The Sidewinder was now filled with smoke. The crew could only barely see each other.

"Can you increase the air purifying system?", Sweeney spoke to Frank.

"No can do. The exhaust fan only got an on and off button. I asked to buy a General Electric, but I got told that the ones at the Dollar store were just fine. The cooling's going full power, too."

The Colonel let out an exhausted sigh. "Let's hope it holds out. How are you doing with the crack, Johnny?"

"I've been clean for half a year."

"I meant the one in the hull, you idiot!"

"Yeah … me too … uh … The rags are doing good, but the heat is still strong."

"Okay, maybe, we might actually get out of this unharmed…"

"How long can these fellows hold out?"

Scott had left Thunderbird 1 and tried to get information from General Peters, who was now unchained from Ralph, as the Lieutenant could no longer stand him.

"They've got full air conditioning, a cooling plant, water, coffee and a half-eaten bag of granola, but it can't last more than another two hours."

"Right, it might get a bit tight. The other fellas from the organisation are going to come by soon. Meanwhile, I'll set up our remote TV camera, so then we'll be able to take a look what's going on down there."

Scott climbed back into Thunderbird 1 and searched for the camera. He knows that it might have been smart to organise his equipment, but he always manages to talk himself out of it. After all, it will go right back to being messy once the mission was over.

Just then, Virgil called in from Thunderbird 2, "Thunderbird 1 from Thunderbird 2. How does it look?"

Scott jumped out of the storage and hit his head on a pair of landing skis that hung above the passage.

"Pretty bad, if you ask me, but I'm about to send the remote camera into the crater. It'll give us an idea what we're up against."

"Okay… I won't be long. Just hold tight."

Finally, after searching for some time, a small machine floated out of Thunderbird 1's hatch. All while playing its own soundtrack, that had totally never been used before, in any other show – ever.

This was the remote-control hover camera. How does it hover without wings or jets? Anti-gravity-technology! What is that exactly? I don't know, and I don't get paid enough to care!

The thing flew across the ground until it finally reached the crater, where it promptly travelled into the abyss.

General Peters called to Scott, "Look Mr… Scott? I don't want to ruin your fun, but that thing is going to melt."

"It's OK. The camera is specially constructed to withstand extreme heat."

"Oh! How convenient…"

Scott looked over to the screen that showed the footage the camera was recording. "Good. It's working fine."

The heat residence was a lie. Well, the extreme heat resistance anyway …. This Thing could stand boiling water, but burning flames were a different story.

Right next to Thunderbird 1, Thunderbird 2 was landing, causing a lot of rumpuses.

"Thunderbird 1. Virgil here. Landed at rescue zone. What's the next move?"

"Wow! Really? Wouldn't have guessed from all the noise and the smoke. Why, I thought that a racetrack had sprung out of the ground right next to us!"

"Do you want my help or not?"

Scott sighed. "I'm on my way over. Tell Brains to stand by."

"Right."

Down in the Sidewinder, Johnny finally got the chance to live out his dream job of a firefighter, by having to put out the rags, which have caught fire with an extinguisher.

"This is hopeless. As soon as the heat dries the rags out, well, they catch fire."

"Well, at least it stops some of the smoke.", said Sweeney.

"But the rag-fire also causes smoke."

"Shut up Johnny! I'm trying to be optimistic!"

"Gee, this heat's getting unbearable.", added Frank.

"And the next stupid statement! And what's with the rescue operation? Did they just go home?!"

"What's with these people? They came over and still nothing is happening?", stated Peters.

Ralph was once more at his side, watching over him. "I guess they're doing their best, General. It's a tough thing we're asking them to do."

"Still! They could at least tell us their plans!"

Over in Thunderbird 2's pod, Brains, Virgil and Scott were watching the camera footage. The camera moved over to a piece of metal that reads 'U.S. ARMY'

"Well, erm - that confirms it."

"Brains, what's that?"

