CHAPTER TEN
The Hood decided that the best course of action was to follow the Thunderbirds and Supercar, following far behind in his chopper, in hopes of finding the island, which he did! "So, this is where they are based."
He decided at best, to wait until dark and then sneak onto the island, that way he'd be able to move around freely without risking getting caught and dealing with the entire team all at once.
Little did he realize that Brains, with the help of Beaker and Popkiss, managed to extract the stuff the Brains needed form the oil they had gathered and worked on the formula all day. Alan stayed up in Thunderbird 5 to assist John to ensure things would be all set to begin what they hoped would thrust the island and Thunderbirds 3 and 5 back to the future.
Of course, it didn't feel right not to have a farewell dinner. This time, everybody attended. Even Brains and Beaker…
Gordon still thanked Mitch for pointing out the diving sphere. "It's shame you can't come with us. You'd make a great member of International Rescue."
Mitch hooted and leapt with excitement and everyone laughed. Even Lady Penelope felt she could maybe get used to monkeys. This made Mitch leap even more excitedly near here which somewhat frightened her. "Oh, then again perhaps not." she whimpered.
"Do you have to go back, Mr. Tracy?" asked Jimmy.
"Yes, Jimmy, I'm afraid so." Jeff answered "You know we can't stay here, no matter tempting it is. This isn't our world, and we don't belong here."
"That's right." Scott said "We have our own home, and our own lives to live. It would never work for us here."
"Gee, I guess that's right." Jimmy said. He was more than understanding, but he openly said he'd miss everyone, and everyone kept exchanging the same farewells back and forth.
Alan wished he could be there to shake hands one last time with Mike, but it was Mike who seemed sadder to see him go. "Thanks for the peek ahead." he said "It's always nice to meet an admirer."
Brains and Beaker shook hands for a long time. "It was… uh… really nice working with you, Dr. Beaker."
"Oh, quite likewise… Brains… "I found this all to be the most interesting experience of my life, and I shain't forget it so long as I live."
Popkiss shook hands with Jeff one last time, "God speed to you, Mr. Tracy. I hope you make it home."
"I hope so too, Professor, and thank you for everything." Jeff said.
Jimmy and Mitch bid their final farewells too, Madelynn was very upset that she'd never see Mitch again; this made Tintin feel like crying too. All she could do was comfort her daughter and hope she would feel better when they got home… if they did.
Everyone waved goodbye as Supercar took off with all the members of its crew aboard, and they flew off to a safe distance so as not to get caught in the shockwaves that were to occur.
Unbeknownst to them all, after Supercar left, The Hood, who had been hiding behind the sand dunes all this time was ready to make his move. "Now, to get onto that island, and once I am inside, all the secrets of International Rescue shall be mine!"
He managed to creep onto the island without gathering too much attention from anyone, unaware what was about to happen inside…
Brains was in the lab putting his formula ready to go, while Jeff made sure that everyone was ready for the rough ride this time. "We're all set, Brains. Fire when ready…!"
Brains nodded and contacted John and Alan. "We're ready, Brains." John said showing on the monitor that he and Alan were safely strapped in.
"Okay! This is it…" Brains whimpered "I only hope it works!" and he ordered John and Alan to activate the power, and just like before the island began to rumble and quiver.
Madelynn began to cry and squeal. "Oh! Easy, honey!" Tintin said as she held her daughter close and tight.
"Oh, dear!" cried Grandma "Here we go again!"
"Oh! I fear… I'm going to be… sick… Milday!" cried Parker.
"Parker!" cried Penelope.
The rumbling became more violent, and John and Alan could feel the satellite vibrating. "This is it, John!" cried Alan.
"Hang on, Alan…!" his brother responded.
Soon, the island began flashing, and outside The Hood could feel everything. "What is happening?" he cried as felt himself falling along with the whole island.
When everyone awoke from their blackout after the big flash their first thoughts were "Did it work?" The first signs were that the island was surrounded by water again. Jeff turned on the TV, and the reception was receiving all the normal stations, and finally the news confirmed that it was in fact the year 2065.
"We made it!" cried Virgil.
"Wait!" cried Tintin "Alan and John…?"
"It's okay, honey." Alan's voice rang out over the radio.
"Thunderbirds 3 and 5 are all intact." added John.
Everyone felt so relieved, but none were as excited to as Brains as he was seen leaping and cheering for joy across the lab.
Meanwhile, The Hood made it back too, but the force of the shockwaves were so strong he been thrown hundreds of miles to the coast line and swam the rest of the way to shore. He was more furious than tired. "Someday…! Someday, International Rescue will pay for this!"
Things really went back to normal over the next few days. The base was all fixed up. Alan returned, and no real changes had been made in history by their being in the past. Penelope and Parker went back to England, and Grandma, using her expert sewing and knitting, made for Madelynn a stuffed monkey that greatly resembled Mitch. Madelynn really loved it and practically played with it more than her other toys. "Aw, that's so cute." Tintin would coo, but then noticed Alan had his nose buried in the same article he read about Supercar. "I don't believe it." he said "I just don't believe it!"
"What's that, Alan?" asked his father, and everyone huddled around as Alan showed that something had changed, but not for the worst. Near the replica of Mike Mercury at the history museum of Supercar, there was a plaque which read in Mike's words…
"To my dear friends, and especially to my greatest admirer, Mr. A.T…
Everyone immediately new that meant "Alan Tracy…."
…I dedicate this plaque as a symbol of our meeting, and many a great thanks for all that you did for us and Supercar."
"Well how about that?" Scott said.
"Looks like we officially belonged to the world before our own." added Gordon.
"Legends before our own time." concluded Virgil.
All Alan could do was just smile and mutter "Thanks Mike.", and Tintin playfully pecked her husband on the cheek and all they did after was watching their baby daughter play with her monkey doll.
The greatest adventure International Rescue ever had would always be with them.
