May 31st, 2063 - 12:57 CEST
5
The lights inside Module 2 turn on.
4
Pod A is attached to caterpillar tracks.
3
A mechanical arm is attached to the side.
2
A basket attaches to the back of Pod A.
1
Virgil gets inside Pod A.
Thunderbirds are Go!
Outside a large supermarket warehouse in Gibraltar, Virgil adjusts his sash as he gets himself strapped into the pod.
"Virgil, are you fully prepare for today's mission?" John asks.
"Everything's A-Okay, John," Virgil nods.
"You sure you don't need back up?" John asks seeing there's a lack of major emergencies.
"Situation under control," Virgil states.
"You're braver than I am, big brother," John sighs.
"Cargo Pod is go," Virgil says and exits Module 2 into a Supermarket carpark.
"Let's do some shopping," Sally announces from the top of the ramp that leads out of the module.
"This is going to be so much fun," Virgil mutters and waits for Sally to get inside the pod. Once Sally has secured herself in the back seat of the pod, Virgil makes his way towards the cargo entrance into the supermarket. As they make their way inside the shop, he drives past off the isles and checkout desks by making his way over to the far isle. He starts to snake the pod down the different isles.
"Grab some of that super shine gel for Scotty," Sally says pointing over to one of the shelves,"I've never seen a boy spend so much time combing his hair."
"He does like it super shiny," Virgil mutters before chuckling, "Though it'll help if Marion doesn't pull it out."
"Don't forget the TP," Sally calls interrupting Virgil's train of though and coming to an abrupt halt. The mechanical arm reaches over and grabs one of the boxes of the shelf.
"I think that's everything from this aisle. Electronics is just ahead," Virgil smiles.
"Detour," Sally announces and points in the opposite direction. Virgil looks and grits his teeth into a smile and heads over to the clothing section.
"Grandma, we're here to resupply the island," Virgil points out.
"Yes, that doesn't mean I can't also get in a little me time," Sally fires back.
"Alright, just make sure you leave room for food," Virgil replies and Ridley appears on his watch.
"Come in Virgil. We've got a situation," Ridley announces and brings up a holo-diagram of a mine entrance with three life signals, "Western Sahara, Africa. There's been a massive rockslide at a granite quarry outside of Smara. I'm getting reports the workers are trapped."
"Any local assistance available?" Virgil asks.
"Negative. Global Weather Centre is predicting a class ten sandstorm to hit within the next couple of hours," Ridley states, "Everyone in the area is bunkered down until it blows over. Thunderbird 2 is closest to the scene."
"We're on our way," Virgil replies and starts to head out of the sore once Sally had gotten back inside the pod.
"Hey!" the store manager yells as they exit with a full cart.
"Put it on our account!" Sally shouts behind them.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
May 31st, 2063 - 12:34 WEST
Thunderbird 2 flies high above the dust cloud, a bruised orange bleeding across the endless expanse below. The Western Sahara, usually a canvas of ochre and rust, is now a swirling vortex of crimson and ochre. A wind, born in the heart of the desert, whips across the dunes, tearing at the silence with a guttural growl.
The wind is a living thing, its fingers clawing at the parched earth, lifting plumes of sand into the sky. The sand, a fine, gritty powder, paints the air with a hazy brown, obscuring the sun and turning the world into a blurry watercolour. Visibility is reduced to a few centimetres, the horizon a rippling, shimmering mirage. The only sound being the howling, a mournful, primal song of the wind, its voice carrying across the vast emptiness. It whistles through the skeletal remains of ancient trees, their bleached bones twist into grotesque shapes. The sand, seeking purchase, burrows into every crevice, every crack, smothering the land in its suffocating embrace.
"You could have stayed and finished your shopping," Virgil says as they approach the site.
"And be worried about you the entire time?" Sally asks.
"This is my job, Grandma," Virgil replies.
"And worrying about you boys is mine," Sally responds, "I notice these things, such as you're the only one without a lady in your life."
"Erm..." Virgil trails, "And that's important, why?"
"I'm hoping for four sets of great-grandbabies," Sally states innocently, "One of your brothers is still a kid himself."
"Right..." Virgil mutters and to his relief Ridley calls.
"The crew was able to take shelter in the quarry's construction office before the collapse," Ridley says.
"Can you pass me down to the office?" Virgil asks.
"You got it. Channel is open," Ridley says and ends the transmission.
"This is Virgil Tracy of International Rescue," Virgil calls, "Do you copy?"
"Oh, glad to hear your voice," a man says, "This is Dallas Rainey, construction foreman. We've got a crew of three down here. The rockslide blocked all our exits."
