"You want to WHAT?!"

Jeff got up from his seat, his hands pressed firmly on his desk and eyes widened in anger.

In front of him was a strange looking couple that came with an idea. Being an investor and CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company, Jefferson Tracy had heard all kinds of strange concepts. From a Fast-Food-Joint with a build in gym, alphabetically ordered typewriters, pocket alarms that supposedly scare of aliens, to disposable gloves that would have been specifically marketed towards women, with the only differences to normal gloves being the jacked-up price and the fact that these were pink.

But this one … this did not only take the cake, but it also took the whole bakery with it.

"We want to make a show, about you, your boys! It would be like a reality TV show!", said the bald man. His wife, which had an almost uncanny resemblance to Jeff's agent in London, nodded in return. He would simply dismiss them, if they just didn't know about a crucial part of his life…

"How did you find me? And how did you find out about our association to I.R.?", Jeff demanded. The man of the house pressed a hidden button on his desk to make a recording of the conversation here.

The woman, who also strangely sounds like Penny, spoke up, "It was easy to find out. We were at the London airport and saw a man that had a remarkable resemblance to the famous Jeff Tracy's eldest son." God Dammit! Jeff should have invested in some kind of masquerade or something.

He caught himself again.

"And why should I, as the founder of this organization and man of the house, allow some random film producers to make a show about our life?"

The couple first looked at each other, then back at the billionaire. The husband then said, "Because if we can't make a show about the Tracy's, we could still make a feature length movie about the Thunderbirds." He then pulled out a role of tape. "We got the whole Fire flash fiasco on tape and even brought you a copy to look at!"

"Excuse me! YOU WHAT!?"

The scenery opens to a jungle that surrounds an ancient looking temple. In actuality, the temple wasn't ancient at all. It was the centre of an old, abandoned amusement park that closed 10 years earlier. Which would certainly explain its access to electricity, as well as the dramatic music that kept playing non-stop.

A bald man was standing in the middle of the empty room, and you know what they say about bald men. They sacrifice their hair, for power. This man is referred to as 'The Hood', and by that, I mean that nobody, besides himself, calls him that. Currently, he is standing in the middle of the 'House of bravery: Jungle expl' – I mean the ancient temple, pretending to be a Bond villain.

"International Rescue. If only I knew their secrets..." But the real secret is, how does he know about them in the first place, when it's a secret organization that has not yet started operating? Ehh- don't try to think about it too much.

"And you, Kyrano, my own brother, are in their midst!" Who's Kyrano? What are his connections with International Rescue? What even is 'International Rescue'? Why are you still reading these questions when you could just skip to the next paragraph?

A bead curtain moved aside, and a statue appeared. A Statue of … Kyrano. Surrounded by artificial fires that cost $50 in gas an hour to keep on. So, he only ever decides to switch it on if he wants to be dramatic.

"Soon you will be under my influence. Even though you are far away, you cannot escape me, Kyrano!"

As stated earlier, Kyrano is his brother, his half-brother for this matter. What happened in their past is unknown, however afterwards Kyrano, as well as his daughter Tin-Tin, had to flee from their home in Malaysia and were henceforth on the run.

And after years of fleeing, they finally found a sanctuary.

"KYRANO!"

"Kyrano!"

Jeff was halfway leaning on his desk holding a letter.

"I've just had news that Tin-Tin will be leaving London on Wednesday. That means she'll be home on Friday."

Mr. Tracy's Servant and good friend, Kyrano, was standing near him after hearing his name called

"That's good news, but why are you reading me a letter that had my name as the addressee on it, Mr. Tracy?"

The employer coughed uncomfortable and gave the letter to Kyrano, who swiftly took it out of his hand and began to read it for himself. Being a businessman and a father of five, he got used to opening letters first and read the addressee second.

Jeff had a few years and many experiences under his belt. Became a Colonel, went to the moon, started a successful business that focuses on the progress of humanity, brought up his four-eh-five sons, alone, after the death of his beloved wife and finally found International Rescue not even a month ago.

