. Gordon can join you in Thunderbird 4 as soon as they arrive."

"Splendid," said Penelope. "Let's go, Parker."

Parker had perked up at this. "Coming, m'lady!" he said as he followed Penelope out of the lounge.

Alan looked at Kayo. "Looks like we're sitting this one out," Alan said. He picked up a game control. "Wanna play?"

Before Kayo could answer, Jeff spoke up again. "Actually, Kayo, you might be needed as well. If the sub has been taken over by hostile force, we'll need someone to try and take them down. Better to have you there on stand-by just in case."

"Awh," said Alan with disappointment.

Kayo stood up. "Then I can use my new suit on them," she said.

Jeff smiled. "Precisely," he said.

"And it will b-be a good field test to see how it works against p-proper hostile forces," added Brains.

Kayo grinned as she headed for the subbasement after the others. "Thunderbirds are GO!" she said with excitement in her voice.

The large concealed hangar doors opened in the ground round the back of the ranch house. Soon the peace and quiet that had filled the area was shattered by the sounds of rumbling engines as Thunderbird 1 was the first to emerge followed by Thunderbird 2, then Thunderbird Shadow and finally FAB1 in flight-mode. They then split up with Thunderbird 1 shooting off ahead of Thunderbird Shadow with FAB1 bringing up the rear being slower than the others whilst Thunderbird 2 went the other way heading towards Tracy Island.

Whilst the ships headed off, Jeff, John and Brains were in discussion with Admiral Dreykonov and they were going through the schematics of the Konovalov.

"Q-Quite the impressive craft she is, Admiral Dreykonov," Brains was saying.

"She's old boat," answered Admiral Dreykonov. "This was to be her last patrol before decommission."

"Admiral, could this be a potential mutiny?" asked Jeff. "I know of incidents where some commanders have objected to the withdrawal of their boats."

"Captain Rustkoff is a fine commander," said Admiral Dreykonov. "I have known him for long time. I do not believe he do such a thing. Either Konovalov has suffered major system failure or has sunk. That is my belief."

"Until we have proof that she's sunk, Admiral, we should proceed with the belief that she is still going," said Jeff. "Now I know this is going to sound like a security question, but can she be tracked in a specific way that could help us?"

"She is stealth craft," said Admiral Dreykonov. "I have instructed all ships to be on the listen for the sound of caterpillar. If she is trying to hide, she probably will be using that."

"Caterpillar?" asked John.

Brains had been studying the schematics. "Oh d-dear," he said. "That is a p-problem."

"A caterpillar drive?" Scott said.

"That's correct, Scott," said Jeff grimly. "I know this is already going to be a difficult task, but this has just made things so much harder. Nobody in International Rescue knows what a submarine caterpillar drive even sounds like."

"The Admiral wished he could have given us a recording to listen to," said John. "But the Russian Navy is, um, very secretive when it comes to things like that."

Scott thought for a moment. He'd heard about the secretive caterpillar drive before and was trying to remember where it was.

"Caterpillar's are all b-but silent," Brains added. "N-Not many outside of the Navy can know what a caterpillar drive sounds like."

"Pity we can't get someone from the Navy or even ex-Navy to help us," said John.

Scott then remembered. "Actually, we can," he said. He adjusted Thunderbird 1's course.

"Scott, our instruments are saying you've changed course," Jeff said. "Where are you going?"

"To England, Dad," Scott replied. "To get us the help we need. Call you back in a bit. Thunderbird 1 is GO!" He then applied more thrust to the engines to send the rocket zooming across the North Atlantic.

Thunderbird 2 was approaching Tracy Island. The island's distinctive shape wasn't something that Virgil and Gordon had expected to see again so soon, even though it was going to be brief.

"Thunderbird 2 approaching Tracy Island," said Virgil. "Let's switch the modules."

Thunderbird 2 glided down and landed vertically onto the runway. The palm trees folded back as the wings folded up to allow the craft to taxi into the hangar as the rock that concealed the entrance opened up. It entered the hangar and came to a stop on its resting place before the turntable spun it around to face the door once more. The landing legs were then deployed, lifting the entire craft up whilst the conveyor moved Module 1 underneath and then stopped at the empty space between it and Module 3. The main body of Thunderbird 2 was lowered and released Module 2 before rising up again allowing the conveyor to move Modules 2 and 3 along to then stop as Module 4 came underneath. The main body was lowered back down and locked the module in place before Thunderbird 2 then taxied back out along the runway to the launch ramp. Once on the ramp, the wings folded out again as the ramp was lifted into place. Virgil fired the engines and Thunderbird 2 soared off the ramp into the sky again.