"We'll get you out," Virgil reassures, "Where's the main entrance?"
"It's on the southwest-facing wall," Dallas explains.
"Okay, I'm heading down," Virgil replies. He actives Thunderbird VTOL engines and manoeuvrers his green goliath in the middle of the sandstorm. He perches it on a large sandbank that is opposite to the warehouse where the workers are trapped.
"That storms a-brewing," Sally comments.
"The faster I can get that crew, the faster we can get out of here," Virgil states and gets up to leave when another call comes in from Ridley causing Virgil to turn around again.
"You're not going to believe this," Ridley sighs, "We just got another distress call in your area."
"What is it?" Virgil asks.
"A tourist is caught in the storm," Ridley explains, "She couldn't evacuate in time and no one else is close enough to reach her."
"I can't be two places at once, Thunderbird 5," Virgil says.
"You don't have to be. I'll go," Sally states.
"Grandma, there's no way you can steer through a storm," Virgil responds.
"Isn't that what you have your fancy-pantsy autopilots for?" Sally asks.
"She'll be safe in Thunderbird 2," Ridley confirms, "Just keep the module at the quarry in case you need it."
"The ship will do the work, I'm just going along for the ride," Sally adds.
"Okay, I'll program the autopilot to take you straight there and back," Virgil sighs and sets the controls, "You won't need to touch anything."
"I'll be fine. You better get a move on," Sally says and watches as Virgil leave the cockpit to enter the module.
Virgil enters the module and the lights turn on as his exo-suit is lowered from its container, high up on the wall. While it lowers, Virgil dons his helmet and checks his oxygen levels are well supplied. Once his exo-suit is secured, Virgil makes a run for the exit. He uses his wrist communicator to raise Thunderbird 2 above the module allowing for him to leave. The door goes down providing a ramp for Virgil to run down. He turns around to look back at his bird.
Meanwhile, Sally has jumps into Virgil's seat ready to go. "Thunderbird 2 ready for take-off."
"Look after her," Virgil mutters as he starts Thunderbird 2's autopilot from his wrist controller. The module door closes once again as the VTOL engines fire up and the landing legs retract. Virgil briefly watches as Thunderbird 2 disappears into the sandstorm.
Another rockslide begins. Virgil watches the rocks fall carefully for a moment before making a run towards the office. He jumps over several pieces of rubble before coming to the bottom of the hill. He sees a couple of rocks falling straight towards him and takes cover behind a nearby boulder and watches as they fly over his head. Treading cautiously, Virgil decides to make another run for it up the hill, ducking and rolling as another rock flies over his head and quickly side-stepping to avoid another running down the hill. With little cover around him, Virgil makes a last dash to the control room and makes it there unharmed. He sighs in relief as starts to move the rocks blocking the entrance. "I'm here. Dallas, you and your crew, stand back." After moving several rocks, Virgil sees the door and kicks it open and enters to see all three workers accounted for. "Hi guys."
"He did it!" the female worker says.
"Are we pleased to see you!" Dallas smiles.
May 31st, 2063 - 12:43 WEST
A few miles away, Thunderbird 2 arrives on the scene of what used to be a market. However, the sandstorm has blown away much of the marquees leaving very little left. Bits of equipment is seen to go flying off in the wind along with a lot of storage containers that holds merchant goods.
"Oh my!" Sally exclaims as she looks around at the scene in front of her.
"Everything ok, Mrs Tracy?" Ridley asks.
"I'm fine. Coming in for a landing," Sally says and Thunderbird 2 begins its descent, but it comes to a stop for a moment and an alarm comes up on the screen in front of her.
"Mrs Tracy?" Ridley asks.
"I didn't touch a thing," Sally replies.
"The storm's interfering with the autopilot," Ridley mutters as he notices the wind index warning alongside Thunderbird 2's autopilot systems,"Virgil, do you copy?"
"I've got it. I can land Thunderbird 2 remotely," Virgil says and opens up his wrist controller and starts to pilot Thunderbird 2 from the holographic diagram.
"A perfect landing! Thanks Virgil," Sally says. She sees the tourist in question keeping cover under an abandoned stool holding two suitcases,"I see her!" The tourist sees to notice that arrival of International Rescue and starts to approach Thunderbird 2. However, the winds are too strong for her, and she is pushed back to the floor, forcing her to drop one of the cases. "The wind's too strong. She can't get to the ship!" Sally states. The tourist gets back to her feet and tries again. This time an oil barrel comes out of nowhere in the sand and almost takes her out. The woman manages to duck down behind some rocks and manages to avoid getting hit. As she goes to peek over the rocks, a large metal framework from one of the other stands comes charging at her forcing her to duck down again. It crashes into the rocks and comes to a stop. While it provides her with more cover, it blocks her path to Thunderbird 2."That poor kid isn't gonna make it."
