March 27th, 2064 - 07:01 NZDT
A lot had happened in the last three months. The Hood, Transom and Mullion have been causing havoc across the globe with no end it seemed to their schemes. They had dubbed themselves The Chaos Crew, living up to the name. For International Rescue, it seemed that it was April ever since month from now on.
In the last week, there had been only one day where a Thunderbird was at Tracy Island for a couple of hours. Brains has been working effortlessly working on completing Thunderbird 8, which is still falling short on the last few tests. Nina had been waiting patiently and working well with Virgil to deal with situations in Thunderbird 2. Just last month, the pair officially started dating and were very happy. Scott on the other hand, had hoped to propose to Marion at the beginning of the year with The Hood's and The Mechanic's arrest but this had unfortunately taken a back seat.
Ridley and John were tirelessly working in Thunderbird 5 dealing with a current string of distress calls. Currently, Thunderbirds 1 and 2 were dealing with a derailed train in China, Thunderbird 3 is putting a space station back into orbit after an unknown malfunction, Thunderbird S is following a lead on the possibility of fraud in Warren Grafton's company, Thunderbird 4 is at a underwater research plant that has gone into meltdown and Thunderbird 7 is just about to leave the scene of an avalanche.
"International Rescue, hold please," John sighs.
"I'm beginning to think we're the ones who need the help," Ridley groans.
"Just another April... almost, oh shit," John facepalms.
"She came from out of nowhere! I don't know what hit us!" someone with a Liverpudlian accent shouts over the coms.
"He's set off some kind of charge," another man starts, and this brings John to attention, "The whole crane is coming down."
"Fucks sake," Ridley mumbles and a purple symbol appears on the holo-map.
"International Rescue. our situation may have a situation," John says.
"The Chaos Crew," Ridley growls.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
March 26th, 2064 - 15:28 EST
Thunderbird 7 arrives on the scene where Mullion, or Fuse as he's now known, had set off charges causing several cranes to become unstable. Marion hovers Thunderbird 7 a suitable distance away from the crane in case it did collapse and jetpacks over to the control unit at the top of the crane where a man is stuck.
"Hey! Help!" the man cries, "Help me!"
"Try to stay calm!" Marion calls, "I'm getting you out!"
"How? There's no way down?!" the guy says and on closer inspection, Marion notices that he is trapped under some debris, "That's what I was trying to do. Now, I'm stuck!"
Marion narrows her eyes as she peers through a small gap in the machinery and fires a grapple down at the guy, which lands in front of him. "Hook that to your harness," Marion orders and watches the guy clip it on. "Oh!" Marion inhales, "Argh!" She pushes herself away from the crane arm with a little help from the jetpack and uses herself as a pulley freeing the guy.
"Aarrghhhhhhhh!" the guy yells as he flies into the air.
"Almost there," Marion says, "I'm going to lower you down now. As soon as you touch the ground, run as far away as you can."
"Okay," the guy says, "Thank you International Rescue!"
"What's your status, Thunderbird 7?" John asks.
"One down, one more to go," Marion replies, "John, is there any help you can find me? Another Thunderbird? The local authorities? Rescue scouts?"
"Area Search and Rescue is dispatched somewhere else," John states.
"And neither Scott or Virgil can't get there fast enough," Ridley adds.
"I guess it's just me, then," Marion sighs as an alarm goes off in Thunderbird 5.
"Actually, hold on a minute," Ridley says, "I'm detecting a vehicle of some kind closing in on your position."
"You don't think the Chaos Crew's coming back, do you?" John asks.
"Huh?" Marion squints and turns at a noise of a small robot flying towards the other crane, "Whoa. Actually, Thunderbird 5, I don't know what to think."
"Do not be afraid, I am here to rescue you," the robot says to the other guy in the crane.
"But whatever this thing is, it's... it's using Scott's line," Marion says confused and jets over to the other crane where the robot starts to do a scan of the person.
"Huh? What is this?" the guy exclaims, "Huhhhh!" Marion goes in closer but gets thrown back suddenly.
"Aarrghhh!" Marion yells and shields her eyes from a shock wave that engulfs the crane causing it to tilt. She watches in horror as the crane's base erupts with smoke and watches it go over. Luckily, the robot goes down after the crane and uses a plasma cutter to break the worker out and uses a grapple line to save him from getting killed. The robot then flies over to Marion and looks over at her.
"Please stay calm. Do you require medical assistance?" the robot asks.
"Er... no. I'm... I'm fine," Marion stutters. The robot stares at her for a moment before it heads to away to take the guy to safety. Still puzzled, Marion gets back into Thunderbird 7 and makes her way back to Tracy Island. One her journey, she decides to contact Scott to explain what just happened.
"I'm telling you, Scott," Marion says, "It just came out of nowhere."
"I'm sure Brains would love to get his hands on it," Scott says.
"That shouldn't be a problem. It's been following me home like a loss puppy," Marion sighs, "I had to slow down just so he can keep up. Still, I'm not sure I want this thing on the island until we know who built it."
"Thunderbirds 1 and 7 we have a priority call from the GDF," John says appearing with Ridley next to Scott on Marion's holo-screen.
"It's Colonel Casey. Patching her through now," Ridley says and her and John disappear again.
"Hello, Scott, Marion," Casey says.
"Colonel, do you know anything about this robot?" Scott asks.
"We need to talk," Casey smiles.
March 27th, 2064 - 08:13 NZDT
"It's called a Rescue Operation Robot," Scott says.
