May 15th, 2062 - 04:23 NZST
Kayo walks along the beach on the south side of the island. She had just learnt of the possible connection between The Hood and The Mechanic and that somehow, they were communicating with each other.
The GDF was set up in 2044, following the Global Conflict of 2040, that lasted between 2040 and 2043. While they were now the leading law enforcers across the globe, Kayo didn't trust them completely. With her personal connection to The Hood, she knew that her uncle would be communicating with The Mechanic in some sort of prison escape. This put her on edge. Arrogance is what she sees in the GDF. Now The Hood is behind lock and key, which became the main press story for them. Kayo still has respect for Colonel Casey, but that's about it.
It's still dark outside with only the sound of the waves crashing against the sandy beach. Deciding she had enough outside, Kayo makes her way back to the villa. On her return, John calls the island.
"Morning John," Kayo says and goes to sit down on the sofa, "I assume this isn't a social call."
"You'd be correct Kayo," John states getting straight to the point, "I've just received an emergency destress call from a rover that is owned by a Mr. Pendergast."
"Pendergast..." Kayo mumbles, "Wait, doesn't Gordon watch that show with a Buddy and Ellie Pendergast."
"I believe so," John muses.
"Well, where are they located?" Kayo asks, "I can go get Virgil up and ready to go."
"Actually, there's one slight problem with that," John says.
"What?" Kayo questions.
"They're not on Earth," John states, "They're on Europa. One of Jupiter's moons."
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
May 15th, 2062 - 04:47 NZST
It's not long until; Scott, Brains, Alan, Gordon enter the lounge and take a seat with John projecting a hologram of Jupiter and the Galilean Moons. Europa is clearly marked with a yellow warning symbol.
"I've tried contacting their base on all frequencies, but so far, no response," John explains.
"Buddy and Ellie Pendergast are missing? That's terrible!" Gordon says.
"And... who are they, exactly?" Brains asks.
"Only the greatest natural scientists of our time!" Gordon says and brings up one of the episodes to show, "Haven't you ever seen their show, 'Into the Unknown with Buddy and Ellie'?"
"Could the mighty megalodon shark still haunt these icy waters?" a female, presumably Ellie, asks into the camera.
"Today, I'll risk my life to find out!" the man, Buddy, says and Gordon looks at the hologram with a massive grin on his face.
"Not sure I could classify them as scientists," Brains says.
"Cannot deny that they've got a flair for the dramatic though," Kayo comments.
"Even though there's no response, their emergency beacon is still broadcasting," John says.
"So, they may still be alive?" Alan asks.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Gordon enquires, "We gotta rescue them!"
"This is no ordinary rescue, Gordon," John says, "They're on Europa, the sixth-closest moon to Jupiter. It's slightly smaller than our moon and is covered with ice. Average surface temperature is -260°F or -162.2°C."
"BRR!" Alan shivers.
"Europa also contains an ocean of water underneath its icy surface," Brains explains, "If the P-Pendergasts are somehow trapped in that ocean, you'll need special equipment to get them out."
"For starters we should take Thunderbird 4. That means you'll go, Gordon," Scott says.
"Yes! Maybe we can get their autographs," Gordon celebrates happily, punching his fist into the air.
"Oh, man! Why does Gordon get all the good missions?" Alan asks with a sigh.
"He won't be going in alone. Europa isn't exactly next door, so you'll be in command from Thunderbird 3," Scott says.
"Command from? You mean...?" Alan trails.
"We'd like you to take the lead on this mission, Alan," Scott smiles, "You'll be in charge."
"Don't worry, Scott! I won't let you down!" Alan says.
"Really?" Gordon asks as he pulls Scott off to the side.
"Alan's our best deep space pilot, and I want him to get more decision-making experience under his belt," Scott explains, "You think he can handle it?"
"I'll keep an eye on him," Gordon says and runs off to his lift.
"Kayo, I want you to join them," Scott indicates.
"Are you sure?" Kayo asks and slightly indicates over to Alan, "I'm not sure he'd want me there."
"Kayo," Scott says, placing a hand on her shoulder, "You two have been best friends for a long as you've known each other. I'm sure he'll get over it."
