November 19th, 2049 - 16:54 JST
Colonel Jeff Tracy flies the TV-21 over the Pacific Ocean heading north-west. He is on a routine mission with his new recuse organization. They were just starting out. His eldest son, Scott, had recently turned ten was already really interested in military planes and wants to join the Air Force when he turns eighteen. Jeff and his wife, Lucy, aren't keen on the idea but will support Scott joining the military if that is what he truly wants.
On this particular day. Jeff was responding to a tsunami that had hit the coast of Japan, and he was flying over to provide relief. However, another ship piloted by Trangh Kyrano, under the alias Belegant, had approached the TV-21. Jeff noticed it on his radar and calls the ship to ask it to divert, not knowing who the owner was.
"Unidentified aircraft, please divert your course to the south," Jeff requested.
"I don't think so Jeff," Trangh replied, "How about you hand over your ship?"
"Trangh," Jeff growled, recognizing the voice, "The hoodlum I used to have great respect for. Oh, how far you've fallen."
"What's it gonna be Tracy?" Trangh asked, ignoring Jeff's comment, "Hand over your ship... or die."
"I'd rather die than had this over to you, you sick son of a bitch," Jeff responded and sped up in an effort to escape. The air hung heavy with anticipation, thick with the scent of ozone and the metallic tang of burning fuel. Jeff's face etched with a mixture of worry and grim determination, grips harder at the control panel. The sleek, silver craft, usually a beacon of hope and daring rescue, now looked ominous, a trapped bird in the predator's sights. Above, Trangh's black ship catches up with him. "Shit!"
Trangh's voice, a chilling whisper that seemed to penetrate the very air, echoed from the speakers of the control room. "An interesting predicament, isn't it, Tracy? I've tried to play hero with you snatching others from the jaws of danger, but I couldn't play that bullshit fantasy. Now, I'm the villain in your story."
Jeff glared at the monitor displaying Trangh's distorted image. "You're a coward, Hood. You wouldn't dare hurt my family."
"Don't be so naïve, Tracy," Trangh chuckled, which sent a shiver down the spine of Jeff, "This is about more than just your family. This is about control. About making sure you never interfere with my plans again." He paused, allowing the threat to sink in, before continuing, his voice a chilling serpent slithering through their minds. "I've deactivated the TV-21's self-destruct system. It's yours to pilot, Tracy. But be warned, if you fail to hand the craft to me within the next five minutes, I will detonate a payload. You understand, don't you? There's no way for you to get out of this alive."
Jeff's hands, calloused and strong from years of piloting and training, trembled slightly. He could not betray his own instincts, his own years of experience, by crashing the TV-21. Yet, to defy Trangh meant sacrificing everything he stood for. The weight of the impossible choice pressed down on him, suffocating him with its immensity.
"Five minutes, Tracy," Trangh reminded him, his voice tinged with amusement, "Tick tock, tick tock."
Jeff, his eyes locked on the control panel, began to make his decision. He could hear the faint buzz of the engines, a dying heartbeat of the TV-21. His mind raced, trying to find a way out, a loophole, any sliver of hope. There was none. Trangh had him trapped, a chess piece in a game he was losing. With a deep, steadying breath, Jeff began to manipulate the controls. The familiar feel of the joystick, the familiar hum of the engines, they were his comfort, his solace in this horrifying situation. Yet, he was using them for the opposite of their intended purpose. He was using them to destroy, to bring down something he had dedicated his life to building. The TV-21 shuddered, a metallic groan echoing through the control room as Jeff could hear his own panicked gasp, a desperate cry for a life he knew he was leaving behind.
"What… what are you doing?" Trangh cried, "TRACY!"
The shuddering grew more violent, the engines screamed in protest as they were forced to overstrain. The air in the control room crackled with energy, the lights flickered, momentarily plunging them into darkness. As the TV-21 plunged towards the ocean, Jeff felt a rush of adrenaline, a feeling of relief mixed with immense sorrow. He had been forced to make the ultimate sacrifice, a choice that would haunt him for the rest of his days. He stood up, dropping his cap as he rushed to the escape pod.
"You were my best friend at one-point Trangh," Jeff started, "But now all I see is a coward. You hide in the shadows and calculate a moment to pounce when the time suits you. You'll be remembered for one thing. Being The Hood to everyone's good times."
The escape pod launched seconds before the TV-21 crashed into the ocean, lost forever.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
August 21st, 2062 - 09:38 NZST
John walks around the gravity ring, in conversation with EOS about leaving Thunderbird 5 for a few days to be with the family on Tracy Island. As he is explaining some of the details about protocol EOS announces that a distress call has come in for them. John asks EOS to play the call and heads up to the mission control centre room with the holo-map of Earth.
"Deep Ocean Surveyor, two crew trapped. Last known position, 11.37 North. 142.5 East," a voice says on a call. As John searches for the location of the distress call, a hologram of The Mariana Trench appears.
August 21st, 2062 - 09:41 NZST
In the lounge, Alan and Kayo were sitting down on one of the sofas as Virgil plays on the piano in the background. They were discussing their recent trip to the GDF base in Gibraltar, where the British sector of the GDF were preparing an operation to help with the search of The Mechanic. The tests have been mostly successful, with new technologies introduced that could now detect the use of the Mechas in any given location. Everyone in the Tracy household were happy that the pair were getting along again as previously there had been some tension whenever the two were in the same room.
Scott and Marion's relationship is continuing to develop, with the pair going on serval dates around the island, as well as to the mainland of New Zealand and Hawaii. Marion is currently visiting family but had settled into International Rescue very well. Little did she know that Brains and Scott were working on a new Thunderbird 7. This included modifications to Thunderbird 1. Previously, when Marion would go on solo missions, it would be using Thunderbird 1. With these new modifications, Thunderbird 1 will be able to hold Thunderbird 7 inside as a type of pod. While it'll be more of a one-man fast interceptor aircraft, it'll be able to perform vertical take-off and landing, reaching faster speeds than Thunderbird 1. Scott is currently going over the designs when John calls Tracy Island.
"International Rescue, we may have a situation," John says appearing in front of Scott, who's sitting at Jeff's old desk.
"Go ahead, Thunderbird 5. What have you got for us John?" Scott asks.
