September 5th 2060 - 13:17 NZST
John is walking through to the holo-map on Thunderbird 5 with a small drink in his left hand which he had manage to quickly grab on what has been another busy day. As he walks in a screeching noise could be heard and John puts his free hand to his ear in discomfort. "What?" John questions as he approaches the map and twists it around to the Pacific Ocean, not too far below where Tracy Island and Thunderbird 5 register. He clicks on it to bring up the situation before putting a hand over his ear again to try and block out the noise that is being created. He sees the disaster waiting to happen.
"This is International Rescue," John answers, "Don't worry, we're on our way."
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
September 5th 2060 - 13:17 NZST
In the main lounge, Gordon and Virgil sit alone on opposite sofas as John appears on the hologram, bringing up an image of the extraction platform that was in danger.
"A heavy metal what?" Virgil asks.
"A heavy metal extraction platform. It scoops up old toxic waste from the bottom of the sea. There's a fire on board and no way to rescue its driver. My next call is to Hydrexler, the company that owns it," John says.
"We're on our way, John. Should we bring in Scott and Marion?" Virgil asks, "Maybe even Alan?"
"We'll let them continue their training with Kayo, but I'll keep them posted," John says as Virgil gets up ready to leave, "Oh, and there's one more thing."
"There always has to be a cherry on top doesn't there?" Gordon says getting up himself and walking over to his elevator.
"If the platform breaks apart so will the tanks holding the poisonous cargo," John explains.
"FAB. Gordon and I will save the crew and secure the toxic sludge they've been collecting," Virgil says.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
September 5th 2060 - 13:21 NZST
"I can assure you, no one is more anxious to see that toxic waste recovered than those of us here at Hydrexler. So, your help is much appreciated," Mr Ambro says to John after he was called to let him know of the situation, "We'll be standing by to take those storage containers off your hands the moment you recover them."
"And your crewman?" John asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, of course. Of course. We'll take him too," Mr Ambro says.
"I'm curious. What does your company do with all that toxic waste?" John asks.
"It's processed at our state-of-the-art facility. It's all very technical. We spare no expense to save our planet," Mr Ambro says.
"I see." John says and as Mr Ambro hangs up. He shakes his head with disgust and contracts Gordon, "Did you hear that?"
"Every word of it." Gordon says, "He seems more interested in his payload than the crewman, or even his ship."
"Also, there's something about that transmission seemed off," John says.
"Let me make a call. I think I know who can help," Gordon says.
September 5th 2060 - 02:21 BST
"Gordon, what a surprise," Penelope says, "Don't you think its a bit early to wake a lady up?"
"Sorry, Penelope there's just some business that needs taking care of," Gordon explains.
"Its fine Gordon, what seems to be the issue," Penelope reassures.
"Have you ever heard of a company called Hydrexler?" Gordon asks.
"Of course. My father is one of its investors," Penelope says, "He cares deeply about cleaning up the oceans."
"Well, we just got off the line with their CEO..." Gordon trails.
"Oh, Hector Ambro," Penelope says with equal disgust as to what John had earlier, "For a company that does such good work, he's a rather... oily fellow, isn't he?"
"That's a good way to put it," Gordon scoffs, "One of their platforms is about to crash and burn. He's accepting our help but brushed us off when we asked what they did with the toxic waste they collected."
"Hmm. Let me see what I can dig up," Penelope says.
"Be careful. I hear hobnobbing with corporate types is dangerous work." Gordon says trying to get a joke in there.
"Why, Parker, I believe Gordon is mocking us," Penelope says who by now had gotten up and was ready to leave in FAB1. She gives a hard stare to Gordon's hologram before hanging up on him much to his shock.
September 5th 2060 - 13:29 NZST
"She hung up on me," Gordon says disappointed, "Some people can't take a joke."
"It helps when they're actually funny," Virgil says, "We're making our approach now. Better go strap in."
"FAB," Gordon says with a sigh and enters Module 4.
"Thunderbird 5, tell them we've reached the drop zone." Virgil says, "Standby for launch Thunderbird 4."
"Systems check complete. Docking clamp released." Gordon says, "We are go for module deployment." Module 4 is then dropped into the water and Gordon waits for the hatch to open for him before pressing the button to go at a 45 angle.
"Thunderbird 4 is go!" Gordon says and launches Thunderbird 4 into the depths below.
September 5th 2060 - 13:35 NZST
"Thunderbird 2, this is Thunderbird 4, I'm on my way," Gordon says, "I'm sending coordinates now, and I'll need an MCR link to mat—Actually, scratch that, we won't need tracking coordinates or an MCR link."
"How come?" Virgil asks.
"Because... it's kinda hard to miss." Gordon says, and pulls up along side so he can scan it in order for Virgil to see what they were dealing with.