"If you say so," Kayo sighs and walks over to take a seat next to Alan.
5
Alan and Kayo descend and start to get suited up.
4
Thunderbird 4 is loaded into Thunderbird 3's cargo hold with Gordon inside.
3
Thunderbird 3's blast door closes once Alan and Kayo have been lifted inside.
2
Alan and Kayo's chair rolls up to the controls with Gordon taking a seat in the cargo hold for launch.
1
The rockets start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
May 15th, 2062 - 05:09 NZST
Thunderbird 3 sores through the early morning sky as it rockets through Earth's atmosphere. It climbs steadily, leaving a trail of fiery exhaust in its wake. The sky lights up brighter, briefly turning early morning into midday, before it reaches the stratosphere and continues its ascent into the stars. It doesn't take long for the red rocket to break through the atmosphere and enter space.
"We've cleared Earth's atmosphere," Kayo says as Thunderbird 3 approaches Earth's orbit and Alan cuts the engines.
"F-A-B. Firing ion fusion engines in three, two, one," Alan says as Thunderbird 3 goes towards its max speed and away from Earth. Gordon, who had entered the cockpit and sat in the passenger chair behind Alan, grips onto his chair and shakes violently as he isn't used to the fast speeds.
"How long is it gonna take to reach Europa?" Gordon asks.
"In this baby? Not nearly as long as it took Buddy and Ellie, but we're still talking deep space," Alan replies.
"I'm going to check on the supplies," Kayo says and leaves her seat and goes into the cargo hold. Gordon watches Kayo leaves and smiles slightly when he looks back at Alan.
"Why won't you forgive her?" Gordon questions.
"She lied," Alan retorts, "We promised no more secrets and then this is dropped on us."
"But you guys have always been so close," Gordon states.
"She betrayed me," Alan responds.
"Would you rather not have her in your life then?" Gordon enquires. His question is met with silence, which to Gordon is an answer in itself. "It's more than that isn't it?"
"What do you mean?" Alan mutters.
"This isn't just some high school crush," Gordon smirks, "You love her and this slight break of trust between you has really ripped your heart up."
"I—" Alan blushes, "You're right. But don't tell her that!"
"I wouldn't dream of it," Gordon smiles.
"If you do, I'll tell Lady Penelope about that time when—" Alan starts.
"ALRIGHT!" Gordon cries going as red as Thunderbird 3, "Let's focus on mission."
A few seconds later, Kayo enters the cockpit with a notepad in her hand. "Looks like Scott has given you an inflight checklist."
"Well, there's plenty of time for that. I've got a better idea," Gordon says, "Binge-watching!"
"But... what about... the checklist?" Alan asks, and Gordon turns on an episode of 'Into the Unknown with Buddy and Ellie'. Alan sighs and takes the checklist from Kayo.
"Reminds me of someone I used to know," Kayo comments with a glance at Alan who just groans.
May 29th, 2062 - 07:24 NZST
"Oh, for fucks sake," Alan groans as Gordon starts another episode.
"How many of these do you have?" asks Kayo.
"Only twelve seasons. They haven't released a thirteenth yet." Gordon says and smiles as Alan and Kayo both sigh in annoyance. Kayo turns to look back outside the window as sees something coming into view.
"Don't worry Alan," says Kayo, "I can see Jupiter ahead."
"Aww!" Gordon sighs, "This is just so good though."
"Shut it Gordon, we're now approaching Europa," Kayo says, "Locking in on the emergency beacon."
"Finally, some real action! Switching to manual controls," Alan says and heads towards the surface of the moon. Suddenly, there's an explosion and Thunderbird 3 gets hit by a chunk of ice, "Uh-oh! Whoa!"
"What was that?" Gordon asks cries.
"A Geyser," Alan explains and dodges some more geysers, "Hang on!"
Geysers of water vapor, the colour of frozen rainbows, erupt from its icy surface, reaching miles into the sky, and chunks of rock, some the size of small cars, are being flung like cosmic shrapnel. The scene is a chaotic, alien ballet of frozen water and rock, and Thunderbird 3 is caught in the middle. As Kayo tries to chart a course through the increasingly volatile environment, Alan's hands hover over the controls, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Incoming!" Kayo calls. The geysers, seemingly sentient in their fury, are relentless, pummelling the craft with their water-ice spray, turning Thunderbird 3 into a giant, airborne snow globe. The impact of the rock fragments is deafening, the hull groaning in protest with each hit.
