July 11th, 2063 - 23:03 NZST
It's a late evening on Tracy Island and Scott is sitting at his father's desk with Marion sitting on the desk combing his hair. Gordon and Alan are sitting in the lounge area when the lights on Penelope's painting start flashing and a hologram of her appears.
"FAB 1 to International Rescue," Penelope calls.
"Lady Penelope. Is everything okay?" Scott asks.
"It is. I just wanted to thank you again for International Rescue's donation to my charity auction," Penelope explains, "Some of the wealthiest people in the world will be there to support my wildlife reserve and I expect this to fetch a good price."
"Glad to help. Enjoy the party," Scott smiles.
"Did I hear party? Need a date? I can be there in no time," Gordon exclaims as turns to Marion, "Let me borrow Thunderbird 7."
"Er, thank you Gordon, but I already have a date," Penelope stutters and a hologram of John appears much to Gordon's disbelief.
"John?" Gordon questions, "What happened with Ridley?!"
"No way!" Alan chuckles as he looks up from his tablet, "You actually got him to leave Thunderbird 5?"
"I thought your brother could use a little fresh air," Penelope says and Gordon whines showing his dismay to Scott, only causing Marion to laugh.
"He wanted it kept quiet," Scott says, "And he's only doing it as Ridley's in Chicago on business."
"But I'm the obvious choice," Gordon groans with jealously dripping in his voice, "John hates social... anything. Besides, who's gonna do space-monitor duty with Ridley away?"
"Funny you should mention that," John smiles slightly.
"I had to ask," Gordon mutters and rolls his eyes.
"Hmm, walked into that one," Alan adds chuckles as gets back to his tablet.
"And who do you think's taking him up there?" John asks causing Alan to look up in shock.
"Ohh..." Alan groans.
July 11th, 2063 - 13:09 CEST
"H'about there, m'lady," Parker says as FAB 1 exits the road tunnel and makes its way across a bridge towards a glass tower, "The Chateau Traverse, dead h'ahead."
"That's... pretty amazing actually," John murmurs as Brains appears on his wrist communicator.
"Speaking of amazing, how do you like that c-custom tuxedo I designed?" Brains asks.
"It fits just fine, Brains," John says.
"But didn't you notice all the c-cool hidden functions? Like the secret radio in your collar," Brains inquires and John checks his collar.
"This isn't a spy mission, Brains, it's just a quiet, little charity auction," John says with a slight smile.
I may have understated the 'quiet' part, a... a bit," Penelope states with guilt.
"H'and the 'little'," Parker adds as he pulls up to a large crowd of people waiting outside the building to greet Penelope. John gulps and taps the radio in his collar.
"International Rescue, I have a situation," John stammers.
"Lady Penelope, over here!"
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
Penelope links her arm with John as the pair get out of the car with Parker's help. In her other hand, Penelope holds Sherbet and watches as John inches as close as he could to her a shrinking whenever someone approached her. He clearly shows signs that he is disorientated with the amount of people around a Penelope takes him to a quieter area of the room.
"John, are you alright?" Penelope asks.
"I thought there'd be a lot less... this. People, talking, in person," John states and shies away when a paparazzi camera flashes in his face, "I mean, communications is my job. I talk to people all over the world. I'd just rather do it from space."
"Exactly why I wanted to get you off that station," Penelope says and they continue down some stairs and are greeted by a man at the bottom.
"Well, Lady Penelope! You do like to elevate a party," the man chuckles then notices John, "Er, who's this?"
"A friend, Mr Bottomsley. If you'll excuse us," Penelope says and drags John away from the man before he could awkwardly wave at him, "Bernard Bottomsley, proof that money doesn't buy class." She heads over to a server's tray and John politely takes two glasses and hands one to Penelope, who smiles gratefully before pointing across the room, "And that's Umberto Sandalio. I'm aiming to pry a sizeable donation from his miserly grip. I hope an auction item catches his eye."
"Place like this is a hotbed for pickpockets," Parker chuckles, "In my day, this would have been a goldmine."
"No one is going to pick anyone's pockets tonight," Penelope says glancing over to Parker.
"Not while h'I'm hon watch, m'lady," Parker states and Penelope and John share a look.
"Oh, excuse me a moment," Penelope says as she looks up and walks away. John runs his finger around the rim of the glass and goes to take a sip.
"C-come in, John," Brains says.
"Fucking hell," John whispers as he jumps.
"This is Brains," Brains continues, "For your information, your t-tie is a photon scrambler, which obscures your face from photographs. Your j-jacket arms contain stabilising foam. Your socks can instantly turn m-magnetic. And did I mention the cufflinks?"
"Will they make me invisible to crowds?" John whispers, very aware that people are looking at him leading to awkward waves from his side.
"Oh, why didn't I think of that?" Brains mutters.