"Robot for short," Marion states as they watch it fly around the main hanger on Tracy Island.
"Ooh Clever," Gordon scoffs. He stands with Virgil, Nina, Brains and Max as Scott and Marion explains the briefing they had with Colonel Casey.
"I know." Marion sighs, "This one went missing from a GDF testing lab before they could make their big unveiling."
"There's more of them?" Virgil asks.
"Well, apparently, Colonel Casey wants the GDF to be more useful in the rescue department," Scott says.
"So, they're going to replace us with Robots?" Gordon asks and Max whirs in shock.
"No. No. Not replace... Help," Scott says, "With low priority situations."
"You have to admit with the Chaos Crew on the loose, we could use all the help we can get." Nina says.
"Hopefully Thunderbird 8 can provide some help soon," Virgil says.
"Then the GDF should stay focused on catching them and use the rescue stuff to the professionals," Gordon says.
"Yeah, Professionals!" Alan says as he and Kayo walk into the room.
"Like you're a professional at something," Kayo jokes.
"Hm. Casey says we're welcome to test this robot out. And yes, Brains, that means you can have a look inside to see how it ticks," Marion says.
"Yes!" Brains exclaims.
"Break it, Brains!" Gordon whispers and Brains looks at Gordon in shock. Max whirs again and taps Gordon on the knee.
"In the meantime, Colonel Casey is confident that her plan to catch the Chaos Crew is going to work," Scott says.
"What makes her so sure?" Virgil asks.
"She'll have Kayo," Marion replies.
"Time to fly," Kayo states, "You coming, Al?"
"You betcha," Alan responds.
5
Kayo and Alan descend and start to get suited up.
4
They get into Kayo's Shadow Bike and Kayo drives them 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 Thunderbird's engines start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!
March 26th, 2064 - 21:57 GMT
"Kayo... and Alan Tracy," Casey trails, "It's my pleasure to introduce Captain Wayne Rigby. Captain Rigby has been given the sole task of tracking down The Hood and his Chaos Crew."
"Captain," Kayo says and Alan sticks a handout. However, Rigby doesn't acknowledge either of them.
"But since you've had more experience dealing with The Hood than anyone else, Kayo, I thought you could help him get started," Casey explains.
"Huh?" Rigby suddenly mutters and finally moves for the first time since the couple have entered the room.
"It would be my pleasure. The sooner we catch the Chaos Crew, the better," Kayo says. Casey opens her mouth to continue when her com-link buzzes.
"Excuse me of a second," Casey says and answers the phone, taking at seat at her desk, "Director Portillo, how may I be of assistance?"
"Must be an honour to be given your task, Captain," Alan says.
"I don't want you here." Rigby grunts and the couple look at each other confused. The turn back to Rigby and Kayo narrows her eyes.
"Excuse me?" Kayo asks.
"No offense, but this is a military matter. I don't need your rescue service advising me," Rigby says.
"Is that a fact?" Kayo asks.
"Leave the bad guy catching to us. International Rescue can focus on saving kittens from trees. And from what I hear you might not even be doing that for much longer," Rigby says.
"Ugh!" Alan growls annoyed, like Gordon, at the introduction of the robots.
"Right, now, where were we?" Casey asks as she walks back over, "Rigby, why don't you bring us up to speed on the Chaos Crew?"
"Of course, Colonel. Here is what we know about the Chaos Crew so far," Rigby says and pulls up the briefing on the holo-screen, "Two suspects remain at large. Suspect one drives this muscle car. Suspect two operates this quad-bike."
"Anymore, Captain?" Casey asks.
"Uh, any questions?" Rigby asks.
"Just one, Captain. Would you mind if we fill in a few blanks?" Kayo asks.
"Wha..." Rigby trails.
"Lady Penelope," Alan calls from his wrist com, "We're ready."
"I hope I'm not too late. Traffic and all that," Penelope says as she walks into the office.
"Lady Penelope! Always a pleasure. have a seat captain." Casey gestures and Rigby growls in frustration but complies with the order.
"Over the last few weeks, Kayo and I have done a little digging into this so-called Chaos Crew," Penelope says, "Alan has helped at some points as well."
"The Hood hasn't shown any discernible pattern or motive to his actions other than to cause as much chaos as possible," Kayo says.
"To achieve this, he's acquired the help of two new associates," Alan says and plugs in a holo-unit in to display some security footage, "Lady Penelope, if you want to go through this one?"
"Most certainty," Penelope says, "This one is called Transom - who the GDF may remember from the Island invasion of 2061. She goes by the name of Havoc now. A thief, codebreaker and master of deception. Tech gloves give her control over all forms of electronics. Integrated climbing wires add to her already considerable agility. And holographic emito-spheres cover her tracks. Specifications on the Spoiler, her vehicle, are being sent to your data-pad, Captain."
"Thank you, Lady Penelope," Alan smiles and plugs in another holo-unit before turning to Kayo, "As for Havoc's brother..."
"This is Fuse," Kayo explains, "Like Havoc, he was involved in the Island invasion of 2061 under the name Mullion. He's a demolition expert. Fully protected due to his armour. He is on Basher, his all-terrain vehicle. Fuse has enhanced strength through his power punches. These can smash through almost any surface and the shockwaves can be particularly devastating."
"The two of them also pilot this..." Alan says and pulls up an image of their big ship, "The Chaos Cruiser. The Hood has found a way to integrate their vehicles into one single craft. Its stealth abilities are unmatched. I can assure you, getting these images were no small feat."