"This is Thunderbird 2. Modules switched and on our way with Thunderbird 4."

"F-A-B, Thunderbird 2," acknowledged Jeff. "Just to let you know, Thunderbird 1 is making a detour to England to get back-up."

Virgil and Gordon exchanged puzzled looks.

"Who exactly is he going to get?" Gordon wondered out loud.

It had been over three months since the incident on Victory Day Island had taken place. Hayley was getting there with her recovery. After spending weeks in hospital, she was glad to finally be home and allowed to go out and about on her own accord, albeit with crutches. She had taken a trip to her local park for some exercise and was soon tired out. She sat herself down on a bench and took a bottle of water out of her bag to have a swig. She then looked over at the nearby sports field where a group of children were playing football.

Just then there came a rumbling sound from above. The sound of an aircraft's engine. To anybody else, it could be a cause for alarm, but Hayley recognised the distinctive sound immediately. Looking up, she saw the sleek, silver shape of Thunderbird 1 coming over the treetops towards the park. "Scott?" she asked out loud. "What's he doing here?" She thought at first that Thunderbird 1 might be on its way to an accident, so it came as a big surprise to her when she saw the ship descend towards the park and the landing legs fold out from under the wings. The only place he could land was right on the sports field. Fortunately for Scott, he didn't need to call out for the youngsters to move for the sight of the craft coming in low was enough to make them get out of the way.

As soon as Thunderbird 1 was on the ground, Scott exited the craft and began to make his way towards Hayley, who equally had gotten up and began to move forwards with her crutches to meet him.

The boys who'd been playing football weren't at all bothered by the fact their game had been interrupted by Thunderbird 1 landing on their pitch. The referee on the other hand was livid. "OI!" he yelled at Scott. "YOU CAN'T JUST LAND HERE!"

"Cheese," Scott answered, causing the referee to fall into a stumped silence.

Scott and Hayley met at the edge of the pitch. "Scott?" Hayley said. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey, Hayley," Scott answered. "Glad to see you out of the hospital."

"At long last," Hayley replied. "Have you come to take me to see Virgil?"

"You can see him later, I'm sure," said Scott. "But right now, we have a situation and need your help."

"Of course," said Hayley. "What are we up against?"

Thunderbird Shadow and FAB1 were the first to reach the search area. They'd been given the section just to the South of the Denmark Strait. The rest of the area was being covered by the vessels and aircraft of the United States, Russian and Royal Navies.

"Guess this is as far as I can go for the moment," Kayo said into the radio. "You're up, FAB1."

"F-A-B, Thunderbird Shadow," acknowledged Penelope. "Time to swim, Parker."

"Right h'away, m'lady," said Parker. He dived FAB1 into the ocean with a big splash. As soon as it had submerged it switched from flight-mode to aqua-mode and the headlamps turned on full beam. Parker also turned on the sonar and began to search through the dark, murky water for the missing submarine.

"FAB1 to Gran Roca Ranch. Search underway," Penelope reported.

"Understood, FAB1," said John. "Thunderbirds 1 and 2 are heading to their designated areas."

Thunderbird 1 was by now on its way back from England towards the Denmark Strait. "Thunderbird 1 to base. I am heading for the designated search area now," Scott said.

"F-A-B, Scott," answered Jeff. "Did you get what you were looking for?"

"I sure have," said Scott, peering around his chair.

"Hello, Mr Tracy."

Jeff, Brains and John all blinked in surprise. "Hayley?!"

"Hey, all," Hayley said. "Been a while."

"Hayley!" said Kayo. "Wow. It's good to hear your voice. Although I wasn't expecting Scott to collect you."

"Hayley's going to help with my side of the search," said Scott. "She's the only one out of us all who knows what a submarine caterpillar sounds like."