If you met him in the Tracy villa, he seemed more like a retired actor than anything else. A retired actor who constantly must keep the mishaps of his family covered. If it was a certain son's benders or explaining the massive amounts of cigarettes that get shipped to the island weekly, or just generally keeping Gordon and Alan in order. This man was under stress 24/7, but that's also well hidden. For the most part, at least.

Having finished the letter addressed to him, Kyrano handed it back to Jeff. "Thank you, Mr. Tracy, for … everything … that you have done for me and Tin-tin. How can I ever replay you?"

"No need Kyrano. Tin-Tin did all the work. She's got a good start. An education in the finest American university, and a European tour to her credit."

Kyrano was about to continue with his thanks when he suddenly felt a stinging in his head. His hand moved up to his forehead in hopes of quelling the pain. That didn't help.

"Kyrano? Are you alright?" Jeff asked worried and Kyrano was about to brush it off, when the stinging turned to stabbing.

"Argh!", he cried out and fell to the floor clutching his head. "Kyrano!". Jeff was immediately by his side checking him over, "Kyrano!"

" KYRANO!"

He began to hear a voice in his head.

"From this moment, you are in my power!"

"Now... when does International Rescue start operating? Speak, Kyrano."

Kyrano felt like a puppet, like a shell of a man. Someone was trying to get hold of him telepathically. With every ounce of his body, he struggled to fight back against the unknown attacker.

"Why don't you speak?!"

Kyrano kept resisting, yelling "No! No! NO!"

Jeff had no idea what was going on and expected the worst. In his head he began to count off all possible signs for cardiac arrest, stroke, seizure or any other medical incident.

Once more Kyrano, began to yell "They are ready! They are ready to start... operating!"

And suddenly all the pain was gone. Kyrano looked up at Jeff with confusion, "Mr. Tracy? Is something the matter?"

Jeff couldn't believe his eyes, and he could believe Kyrano's words even less. "Kyrano. Just now you were groaning in pain! It seemed like you were flirting with death!". Now the servant was concerned. "I don't remember anything. Nothing at all. We were just talking about Tin-Tin, and then I came to on the floor."

Then the two men just looked at each other.

"Well, I'll better get back to cleaning the kitchenette", Kyrano declared, getting up and swaying to the kitchen.

Jeff immediately jumped up and chased after him. "Kyrano! You've just been in immense pain. Don't you think you should have a rest?"

"I'll rest when I'm dead, Mr. Tracy!", he protested and ran away.

Far away on the other side of the globe was the London international airport, which had apparently experienced a massive growth in passengers, flying machines and runways. Speaking of flying machines – ready for their maiden flight was the Fireflash.

A beautiful hypersonic craft, which has considerable differences to the aero planes we know of. Foremost, it is fully atomic, which might sound dangerous, but also is dangerous. Worse yet, the radioactive-shielding lasts 4 hours at the longest. How the airline keeps avoiding lawsuits is still a mystery to everyone - even the people working there.

Currently, a man, which looks like a mechanic, seems to be checking it over for the final time.

Inside the terminal, there were multiple people waiting. A voice over the intercom stated, "Terrainean Airways announces the departure of flight 608 to Tokyo. Will all passengers proceed to the departure lounge?"

After some time, we finally catch a glance at Tin-Tin. A classy young lady and something of a fashionista. She had just finished her European tour and was now looking forward to return to Tracy Island.

Tin-Tin was the kind of woman any person would love to know. Well-educated and incredibly nice. She's just got her engineers degree and learned her fourth language. Why such a goddess meddles around with a mess like the Tracy clan would puzzle anyone.

"Miss Tin-Tin Kyrano?"

Tin-Tin looked up and saw a lady dressed in some cabin crew uniform with a clipboard. Curiously she answered "Yes?"

"This is your flight. You're lucky, it's the maiden flight of the new atomic-powered Fireflash."

"That's great … Uh … Why am I being the only one who's told this?"

