November 19th, 2049 - 16:54 JST
Colonel Jeff Tracy flies the TV-21 over the Pacific Ocean heading north-west. He is on a routine mission with his new recuse organization. They were just starting out, with the first mission being to help a plane that had a bomb planted on one of the landing gears.
Currently, Jeff is responding to a tsunami that had hit the coast of Japan, and he is flying over to provide relief. However, another ship piloted by Trangh Belegant is approaching the TV-21. Jeff notices it on his radar and calls the ship to ask it to divert, not knowing who the owner is.
"Unidentified aircraft, please divert your course to the south," Jeff requests.
"I don't think so Jeff," Trangh replies, "How about you hand over your ship?"
"Trangh," Jeff growls, "The hoodlum I used to have great respect for. Oh, how far you've fallen."
"What's it gonna be Tracy?" Trangh asks, ignoring Jeff's comment, "Hand over your ship... or die."
"I'd rather die than had this over to you, you sick son of a bitch," Jeff responds and speeds up in an effort to escape. Despite this, he notices that Trangh's ship isn't getting any further away, "Shit!"
"You see Jeff," Trangh states, "I've tried to play hero with you, but I couldn't play that bullshit fantasy. So now I'm the villain in your story."
Jeff realises that he is unable to shake off Trangh and makes the most difficult decision he ever made. Instead of providing relief to the many families in Japan, Jeff puts the TV-21 into a nosedive and retreats to an escape pod. He opens the com link to Trangh once inside.
"You were my best friend at one-point Trangh," Jeff starts, "But now all I see is a coward. You hide in the shadows and calculate a moment to pounce when the time suits you. You'll be remembered for one thing. Being The Hood to everyone's good times."
The escape pod launches seconds before the TV-21 crashes into the ocean, lost forever.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
August 21st, 2062 - 09:38 NZST
John walks around the gravity ring, in conversation with EOS about leaving Thunderbird 5 for a few days to be with the family on Tracy Island. As he is explaining some of the details about protocol EOS announces that a distress call has come in for them. John asks EOS to play the call and heads up to the mission control centre room with the holo-map of Earth.
"Deep Ocean Surveyor, two crew trapped. Last known position, 11.37 North. 142.5 East," a voice says on a call.
August 21st, 2062 - 09:41 NZST
In the lounge, Alan and Kayo were sitting down on one of the sofas as Virgil plays on the piano in the background. They were discussing their recent trip to the GDF base in Gibraltar, where the British sector of the GDF were preparing an operation to help with the search of The Mechanic. The tests have been mostly successful, with new technologies introduced that could now detect the use of the Mechas in any given location. Everyone in the Tracy household were happy that the pair were getting along again as previously there had been some tension whenever the two were in the same room.
Scott and Marion's relationship is continuing to develop, with the pair going on serval dates around the island, as well as to the mainland of New Zealand and Hawaii. Marion is currently visiting family but had settled into International Rescue very well. Little did she know that Brains and Scott were working on a new Thunderbird 7. This included modifications to Thunderbird 1. Previously, when Marion would go on solo missions, it would be using Thunderbird 1. With these new modifications, Thunderbird 1 will be able to hold Thunderbird 7 inside as a type of pod. While it'll be more of a one-man fast interceptor aircraft, it'll be able to perform vertical take-off and landing, reaching faster speeds than Thunderbird 1. Scott is currently going over the designs when John calls Tracy Island.
"International Rescue, we may have a situation," John says appearing in front of Scott, who's sitting at Jeff's old desk.
"Go ahead, Thunderbird 5. What have you got for us John?" Scott asks.
"A deep ocean survey team just lost contact with their control base," John explains, "I'm receiving the footage of their final transmission now." John then opens the transmission, and his eyes suddenly widen is shock, "Whoa!"
"What is it, John?" Scott asks.
"You're going to want to see this," John says and pulls up the image to show Scott.
"TV-21?" Scott says, "No. It can't be."
"Scott, are you okay?" Kayo asks from her seat next to Alan, looking up over his shoulder.
"Yeah, you look like you've seen a ghost," Alan jokes.
"Everyone, look at this," Scott says and projects the image from Jeff's desk and over to the main hologram in the centre of the table. Virgil and Gordon gasp in shock.
"Is that what I think it is?" Virgil asks.
"It's the TV-21," Scott confirms.
"Uh, is anyone gonna clue me in, here?" Alan asks.
"It's the TV-21!" Brains cries as he walks into the room.
"Ugh, that is not helping," Alan groans.
"It's the first Thunderbird," Scott explains, "More of a prototype really."
"Until it c-crashed. Your father thought the wreckage would be lost forever," Brains says, "This is exciting news."
"It's really exciting," Scott says, "But we also have a rescue to deal with. Thunderbirds 2 and 4, suit up. Gordon, you're going swimming."
"FAB," Gordon says.
"Gordon, I've added a new p-package to Thunderbird 4. It may come in handy," Brains calls after Gordon as he runs over to his elevator, but he doesn't seem to hear Brains, "That's fine. We'll talk about it later."