"Very impressive Lady Penelope. I don't know what we'd do without you," Casey says.
"Grrrrrr," Rigby growls in annoyance and anger and looks away.
March 27th, 2064 - 09:06 NZDT
Brains starts work at taking the robot apart. Gordon and Nina say behind to take a look at what's going on. Max stands off to the side and occasionally brings tools over for Brains.
"Move over. I can't see anything," Nina complains.
"Neither can I!" Gordon states, "Is it any good, Brains? What do you think?"
"Give me room," Brains says as he stands up and takes his head piece off. Her glares at the two and grabs another tool off Max, "I've only taken a c-cursory glance. But what I can tell..."
"Piece of junk? Please say piece of junk," Gordon says.
"N-No, Gordon. I'm very impressed!" Brains says, "B-But they'll still need vigorous field testing." A beeping sound goes off and John and Ridley appear on the hologram display on Brains' desk behind them. The small group turn around to face them.
"We have a situation," John says.
"We're receiving new reports of Chaos Crew activities," Ridley says.
"Here we go again," Marion sighs as she, Scott and Virgil enter the hanger.
"What have we got?" Scott asks.
"It's an SOS from the Polar Explorer Station," John says.
"It's been reported that Fuse was there and now, the whole stations has fallen through the ice," Ridley says.
"Gordon, Nina and I will take it," Virgil says.
"Better alert the GDF while you guys are at it," Marion says.
"Already have," John says.
March 26th, 2064 - 22:11 GMT
"Permission to be dismissed, Colonel," Rigby asks as he slams his fists down on the desk. Thunderbird 5 had just contacted the headquarters informing of Fuse's activities. "If I work fast, I might be able to pick up Fuse's trail," he adds for good measure.
"Or you can actually catch Havoc in the act," Kayo says and brings up an image on the screen of what appears to be a security footage, "Thunderbird 5 just sent us this."
"It looks like you have a change of plan, Captain," Casey states, "Dismiss."
March 27th, 2064 - 09:12 NZDT
5
Virgil runs over to the painting of a rocket and gets suited up.
4
Thunderbird 4 is loaded into Module 4.
3
Nina joins Gordon and 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!
March 27th, 2064 - 09:40 NZDT
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Virgil?" Gordon asks.
"What better to check these things out rather than up close and personal?" Virgil replies.
"I dunno bro," Gordon says, "He keeps looking at me funny." Nina sighs and shakes her head at the idiocy of Gordon's comments.
"It's not, Gordon," Virgil states.
"I don't think he likes me," Gordon says.
"It has no FEELINGS, Gordon." Virgil exclaims and Nina starts laughing next him.
"I've got my eyes on you, pal," Gordon responds and pauses for a second allowing Nina to get her laughter under control. "He winked at me!"
"For fucks sake, Gordon," Nina laughs, "Stop taking shit, this is serious."
"Arriving on scene now," Virgil announces. They look at the cliff side and Nina whistles at what she sees.
"Well, at least we know where to look," Nina says staring at a large Chaos Crew symbol.
"The ice is too unstable for me to land. Nina will put down the module and wait for you downrange," Virgil says.
"FAB," Gordon says.
"Thunderbird 2 is in position," Virgil says, "Standby for launch Thunderbird 4."
"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° angle.
"Thunderbird 4 is go!" Gordon says and launches Thunderbird 4 into the depths below with the robot travelling close behind.
"I'm in range. Deploying grasping arms," Gordon says and goes to approach the sunken command deck when the robot overtakes him and deploys its own grasping arms. "So, you think you can out grab me, huh? We'll see about that," Gordon grunts, "Deploying the remote airbags." Gordon states. They realise from the sides of Thunderbird 4 and attach to either side of the command deck, "Now to get this thing topside." He presses a button on the top control panel in Thunderbird 4 and the airbags inflate causing the deck to start rising with the trapped people inside. As it rises, Gordon sees something on the underside of the deck. "Hold on a minute," Gordon calls as hears a beeping sound, "Fuse left more than his mark behind!" Its detonator then goes off and fires a shockwave sending Thunderbird 4 flying. The airbags burst and the deck drops to the bottom of the ocean again. "The station is taking a nosedive! Where is that Robot? I thought it was supposed to help?" Gordon inquires. The command deck then suddenly stops falling and looking underneath, Gordon sees the robot has caught it. "Oh! Nice catch," Gordon gasps, "Did I mention how much I love these things?"
"You don't fuckin' say?" Nina laughs.
"We're tracking you to the edge of the ice flow now. Standby for pick up," Virgil says.
March 26th, 2064 - 14:36 PDT
Inside a warehouse in LA, Kayo, Alan, Rigby and several GDF officers charge in and watch Havoc run along one of the bridges.
"Hold it right there," Rigby calls, "You're under arrest!"
Havoc stops her run and watches Rigby as he stands under a platform. Alan and Kayo run behind some shipping containers to get her on the other side to trap her. Havoc smirks as she looks at Rigby and fires a grapple over to the top on the platform he is underneath. The grapple lines are then electrified, and it sends sparks over to the platform supports that begin to buckle. She pulls away and the platform starts to fall down on top of Rigby, and he ducks for cover. Havoc grins and turns to leave and comes face to face with Alan and Kayo.
"Huh?" Havoc gasps. Kayo gets ready to fight when Havoc smirks and fires two grapples out the back of her suit and pulls herself up to the next platform, disappearing with a salute.