"I can re-programme the auto-pilot to roll up closer," Ridley offers.
"No, she can't get out in this wind," Sally states, "We've got to reposition Thunderbird 2 to surround the tent. Can you re-programme this thing to do that?"
"No. For that we'll need Virgil to pilot remotely," Ridley sighs and presses Virgil's location on the holo-map in front of her, "Virgil, come in."
"Is Grandma, okay?" Virgil asks.
"She's fine, but she needs your help with the rescue," Ridley states as Virgil clears the exit for the workers to make their escape.
"The storm's about to hit here," Virgil replies, "I've got to get these guys out."
"The storm's already here and this young woman isn't going to make it," Sally fires back, "Unless you help me get this ship to her."
Virgil sighs and enters the control room where the workers are waiting patiently. "Sorry guys, this will just take minute. Someone needs our help."
"Go for it," Dallas nods and Virgil opens his wrist communicator again and starts to pilot Thunderbird 2.
"You've got eyes on it, Grandma. What do you suggest?" Virgil asks as he flies Thunderbird 2 overhead.
"We're going to have to land right on top of the shop. She can enter through the cargo bay. The walls will shield her from the storm," Sally explains.
"Let's just hope I can do this," Virgil mumbles.
"I heard that. Of course, you can do it," Sally says sternly and waits for Thunderbird 2 to descend before relaying instructions over to Virgil, "A little to the left. Almost there. Not too far. You're gonna clip the tent. Alright that's it. Slow and easy. Straight down now. Perfect!"
"You did it," Dallas smiles at Virgil who just sighs in relief.
"Okay, Grandma, open the bay door," Virgil says.
Sally goes into the back and opens the door which would normally lead straight through to the module. "Come get in, out of the storm!"
"Mrs Tracy?!" the tourist says.
"Wait, I know you," Sally realises, "You're that girl Virgil saved in London."
"Yes, it's Nina," Nina says and shakes Sally's hand and they head inside out of the wind.
"Phew..." Sally says as they take a seat in the cockpit, "What's a young woman like you doing out in a storm like this?"
"I was doing some research for the London Fire Brigade," Nina explains and indicates to the box in her hands, "I got these off a merchant called Kate just before the storm hit."
"What happened to Kate?" Sally asks and watches as Nina's expression drops.
"She... she didn't make it," Nina mumbles and Sally raps her into a hug.
"It's not your fault, dear," Sally says, "None of us were expecting the storm to be this bad."
"How have you been?" Nina asks changing the conversation.
"Well, me and Virg were doing some shopping until we got called about a collapsed mine," Sally explains.
"I love shopping," Nina exclaims, "I wish I could witness a Tracy Shopping run. I bet the boys act like it's a nightmare come true."
"Your quite right, dear," Sally chuckles, "How's it been with the brigade?"
"Interesting," Nina says, "Every day is different and that's what keeps me interested. I'm sure it's the same with International Rescue."
"Except April's," Sally states, "They're always busy."
"Sounds painful," Nina chuckles, "I don't know how you manage with five grandsons. I can barely deal with my brother."
"I don't know myself," Sally laughs and the pair fall into a comfortable silence, "I'd offer you something to eat, but I'm all out of homemade cookies. As the boys would say, 'lucky for you'."
"Aw, that's so mean," Nina frowns and is about to continue when a large bang is heard and the whole ship rocks, "It's getting gusty out there. This storm isn't going to blow us away, right?"
"Maybe, if it catches the wings just right," Sally muses and calls Ridley, "Ridley? Be a dear and get John."
"Of course, Grandma Tracy," Ridley smiles and calls John over.
"Hey, Grandma," John says, "What can I do for you?"
"Be a dear and walk me through using the grapple launchers," Sally requests.
"Well, targeting is done with the thumb controllers on the steering column. The rocker switch next to them toggles front and back," John explains as Sally locates the controls on the panels, "A double tap launches the grapples."
"There," Sally smiles as she fires the grapples into the sand successfully, "That should keep us from taking any unexpected trips. Now if we're lucky, all we do is sit here until this blows over."
"International Rescue, we have a situation," Virgil suddenly calls as appears on the holo-comm.
"Well, I think our luck may have just run out," Sally mutters, "Virgil, what's going on?" The hologram shows Virgil to be holding the roof of the control room up and voices of the workers are heard in the background.