"Wow. Now that's one mighty hunk of junk." Virgil says, "Time to make contact, Thunderbird 4."
"International Recue to Hydrexler heavy metal extraction platform," Gordon says, "Come in over." He waits a second but gets no response, "You okay in there?"
"Oh, yeah. We're fine. Just peachy," the man says, "No rush. Isn't that right, Gladys?"
"Who's Gladys?" Gordon asks confused, "My intel said it was a one-man crew. Ned Tedford."
"That's me. Gladys is my geranium," Ned explains.
"Right..." Gordon says.
"Hold on, where are the others? Surely one person can't stop this monster of a machine," Ned says.
"It's just me, pal. With a little help from above," Gordon says, "Now, then, what's your status?"
"The fire's spreading and the pressure system's not gonna hold much longer," Ned says, "I told the boss man we're going too deep, but he says the planet depends on me. Sorry Gladdie, on us."
"Okay, keep the platform straight, or better yet, slow to a standstill," Gordon amused.
"That's a big fat no. I've lost steering," Ned says trying the controls again, "We've got no pressure regulation. No life support, nothing! In other words, get me out!"
"Don't worry, everything gonna be okay," Gordon says.
"We are not going to be okay!" Ned cries as the pressure starts to crack the porthole cabin he was in.
"Hey Ned, calm down. Take a breath. I mean it. Breathe in," Gordon says as listens as Ned breaths in and out deeply, "I can't have you cracking under the pressure too. I need you focussed, we'll get throughthis." Gordon helps Ned remain calm as the platform comes to a stop, "See, the platform's stopped."
"That's because I've lost more power," Ned says.
"Relax, that's good," Gordon says, "Let's just focus on getting you out of there."
"But the fire's blocking off our exit!" Ned yells.
"Well then, first order of business. Let's put out the fire," Gordon replies.
Gordon moves Thunderbird 4 down to below the extraction plant, "Thunderbird 2, I'm gonna open the hatch and flood the fire," he explains.
"Won't that damage the pressure system even more?" Virgil asks.
"One problem at a time," Gordon replies and uses Thunderbird 4's arms to open thecompartment before moving away and informs Virgil of the development, "Compartments four, five and six flooded. The fire's out. Time to get Ned and Gladys."
"Who's Gladys?" Virgil queries.
"His Geranium," Gordon responds.
"Ok," Virgil says, clearly confused, "Glad to see our skills being put to good use."
Gordon decides in call Ned again and inform him of the development, "Ned and Gladys, good news. The fire's out."
"Um... somehow I think flooding the compartment was a bad idea. The water pumps are offline.We can't get past the flooded compartment. We're trapped," Ned says in a panic as the platform starts to creek. "What?" Before he knew it, the platform starts moving again.
"No Ned, keep the platform stationary," Gordon says unclear as to any other explanation as to why the movement had begun again.
"I didn't touch it. It's moving all by itself again!" Ned cries.
The platform starts to veer off course and Gordon attempts to follow it trying to see where the platform was now heading. "The platform is veering off course," Gordon relays before a warning appears on Thunderbird 4's holo-map of the seabed, "Uh-oh."
"Uh-oh?" Ned asks, "That's a new code for everything's a-okay right?"
"Ned, the platform is heading for a cliff. We gotta get you out of there now," Gordon says not really thinking it was a good idea to lie, "Thunderbird 2, if the platform goes over that edge we'll lose Ned and the toxic cargo."
"One problem at a time remember?" Virgil says, "Let's get Ned out first."
September 5th 2060 - 13:57 NZST
"What's your status, Thunderbird 4?" Virgil asks after getting radio silence for the last few minutes.
"Same as before," Gordon sighs, "Ned's trapped in his compartment and the platform'sheading straight for a sea cliff. Any ideas?"
"Hmm," Virgil thinks, "If Ned can't get out maybe its time to do a little fishing."
"The grappling cable! Great idea Thunderbird 2," Gordon says, "What would I do withoutyou?"
"Hold on," Virgil says catching onto Gordon's sarcasm, "Are you actually thanking me?"
"I'll try anything once," Gordon fires back as Virgil brings Thunderbird 2 over the currentlocation of the platform. He attempts to get a fix with the cable and after several tries, he finally gets one and fires thecable. Seeing this happening Gordon then brings Thunderbird 4 outside of the raised cabin. By pulling the arms of Thunderbird 4 back out, he is going to use one to hold the tower to the cabin in place and the other to startcutting through the tower.
"Hey!" Ned yells in fear, "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to separate your compartment from the structure so we can haul you up with agrappling cable," Gordon explain hastily, "Nothing to worry about, we do this all the time."
"You what?" Ned cries, "You'd have to be mad to want a job like that."