July 11th, 2063 - 23:28 NZST
Alan and Gordon stand at Thunderbird 5's launch pad waiting for the Space Elevator to open. Alan looks over at Gordon unsure before looking at EOS' data pad.
"Are you sure about this?" Alan asks, "I mean I can take us up there in Thunderbird 3."
"But why not take John's way up?" Gordon scoffs, "Uh, EOS, lower the space elevator please?"
"Voice print, not recognised," EOS answers.
"Voice print? It's me, Gordon Tracy," Gordon questions and places his hand down on the scanner.
"Handprint, not recognised. Bit dirty, don't you think?" EOS muses, with childish humour somehow dipping in her tone, "Try the facial scanner."
"Oh..." Gordon sighs and does the facial scanner.
"Hairstyle not recognised, and not very stylish," EOS says cheekily.
"We speak of this to no one," Gordon growls.
"To the rocket!" Alan states and runs off.
5
Alan and Gordon descend and start to get suited up.
4
Alan and Gordon are lifted on a crane from the bottom of the hanger into Thunderbird 3.
3
Thunderbird 3's blast door closes.
2
Alan and Gordon's chairs roll up to the controls.
1
Thunderbird 3's rockets start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
July 11th, 2063 - 13:47 CEST
"Umberto, I do hope you see something worth bidding on tonight," Penelope states to the man she has approached.
"Not likely, and the canopies are atrocious! I was just going to complain to the staff," Umberto states and storms off. Parker approaches Penelope and they both share a look. Over by the window, John stares out and glances down to a hologram of Ridley in her casual clothing, a simple T-Shirt and shorts but what John loves most about her photo is it shows her long chestnut locks waving past her shoulders. She looks so laid back with no stress of International Rescue. He doesn't realise the huge crowd gathering behind the man that arrived at the auction with Lady Penelope.
"And what exactly do you do, dear boy?" a woman asks causing John to turn around in shock and shut the photo of Ridley.
"Me... uh... I... well... I work in space," John stutters.
"Space!" the woman exclaims and steps towards John causing him to coil back,"What a coincidence. We just bought the penthouse in the new Estrella Orbital. Perhaps we'll see you there sometime."
"Considering my line of work, for your sake, I hope not," John winces.
"Oh!" the woman states, clearly not expecting that kind of response.
July 11th, 2063 - 23:59 NZST
Thunderbird 3 has docked with Thunderbird 5 and Alan and Gordon wait in the cockpit.
"Uh... EOS? Since when does it take half an hour to open an airlock?" Gordon groans impatiently.
"Got to get the pressure just right," EOS states, "Wouldn't want you to get blown into space now, would we? Ding. Air lock pressurised."
"Could you open the door, please?" Alan asks.
"Sorry, didn't catch the access code," EOS says.
"We've never needed an access code before," Alan chuckles.
"New protocol. Protection against Space Pirates," EOS explains and the pair share a look knowing something fishy is going on.
"I think we need an assist from 'Mr Party'," Gordon sulks.
"Yeah, that or I'm using explosives," Alan mutters, "Thunderbird 3 to John. Your housekeeper would like an access code."
"The code is, 'EOS, let them in, or I'll swap your processors with a pocket calculator'," John sighs.
"Code accepted," EOS says with what could only be a worried tone.
"Thanks John," Alan smiles.
July 11th, 2063 - 14:02 CEST
Everyone gathers in the main hall as Penelope prepares to take centre stage. John holds off to the side of the stage to make sure he doesn't get caught in the centre of the crowd and his eyes dart around the room, clearly uncomfortable. That and his body posture is so ridged that a blind person could see he is scared stiff. The crowd start to applause as Penelope walks onto the stage.
"Welcome everyone, and—" Penelope starts but a clattering sound is heard from the kitchen, "...And they're obviously preparing our very delicious dessert," and everyone laughs at this comment. "Our first item, is a gracious donation from International Rescue," Penelope says and brings out a small wooden box with a silver badge of pilot wings, "These pilot wings were worn by world famous astronaut Jeff Tracy himself." She holds them up for the crowd and everyone marvels at the sight of something that once was owned by Jeff Tracy, "We'll open the bidding at $10,000. Do we have—"
"$20,000!" Bottomsley calls.
"$20,000 to Mr Bottomsley," Penelope says.
"$50,000," Umberto suddenly calls out much to the rooms shock while the man stands very nonchalantly.
"Er... $60,000!" Bottomsley says annoyed at such a challenge.
"$70,000," Umberto says.
"$100,000!" Bottomsley says.
"$100,000. Going once..." Penelope says clearly shocked at what has just prevailed.
"$1,000,000," Umberto smirks, throwing his glass away and rendering everyone speechless.
"It appears we have a winner," Penelope smiles and puts the box down, "Thank you for your Generous donation, Mr Sandalio."