"Of c-course!" said Brains. "All the s-sonar operators on the surface ships, aircraft and submarines of the Navies know what to listen for. But we do not. H-Hayley however has some experience in it."

"Of course, we may be searching the wrong area entirely," said Scott. "But at least if we are, we have an edge to us."

"How far are we?" asked Hayley.

"We're coming over the area now," replied Scott. "Dropping down to just above sea-level." He brought Thunderbird 1 down low until the thrust from its vertical jets was disturbing the surface of the water. "Deploying sonar-array." The hatch underneath Thunderbird 1 opened and a small torpedo-shaped object with a scanning antenna underneath was lowered into the water. Scott then began to move Thunderbird 1 slowly forwards, sending out sonar pings as it went. "All yours, Hayley."

Hayley put on a pair of earphones and began to listen carefully. It had been a very long time since she'd last heard the unique hum of a submarine's caterpillar drive and hoped she'd be able to identify it again.

Thunderbird 2 was now approaching its own designated search area. "Coming up on the drop-zone now, Dad," Virgil said.

"Well done, son," answered Jeff. "You've made good time. Is Gordon ready?"

"He's just getting into position," said Virgil.

As if on cue, Gordon's voice came over the radio. "Ready, Thunderbird 2."

"F-A-B, Thunderbird 4. Stand-by to launch."

"Systems check complete. Docking clamp released. We're go for module deployment."

The clamps were released and Module 4 dropped from within the main body of Thunderbird 2. It landed with a splash on the surface of the water. The door opened and the ramp holding Thunderbird 4 lifted up into place. Gordon activated the thrusters and the small yellow submersible slipped down into the ocean.

"Thunderbird 4 is GO!" said Gordon. "Commencing search. How are you doing, FAB1?"

"So far, our search is negative, Thunderbird 4," answered Penelope.

"Thunderbird 1, what about you?" asked Gordon.

"Nothing so far, Gordon."

"HAYLEY?!" Gordon and Virgil both exclaimed together. They hadn't been a part of the previous conversation where the others had learned of Hayley's presence.

"What are you doing here?" Virgil asked in surprise.

"Don't you want me here, hun?" Hayley asked, sounding offended.

"What?! No, of course, I, er, do," Virgil spluttered. "It's-"

He was cut off by the sound of Scott and Hayley laughing.

"She's messing with you, Virg," said Scott.

"Hell, of course, I am," snickered Hayley.

Jeff cleared his throat loudly. "Boys! And ladies. Please focus. We have a mission to conduct."

Everyone pulled themselves together and began to continue the search.

"Have the Navy found anything, do you know, Dad?" asked Scott.

"Again, they're drawing a blank, son," answered Jeff. "But remember, this is a very big area that we're having to search, and we're looking for one very small craft that probably doesn't want to be found. This could be a long job, I'm afraid."

"Or not," Hayley said. "I think I might have something. Everyone keep quiet, please." Everyone fell silent and waited anxiously whilst Hayley listened intently into her headphones. Through the quietness, she could just make out a faint thump-thump-thump sound. "I can hear something," she said. "It sounds just like what I heard during the Gibraltar Incident."

"Is there any way to be sure?" asked Scott.

"Not from where we are," Hayley said. "We'd need a visual confirmation. Who's nearer?"

"That would be me," said Gordon. "I'll go and check it out."

"We're coming too, Gordon," said Penelope. "We don't know what surprises may wait for us."

"Dad, you'd better alert the Navy and tell them we might be onto something," said Scott.

"F-A-B, Scott," answered Jeff. "Let's hope it is what we're looking for."

Thunderbird 4 reached the area first and began to search around. "Thunderbird 1, how close am I to the source of the sound?" Gordon asked.

"Pretty close, Gordon," answered Hayley. "In fact, you're very close. Do you see it?"

As Thunderbird 4 turned around an underwater mountain peak, the searchlights caught onto a sleek, black hull gliding through the water about three-hundred metres away. "I see it!" he said. "Going in for a closer look."

"Shouldn't you wait for us, Gordon?" asked Penelope. "We're only a minute away."

"I'll be fine, Pen," said Gordon. "I'll stick to the baffles. They shouldn't have any idea that I am there." he cautiously moved Thunderbird 4 in closer towards the aft end of the submarine. It felt strange seeing that its propeller wasn't turning. He could see the outlet jets on the sides of the hull where the caterpillar was pushing the water back out of the turbine to push it forwards. "No wonder this was so hard to find," he said to himself.

