March 21st, 2061 - 23:52 NZDT
Alan hears talking going on downstairs and decides to investigate it seeing as it is almost midnight on Tracy Island. Walking into the mission control room, he sees Brains, Scott, Marion, Virgil and Gordon gathered on the sofas talking.
"Midnight party and I'm not invited?" Alan asks.
"Not quite, Alan," Gordon says, "You remember Brains' girlfriend, Moffie, from our energy collider adventure?"
"Er, Golly, Gordon! Professor Moffat and I are simply old friends," Brains says.
"Sure Brains. Like nobody can feel all that nerd-trino energy with the two of you in a room together," Gordon says causing the group to chuckle.
"Ah, well..." Brains stutters.
"John's keeping tabs on Lady Penelope while she, Kayo and Parker run bodyguard duty for the Professor," Scott explains, "They're heading for a Global Defence Force research facility in Iceland."
"Seems like while we were having all that fun with gravity her accelerator coughed up some kind of wacky new quantum particle." Gordon jokes.
"Moffie, Professor Moffat, is calling it Centurium 2-1. And her early research suggests it could be THE big breakthrough in the field of zero-point energy," Brains explains.
"Colonel Casey says our friend 'The Hood' has already made several attempts to steal it from the GDF," Virgil says.
"Fortunately, those were all decoys," Scott says, and turn to reach back and smack Alan's leg, who is currently snoring.
"Ow! What? I'm awake!" Alan yawns, "Why don't they just fly it there?"
"That's part of the problem, Alan. The Centurium 2-1 is stabilized in a gravitonic flask," Brains says, "But at altitude, unfortunately it still reacts erratically to even micro-changes in the Earth's magnetic fields."
"The less genius level version... transported below sea-level. Literally," Gordon says.
March 21st, 2061 - 12:01 GMT
Sherbet walks through the corridor of the train with Parker following before putting his paws up at the door, whimpering and scratching. Parker walks over and opens the door for Sherbet to run and in. Inside, Penelope and Kayo are sitting opposite Moffat. Sherbet goes over to Moffat and whimpers at her feet, causing her to chuckle awkwardly.
"Aren't you a little energetic fellow?" Moffie asks.
"You seem to have yourself a furry fan club, Professor," Penelope says.
"Oh, I'm not really very good with anything larger than plankton," Moffie says and Penelope picks Sherbet up. Kayo's communicator then starts to beep.
"Ah, that'll be John checking in," Kayo says, tapping her wrist coms, "Go ahead, John."
"My tracking shows you're past the tunnel midpoint," John says, "Just wanted to make sure there's nothing uh, 'out of the ordinary'."
"Not, it's all... how could you say, quite marvellously humdrum," Kayo says glancing over to Penelope with a smirk before looking over at Moffie, "Professor, how is our bright little spark?"
"Not even a tantrum," Moffie says as she looks at the Centurium 2-1, "The readouts all show the Centurium's stable."
"Good to know. Enjoy the rest of the trip." John says, "GDF is waiting for your arrival. Thunderbird 5 out."
"Well, Professor, I think we can afford to chill," Penelope says, "With our arrival in 30 minutes, our worries will soon be far behind us."
Unbeknownst to them, a submarine is heading towards a section of the rail tunnel where the train is heading towards, and a bomb is set off.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
The train shakes, causing everyone inside the carriage to grip their seats.
"That felt odd," Penelope comments. In the corridor outside, Parker is carrying a tray with the tea but drops the contents of the tray as the train shakes.
"Woah!" Parker wails.
"Attention passengers, this is not a drill. All passengers remain in your carriage! Remain in your carriage," the driver of the train announces.
"Belts Professor," Kayo says, "Emergency crash-dive." Sherbet jumps onto Penelope's lap and whimpers.
"That's it, Sherbet, crash-dive," Penelope says and leans forward, so her head is resting on their knees with her hands over her head, like Kayo and Moffat were doing. "Good boy." The train halts just in front of a flooding door that had shut after the explosion and the train creeks as the brakes are released. Parker emerges the carriage.
"What in the quivering?" Parker asks.
The train suddenly shakes, catching Parker off guard, who falls into the seat in front of him and is knocked out as a result. Water begins to pour in through the damaged section of the tunnel as alarms start to beep.
