JEFF had never stood up so fast from his seat in his life. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WANT TO QUIT?!" he thundered at Gordon.
"Isn't it obvious, Dad?" retorted Gordon. "I've had enough! I'm sick of screwing up! I'm sick of being a pain in everyone's backsides! I don't want to do this anymore!"
A stunned silence followed for a few moments as Jeff along with Grandma, Scott, Virgil, Alan, John and Brains found themselves at a loss for words.
"G-Gordon, if this is about the Thunderbird 4s-" Brains began.
"What do you think, Brains?" snapped Gordon. "You've always been giving grief whenever I've made a mess of Thunderbird 4! Even when it's not my fault! I won't stand for it anymore!"
"I'm s-sor-"
"I don't wanna hear it, Brains!" Gordon turned his back on the engineer to face his father. "Dad, as soon as I've spoken to her, I'm leaving the island."
"Spoken to who?" Jeff barked.
"Penny of course! I'm gonna go live with her. I can't be a problem to anyone there."
"By making yourself the Creighton-Wards problem?" asked Scott. "Gordon, maybe you should think this through before-"
"Oh, I HAVE thought it through, Scott!" said Gordon. "You know, ever since Virgil proposed to Hayley, I've been feeling I should do the same with Penelope. Hell, we've been together for long enough. But she said it wouldn't work being married and living on opposite sides of the world. One of us would need to give up what we do. So I've made the call. I'm quitting International Rescue and I'm gonna go live with her. And there's nothing any of you can do to make me change my mind. I'm sorry, Dad."
Jeff was clearly fuming. But instead of shouting at his son, he spoke in a much calmer voice. "Very well, son. If it's what you want. But you'll regret this decision. Believe me, you will."
Gordon snorted. "Yeah, don't hold your breath on that one," he said. With that he turned on his heel and stormed out of the lounge to head for the stairs that led to the bedrooms.
Virgil started to walk after him.
"Virg, leave him be," said Scott.
"He's not himself," Virgil said. "I can talk him down. Leave it with me." He then continued after his brother up the stairs. "Gordo, wait up!"
Gordon was outside his bedroom door but he stopped with an annoyed sigh at the sound of his brother's voice. "What, Virgil?" he asked, irritated. "If you're gonna try and talk me out of it, save your breath. I won't be listening."
"Gordon, you're upset. You've every right to be," Virgil said. "Brains shouldn't have gotten mad like that. But don't you think you're acting a little irrational? I mean Hayley and I-"
"No, Virgil. I've made up my mind," said Gordon. He began to tear up. "I loved this job. I really did. But I love Penelope more. I just wanna be with her. I'm sorry. But you can't make me change my mind."
Virgil could feel his heart breaking. He was so certain he'd be able to make Gordon see sense. But he'd not managed to do so. "Very well," he said sadly. "But…what will you do if she says no?"
"No to what?" Gordon asked.
"She might not like it if you've quit International Rescue," said Virgil.
Gordon's sadness turned into a frown. "Yeah, that's not gonna happen," he said crossly and with that he entered the room and slammed the door.
Virgil hung his head, heartbroken.
5!
4!
3!
2!
1!
"Thunderbirds Are Go!"
"THE AVENGER"
VIRGIL returned disheartened to the lounge. Brains wasn't there. Only Scott, Alan and Grandma remained with Jeff whilst John's hologram had disappeared.
"No luck?" Scott asked.
Virgil shook his head. "No…I'm sorry, Dad. I tried."
"It's okay, Virgil. You tried and that's what matters," said Jeff kindly.
"You seem unusually unbothered by this," Grandma observed.
"Yeah, Dad?" added Alan. "You can't seriously be allowing Gordon to just leave? We need him here!"
"I know we do, Alan," said Jeff. "And I have a hunch that we won't be without him for long."
"What do you mean?" asked Scott.
Jeff sat back in his chair and played with a pen. "Well, Scott…I predict one of two things will happen. One - he will get very bored very quickly living in England with Penelope. She can barely tolerate the public events that she often ends up doing, and I seriously can't imagine Gordon being any different."
"Yeah…I can't picture him watching tennis at Wimbledon or going to see horses racing," agreed Alan.
"And the second, Dad?" asked Virgil.