5
Virgil runs over to the painting of a rocket and gets suited up.
4
Thunderbird 4 is loaded into Module 4.
3
Gordon boards Thunderbird 2 via the passenger elevator.
2
Thunderbird 2 taxis down the main runway and comes to a halt allowing the ramp to raise.
1
The blast shield rises.
Thunderbirds are Go!
August 21st, 2062 - 10:03 NZST
John watches as Thunderbird 2 heads to the location of the crash site when a beeping is goes off in the background causing John to turn around.
"Hm, interesting," John says as he floats over to the United Kingdom where an alert from Parkmoor Scrubs Prison is flashing, "This could be exactly what we've been looking for." He decides to call the Creighton-Ward Estate.
"Hello, John. Joining us for a cup?" Penelope asks.
"Maybe later. Remember how you asked me to keep an electronic ear on Parkmoor Scrubs prison?" John asks, "I just detected a strange signal coming from the area. Only a blip and then it was gone."
"Do you think it's The Hood sending a message?" Penelope asks.
"Uncertain. But I was able to do a wide spectrum sweep, and I think I've found where the signal went," John explains.
"And what does the GDF have to say?" Penelope asks.
"Until I have more information, they're not interested," John sighs, "I believe 'wild goose chase' were the words they used."
"Hmm. Well, as it happens, Parker loves a good chase. We'll take a look," Penelope says.
"I'll send you the coordinates now," John says and hangs up.
August 21st, 2062 - 07:21 JST
"Thunderbird Two arriving on scene," Virgil announces as they arrive at the coordinates right above the Mariana Trench, "Get ready, Gordon."
"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, "Preceding to seafloor. 1000 meters and diving."
August 21st, 2062 - 07:34 JST
"I'm approaching the last known coordinates of the deep-ocean surveyor," Gordon states as he climbs down the last few meters before reaching the ocean floor. He turns Thunderbird 4's bright lights on in order to see more clearing and off to his right, he spots the surveyor. "Surveyor located," he states, "Craft appears intact. I'm moving in for a closer look," and circles Thunderbird 4 around the surveyor so he can get a scan to identify any Significant damage. "I've made visual contact with the crew," Gordon says as he sees the crew in a small cabin at the front and waves at them, "No apparent injuries. The ship sure is a weird-looking thing. But there are no signs of external damage."
"Gordon, what about the TV-21?" Scott asks, "Have they found part of the wreck?"
"Standby Scott. I'll take a closer look," Gordon says and approaches the wreckage, "Just gotta clear some debris." After a few moments, Gordon lets out a loud gasp as he inspects what's in front of him, "It's not just part of the wreck, it's the whole thing!"
"Why is everyone making such a big deal about a wrecked plane? I don't even remember it," Alan says.
"The TV-21 was Dad's baby. The first ever Super Mach 20 ship. It was THE prototype to Thunderbird 1. Dad invested everything into it. But The Hood attacked it in flight. Dad had to abandon the plane somewhere over the Mariana Trench, rather than let that villain get his hands on it," Scott explains and sighs sadly, "I remember how it broke Dad's heart. We all thought it was smashed and lost to the deep."
"And now these guys have randomly stumbled upon it?" Kayo asks suspiciously.
"I guess so," Scott shrugs, "But we can reminisce later. Right now, there are two crew on that surveyor who need our help."
"Moving into docking position," Gordon announces over the coms and calls the crew, "Don't worry guys, help is here." He then docks with the surveyor and deploys the emergency docking tube and pressurizes it.
August 21st, 2062 - 10:40 NZST
"V-Very smart of you to track that signal, John," Brains says. He is currently sitting in his lab. A few moments ago, Penelope had called Brains with information she had collected from the signal John had tracked down. John had been called and now the three of them are looking at the data.
"We got lucky," John comments.
"It seems The Hood may be up to his old tricks," Penelope says.
"I've seen engineering like this before." Brains says, "It's the w-work of The Mechanic. I'm sure of it."
"Then it proves without a shadow of a doubt he's in league with The Hood," Penelope says.
"I b-better show the others immediately," Brains says and heads upstairs with Max. Upon entering the lounge, he looks up at the hologram being displayed. "Th-That's the entire TV-21!" he exclaims, "It hardly looks d-damaged at all."
"I know. Imagine the odds," Scott says.
"Yeah. I keep trying to, but something doesn't add up," Kayo says and Alan nods in agreement.
"W-Wait a moment. I think I see why," Brains says, and he zooms in on the surveyor ship and gasps, "Shit! That's the M-Mechanic's ship! Thunderbird 4, g-get out of there!"
August 21st, 2062 - 07:48 JST
Gordon looks up in confusion. Before he could react, two arms come out of the surveyor ship and grabs Thunderbird 4. Gordon grunts and his bird shakes violently, "Too late." He retracts the emergency docking tube and then is taken away from the ship.
"Thunderbird Four, The Mechanic is piloting that ship remotely," Scott explains, "What's your situation?"