"Scott. I know you are n-n-not the brightest bulb in the box, b-b-but I was at least expecting you to be able to read."

Scott was about to say something when Virgil interrupted them both.

"It means that this is not a real rescue, but instead a call from dead soldiers that died during the war! The wreck that we just found was the wreck that they had died in. They refused to accept their fate and embrace their death, and are now forever doomed to relive the way of their downfall!"

Whatever Scott was about to say died on its way to his mouth, as he and Brains looked over to Virgil, perplexed.

"Virgil, with all due respect, b-b-but are you high?"

"If I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, he's definitely the one that fell out and cracked."

Virgil tried to explain himself, "It is just that I like to have an open mind to inexplicable things"

"You rewatched the Twilight Zone again, didn't you?"

Virgil was silent and took another drag from his cigarette.

Scott then turned to Brains, asking, "Well?"

The Engineer returned to the task at hand. "Well, way back in the past, this must have been an open-cast mine. When it was exhausted, a large crater would have been left."

Virgil piped in, "And they used it as a dump for military equipment after the Second World War. That explains the US Army wreckage… And makes a lot more sense than the other thing."

"I'm happy that you finally returned from your astral journey, Virgil, but I still don't get it."

"That's why I made a diagram. Especially for you, Scott. Written in block letters with easy-to-read words."

Brains took out the diagram.

"The pit was filled in, and over the years a new crust of topsoil has formed. Spontaneous combustion caused a slow smouldering fire, consuming the dumped equipment. The weight of the Sidewinder caused the thin crust of topsoil to collapse at its weakest point. We have to remove the remainder of the crust so that the Sidewinder can be dragged up the side of the pit."

"So, we get to blow something up?", Scott asked.

Brains made a pause, while the brothers leaned in on him

"Yes, you'll have to blow something up."

"Now you are speaking my language! Let's go Virgil!"

Scott explained the plan to the General and the Lieutenant. Ralph was hopeful, while Peters was worried.

"But it's boiling in there. Are you sure he can manage?", the General asked.

"Don't worry. We have a heat-resistant suit. He won't even feel a thing."

"Wow! Amazing! What's this suit made of?"

"Asbestos"

"Interesting stuff. – But what about the smoke? Isn't he choking?"

"Ah, Hogwash! He's used to it by now. The only time when he isn't inhaling smoke is when he's sleeping."

"You guys are a strange group."

"Yes, we are aware…"

The Helicopter was already in the air, and Virgil was dangling like a marionette. Slowly, he was lowered until he finally touched the ground.

"I'm at the bottom."

"Mentally or physically?", came over the microphone.

"Scott, there's literally a blazing flame behind my back right now."

"Alright, alright. Do you see the Sidewinder?"

"No, the smoke is too dense. It's like the inside of a blast furnace down here. Starting to lay charges."

Scott then called over to the helicopter, where the General, Ralph and the pilot were inside. "OK, General, you can draw in the cable and get clear. Virgil's at the bottom."

"That sounds all fine, but how's your buddy getting out of there?"

To answer the question, Brains called in, "Well, we have a machine we call the Mole, General. Scott is about to operate it. You'll see it in action."

"Mole? Like the animal?"

The General didn't have to wait for long until he saw 'the Mole'. It was no animal, but a tunnel vehicle with a massive drill at the front.

However, there was a small problem. That problem had a name and was currently emptying half his flask out of nervousness. For Scott Tracy was a little untrained with the Mole. Not in driving it around, but in driving it out of the pod.

He moved forward. "Slow and steady", he thought to himself. But he was going a bit too slow and steady. The Mole tipped forward and hit its roof on the door of the pod. Scott winced but kept going as he heard the metal of the Mole scrape against the metal of the pod. Thank god, Virgil was far down and unable to hear the commotion.

Then he was finally free in open space and drove along smoothly. Scott relaxed once more and radioed Brains. "Thunderbird 2 lab from Mole, proceeding to drilling position."

