September 26th, 2063 - 06:50 NZST
Alan works his way around the kitchen as he prepares breakfast. Well, breakfast for two. He'd been practising using videos on the holo-net as Sally wouldn't be much help. It had taken him several attempts but he eventually, perfected a Full English Breakfast. The nerves of giving this to Kayo, were considerably high as he didn't know if she'd like it. As she was born in the UK and spending counts mornings with her over the years made it clear to Alan that her favourite breakfast is a Full English. Unfortunately, due to Grandma Tracy's cooking, Kayo hadn't had that luxury for many years, so Alan decided this is the perfect surprise for her in the morning.
As Alan finishes putting that last of the food on a couple of plates, he hears the creaking of the stairs, and he looks up from the kitchen counter to see Kayo descending the stairs in a crop-top and shorts. Her hair clearly hasn't been combed yet, but Alan still stares in amazement that he's finally dating the most beautiful girl in the world.
"Morning, Al," Kayo yawns and heads over to the cabinets before pausing and looking at Alan, "Is that what I think it is?"
"If you're asking if that's a Full English, then yes," Alan smiles shyly.
"Alan, you shouldn't have," Kayo smiles and walks over to Alan, giving him a kiss on the cheek causing Alan to blush slightly.
"I hope you like it," Alan says and watches as Kayo starts to tuck into the meal.
"Mmmm," Kayo says, "This is really good!"
"Thanks," Alan replies and starts to dig into his own breakfast. The couple sit in a comfortable silence, only the sound of the clinking of plates and the faint crashing of the ocean waves can be heard. They almost finish when Marion and Nina enter the kitchen and squeal causing Alan and Kayo to quickly turn around, Alan going red in embarrassment.
"Sorry," Nina giggles, "We'll leave you guys be."
"What do you mean?" Kayo asks, masking her emotions quickly. The think is, neither Alan nor Kayo have said anything about their change in status and everyone on Tracy Island think they're still best friends which secret crushes on each other.
"Oh..." Marion trails, "I thought—"
"International Rescue. This is Thunderbird 5," Ridley announces, "John may have something, patching you guys through."
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
"Space Hub 1, come in," John says appearing in hologram form in the lounge and talking to the station in question, "This is International Rescue. I've been monitoring your transmissions. Do you need assistance?"
"This is Controller Conrad. Our core is ruptured, the coolant unit is leaking, and we're going into meltdown," Conrad explains and Alan and Kayo nod to each other and take a seat in their chairs ready to descend, "Apart from that, everything's fine."
"You have an evac in progress," Ridley states.
"Yeah. I'm riding the power controls to buy time until everyone's out," Conrad confirms, "But I'm only delaying the meltdown. I can't stop it."
"Alan, Kayo, you reading this? You need to get up there," John says.
"FAB, John. We're on our way," Alan says.
5
Alan and Kayo descend and start to get suited up.
4
Alan and Kayo are lifted on a crane from the bottom of the hanger into Thunderbird 3.
3
Thunderbird 3's blast door closes.
2
Alan and Kayo's chairs roll up to the controls.
1
Thunderbird 3's rockets start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
September 26th, 2063 - 07:08 NZST
Thunderbird 3 safely makes its way out of Earth's atmosphere and quickly sets a course for Space Hub 1. Kayo goes back to check the equipment, while Alan keeps Thunderbird 3 steady.
"Alan!" Ridley suddenly calls, "Conrad was still on board when comms went down. He was about to evac, but I don't know if he made it."
"If he's there, we'll find him," Alan nods.
"I can't imagine being trapped on a space station like this," Kayo says entering the cockpit.
"Neither can I," Alan says, "But working in space is a dangerous thing. Everyone knows the risks they're taking when they take this kind of job."
"Why did you?" Kayo asks.
"What, become an astronaut?" Alan asks.
"Yeah," Kayo replies, "I mean, Scott joined the US Air Force, Virgil did his music, John originally was a writer and Gordon was in the Olympics then WASP. You on the other hand, straight to astronaut. Why?"