"I got special instructions to guide you to the stairs by Mr. Tracy. Your … financial provider?"

"T-t-that's my employer. Well, not yet … M-my father and me live with him … As friends!"

The more Tin-Tin tries to talk herself out of this situation, the worse it got until the young lady decided to keep her mouth shut. Then the two women just stared at each other and individually decided to forget the last few exchanged words.

"Isn't that the new aircraft that flies six times the speed of sound?", Tin-Tin said, trying to save the conversation and her dignity.

"That's right, but don't worry. It's perfectly safe.", the airport employer stated. Tin-Tin thought for a moment. Shouldn't that be the standard?

"Well, are you getting up or what? I have to prepare for take off!"

"Oh, yes. Sorry! Sorry!", Tin-Tin answered while hastily getting up and making her way to the gate.

As it turns out, the man who we earlier thought to be a mechanic was no mechanic at all. It was The Hood, who placed a conveniently labelled 'Auto-Bomb' at the landing gear of the Fireflash.

"Perfect. Enough explosives to smash the atomic reactor. If this doesn't bring International Rescue on the scene, nothing will.", he said to himself in hopes of feeling more like a super-villain.

The man climbed down the ladder, slipped and knocked his chrome-dome on the metal. Cursing, he sprinted across the runway, while the Fireflash was closing its landing gear compartment.

Tin-Tin was sitting in her seat while the flight attendants did their daily play. However, she had to admit, that she had never seen a performance like this.

"In case of the unlikely event of a plane crash, or a fire on board, or a landing on the water, or a failure in the radioactive shield, remember to run for the door. Air Terrainean is not liable for losses, damages, injuries, death, birth, dismemberment or divorce. By signing the agreement, you are stating that we are not the causes of labour, disability, mental illness, any types of cancers, asthma attacks, heart attacks, general attacks, any medical emergencies, fights, fires, family dramas and your failed marriage. Please wait for the 'No smoking' sign to turn off to smoke. Enjoy your flight!"

Tin-Tin was saying a silent prayer to any deity there is, hoping she would come out the way she came in.

The final checks were finished. The last compartment closed its doors, and with a roar, the turbines of the Fireflash came alive. The titan of steel and wires was manoeuvrer onto the runway, and the pilots fired up the atomic motors to prepare for take-off.

They raced down the runway and before long they were parting from the ground. The pilot was experienced … especially in denying any claims. Jokes aside, Captain Hanson had had his fair share of turbulences and turmoil. His Co-pilot, not so much – but how bad could this maiden flight go? They both looked at each other in agreement.

"Through the sound barrier. Mach 1.2, 40,000 feet. Mach 2.8, 2.9... Mach 3... Reheat.", the Co-pilot stated "Reheat", Captain Hanson affirmed. Directly after, thrusts were activated, and the aero plane shot through the skies at 5.3 Mach. At the height of 200,000 they levelled out.

Once more, in the lounge, Tin-Tin sat nervously in her seat. The voice over the intercom made her jump.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have now completed our take-off procedure, and are flying at a height of 250,000 feet. You may now unfasten your safety belt, and smoke if you wish. We will soon come by with snacks. Those are not complementary. Due to us not speaking the language on the back of these packages, some might have an allergic reaction. We will stand by with medication and cups of water … Those aren't complementary, either."

Back down on the ground, the Hood, now in a disguise, was making a call to the control tower of the airport. Thanks to the advancement in technology, he was talking on a Tele-call machine booth. Now instead of having to go to a special booth to talk to a person, you have to go to a special booth to talk and see that person. Mobile phones? No man can be that strong to carry that around with him.

"Is that the control tower?"

The receptionist answered.

"Yes, this is the control tower! Not the doctor's office! Not the post office! Our refrigerator is not running! We do not sell Grunge Cola! I know no one named Hugh G. Rection, or Andy Feltherbush, or Clee Torres! And if you ask for anything similar, I will personally come down and break your jaw!"

