John took his flight suit off and smiled sadly at Ridley, "I'm sorry about Global One."

"Oh, it's not all bad. I'll just have to build another one and get my team back together. We saved the Earth, and you saved me."

"I broke my promise though. I said I'd save your station and you, but I only managed to save you."

Ridley smiled, "it's fine John. She's still in one piece more or less, I can fix it."

"I'd like to help, it's the least I can do."

"Alright then, but I'm in charge," she grinned. "Now I believe you wanted to get me back in handball?"

"I'll triumph this time."

"We'll see."

Thunderbird 3 re-entered Earth's atmosphere and Alan cut the thrusters to land.

"Virgil? Did I really save us today or were you just saying that to boost my confidence?"

"Of course I meant it, Alan, I'm your brother. Why would I lie?"

"I just think you guys give me too much credit sometimes to make things look easier than they are. I find missions really hard occasionally."

"You're a great member of our organisation Alan, don't forget that. No one can pilot Thunderbird 3 the way you do, not even Scott."

Alan smiled slightly as he landed his ship back onto her launchpad, "you mean that?"

"You bet."

"Thanks, Virgil." Alan sighed, "how did you find today?"

"Give me five minutes Al, we've just finished a mission," Virgil laughed. "See you in the lounge."

The two met up in the lounge dressed and showered, and Virgil sat down at the piano. With a smile, he beckoned Alan to join him.

"So, what were you asking me?"

"How did you find the mission?" Alan sat back on the stool, swinging his legs back and forth absentmindedly. "I mean how did you actually find it?"

"Fine, apart from the ever-present Fischler on our backs distracting us."

"I'm just glad we weren't home, apparently Scott was going mad."

Virgil chuckled, "just let him get on with it. I had the explosives, it was great."

Alan nodded, "I found it hard. I thought I was going to kill us both. If we hadn't escaped from the comet..."

"Nonsense. I had confidence in you succeeding, that's why I almost forgot to blow that comet up."

"That makes no sense."

"I was thinking how clever you are, and how proud I am to be your older brother," Virgil ran his fingers down the piano keys. "I knew you wouldn't let us die."

Alan smiled, "thanks, Virgil. But, you did tell me what to do."

"I gave helpful pointers, I didn't tell you directly to ram the comet, I just agreed with your suggestion."

Alan's eyebrows rose in surprise, "you're right. I did suggest that. But you were the one who told me how to drill down."

"Practice in the Mole, it's all experience," Virgil held the melody. "You're an invaluable team member Alan, don't forget that."

"I don't. But I do doubt myself sometimes in my abilities," Alan looked down at his and Virgil's feet. "Being the youngest and all that."

"Al, you take after Scott which means you'll probably grow taller than me," Virgil smiled. "So don't doubt yourself, blondie."

Alan elbowed him, "fine, pointy."

"My hair gives me extra height, don't take that away from me."

Alan laughed, "thanks for coming on the mission with me Virgil."

"Anytime. I guess space isn't that bad, but I'll take my 'bird over yours any day."

Alan stood up from the piano stool, "see you later." He turned away as Virgil began to play again then ran back to throw his arms around his older brother.

"Woah, easy. You almost knocked me off the stool," Virgil laughed as he wrapped his arms around his little brother. "Always here if you need me, Ali."

"Thanks."