Gordon thought he was being clever by sneaking in behind the Konovalov. But little did he know that the people inside the submarine were not who anyone, not even the Navy, thought they were. A group of underwater pirates had taken over the submarine and slaughtered everyone in the control room. All of the twenty hostile men wore black armoured suits with helmets to hide their faces. Some removed them to reveal balaclavas after they had taken out their targets.

The leader of the group was the only one who had his entire face visible. His name was Jesse Krueger and he was ruthless. He had no care for the young men and women aboard the submarine and had told his team to take out anyone they encountered - except for the Captain, who up until now had remained hidden from the pirates. Eventually one group of pirates had located him and brought him to the control room where Jessie was waiting.

"Who are you people?" demanded the Captain.

Jessie remained silent and instead looked at the tallest suited member of a team that had just entered the control room from the opposite end. The tall man removed his helmet and looked with cold eyes at the Russian commander.

"You won't get away with this," the Captain said. "The distress signal-"

"Was disabled," Jessie said. "We're running dark again."

"But it will have been heard," said the Captain. "They'll know to come looking."

The tall man walked menacingly up towards the Captain. "I'll do you a deal, Comrade," he said in a mock Russian accent. "I not tell you how to be a Captain - and you don't tell me how to be a Pirate." Suddenly a long and viciously sharp blade extended out from the gauntlet on his left arm. The horrified Captain barely had a chance to register this before the blade was inserted into his abdomen. He fell to the floor of the control room after it was retracted and breathed no more.

Jessie smiled with pride as the tall man turned to face him. "Attaboy, David."

The tall man grinned triumphantly. "The ship is ours, Dad," he said in response.

Jessie and David left the control room and made their way towards the missile bay. "Where are the rest of the crew?" asked David.

"Decided not to be brave enough to challenge us," answered Jessie. "They've barricaded themselves in the torpedo room."

"Smart," said David. "Can we get to them?"

"No they've probably wedged something in the hatch wheel," said Jessie. "The boys said they can't get it to turn."

"Our reputation precedes us clearly," remarked David.

Jessie turned around and stopped him. "Our reputation?" he asked. "No. Your reputation. This is your win, David. You led the assault and got us the results. Our benefactor will be most pleased. And we'll have a pay-check that get us that private island in the Bahamas we've always dreamt about."

David's eyes glistened. "It's taken a while," he said. "But it sure as hell will be worth it. Nothing will stop us now."

Just then, one of the pirates stationed in the control room called in on David's earpiece. "Uh, sir? We have a problem."

David frowned. "What is it?" he asked.

"I see something on the aft camera," said the Pirate. "Something's following us."

"Another submarine?"

"Kind of. I think it might be a Thunderbird!"

Silence fell as David and Jessie looked hard at each other.

"Are you positive?" David asked.

"Has to be, sir," said the Pirate. "I don't know of another craft that could have located us so easily."

David was silent again for a few moments. Then he spoke again. "Set targeting computer," he ordered. "Blow it to hell."

Jessie's already slight grin broadened.

Unaware he was being watched, Gordon continued to keep Thunderbird 4 behind the Konovalov. "Submarine is on a steady course," he reported. "No sign of trouble."

"Be careful, Gordon," warned Virgil. "You know bad things tend to happen whenever you say that."

Before Gordon could reply, a warning alarm started sounding on the control panel. "Hold on. My controls are going crazy. What's causing-"

"GORDON, GET OUT OF THERE!" Hayley suddenly shouted. "IT'S JUST FIRED!"

"Fired?" repeated Gordon. "Fired what?"

"A TORPEDO, DAMN IT!" Hayley said. "IT'S FIRED A TORPEDO!"

Gordon looked in the direction of the submarine. His heart then skipped a beat when he saw a trail of bubbles coming from the wake of a sleek, green torpedo which was turning in a loop back around towards him. "Oh, for crying out loud!" Gordon said angrily. He pushed Thunderbird 4 up to full throttle and banked sharply to starboard. He hoped that the torpedo hadn't yet locked onto Thunderbird 4. But to his frustration, he saw on his scanner that the torpedo was changing course to head after him. "Damn it!" he cursed. "It's locked on!"