"I guess it's to do with my Dad's disappearance," Alan sighs, "I always tried to please him, but I was sent to boarding school, so I felt that he didn't love me as much as my brothers. They were never sent to boarding school. I took the same career path as he did to prove that I am worth more than he expected, and I could be better than he ever was."
"I... never knew you felt that way," Kayo says sadly.
"Well, he disappeared before I could prove anything," Alan states bitterly, "Now I barely remember either of my parents, unlike my brothers. The lucky bastards."
"Al, never think you ever have to prove yourself to anyone," Kayo says sternly, "You are good enough and it doesn't matter what other people fucking say or think, you are good enough."
"Thanks," Alan smiles and look over to Kayo, "What made you want to get astronaut training?"
"Erm... well..." Kayo stutters going red, "To be closer to you."
"Oh..." Alan trails, mouth agape before smiling, "Glad you're enjoying yourself then."
"Alan!" Kayo chuckles and punches his shoulder, "I actually enjoy going out in Thunderbird 3 for other reasons now anyway."
"Cause your dating me, right?" Alan laughs.
"ALAN!" Kayo glares but with a large grin. Alan shakes his head and looks up.
"Thunderbird 5, I have a visual on the station," Alan informs, "Kayo, can you locate Conrad?"
"Certainly," Kayo nods and loads the schematics of the station on the holo-screen and does a scan of the whole Space Hub, "I got him! But he's not moving, and life signs are very weak. He's in an escape chute, but it's crushed under wreckage."
"Hmm," Alan muses, "One wrong move and the whole thing will break apart. Looks like I'm going to have to surf over and say hi in person."
"FAB, Alan," Ridley nods, "Be careful... Thunderbird 1 I need—"
"Okay, let's do this," Alan sighs, taking Thunderbird 3 in closer and lands on top of the station, "I'll take the hoverboard and take a closer look at the damage. You stay with the ship."
"Good luck," Kayo says. She puts on her helmet and watches as Alan exits on his hoverboard and makes his way over to the damaged tower. He heads over to the escape chute, but most of it is completely crumpled up.
"Argh! The airlock is too far gone. And the heat from the power core is blocking the only way through to Conrad. Luckily, I brought I can opener," Alan mumbles to himself and reaches into his belt and takes out a portable plasma cutter. He starts to try and cut through with no affect, "Ugh! Not even a scratch! Brains, how do I get into this thing?"
"You can't c-cut through. That chute is designed to withstand m-meteor hits and collisions with space debris," Brains explains, "And I've got w-worse news."
"Of course, you do," Alan sighs.
"Oxygen levels have reached c-critical," Brains states, "Conrad is running out of air."
"I'm on it," Alan says, "Kayo, can you link the emergency escape chute to Thunderbird 3's life support?"
"Sure," Kayo replies, "Do you want me to bring it over?"
"Yes, I'll try and attach this coms unit on," Alan says and takes a small device out. It clips onto the wall of the chute. "Hello. This is International Rescue. Do you read me?" Alan asks but gets no response, "Kayo, hurry up with that chute."
"I'm here," Kayo breathes and links up the emergency chute to an air-tank that links to the tower.
"Hello? Conrad? Do you copy?" Alan repeats and there's a long pause. Kayo holds her breath worried that she's arrived too late to save the man. Suddenly, cracking comes through the com.
"Hello?" a voice says and Alan and Kayo sigh in relief, "Thanks for the air. I would invite you in, but uh... the place is a bit of a mess."
"Hang in there," Alan chuckles, "We'll find a way to get you out."
"But that means one of us getting in," Kayo whispers, "And the only way to do that is to stabilise the hub."
"Then we need a plan f-fast," Brains states, "The temperature is still rising, and we're running out of time before the whole thing b-blows."
"Okay, Brains, give us a rundown of our options," Virgil says who, along with Marion and Nina, is now monitoring the situation in the lounge with Brains.
"I admire your optimism in thinking we have m-more than one. Without a working coolant unit, the p-power core will keep overheating until meltdown," Brains explains, "But it's too damaged for repairs. We have to r-replace it."
"Okay. Where do we get a replacement?" Marion asks.
"Right here! We use the same c-cooling system for the power core on Tracy Island, and I have a b-back-up," Brains says and shows a holo-diagram of both cooling units.