"You said you wanted some real action. Be careful what you wish for," Gordon jokes and watches as Alan takes Thunderbird 3 over to a quieter part of the surface with not much action.
Alan presses several buttons on his control panel and the grasping arms deploy from the side of each of the main three engines and rotate to face the front of the ship. He uses the thrusters to slow his red rocket down as they make touchdown on the snowy surface of Europa. As the grasping arms latch onto the solid ice, Thunderbird 3's nosecone retracts to reveal a large drill that powers up and starts tunnelling into the ground, securing Thunderbird 3 safely.
"We have touchdown. Thunderbird 3 is secure," Alan.
"There's just one problem," Gordon says.
"Huh?" Alan asks.
"Where are the Pendergasts?" Gordon asks.
"Huh..." Alan muses.
"Gordon's right," Kayo says looking at the scans, "According to the beacon, they should be here at this spot."
"Unless...," Alan continues and moves the scan downwards, "Whoa. Brains was right. The signal is coming from under the ice."
"How far under?" Gordon asks.
"Ten miles," Alan gulps.
"How are we supposed to get down there?" Gordon asks.
"Brains," Kayo comms, "We need some help over here."
"According to these readings, the surface is extremely unstable. It appears the P-Pendergasts fell into a f-fissure that has resealed," Brains explains, examining the diagram of where the emergency beacon is located.
"If the Pendergasts are trapped underneath the surface, we'll need to drill down to them," Alan says, indicating to the drill on Thunderbird 3.
"Highly improbable, I'm afraid," Brains says, "That ice is harder than granite. You'll have to use Thunderbird 4."
"Thunderbird 4?" Kayo asks.
"Yes. I sent some special m-modifications for it." Brains says.
"Huh?" the three ask confused looking at each other. They make their way to the cargo hold where Thunderbird 4 is located. Alan turns on the lights while Kayo walks over to the control panel that is designed for the red pod vehicles. A hologram appears of Thunderbird 4 with a drill fitted and Kayo selects that option.
5
The machinery in the cargo hold gets to work.
4
Thunderbird 4 is attached with heat shields that will allow it to slide on the ice as well as protect it from the heat bank on the drill.
3
A drill is attached to the front.
2
Gordon, Alan, and Kayo board Thunderbird 4 with Gordon taking a seat at the controls. "I like how you think Brains," Gordon says.
1
The cargo bay doors up and Thunderbird 4 is released onto the ice.
Thunderbirds are Go!
"Activating heat bank," Gordon says as they reach the surface above where the beacon is coming from, "Let's see what this bad boy can do." Thunderbird 4 lifts on the hydraulics that is attached underneath and the drill starts to turn with an orange glow. Within moments, they start heading down into the ice with the sound of steam hissing. Slowly, but surely they start moving through the thick ice.
"It works," Gordon says.
"But for how long?" Alan asks.
"Depth, three miles," Kayo says and pauses for a moment before saying, "Depth, four miles."
"Phew! Is it just me or is it getting toasty in here?" Gordon asks.
"Depth, nine point five miles," Kayo says, "Get ready for a splash." Seconds later, Thunderbird 4 reaches the underground ocean that surrounds Europa's core. They smash through the last bit of ice.
"We made it!" Gordon exclaims, "Let's hope Buddy and Ellie did too." There is the cracking of metal before the whole of Thunderbird 4 shakes violently. "Oof!"
"What's wrong?" Alan asks.
"I've never felt current like these. I can barely maintain control," Gordon replies, "Brains, what's causing this?"
"Those currents are caused by t-tidal flexing. Jupiter's gravitational pull is so strong, it causes Europa to squash and stretch as it orbits," Brains explains, "That keeps the water in a c-constant state of m-motion. It's all very exciting!"
"Maybe too exciting," Gordon comments.