"Gordon, you've got to outrun it!" ordered Jeff. "Try and get it near an outcrop of rock. It might collide and detonate itself."

"No, Gordon. I have a better idea," said Penelope. "Do you have FAB1 on your scope?"

Gordon checked his scanner and saw a pink icon that represented FAB1. "Affirmative."

"Good! Then head to meet us," said Penelope. "Parker, get countermeasures ready. We need to take that weapon out!"

"Right away, m'lady!" said Parker. He pressed a button on the car's dashboard which opened the front to reveal its own group of missiles.

Gordon turned Thunderbird 4 again and began to hurry as fast as the submersible would go towards the location of FAB1 with the deadly torpedo still in hot pursuit.

It didn't take long for Thunderbird 4 and FAB1 to cross paths. "There they are," said Penelope. "Gordon, brace yourself for a shockwave."

"Okay. Please don't hit me," Gordon said.

"You heard him, Parker," said Penelope sternly. "Don't hit Thunderbird 4."

"Don't worry, m'lady. Mr Gordon, sir," said Parker. "I won't! Target locked."

"Fire!" ordered Penelope.

Parker pressed another button and a single missile shot out from the front of FAB1. It zoomed through the water and struck the Russian torpedo. The resulting explosion created a massive shockwave that caused both Thunderbird 4 and FAB1 to spiral out of control for a few seconds before Gordon and Parker were able to regain control of their respective vehicles again.

"Phew!" said Gordon in relief. "Thanks, Parker."

"All h'in a day's work," answered Parker.

Jeff and the others also breathed sighs of relief knowing Gordon was safe. "That proves it then," said Jeff grimly. "That submarine is under hostile control."

"Yeah, but who though?" asked John. "The crew or someone else?"

"Someone else?" repeated Kayo. "You think The Cabal might be behind this?"

"That'd be my guess," said John. "Thunderbird 4 was barely behind that sub for more than a minute before that torpedo was launched. It's almost like it was waiting for us."

Kayo gritted her teeth. "I need to get aboard that sub," she said. "I have to take down whoever is responsible for this!"

"E-Easier said than done, Kayo," said Brains. "I m-may have upgraded your suit, and it will work in space. But I have n-not done any tests on its underwater capabilities."

"Can't Thunderbird 4 come to the surface and collect me?" asked Kayo.

"It could, but you'd need to get back to the submarine without it noticing you," said Jeff. "And Thunderbird 4 isn't a stealth craft, may I remind you."

"I have an idea," said Alan, who'd been sitting on the sofa all of this time. "Couldn't Kayo use those hacking discs of Thunderbird Shadow's?"

"Electronic Disablers," Kayo corrected him. "Would those work, Brains?"

"Y-Yes, they would get you control of the Konovalov's systems," said Brains. "But they are not designed to t-travel through water. Even if you flew above the s-submarine's position, the chances of you getting direct contact first time a v-very slim."

"She doesn't have to," said Gordon. "All she has to do is drop one down over my position. I can then nip down with Thunderbird 4, do a quick pass by and attach it to the hull. Easy peasy."

"Except for the part where they know you're out there and are probably going to be on full alert to see if you come back again?" Scott said.

"They'll have detected the explosion," Gordon said. "They'll hopefully therefore think I'm dead."

"I still don't like it, Gordon," Jeff said. "You got lucky with FAB1 being nearby. There's no way of saying you'll be as lucky the second time."

"It can work, Jeff," said Penelope. "All we need is a distraction. Parker and I can use FAB1 to distract the people in the submarine and whilst they're trying to take us out, Gordon then has a chance to attach the device to the hull.

Brains looked at the schematics of the submarine. "I t-think I see what Lady Penelope is getting at, Mr Tracy. The submarine only has t-torpedo tubes at the front. There are n-none at the back. Gordon can come in from behind at an angle without any r-risk of rear-mounted weapons being used against him."

Jeff considered the situation carefully before making a decision. "I don't see that we have any other options, Brains," he said. "Gordon, Penny, Kayo. you have your plan. Go to it."

"F-A-B!" said Kayo, Gordon and Penelope all together.