"The second is what I'm predicting," said Jeff. "Penelope is as devoted to International Rescue as any of us are. And I don't think she'll be too happy when Gordon tells her what he plans to do."
"Meaning she could refuse to let him move in with her?" asked Scott.
Jeff nodded. "And if she does…where exactly would he go?" he asked.
The others looked at each other. Now they were hoping the same.
"If he can't go to her, then he's got nowhere to go," said Grandma.
"I really hope that's what happens," said Virgil.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE QUITTING INTERNATIONAL RESCUE?!"
Gordon was taken aback by Penelope's sudden outburst. "Seriously?! Why do I need to spell it out to everyone? I'm done being a part of it!"
"Gordon Cooper Tracy," said Penelope, her eyes burning with anger. "I am absolutely disgusted and appalled that you could even consider making such a decision! Leaving Tracy Island and your family puts us all in a very difficult situation! And if you were to pack your bags and leave this very day, where exactly would you go? Hmm?"
Gordon opened his mouth to answer.
"Because you certainly won't be welcome here!"
Gordon's mouth moved like a goldfish but no words came out. "Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-"
"You know what? Don't bother answering me," Penelope cut in. "I can't date a man who cowers away just because a piece of equipment he uses has gotten damaged in the line of duty! You sicken me, Gordon Tracy! Consider our relationship over. Goodbye!"
"WHAT?!" Gordon shrieked, his voice having returned. "PENNY, NO! LISTEN TO ME! I-" But Penelope had ended the call. He frantically tried calling her back on the hologram projector phone. But it wouldn't connect. Penelope had blocked his phone so he wasn't able to make calls to her anymore. "NO!" he screamed, throwing the phone off the desk along with anything else that just happened to get in the way. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!" He then broke down in tears.
Gordon's scream of despair was heard from downstairs. Kayo, who had just returned from a patrol, froze in shock. "What on earth?!" She began to hurry towards the stairs.
"Leave him, Kayo," said Scott. "He needs to let off steam."
"But why?" Kayo asked. "What's happened?"
"He wants to leave and go live with Penelope," said Alan.
"But from the sound of it, I don't think she took kindly to his decision," said Virgil.
"We'll leave him be," said Jeff. "He's gonna need a lot of time to get over this. And I want you all to be there for him. He's gonna need you, even if he tries to push you all away."
"And you, Jeff," said Grandma. "He's gonna need you more than any of us."
Jeff nodded. He didn't need to answer. He knew his mother was right.
Five hours had passed since Penelope had broken her relationship with Gordon. He hadn't come out of the room but anyone who went along the passageway outside knew he was still in there because they could hear him crying loudly. This only made them feel more bad for him, but nobody knew what to do. It was like Jeff had said, they needed to let Gordon calm down on his own.
Nobody felt more bad than Brains though, who found himself unable to continue working on either of the Thunderbird 4s in person and therefore awoke The Mechanic and asked him to take over which he was more than happy to do so. MAX, Braman and the other robot repairers assisted under The Mechanic's control and supervision.
Brains went to see Jeff. "M-Mr T-Tracy. I c-cannot apologise enough for w-what has happened. I f-feel so ashamed."
"I understand the Thunderbirds mean a lot to you, Brains," said Jeff. "They are your creations after all so naturally you like the boys don't like to see them get damaged…or destroyed. You remember how depressed I became after the TV-21 was lost?"
"Y-Yes, I do," answered Brains.
"But you gotta remember that they're just machines, and that they can be repaired or replaced," said Jeff. "And with a job like we have, you can't expect them to return as pristine as they went out, can you?"
Brains shook his head solemnly. "N-No, Mr T-Tracy," he said. "I'm s-sorry."
"I accept, Brains," said Jeff. "But it's Gordon who you should really be apologising to. Make sure you do it at the first chance you get."
"I will," promised Brains. "If he ever c-comes out of his room that is?"
"He will," said Jeff with confidence. "He just needs time, that's all. And I'm gonna give him all the time he needs, even if we do have to cover him once the Thunderbird 4s are repaired."
Brains nodded.
A familiar beeping sound announced that John was calling in from the space-station.
"Go ahead, John?" said Jeff.
John's hologram appeared. "Hey, Dad. How's Gordon?"
"Still in his room," said Jeff. "I fear it may be a while before he does come out."