March 22nd, 2061 - 00:13 NZDT
"International Rescue? This is Hugo Hallgren, the driver of the Reykjavik Express. Acknowledge please," the driver says.
"Reykjavik Express, International Rescue receiving. Can you clarify your situation?" John asks.
"We're in a bad fix here," the drivers says, before a magnetic pulse cuts the line.
"Hello? Reykjavik Express respond please," John replies, "Am no longer receiving."
March 22nd, 2061 - 00:15 NZDT
"With these tower explosions, seen from the Spectrum Satellite, I'm calling that double coms loss from the Express is jamming," John says.
"Nothing since from Kayo?" Alan asks.
"Same story. No signal," John says.
"Okay, John. We're on it. Better alert the GDF," Scott says, "They're probably seeing the same things we are."
"Though we should be working together on this," Marion interjects, "Maybe Gordon, you should launch Thunderbird 4. You that... 'Squid Sense' is it?"
"FAB." Gordon says and starts up to head to the elevator.
"Scott, with the Professor, Kayo and Lady Penelope down there, this can only be deliberate s-sabotage," Brains says.
"Brains, you know everything we do. Until with gauge that danger zone, we've got no idea what we're up against," Scott says, standing up.
"Then I'm c-coming, too!" Brains demands.
"Not this time, Brains," Scott says.
"Scott, you heard what John said," Brains says, "If Moffie... Well... I couldn't..."
"We know you wanta be there to help her, Kayo and Lady Penelope, but you'll be more useful to them and us here in that lab," Marion says.
"I—Sure," Brains says, "You're right, of course."
"Good man," Scott says and walks away.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
March 21st, 2061 - 12:47 GMT
"All passengers remain in your carriage," Hugo says again as the electricity starts to spark and short circuit due to the water. Parker is leaning against the seat, just starting to come around, with the help of Sherbet licking his face.
"Argh! Get h'out of it. You dribble chopped menace," Parker cries as he finally awakes, causing Sherbet to bark and move away. Penelope reaches her arms out to keep Parker sat still.
"You're back," Penelope says, "Steady Parker. Are you alright?"
"Oh, your ladyship, I was having the most 'orrible dream," Parker complains.
"Then you'd best gird yourself. I'm afraid we're in a bit of a pickle," Kayo says from her seat.
March 21st, 2061 - 12:57 GMT
"Virgil? I've been going over the underwater topography and I'm afraid there's a problem," Brains says.
"Shoot, Brains," Virgil says.
"Thunderbird 2's c-cable is short of being able to reach the tunnel depth," Brains says, "And Thunderbird 4 lacks the necessary l-lifting power."
"What about the remote airbag pods?" Gordon asks.
"M-My thoughts exactly, Gordon," Brains says, "I'm assembling them for you now."
"Thunderbird 4, you're clear for launch." Virgil says, "Airbag pods coming soon. Watch yourselves down there."
"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, "Seaborne. Impellers are green." Gordon heads deep into the North Atlantic Ocean, before bringing Thunderbird 4 around to the rail tunnel, "Sure is a mess down here."
"Brains was right," Marion says.
"The debris looks consistent with demolition charges," Scott continues.
March 21st, 2061 - 13:06 GMT
Moffat leaves the carriage and starts down the hall heading to the front of the train, while Kayo does in the opposite direction to the back. Moffat proceeds to open a door, only to be met with herself.
"What? What is this?" Moffat asks.
"What? What is this?" the fake Moffat replies.
Back with Penelope, Parker returns to the compartment, "Still no word from the boys, m'lady?" he asks.
"No. But given the situation I suggest we're being jammed," Penelope explains, "Kayo sent the Professor off to the drivers cab, while she goes to the guards cab. You might see what's keeping Moffat."
"Yes, m'lady," Parker responds and starts off down the corridor. He continues down until he reaches the next door and stops and looks around, "Funny, feels h'almost like a draft," Parker says to himself looking up to see the open access panel in the ceiling of the train. "What the perishing?" he murmurs, climbing up and through the panel, taking a torch before opening the outer door of the train roof. He sees a hole in the roof on the tunnel and a ladder extended down through it. "Hoh! Hello."