"The shifting sands are putting extra weight on the structure. It's not gonna hold much longer," Virgil strains and turns to his side as the structure pushes down on him, "Thunderbird 5, if we don't find a way out of here, we're not gonna make it!"
"Yes, you are!" Nina yells.
"Nina?" Virgil questions.
"We're coming to get you," Sally states.
"Grandma, there's no way. The storm's interfering with the autopilot and I've got my hands full. I can't remotely fly you back," Virgil says as he gets over the shock that Nina is present.
"Don't need remote control or autopilot. I'll do it," Sally replies firmly.
"You?" John, Virgil, Nina and Ridley all say.
"Have a little faith," Sally smiles turning to Nina, "Who do you think taught the great Jeff Tracy to fly?"
"But that was on Thunderbird 6," Virgil says.
"And a long, long... long time ago," John adds.
"Not that long ago," Sally dismisses, "Nina, I'm gonna need a navigator."
"F-A-B, is it?" Nina chuckles.
"That's what they say," Sally smiles, "Prepare to release the grapples."
"You got it," Nina smiles. Thunderbird 2's VTOL engines fire up again and Sally retracts the landing legs. Sally gets a feel of hovering Thunderbird 2 over the sand dunes a few meters above the ground to make sure she has a handle of the controls.
"Hit it. Thunderbird 2 is go," Sally says. Nina releases the grapples and they take off into the storm. Thunderbird 2 strains as it increases in altitude. The storm had been increased to a Category 13 which is approaching the limits of what Thunderbird 2 can handle but they eventually level off. "Come we go!"
"I think you're getting the hang of it," Nina states.
"Just like riding a bike. A four hundred and six tonne bike," Sally adds as Thunderbird 2 starts cruising, "You know, I flew round the world when I was about your age. Solo."
"Sounds amazing," Nina muses.
"It was. And then I met my husband and had my son, who thankfully loved exploring as much as we did. The world outside was one big sandbox," Sally reminisces, "But you wouldn't believe the bugs."
"Actually, I would after living through Britain's summers and a week here," Nina says, "The pesky bas— buggers are everywhere."
"But you're following your dream of looking after people. Good for you," Sally smiles as Thunderbird 2 breaks through the clouds and into calmer conditions. The warm glow of the orange sun beams down on them.
"Was this your dream?" Nina asks.
"Like you, it was my son's dream to help people. Now it's my grandson's. I'm happy to support them. Even if it means baking bad cookies and buying toilet paper by the pallet," Sally laughs.
"It's not so bad up here," Nina notes looking out.
"Enjoy it while it lasts. In another minute we'll be diving back in," Sally states and calls the mine, "Virgil, how you holding up?"
"Oh, it could be better," Virgil grunts as he holds up the roof.
"Well don't you worry, I'll be there any minute," Nina smiles as she sees Virgil on the hologram, "You tell the others."
"F-A-B," Virgil acknowledges and turns to the workers, "My Grandma says don't worry. She's coming to pick us up."
"Your Grandma?" the male worker cries.
May 31st, 2063 - 13:27 WEST
Nina keeps the map of the landscape below in front of her. Eventually, Virgil's International Rescue symbol comes up on the screen ahead and she gets the attention of Sally.
"Okay, here we go. It's gonna be bumpy," Sally informs and they make their decent back into the storm. Thunderbird 2 shakes due to the hurricane force winds. She turns on Thunderbird 2's search and rescue light as they approach the construction sight and soon the faint shape of the module appears. Despite this, they are unable to make out the warehouse building that Virgil entered earlier. The wind from the sandstorm had not over covered it in rocks but loose sand has made it down the lower terrain that the building is located in, hiding it from view. "Virgil, where are you?"
"You sure this is where the quarry is?" Nina asks, "It's just sand and rock."
"Ridley, can you help us out here?" Sally asks.
"Infer-red will show you the exact location," Ridley says and displays Thunderbird 5's scans onto the dashboard.
"There's the building. It's completely buried!" Nina points out
"Then we're gonna have to dig them out. Let's land this thing," Sally says and hovers Thunderbird 2 over the module,"I can do this. I think..."
"I heard that," Virgil states, "Of course you can do it."
"Of course, I can," Sally smiles and starts to bring Thunderbird 2 down.
"A little to the left," Nina instructs as she looks and the holo-screen in front of her, "Almost there. You're overhead now. Alright, that's it. Slow and easy. Straight down."Thunderbird 2 scraps against the module and in response, Sally inches the ship forward slightly and it lands, re-connecting with the module.