John gave a sad sigh. "Penelope really must have gotten mad at him," he said.
Jeff nodded. "I don't know what was said, but I'm not sure I want to know."
"Speaking of Penelope, you might want to call her up," John said. "I have a bad feeling her house could be in danger."
Jeff raised an eyebrow. "How do you mean, son?"
"Take a look at this news report I've intercepted from England," said John. He sent a hologram projection to the table in the middle of the lounge.
Jeff and Brains watched as the image of a woman sitting behind a news desk gave a report. As she spoke, a series of rather disturbing images of what could only be described as a destroyed building were shown.
"Police are investigating the unexplained destruction of the Mayberry-Hurst estate mansion. The 17th century building has become the latest victim in a series of deadly attacks on Britain's wealthy after three previous stately-homes around the country were similarly destroyed without any explanation. Lord & Lady Mayberry-Hurst were fortunately not at home when the house exploded sometime during the early hours of this morning, but tragically at least twenty members of their staff are believed to have perished in the explosion. The cause of the explosions is unknown. Police have been unable to find any leads to explain what could have caused it, nor does anyone have any idea as to who could be behind it. It now leaves a feeling of extreme uncertainty for all the other stately-homes located around the country. Could they be targeted next? Until the Police or the Global Defence Force come up with a lead, everyone must be on their toes. None of them could be safe."
"Gee…" said Jeff once the report had finished. "That's one hell of a situation they have out there."
"I know, right?" said John. "That one shown there was located in the neighbouring county to the Creighton-Ward estate, and the others were in a not too distant area. All that have been targeted are in the Midlands of England."
"So you think the Creighton-Ward house might be targeted next?" said Jeff.
"I do," said John. "Shall I talk to her or do you want to?"
"I'll call her, John," said Jeff. "I have a feeling she's gonna want to talk to me about a certain other matter as well."
"F-A-B," said John. "Thunderbird 5, out."
Jeff and Brains looked at each other. "As if we d-didn't have enough to worry about," Brains remarked.
"Technically the Creighton-Ward estate isn't under our jurisdiction, Brains," said Jeff. "But Lady Penelope and her parents are not only valuable allies, they are close friends. Plus we've helped keep their house safe with security. I feel we ought to at least check in and see if there's anything we can do to help them." He then reached across the desk and pushed a button to call up Penelope.
Penelope was sitting alone in the Rose Garden near the back of the mansion. She was trying to distract herself with a book, but it was proving difficult. She just couldn't understand why Gordon could have gotten into the state he was in. She was also regretting what she'd said to Gordon, and was beginning to worry. She'd reacted rather irrationally, she began to think, and maybe she'd only made things worse for Gordon. But how would she be able to set things straight with him now? Normally she was good at coming up with solutions, but not on this occasion.
"Tea, m'lady?"
Penelope jumped a little. She hadn't even realised that Parker had been approaching her with a tray of tea and biscuits. "Oh! Parker. Oh, dear. I'm so sorry. I was miles away."
"I could tell, m'lady," said Parker as he put the tray down on the table. "Still thinking h'about your breakup with Mr Gordon?"
"You know me too well, Parker," sighed Penelope. "I'm afraid so. I really am starting to regret what I said. But I fear the damage is done and cannot be repaired."
"H'I wouldn't say that, m'lady," said Parker. "People h'in relationships always have rough times. I can remember your parents 'aving h'arguments from time to time."
"As do I, Parker," said Penelope. "But maybe-"
"Mr Gordon just needs time to calm down, m'lady," said Parker. "Give it h'a while. Maybe talk to Mr Tracy about it?"
Penelope gave a nod. "You know, talking to him had been on my mind somewhat," she said. "Thank you, Parker. You may go. Don't let Fiona catch you out here on your own."
"I h'am a lot better than I 'ave been, m'lady," Parker said.
Before Penelope could answer, both were startled by a beeping sound coming from the teapot. Straight away, both knew who it was who was calling. Only one person called them via the teapot. She reached over and pushed the top down. "International Rescue - Lady Penelope speaking."
Jeff's hologram appeared from the top of the teapot. "Hello, Penny. Jeff here."
"Hello, Jeff. Funny, I was just thinking of calling you."
"And would I be correct in my assumption as to why that would be?" Jeff asked.