"A deep ocean survey team just lost contact with their control base," John explains, "I'm receiving the footage of their final transmission now." John then opens the transmission, and his eyes suddenly widen is shock. "Whoa!"
"What is it, John?" Scott asks.
"You're going to want to see this," John says and pulls up the image to show Scott.
"TV-21?" Scott mutters, "No. It can't be."
"Scott, are you okay?" Kayo asks from her seat next to Alan, looking up over his shoulder.
"Yeah, you look like you've seen a ghost," Alan jokes.
"Everyone, look at this," Scott says and projects the image from Jeff's desk and over to the main hologram in the centre of the table. Virgil and Gordon gasp in shock.
"Is that what I think it is?" Virgil asks.
"It's the TV-21," Scott confirms as he and Virgil walk over to the sofas.
"Uh, is anyone gonna clue me in, here?" Alan asks.
"It's the TV-21!" Brains cries as he walks into the room.
"Ugh, that is not helping," Alan groans.
"It's the first Thunderbird," Scott explains, "More of a prototype really."
"Until it c-crashed. Your father thought the wreckage would be lost forever," Brains says, "This is exciting news."
"It's really exciting," Scott says, "But we also have a rescue to deal with. Thunderbirds 2 and 4, suit up. Gordon, you're going swimming."
"F-A-B," Gordon says and runs over to his elevator.
5
Virgil runs over to the painting of a rocket and gets suited up.
4
Thunderbird 4 is loaded into Module 4.
3
Gordon boards Thunderbird 2 via the passenger elevator.
2
Thunderbird 2 taxis down the main runway and comes to a halt allowing the ramp to raise.
1
The blast shield rises.
Thunderbirds are Go!
August 21st, 2062 - 10:03 NZST
John watches as the Thunderbird 2 and 4 symbol heads to the location of the crash site on the large scale holo-map in the central control room of Thunderbird 5. However, his attention is drawn away when a beeping is goes off in the background causing him to turn around. Over the United Kingdom, a red dot is flashing over it, indicating that there is a transmission emitting from a location.
"Hm, interesting," John muses as he floats over it and presses it down revealing a frequency coming from Parkmoor Scrubs Prison, "This could be exactly what we've been looking for." He decides to call the Creighton-Ward Estate.
"Hello, John. Joining us for a cup?" Penelope asks.
"Maybe later. Remember how you asked me to keep an electronic ear on Parkmoor Scrubs prison?" John enquires, "I just detected a strange signal coming from the area. Only a blip and then it was gone."
"Do you think it's The Hood sending a message?" Penelope quieries.
"Uncertain. But I was able to do a wide spectrum sweep, and I think I've found where the signal went," John explains.
"And what does the GDF have to say?" Penelope pushes.
"Until I have more information, they're not interested," John sighs, "I believe 'wild goose chase' were the words they used."
"Hmm. Well, as it happens, Parker loves a good chase. We'll take a look," Penelope says.
"I'll send you the coordinates now," John informs and hangs up.
August 21st, 2062 - 07:21 JST
It doesn't take long for Thunderbird 2 to make it's way the short distance over the Pacific Ocean to it's target that is just located off the coast of Japan. Gordon is climbing the steps leading up toThunderbird 4's hatch and, with a grace born of countless hours in training and in the field, slips smoothly into the cockpit. He quickly secures himself into the pilot's seat, his body moving automatically through the familiar motions. The hatch closes behind him with a soft, reassuring thud.
"Thunderbird 2 arriving on scene," Virgil announces as they arrive at the coordinates right above the Mariana Trench, "Get ready, Gordon."
"Systems check complete. Docking clamp released," Gordon says, "We are go for module deployment." Module 4 is then dropped into the water and Gordon waits for the hatch to open for him before pressing the button to go at a 45 degree angle.
"Thunderbird 4 is go!" Gordon says and launches Thunderbird 4 into the depths below, "Preceding to seafloor. One thousand meters and diving."
August 21st, 2062 - 07:34 JST
"I'm approaching the last known coordinates of the deep-ocean surveyor," Gordon states as he climbs down the last few meters before reaching the ocean floor. He turns Thunderbird 4's bright lights on in order to see more clearing and off to his right, he spots the surveyor. "Surveyor located," he states, "Craft appears intact. I'm moving in for a closer look." He circles Thunderbird 4 around the surveyor so he can get a scan to identify any significant damage. There are some windows located to the front of the craft and he shines his bright lights towards it, spotting two crew members inside. "I've made visual contact with the crew," Gordon states as he proceeds to wave at them to acknowledge that he's seen them, "No apparent injuries. The ship sure is a weird-looking thing. But there are no signs of external damage."
"Gordon, what about the TV-21?" Scott asks, "Have they found part of the wreck?"
"Standby Scott. I'll take a closer look," Gordon says and approaches the wreckage, "Just gotta clear some debris." Gordon presses a few buttons and activates Thunderbird 4's mechanical arms, which he controls using the joist sticks on his chair arms. He uses the claws at the end of the mechanical arms to pull away at the debris that is covering the aircraft. After a few moments, Gordon lets out a loud gasp as he inspects what's in front of him. "It's not just part of the wreck, it's the whole thing!"
"Why is everyone making such a big deal about a wrecked plane? I don't even remember it," Alan says.
"The TV-21 was Dad's baby. The first ever Super Mach 20 ship. It was the prototype to Thunderbird 1. Dad invested everything into it. But The Hood sabotaged it in flight. Dad had to abandon the plane somewhere over the Mariana Trench, rather than let that villain get his hands on it," Scott explains and sighs sadly, "I remember how it broke Dad's heart. We all thought it was smashed and lost to the deep."
"And now these guys have randomly stumbled upon it?" Kayo mutters suspiciously.
"I guess so," Scott shrugs, "But we can reminisce later. Right now, there are two crew on that surveyor who need our help."
"Moving into docking position," Gordon announces over the coms and calls the crew, "Don't worry guys, help is here." He then docks with the surveyor and deploys the emergency docking tube and pressurizes it.
August 21st, 2062 - 10:40 NZST
Brains is currently sitting in his lab. A few moments ago, Penelope had called him with information she had collected from the signal John had tracked down. John has been called and now the three of them are looking at the data. Brains scans over it looking at ever little detail.