"And how does he expect to pay for it? By robbing us?" Bottomsley scoffs.
"That's exactly right," Umberto smirks and pulls out a very recognizable red device and presses a button removing the disguise.
"The Hood," John mutters.
"Since I was so wrongly left off the guest list, I borrowed the real Sandalio's appearance instead," The Hood says just as Parker pushes through the kitchen doors with the real Umberto.
"Pickpockets. H'I knew hit!" Parker growls and in the distraction, John goes for cover.
"Block the exits," The Hood orders the servers and those still free, round up the guests as hostages, on their knees and hands above their heads.
"If I wasn't thrown off by the party, I'd have seen this coming," John mutters and calls Tracy Island, "Scott. International Rescue, come in."
"My phone... it doesn't work!" a woman mumbles.
"You needn't bother calling for some help. A five-mile-wide jamming bubble is being broadcast around this entire cliff," The Hood explains, "No communication can get in or out. Your vehicles won't operate either, but by all means, feel free to call each other if it makes you feel better." John gasps as a waiter grabs him and drags him to the stage along with Parker so they're either side of Penelope as The Hood approaches them.
"It seems you have us all trapped. What is it exactly you want, Hood?" Penelope glares.
"My plans require substantial resources," The Hood responds.
"You really think we've brought bags of money here for you to steal?" Penelope questions.
"Of course not," The Hood replies and holds up a tablet, "I'm going to digitally pick your pockets."
"Digitally?" Parker scoffs knowing it took real skill to do it in real life, allegedly.
"What makes you think I'd willingly give you any my money, eh?" Bottomsley complains.
"Because I placed laser cutters on the cables that hold up this chateau. Would you like a demonstration?" The Hood asks rhetorically and presses a button on this tablet that causes The Chateau to rock as one of the cables come apart, "I won't be slipping any more cables, so long as you all comply."
"Just get it over with," Bottomsley sighs and The Hood holds out the scanner which Bottomsley places his hand on, allowing his money to be taken off him.
"This one doesn't show up on the system," the waiter with John states and The Hood looks inquisitively at him.
"Who exactly are you?" The Hood asks, not recognizing the middle-born Tracy.
"Me? Uh, Nobody. I won a ticket at work," John says unconvincingly, and The Hood looks at him suspicious for a seconds before accepting the response and turning to Penelope.
"That will be double from you then, milady," The Hood smirks and Penelope complies watching The Hood walk away to deal with other guests.
"John, we can't let him do this," Penelope mutters.
"As long as The Hood is holding the control to the laser cutters, he calls the shots," John states, "But if I could get outside, I could try and disable them."
"You'll need a distraction," Penelope muses and looks across the stage, "Parker?"
"Right h'away, m'lady," Parker replies and puts Sherbet down before shouting, "H'oi! If you're gonna rob h'us, h'at least 'ave the decency to serve proper can-apes!"
July 12th, 2063 - 00:12 NZST
"For the tenth time, EOS, please display status on any emergency broadcasts?" Gordon growls.
"I checked. No emergencies of note," EOS replies.
"I'd like to see the reports myself," Gordon responds.
"I'm not sure you'd understand them. But I found a wonderful puppet show you might find entertaining," EOS giggles.
"What about your other malfunctions? Food processors, toilets?" Gordon sighs and he starts to float, "Gravity?"
"Sorry, still offline. If John or Ridley were here, I'm sure they could get them working," EOS cheekily says.
"Gordon to John, your AI's being evil again," Gordon groans as he tries to contact John but only gets static.
"EOS!" Alan cries, "I would like to get home as I planned a morning with Kayo!"
"It's not me this time!" EOS stammers.
"'This time'!" Gordon exclaims glaring at the camera.
"I mean..." EOS corrects, "I can't reach him either. How can I assist?"
"Open a channel to Tracy Island," Gordon orders.
"Right away," EOS says.
"Tracy Island, I haven't been able to contact John," Gordon states.
"We haven't been able to contact him either," Scott muses.
"It's gets pretty foggy out there. Could that me messing up the coms?" Gordon queries.
"It would take more than fog to b-block our communicators," Brains states.
"We should check it out," Scott says, "But let's use stealth. We don't want to disturb the party. Kayo, you're up."
"FAB," Kayo smirks and sits down on her chair.
5
Kayo descends and starts to get suited up.
4
She enters 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!
July 11th, 2063 - 14:54 CEST
"Thunderbird Shadow to Tracy Island. I've arrived at the chateau. Still no contact with, John," Kayo explains as she flies through the mountains as the chateau comes into view, "Mayday. Structure compromised. Scott, we need you... now!"
"FAB. Scrambling Thunderbird 1," Scott replies.