"Watch the ice!" Alan cries. However, it is too late, and they crash into the ice. The impact of this causes the heat bank drill to become dislodged before disconnecting completely and falling deep into the ocean.
"There goes our heat bank," Kayo groans.
"And our way home," Alan sighs.
"Oh, dear," Brains says, "Without that heat bank, the b-borehole could freeze over, and you'll be trapped beneath the ice f-forever."
"How long do we have?" Alan enquires.
"About t-ten minutes before the hole seals up," Brains replies.
"Then we don't have much time," Gordon says sternly, "Opening up to full throttle."
Thunderbird 4's engines fire up and races away into the vast underwater ocean. Around them, ice spikes stick out from both above and below, leaving a tight space for Gordon to manoeuvrer through. Kayo brings up a hologram of the emergency beacon and an holo-symbol of Thunderbird 4 is shown to be in range of it.
"I've got a lock on the Pendergast signal," Kayo says, "Set a course, heading 3-2-7."
"F-A-B," Gordon acknowledges.
"We're almost there," Alan states, "Do we have a visual?"
"There they are!" Gordon cries points. Ahead there is a small yellow rover that is trapped amongst the ice spikes. If the Pendergasts hadn't been caught where they are, the International Rescue team could be viewing a very different outcome. Unlike the rover, the rest of the Pendergasts' ship had been destroyed by falling ice, leaving the rover as their only chance of survival.
"Let me see if we can make contact," Alan says and opens a comm channel, "This is International Rescue! Can you read us!"
"Coo-ee!" Buddy replies, "We knew we'd find life down here, but we didn't think it would be from Earth. Good to see you."
"You too," Gordon butts in, "I'm a big fan."
"Oh, cheers, mate!" Buddy says, "As you can see, we're in a bit of a spot here."
"Prepare to evacuate," Kayo states, "We're about to initiate docking."
Gordon moves Thunderbird 4 in closer in order to dock with the airlock. However, with all the ice surrounding the rover, it proves impossible to get anywere near them. "Can't get close enough," Gordon groans, "Need to clear up some of that ice." Gordon grabs the joist sticks on his chair and starts to use Thunderbird 4's mechanical arms to clear some of the ice. He uses the right arm to move some of the ice allowing an opening for Thunderbird 4 to get closer before using the left arm to move the ice surrounding the airlock.
"There, that should— Whoa!" Gordon cries. In his haste to get the Pendergasts free, he is a little bit too careless and a chuck of ice hits the rover knocking it into one of the ocean currents. Luckily, it bounces off the ice wall of the ocean and is thrown back in Thunderbird 4's direction allowing Gordon to grab the rover using the mechanical arms. Unfortunately, the extra weight of the rover causes Thunderbird 4 to be dragged along with it into the strong current, sending them all into a spin.
"Gordon! Can you stabilize us?" Alan shouts.
"Ah! Too much weight," Gordon cries, "If I try, I'll lose the Pendergasts."
"Do what you can," Alan says, "We'll have to dock manually."
"Are you fucking stupid?!" Kayo yells and pulls Alan back from leaving, "That's too dangerous!"
"Scott put me in charge," Alan replies sternly, "It's my call." He gives one last glance at Kayo before leaving to get his deep-sea suit on. Once he gets it on, Alan opens the hatch and jumps into the freezing waters of Europa. "Of course," Alan nervously chuckles, "You could try to talk me out of it..."
"It's all on you, little brother," Gordon answers before Kayo could say anything.
"Alright, deploying emergency docking tube," Alan announces and extracts the tube from Thunderbird 4. When he gets a hold of it, he grabs the end and swims over to the Pendergasts rover and reaches out to the airlock. "Ugh! Can you steady it?"
"I'm trying!" Gordon calls. Alan inserts himself inside the tube and pulls it over his head. This allows him to seal the tube around the airlock making it airtight, which will allow the Pendergasts to safely transfer to Thunderbird 4.
"Docking complete," Alan states, "Pressurising now. Open up!" The airlock then opens to reveal Buddy and Ellie.
"You're a sight for sore eyes, mate," Buddy comments.
"Follow me!" Alan says urgently, "I don't know how long this seal is gonna hold."