"Are you … Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah … I'm sorry. It's just that … I have been going through a lot lately. The Misses and I are going through a rough patch right now, and I'm afraid she will take the kids. Soon my job will be taken over by a robot and I will probably get fired. And for the past few days there's always been a prank caller who tries to make fun of me and make me look ridiculous in front of my co-workers. I'm sorry I was rude to you earlier. What can I help you with, sir?"

"Yeah … uh … so basically … there is a bomb in the landing gear of the Fireflash who's going to Tokyo. Bye!"

"Motherfu- beep – beep – beep – beep"

The Hood took off his disguise, even if he made a call with audio only. He realized seconds later how unnecessary that was.

Back in the Cockpit of the Fireflash the two Pilots had finished their course procedure.

The Co-pilot took a quick look over the board, before stating "OK, on course"

"Right. Switch to automatic flight plan. ", Captain Hanson answered and awkwardly got up while his Co-pilot pushed a button, "Well, I uh... I'm going up front to have a word with the passengers.", Hanson stated, walking to the door.

"Passengers, or passenger? I saw her too, she's kinda cute.", his Co-pilot replied with a wink behind his glasses.

"There are 600 passengers on this plane. I have literally no idea who you are talking about"

"Come one, you know my type…"

"I don't even know your name!"

Their back and forth was interrupted by the incoming voice of Commander Norman of the control tower. "London Tower to Fireflash. Reduce speed to low, safe cruising. Return to London and reduce to 30,000 feet. It is reported that you have a bomb in your landing gear. It may be a hoax, but we can't take any chances."

Captain Hanson breath was caught in his throat. As calm as he could, he put his microphone to his face and answered, "Roger, London Tower. What's the action?"

"Stand by on this frequency."

"Fireflash standing by.", he sat back down and got ready for the return to London. He took a breather and hoped that it was just an out of season April fool's joke.

"What do you mean you don't know my name? We have been friends for years!"

"There is a time for that talk, and it's not now"

"You came to all of my birthday parties!"

"Yeah, for the cake"

Then it was, once more, quiet between the two.

Back in the London Control tower, panic was slowly breaking out. Amongst the top crew, that is. As of now, the rest of the airport was still unaware of the supposable danger.

Commander Norman made the decision to send out all emergency services, who were now racing across the runway with much rumpus.

Up in the sky, the passengers seemed to realize that the plane was turning around.

Tin-Tin looked out of the window confused and spoke to a fellow passenger, "I don't understand it. Something must be wrong. We're losing height."

Then the plane's loudspeaker came to life.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please. We have developed a minor technical fault and are returning to London. Please fasten your safety belts and remember the agreement you signed."

And the young Lady clenched her hands on the cushioned armrest.

"Say, you're right. Oh, but I guess it's nothing to worry about.", said the random guy Tin-Tin was talking to.

"Well, I hope not. It's a very long way down from here.", Tin-Tin said, eyeing the bar, thinking if she should jump the gun and numb herself before her eventual demise.

Unknown to anyone involved in the situation, their signal was received by someone.

Among the stars, circling the globe at 22,400 miles, was a space station. A space station, that wouldn't show up on any detector. A satellite which picks up on any radio frequency, every day, every hour.

Written across the behemoth of pure metal and electricity, were the letters 'THUNDERBIRD 5'

A wonder of technology, with circuits and electronics that would blow anyone's mind. And inside the station would be something even more mind-blowing … an intelligent blonde.

Staring out the window, past the giant letters reading 'International Rescue' (just in case he forgets which organization he's part of), was the space monitor. Whose Job it was to sound the alarm whenever some emergency was happening.

This is … Jo … Jo … Jo … seph? Jo – nathan? Jo-vannie?

("It's John")

JOHN! This is John. He spends most of his time up on Thunderbird 5, which has absolutely nothing to with the fact that he is his father's least favourite child. No, John is loved by everyone (is what he tells himself every night before falling asleep).