"Great. Problem solved," Marion says and goes to walk off.
"It's not that simple," Brains says causing Marion to stop, "That coolant unit is m-massive. The one at the Space Hub was transported bit by bit. It took weeks."
"And we don't have weeks," Nina mutters, "Is there a vehicle that can take in one piece?"
"Thunderbird 3, b-but..." Brains trails.
"But, disconnecting it from the hub means no life support for Conrad," Marion finishes.
"Correct," Brains says.
"You said we had one option?" Virgil asks.
"I've run some numbers," Brains states indicating on the screen, "And Thunderbird 2 could c-carry it."
"Uh... I think you're forgetting the whole 'in space' part of the mission," Nina says, "Thunderbird 2 is not a spaceship."
"Only because it doesn't have the r-right rockets," Brains explains, "But with my experimental engine mods, I think it could b-break free of Earth's gravity and make it to the Space Hub."
"You think?" Marion asks, "We need to be sure."
"Well, I still have to factor in w-wind resistance, size of p-payload relevant to velocity..." Brains lists.
"I'm don't know about this, Virgil. What do you think?" Nina asks.
"Well Nina, I think Thunderbird 2 is going into space!" Virgil states, "Sorry you can't join."
"No worries," Nina smiles, "My space training will be finished in a few more months."
September 26th, 2063 - 08:49 NZST
Thunderbird 2 is transported off Tracy Island, loaded with Module 6 and taken to International Rescue's Ocean Power Rig, just a few miles off the coast of Mateo Island. It is connected to Mateo Island by a series of tunnels that a pod uses to take the new cooling unit from Mateo Island to the rig.
"Hey Brains, when you're done here, can you make Thunderbird 4 into a spaceship too?" Gordon asks from inside the pod.
"Whoa!" Brains thinks getting an idea.
"Uh, let's not get carried away here guys. Besides, we need Thunderbird 4 standing by for splash down, as a submarine!" Marion states causing Gordon to sigh.
"FAB," Gordon mumbles, "But could you blame a guy for asking?"
"Right?" Virgil exclaims.
September 26th, 2063 - 08:51 NZST
"Hey, Conrad, Thunderbird 2 is ready for launch," Alan says, "It's carrying a new coolant unit. As soon was we swap out the old one, we can re-open the maintenance hatch."
"Alan, I don't want anyone else to be put in danger because of me," Conrad sighs.
"Hey, we're International Rescue," Kayo interjects, "It's what we do."
"And we're gonna stay right here until we open the door," Alan adds before looking back to Earth with a sigh, "Come on, Virgil."
September 26th, 2063 - 08:54 NZST
"All systems are online," Brains announces, "C-Commencing launch sequence."
5
Virgil enters Thunderbird 2 from the top hatch.
4
The cooling unit is loaded into Module 6.
3
Virgil gets strapped into his seat.
2
"This is... new," Virgil mutters, "But then I guess so is blasting off into outer-space in your cargo ship. Here we go."
1
The engine mods fire up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
"Thunderbird 2 is go-ing into space! Whoo-hoo!" Virgil cries and accelerates, "Going into space! Going into space! Going into space! Going into space!"
"Heat shields are taking a l-lot of punishment, but they're still n-ninety-percent, which is well within range," Brains states.
"Okay but keep monitoring. Closely," Nina states, worried.
"Come on, old friend, you can do this," Virgil mutters and taps on the control unit.
"Only a few thousand metres to go," Marion informs.
"Shields are down to 85%," Brains exclaims.
"Nothing to worry about," Virgil grunts, "This is a routine flight, just going a little further than usual."
"S-Shields are holding at 82%," Brains says.
"Come on, Virgil," Nina mumbles and watches on the screen as Thunderbird 2 clears Earth's atmosphere.
"The booster rockets have fired," Brains cries in relief, "You can jettison them now."
"We made it," Virgil chuckles, "Setting a course for the Space Hub."
September 26th, 2063 - 09:11 NZST
"So, Conrad, how'd you become a Space Controller?" Kayo asks as she watches Alan looking back at Earth nervously.
"You're making conversation to try and take my mind off the meltdown, aren't you?" Conrad chuckles.