"I guess you'd call it gripping," Gordon jokes and tries to escape from The Mechanic, "But that's about to change. Full Thrust." He starts to move and even drags The Mechanic's ship slightly until two more arms come out of the ship and anchors the vassal to the seabed. "Ugh! OK, let's get creative," Gordon mutters to himself, "Firing emergency launch jets." It takes a few tries, but Gordon inevitably fails to escape, "No-go. I can't force myself free."
"You better come up with something fast," Virgil states, "Thunderbird 4's hull integrity is failing. You're getting crushed."
"Ugh!" Gordon groans as Thunderbird 4 shudders under the extra force The Mechanic adds on, "This thing's got way too many legs." Gordon decides to get his laser out and starts work on cutting through one of the legs. As he does so he sees something swim in front of him and he sighs, "The Mechanic is sending me more company. Ray-Mechas." Noticing one getting too close, zapping with electricity, Gordon redirects his laser and hits the Mecha directly causing it to explode. This just prompts The Mechanic to send even more Mechas after Gordon and one successfully disables the laser. As a result, Gordon results to using Thunderbird 4's claw and grab some of the Mechas throwing them away from Thunderbird 4 and into each other.
"Gordon, what's going on?" Virgil asks.
"Ah," Gordon sighs, "they disabled the plasma cutter. I'm gonna need to free Thunderbird 4 manually. But my dive suit won't take the pressure at this depth."
"Gordon, that's what I t-tried to tell you," Brains interrupts, "Thunderbird 4's new p-package - it's a deep water exo-suit."
"Brains, you think of everything," Gordon compliments. He runs into the back of Thunderbird 4 taking off his current suit as he does, "Beginning suit up protocol." He stands in position and as the suit is being applied to him, sparks go off around him and Thunderbird 4 shudders violently again. "How long does this thing take?" Gordon wonders aloud and gets thrown around again, "Oh! Ugh! Forget it. Switching to manual." Ripping the last few bits off the machinery and applying it himself, Gordon gets ready to leave Thunderbird 4, "Time to get my feet wet."
"Hull integrity 28%," Virgil states, "Gordon, what are you doing?"
"The airlock's jammed," Gordon cries, "I can't get the door open."
"Well, make a new door," Virgil blurts out, "But do it fast. You don't have long."
Gordon presses a button on his new suit and a plasma sword is extracted. "Nice," Gordon mutters and pushes it into the side of Thunderbird 4 just as it shudders again.
"Hull at 7%," Virgil informs, "Gordon, get out now!"
Seconds later, Thunderbird 4 explodes.
"Thunderbird 4... is offline," Virgil mumbles.
"What happened?" Alan cries.
"Thunderbird Four has been rendered... inoperative," John says and a heavy silence falls over Tracy Island.
"Gordon!" Sally yells.
Another second of silence passes until a beeping sound is heard and a call connects to the IR frequency.
"I'm here!" Gordon breathes, "I'm okay. But Thunderbird 4 is a little... uh... beat up." Gordon says.
"Oh, boy," Sally says as everyone sighs out a breath, they didn't know they were holding.
Gordon watches in horror as The Mechanic finishes off throwing pieces of Thunderbird 4 around. He narrows his eyes and goes to attack The Mechanic but has to roll out the way as The Mechanic starts using the arms to attack him. One arm however, he didn't see coming and it strikes him in the centre of his back throwing him off to the side. The engines of The Mechanic's ship fire up and it approaches the TV-21 going directly above it. It fires down several cables and they attach to the top of the ship before pulling it into a hold in the main body.
"International Rescue," Gordon murmurs watching with wide eyes, "The surveyor's going for the TV-21! It's stealing Dad's ship."
"Of course!" Brains says, clicking his fingers, "F-Finding the TV-21 wasn't a coincidence. The Mechanic is finishing what The Hood started all those years ago."
"Wait, what's going on?" Marion asks as she enters the room. She is however ignored by Scott's conversation with Brains.
"The Hood f-forced the TV-21, but he didn't know exactly where your father would d-ditch the craft," Brains states, "Searching the whole Mariana Trench was too b-big a task for The Mechanic alone, so he secretly gave this team the equipment for their m-mapping expedition."
"So, they were looking for the TV-21 all along," Scott realises, "They just didn't know it."
"P-Precisely," Brains confirms, "And now that they've found the TV-21, The Mechanic intends to t-take it for himself."
"No, he won't," Scott declares, "Because we're gonna stop him. But first, we're gonna save that crew."
"Looking at these p-plans. It seems the Deep Ocean Surveyor has a centralised p-power system," Brains says nodding and pulling up a hologram of the surveyor, "Gordon, if you can cut the part I've highlighted, you'll stop that ship in its tracks."
"FAB," Gordon says and swims over to the control panel. He rips off the cover and is about to cut it when he looks over to his left. There, is the TV-21, now connected to a series of power lines. Gordon sighs as he looks at the craft and hears the movement of water. Looking over to his right, one of the arms of the ship crush Gordon into the side before wrapping around him and pulling him away from the ship. "Huh! Ugh!" Gordon groans as he struggles to break free. Freeing an arm, Gordon sets his plasma sword to max and fires it towards the control panel and striking it. There's a small explosion before the whole surveyor powers down, freeing Gordon. "Yes!" he cries and swims back to the ship, "Uh... now what? The life-support systems have powered off. They're running out of air."
