June 27th, 2064 - 12:17 NZST
"Mr. President, I thought we were discussing the Rescue Operation Robot program," Scott states standing up from his desk and starts to pace the room. On the desk, a holo-screen projects a meeting room of the World Council that is currently in session. He looks back at the screen where the World President is sitting central on a circular with other councillors. Three seats away from him is Colonel Casey who seems to be taking notes.
"I'm sorry Mr. Tracy, but we've already put that program in the hands of the French who are still doing tests," the President explains, "I'm here to discuss some chaotic matters."
"How so, Mr. President?" Scott inquires.
"The World Council have voted in favour of assigning your spy craft and resources to help with the Chaos Crew," the President replies, "Colonel Casey put the idea forward."
"Colonel?" Scott asks surprised.
"I'm sorry, Scott," Casey responds, "But we are in a bit of a predicament at the moment and Thunderbird Shadow will be great use."
"What about Kayo?" Scott questions, "She won't agree to having her craft in the hands of the government."
"That's why I'm also assigning Ms. Kyrano to the mission," the President interjects.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
"I don't think you understand how that jeopardises the operation," Scott scowls.
"How so?" the President asks. Scott opens his mouth to answer when there is a knock on the door, and it swings open to reveal Kayo.
"Scott?" Kayo asks and sees the mission in session and goes red with embarrassment, "Sorry, I'll come later."
"Ms. Kyrano?" the President questions.
"Yes?" Kayo says.
"With the authority of the World Council, I order you to take your craft to the North Pole alone and meet up with Captain Rigby, who I've been informed you've met before," the President orders, "You'll be briefed on the way."
"Of course, Sir," Kayo nods and exits the room but heads to meet up with Alan.
"This isn't over," Scott growls to the President and closes the door again before turning to face the council again. It's going to be a long day for him.
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!
June 27th, 2064 - 02:46 BST
Shadow flies into the Artic Circle at top speed. Kayo looks tense in the front while Alan reads through the briefing in the back. There had been intelligence to suggest that the Chaos Crew had planned another major hit. For the past couple of months, International Rescue and the Chaos Crew kept their distance, but this is about to change.
"This is Thunderbird Shadow," Kayo states to Rigby's private com, "I'm approaching your position now, Captain Rigby. How's the weather down there?"
"It's cold, Kayo," Rigby chuckles and waves over to the incoming Thunderbird.
"Well, we are near the North Pole," Kayo deadpans.
"I'm aware," Rigby replies, "Now, how about you lose that toasty Thunderbird and join me on the ground?"
"Good idea," Kayo states and turns off her com, "Alan prepare to launch the Shadow Bike."
"FAB," Alan replies and presses the blue button to his left side. The back of Shadow retracts as Bike mode is activated. A platform is lowered and Kayo steps on the accelerator causing the bike to go flying off the platform and onto the ground below. She quickly catches up to the GDF Bike in front which Rigby is driving.
"Thanks for stopping by," Rigby states and looks over to Alan, "Didn't know you were joining us, Alan. Have you been briefed yet?"
"I thought I'd join the ride," Alan smiles, "From what I've read, the GDF have reported a Chaos Crew sighting—"
"What could they want all the way out here?" Kayo interrupts.
"There's your answer," Rigby indicates to building that starts to come into view, "The Global Seed Vault. It was built to store millions of different types of seeds. If the world ever runs out of food, these seeds will be our backup."
"I'm picking up a life sign," Alan informs.
"It's an automated vault," Rigby explains, "Only one caretaker."
"Can we get him on the line?" Kayo asks.
"Here," Rigby responds and sends Alan the call frequency. He immediately calls the vault and waits for a reply.
"Hello?" a familiar voice replies, "Ned Tedford at your service."
"Ned?" Alan questions in shock, "You're the caretaker?"
"Right you are!" Ned says enthusiastically, "Colonel Casey found a perfect job for me and old Gladys! It's always nice and quiet in here. These seed bots keep things tidy. And they aren't much for conversation."
"We've got news, Ned," Alan replies sternly, "You're about to have company."
"Aye, you're right there!" Ned informs as he checks the security cameras to find Havoc at a control panel near the entrance to the base, "And she doesn't look friendly!" A Chaos Crew Symbol appears on the security camera before it goes to static. Ned immediately puts the plant into lockdown, retracting the bridge between the control centre and the only entrance into the main room. A red emergency light turns on and starts to flash. "Who was that on the screen?" Ned asks.
"Her name's Havoc," Kayo states, "A master thief for The Hood's Chaos Crew."
"What do I do?" Ned panics.
"Stick to your post, soldier," Rigby orders, "Protect the you-know-what!"
"Oh! Soldier?" Ned exclaims and salutes, "I like the sound of that! Understood, Sir! Come on, Gladys." He then disappears on the camera view and only his voice could be heard. The muttering of him and Havoc can be heard in the background as Ned rushes over to the main vault room. He manages to gain some distance between him and Havoc and successfully closes the three vault doors trapping him inside and with the you-know-what. "Phew!" Ned pants, out of breath, "We're all right! The you-know-what is secure!"