"If you mean about the break-up between me and Gordon? Yes…" said Penelope unhappily.
"Break-up?!" exclaimed Jeff. "You mean you've actually ended your relationship with him?!"
Penelope felt sick in her stomach. "I'm…afraid so…Jeff," she said miserably. "I'm so sorry. I just got angry with him. I am so regretting it, believe me."
Jeff slumped back in his chair, stunned. "Well…that would explain the agonised scream we heard him make earlier."
Penelope clapped her hand over her mouth and tried to stop herself from bursting into tears. Fearing that made her feel even more terrible. "Is he okay?" she asked.
"We haven't seen him for several hours," said Jeff. "But he's not done anything stupid so you can relax, Penny. Although I don't know now whether he'll be fit for duty again anytime soon."
Penelope screwed up her face. She couldn't hold it anymore. She began to sob. Parker quickly passed her a clean handkerchief which she gratefully took and blew her nose before wiping her eyes. "Oh, my God…" she said hoarsely. "Jeff, I am so sorry about this."
"This has made things awkward, Penny, but I have no power over what you and Gordon had as a couple," said Jeff. "However, I am sorry too that this has happened."
"If there's anything I can do to make it up to you and everyone else, just name it," Penelope said.
"That I don't feel is necessary, Penny," said Jeff. "However, I was actually calling about a different matter."
"Oh?"
"John's expressed concern for the safety of you and your family's house," said Jeff. "He showed me and Brains a news report about a stately-home not too far from you that's been destroyed."
"Oh…that," said Penelope. "Yes, there have been a few of those. It's all rather worrying. Nobody seems to have any idea who's behind it or why."
"And these have not been too far from your area," Jeff went on. "We're worried your house might be next."
"That too has crossed the minds of my father and me," said Penelope. "Mother seems to think the security we have will keep us safe. But as you and I know, Jeff, even the best security in the world can be bypassed by those who are clever enough."
"Agreed," said Jeff. Even though he'd not been there, he knew of the time The Hood had managed to get onto Tracy Island by luring everyone else away. "Brains is willing to fly out and give your security systems an upgrade if need be?"
"That's very sweet of you, Jeff," said Penelope. "Although Mother has managed to swing Father round to her belief. I doubt I'd be able to make them change their minds."
"Okay, Penny, if you're sure," said Jeff. "But if they change their minds. Let me know immediately and I'll have Scott fly Brains out to you if he's not out on call."
"Very well, Jeff," said Penelope. "And when you do see Gordon, please tell him how sorry I am."
"Will do, Penny. Over and out." Jeff's hologram then disappeared from the teapot's projector.
Penelope turned to Parker. "Quite a mess I've gotten us in."
"Nonsense, m'lady," said Parker. "People do irrational things when they're h'angry. We'll patch things up with Mr Gordon. I 'ave faith that you will."
"I admire your optimism, Parker," said Penelope. "I wish I could share it right now. But there's nothing we can do about that right now. We have a more pressing matter to deal with."
"The Stately-'ome terrorists, m'lady?"
"Indeed. I feel Jeff and John are right to be concerned. Whoever is behind these attacks is very clever and smart. They leave no evidence behind by destroying the houses. Which begs the question what they do inside of them before blowing them up."
"You think something h'else is going on before they are blown up?"
"I honestly don't know, Parker," said Penelope. "But if they do try anything with our house, they'll find it not such an easy challenge as they will probably be expecting."
Penelope and Parker were so engrossed in their conversation, that neither of them had noticed the small grey device attached to the wall of the mansion nearby.
Flying to the North of the Creighton-Ward estate, a plain-livered red Helijet with a long, grey tail was making its way in a wide orbit out of sight of anyone in the grounds. Inside were two men. The older man in hit seventies with scruffy grey hair, a moustache and wearing a tweed jacket and a monocle was at the controls whilst a slightly shorter and younger man in his mid-sixties with very little hair sat in the passenger seat with a pair of headphones on.
"Be careful with that listening device, Dawkins," warned the man with the monocle. "We don't want to realise someone's listening to them."
"Sorry, Sir Charles," replied the other man. "They don't seem to be aware of the device."
"Excellent," said Sir Charles. "Keep listening and tell me if you hear anything of interest."
"Yes, sir."
