July 28th, 2061 - 12:07 NZST
It has been a quiet sunny day on Tracy Island, which is good considering it was the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere. Gordon and Virgil are lying on the loungers by the poolside taking to Kayo, who is currently sitting up on the diving board. Inside, Sally and Scott walk into the mission control room to see Alan lying upside-down mumbling to himself in his sleep.
"This is Thunderbird 3. I'm making my approach to the comet now. What a view! Decreasing acceleration. Steady!" Alan says. Scott waves his hand in front of Alan's face to check if he is actually asleep and shrugs when he gets no response, taking the seat next to him. Marion enters the room with a hot chocolate in her hand which she hands to Scott, who accepts it with a smile. Sally decides to walk Alan up by flicking him in the forehead. "Steady! Ow! What did you do that for? I was just about to land!"
"Alan, you were flying in your sleep again," Sally says with her hands on her hips.
"Nooooo! Maybe," Alan says, "Look, I can't help it! The news has been covering the return of Halley's Comet all week. It's all I can think about."
"That's why I woke you up. Some famous adventurer is about to broadcast a big announcement," Sally says.
"Huh? Are they showing the comet?" Alan asks, "How far out is it? Did you know we won't see it again for another 75 years?!"
"It's not the first time you've reminded us about that Alan," Scott says, "Or the second. Or the third. Or the four—"
"There he is! The rich explorer guy... Francie... What's his name?" Alan asks.
"Francois Lemaire here," the guy says.
"Close enough," Alan says.
"To all of you watching at home, you are about to witness history in the making. Joining me is my personal biographer Madeline Lemaire," Francois says.
"Oh, and for the record, this wasn't my idea... at all," Madeline says.
"Halley's Comet is making its closest approach to earth in 75 years. What a magnificent ball of fire and ice," Francois says.
"Actually, it's, it's just ice," Alan interjects, not that Francois could hear him.
"And I've just become the first person in history to visit it," Francois says.
"That's so cool!" Alan says, "Oh man, I wish I'd have thought of that."
"I'm glad you didn't. It's a risky move," Scott says, "But as long as he stays out of the comet's tail, he should probably be okay."
"I had planned to make this a fly-by, but it would be a shame not to see it a little closer," Francois says, "So I've decided this very moment to go inside the Comet's tail."
"No!" Scott yells jumping up, "That is a seriously bad idea!"
"Wow," Alan says amused at the timing, "You do realise he can't actually hear you."
"Amazing. I see chunks of rock and ice everywhere. This is possibly the most dangerous place I've ever been," Francois says and they watch as a piece of rock comes towards the window which causes Francois to duck down, however this one manages just to pass, "That's a big one. Fortunately, my custom-built space yacht, the Solar Wind, has one of the most sophisticated autopilots ever built." As Francois continues, Madeline suddenly points to the window as another large rock comes directly towards them. "Doing all the—" The link is lost as what Scott and Alan can only guess is that the rock had hit them.
"Oh," Alan says sitting down upset just as John appears on the holo-screen.
"International Rescue we have a situation." John says.
"You don't say," Scott says, hitting the palm of his hand to his forehead.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
As John starts to explain, Kayo walks into the room to see what is going on.
"I lost Francois Lemaire's feed at the same time as the networks," John says.
"Do we even know if he's still out there?" Scott asks.
"Yes, I am still able to track his ship." John says, "He's in the coma of Halley's Comet, all right. But his ship hasn't moved under its own power since we lost the feed."
"If they don't have flight capability, they're gonna get smashed up," Alan says.
"Lemaire hasn't called for help and there's no emergency beacon, either," John continues, "I can't see his ship lasting long out there."
"Well, it's our job to pull him and his passenger out in one piece," Scott says.
"Maybe if we get closer, we can re-establish communications?" John suggests.
"Alan, looks like you're gonna see that comet after all," Scott says.
"Oh, yes!" Alan says.
"Kayo, what to co-pilot with Alan again, while I'll use the pod again?" Scott asks.
"Sure," Kayo says and walks over to her chair beside Alan's.