"We've gotta get that crew out of there," Scott says.
"It'll take a couple of minutes, but maybe I could configure a pod to come get up," Virgil tries.
"Not possible," Gordon declines, "Only Thunderbird 4 could survive the pressure this deep and it's seriously out of operation. We're out of options and almost out of time. We need to come up with something extraordinary. And fast."
"Extraordinary and fast?" Alan asks, "Sounds like a job for you, Brains."
"Hmm," Brains thinks and paces the room before gasping, "We can use the TV-21! Gordon could restart it and then use the thrusters to p-power both vehicles to the surface."
"It's been sitting on the bottom of the ocean for years," Scott states, "You'll think it'll still work?"
"Absolutely," Brains cries, "I b-build things to last."
"Gordon," Scott announces, "We need you to get on board the TV-21."
"I always wanted to fly Dad's plane," Gordon admits and swims over to a hatch on the side of the craft, "Opening the airlock. See you guys on the other side." After a few twists, Gordon opens the hatch and swims inside. Once inside, he closes the airlock and makes his way through the plane to the cockpit. Gordon stares in amazement and walks over to the pilot's seat. On one of the arms, sat an original International Rescue hat with the old logo printed on the side. The top had a gold lining, indicating it was once Jeff Tracy's. "Man," Gordon chuckles picking up the hat, "I can't believe we used to wear these things."
"Sorry to spoil the moment, Gordon," Virgil interjects, "But hurry."
"Here goes nothing," Gordon sighs and places the hat on the left armrest. Reaching over, he presses the big red button to start the vehicle, and everything boots up for the first time in 13 years. "Phewph," Gordon breathes.
"Good work," Scott says patting Brains on the back.
"Nice," states Marion.
"Started first time," Brains smiles.
"Stopped first time too," Gordon suddenly says as everything powers down again, "Any other ideas?"
"You could try the Jeff Tracy fix," Scott suggests, "After all, it is Dad's plane."
"FAB," Gordon grins and places Jeff's hat on his head before punching the control panel. In an instant, everything boots up again, "Thanks, Dad." Pulling forward both leavers, the TV-21's engines start up and lifts the surveyor off the seabed. "This is TV-21," Gordon announces, "We have lift-off."
August 21st, 2062 - 08:11 JST
"300m from surface," Gordon announces, "200... 1." Virgil then fires his grapples and attaches them to the top of the surveyor, lifting it out of the ocean. Once fully surfaced, Gordon jumps out the TV-21 with the hat still on his head and runs over the airlock on the surveyor. He opens it and helps the two crew members out and into the safety of Thunderbird 2. "It's okay. You're safe now."
"Thank you, International Rescue," the woman breathes.
"So, what was it like flying Dad's plane?" Virgil asks Gordon once he sat down in the co-pilots seat.
"It was awesome," Gordon sighs happily.
"Well done guys," Scott says, "Leave the pod to collect Thunderbird 4, but first, bring the TV-21 back where it belongs, in a hanger on Tracy Island."
"FAB," Virgil and Gordon say.
"Scott! Stop transmission!" Penelope suddenly interjects entering the call, "The Mechanic has been listening to everything we've been saying."
"He's hacked into our communication system," Kayo says in shock, "This was slick. We never would have known. I'm re-encrypting."
"No, wait. He needs to hear this first," Scott says narrowing his eyes with anger, "To the Mechanic, let me tell you who you're dealing with. We're International Rescue! You can't push us around. You can't tell us what to do! And you absolutely, positively CAN'T take our stuff!"
In an instant, a hologram of The Mechanic appears in front of them, "No. Let me tell you who YOU'RE dealing with. I'm The Mechanic. I take what I want from who I want. Whenever I want it."
The surveyor suddenly bursts into life again with the arms retracting into the body of the ship. Then, rocket engines come out at the front and fire up pulling it and the TV-21 away from Thunderbird 2. The force becomes too much for Virgil to handle and he is forced to release the TV-21.
"International Rescue, we have a situation," Virgil says as he watches The Mechanic's ship retreat into the distance.
"Oh, no he doesn't," Scott snarls, "Brains is she ready to launch."
"The modifications haven't been fully tested, Scott," Brains state.
"Well, I cannot think of a better time than now," Scott nods and turns to Marion, "Marion please take a seat." Scott indicates to two chairs that have their backs facing the paintings. They were the exact same design to the ones Alan uses to get to Thunderbird 3. Marion looks over to Scott suspiciously but sits down on one on the chairs and presses the secret button. The chairs start to descend.
7
Thunderbird 7 pulls out from a hanger underneath Thunderbird 1 to allow Marion to get inside.
6
A crane comes down and lifts Thunderbird 7 inside Thunderbird 1's cargo hold.
5
Scott descends and starts to get suited up.
4
Scott is carried across on a platform into Thunderbird 1's cockpit.
3
The front doors close as Marion gets into the co-pilot seat.