Meanwhile, Kayo, Rigby and the GDF attempt to arrest Havoc. She just about gets away as Kayo chases her while Rigby gets pinned. Havoc laughs at Kayo before she uses her gear to get away.
"Where did she go?" Rigby asks.
"There!" Kayo points over to the other side of the room.
"We'll split up. Do not engage Havoc directly," Rigby says.
"It might be better if we—" Alan starts.
"That's the plan," Rigby interrupts, "Are we clear?"
"We're fuckin' clear," Kayo glares as Rigby walks off.
"Dickhead," Alan mumbles and the couple chase after Rigby and Havoc. Havoc continues to run on the upper platforms and uses her grapples to swing herself across when necessary.
Rigby takes the lead as they head up a set of stairs and starts doing hand signals to Kayo and Alan.
"Agh," Kayo scoffs, mocking Rigby with his hand signals causing him to stop, "First, we don't know what any of that nonsense means."
"And second," Alan continues, "From up there she can see everything. There's no point in trying to be stealthy, Captain."
"Then what do YOU suggest," Rigby scowls as Kayo and Alan both walk past him and continue up the stairs.
"Stay right there," Alan says, "We're gonna do this Kayo's way."
The couple run up the stairs and go in different directions at the very top. Havoc had dropped down to a lower level in order to escape and this gave the pair an advantage. The slippery member of the Chaos Crew makes it to the exit door and is about to go through when a grapple attaches to her back.
"Huh?" Havoc questions and tries to see what's got her. When she turns, looking up, she spots Kayo with the other end of the grapple line. As she looks down again, Alan stands with a stun gun pointed directly at her.
"You're a hard person to catch. But not impossible," Kayo breathes. She and Havoc fight with Alan standing back with the stun gun ready to fire at moment's notice. Kayo ends up tying Havoc up and the pair head back to Rigby giving him a shock. He hears a noise and turns around to see a tied-up Havoc and Kayo and Alan strolling towards him. "I even gift-wrapped her for you," Kayo says.
"I think I may owe you an apology, Miss Kyrano," Rigby says.
"Not necessary, Captain," Kayo says and shakes his hand.
"I apologies to you also, Alan Tracy," Rigby states.
"As long as we respect Kayo," Alan chuckles, "I think both of us will manage just fine."
March 27th, 2064 - 16:02 NZDT
"So, what's your opinion, Brains?" Casey asks. Brains, Max, Scott and Marion where all gathered in the lounge and talking to Casey after Brains had completed his analysis on the robot.
"I've done a complete b-breakdown and reassembly. M-Mechanically speaking, I see n-nothing of concern," Brains says.
"I hate to admit it, but these Rescue Operation Bots might actually help us," Scott says.
"In that case, I have an entire fleet ready to activate. This could be the start of a bright new future for the GDF," Casey says and hangs up.
"Oh," Marion sighs, "I hope you don't come to regret that."
"I use robots all the time," Brains says.
"We know, Brains," Scott replies, "But it's different when lives are at stake."
"We have to make split second decisions in the field," Marion continues, "And I'm not so sure a robot can do that."
March 28th, 2064 - 21:04 NZDT
"Space Freighter, Echo 247. Mayday, mayday!" a voice cries.
"I read you, Echo 247," John says, "This is International Rescue."
"We are falling to Earth and our engine is offline!" the guy replies.
"Sit tight, Echo 247. Help is on the way," John informs and calls Tracy Island, "International Rescue. We have a situation."
"Did somebody say, 'space rescue'?" Alan asks as he enters the lounge, "I'm on it."
"Actually, he just said 'situation'," Gordon states.
"Ur, close enough," Alan replies, "See you in space."
5
Alan sits down on his chair and starts to descend.
4
Alan enters the suit up area.
"Never mind, Alan," Ridley calls, "I've just been informed that a GDF robot has the situation under control."
"This is the most embarrassing moment of my life," Alan sighs as he looks down at his attire of shorts and a chest-plate. He changes again into his T-Shirt and heads back into the lounge. "I'm sick of scrubbing missions!" Alan groans, taking a seat next to Scott.
"Maybe this is the new normal," Virgil says.
"Yeah, but it's been two days, US based, since the robots were fully deployed and since then we've had zero rescues," Scott says.
"Yeah, not even a cat up a tree," Marion chuckles, "Maybe you should head back to the GDF and help Kayo out."
"Good idea," Alan says getting up, "I'll take Tracy 1 right away."
"Enjoy it, Alan," Nina calls, "Don't have too much fun."
"I—" Alan starts going red and decides to run off. Gordon laughs before turning back to the topic in hand.
"I'm telling you. We've been replaced," Gordon says, "Before long, our robot overlords will be controlling everything."
"Bloody hell," Marion facepalms.
March 28th, 2064 - 06:46 EDT
Alan arrives at the GDF base that is holding Havoc. He enters the control room to find Kayo and Rigby watching Havoc on the monitor. She stares up at the camera with a smirk on her face. Not something you want for a hard-line criminal like her.
"She hasn't said a word in two days," Rigby says, "We need her to tell us where Fuse and The Hood are hiding."
"You won't get anything useful out of Havoc," Kayo says.
"I'm not getting anything useful standing here either," Rigby scoffs and then nudges Alan slightly as he heads out the room.
"Morning to you too," Alan mutters and makes his way over to Kayo grabbing onto her hands, "And how are you doing, Ms Badass."