"I'll see you guys down there," Scott says, "Let's go Marion," and he runs off in the direction of the passenger bays with Marion close behind him.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
July 28th, 2061 - 12:37 NZST
"According to the latest scan, their ship is still intact," Kayo says.
"Ah, can you believe?" Alan muses.
"Lucky break, given the size of the rocks and ice coming off that thing," Scott says.
"No, no, not that!" Alan says, "Halley's Comet only comes around once every seventy-five years and we are gonna be there to see it up close. This is gonna be awesome."
"Alan, we don't have the time to do 'awesome'," Marion says sternly.
"Real lives are at stake. We have to focus on what's important here," Scott adds.
"Ah! Guys, I totally get that," Alan says.
"Okay, good," Scott says and looks back at the scans Kayo had passed over to him.
"But isn't it so cool that it's Halley's Comet," Alan gushes causing Kayo to smirk at his reaction.
"Alan..." Scott trails.
"Sorry, sorry. Firing ion engines in three... two... one." Alan says, pulling the thruster up to maximum sending Thunderbird 3 off swiftly.
July 28th, 2061 - 12:49 NZST
The holo-screen starts to beep as the emergency beacon flashes over the ship, confirming an exact location.
"Guys, Lemaire's emergency beacon," Alan says.
"Ah, looks like there's still somebody to rescue," Scott replies.
"Some good news then," Kayo responds.
July 28th, 2061 - 13:03 NZST
"Calling Solar Wind, this is International Rescue," Alan says as Thunderbird 3 approaches the comet from the side. Unfortunately, they only receive static in response.
"Great, still nothing," Kayo says turning around to face Scott. Scott lets out a sigh and lifts up his seat arms before getting up.
"Match our velocity to the Comet. Keep Thunderbird 3 parallel to Lemaire's ship. Marion and I will take the Pod and going in," Scott orders.
"Okay, I'll just soak up this awesome view," Alan sighs in content.
"I hope you do, but remember you're on call," Scott warns, "Kayo watch him," and he then leaves for the cargo bay and setting up one of Thunderbird 3's red pod vehicles. Once ready, he gets in and opens the cargo hold of Thunderbird 3 and heads towards the comet.
"Pods away. En route to intercept," Marion says.
"Guys, there's a lot of debris out there. It can really do some damage," Alan says.
"FAB, we're going in," Marion says and Scott directs them into the comet. He underestimates the number of debris coming from the comet and gets a few knocks along the way.
"This is just going to be trickier than I thought," Scott comments.
"Just think of it like a game," Alan says.
"All right," Scott says and manages to avoid the next few rocks, "Okay, okay, okay, come on. The systems start to beep with a warning light and Scott quickly manoeuvres out of the way as two large rocks crash into each other. The aftermath of this sends Scott into a spin, "Come on. Woah, that was close."
"Er, Rescue Pod, is everything okay?" Kayo asks.
"Affirmative, Thunderbird 3. Can you hear me?" Marion asks.
"Yeah. There's some interference but connection is clear. What's the situation?" Alan asks.
"We've got eyes on Lemaire's ship," Scott says, "It's taken some pretty big hits. I'll see if I can raise him. Solar Wind, this is International Rescue, what's your status?" Still the only thing Scott receives is static, "No response Thunderbird 3. Their whole communication array might be down. The docking ring looks undamaged. Time to pay them a personal visit."
"FAB Rescue Pod. Once you're docked maybe you can make a hardwire connection for coms," Alan says.
"Great idea." Scott says, "This is rescue pod going in." Scott flies just above the ship, allowing its fins to take the damage from the rocks, making it to the front, he docks the Pod. "Initiating docking procedures. Thunderbird 3 this is Rescue Pod. I believe I made it past Level 1."
"See? Just like a game," Alan says turning to Kayo who just smirks and shakes her head in amusement.
The pod's com then beeps, and Francois then appears on the hologram with what looks like cheese in his hand. "Hello," Francois says.
"Solar Wind, this is International Rescue. We've just docked with your ship," Scott says.