2
They start moving along and towards the launch pad.
1
Thunderbird 1 comes to a stop as the swimming pool above starts to retract.
Thunderbirds are Go!
August 21st, 2062 - 07:41 CST
Scott and Marion head after The Mechanic and are about to catch up pretty quickly. Scott growls in his anger. No one messes with the Tracy's.
"This is Thunderbird 1 in an immediate pursuit of The Mechanic," Scott says, "Thunderbird 7 is ready for launch."
"FAB, Thunderbird 1," John acknowledges, "Good luck Thunderbird 7, Thunderbird 5 is tracking you at a thousand meters and closing."
"Thank you, John," Marion says, "This is Thunderbird 7, launching in three... two... one." The bay doors of Thunderbird 1 open and a small blue, streamlined aircraft drops down. Its wings expand outwards before speeding off after The Mechanic and Scott backs off and stays within a 5-mile radius.
"The TV-21," Scott mutters, "Wow. I haven't seen it since I was a kid. But just as cool as I remember."
"I'm closing in on it now," Marion states.
"But please use caution, Marion," Brains says, "The Mechanic must be piloting remotely. That means he's got n-nothing to lose."
"Except Mr. Tracy's old plane he's carrying," Marion fires back. Just as she gets close enough, The Mechanic speeds up again leaving Thunderbird 7 another mile behind once again, "Oh, no you don't." Pushing down the throttle, Marion speeds up again, going faster than Thunderbird 1 could at 27,000mph.
"Marion, there's a safe area up ahead," John says, "You can knock out the TV-21 and bring down the plane with zero civilian casualties."
"FAB, J—"Marion starts.
"No way, Thunderbird 5," Scott interrupts, "That plane belongs to us. And we're gonna get it back in one piece. Marion process with the original plan."
"Sure, thing Scott," Marion sighs and fires a grapple that connects to the TV-21, "Got it! Now to put on the brakes." As she does, The Mechanic starts to take his ship into the upper atmosphere. A warning light shows on her control panel, indicating that the cable isn't going to last much longer.
"Marion, when the TV-21 was designed, Mr. Tracy w-wanted all the thrust I could give him. That booster is the most p-powerful one I've ever built."
"More powerful than Thunderbird 7?!" Marion yells and looks up from Brains' hologram to see the TV-21 is powering up.
"Well, yes," she hears Brains say in the background as she tries to disconnect the cable. It's too late. The force of the acceleration breaks the coupling inside Thunderbird 7 and forces it into a spin. Alarms start to blare off in the background as Marion tries to get Thunderbird 7 under her control again.
"Lost manoeuvring thrusters," Marion informs Scott, "Propellant pumps are compromised. Thunderbird 7 is going down!"
"Hang on Marion!" Scott yells and increases his own speed to reach Marion who is losing altitude rapidly. In the distance he sees a trail of black smoke. Knowing he couldn't get there in time he decides to talk to Marion to calm her down.
"Marion, stay calm," Scott states, "Throttle back the thrusters. Extend wings to full span." As Scott explains, Marion looks at the controls around her and starts to do as Scott has instructed. Meanwhile, Scott dives down after Thunderbird 7 and watches as the tips of the Himalayan Mountains appear, "Now punch it!" With a bag, Thunderbird 7 flies away from the mountains and back up to reach Thunderbird 1.
"International Rescue, Thunderbird 7 is levelling off and re-docking with Thunderbird 1," Marion announces, "But the TV-21 got away."
"Thunderbirds 1 and 7, return to base. I'll continue surveillance from Thunderbird 5. and alert the Global Defence Force. Don't worry," John says, "I won't let the TV-21 out of my sight."
August 21st, 2062 - 11:52 NZST
"If The Mechanic is piloting the TV-21 remotely, it's got to be receiving a control signal," Kayo states.
"And that control signal must be broadcasting from somewhere," Alan continues.
"Which mean..." Kayo trails as she starts working on tracking the signal, "Yep, it's double-encrypted and bouncing around repeaters."
"But he can't hide from you," Alan smiles.
"Exactly," Kayo says and points to the holo-map, "The Scottish Highlands. I'm on my way."
"Kayo," Alan calls and grabs her arm preventing her from leaving, "You know this should be handed over to the GDF."
"And they're too focused on that craft of his," Kayo says and shakes her head, "I'm sorry Al, but The Mechanic already ran out on us once. By the time, the GDF reacts to this, he'll be long gone. Thunderbird Shadow moves fast and quiet. He won't hear me coming."
5
Kayo descends and starts to get suited up.
4
Kayo gets into her Shadow Bike and drives to Thunderbird S's hanger.
3
Thunderbird S's platform heads up the ramp.
2
The platform turns around to show the outside of Tracy Island.
1
The platform rotates and Thunderbird's engines start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
"Kayo shouldn't face The Mechanic alone," Sally says to Alan, who holds a worried expression on his face as he watches Thunderbird S disappear off into the distance.
"Maybe some help shouldn't be a bad idea," Alan says. Sally nods and calls Penelope.
"Hello, dear. Are you busy?" Sally asks.