"What exactly is the you-know-what?" Alan asks, "It's not in the briefing."
"Sorry, that's top secret!" Ned informs. Kayo looks closer at the new holo-image of Ned and sees the background behind him. She spots something of interest.
"I recognise that symbol," Kayo states, "It's from Gordon's mission in Mulokamba. You're guarding the Orchard Industry's growth serum."
"You didn't hear that from me!" Ned quickly says.
June 27th, 2064 - 03:01 BST
Kayo, Alan and Rigby get out of the two motorbikes and make their way across the helipad to the entrance of the plant. Due to the snow fall, the ground floor entrance is blocked with snow. However, the snow allowed a platform for the pair to drive up the side of the plant to the top entrance. They get inside and shut the door behind them to stay in the warm.
"Why was the growth serum brought here?" Kayo asks, "We know how dangerous it can be. Two words - giant reptiles."
"The World Council believes it could still be used for good," Rigby explains, "For now the serum is being studied and kept out of trouble."
"Only one problem," Alan sighs, "Trouble found it!" The group make their way through the base towards the control room. As the approach the only corridor to the central room, Kayo hears a buzzing sound coming from the side panels and pulls Alan back from taking a step further.
"Careful, Al," Kayo says and takes a closer look at the walls before looking around behind her.
"What's wrong?" Rigby asks, "It's just the Decontamination Chamber. The electricity removes germs from the air."
"If Havoc's taken over the controls," Kayo says as she picks up a crowbar, "It may remove more than that." She throws the crowbar down the chamber and electricity sparks off the walls and burn the crowbar to a crisp.
"We're locked out," Rigby exclaims.
"Kayo to Thunderbird 5," Kayo calls, "We have a situation. Can EOS access these controls?"
"I'm unable to access the chamber from our current location," EOS informs.
"The vault systems are too secure," Ridley explains, "We need to actually be inside to shut it down."
"We'll head down to the space elevator," John says, picking up a device, "And use this portable EOS drive to connect."
"FAB, John," Kayo smiles, "We'll see you on the ground."
June 27th, 2064 - 03:18 BST
John and Ridley head down to the space elevator and prepare for launch.
"Read for your first mission in the field, EOS?" John asks.
"Is my program backed up in case something goes wrong?" EOS inquires.
"It's just a growth serum in a seed vault," Ridley chuckles, "What could possibly go wrong?"
"Guys!" EOS groans.
"Yes, you're backed up," John chuckles, "We need to work on your sense of humour."
5
Thunderbird 5's rear access hatch opens.
4
A secret door in the control room opens and John floats through.
3
John starts to suit up.
2
John spins around as different parts of his exo-suit attach to him.
1
John watches as the airlock opens and he drops into the elevator with Ridley already there.
Thunderbirds are Go!
June 27th, 2064 - 03:23 BST
"Ned, it's Alan," Alan calls, "Help is on the way."
"Not to worry," Ned smiles, "This room has three different locks. There's no way Havoc can crack them all." He turns around to look at the serum that stands in place. Suddenly, there's a beeping sound from the control panel that forces him to look over and see that one of the locks had changed to a green colour. "Make that two locks," Ned gulps, "Stay calm, Gladys. Stay calm!"
"Thunderbird 5 to Kayo," Ridley calls, "We're touching down now." As the Space Elevator lands, John and Ridley hop out and make the same way as Alan and Kayo did previously across the helipad to the entrance of the plant. The pair run through the major corridors and meet up with the trio that stand in front of the chamber leading to the vault.
"Hurry, John!" Kayo says, "Ned's running out of time."
"Okay, EOS," John breathes and attaches EOS to the chambers panel, "Do your thing."
"Access granted," EOS announces and projects a green button, "I'm shutting the chamber down."
"Let's move," Rigby calls, taking the lead. Ridley picks up EOS and walks behind John at the back. EOS suddenly squeaks and beeps.
"Bleurgh!" EOS exclaims, "That's a nasty bit of code!"
"What's happening, E?" Ridley asks.
"Havoc put a virus in the control panel. I think I'm coming down with something," EOS informs before squeaking again, "Excuse me."
"Can you fight the virus?" Ridley asks concerned.
"I'm trying but it's spreading fast," EOS squeaks.
"Havoc's lost her mind if she thinks she can attack my baby," Ridley scowls.
"Your baby?" John asks, "I created her."
"And I modified her," Ridley argues.
"Erm... what's taking so long?" Ned interrupts the pair via Kayo's com.
"Sorry, Ned," Kayo sighs and looks around the central room of the plant. With the lockdown initiated and the bridge retracted, a floor of lasers blocks the group from making it to the other side, "We have a slight delay."
"Aren't you some kind of expert at dodging lasers?" Rigby asks Kayo.
"She has her limits, Captain," Alan scowls with a little jealously.
"Yeah," Kayo agrees, not noticing he tension, "Climbing through this is one of them."