"V-Very smart of you to track that signal, John," Brains says.
"We got lucky," John comments.
"It seems The Hood may be up to his old tricks," Penelope says.
"I've seen engineering like this before." Brains says, "It's the w-work of The Mechanic. I'm sure of it."
"Then it proves without a shadow of a doubt he's in league with The Hood," Penelope says.
"I b-better show the others immediately," Brains says and heads upstairs with Max. Upon entering the lounge, he looks up at the hologram being displayed. "Th-That's the entire TV-21!" he exclaims, "It hardly looks d-damaged at all."
"I know. Imagine the odds," Scott says.
"Yeah. I keep trying to, but something doesn't add up," Kayo says and Alan nods in agreement.
"W-Wait a moment. I think I see why," Brains says, and he zooms in on the surveyor ship and gasps, "Shit! That's the M-Mechanic's ship! Thunderbird 4, g-get out of there!"
August 21st, 2062 - 07:48 JST
Gordon looks up in confusion. Before he could react, two arms come out of the surveyor ship and grabs Thunderbird 4. Gordon grunts and his bird shakes violently. "Too late." He retracts the emergency docking tube and then is taken away from the ship.
"Thunderbird 4, The Mechanic is piloting that ship remotely," Scott explains, "What's your situation?"
"I guess you'd call it gripping," Gordon jokes and tries to escape from The Mechanic, "But that's about to change. Full Thrust." He starts to move and even drags The Mechanic's ship slightly until two more arms come out of the ship and anchors the vassal to the seabed. "Ugh! K, let's get creative," Gordon mutters to himself, "Firing emergency launch jets." It takes a few tries, but Gordon inevitably fails to escape, "No-go. I can't force myself free."
"You better come up with something fast," Virgil states, "Thunderbird 4's hull integrity is failing. You're getting crushed."
"Ugh!" Gordon groans as Thunderbird 4 shudders under the extra force The Mechanic adds on, "This thing's got way too many legs." Gordon realises that his mechanical arms are still free and decides to get his laser torch out. He fires it upwards and starts work on cutting through one of the legs. As he does so he sees something swim in front of him and he sighs. "Asshat is sending me more company. Ray-Mechas." Noticing one getting too close, zapping with electricity, Gordon redirects his laser and hits the Mecha directly causing it to explode. This just prompts The Mechanic to send even more Mechas after Gordon and one successfully disables the laser. As a result, Gordon results to using Thunderbird 4's claw and grab some of the Mechas throwing them away from Thunderbird 4 and into each other. The impact destorying them both.
"Gordon, what's going on?" Virgil asks.
"Ah," Gordon sighs, "They've disabled the plasma cutter. I'm gonna need to free Thunderbird 4 manually. But my dive suit won't take the pressure at this depth."
"Gordon, there's a d-deep water exo-suit on board," Brains interrupts, "Like the one Alan u-used on Europa."
"Brains, you think of everything," Gordon compliments. He runs into the back of Thunderbird 4 taking off his current suit as he does, "Beginning suit up protocol." He stands in position and as the suit is being applied to him, sparks go off around him and Thunderbird 4 shudders violently again. "How long does this thing take?" Gordon wonders aloud and gets thrown around again, "Oh! Ugh! Forget it. Switching to manual." Ripping the last few bits off the machinery and applying it himself, Gordon gets ready to leave Thunderbird 4, "Time to get my feet wet."
"Hull integrity twenty-eight percent," Virgil states, "Gordon, what are you doing?"
"The airlock's jammed," Gordon cries, "I can't get the door open."
"Well, make a new door," Virgil blurts out, "But do it fast. You don't have long."
Gordon presses a button on his new suit and a plasma sword is extracted. "Nice," Gordon mutters and pushes it into the side of Thunderbird 4 just as it shudders again.
"Hull at seven percent," Virgil informs, "Gordon, get out now!"
Seconds later, Thunderbird 4 explodes.
"Thunderbird 4... is offline," Virgil mumbles.
"What happened?" Alan cries.
"Thunderbird 4 has been rendered... inoperative," John says and a heavy silence falls over Tracy Island.
"Gordon!" Sally yells.
Another second of silence passes until a beeping sound is heard and a call connects to the IR frequency.
"I'm here!" Gordon breathes, "I'm okay. But Thunderbird 4 is a little... uh... beat up."
"Oh, boy," Sally says as everyone sighs out a breath, they didn't know they were holding.
Gordon watches in horror as The Mechanic finishes off throwing pieces of Thunderbird 4 around. He is force to watch as The Mechanic increases the already huge pressure on what remains of Thunderbird 4 before ripping it into two. It is the first time that Thunderbird 4 has been destroyed by an enemy and now Gordon knows exactly how John felt when The Hood destroyed the old Thunderbird 5. His eyes narrow and Gordon propels himself forward attack The Mechanic. However, the rest of the legs of Magna Prime, The Mechanic's ship, extend out of the body and starts attacking Gordon. Using the propeller that is attached onto his back, Gordon manages to roll out the way to avoid getting hit by the first two arms. Unfortunately, one arm he doesn't see coming and it strikes him in the centre of his back throwing him off to the side. He crashes to the sea full picking up a cloud of sediment. The sound of Magna Prime's engines are heard as they fire up. When the dust cloud settles Gordon watches as it approaches the TV-21 going directly above it. It fires down several cables which attach to the top of the ship before pulling it into a hold in the main body. As it lifts, the whole body of the TV-21 is revealed.
"International Rescue," Gordon murmurs watching with wide eyes, "The surveyor's going for the TV-21! It's stealing Dad's ship."
"Of course!" Brains says, clicking his fingers, "F-Finding the TV-21 wasn't a coincidence. The Mechanic is finishing what The Hood started all those years ago."
"Wait, what's going on?" Marion asks as she enters the room. She is however ignored by Scott's conversation with Brains.
"The Hood f-forced the TV-21, but he didn't know exactly where your father would d-ditch the craft," Brains states, "Searching the whole Mariana Trench was too b-big a task for The Mechanic alone, so he secretly gave this team the equipment for their m-mapping expedition."
"So, they were looking for the TV-21 all along," Scott realises, "They just didn't know it."
"P-Precisely," Brains confirms, "And now that they've found the TV-21, The Mechanic intends to t-take it for himself."