"Very well now you're here," Kayo smiles and kisses Alan briefly, "Though as much as I'm enjoying this, we should focus on the monitors.
"Yes, of course," Alan nods and they turn to look at the screens.
"Let's try this again..." Rigby says leaving to door of her cell open, "Where's that brother of yours hiding out?" Suddenly, Havoc flickers and the door behind him moves wide open and he sees the real Havoc running off. "It was a hologram!" Rigby gasps as he looks under the desk to see one of the holographic emito-spheres, "Kyrano! Sound the alarm!"
March 28th, 2064 - 22:48 NZDT
John and Ridley have moved to their rooms due to the lack of rescues that need attention. They both open their miniature holograms of Earth on their data-pads, while lying down on their beds. EOS keeps monitor in the main control room still just in case they miss something.
"SOS! A ship is adrift," a caller says.
"This is the Global Defence Force," an automated message says, "GDF robots are on the way."
"Thank you, GDF!" the caller replies.
"It's a pretty bad oil spill," another caller says, "My partner is still inside the tank."
"Please stay calm," the GDF worker says, "GDF robots are being sent to your location."
"Thank you, GDF!" the guy replies.
"Anything?" Scott asks calling in to check up on the pair.
"Plenty, but the GDF seems to have everything under control," John says.
"I've never been so annoyed at a former employer," Ridley grumbles.
"Ugh, I think we may be out of a job," Scott says when a new call comes in.
"Hold on," John says, "I'm picking up an automated distress beacon from the high-altitude civilian transfer station."
"That's the place with the new tourist space elevator," Ridley says.
"It's impressive technology but something is wrong with the rotor blades that keeps it's lower platform flying," John says.
"That could be serious," Ridley says.
"Really serious," John says and runs a simulation, "This is how it looks normally, and this is how it'll look if we don't help."
"Then I'd say we have a job to do," Scott says, "Ridley could you—"
"Ah - Never mind. Bot's on the way," John says.
"ARGH!" Everyone groans.
"I'm heading down to Tracy Island if you don't mind," Ridley says.
"Sure," John replies, "It's not like we're needed anyway." Ridley nods and departs for the Space Elevator.
"I'm going to give them a call just to be sure," John states turning back to Scott.
"FAB," Scott responds and hangs up. John sighs and presses the call to contract the tourist space elevator when he notices that they've stopped moving.
"This is International Rescue, we're monitoring your situation and assistance is on the way," John says.
"You hear that? International Rescue is coming to save us," a guy says.
"Actually, uh..." John mutters, "The GDF is sending a robot."
March 28th, 2064 - 07:01 EDT
Rigby, Kayo and Alan run down a corridor in pursuit of Havoc. Alan then turns right while Rigby and Kayo continue heading forwards.
"How did she hide tech in order to pull this off?" Rigby cries as they enter a large hanger and look around, "We searched Havoc six times before she went into that holding cell."
"No one's blaming you, Captain. Even with all our intel, Havoc has a lot of tricks up her sleeves," Kayo says and they start running down another corridor, "She let herself be captured. Havoc is after something here."
"Then we better catch her before she finds it," Rigby says. Rigby gets a notification to state that some GDF equipment has been hacked into. He growls in frustration and the pair continue running and turn a corner to see Havoc standing in the middle holding a briefcase. On the opposite side of the corridor, Alan stands and already has his stun gun aiming at her back.
"Hello again," Havoc smirks.
March 28th, 2064 - 23:03 NZDT
John keeps the line open with the civilian elevator while he deals with some data that Marion had sent him earlier in the week that he's only just got time to go through. It's information on the new space station that Brains is constructing which will hopefully take over from Thunderbird 5 in a couple years. He is about to go to the next page when the line that is still open comes into life.
"Er... Are you sure someone is coming?" a guy asks.
"Technically, it's something," John replies.
"I don't see a robot. Do you?" the guys asks another passenger who shakes her head no.
"International Rescue, we may have a situation," John says.
"Another one?" Nina asks.
"No, it's the same as before," John replies, "It's the GDF robots are the situation. They're at the high-altitude station, but something doesn't look right."
"Yeah! It's called saving the day when we should be up there!" Gordon says.
"That's just it - they're not saving the day," John says, "They're not saving anyone."
March 28th, 2064 - 07:04 EDT
"There's three of us and one of her. We can take her," Rigby says.
"Oh, I'm sure you can," Havoc says, "Might as well give up and let you throw me back into that cell. But you'll have to do a better job of searching me this time, soldier boy." Rigby growls and walks forward but Kayo hears a wining sound. She looks around and gasps.
"Get back!" Kayo shouts and grabs Rigby, pulling him back out of the way. As soon as she does, there's an explosion. Alan charges forward and looks out the hole in the building where Havoc has disappeared. He sees the Chaos Cruiser and covers his eyes as Fuse starts to pull away.
"I need GDF flyers in pursuit, now!" Rigby yells.
"We have a problem without planes, sir," a female officer replies.
"We'll go after them. You catch up," Kayo says and she and Alan jumps out the same gap as Shadow swoops in to pick them up.
"Go get 'em, Kayo!" Rigby says, forgetting that Kayo had said not to use her name, "Can somebody please find me a plane?"
March 28th, 2064 - 23:06 NZDT
"The robots seem to be caught in what appears to be a f-feedback loop," Brains explains as everyone follows Brains down into his lab. He carries several parts and displays the robot in front of everyone and gets to work identifying the issue. John listens into the call from Thunderbird 5 and Ridley joins the group in the lab. "Their programming depicts two rescue situations of equal importance, and t-they can't decide between the two," Brains continues.