"I'm attempting rescue," Kayo announces and takes Thunderbird S in for a close look, only for the engines to start to stall and Shadow falls from the sky, "Ship functions are down. Losing control. I have to break off!" Kayo messes with the controls before pulling away from the area and retreating, "What just happened?"
"Kayo," Alan sighs in relief, "I've just done a scan. There seems to be some kind of dampening field. Your ship is useless in there."
"If my ship is useless, I'll just lose the ship," Kayo states.
"FAB. Slaving Thunderbird Shadow to my control," Alan nods and watches in worry as Kayo jumps out in her winged jetpack, similar to one Scott used in the Southern Alps not so long ago. This time Kayo approaches the chateau with no effects.
"Kayo to John, I'm on my way!" Kayo informs.
"Kayo?" John questions the realises its actually her, "Pursue The Hood! You need to get hold of The Hood's tablet and destroy it."
"FAB," Kayo states and changes her course to go after her uncle. She finds life signals on her tracker and goes after it, quickly catching up with a group, The Hood taking the lead. Swooping in at the back, Kayo dives down taking out one of the servers. The others look around in worry and one looks down to see Kayo appearing from the fog and taking him out also. The Hood turns around and spots Kayo in the mist.
"Kayo! How appropriate you'd witness my greatest triumph!" The Hood chuckles.
"Triumph? This is just another petty theft," Kayo scoffs.
"Far from petty. Once I'm past this jamming bubble, unlimited wealth will be mine," The Hood explains, "I'll get back on top no matter what it takes! All I need is money."
"Other people's money," Kayo growls before getting grabbed by another server temporarily taking her off guard and causing them to go spiralling downwards. "Let me go!" Kayo cries and notices a rock sticking out from one of the mountains and she pushes him into the rock with a defying crack coming from his back breaking. Kayo manages to regain her height and carries on chasing her uncle, using the radar on her wrist communicator, "I see you."
Slightly ahead, The Hood leaves the jamming bubble and laughs, "I've just cleared the jamming bubble." He reaches into his pocket and grabs the tablet, "Begin money uplink," he chuckles before he is pushed aside by an incoming Kayo that forces the tablet out of his hands and go crashing into a mountain, rendering it destroyed. "No!" The Hood cries and turns around to glare at Kayo, "You've dealt me a setback. Allow me to return the favour!"
"Whoa!" Kayo cries as The Hood grabs her waist and activates her parachute leaving her just to watch him fly away into the distance.
July 11th, 2063 - 15:37 CEST
"John, the jamming bubble's gone," Scott informs.
"Nice work, Kayo," John states.
"No problem," Kayo replies.
"Hang tight. I'm coming to get ya," Scott states as John looks back at the chateau. Penelope and Parker leave the structure and land with all the other guests on a standing deck. They all watch in horror as the last of the cables begin to snap.
"John!" Penelope shouts as the chateau finally gives way and falls down the valley with John still attached to the side, "No!" Sherbet whimpers in her arms and Penelope strokes him comfortingly. Suddenly, the sound of engines can be heard and out of the mist, Thunderbird 1 appears with John attached to a grapple.
"I got you, party boy," Scott smirks.
"Thanks, Scott. Just put me down anywhere," John sighs and Scott starts to bring John over to the standing deck much to his horror, "Anywhere... anywhere but here!" He starts to climb the grapple rope to get away from the crowd but it's no use and John is placed down next to Penelope.
July 12th, 2063 - 02:53 NZST
Everyone is gathered in the lounge again with Marion and Scott standing at the table, Alan and Kayo sharing a sofa with Gordon and Brains opposite them on another sofa. They are joined by, John, EOS, Penelope and Parker on the hologram projection from their Penelope and John's paintings.
"EOS has something she'd like to say. Right, EOS?" John scolds.
"Yes... Gordon wasn't completely useless after all," EOS states.
"Thanks!" Gordon scoffs.
"What about me?" Alan asks.
"I think I'll let Kayo answer that one," EOS says.
"Much h'appreciation for fishing FAB 1 h'out h'of the sea," Parker says, "Good thing this baby's waterproof."
"And after you saved their money and their lives, the guests have all donated very generously to the wildlife preserve," Penelope adds.
"Well, the news seems to be filled with reports of the mystery rescuer who saved them," Marion chuckles. Alan smiles and takes out the tablet he had out earlier.
"'As yet the rescuer remains unidentified. Oddly, his face was completely blurred in every picture'," Alan laughs.
"Thanks to Brains. You really can't be too prepared," John states.
"Actually, this revealed at least t-twelve more things to put into that tuxedo! I better get to w-work," Brains announces and leaves the room.
"Oh, and one more thing, John," Penelope says, "I've been sent dozens of messages inviting the mysterious hero to parties everywhere. Shall I forward them? It's a chance to see the world."
"Thanks, but the world looks just fine from Thunderbird 5," John smiles, "I just hope Ridley gets back soon."