"No, he won't," Scott declares, "Because we're gonna stop him. But first, we're gonna save that crew."
"Looking at these p-plans. It seems the Deep Ocean Surveyor has a centralised p-power system," Brains says nodding and pulling up a hologram of the surveyor, "Gordon, if you can cut the part I've highlighted, you'll stop that ship in its tracks."
"F-A-B," Gordon acknowledges as the holo-diagram is sent to his wrist communicator. He swims over to the control panel and rips off the cover and is about to cut it when he looks over to his left. There, is the TV-21, now connected to a series of power lines. Gordon sighs as he looks at the craft and hears the movement of water. Looking over to his right, one of the arms of the ship looms. Gordon's distraction has allowed The Mechanic to find his signal. Before he can now, Gordon is crashed into the claw which wraps around him and pulls him away from the ship. "Huh! Ugh!" Gordon groans as he struggles to break free. Freeing an arm, Gordon sets his plasma sword to max and fires it towards the control panel and striking it. There's a small explosion before the whole surveyor powers down, freeing Gordon. "Yes!" he cries and swims back to the ship, "Uh... now what? The life-support systems have powered off. They're running out of air."
"We've gotta get that crew out of there," Scott orders.
"It'll take a couple of minutes, but maybe I could configure a pod to come get up," Virgil tries.
"Not possible," Gordon declines, "Only Thunderbird 4 could survive the pressure this deep and it's seriously out of operation. We're out of options and almost out of time. We need to come up with something extraordinary. And fast."
"Extraordinary and fast?" Alan asks, "Sounds like a job for you, Brains."
"Hmm," Brains thinks and paces the room before gasping, "We can use the TV-21! Gordon could restart it and then use the thrusters to p-power both vehicles to the surface."
"It's been sitting on the bottom of the ocean for years," Scott states, "You'll think it'll still work?"
"Absolutely," Brains cries, "I b-build things to last."
"Gordon," Scott announces, "We need you to get on board the TV-21."
"I always wanted to fly Dad's plane," Gordon admits and swims over to a hatch on the side of the craft, "Opening the airlock. See you guys on the other side." After a few twists, Gordon opens the hatch and swims inside. Once inside, he closes the airlock and makes his way through the plane to the cockpit. Gordon stares in amazement and walks over to the pilot's seat. On one of the arms, sat an original International Rescue hat with the old logo printed on the side. The top had a gold lining rather than yellow, indicating it was once Jeff Tracy's. "Man," Gordon chuckles picking up the hat, "I can't believe we used to wear these things."
"Sorry to spoil the moment, Gordon," Virgil interjects, "But hurry."
"Here goes nothing," Gordon sighs and places the hat on the left armrest. Reaching over, he presses the big red button to start the vehicle, and everything boots up for the first time in thirteen years. "Phewph," Gordon breathes.
"Good work," Scott says patting Brains on the back.
"Nice," Marion states.
"Started first time," Brains smiles.
"Stopped first time too," Gordon suddenly says as everything powers down again, "Any other ideas?"
"You could try the Jeff Tracy fix," Scott suggests, "After all, it is Dad's plane."
"F-A-B," Gordon grins and places Jeff's hat on his head before punching the control panel. In an instant, everything boots up again, "Thanks, Dad." Pulling forward both leavers, the TV-21's engines start up and lifts the surveyor off the seabed. "This is TV-21," Gordon announces, "We have lift-off."
August 21st, 2062 - 08:11 JST
"Three hundred meters from surface," Gordon announces, "Two hundred... one." Virgil then fires his grapples and attaches them to the top of the surveyor, lifting it out of the ocean. Once fully surfaced, Gordon jumps out the TV-21 with the hat still on his head and runs over the airlock on the surveyor. He opens it and helps the two crew members out and into the safety of Thunderbird 2. "It's okay. You're safe now."
"Thank you, International Rescue," the woman breathes.
"So, what was it like flying Dad's plane?" Virgil asks Gordon once he sat down in the co-pilots seat.
"It was awesome," Gordon sighs happily.
"Well done guys," Scott says, "Leave the pod to collect Thunderbird 4, but first, bring the TV-21 back where it belongs, in a hanger on Tracy Island."
"F-A-B," Virgil and Gordon say.
"Scott! Stop transmission!" Penelope suddenly interjects entering the call, "The Mechanic has been listening to everything we've been saying."
"He's hacked into our communication system," Kayo says in shock as her wrist communicator displays The Mechanic's symbol, "This was slick. We never would have known. I'm re-encrypting."
"No, wait. He needs to hear this first," Scott says narrowing his eyes with anger, "To the Mechanic, let me tell you who you're dealing with. We're International Rescue! You can't push us around. You can't tell us what to do! And you absolutely, positively can't take our stuff!"
In an instant, a hologram of The Mechanic appears in front of them. "No. Let me tell you who you're dealing with. I'm The Mechanic. I take what I want from who I want. Whenever I want it."
The surveyor suddenly bursts into life again with the arms retracting into the body of the ship. Then, rocket engines come out at the front and fire up pulling it and the TV-21 away from Thunderbird 2. The force becomes too much for Virgil to handle and he is forced to release the TV-21.
"International Rescue, we have a situation," Virgil says as he watches The Mechanic's ship retreat into the distance.
"Oh, no he doesn't," Scott snarls, "Brains is she ready to launch."
"The modifications haven't been fully tested, Scott," Brains state.
"Well, I cannot think of a better time than now," Scott nods and turns to Marion, "Marion please take a seat." Scott indicates to two chairs that have their backs facing the paintings. They were the exact same design to the ones Alan uses to get to Thunderbird 3. Marion looks over to Scott suspiciously but sits down on one on the chairs and presses the secret button. The chairs start to descend.
7
Thunderbird 7 pulls out from a hanger underneath Thunderbird 1 to allow Marion to get inside.
6
A crane comes down and lifts Thunderbird 7 inside Thunderbird 1's cargo hold.
5
Scott descends and starts to get suited up.
4
Scott is carried across on a platform into Thunderbird 1's cockpit.
3
The front doors close as Marion gets into the co-pilot seat.
2
They start moving along and towards the launch pad.
1
Thunderbird 1 comes to a stop as the swimming pool above starts to retract.