"So, what they do nothing?!" Gordon questions, "A human wouldn't be having this problem. We should get involved."
"I agree," Marion says.
"Who's going to pilot Thunderbird 3 with Alan gone?" Nina asks.
"I will," Ridley says, "Space is kinda my thing."
"FAB," Scott states, "See you in the sky."
"Yes!" Gordon says, "International Rescue, back in action!"
5
Scott, Marion, Virgil, and Ridley all descend and get suited up.
4
They reach their respective Thunderbird aircraft and begin the start-up sequence.
3
Thunderbird 3's blast door closes once Ridley has been lifted inside.
2
Thunderbird 2 taxis down the main runway with Nina, Gordon and Module 2 in tow.
1
Thunderbird 1 comes to a stop as the swimming pool above starts to retract.
Thunderbirds are Go!
"Thunderbird 3, you head up to the elevators and see if you can evacuate the passengers," Scott orders.
"The rest of us will try to relevel that platform," Marion states.
"FAB!" Ridley acknowledges and breaks off from the formation with the other two Thunderbirds and flies off into space.
March 28th, 2064 - 07:32 EDT
"Thunderbird Shadow to Captain Rigby. We've caught up to the Chaos Crew. We'll maintain pursuit until you arrive," Alan informs and leans over Kayo's shoulder, "Who knew I'd get involved with the bad guy catching business."
"When you decided it was a good idea to date me," Kayo smirks, "Are you having second thoughts?"
"What?!" Alan fake gasps, "How dare you think so low of me!"
Kayo laughs and looks out the top of Shadow to see the Chaos Crew slightly ahead, "Hello Chaos Cruiser. Nice to finally meet you." The Chaos Cruiser then ducks downwards and picks up speed.
"They think they can go fast. How cute," Kayo chuckles and flies adds more thrust. The couple laugh knowing that Shadow isn't anywhere near her limits.
"Let's go!" Alan calls. Both aircraft take a nosedive towards the ocean waves below them and Kayo starts to get slightly concerned. Without warning, missiles then launch out the back of the cruiser. Kayo easily dodges them, but they turn around and head straight back.
"Oh!" Kayo groans in annoyance and sees another two heading in front of her. Manoeuvring out the way again, two missiles hit head on and explode behind Shadow. However, the other turns around and its back to two chasing them.
"Thunderbird Shadow to London Station," Kayo calls.
"Right here, Kayo," Penelope says, appearing on the com unit.
"Does any of your information on the Chaos Cruiser show boarding countermeasures?" Kayo asks.
"Not that I could find. You're in pursuit I take it?" Penelope replies.
"Affirmative," Kayo responds and quickly pulls up before she hits the ocean.
"Er... Kayo," Alan points and Kayo looks up to see a further two missiles firing from the Chaos Cruiser.
"Motherfucker," Kayo mumbles and twists out the way to keep them all busy.
"Ugh," Parker is heard over the coms.
"Is everything alright?" Alan asks.
"It... It seems we have a situation of our own here," Penelope states, looking slightly worried.
"Urgh!" Kayo cries as the four missiles all hit close behind them. The smoke from the impact obscures her vision for a second before she gets another clear look at the Chaos Cruiser, which is slightly more ahead of Shadow than before. "Anything we can do to help?" Kayo asks.
"I believe we have it under control," Penelope says and ends the transmission.
March 28th, 2064 - 03:38 PDT
Thunderbirds 1 and 2 arrive on the scene of the lower platform. Nina does a scan of the current damage while Virgil circles around the platform to get a clear image. Nina that gets the full data-image and sends it to all the Thunderbirds involved.
"Alright, I'm going to try to get this thing horizontal again," Virgil says as he observes the holo-image.
"Thunderbird 1, there's an escape plane on the far side of the station," John explains, "The pilot says there are two more people inside the station. He doesn't want to leave until they get to the plane."
"Okay, tell that pilot to go. M and I will find the missing travellers," Scott says.
"FAB," John says.
"I guess we're finally gonna try this thing out," Marion mutters walking over to the blue pod that looks very much like a GDF robot and turns to John, "We'll take the Sky Pods over." Marion is a bit bitter that they had to transport these over instead of Thunderbird 7, which she felt could do the job just as well. However, Brains wants his latest creation tested in the field.
"I can't wait to see this thing in the air," Gordon comments.
"How come Scott gets all the best gear?" Virgil mumbles rhetorically.
Scott and Marion get inside their respective pod and belt up. Marion put her jetpack in the space behind her just as a precaution. Scott is leaving his as he feels that they won't need them. The hatches close up and the cargo bay doors in Thunderbird 1 open and allow both pods to drop out and head over to the platform.
"Sky Pods are go," Scott says and turns on the thrusters, "Ugh! Which is the forward button?"
"The leaver on your left," Marion says and pulls ahead at a steady speed.
"Right..." Scott trails and pushes it all the way forward and speeds off, "Alright!"
"Activating multi-launcher!" Nina states, "Firing Ion Clamps."
"Positive contact," Gordon informs.
"Alright, let's move this thing," Virgil says and starts to reverse away from the platform, "Electromagnetic activated."
"Ahh!" Gordon cries as the magnet starts to strain with a lot of noise.