In the pit, Virgil was still laying charges, while mumbling to himself, "Oh, sure you won't feel a thing in here, Virgil. The suit is completely safe, Virgil.". There was sweat on his whole body and he had trouble breathing. And this time he didn't know if it was because of the smoulder, his smoking habits or the asbestos suit. "I feel like Orpheus! And if so, where is my beautiful girlfriend?!". But that's a story for another time.

The Sidewinder crew was almost completely exposed to the elements that were happening on the outside. Frank was lying on the floor, looking upwards to where the sky would be. "The cooling plant has… has eight minutes' reserve. I can't … I can't breathe."

"Frank, hang on, boy!"

"Colonel … I think … I think that's it. Yes, it is over now. I see the light at the end of the tunnel… I see heaven… I see … beyond the end of my strings!"

Sweeney looked up, then back to Frank.

"You are looking directly into the lightbulb, that's the light you see."

"Oh, that explains the flickering. But still. If we don't get out soon, we'll die…"

"I know Frank…"

Virgil had finished his tour around the crater. He updated Scott on his progress.

"Mole from Virgil. One more charge to lay, Scott."

"Good. Be with you in a few minutes."

Scott pushed a lever, and the mole moved its drilling unit to a steep angle. The borer spun fast as the main body of the craft detached from its caterpillars to dive underground. A lot of dust got thrown into the air, and before it even settled, the mole was already gone, drilling through the earth.

"Thunderbird 2 from Mole. Burrowing at 70-degree angle. Do you read me on tracker screen?"

Brains answered back, "Loud and clear, Scott. Right right, four degrees."

Scott continued on his way, when the mole suddenly juddered.

"Four degrees. F.A.B. Turn made. I've come up against an obstruction."

"It's hard-core granite, Scott. Detour two degrees left, then return to the original course."

"And you only tell me that there is granite once I've run into it? Thanks Brains!"

" … "

"F.A.B. Moving on…"

"Mole from Virgil. Final charge laid. Get me out of here, Scott! It's getting really stuffy in here."

"OK, Virgil. Approaching the side of the crater now. But shouldn't you be safe from all the dangers down there?"

"Oh yeah! I completely forgot that I am not in danger by the flames, because of this suit. My sweating under the heat and the burn on my arm must be in my imagination. Thank you for reminding me, Scott!"

Scott let out an annoyed breath. Brains called in once more to tell him where to go. "Three degrees left, Scott. Then you should be through."

"Thanks, Brains. I'll be breaking into the pit in a few seconds."

"Fine, Scott. Ready to detonate explosives on your instructions."

Meanwhile, Virgil was waiting in the middle of the crater, until Scott finally found the time to pick him up. He mumbled to himself again. "How come until now I'm always the one that had to do the mortal-dangerous stuff? Why, Scott could have done it just as well!". But before Virgil could contemplate further, Scott had already broken through the wall.

"OK, Virgil, come aboard."

"OK, I'm coming over. Please keep the drill off!"

Virgil walked over, nearly falling down over every step he took on the weak debris. He entered through a door at the side of the mole.

"Thunderbird 2 Lab from Mole. Virgil aboard."

"R-right, prepare to withdraw.", answered Brains.

Scott turned on the com to the back part of the mole. "Virgil. You ready?"

"Taking up rear cabin position now."

"What?"

"I put my seatbelt on!"

"Okay, then say it like that! Operating reverse motors."

And just like how the mole drilled down earlier, it came back up the same way. The exact same way. Almost like someone just reversed the footage from earlier…

"OK, Brains, we're clear of the area. Give 'em fire!"

"D-d-detonating charges now!"

Out of the crater came thunderous explosions. One after another.

"Hey, Scott, you think I should have somehow told these guys down there what our plan was?", asked Virgil.

"Nah. They'll manage if they are not already passed out."