"I think what you need h'is a distraction, m'lady," said Parker. "You've got too much on your mind."
"I think you could be right, Parker," said Penelope. "Is there anything on my schedule or 'To-Do' list that would suffice?"
Parker took out a table from under the tea-tray and had a look at it. "Well h'I doubt you'll be wanting to attend any social h'events?"
"Correct."
"Ah! 'ow h'about Wickfens, m'lady?"
"Wickfens?"
"Yes. You said a while ago that you were looking to 'ave h'a change of wardrobe?"
"Ahhh, of course!" said Penelope. "Yes, that will suffice, Parker. Maybe I'll make an evening of it too. Take in dinner and a show. Yes, it'll take my mind off things. Give Wickfords a call, would you, please? I'll finish my tea then get changed."
"I'll bring the car around h'as well, m'lady."
"No, Parker, you're still not cleared to drive FAB1," said Penelope. "I can take FAB1 myself. A cab would be too slow…and expensive."
Parker was disappointed. He'd been itching to get back behind the wheel of FAB1. "Very well, m'lady," he said reluctantly. "I'll go call Wickfens."
Dawkins turned to look at his employer. "It sounds like Lady Penelope is going for an evening out in London, Sir Charles."
"Excellent," said Sir Charles again. "That works out perfectly. I think we can rely on Her Ladyship to enjoy her time out as well."
"What about the others in the house, Sir Charles?" asked Dawkins.
"The staff? I have no concern about them," Sir Charles answered. "Disposable. That's all they are. Now, let's get ourselves ready for tonight."
The Helijet turned and disappeared over the treetops.
Parker entered his office where he was soon found by Fiona, to his annoyance. "Ah, there you are, Mr Parker. Where have you been?"
"Doing my duty, I'll 'ave you know," Parker answered.
"You know you're still under my observation and can't be left unsupervised until I am satisfied you are fully fit to do all your duties," scolded Fiona,
Parker grimaced. "I was h'in the Army," he retorted. "I am perfectly fine right now."
"Well, you don't have a choice in the matter," said Fiona firmly. "Now what exactly are you doing?"
"If you must know, I am h'about to make a tele-call for 'er Ladyship," said Parker. "Do I need to be supervised for that?"
"I suppose not," said Fiona after a short pause. "But I'll be right outside. You'll be needing your next round of medication soon." She turned and left the room.
Parker scoffed once she was gone. "Medication, my foot," he grunted as he set up the holo-phone in order to make the call. He selected what he wanted and then waited for a response. Soon a tall brown-haired woman in a smart suit appeared from the projector. "Hello? Elaine Wickfen speaking."
"Oh, yes 'ello. This is Aloysios Parker here. Lady Penelope's driver. I was wondering if you could accommodate a visit for 'er ladyship this h'afternoon?"
"Certainly, Mr Parker. Tell Her Ladyship that we can put her in for three o'clock. Will that be alright?"
"She'll be delighted, Mrs Wickfen," said Parker. "I'll go and tell 'er h'at once. Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
About an hour later, Penelope was bidding her parents farewell before heading out on her journey to London. "Are you absolutely sure you'll be okay, Penelope?" asked Lord Patrick. "I'm not comfortable with the idea of you going on your own."
"Honestly, Father, I'll be fine," said Penelope. "I intend to keep a low profile. Nothing more."
"All the same," said Lord Patrick. "The sooner Parker's back with you, the better." He gave Fiona a look. He, like Parker and Penelope, was getting fed up with Fiona constantly insisting Parker needed more recovery time than he seemed to need.
Fiona didn't seem to like that remark, but she remained quiet.
"If anything, I think it's better you have Parker here with you," said Penelope. "Just in case our house does get targeted by the Stately-Homes Robbers."
"Nonsense, Penelope," said Lady Patricia. "You know as well as the rest of us that the security on this estate is the best in the country. No robbers are breaking into our house tonight, or any night. Now you just go off and enjoy yourself."
So after final farewells, Penelope got inside FAB1 and headed off down the driveway towards the road outside the estate. As she headed towards London, she couldn't shake so many uneasy feelings in her mind. How was Gordon doing? Would the mansion be safe? And who were the people behind the previous attacks? Penelope had a feeling that in one way or another, she was going to learn the answer to all three of those questions that very evening.