"Never too busy for you, Mrs. Tracy," Penelope replies.
"How would you like a second chance to get The Mechanic?" Sally asks and presents Kayo's holo-map of the location.
"I'm enjoy more than Parker likes complaining about the weather," Penelope says and turns to Parker, "Scotland, please, Parker."
"Right away, m'lady," Parker says before mumbling, "H'of all the places to 'ide out in, he picks the rainy one." He presses a button and changes FAB 1 into flight mode, "FAB 1 is h'off!"
August 21st, 2062 - 12:08 NZST
Scott and Marion return to Tracy Island. Once they land and get out, Scott pulls Marion to one side.
"Sorry for the abrupt surprise," Scott says, "I was hoping to wait a few more weeks until your birthday."
Marion smiles and shakes her head. Looking down, she grabs both of Scott's hand and intertwines them with her own. "Scott..." she trails, "There's no need for any of that."
"There isn't?" Scott asks.
"No," Marion confirms, "This is literally the best thing to ever have happened to me. I mean, I have my own Thunderbird! Not many people can say that." The pair chuckle and stare into each other's eyes searching for something. Marion coughs before looking down at the ground, "I hope this means you want me to stick around."
Scott looks at Marion in shock and releases his right hand, using it to push Marion's chin up so they're looking at each other again. "M... Of course, I want you to stick around," Scott smiles, "You're literally the best thing to ever have happen to me."
"Really?" Marion asks tentatively.
"Yes!" Scott exclaims, "And I love—" Before Scott could finish Marion leaps up at Scott, rapping her legs around his waist and kissing him deeply on the lips. Scott stumbles back in surprise, before reacting back and placing his hands underneath her as support. They continue to explore each other mouths until they pull away for air.
"I love you too," Marion blushes and Scott kisses her check.
"I'm glad," Scott replies and the pair walk back up to the lounge. When they get back upstairs, hand-in-hand, they stroll over to Jeff's desk and Scott takes a seat. He gets a few folders out on the TV-21 and starts to scan them for any useful information. Meanwhile, Marion sits at the edge of the desk and goes over the damages to Thunderbird 7 that Brains will need to repair. Sally places a comforting hand on Scott's right shoulder as she looks at the large hologram of the TV-21 displayed on the table.
"I get that everyone loves the TV-21, but it's just a plane," Alan exacerbates.
"It's also a symbol of your father's determination," Sally says and walks over to where Alan is sitting, "Ever since he was a boy, your father dreamed he would be the fastest pilot who ever flew."
"So, he and Brains built the TV-21?" Alan asks.
"It was beautiful. A dream come true," Sally responds.
"Until The Hood crashed it," Alan says as Sally pulls him into a side hug.
"But it didn't crash his dream," Sally reminds Alan and looks back at the hologram, "Your dad didn't care about being the fastest anymore." Scott suddenly looks up from his work and stares at his Grandma in wonder. "He only cared about being first," Sally continues, "First on the scene when people need help. First to act when someone is in trouble. And instead of one ship to do it all, he built six."
"TV-21 was the beginning of International Rescue," Sally says and looks over at Scott, "April 4th, 2049, your 10th birthday."
"We have to get that plane back," Alan suddenly says with determination and a beeping sound is heard as John's hologram appears.
"We've got a development, Thunderbird 5! What's the situation John?" Scott asks.
"The Mechanics craft has stopped over the GDF's high security iridium vault. The GDF are responding now," John explains.
"The one in Sweden? Great," Marion mutters, "What's this guys play?"
"I don't know, John keep us updated on this developing situation," Scott orders.
"FAB, Scott," John replies.
August 21st, 2062 - 12:33 NZST
"Scott," John calls again, "Colonel Casey's on the phone."
"Add us to the call," Scott requests.
"Already on it," John responds.
"International Rescue," Casey says, "The Mechanic's craft has launched, taking the world's iridium supply with it."
"Will the GDF destroy it once it's out of the atmosphere?" Scott asks.
"Negative," Casey states, "As much as I'd like to smash his toy, there's a worker trapped inside the vault. That's why we called you guys."
"Okay, Colonel," John says, "International Rescue is on it."
"We're here if you need us. Good luck," Casey says before leaving the call.
"Even with the TV-21's booster, that mass of iridium is slowing it down big time," John explains getting a hologram of the vault up, "The vault is reinforced and airtight. It'll protect the worker in space, but his oxygen won't last forever."
"Then we better hurry," Alan comments.
"There's a problem," Scott says, "The Mechanic has already taken out two Thunderbirds."
"Thunderbird 3 will be defenceless," Alan realises, "We need a way to beat The Mechanic at his own game."
The pair look at each other before making a run down to Thunderbird 2's hanger where Thunderbird 4's parts lie scattered all over the place and Virgil and Brains work on fixing it.
"Brains!" Alan and Scott call.
"We need something to protect ourselves from The Mechanic!" Scott says, "What can you give us?"