"See? I told you someone would come. There was nothing to worry about," Francois says.
"What's your status?" Marion asks.
"Stuck in the tail of Halley's Comet. Which is amazingly cool. So, you know, it could be worse," Francois says.
"Sir, is anyone injured?" Marion asks.
"No," Lemaire says, "But there will be some very strong words with my cheesemonger when I get home. This is decidedly not an 18-month Manchego. Eight months at best."
"Okay, Mr. Lemaire, excuse me, but you need to be wearing your EVA suits," Scott says.
"They look so uncomfortable is that strictly necessary?" Francois asks.
"Yes. It is strictly necessary," Scott says, "One stray rock could penetrate your ship and you'd both be strictly dead."
"Fine," Francois says just as a red warning is showing on Scott's screen.
"We're about to get hit, brace for impact!" Scott says and Marion quickly puts her head down between her knees as a large space rock hits the ship with a huge amount of force that sends the whole thing into a spiral. The horrible screaming from Madeline could he heard over the coms.
"Do something! Ah!" Francois yells.
"Rescue Pod this is Thunderbird 3. Scott, can you hear me? Marion, can you hear me?" Alan asks.
"Thunderbird 3 looks like we're in for another hit," Marion says and looks away from another rock that collides with the ship. Silence. Systems beep in the background as Scott opens his eyes and puts as hand to his head. He groans and then winces before turning around to face Marion who is still unconscious from the collision.
"Not good," Scott says and tests the coms to see if they still work, "International Rescue to Francois Lemaire are you there? Mr Lemaire, are you receiving this communication? Oh, Thunderbird Three, can you hear me?" However, each time all Scott gets is static when suddenly the coms spring into life again.
"Scott! Are you guys okay?" Kayo asks.
"We were both worried," Alan adds.
"Yeah, we're good Thunderbird 3," Scott says, "However, Marion is still unconscious, and Rescue Pod is still docked to the Solar Wind. But contact with Lemaire has been lost. I'm gonna go and..." Scott pauses when a rumbling sound is heard. "Woah!"
"Scott, have you seen where that last impact put you?" Alan asks.
"Locations scanners are out, but I've got a pretty good guess," Scott says, "Halley's comet! "I'm going EVA to check on them once I've made sure Marion is alright."
"Okay, Rescue Pod," Alan says.
"Watch your step when you go EVA," Kayo advises. Scott then turns around to face Marion and lightly shakes her to wake her up.
"Hey, Marion," Scott says as Marion starts to groan in discomfort, "You feeling, okay?"
Marion comes to a few seconds later and stares deeply at Scott, "Scott?"
"Yeah," Scott says.
"Thank goodness you're alright," Marion says.
"Hey, I should be the one asking you that," Scott chuckles, "We took quite the hit back there you know." Marion gives Scott a weak smile and stretches, "Come on let's go get the Lemaire's."
The couple get out of the pod and go through the airlock into the Lemaire's ship. They make their way into the main room to find Madeline in deep conversation with her husband. "...The wallpaper gives me headache."
"Mr Lemaire, International Rescue. Everybody okay in here?" Marion asks.
"Any injuries? Atmospheric breaches?" Scott queries.
"I'll be with you in just a moment. I'm recording this for posterity," Francois says turning to show he's recording.
"Posterity?" Scott asks, narrowing his eyes.
"Shh," Francois says, "And the world-famous International Rescue has just arrived. As you can see, we're in a pretty dangerous predicament. Madeline, do you want to get in shot?" He turns again to stand beside Scott and push the camera in his face, which Scott rejects the idea of and puts his arm across his face so others can't see it.
"I'll pass," Madeline says.
"Sir, Ma'am, we don't have a lot of time," Marion says politely.
"Oh," Francois releases and points at Scott, "I remember you!"
"That's right, Mariana Trench in '57. Your... birthday party," Scott says.
"You were so helpful. Practically saved our lives," Francois says and puts an arm around Scott's shoulders, "I really do appreciate your coming all this way." Scott pulls away and heads over to stand by Marion on the other side of the room.
"Let's see what's going on here," Scott says.