Thunderbirds are Go!
August 21st, 2062 - 07:41 CST
Scott and Marion head after The Mechanic and are about to catch up pretty quickly. Anger simmers in his gut, a white-hot coal that fuels his determination. The TV-21 is more than just a vessel to Scott; it is a symbol of his father's legacy, a tangible piece of a world he has lost too soon. Now it is in the hands of a thief.
Thunderbird 1's nose tipped upward, as Scott and Marion's bodies are pressed into their seats as the force of gravity gives way to the unbridled power. The ocean gleams below them, a patchwork of blues and whites stretching to infinity. Scott's mind races with the memory of his father's last words before he left after the Zero-X, a warning about the dangers of trusting the wrong people. He had dismissed it as paranoia at the time, but now it resonates like a prophecy.
As Thunderbird 1 soared into the stratosphere, the stars above twinkle like a sea of diamonds, cold and indifferent to the drama unfolding below. Scott's grip tightens on the controls, his knuckles white. He has to get the TV-21 back, not just for his father's legacy, but to prove that he is capable of protecting what is his. The chase is on, and he will not rest until he has brought the ship home.
The cold air outside the cockpit seem to mirror the icy resolve in his veins. The horizon is a blur as Thunderbird 1 cuts through the sky, a silent sentinel on a mission of redemption. The adrenaline surges, pushing aside his anger and doubt. He focuses on the task at hand, the thrumming engines a metronome to the rhythm of his thoughts. Find the TV-21. Reclaim what is rightfully his. The comms crackled to life, interrupting Scott's silent vow.
"Scott, we've got a lock on the TV-21's signal," John's voice, steady and calm, "It's heading west, towards China. I'm sending Marion the coordinates now."
"F-A-B, John. We're on it," Marion responds, her voice is cold steel, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the sun setting behind her. She punches in the coordinates, and Thunderbird 1 responds eagerly, her nose pointing towards the distant horizon. It doesn't take long for them to intercept The Mechanic's course and the TV-21 comes into view, covered by the orange glow of the Magna Prime. No one messes with the Tracy's.
"This is Thunderbird 1 in an immediate pursuit of The Mechanic," Scott announces, "Thunderbird 7 is ready for launch."
"F-A-B, Thunderbird 1," John acknowledges, "Good luck Thunderbird 7, Thunderbird 5 is tracking you at a thousand meters and closing."
"Thank you, John," Marion says, "This is Thunderbird 7, launching in three... two... one." The bay doors of Thunderbird 1 open and a small blue, streamlined aircraft drops down. Its wings expand outwards before speeding off after The Mechanic and Scott backs off and stays within a five mile radius.
"The TV-21," Scott mutters, "Wow. I haven't seen it since I was a kid. But just as cool as I remember."
"I'm closing in on it now," Marion states.
"But please use caution, Marion," Brains says, "The Mechanic must be piloting remotely. That means he's got n-nothing to lose."
"Except Mr. Tracy's old plane he's carrying," Marion fires back. Just as she gets close enough, The Mechanic speeds up again leaving Thunderbird 7 another mile behind once again, "Oh, no you don't." Pushing down the throttle, Marion speeds up again. When designing Thunderbird 7, it turns out that Brains took inspiration from the TV-21 and made it faster than Thunderbird 1, with a maximum speed of 27,000 miles per hour.
"Marion, there's a safe area up ahead," John says, "You can knock out the TV-21 and bring down the plane with zero civilian casualties."
"F-A-B, J—"Marion starts.
"No way, Thunderbird 5," Scott interrupts, "That plane belongs to us. And we're gonna get it back in one piece. Marion proceed with the original plan."
"Sure, thing Scott," Marion sighs and fires a grapple that connects to the TV-21, "Got it! Now to put on the brakes." As she does, The Mechanic starts to take his ship into the upper atmosphere. A warning light shows on her control panel, indicating that the cable isn't going to last much longer.
"Marion, when the TV-21 was designed, Mr. Tracy w-wanted all the thrust I could give him. That booster is the most p-powerful one I've ever built."
"More powerful than Thunderbird 7?!" Marion yells and looks up from Brains' hologram to see the TV-21 is powering up.
"Well, yes," she hears Brains say in the background as she tries to disconnect the cable. It's too late. The force of the acceleration breaks the coupling inside Thunderbird 7 and forces it into a spin. Alarms start to blare off in the background as Marion tries to get Thunderbird 7 under her control again.
"Lost manoeuvring thrusters," Marion informs Scott, "Propellant pumps are compromised. Thunderbird 7 is going down!"
"Hang on Marion!" Scott yells and increases his own speed to reach Marion who is losing altitude rapidly. In the distance he sees a trail of black smoke. Knowing he couldn't get there in time he decides to talk to Marion to calm her down.
"Marion, stay calm," Scott states, "Throttle back the thrusters. Extend wings to full span." As Scott explains, Marion looks at the controls around her and starts to do as Scott has instructed. Meanwhile, Scott dives down after Thunderbird 7 and watches as the tips of the Himalayan Mountains appear, "Now punch it!" With a bang, Thunderbird 7 flies away from the mountains and back up to reach Thunderbird 1.
"International Rescue, Thunderbird 7 is levelling off and re-docking with Thunderbird 1," Marion announces, "But the TV-21 got away."
"Thunderbirds 1 and 7, return to base. I'll continue surveillance from Thunderbird 5. and alert the Global Defence Force. Don't worry," John says, "I won't let the TV-21 out of my sight."
August 21st, 2062 - 11:52 NZST
"If The Mechanic is piloting the TV-21 remotely, it's got to be receiving a control signal," Kayo states.
"And that control signal must be broadcasting from somewhere," Alan continues.
"Which mean..." Kayo trails as she starts working on tracking the signal, "Yep, it's double-encrypted and bouncing around repeaters."
"But he can't hide from you," Alan smiles.
"Exactly," Kayo says and points to the holo-map, "The Scottish Highlands. I'm on my way."
"Kayo," Alan calls and grabs her arm preventing her from leaving, "You know this should be handed over to the GDF."
"And they're too focused on that craft of his," Kayo says and shakes her head, "I'm sorry Al, but The Mechanic already ran out on us once. By the time, the GDF reacts to this, he'll be long gone. Thunderbird Shadow moves fast and quiet. He won't hear me coming."