"You don't have to tell us twice," Ellie responds.
"Alan!" Kayo yells, "Gordon can't hold it for much longer."
"No worries," Alan mutters, "We're in!"
"Brace for impact!" Gordon informs. There's a loud crash as the rover takes the brunt of the collision destroying it completely. Thunderbird 4 takes no damage in the impact.
"Gordon, what was that?" Alan asks from the med-bay in the back, not knowing what had just happened.
"The Pendergasts' rover absorbed most of the impact," Gordon states, "I'm afraid it's toast. Sorry about that. Not exactly the first impression I wanted to make."
"No worries, mate. We're just grateful you're here," Buddy says.
"Brains, we've secured Buddy and Ellie," Alan informs.
"How much time do we have before the borehole freezes over?" Kayo questions.
"I estimate less than three minutes," Brains says.
"F-A-B," Alan responds, "Step on it, Gordon." Gordon slows Thunderbird 4 to a stop before turning around and heading back towards the borehole.
"Wait!" Buddy cries, "We can't leave yet."
"What?" "Why?" Alan and Kayo say.
"We picked up some unusual reading nearby," Buddy says, showing a hologram of the area he's talking about, "It could be what we came to find."
"Life on another world," Ellie explains.
"But there's no time!" Alan fires back, "It's probably nothing."
"But what if it isn't?" Gordon questions, "We could be the first humans to see something extraordinary. Do you wanna spend your life wondering what you missed?"
"Scott would never consider risking our lives for something crazy like this," Alan states.
"But you're not Scott," Gordon argues, "He put you in charge. This is your decision, Alan."
"Look the readings getting stronger!" Buddy adds.
"And I believe what Alan is saying is corr—" Kayo starts.
"Alright. We've come this far," Alan sighs, "Might as well find out what's out there."
"WHAT?!" Kayo yells.
"That's the spirit!" Buddy motions to Alan.
"Kayo, you have to relax sometimes and not be tight up," Alan says, "Gordon, set a course, heading 1-7-3."
"You might regret this," Kayo mutters as Thunderbird 4 turns around again and heads towards the signal.
"Three-thousand meters and closing," Buddy informs.
"Do you have any idea what it is?" Gordon asks.
No," Ellie says, "But whatever it is... it's big. REALLY big."
"I see something!" Gordon calls, "And it's... it's..."
"Amazing," Alan finishes as what seems to be a large cloud of millions of creature's float over the top of Thunderbird 4 and continues in the direction away from the borehole.
"It's not one creature…" Ellie trails in amazement, "It's millions of them!"
"Oh, what a beaut!" Buddy muses, "Are you getting all this, El?"
"No worries, Buddy," Ellie responds, recording the whole thing on her tablet, "It's fantastic!"
"Should I go after it?" Gordon asks as the creature's begin to disappear around a corner.
"No, we need to get back to Thunderbird 3 before the borehole freezes over," Kayo says.
"F-A-B," Gordon acknowledges and accelerates back to the borehole.
"I'm detecting a lot of eruptions in the area!" Brains calls over the comms, "What's t-taking so long?"
"Approaching the borehole now," Alan announces, only to find that the borehole has completely frozen over.
"Why are we stopping?" Ellie asks.
"We're too late," Kayo sighs, "The hole's frozen over like I said it would."
"Without the heat bank, there's no way to melt through it," Gordon realises.
"Can't we just ram it?" Buddy questions.
"Look at how thick the ice is!" Kayo exclaims, "We wouldn't have enough force to break through."
"Thunderbird 4 would get crushed," Gordon states.
"This is all my fault," Alan sighs, "I shouldn't have let us get side-tracked."
"I would have done the same thing, Alan. We all would," Gordon says.
"Look, if anyone's to blame, it's us," Buddy nods.
"We just sort of got swept up in the moment," Ellie adds.
"Swept up. That's it!" Alan exclaims and looks at Kayo who realises what Alan is talking about.
"I like your thinking Al," Kayo smiles.
"Gordon, steer the ship back into the current," Alan says, "The strongest current you can find."
"I think I know what you're thinking, and I like it," Gordon says and turns Thunderbird 4 around and into one of the ocean currents. The force of the current instantly causes Thunderbird 4 to pick up the pace with a little shake.