"Come on!" Nina mutters and presses several buttons on her left to increase the magnetism.
"Ugh!" Virgil says as Thunderbird 2 pulls away from the platform quiet suddenly, "That's not going to work."
"We need those rotors back in sync," Gordon says.
"Agreed," Virgil nods, "Feel like taking a walk?"
"You mean out there?" Gordon asks.
"Rather I ask the robot to do it?" Nina inquires.
Gordon quickly looks over to Nina in shock. He didn't expect that to be suggested, "I'll use my gecko gloves!" Gordon says and runs down into the module.
Alan flies towards the space part of the station. He has a look at the situation as he flies closer.
"This is Thunderbird 3," Ridley suddenly says over the coms. She is approaching the two elevators that are stuck in centre, "Moving into position. Uh... This just got a little more complicated. The elevators don't have an airlock. Can I cut them free?"
"The whole system is balanced, remember? If the cables break the lower platform crashes to the ground," Virgil explains.
"While the upper one to go hurdling into space," Nina realises.
"Okay, so no I won't do that," Ridley says.
"Yeah," Gordon interjects, "I wouldn't want to go flying while I'm on here."
"You're doing great, bro," Virgil chuckles as he watches a small blue and yellow figure make his way up the side of the station.
"At least you aren't afraid of heights," Nina reassures.
"Ugh!" Gordon groans and continues to climb up the side and makes it to a box, "Alright, I found the rotor control." He goes to open it when he hears a whooshing noise and turns to his right where one of the GDF robots come flying towards him. "Whoa!" Gordon cries and pushes himself flat with the station to avoid getting hit.
"What's going on?" Nina asks and brings up a hologram of Gordon's location and sees a robot nearby.
"Er, does anyone want to explain what just happened?" Gordon asks and watches as the robot circles back round to him.
"Are you in need of a-a-a-assistance?" the robot asks.
"Whoa! Back off!" Gordon says seeing the robot head straight for him. He looks to his left and right and knows that it isn't going to escape. Acting quickly, Gordon lets go of the wall with his gecko gloves and falls slightly before regripping to the platform. He looks up and sees the robot headbutt the platform where he just was. "I told you they had it in for me," Gordon grumbles.
"Are you in need of a-a-assistance?" the robot asks again dropping to Gordon's level and starting to approach him menacingly again.
"Yes, in keeping away from you!" Gordon growls, "Virgil! Nina!" The robot then is hit by the ion clamps and drops the long distance to the Earth's surface.
"You rang?" Virgil asks.
"Thanks, bro," Gordon sighs in relief.
"Virg!" Nina cries gesturing out to the right of the front window at another robot coming straight at them. Virgil looks over in shock and quickly moves Thunderbird 2 upwards in order to dodge.
"Brains... How do we shut these things down?" Virgil asks.
"You c-can't, Virgil. Someone has altered their p-programming," Brains says.
"And I bet that someone is the Chaos Crew," Nina growls.
"Demolition Missiles it is then," Virgil says.
"Not even those can help you. Those r-robots are too well constructed. B-Believe us we know," Brains cries and a hologram of a robot carrying Max around is shown on Thunderbird 2's control unit. Nina quickly covers her mouth to stifle a laugh.
"What's going on?" Alan asks as he hears the chaos going on the IR coms in his earpiece.
"The Chaos Crew," Marion manages to get out through the chatter.
"They seem to have taken control of the GDF Rescue Operation Robots," Scott says, "They're currently after Thunderbird 2."
"Alan..." Kayo calls from the front.
"I've got it," Alan replies, "Calling Colonel Casey, now."
"This is Colonel Casey," Casey answers.
"Colonel, do you know of any robots going out of control?" Alan inquires.
"I can confirm a robot control-module has been stolen," Casey states.
"Havoc," Kayo growls as she continues to chase after the Chaos Cruiser.
"Right now, the Chaos Crew is only causing the robots to malfunction, but somehow if they can gain total control..." Casey trails.
"The Hood will make the robots into weapons," Alan finishes, "Colonel Casey, if we can get that stolen control module back will the robots stop?"
"It's the only way they will," Casey says.
"Then leave it to us," Alan says. Kayo nods and turns Shadow into stealth mode and lands on top of the Chaos Cruiser.
March 28th, 2064 - 04:19 PDT
"The cable cars are starting to crush each other," Ridley informs.
"Anyway, to pull them apart?" Virgil asks.
"Only one way to find out," Ridley replies and deploys Thunderbird 3's grasping arms. She slowly moves the craft forward and closes two of the graspers when they reach the wires, "Ugh, ugh, ugh! Ah, alright. Now let me see if I can pull a few strings to help you out."
"Very funny, Ridley," Nina deadpans, "Maybe leave the shit jokes to Gordo'"
Ridley chuckles and starts to carefully pull the two elevators apart. John watches the live vitals from a small holo-screen in his living quarters.
March 28th, 2064 - 08:22 EDT
"Right, you stay here, and I'll take a look," Kayo says.
"I don't like it," Alan states, "But I know you well enough that you can handle yourself."
"Thanks, for trusting me," Kayo smiles and the couple share a kiss before Kayo puts her helmet on, "I'll keep you connected to my coms."
Kayo then exits Thunderbird S and jumps down a hatch on the roof of the Chaos Cruiser and enters the bridge. She walks around carefully and constantly looks in all directions but doesn't see anyone.