"Now, why would I do that?" Kayo muses.
"It's okay," Conrad laughs, "I haven't got anything better to do. I always wanted to see the world. I mean, really see it, you know? Now all I want is to see my home again."
"And where is that?" Kayo inquires.
"Slough. My family still live there. And they're all heroes," Conrad sighs, "My brother's a firefighter, the other's a paramedic and my sister's a police officer. Do you have any idea how much pressure that is?"
"I have some idea," Kayo smiles and looks at Alan remembering their conversation from earlier.
"I just wanted to make them proud of me. I mean, space. That's a pretty big deal, right? And I blew it. I didn't react fast enough," Conrad states.
"It was an emergency situation," Alan interrupts, "You responded as fast as anyone could, and you got everyone out safely."
"Everyone but me," Conrad states.
"I would've done the same thing," Alan admits.
"Who ordered the pepperoni?" Virgil suddenly asks over the coms and Kayo looks back to see Thunderbird 2 approach them.
"Oh, seriously. You have pizza?" Alan exclaims.
"No, that was a joke," Virgil chuckles, "I just have a new cooling unit."
"That's good enough for me," Kayo smiles.
Virgil shakes his head and coms in Tracy Island to let them know he had arrived. "This is Thunderbird 2, arriving at the Space Hub now."
"First, you need to unc-couple the old unit," Brains says and Virgil moves in close to the old one and fires grapples at it.
"Better move fast. You don't have much time," Marion says as she looks at the stations vitals now Virgil is removing the old unit.
"The station won't last long without any coolant," Nina adds.
"Old unit clear," Kayo announces.
"Moving the new one into position," Virgil informs and drops the new unit out of Module 6 and with the help of Kayo, guides it into place. Kayo that attaches it up to the station.
"Smooth," Alan chuckles.
"New cooling system in place," Kayo announces.
"Core temperature is dropping! Cool," Brains smiles and he and Marion high five.
"Time to meet our new buddy face-to-face," Alan smiles as he watches the temperature drop on his scans.
"FAB. I'll load up the old cooling unit for safe disposal back on Earth," Virgil informs. Alan moves round to the airlock at the bottom of the tower and pulls it open to reveal Conrad near the top.
"Alan!" Conrad calls from the top and waves.
"Hey, how's it going?" Alan replies.
"Do you need any assistance?" Kayo asks.
"No, I should be fine," Conrad chuckles and floats down the tower and makes it to the pair who help him out of the airlock. Alan then helps Conrad enter Thunderbird 2 through the module and he takes a seat next to Virgil inside. Kayo unclips the emergency escape chute and takes it back to Thunderbird 3 and Alan soon joins her.
"The core is back online and restoring power to the hub," Kayo states, "But I think we'll stay until repair crew gets here and makes sure it's stable."
"I'm taking Thunderbird 2 back down, and giving Conrad a ride," Virgil replies.
"Yeah, I'm guessing you don't want to waste another second getting back to Earth," Alan chuckles.
"Well, yeah... But also, this way I get to ride in Thunderbird 2," Conrad smiles and looks at Virgil, "I mean, it is the coolest Thunderbird."
"Right?" Virgil exclaims all excited.
"I'm choosing to ignore that," Alan and Kayo say in unison causing Conrad to chuckle.
September 26th, 2063 - 09:42 NZST
It's a quick ride back to Earth's atmosphere and Virgil prepares Thunderbird 2.
"Hang on. It may get a little bumpy as we re-enter the Earth's atmosphere," Virgil grunts as the heat shields start to burn up. They both get knock forward slightly in their seats and Conrad holds onto the control unit to keep himself steady.
"Er, that's a lot bumpy," Conrad winces as Virgil strains to keep Thunderbird 2 pushing through the atmosphere.
"V-Virgil, it's your heat shields," Brains exclaims as parts of it start to break off, "They t-took too much damage on launch. They're below 70%. Thunderbird 2 is going to b-burn up on re-entry!"
"Trying to adjust the angle of re-entry," Virgil strains as he grips harder onto the console to change their course.
"It's not w-working. Shields are still d-dropping," Brains exclaims and Alan appears on the console looking worried after overhearing the com channel.