"Alright!" Buddy cries.
"Hang on! We're going to ride one of those geysers," Gordon says.
"Whoa! Look out," Buddy says as chunks of ice float in front of them. Gordon manages to get around them and continues his course towards the former opening.
"Brace for impact!" Alan says as the speed continues to increase.
"Hold on tight!" Kayo shouts.
"Next stop, the surface!" Gordon yells.
"If we can hold together that long!" Alan replies, as Thunderbird 4 crashes into the borehole at full force and sending them rocking into the air. With the geyser's help, Thunderbird 4 brakes the surface and lands on the ice. They breathe a sigh of relief before making, Gordon fires up the engine attached to Thunderbird 4 and starts making it back to Thunderbird 3.
"Returning to Thunderbird 3," Gordon says.
Suddenly, a huge chuck of ice falls to the surface, followed by another, then another. The sound of crashing is heard all around them as Gordon zooms back towards the red space rocket.
"What was that?!" Ellie exclaims.
"Fucking hell!" Buddy cries as a huge boulder of ice lands in front of them causing Gordon to swerve out its way only to be forced back in the other direction seconds later by falling icicles.
"The water from the geyser froze in mid-air," Alan realises, "It's falling like hailstones!"
"Crikey!" Buddy yells. Ice falls all around them and Gordon has to dodge some boulders as they smash into the ground, causing them to split up and throw shards of ice in all different directions. It doesn't help that more geyser's start to break through the surface causing the surface ice to start breaking all around them forcing Gordon to dodge some cracks as well in order to save them from going back into the ocean below.
"Hang on! We're almost there!" Gordon states.
"Opening cargo bay," Alan says and opens a hologram of Thunderbird 3 and remotely opens the doors. The pod supporters are dropped and attach to Thunderbird 4, which is lifted into the cargo hold.
"Ship secured for lift-off," Alan shouts.
"Everyone, strap in," Kayo orders, "We're leaving... Now." In a flash, Alan retracts the drill and launches Thunderbird 3 back into Jupiter's orbit.
"Thanks for the lift, mates," Ellie says, "We were bogged in deep back there."
"Just doing our job," Gordon smiles.
"We left our ship parked in orbit. If you could just drop us off on your way, that would be great," Buddy says.
"Before you go, c-could I get your autographs?" Gordon stutters.
"Ha-ha! Too right! We'll do you one better," Buddy says as Ellie passes him a camera, "How about a photo? Say Elusive!" The Pendergasts and Gordon get in the photo and all smile.
"Elusive!" they say.
May 29th, 2062 - 08:00 NZST
"So glad you guys are safe," Brains says from the lounge, "I c-can't wait to study the data that you collected while you were there."
"Hey Gordon? Thanks for having my back on this mission," Alan says.
"That's what brothers are for," Gordon says, "And Scott was right to put you in charge."
"You were a great leader," Kayo interrupts and smiles at Alan hopefully. For the first time in months, Alan looks back at Kayo and gives a genuine smile. The comments that Gordon had made earlier had stuck in his mind and he decides that Kayo deserves forgiveness. Eighteen years of friendship shouldn't be thrown away. Their moment however ends quickly as Gordon squirts cheese in the direction of Alan.
"Hey! Knock it off, Gordon! Stop! Stop it!" Alan says, "You're getting cheese in my hair!"
"Don't be such a baby," Gordon laughs.
"All I know is that after being cooped up with a slob like you, I'm more than ready for a little me time," Alan says.
"I'm afraid that's going to have to wait," Brains says.
"What? Why?" Kayo asks.
"Since you've been in c-contact with alien life, you'll need to be q-quarantined for... at least a month," Brains says.
"What? A month?! What are we supposed to do for a whole month?!" Alan asks.
"Ooh, look! Buddy and Ellie just released the thirteenth season!" Gordon says, "I wonder if we're in it?" He opens the hologram and starts to stream the first episode of the new series.
"Can life exist even in these hostile conditions?" Buddy says, "Today, I'll risk my life to find out!"
"WHY US?!" Alan and Kayo wail in annoyance.