"Kayo to Captain Rigby. I'm on the bridge but no-one's home. Something's not right," Kayo states then senses a figure behind her. When she feels a sudden movement, Kayo then ducks down and rolls backwards to see her attacker is Fuse. Fuse didn't expect a quick reaction and goes flying onto his face.
"You know," Havoc says fazing into view from the pilot's seat with a holographic emito-spheres in her hand, "It's not polite to come aboard a ship without permission."
"I won't be staying long," Kayo scoffs.
"True, that," Havoc smirks and presses a button. The sound of a hatch goes off and Kayo looks down to see that she's on a trap door. She rolls forward towards Havoc and goes to get up when she sees the missing robot control-module. Kayo grabs it much to Havoc's shock and pushes herself backwards through the now open, trap door. "Don't let her escape!" Havoc gasps as Fuse tries to grab Kayo but it's too late.
"Alan!" Kayo yells.
"On it!" Alan calls and jumps into the front seat of Shadow. He unclips the landing gear from the Chaos Cruiser, breaking off and takes Shadow out of stealth mode. A warning light comes on the holo-screen that's on the steering wheel and Alan uses it to track Kayo's descent, going into a nosedive. Alan breaks through the clouds and spots Kayo not that far ahead of him. He opens the hatch and gets close enough for Kayo to grab on and jump into the passenger seat and buckle in before he speeds off. She then gets out the robot control-module and tries to switch the robots off.
March 28th, 2064 - 04:28 PDT
"Are you in need of a-a-assistance?" another robot asks Gordon. Nina quickly gets on top of it and fire several ion clamps at the robot sticking it to the wall. Then a third robot approaches Thunderbird 2.
"Are you in need of a-a-assistance?" the robot states and fires a plasma beam towards the windows. Virgil shields his eyes, while Nina ducks under the control unit.
Scott and Marion run outside of the control room and onto the outside of the platform where they'd parked the Sky Pods. They are being chased out by one of the robots and come to a stop next to them.
"Are you in need of uh-uh-uh assistance?" the robot asks.
"Stay behind us!" Scott orders to the two passengers.
"Please, stay calm," the robot states. Then it suddenly switches off, falling to the ground with a thump. The one next to Gordon stops moving and the one firing a plasma beam at Thunderbird 2 drops dead, presumably to crash to the ground. Everyone breathes a huge sigh of relief.
"Thank you, International Rescue!" a guy behind Marion says.
"You have no idea how nice it is to hear that," Marion deadpans.
"Phew!" Brains says coming onto the channel, "Great work, Kayo. You too, M-Max."
"Uh, guys..." Ridley strains, looking quite worried, "I'm not sure how long I can hold these things."
"Manoeuvring rotors are now back in sync," Gordon informs with a smile, "You can let go now, Ridley." Ridley does so and lets out a breath of relief. Gordon makes his way to the top of the now level platform and sighs as he watches one of the elevators make it to the bottom. Scott and Marion land their Sky Pods next to Thunderbird 1, which Scott parked on the deck. Gordon then turns to his left and sees a robot come alive again and heads over to him
"Are you in need of assistance?" the robot asks.
"Uh, no, we've got this," Gordon says.
"Have a nice day," the robot says before it flies away.
"Huh! Unbelievable," Gordon says.
"You're telling me." Oriana says.
March 29th, 2064 - 01:51 NZST
Everyone makes it safely back to Tracy Island and takes a seat in the lounge. Kayo and Alan take their seat and Alan pulls Kayo onto his lap, rapping his arms around and kissing her collar. It became pretty obvious to Scott that they were dating when he caught them making out at New Years after sneaking off from the rest of the family. Scott has nightmares to this day. Marion had been very supportive, as to be expected, but overall, everyone is now accustomed to the new couple on Tracy Island. There's a beeping sound and Casey appears on the holo-table screen.
"Given recent events, I've decided to suspend the robot program," Casey explains, "The GDF will find other ways to help you when we can."
"Thank you, Colonel," Marion replies.
"Mmm, it was a good idea in theory," Scott states, "But machines can't think like people."
"No offense, Max," Nina chuckles when Max quickly looks over at Scott.
"None t-taken, I'm sure," Brains responds for him, "It's true though. The human b-brain is a remarkable thing. Our c-capacity for abstract thinking and p-problem solving has no equal."
"Hard to imagine something so precious could be wasted on The Hood and the Chaos Crew," Kayo says.
"Any new leads?" Ridley asks from the couch opposite.
"Aside from Kayo getting a full scan of the interior of their ship and it's capabilities. Not much," Alan says, "And I don't know about you, but I have a feeling The Hood has them up to something even bigger than taking over rescue robots."
"I wonder what it could be," Nina says.
"Who knows..." Kayo trails now in deep thought.
March 29th, 2064 - UNKNOWN
"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Oh, cheer up," The Hood cackles, "Th won't be the last time my niece and her fucking ludicrous boyfriend get the better of you."
"You're not upset?" Fuse asks sheepishly and looks over to Havoc, who's also looking at the floor.
"On the contrary," The Hood smirks, "Considering your breaking-in period complete. I have big plans for the two of you and Havoc got what I really wanted from the GDF, didn't you?"
"They're keeping him here," Havoc says and displays schematics of a space station, "It's called the Hex."
"A space station in the Moon's orbit," The Hood growls, "My signals won't be reaching him there."
"Do you want us to pick him up?" Fuse asks.
"No, not yet," The Hood declines, "But soon. I still need The Mechanic. The GDF won't be able to keep him safe forever..."