It's just a strange coincidence that he's never home for Christmas, or New-Year's, or Thanksgiving, or Halloween, or his Birthday, or July 4th, or – you get the picture…

Jonas ("John") is usually pretty smart, but after years of gas-lighting by his family and himself, he fails to realize that he is taken advantage off.

"Just another 10 days and I'll can once more dive into the pool", he thought to himself. Jordan ("It's JOHN!") should be on rotation with the youngest of his brothers. Emphasis on should be. Nobody told him that the automatic calendar of Thunderbird 5 had been tampered with, and that this was now the 47th Tuesday, the 4th of August 2025, he experienced. Thanks to the absolute timelessness of space, he never seems to realize this – or he simply ignores it.

Across the space station, multiple voices of different languages and origins, were talking at the same time, about the most mundane things. Then the algorithm began to pick up something. The warning light went on, and a tape began to record. Yes, Thunderbird 5, the most advanced wonder of technology, still uses tape.

Joseline ("AHHH!") walked over in interest and began to listen. It was the radio frequency between the Fireflash and the London control tower.

"Fireflash, this is London Tower. We're ready to take a reflective X-ray shot of your wings. Lower your landing gear and overfly the airport at zero feet."

"Roger, London Tower. This sure is some maiden flight..."

Janis ("…") looked from the warning signal and turning tape to the communication device and then back to the warning signal. Is this it? Is it time to step in?

Is it finally time to say, "Stand by for Act-".

Sorry! Wrong show.

I mean…

Is it finally time to say, "Thunderbirds are go!"?

Now, you might ask yourself, what is a Thunderbird? Who does it belong to? Who dislikes John so much, that they built a billion-dollar Satellite just to dump him there?

Well, far out on the Pacific Ocean, was an island, which looked more like a barren rock, than anything else. This was the residence of the Tracy's.

After making up his mind about starting the International Rescue organization, Jeff Tracy put aside 'some cash' to buy this island. It wasn't really necessary but running a super-secret organization with multiple heavy machinery from his humble farm in Kansas, wasn't that appealing. The island had everything one could dream about. A beach with palms, luscious flowers and tropic birds (which are only heard and never seen). The 0% tax is also a big plus.

Jeff was currently admiring a painting of a space rocket, made by his second – eh third-eldest son, making himself nostalgic for what could have been.

All the worlds he, as an astronaut, could have explored. Just to come home to his loving wife and successful children afterwards. What would he do to converse and laugh with her one more time? He remembered her so vividly and felt himself getting emotional again. It had been so long, but his eyes still began to water, when he thought about it. He took a breath just to calm himself down. "It's alright Jefferson. Calm down. No need to –"

"You miss those days, eh, Mr. Tracy? You must be proud to have been one of the world's first men to land on the moon. ", he heard from behind himself and nearly jumped. Jeff told Kyrano everything about his late wife, Lucy. Most of which, accidental, when he was drunk of his scotch and needed a shoulder to cry on. For now, he didn't think it would be that bright of an idea, to emotionally unload on Kyrano, as his friend was still a bit weakened by the … incident … earlier.

"Well, it's all a long time ago, Kyrano. A long time ago", he said, more to himself than to Kyrano, glancing for a final time to the painting. As he turned around, Jeff saw the tablet with a piece of paper on it in Kyrano's hands. "A cable? For me?"

"Yes, sir! It even has your name as the addressee on it! It's from London". Jeff once more coughed, uncomfortable. He still needs to get used to the idea of having people on the island, which are not directly related to him.

The man of the house took the paper and addressed his servant specifically, "Now listen, Kyrano. I've arranged for a specialist to be flown out here and give you a check-up."

"Oh-ho, I'm fine, Mr. Tracy. Just a dizzy spell."

Jeff looked at his friends concerned, contemplating, "Well, you just watch it."

Then finally took a look at the paper. "Oh, this is from Tin-Tin. She's on her way from London. Hey, she's flying in the new Fireflash... Gee, that's a great aircraft."

"Why is she sending it to you and not to me?", Kyrano questioned.