"Virgil, we're coming for ya," Alan informs.
"It's too late, Alan. Thunderbird 2 is caught in Earth's g-gravity," Brains says but his voice is starting to drain out for Virgil as alarms start to blare in Thunderbird 2's cockpit.
"Virgil, you guys have to bail out in the pod," Nina shouts as she pushes Brains out of the way to talk to him.
"Negative Nina. Can't do it," Virgil states.
"Virg, for once fucking bail out of Thunderbird 2," Nina yells, "Your ship isn't worth your life."
"I'm carrying the damaged coolant unit, Nina," Virgil reasons, "If it explodes, it's going to rain toxic chemicals across half the planet."
"Wait, that's it," Conrad pipes up.
"What is?" Virgil asks and watches Conrad get out of his seat and make his way into the module, "Conrad, come back."
"I just need a minute," Conrad says as he holds himself up due to the gravitational pressure.
"What are you doing?" Virgil shouts, "You're going to get smashed to bits."
"We can use the coolant in the old unit to freeze Thunderbird 2's outer hull and stop us burning up," Conrad explains as he makes his way into Module 6.
"I don't want to be a downer, but wasn't the whole problem that the old one didn't have enough coolant left in it?" Virgil asks.
"Not enough for the Hub, but Thunderbird 2's much smaller," Conrad explains as he starts to connect the coolant to Thunderbird 2.
"He's right," Brains confirms, "If C-Conrad gets the remaining coolant under Thunderbird Two's hull, his p-plan just might work."
"Might?!" Nina cries.
"It might definitely work," Brains corrects.
"I hope so," Marion mumbles.
"I'm running a coolant hose out of the old unit," Conrad explains as he connects the last of the wires up.
"There's a connector at the b-back of the module," Brains states.
"I've got it," Conrad states putting it in, "Coolant is pumping."
"Then you better w-wrap up warm, it's going to get v-very c-cold in there," Brains says.
"It's working," Virgil states as he looks over to the temperature logs of Thunderbird 2 and sees it dropping considerably. He soon feels the temperature decrease in the cockpit and Conrad's teeth start chattering as he returns to his seat.
"The t-temperature has dropped. But you've taken a lot of d-damage," Brains explains as Thunderbird 2 breaks through the clouds towards the ocean. Gordon stands by in Thunderbird 4 ready to pick them up.
"Come on, Thunderbird 2. You can do it," Virgil states as he tries to soften the landing.
"Come on, come on," Conrad mutters and Thunderbird 2 crashes into the water. Conrad and Virgil both chuckle and Virgil activates inflatable balloons and bring Thunderbird 2 back to the surface.
September 26th, 2063 - 19:41 NZST
Alan and Kayo had made their way back to Tracy Island and join everyone in the lounge. Conrad is still talking as they enter the seating area and sit down in their usual seats.
"It's good to see you guys," Alan says and lifts his arms up to allow Kayo to lie down across his lap, "Everything up there is stable. Repairs are underway."
"If I hadn't made that mistake, the Hub wouldn't even need repairs. I should have reacted quicker," Conrad sighs.
"Hey, your quick thinking up there saved us, and Thunderbird 2," Virgil says and pats him on the shoulder.
"So, Conrad, what's next?" Kayo asks.
"I'll drop in and see my family in Slough, and then it's back up to the Hub," Conrad explains.
"Hey, Brains, how long would it take to refit Thunderbird 2 to take Conrad back up?" Virgil asks.
"You, Mister," Nina points, "Are not going to space for a very long time unless I'm there."
"Thanks, but er, I think this time I'll get a ride designed to go into space," Conrad declines and looks over, "Alan?"
"Sure, though on one condition," Alan smiles.
"And what's that?" Conrad asks.
"Which is one of the two coolest Thunderbirds?" Alan asks.
"Thunderbird 3?" Conrad replies.
"Yes, it is," Alan nods and everyone laughs.
"Hang on a second," Marion states, "Which is the other coolest?"
"He's going to say Thunderbird Shadow," Kayo chuckles, "But that's only cause I'm here."
"No..." Alan trails and everyone laughs again.