"I d-don't usually build defences," Brains says as he crawls out from underneath one of the large pieces, "But with a little thinking maybe we c-could adapt something." Max then comes running over and beeps at Brains in binary, suggesting something to him, "No, Max. We can't. It's n-not ready." Max then beeps again with a slightly sad tone. "But it hasn't been tested," Brains argues as Max beeps again.
"Brains, whatever it is, will it help us stop The Mechanic?" Scott asks.
"Well, c-conceivably yes," Brains says.
"Then we'll take it," Scott says.
"Okay, Max. Let's g-get to work," Brains says and Max beeps happily at them and starts to wonder off. He leads them to the main hanger when Brains' lab is located. Brains walks over to one of the control panels and presses a button and some repair arms come out the sides of Thunderbird 3's silo. They reach across the hanger collecting different parts and assembling the on Thunderbird 3, taking up the whole of the cargo bay in the centre. When completed, the group state up at a white body that now encases the cargo hold.
"What is it?" Alan asks.
"It's a replacement node for articulated k-kinematic rescue operations in deep space," Brains explains.
"Uh..." Scott trails.
"It's a robot," Brains deadpans.
"Like Max! Got it," Alan says and Max beeps at them excitedly.
"Thanks Brains, Alan, let's launch," Scott says.
"I'll launch as w-well," Brains says, "I need to head to the mainland to get some parts for Thunderbird 4."
"FAB," Scott says and the trio run up back to the lounge.
6
Thunderbird 6 taxis down a small runway and starts to pick up speed.
5
Alan and Scott descend and start to get suited up.
4
Alan and Scott are lifted on a crane from the bottom of the hanger into Thunderbird 3.
3
Thunderbird 3's blast door closes.
2
Alan and Scott's chairs roll up to the controls with Marion in the passenger seat behind Alan.
1
Thunderbird 3's rockets start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
Within moments, the trio leave Earth's atmosphere and head after The Mechanic's ship.
"We're approaching the TV-21. Cut ion engines and fire full retro thrusters." Scott says as Thunderbird 3 accelerates past The Mechanic's ship. Alan nods in confirmation and brings Thunderbird 3 to a stop, turning it around and faces The Mechanic. The impending craft also slows down to a halt and the pair stare each other off. "Okay, Virgil, we're in position." Scott says, "Show us what you've got."
"Good luck, Max," Virgil says as he plugs in the last of several cables into Max, just like Brains is instructing him to from an earpiece.
A whirring sound similar to Max is heard on board Thunderbird 3 and Marion looks at Scott with raised eyebrows. Outside, a camera opens up on top of the white cylinder, which shows Max's eyes. Max then releases the grasping arms, which have all been applied with new tools in order to defend Thunderbird 3 from The Mechanic. One had an arm of Max's, another had a circular saw, with the final grasping arm having a large version of a welding torch.
"F," Scott and Marion say.
"A," Alan and John say.
"B," Virgil and Gordon say.
"It's not like Max. It is Max!" Brains says joining the main call, the sound of wind in the background, "M-Maximum Max!"
Within moments, The Mechanic's ship reacts to Thunderbird 3. The panels around the side of his ship open and six arms extend outwards and point directly at Thunderbird 3. The TV-21 starts to fire up as Alan quickly gets some special gloves on that Brains had designed to help Alan control M-Max.
"Brains, quick. How do I work this thing?" Alan asks.
"M-Maximum Max will respond to your commands, Alan," Brains says, "Max's on-board AI will help with the f-fine controls."
"Got it," Alan says.
"All you've got to do is keep him busy while Marion and I get that worker out of the vault," Scott says.
"Just be careful of the TV-21," Brains says, as he lands Thunderbird 6 in Sydney, "I don't know how stable its fusion reactors are."
"It's game time," Alan says and opens his hand up. The Mechanic does the same and throws his ship at Thunderbird 3. The impact sets Alan briefly off balance, "Ohhh!" He reaches out to attack with Max's hand, but two of The Mechanic's arms grab onto it locking it in place. A third one comes flying in to destroy the grasping arm, but Alan reacts quickly and rolls Thunderbird 3 out of the way, freeing Max's hand. "Yah! That's more like it," Alan states and Max's eyes narrow as he beeps in anger, "Okay, Max, what surprises have we got for him?" Thinking on the fly, Alan moves forward the welding torch at one of the arms and in an instant, it breaks off with a small explosion, leaving The Mechanic with five arms left. "Ho-ho! Way to go, Max!" Alan celebrates. Moments later, The Mechanic launches a double attack that causes Thunderbird 3 shuddering.
"Hold steady, Alan," Marion says, "We're taking out the docking bubble now."
"You got it, sis," Alan jokes and the cargo bay doors open allowing Scott and Marion to head towards the iridium vault. Alan watches as Scott manoeuvres around The Mechanic's arms, one such arm getting a bit too close, forcing Alan to reach it with the torch and burn it off. Like the first time it breaks off with a small explosion, leaving The Mechanic with four arms left. In retaliation, The Mechanic uses two arms to grab onto the torch and rip it off the end of the grasping arm. "Oh, sorry, Max," Alan apologises as Max beeps sadly.