"OH MY GOD! WE ARE GOING TO DIE!", yelled Johnny as soon as the explosions went off.

"What are they trying to do, blow us out of here? ", said Sweeney. He was sitting next to Frank, who had finally passed out. It won't be long until the rest followed.

"Only a few more minutes and the cooling plant packs up."

"Do you get going now or what? My men have less than two minutes left.", Peters yelled into the microphone.

Brains held his ears and made a mental note to include a volume regulator with the intercom in the future.

"We're doing the best we can, General. Lab to Recovery Vehicle One. Are you in position, Virgil?"

"Ready, Brains.", came Virgil's answer. He was finally free of the Fire-hazard suit. Well, the headpiece at least. The first minute was just spent breathing the normal air, like a fish that was finally back in the water.

"Recovery Vehicle One - power OK. Remote Control Vehicle Two - operation positive. Moving out now."

Out of the Pod rolled another craft. This was the recovery vehicle, a Magnetic grapple pulling machine. It had two cannons on the back, which were the name giving magnetic grapplers. Otherwise, it was painted red with huge bug-eye headlights.

Another one rolled out and followed the master vehicle like a lamb. This was the radio-controlled one which, again, also had to be driven by Virgil.

The two crafts stopped next to the pit. Virgil called over to Brains, "Ready to fire magnetic lines."

"Remote guidance - seven left, four right, right."

Then the magnets were fired.

The crew inside reacted scared, with Johnny yelling out in fear. They no longer had the nerve to mask their anxiety.

"This is it. We're breaking up.", said the Colonel.

Virgil gave the word that he had connected with the craft. "Electromagnets in position. Recovery Vehicle engines in transmission."

Then he put the cars in reverse to tug the lines.

In the Sidewinder, Frank has come to again, for the moment at least. The rest of the crew looked around, confused. Then Sweeney somehow connected the dots. "Hey, we are not breaking up! We are moving!"

Virgil continued his way back, when the remote vehicle skidded across the ground.

"Come on, sweetheart! You can do it!"

But the vehicle didn't listen to Virgil's encouraging words and still slipped on the ground.

He called to Brains, "The Remote-Control Vehicle's skidding again!"

Then he tried to tug again and again and again until one of the magnetic lines disconnected from the Sidewinder.

"Aw, come on! One of the lines has failed. I'll have to wind it in and fire again."

Virgil did as he said. The lines attached again, and one foot at a time, the Sidewinder scraped up the cliff. It was almost at the top, when it suddenly and without a warning, got stuck.

"What is this!? I feel like I'm on Candid Camera!", Virgil said.

After dragging some more and pushing the limits of the Recovery-vehicles, the Sidewinder is safely back on the surface.

In the rescued craft, Frank and Johnny had passed out, and Colonel Sweeney was not far behind. He muttered, "We're safe. It's a miracle. They've got us out of the pit.", before he too blacked out.

He woke up on a bed. Sitting next to him was Scott Tracy, who asked him, "How you doin', fella?"

The Colonel looked around the room. "Is this the afterlife?"

"Not yet. We got you all out just in time. You got a second chance at life."

"Then you must be the guy who hauled us out."

Scott wanted to take the full credit, but somewhere a quiet voice in the back of his head told him to get the record straight. "One of them. The others are about to leave."

"I'll never know how to thank you, buddy. You saved our lives."

At around this time, Johnny also came to and added, "The Colonel is right."

"Aw, forget it. I'm glad we could help. All you have to do now is get well again.". Scott looked over at Frank. "How about the other man? I guess he's out cold."

"He'll be OK. Mister, I guess he'd have liked to have been awake, so I'll say it for him: Thanks. Thanks form all of us."

"It's alright. You are welcome.", answered Scott and was about to leave when he threw a quick glance to the Colonel and Frank.

"Say," Scott asked, "Have we met before? Like, just days earlier?"