"Says the man with a geranium for a best friend," Gordon deadpans as he manages to free the tower completely and pull it away from the platform. It is at this point when Thunderbird 2's cable arrives at the sea bed, "Ah, just in timeThunderbird 2. Up for a game of catch?"
"FAB," Virgil replies and Gordon starts swinging around repeatedly gaining the momentum he needs to throw the cabin at Virgil. Ned continues to yell when Gordon releasesthe compartment, throwing it through the water until it hits the cable with a jolt. When Virgil gets confirmation of the contact, he starts to pull it up.
"We're ok," Ned sighs, "We're going to be ok. We made it."
"Looks like you've got it all in hand Thunderbird 2," Gordon calls, "Say hello to Gladys forme."
"How's that platform looking?" Virgil asks.
"Hmm, not so good," Gordon says as he pulls Thunderbird 4's arms back in and returns tothe platform, "If it goes over the edge of thatcliff the spill will be a global catastrophe."
"Well then, let's stop that thing once and for all," Virgil says.
"FAB," Gordon says and changes his position, "Thunderbird 2, send down your hook again. This might need a little bit of pull."
The platform reaches the sea cliff and is beginning to go over. Virgil is continuing his attempts to get a fix. He then manages to get it and fires the cable back down. The cable latchesonto the cargo trailer. Gordon releases Thunderbird 4's arms again, using one to grip the cargo and the other to startcutting through.
"I'm attempting to separate the cargo now, but I'm pretty far away. Hang ontight, Thunderbird 2," Gordon says just as the platform begins to shift again, "Woah."
"Thunderbird 4, any chance you could hurry it up a little?" Virgil says straining, "I'm not really in themood for a swim."
"Just a little bit more," Gordon says. He looks over just to see the cargo starting to crack under the pressure, "Oh shit."
"What's happening?" Virgil says concerned.
"The pressure's affecting the cargo. It's about to burst!" cries Gordon.
"The pressure's increasing," Gordon comments as the cracks start to get larger, "And this thing's getting ready to jump."
The weight of the platform was becoming clearer as Thunderbird 2 is starting to get pulled under more with Virgil is struggling to keep his bird just above water, "Not sure how much longer I can counter the pull of the platform."
"Wait I can get a better cut on the cargo section if I go EVA," Gordon says.
"Why didn't you do that in the first place you fucking donkey," Virgil says as the hologram of the platform in front of him is now flashing red, increasing with each part that falls over the cliff, "Though be careful as you'd have only three minutes before the pressure cracks your suit."
"Plenty of time," Gordon says.
"Nice and steady, Thunderbird 4," Virgil replies.
"Don't worry about me. You just keep hold on the platform," Gordon finishes as he leavesThunderbird 4 and pulls down a panel to bring out a small turbine. He holds onto the arm rodsand swims over.
September 5th 2060 - 14:06 NZST
"Thunderbird 2's not going to hold. The platform's taking me under," Virgil says, "If you're going to cut it free it has to be now."
"Just one more second," Gordon says and manages to cut through the last wire, "Got it!"
Thunderbird2 regains some stability as the weight of the platform considerably drops. "Well done, little brother," Virgil says.
"It wasn't so bad after all," Gordon jokes.
"Now get back inside Thunderbird 4 and lets figure out how to get this toxicwaste up to the surface," Virgil says.
The remaining part of the platform begins to creak as it starts to fullytopple down the sea cliff. However, it wasn't all good new as when Gordon turns around he sees something that makes him quite worried. "Thunderbird 2, slight problem," Gordon starts, "Thunderbird 4 is still clamped to theplatform."
Virgil then hears over the coms what sounds like the platform going over the edge of the cliff completely, "Thunderbird 4! Gordon, come in," Virgil calls, "Gordon are you there?"
A few seconds of silence pass as Gordon swims up from the cliff with Thunderbird 4 in tow, "Whoo! Sorry about the radio silence," Gordon finally says, "I had a sub to catch."
"Can we go home now please?" Virgil asks exhausted causing Gordon to laugh.
"FAB."
September 5th 2060 - 19:23 NZST
"The Global Defence Force found the entire Clear Water 3000 treatment plant filled with toxic waste containers," Penelope explains.
"It looks like The Hood's plan was to secretly contaminate the drinking water supply and then charge a fortune to clean it up," John explains, "We stopped it just in time."
"I guess we won't be seeing anymore of Hector Ambro," Gordon says.
"But you will of Hydrexler. Some of the investors have decided its mission to clean up the oceans is worth continuing," Penelope says.
"What about our old pal, Ned?" Gordon asks, "Did he make it back to dry land?"
"I made a few calls and got Ned AND Gladys a nice safe desk job with the Global Defence Force," Virgil says with a smile.
"The GDF? I hope you and Ned have the same definition of safe," John says worried.