"Perfect!" Ridley says over the comms.
"Well done," Nina compliments.
"Not bad for an old Grandma," Sally sighs.
"Virgil, I'm getting a reading from your suit. CO2 levels are critical. You only have a couple of minutes before the crew runs out of breathable air," Ridley informs.
"I know, Ridley," Virgil pants and sees the crew coughing in the corner.
"We're on our way!" Sally says and gets up.
"These might come in handy," Nina says picking up the suitcase that she'd brought with her, "Kate said they provide ninety-nine point nine-nine percent air filtration, boost oxygen content and are bug resistant." She opens up the case to reveal several baseball caps that have a face shield attached to the front of them.
"Then bring 'em," Sally nods and the pair make it to the module and Sally goes over to the control panel and selects a Mole Pod. The mechanical arms get to work attaching the correct components to the pods. They grab the body of Pod A, which is given a drill on the front of them while caterpillar tracks are connected to the underside. The large basket is attached at the rear to allow a space to evacuate all of the workers at once. They both put on the hats that Kate had made and enter The Mole. The module is then released from Thunderbird 2's main body and the ramp lowers. "Mole Pod is go!"
"If you go in at a 72 degree angle you'll enter the back of the construction office, but hurry Mrs Tracy, CO2 levels are critical!" Ridley informs.
Sally nods and starts to drill downwards where Ridley and indicated and set the controls to 72 degrees. Within moments they break through the sand and make their way down and seconds later enter the crushed control room. "Hop in boys!"
"Thanks, Grandma," Virgil strains and makes one last push on the roof to allow the workers to make their way over The Mole.
"I've never been more glad to see anyone's Grandma in my life!" the male worker says and Dallas nods in agreement.
"The protective hats in the trailer will filter the air. Everyone put them on," Nina orders.
"Hats?" the female worker asks.
"Virgil, you better get out of there now!" Ridley informs.
"Copy that," Virgil states and pushes the roof up on final time before pushing forward and rolling next to The Mole. He crawls along the side and climbs into the basket at the back, "Step on it, Grandma!"
"Woah!" Dallas cries as The Mole begins its journey back to the surface.
"Woah, indeed," Sally says as they break the surface, and she opens the top of the basket up to reveal that the storm has passed and only sunlight could be seen now. She drives The Mole back into the module and opens it to help everyone out the back. Virgil gets out and goes to greet Nina when Dallas steps in front of him.
"We wouldn't have made it without ya," Dallas says and shakes Virgil's hand before doing the same to Sally, "Or you."
"My pleasure," Sally smiles.
"I'm just glad we got everyone out," Virgil says and walks over to Nina, who's sitting on The Mole's caterpillar tracks, "Facing seeing you here."
"Oh," Nina says acting surprised, "And who are you again?"
Virgil smirks and grabs Nina pulling her into a hug, "It's good to see you again."
"Likewise," Nina smirks, returning the hug, "Though hopefully next time we meet in London."
"That would be nice," Virgil says, "I can take you up The Crystal Spier."
"Oh, would you?" Nina asks raising her eyebrows, "What are you insinuating Mr Tracy?"
"I... Er..." Virgil stutters.
"Cat got your tongue?" Nina chuckles.
"Nina," Virgil says, gaining confidence.
"Virgil," Nina mocks.
"When we can arrange a time," Virgil starts, "Would you like to go on a date?"
"Hmm," Nina thinks, "Would I like to go on a date with Virgil Tracy? I wonder..."
"You can say no," Virgil adds quickly and is surprised when Nina starts giggling.
"I'm messin' with you Virgil," Nina laughs, "Of course!"
"YES!" Virgil cries then collects himself, "I mean... sure, that's good."
"Did I hear something about a date?" Sally inquires.
"Maybe," Virgil says, "I'll catch up with you later then, Nina."
"Sure, Virgil," Nina smiles, "See you later, Mrs Tracy."
"Please, it's Sally. Call me, Sally," Sally states.
"Well, Sally. It's been awesome seeing you again. I can only hope my life can get more adventurous," Nina states.
"I'm pretty sure it will be," Sally says and watches and Nina walks off.
"I can't wait to get back to the island and take a shower," Virgil says and turns around to leave when Sally stops him and reaches into her pocket.
"Not too fast. We gotta go back and finish our shopping," Sally states and unfolds the list again, "And while we're there, we can pick up that tracksuit I had my eye on."
"Shit," Virgil mutters as he watches Sally make her way back into the cockpit reading items off the list. This day really had to drag on.