"Bubble secure," Scott announces, "Now let's cut a door in this thing." He gets out his plasma beep and does quick work in removing a section of the vault and he kicks it in.
"It's International... Argh!" Marion yells and dodges a piece of iridium.
"Keep your dirty hands off this iridium," a familiar voice calls.
"Ned Tedford?" Scott asks.
"Oh, it's you!" Ned realises, "Sorry about that."
"Why am I not surprised?" Scott sighs and Marion giggles a bit from behind him, "I need you to climb into the airlock."
"No way," Ned declares, "I was told to watch this iridium. I won't let it be stolen."
"Hate to break it to you but it's already been stolen, Ned," Marion explains, "You do realise you're in space, right?"
"Hmm," Ned thinks, "That does explain the floatiness. But it does not change anything. I'm not going anywhere without this vault."
Marion sighs and calls Alan, "Alan, we're going to have to retrieve the iridium as well."
"Marion, that's not the mission," Alan says as he continues to fight off The Mechanic.
"It wasn't," Marion sighs, "But it is now."
"Can you and Max cut the vault free?" Scott asks.
"Yeah, we can try," Alan says. He brings forward the saw and starts cutting at one of the supports. The Mechanic clearly realised what Alan is doing and brings one of his arms around to grab onto the saw. Alan, however, anticipates this and brings Max's arm out to grab onto The Mechanic and continues to cut. The other arms batter Thunderbird 3 in an attempt to get free. "Argh!" Alan complains, "Hold on, Max. Just one more." Reaching over, Alan destroys the final support, freeing the iridium vault. "Okay, guys. The vault's free."
"Returning to Thunderbird 3 with Ned - and the vault," Scott sighs and struggles at the controls of the docking bubble.
"There's too much momentum, Scott!" Marion states, "We're going to miss." The Mechanic tries to react and grab the vault but is too slow for Alan, who destroys a third arm.
"Switching to full manual," Alan announces and dives after the vault grabbing it, "Gotcha!"
"Well done, Max!" Scott says, "You too, Alan."
"Ah, great work," Marion sighs, "Let's get outta here."
"The TV-21 is powering up," Alan notices, "Scott, he's gonna get away."
"We still have a rescue to finish," Scott says.
"But... But it's Dad's plane." Alan says.
"I know, Alan." Scott says sadly, "But it's not Dad."
"FAB. Thunderbird 3 returning home," Alan sighs.
On Tracy Island, everyone looks downcast at Scott's call, but know it's the right one to make. Virgil takes his Grandma's hand, while Gordon puts a comforting arm around her shoulders. Sally is the most disappointed at the loss of the TV-21. It is one of the last few things she has left of her son and no amount of time allows you to get over the loss of your child. On the monitor, the TV-21 starts to drift out of view when an alarm goes off in Thunderbirds 3 and 5.
"Guys," John gasps, "I'm picking up major heat signals from the TV-21."
"The Mechanic is overloading the p-plane's fusion reactors. They're going into meltdown." Brains explains as he gets a hologram of what John is seeing up, "Thunderbird 3, get out of there!"
"Argh!" Alan cries, and watches in horror as The Mechanic's ship turns around and goes at full force into Thunderbird 3, grabbing onto it and sending both ships into a spin. "He's got me!" Alan says and covers his eyes at the brightness of the booster.
"Alan!" Kayo suddenly calls, appearing in hologram form on his personal channel, "You're free."
"Alan, do it!" Scott says, and Alan frees them from The Mechanic's ship and watches it as it goes further into space.
"Daaa... Dah!" Alan groans as he looks out. The Mechanic's ship glows yellow, before the TV-21 inside finally gives up and explodes creating a massive shockwave. "Sorry, Dad." Alan whispers. In the docking bubble, Marion hugs Scott tightly and kisses the top of his head to comfort him. Alan turns Thunderbird 3 around and returns to Sweden to hand Ned and the iridium vault back to the GDF. Afterwards, he takes everyone back to Tracy Island where even John had taken his leave from Thunderbird 5 slightly earlier than planned and left EOS in charge.
August 21st, 2062 - 17:53 NZST
"We almost had it, Grandma. The TV-21 was so close," Alan says.
"Dad really loved that plane," Scott reminisces.
"Eh... In the end, the TV-21 was just a bunch of steel and rivets. Your father would never have risked failing a mission just to save it. What he really loved was us. All of us - his family," Sally says and looks around at everyone including the Kayo and Marion, "And going really, really fast!" Everyone laughs at this, and Gordon whips out Jeff's old hat and places it on Alan's head. Alan takes it off and looks at it in wonder. He smiles to himself and looks up at Kayo, who is sitting in his usual seat cross-legged. They share a smile with each other, and Alan reaches out to Kayo with the hat in his hand. Kayo looks surprised but takes the hat from Alan.
"It's for you," Alan states, "It's to remind you that no matter how much you may blame yourself for my father's... disappearance, it wasn't your fault."
Kayo swore that her secret love for the youngest Tracy grew tenfold in that moment. The stress of losing The Mechanic gone in an instant. Family was, is and will forever be, the most important thing on Tracy Island.