5
Kayo descends and starts to get suited up.
4
Kayo gets into her Shadow Bike and drives to Thunderbird S's hanger.
3
Thunderbird S's platform heads up the ramp.
2
The platform turns around to show the outside of Tracy Island.
1
The platform rotates and Shadow's engines start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
"Kayo shouldn't face The Mechanic alone," Sally says to Alan, who holds a worried expression on his face as he watches Thunderbird Shadow disappear off into the distance.
"Maybe some help shouldn't be a bad idea," Alan says. Sally nods and calls Penelope.
"Hello, dear. Are you busy?" Sally asks.
"Never too busy for you, Mrs. Tracy," Penelope replies.
"How would you like a second chance to get The Mechanic?" Sally asks and presents Kayo's holo-map of the location.
"I'm enjoy more than Parker likes complaining about the weather," Penelope says and turns to Parker, "Scotland, please, Parker."
"Right away, m'lady," Parker says before mumbling, "H'of all the places to 'ide out in, he picks the rainy one." He presses a button and changes FAB 1 into flight mode, "FAB 1 is h'off!"
August 21st, 2062 - 12:08 NZST
Scott and Marion return to Tracy Island. Once they land and get out, Scott pulls Marion to one side.
"Sorry for the abrupt surprise," Scott says, "I was hoping to wait a few more weeks until your birthday."
Marion smiles and shakes her head. Looking down, she grabs both of Scott's hand and intertwines them with her own. "Scott..." she trails, "There's no need for any of that."
"There isn't?" Scott asks.
"No," Marion confirms, "This is literally the best thing to ever have happened to me. I mean, I have my own Thunderbird! Not many people can say that." The couple chuckle and stare into each other's eyes searching for something. Marion coughs before looking down at the ground. "I hope this means you want me to stick around."
Scott looks at Marion in shock and releases his right hand, using it to push Marion's chin up so they're looking at each other again. "M... Of course, I want you to stick around," Scott smiles, "You're literally the best thing to ever have happen to me."
"Really?" Marion asks tentatively.
"Yes!" Scott exclaims, "And I lo—" Before Scott could finish Marion leaps up at Scott, rapping her legs around his waist and kissing him deeply on the lips. Scott stumbles back in surprise, before reacting back and placing his hands underneath her as support. They continue to explore each other mouths until they pull away for air.
"I love you too," Marion blushes and Scott kisses her check.
"I'm glad," Scott replies and the pair walk back up to the lounge. When they get back upstairs, hand-in-hand, they stroll over to Jeff's desk and Scott takes a seat. He gets a few folders out on the TV-21 and starts to scan them for any useful information. Meanwhile, Marion sits at the edge of the desk and goes over the damages to Thunderbird 7 that Brains will need to repair. Sally places a comforting hand on Scott's right shoulder as she looks at the large hologram of the TV-21 displayed on the table.
"I get that everyone loves the TV-21, but it's just a plane," Alan exacerbates.
"It's also a symbol of your father's determination," Sally says and walks over to where Alan is sitting, "Ever since he was a boy, your father dreamed he would be the fastest pilot who ever flew."
"So, he and Brains built the TV-21?" Alan asks.
"It was beautiful. A dream come true," Sally responds.
"Until The Hood crashed it," Alan says as Sally pulls him into a side hug.
"But it didn't crash his dream," Sally reminds Alan and looks back at the hologram, "Your dad didn't care about being the fastest anymore." Scott suddenly looks up from his work and stares at his Grandma in wonder. "He only cared about being first," Sally continues, "First on the scene when people need help. First to act when someone is in trouble. And instead of one ship to do it all, he built six."
"TV-21 was the beginning of International Rescue," Sally says and looks over at Scott, "April 4th, 2049, your 10th birthday."
"We have to get that plane back," Alan suddenly says with determination and a beeping sound is heard as John's hologram appears.
"We've got a development, Thunderbird 5! What's the situation John?" Scott asks.
"The Mechanics craft has stopped over the GDF's high security iridium vault. The GDF are responding now," John explains.
"The one in Sweden? Great," Marion mutters, "What's this guys play?"
"I don't know, John keep us updated on this developing situation," Scott orders.
"F-A-B, Scott," John replies.
August 21st, 2062 - 12:33 NZST
Around half an hour later, a beeping sound is heard once again and John's hologram appears. He looks more concerned than before.
"Scott," John states, "Colonel Casey's on the phone."
"Add us to the call," Scott requests.
"Already on it," John responds.
"International Rescue," Casey says and brings up a hologram of the Earth with The Mechanic's ship rising out of atmosphere above Sweden. Now attached to the front of the ship is a large container structure. "The Mechanic's craft has launched, taking the world's iridium supply with it."
"Will the GDF destroy it once it's out of the atmosphere?" Scott asks.
"Negative," Casey states, "As much as I'd like to smash his toy, there's a worker trapped inside the vault. That's why we called you guys."
"Okay, Colonel," John says, "International Rescue is on it."
"We're here if you need us. Good luck," Casey says before leaving the call.
"Even with the TV-21's booster, that mass of iridium is slowing it down big time," John explains getting a more detailed hologram of the vault up, "The vault is reinforced and airtight. It'll protect the worker in space, but his oxygen won't last forever."
"Then we better hurry," Alan comments.
"There's a problem," Scott says, "The Mechanic has already taken out two Thunderbirds."
"Thunderbird 3 will be defenceless," Alan realises, "We need a way to beat The Mechanic at his own game."
The pair look at each other before making a run down to Thunderbird 2's hanger where Thunderbird 4's parts lie scattered all over the place and Virgil and Brains work on fixing it.
"Brains!" Alan and Scott call.
"We need something to protect ourselves from The Mechanic!" Scott says, "What can you give us?"
"I d-don't usually build defences," Brains says as he crawls out from underneath one of the large pieces, "But with a little thinking maybe we c-could adapt something." Max then comes running over and beeps at Brains in binary, suggesting something to him, "No, Max. We can't. It's n-not ready." Max then beeps again with a slightly sad tone. "B-But it hasn't been tested," Brains argues as Max beeps again.
"Brains, whatever it is, will it help us stop The Mechanic?" Scott asks.