After a short flight back, the Fireflash was once more above London airport. Captain Hanson once more called in at the control tower.

"London Tower from Fireflash. Coming in now. Landing gear down and locked. Stand by."

Commander Norman, nervous as ever, answered, "Roger. Lift your starboard wing, so we can get a good shot."

"Heh, an 'Up-wing-shot' you might say", the Co-Pilot jested, laughing at his own joke. He was also the only one that was laughing.

"Do me a favour and keep your mouth shut until this plane, either lands or burst into flames. You're embarrassing us." came from Captain Hanson.

"At least I know your name, Captain Hanson!"

"Yeah? What's my first name?"

" … "

"So?"

"Shut up – nobody loves you!"

After the cockpit fell silent once more, the Fireflash began his descent to a lower altitude, so the control tower could snap their x-ray. The picture was developed immediately

"It looks hopeful. Put it on the screen."

The Image was shown on a wide screen and London tower staff seared the picture until the Commander yelled out "There it is! Thank God it was labelled, otherwise I would have never guessed it was a bomb!"

The Staff looked at him confused.

"I-I mean –uh- This is no hoax! We need to divert air traffic and evacuate all civilians!"

He turned to his Harris, his right-hand-man, and continued "Use code RH"

"Run and Hide?"

"Radiation Hazard, you idiot!"

"Yes, sir", Harris answered and went away.

Commander Norman radioed back to the Fireflash crew, "Fireflash, this is London Tower. Confirming there IS a bomb. It's placed in the hydraulic system of your landing gear."

The captain lost all colour in his face. This had to be a nightmare. His worst fear had come true. But he needed to remain calm!

"Roger, London Tower. Permission for emergency landing."

"ARE YOU CRAZY?! I just told you that there was a bomb in your landing gear! If you tried to land, it would blow us sky-high and destroy everything in a 5-mile radius! Did you even listen to me, or is the hollow space between your ears so large that you are considering renting it out?"

"Sorry, I asked! We just got told that our life is on the line."

"Just remain in vicinity of London Airport at 30,000 feet"

Again, the men were oblivious to the fact that they were listened in on. John was absent-mindedly, staring out of the window, still receiving the Fireflash radio.

Captain Hanson spoke again, trying to get a possible solution out of the Commander, "Well, what's gonna happen? We can't just stay up here forever."

"I know, I know, Captain! We'll have to think of something! What is your endurance?"

Hanson was quiet for a moment. Probably checking on his dashboard, "Well, with our atomic motors, we can stay up here for six months. But the anti-radiation shield on the reactor will need servicing in two hours, ten minutes, or our passengers will be subjected to radiation exposure."

John looks downwards to earth. He was now directly orbiting above the British Isles. Almost as if he could see the plane.

Another sound came from the radio. It was the Co-pilot, - and he was crying, "What are we going to do? We are gonna die out here and take our passengers down with us! I never even got the chance to talk to the sexy brunette!"

Captain Hanson wanted to remind him to stay quiet at first, but then just accepted it and calmly replied, "I don't know what we are going to do. We can't reach the bomb, we can't land, and if we stay up here, we get radiation exposure. Whichever way you look at it, we don't stand a chance."

"Oh God!" - and - "We are going to die!" - and - more crying, was heard over the radio until the captain finally turned it off.

In the London Tower, the mood was about the same. The Commander sat sloughed in his seat, thinking of possibilities, that might bring about a somewhat positive outcome. All he could say was, "They haven't got a chance. We've just got to sit here and wait for them to die."

The COM turned on once more, "London Tower from Fireflash. Now circling at 30,000 feet. Radiation safety factor now two hours."

John was now standing above the Tape recorder as he heard Captain Hanson finish his radio transmission with "As far as I can see, London, nothing can save us now short of a miracle."

"That's just what you might get…" John says to no one in particular, thinking of himself as the coolest character in the story.

But now was not the time to stroke his own ego. Now was time to do some rescuing.

Some … International rescuing!