March 21st, 2061 - 13:23 GMT
"Gordon, I'm p-piloting the remote airbags down to your position," Brains says.
"Good timing. We're at the danger zone," Gordon says.
"The module's slipped but stable. The sections on either side are flooded from the blast," John says, "Are the module beacons working?"
"Yeah. It seems to have sealed in time," Gordon says, "Switching to deep scan thermograph on the reverse. Trying to— Woah!"
"That's another ship!" Virgil says.
"And I bet I know whose," Gordon says.
"The Hood?" Marion asks.
"Yeah," Gordon says.
March 21st, 2061 - 13:25 GMT
The fake Moffat enters the carriage where Penelope is sat as before with Sherbet sat on the case.
"Professor, I sent Parker out front to find you," Penelope says.
"Oh, I must have missed him. Is the Centurion safe?" the imposter asks.
"I'd say it's in good hands. Or paws to be precise," Penelope chuckles. The fake narrows her eyes as Sherbet growls from on top of the case when she sits down.
"Well, aren't you a feisty little guard dog. Who's a good boy?" the fake asks.
March 21st, 2061 - 13:26 GMT
"Gordon, we've got to counteract that jamming and get to Lady Penelope," Marion says.
"You should fire a conductive amplifier across to the structure," Scott says.
"FAB," Gordon says and calls Penelope immediately.
"Gordon, am I relieved to see you," Penelope says answering.
"Lady Penelope, listen fast. This is all an elaborate heist. The Hood has a submersible latched to your tunnel section," Gordon explains.
"That's very distressing news," Penelope says.
"If he somehow boarded that train, he's after the Centurium," Gordon says, "And he could have assumed the identity of just about anybody there."
Inside the cabin, Penelope watches as the imposter starts to laugh nervously before turning sinister, "How about a nice game of fetch?"
"YOU!" Kayo shouts returning to see The Hood making off with the Centurium. He pushes the real Moffat into the wall of the train as he passes runs out of the carriage. Kayo gives chase, with Penelope close behind her.
"Parker. Tackle him!" Penelope yells, when she sees Parker up ahead. Parker looks up and cracks his knuckles but is blinded by The Hood's devices and falls to the ground. The Hood and Kayo quickly jump over him and make it towards the access hatch.
"Go, m'lady. Nab that blighter!" Parker says. The Hood jumps up through the access hatch and now Kayo was hot on his heals as she follows him as he ascends the ladder to his submarine. However, the ladder is retreating back up so the chase cannot continue.
"So sad we won't be furthering our acquaintance, Tanusha," The Hood chuckles. He turns just quickly enough to allow Kayo to grab a tracker from her utility belt and throw it up, so it connects with the case unnoticed. The sub the disengages as water starts to fill the tunnel meaning Kayo now as the make a quick run for it back to the access hatch. As she returns, Penelope is waiting for her and shuts it quickly behind her as the water starts to completely flood the tunnel, knocking the train from its tracks.
"He's making a run for it!" Gordon says.
"Focus Gordon," Virgil states, "Right now we've a pressurised tin can full of frightened passengers who need us. Let's keep our heads in the game."
Onboard Thunderbird 5, the holo-screens showing the flooded tunnel starts beeping from as a signal leaves the incident and head away.
"You planted a tracker on the Hood?" John asks Kayo over the coms.
"The emergency locater. Never leave for a mission unprepared," Kayo says.
"Colonel Casey has GDF patrol circling. So, we'll nail him of he tries to surface," John says.
"Actually, I've a little idea of my own on that score," Penelope interjects, "Parker?"
"Yes, milady?" Parker asks.
"Bring the car around," Penelope says.
March 21st, 2061 - 13:38 GMT
"Okay. Tunnel airlock doors open," Gordon says as he watches the airbags reach the tunnel and inflate, "Remote airbags attached. 5% buoyancy. Please confirm Reykjavik Express. What's the passenger status?"
"The Professor has moved all the passengers to this compartment, and we're sealed like a drum," Hugo says.
"Perfect. Lady P?" Gordon asks.
"Thank you, Thunderbird 4," Penelope says, "All clear and good luck. Strong fix on the Hood's signal, Parker?"