"Well, c-conceivably yes," Brains replies.
"Then we'll take it," Scott demands.
"Okay, Max. Let's g-get to work," Brains says and Max beeps happily at them and starts to wonder off. He leads them to the main hanger when Brains' lab is located. Brains walks over to one of the control panels and presses a button and some repair arms come out the sides of Thunderbird 3's silo. They reach across the hanger collecting different parts and assembling the on Thunderbird 3, taking up the whole of the cargo bay in the centre. When completed, the group state up at a white body that now encases the cargo hold.
"What is it?" Alan asks.
"It's a replacement node for articulated k-kinematic rescue operations in deep space," Brains explains.
"Uh..." Scott trails.
"It's a robot," Brains deadpans.
"Like Max! Got it," Alan says and Max beeps at them excitedly.
"Thanks Brains, Alan, let's launch," Scott says.
"I'll launch as w-well," Brains says, "I need to head to the mainland to get some parts for Thunderbird 4."
"F-A-B," Scott acknowledges and the trio run up back to the lounge.
6
Thunderbird 6 taxis down a small runway and starts to pick up speed.
5
Alan and Scott descend and start to get suited up.
4
Alan and Scott are lifted on a crane from the bottom of the hanger into Thunderbird 3.
3
Thunderbird 3's blast door closes.
2
Alan and Scott's chairs roll up to the controls with Marion in the passenger seat behind Alan.
1
The rockets start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
Within moments, Thunderbird 3 leaves Earth's atmosphere and heads after The Mechanic's ship.
"We're approaching the TV-21. Cut ion engines and fire full retro thrusters." Scott says as Thunderbird 3 accelerates past The Mechanic's ship. Alan nods in confirmation and brings Thunderbird 3 to a stop, turning it around and faces The Mechanic. The impending craft also slows down to a halt and the pair stare each other off. "Okay, Virgil, we're in position." Scott says, "Show us what you've got."
"Good luck, Max," Virgil says as he plugs in the last of several cables into Max, just like Brains is instructing him to from an earpiece.
A whirring sound similar to Max is heard on board Thunderbird 3 and Marion looks at Scott with raised eyebrows. Outside, a camera opens up on top of the white cylinder, which shows Max's eyes. Max then releases the grasping arms, which have all been applied with new tools in order to defend Thunderbird 3 from The Mechanic. One had an arm of Max's, another had a circular saw, with the final grasping arm having a large version of a plasma torch.
"F," Scott and Marion say.
"A," Alan and John say.
"B," Virgil and Gordon say.
"It's not like Max. It is Max!" Brains says joining the main call, the sound of wind in the background, "M-Maximum Max!"
Within moments, The Mechanic's ship reacts to Thunderbird 3. The panels around the side of his ship open and six arms extend outwards and point directly at Thunderbird 3. The TV-21 starts to fire up as Alan quickly gets some special gloves on that Brains had designed to help Alan control M-Max.
"Brains, quick. How do I work this thing?" Alan asks.
"M-Maximum Max will respond to your commands, Alan," Brains says, "Max's on-board AI will help with the f-fine controls."
"Got it," Alan says.
"All you've got to do is keep him busy while Marion and I get that worker out of the vault," Scott says.
"Just be careful of the TV-21," Brains says, as he lands Thunderbird 6 in Sydney, "I don't know how stable its fusion reactors are."
"It's game time," Alan says and opens his hand up. As the two ships close in, the sky becomes a canvas of strobing lights and the deafening sound of clashing metal. The Mechanic's ship is a maze of rotating blades, laser cannons, and missile launchers, each component a testament to the mad genius behind its creation. Alan feels the sweat trickle down his forehead, his eyes narrowing in concentration as The Mechanic throws his ship at Thunderbird 3. The impact sets Alan briefly off balance. "Ohhh!" He reaches out to attack with Max's hand, but two of The Mechanic's arms grab onto it locking it in place. A third one comes flying in to destroy the grasping arm, but Alan reacts quickly and rolls Thunderbird 3 out of the way, freeing Max's hand. "Yah! That's more like it," Alan states and Max's eyes narrow as he beeps in anger.
Alan dodges the barrage of fire that rains down upon him. Each evasive manoeuvre is calculated, each counter-attack precise. The battle is a symphony of destruction, choreographed by the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Alan's palms are slick with sweat in the gloves, but his hands remain steady.
"Okay, Max, what surprises have we got for him?" Alan muses and moves forward the welding torch at one of the arms and in an instant, it breaks off with a small explosion, leaving The Mechanic with five arms left. "Ho-ho! Way to go, Max!"
Moments later, The Mechanic launches a double attack that causes Thunderbird 3 shuddering. Alan's instincts take over as he weaves out of the way, Thunderbird 3 and Max responding to his commands with a grace that belied its size. The Mechanic is no slouch, his ship a maelstrom of motion, trying to outmanoeuvre them. Alan's heart raced, his breath coming in short bursts. The tension mounts as the two vessels dance around each other, a deadly ballet in the emptiness of space.
"Hold steady, Alan," Marion says, "We're taking out the docking bubble now."
"You got it, sis," Alan jokes and the cargo bay doors open allowing Scott and Marion to head towards the iridium vault. Alan watches as Scott manoeuvres around The Mechanic's arms, one such arm getting a bit too close, forcing Alan to reach it with the torch and burn it off. Like the first time it breaks off with a small explosion, leaving The Mechanic with four arms left. In retaliation, The Mechanic uses two arms to grab onto the torch and rip it off the end of the grasping arm. "Oh, sorry, Max," Alan apologises as Max beeps sadly. This is no game; this is life and death.
"Bubble secure," Scott announces, "Now let's cut a door in this thing." He gets out his plasma beep and does quick work in removing a section of the vault and he kicks it in.
"It's International... Argh!" Marion yells and dodges a piece of iridium.
"Keep your dirty hands off this iridium," a familiar voice calls.
"Ned Tedford?" Scott asks.
"Oh, it's you!" Ned realises, "Sorry about that."
"Why am I not surprised?" Scott sighs and Marion giggles a bit from behind him, "I need you to climb into the airlock."
"No way," Ned declares, "I was told to watch this iridium. I won't let it be stolen."