"Yes, thank you, let's do that," Francois says moving the camera to put Scott and Marion in frame as they work by the controls.
"Okay, let's start over here," Scott says to Marion and starts working.
"So, it looks like this chap is going to repair our controls and get us up and running again," Francois explains to his viewers watching as Scott removes a panel unit after some banging
"Come on. There we go," Scott says.
"Careful please. We've already had enough damage to this ship," Francois says, "Hey, what—"
"Ok, let's see the other side," Scott says as he finishes, and he and Marion walk over to the control unit on the other side of the room and starts banging and taking apart those units as well.
"Excuse me!" Francois exclaims, "Nano crafted Mahogany imported from Southern Amazonia and he's breaking it up like firewood! Is all that really necessary?"
"Oh absolutely!" Scott says and Marion helps him with the last piece to revel what he is looking for, Ah-ha! Oh, the propulsion system is shot. This ship is never gonna leave the surface of Halley's Comet."
"Well, that is just ridiculous," Francois says with a scoff, "The Solar Wind is now a historical artefact like those capsules that went to the moon. It deserves to be in a museum!"
"Well, you're welcome to come back and get it in another seventy-five years," Marion fires back.
"Unacceptable. And this is all your fault!" Francois complains, "We were doing just fine exploring the Comet's tail until you had to come and make us crash!"
"We were both impacted by high-velocity debris. And that was because you took your ship into the coma," Scott explains, pointing a finger at Francois.
"Coma?" Francois asks.
"The taily bit of the comet," Marion deadpans.
"Well, I'll be sending a bill for all damages to International Rescue," Francois says throwing a tantrum like a child, "Good day." He walks off into the corner of the room furthest from Scott and Marion.
"Where are you going?" Marion asks.
"Over here," Francois says.
"We can still see you," Marion says in a sing-song voice.
"I'm not listening!" Francois cries.
"Just be thankful that you're still intact!" Scott calls and turns off the camera that's starting to annoy him, "I'll contact Thunderbird 3 to come get us."
Scott calls Kayo to let her know of the situation and leads Madeline and Francois out of the ship and onto the comet itself. "Watch your step. Over this way," Scott says and he heads on with Marion. Francois and Madeline hold behind for a second debating if they should follow.
"Come on," Francois says with a sigh and follows.
"There," Scott says and stops to allow the Lemaire's to catch up.
"Er, how much more of this? Aren't we safe right here?" Francois questions.
"We're not safe until we're home," Marion says. Just then, a loud rumbling noise is heard, and Scott turns to sees the rocks moving that'll prevent them from reaching Thunderbird 3.
"Get a move on. Now!" Scott yells and starts moving again, jumping onto anew ledge of the Comet. A piece of rock crashes into the Solar Wind behind them, destroying it.
"That could have been us," Francois says stunned as the reality of the situation starts to set in for him.
"We'll wait here for Thunderbird 3 to arrive," Scott says.
"Wait?" Francois asks.
"Don't worry, we're gonna be ok," Marion says as they see Thunderbird 3 in the distance navigating through the rocks before deploying the grappling arms once it's close enough to the group on the comet.
"Guys, I've got visuals on you and the others. I'm coming in," Alan says over the com channel and lands Thunderbird 3 opening the top cone to reveal a drill that cements the bird to the surface.
"Let's go. Now!" Scott says as the surface begins to fall apart, braking away. What was once a straight path to Thunderbird 3 is now an obstacle course to reach it as it starts to drift away from the group. Thunderbird Three falling away from them.
"This whole place if coming apart," Kayo says.
"What can we do? It's too late!" Francois panics.
"Not if we jump," Marion says.
"Quickly. I'll follow right behind you," Scott says and gives Marion a firm look as if to let her know not to argue with him. Reluctantly, Marion quickly follows the Lemaire's and grabs onto them.
"I've got you," Marion says and they land on the surface of the rock with a bump. She turns around to look for Scott only to see a red blur go right past her and collecting Scott, bring him over.
"Alan, you should be in the cockpit. What's up?" Scott asks once he lands.