"Not that I know of Mister. This is the first time I ever saw you."

"Sorry. It just feels like I have seen the faces of you and your colleague before. Must be my imagination."

Virgil and Brains were again in the cockpit of Thunderbird 2, getting ready for launch. "Scott from Thunderbird 2. I'm about to lift off. See you back at base."

"F.A.B." answered Scott. He wanted to have a quick chat with the General before going home.

General Peters was full of euphoria and wouldn't mind handing over his house, his money, and his wife to thank Scott. Ralph was once more next to the General to watch out.

"Sidewinder is saved and no casualties. What can I do to thank you?"

"All part of the service. But if you want to help, just make sure that no-one tracks our aircraft. It's vital our operation remains a closely guarded secret."

"Oh! Don't worry, that's the least we could do."

"Well, thanks. I'll be off now."

"Thank YOU, Scott. You will forever stay in my heart!"

Scott turned around one final time to look confused at the man.

"He forgot his mood-stabilisers today", Ralph informed. Scott, still wearing his confused expression, nodded, then went back to Thunderbird 1.

"Boy! What I'd give to have those guys in my arm -eh, I mean force."

"Just lie down, Peters. We both have had a long day."

Thunderbird 1 started its engines and took off, while setting a small dead tree close to the machine on fire.

The helicopter took off too, since everyone completely forgot that the Sidewinder was still standing there, burning next to the hole, which was also burning.

Again, we can only say: Nature Protection and Conservation? We don't know her!

After Virgil, Scott and Brains came back, they all gathered in the living room to finish the day on an easy note. Jeff was sitting in front of his Dicta-writer, analysing business stuff.

Alan and Gordon told them about their day with the producers. The reviewing and the laying out of the cameras in the different rooms.

Once the sun finally set, Tin-Tin crawled out of her bed to spend some time with the rest of the family. She still looked pale, but better than the day before. Her father made her a cup of tea to relax.

The moviemakers came back in, dragging their 'tent' with them.

"So, we just realised that for the tent to stand up we need to ram these sticks into the ground, which doesn't work on the concrete floor.", said the man.

"Does anyone here have some recommendations for a solid ground?", asked the lady.

Scott, Virgil, Gordon and Alan looked over to their father. But it seemed like, as if Jeff was training for the ignorance Olympics in the category 'Ignore constant staring'.

"Dad?", Alan asked.

That was a bit more difficult to ignore than the staring. But he carried on like a champion.

"Dad, please?", Alan practically whined.

He hated this paternal instinct sometimes…

"Yes, Alan?"

"Isn't the Round house empty right now?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, maybe we could let them live in there for the time being?"

"And if Grandma comes over, we do what, exactly?"

"We just move them out…"

"And move them where? The cupboard under the stairs?"

"The guest room in the house, maybe?"

Silence.

The others looked at Jeff expectantly.

He wanted to have these people off his island. Immediately. But he couldn't do that. With the contract, he practically signed off his soul.

"Okay! They can move in, for the time being!", he said sternly.

"Thank you so much, Mr Tracy …", said the Britons.

"Just get out of my sight. I'm grabbing myself a glass and the rest of this family stays in the living room for a small discussion", Jeff states, while making his way out of the room to the liqueur cabinet.

"Say Alan," Tin-Tin asked, "Who were these people?"

"Oh, just some producers who want to make a show of our family, as a cover-up for International Rescue."

"…"

"Tin-Tin, are you alri-"

"They want to WHAT?!"

"I can't believe that all you are going against me! In my own house too! To rather listen to these - these - these – wannabe filmmakers! I'm beginning to believe that they mean more to you than I do!"

"Dad, aren't you a bit exag-"

"I'm not finished, Scott! These people come here to intrude on our peaceful island life, and you all just let them stay here. Give them a full house and tomorrow morning a breakfast! We have to take care of these people now! People we don't even know!"