"Like a regimental tattoo, milady," Parker says.
"Perfect. Then let's go fishing," Penelope says.
"Deploying laser cutter," Gordon says, "Thunderbird 4 to Express diver, cut your Maglev power, please."
"Maglev off," Hugo says.
"The tunnel's detached," Gordon says.
"Bringing up the airbag lifters." Brains says, "Going to full buoyancy."
March 21st, 2061 - 13:41 GMT
"Parker, you said we were dead on his tail," Penelope says.
"Like glue, ma'am. But these ocean canyons keep wavering the locator signal," Parker says, "He could be almost anywhere."
"Oh no, he couldn't," Penelope says as she looks up.
"Blimey O'Reilly! A transonic depth charge. Rig for impact," Parker cries seeing the large submarine above them. A depth charge is dropped from the sub and detonates above FAB 1 causing it to be knocked off kilter, "Blast! It h'appears he might have nobbled our turbines!"
"That outcropping ahead. Try gliding her down and rebooting her engines," Penelope directs.
"Yes, m'lady," Parker replies.
"Ah! He's getting away." Lady Penelope says.
March 21st, 2061 - 13:46 GMT
"We're losing aft starboard buoyancy," Gordon says and move Thunderbird 4 underneath the tunnel section and tries to lift it, "I can't make the lift power. My turbines are overloading."
"Gordon, it looks like that airbag pump has a blockage," Brains says, "I can't clear it remotely."
"Blockage? Not a problem!" Gordon says and has Thunderbird 4 go up to where the airbags are and begins trying to unblock it, "Come on, un-block... un-block!" After a horrible sound of metal grinding, he manages to unblock it.
"That's it!" Brains shouts, "You did it!"
"Nice work, Thunderbird 4. I'll take it from here with the cable," Virgil says.
"The cable!" Gordon suddenly says, "Thanks Virgil, I just had an idea," and breaks off from the mission and takes off into the ocean. He heads in the direction FAB 1 went and quickly catches up to The Hood and Penelope.
FAB 1 approaches from behind the sub, the front of the car falling away to reveal a selection of eight underwater missiles, four per each side of the main engine. The sonar beeps as Parker presses the button to release them. Two are fired and they hit the sub.
"Shall we blow him another kiss?" Penelope asks.
"'appily, m'lady," Parker says and Penelope grins as Thunderbird 4 appears in The Hood's view with Thunderbird 1's cable.
"He's hooked. Now reel this guppy in, Thunderbird 1," Gordon says.
"Reeling in the cable now," Scott says, however, the submarine breaks apart before it can surface, and an escape capsule is seen flying out of the water off to the side of Thunderbird 2.
"An escape capsule. After him, Parker," Penelope says.
"A little too nippy for us to catch up, I'm afraid, m'lady," Parker says, "Although, apparently, our locator seems to be still inside."
"Good. Let's call it in to Gordon and then we'll surface," Penelope says, "Time for a nice long walk and maybe a cup of tea?" Sherbet barks happily.
March 21st, 2061 - 02:27 NZDT
"Couldn't have done it without you, Lady Penelope," Scott says.
"Well, we had a pretty good team," Penelope says.
"I'm not so sure about that. Get off!" Parker complains as Sherbet is heard barking in the background.
"Thanks to Gordon and Kayo salvaging the gravitonic casket from The Hood's ship, we still got the Centurium 2-1 to the GDF facility in time," Scott says.
"And kept it out of that blaggard's hands!" Parker says.
"The particle's holding stable. It's all very exciting," Moffie says.
"So, 'Heroes of the Hour', huh?" Alan asks looking over at Kayo.
"Hey, improvisation's my specialty," Gordon calling from the other side of the room, "But the real credit should go to Brains."
"I, er... Imagine you'll be headed back to your research in Iceland, Moffie?" Brains asks.
"Hiram, it sounds like you're trying to get rid of me," Moffie says and Brains blushes slightly, "I thought you might at least tease me with this allegedly fabulous lab of yours."
"Of course!" Brains says, "I have s-several interesting prototypes hot off the fabricator. If you like graphing polymers as much as I do. I..." Brains stops when he hears Alan and Gordon starting to laugh as he and Moffat walk away, "Oh, please, you guys."