"Well, I just thought that you might need some help as Kayo can handle Thunderbird 3 by herself," Alan says, "And, come on I just had to set foot on Halley's Comet! Even if it's only a little piece of it!"
"Let's get inside," Scott says with a sigh and watches Madeline climbing the ladder, before she stops to turn around and look at them.
"Thank you. You three are totally amazing!" Madeline says. Scott follows her up with Marion close behind as Alan takes another look at the comet.
"Okay, Halley's Comet. See you in seventy-five years," Alan says to himself and turns around as Francois starts up the ladder, "Oh, watch your step, Mr Lemaire."
"Ugh... please! I've conquered Everest!" Francois scoffs but just as he says that the rock ledge shakes and then breaks apart causing him to fall down.
"Oh no. Scott!" Alan yells to let him aware and goes after Francois.
"Alan!" Kayo cries over the comes and presses a button on the console that sends a hoverboard in Alan's direction. Alan actives his jet packs on the sides of his belt to slow him down just as he catches Francois.
"Hang on!" Alan calls and turns to grab the hoverboard, "Hold on tight. Here we go. Incoming." He ducks as a rock comes flying towards them but it luckily overhead. Alan continues to swerve around to avoid the rocks, "Scream if you wanna go faster," Alan jokes as they make their final approach to Thunderbird 3, "Smooth ride, huh? Hold on tight. Here we go. Preparing for entry." He slows down before coming to a stop once they are inside the cockpit. The door shuts behind them and Kayo rushes over to Alan to make sure that he is alright. Scott smiles at the pair and helps Francois to sit down next to Madeline and helps to remove his helmet.
"Nice catch," Scott says.
"Nice throw from Kayo," Alan responds giving her a smile.
"I think you two are the best when it comes to working together," Scott says sitting down in the passenger seat behind Alan, "You're always so in sync."
"I could say the same for you two," Kayo says with a smirk and nods to Alan to retract the drill and the grappling arms before taking off.
"Now we just have to get out through the debris field," Marion says.
"Yeah, so?" Alan chuckles.
"I've had it up to here with space debris," Scott says, indicating with his hand.
"Scott, we'll be fine," Kayo says, "Don't you trust Alan?"
"I manage to get us here okay. Let me show you how I do it. First, I relax," Alan demonstrates by taking in a deep breath, "And then I don't think. I just watch and do." With that, Alan starts to navigate with ease with only the slight hiccup of a large rock that rolls directly in front of them. "Uh-oh," Alan comments but still bypasses it with ease, "There you go."
"Almost clear," Kayo says looking down at the nav-systems.
"Okay! Looks like Halley's Comet threw one last snowball at us, but life support looks good," Alan says as he goes around another large piece of space debris which hits the side of Thunderbird 3.
"Down to one engine," Kayo checks, "It's going to take forever to get home."
"But we have such fine company. I can't wait to let them know," Alan smiles and contacts the empty cargo hold where the Lemaire's are, "36 hours is the best we can do."
"What are we supposed to do? There's nothing back here in your cargo hold. No furniture, not even any cargo! Never mind food," Francois complains back over the com causing everyone in the cockpit to laugh.
"Actually, you'll be happy to know there is food. It's something Brains whipped up for long trips," Marion says.
"Brains?" Francois questions, "Doesn't sound like a chefs name."
"Oh, he's very good. His specialty is something called ration bars. You'll find plenty of them in the bin," Scott explains, "Oh and um, Mr. Lemaire, Alan and I have been discussing it and given the obvious inconvenience, we're not gonna bill you for the trip home, so have as many ration bars as you like." Everyone has another chuckle at Francois' expense.
Once things had died down and Alan and Kayo are deep into conversation, Marion leans over to Scott. "Do you think we'll have something like that in the future?" she whispers.
"I'm sure of it," Scott smiles and leans over and kisses Marion on the forehead causing her to blush deep red.
"Hey!" Alan calls, "Keep it for the honeymoon will ya." He and Kayo laugh as Scott turns the same colour as Thunderbird 3. This is gonna be a long trip home.