Jeff banged his empty scotch glass on his desk. The boys, who were sitting hip to hip on one couch, flinched at the sound. Kyrano was close by and ran over to give the father another full glass in his hand.

"Thanks, Kyrano". Jeff took a sip.

"Dad, it's just a little strange to explain…", began Gordon.

"Well, then let's hear it, Gordon! There is rarely anything that you say, which isn't strange.". Jeff took another sip from his drink.

"It feels like I already knew these people. They have got this strange familiarity around them."

"Yeah, I think so too.", Alan added.

First, Jeff said nothing, being lost in thought. Then he spoke up again, "That does indeed sound strange.". His anger being replaced by confusion.

"Scott? Virgil? You got anything to add?"

Both shook their heads.

"Alright! Everyone off to bed! But this isn't over…", he stated while everyone went to their rooms.

On the way to his bedroom, Alan caught a glimpse into Tin-Tin's room. After he dropped the bombshell on her, she had to lie down again. Kyrano was in the room with her, petting her hair. It seemed like she had just woken up again.

"Ayah, I've just had the strangest dream… We were about to become film stars. Some producers wanted to have us in their show. Could you believe that?"

"Just go back to sleep, Tin-Tin. You need the rest."

Alan then continued to walk to his room.

Jeff was still walking around the living room when Kyrano came back to clean the glasses.

"Kyrano, you know about psychic and paranormal things, right?"

The servant froze, but moved again seconds later. He was no longer in danger. He could talk openly about these things.

"Yes, Mr Tracy. For a matter of fact, I do…"

"Well, then how would you describe it, if you have a feeling of familiarity towards strangers? Like you have already known them for years?"

Kyrano thought for a moment.

"Well, in my old community, we would have said that you must have had a relationship in your past life…"

"But all of us? Isn't this feeling usually an individual thing?"

"That is true … But maybe these people were highly influential in their past?"

"Could be … I'm going to bed now. I've already thought too much today. You should too, Kyrano."

"Oh, don't worry. I'll be off once I finished cleaning the glasses."

"Well, Goodnight then."

"Goodnight, Mr Tracy."

"This is where you live?! When you said you lived in a temple, I thought you meant a real one!"

"Look! I take what I could get! And it does look pretty convincing if you were to ask me. It even has electricity and a cool soundtrack."

"If I were to actually need things like that, this would impress me a lot more than it does now. But I guess it is good enough to stay…"

"I see we have a difficult audience today", the bald man mumbled, while closing the front door.

The Hood had returned to his run-down amusme- erm, I mean, his ancient temple. His invisible friend had followed him all the way home, constantly speaking to him. Now that he thought about it, or at least as much as he could think with the voice talking in his head, it was incredibly creepy. This thing knew every thought he had and everything else.

"I know you are frightened of me, but there is no need to worry. As of now, I need you to help me with my goal. I need you as much as you need me. Understood?"

The man just nodded. "Yes. Yes, I understand… But one question… Am I the only one?"

"I'll say it like this. You are the only one I talk to. There are others, but they are by far not as independent-minded as you are… If you catch my drift…"

"You mean you infested their thoughts, and they are mindless zombies?"

"I prefer 'hypnotised', but both work."

Of course, the Hood was nervous, but there was no getting back now, and after all he could use the help too…

"Alright, I'm going to bed now. You go … do whatever you want to do."

…

Authors Note

Hey, I hope you liked this chapter.

Generally, I hope you like this story overall until now, as well as my strange way of humour writing.

I let the pop-culture of the mid-60s flow into this story, because that would make the most sense, time-wise speaking. (Virgil references a specific episode of the Twilight Zone, called "Death Ship". One of my favourites.)

Sadly, I have to announce a short hiatus. As part of my job, I have to spend the next two months with "professional education". So, I'll be busy learning and most likely won't have the time to write.

Expect to hear from me again at the beginning of May with "Perils of Penelope" :)