"Hate to break it to you but it's already been stolen, Ned," Marion explains, "You do realise you're in space, right?"
"Hmm," Ned thinks, "That does explain the floatiness. But it does not change anything. I'm not going anywhere without this vault."
Marion sighs and calls Alan. "Alan, we're going to have to retrieve the iridium as well."
"Marion, that's not the mission," Alan says as he continues to fight off The Mechanic.
"It wasn't," Marion sighs, "But it is now."
"Can you and Max cut the vault free?" Scott asks.
"Yeah, we can try," Alan says. He brings forward the saw and starts cutting at one of the supports. The Mechanic clearly realises what Alan is doing and brings one of his arms around to grab onto the saw. Alan, however, anticipates this and brings Max's arm out to grab onto The Mechanic and continues to cut. The other arms batter Thunderbird 3 in an attempt to get free. "Argh!" Alan complains, "Hold on, Max. Just one more." Reaching over, Alan destroys the final support, freeing the iridium vault. "Okay, guys. The vault's free."
"Returning to Thunderbird 3 with Ned - and the vault," Scott sighs and struggles at the controls of the docking bubble.
"There's too much momentum, Scott!" Marion states, "We're going to miss." The Mechanic tries to react and grab the vault but is too slow for Alan, who destroys a third arm.
"Switching to full manual," Alan announces and dives after the vault grabbing it using Max's claw, "Gotcha!"
"Well done, Max!" Scott says, "You too, Alan."
"Ah, great work," Marion sighs, "Let's get outta here."
"The TV-21 is powering up," Alan notices as he watches The Mechanic's ship start to move away from them and head back down to Earth, "Scott, he's gonna get away."
"We still have a rescue to finish," Scott says.
"But... But it's Dad's plane." Alan says.
"I know, Alan." Scott says sadly, "But it's not Dad."
"F-A-B. Thunderbird 3 returning home," Alan sighs.
On Tracy Island, everyone looks downcast at Scott's call, but know it's the right one to make. Virgil takes his Grandma's hand, while Gordon puts a comforting arm around her shoulders. Sally is the most disappointed at the loss of the TV-21. It is one of the last few things she has left of her son and no amount of time allows you to get over the loss of your child. On the monitor, the TV-21 starts to drift out of view when an alarm goes off in Thunderbirds 3 and 5.
"Guys," John gasps, "I'm picking up major heat signals from the TV-21."
"The Mechanic is overloading the p-plane's fusion reactors. They're going into meltdown," Brains explains as he gets a hologram of what John is seeing up, "Thunderbird 3, get out of there!"
"Argh!" Alan cries, and watches in horror as The Mechanic's ship turns around and goes at full force into Thunderbird 3, grabbing onto it and sending both ships into a spin. "He's got me!" Alan says and covers his eyes at the brightness of the booster. The Mechanic's ship and Thunderbird 3 are sent into an uncontrollable spin as they toss and turn in the vacuum of space. Alan tries to break free from the grip of the other ship by The Mechanic only seems to increase the hold on Thunderbird 3. Suddenly, Alan's comm beeps into life and a hologram of Kayo appears on his personal comm.
"Alan!" Kayo calls, "You're free."
"Alan, do it!" Scott says, and Alan frees them from The Mechanic's ship and watches it as it goes further into space.
"Daaa... Dah!" Alan groans as he looks out. The Mechanic's ship glows yellow, before the TV-21 inside finally gives up and explodes creating a massive shockwave. It is gone. "Sorry, Dad." Alan whispers. In the docking bubble, Marion hugs Scott tightly and kisses the top of his head to comfort him. Alan turns Thunderbird 3 around and returns to Sweden to hand Ned and the iridium vault back to the GDF. Afterwards, he takes everyone back to Tracy Island where even John had taken his leave from Thunderbird 5 slightly earlier than planned and left EOS in charge.
August 21st, 2062 - 17:53 NZST
"We almost had it, Grandma. The TV-21 was so close," Alan indicates, using his fingers.
"Dad really loved that plane," Scott reminisces as he looks down at the old hat that Gordon had recovered. He remembers his father in that hat, a permanent fixture like a badge of honour. The scent that clung to it, a blend of pipe tobacco and old books, the smell of a man who loved words and stories, who could weave tales with the same ease as he could repair a leaky faucet. The quiet evenings spent in the living room, his father reading aloud while he sat nestled on the threadbare armchair, the lamplight casting dancing shadows on the walls.
The memories came flooding back, bittersweet and poignant. He remembers his father's laughter, deep and booming, ringing through the house like a joyous chime. He remembers the warmth of his hand on his shoulder, the reassuring pressure that spoke volumes. He remembers the stories, the tales of adventure and mystery, whispered in the hushed intimacy of the night.
He runs his fingers over the rough texture of the hat, feeling the worn fabric beneath his fingertips. The hat is a tangible reminder of a love he has lost. It is a symbol of a life that has been lived, and of a man who is gone. He feels a pang of longing, a yearning for a time he can never reclaim. He longs for the comfort of his father's presence, for the warmth of his embrace, for the reassurance of his love. He knows that he chances of bringing his father back are very slim due to the amount of time gone since the accident. Yet, he holds onto the hat, a precious relic as the words of his Grandma bring him back to the present.
"In the end, the TV-21 was just a bunch of steel and rivets. Your father would never have risked failing a mission just to save it. What he really loved was us. All of us - his family," Sally says and looks around at everyone including the Kayo and Marion, "And going really, really fast!" Everyone laughs at this, and Scott takes one final look at the hat before looking across to Alan. The only brother to have been sent off to boarding school and the one who never really knew their father as a result. Reaching out he passes the hat over to Alan before walking off with Marion. A single tear falling down the side of his face.
Alan looks at the hat in wonder. He smiles to himself and looks up at Kayo, who is sitting in his usual seat cross-legged. They share a smile with each other, and Alan reaches out to Kayo with the hat in his hand. Kayo looks surprised but takes the hat from Alan.
"It's for you," Alan states, "It's to remind you that no matter how much you may blame yourself for my father's... disappearance, it wasn't your fault."
Kayo swore that her secret love for the youngest Tracy grew tenfold in that moment. The stress of losing The Mechanic gone in an instant. Family was, is and will forever be, the most important thing on Tracy Island.