"We may have another way," John points, pulling everyone's attention over to one of the seed bots.
"The seed bots can carry us over to the controls," Rigby smiles, "Good thinking, John."
"What if Havoc sees us?" Rigby inquires.
"She won't if we're quiet," Kayo whispers and jumps down to one of the seed bots, "Let's ride." Soon everyone is on a bot, but they start to go in different directions. The seeds bots are still functioning as normal, so are still executing the tasks that they were programmed to do. Transporting people to the control room on the other side, is not one of their tasks. In the silence, EOS squeaks again, trying to fight off the virus.
"EOS, try to be quiet," Ridley whispers, "We're almost in range." Ridley looks up to see Havoc at hacking a control unit. She narrows her eyebrows in anger at her before her seed bot drops down again. Havoc didn't notice her until a sudden incoherent squeaking from EOS alerts her to the company. "EOS!"
"Sorry, Ridley," EOS sighs, "I couldn't hold it any longer."
"Well, well, well," Havoc smirks from the railings at the top of the elevator and the vault entrance, "What a clever idea. Oh wait!" Havoc presses a button, and a whirring sound is heard from below. Everyone looks down to see the lasers had started to rotate and rise. They stay calm after he seeds bots continue to go up the central room but then they hear Ned's cries for help. Havoc's got him. Kayo glances down again and sees a seed bot get obliterated by the lasers in an explosion that alerts everyone else.
"Oh... we're so fucked," Alan mumbles.
"EOS," Ridley calls, attaching her device to the bot, "Can you connect through the seed bots?"
"I'll try," EOS squeaks.
Kayo looks up at Alan before across to Rigby. Suddenly, Rigby's bot drops towards the laser causing him to let out a scream. "Rigby!" Kayo yells and jumps down to a seed bot below her in attempt to rescue him, but her new bot doesn't go down any further.
"Grrrrr," Alan growls, "Ridley, please say EOS has hacked the bots."
"There!" Ridley calls, "EOS, shut it down."
"Sorry," EOS squeaks, "My processes aren't themselves today. This is taking longer than expected."
"Agh!" Rigby breaths and pulls himself to the top of his bot. He looks up and sees Kayo jump to a new bot close to his location and puts a hand down for him to grab.
"Jump!" Kayo yells. Rigby follows as instructed and grabs Kayo's hand. Kayo then pulls Rigby beside her on top of the bot.
"Whoa!" Rigby cries and watches as his bot is destroyed by the lasers, "Phew, thanks, Kayo!"
"No probs," Kayo smiles but that quickly disappears as another alarm goes off.
"Warning! Biohazard detected!"
"You've gotta be fucking kidding, right?" Alan sighs as the red emergency light starts to flash again. Kayo and Rigby are forced again to jump over to another bot as the jealously within Alan flares up again.
"Ridley..." John trails glancing over to her and EOS.
"Come on girl," Ridley strains.
"Shut... down..." EOS squeaks, going purple, "Complete!"
The lasers shut down and the sound of footsteps is heard from above. Havoc appears in view and prepares to leave the plant.
"Leaving empty-handed, Havoc?" Kayo chuckles, "The Hood won't be pleased."
"I still have the virus source code," Havoc states and fires a grapple across, "Good luck escaping the vault without it." She swings down to the bottom of the room to the entrance and leaves.
"Warning! Security gas dispersal in two minutes. All unstored forms of life will be destroyed!"
"Ned," Kayo calls, "What happened?"
"I think I broke something," Ned replies sheepishly.
"Security gas dispersal in two minutes."
"We're coming, Ned," Kayo says.
"EOS," Ridley calls, "Bring everyone to the top." Soon, everyone jumps onto that platform on the upper level that leads to the main vault.
"Ned?" Kayo calls.
"Evacuate. Evacuate."
John and Ridley charge forward into the vault and Alan starts to follow but notices Rigby had held Kayo back. He looks over at the pair menacingly and goes to approach.
"Go after her, Captain," Kayo states, "We'll stay behind."
"That security gas is poisonous," Rigby states, "The seeds will be safe, but you have to get out."
"Not without Ned!" Kayo cries.
"You can come with me so I know you're safe," Rigby orders, "Your brothers can help Ned."
"I don't like being babied, Captain," Kayo says but sighs, "However, grabbing Havoc is a nice prize. I'll go with you."
Alan watches in shock as Rigby and Kayo head over to the elevator and leave together. Deciding that there's still a rescue that needs completing, Alan lets out a final grow before rushing after John and Ridley into the vault, only to be met with a green wall.
"Huh?" Alan questions.
"Slight problem," John sighs and pulls what appears to be a leaf out of the way, allowing Ridley and Alan to pass through.
"Ned?" Ridley calls, "Something's blocking our way!"
"It's Gladys!" Ned exclaims, "She's all grown up!"
"Security gas dispersal in thirty seconds. Thirty seconds... Thirty seconds... Thir—"
"EOS..." John questions, "What's going on?"
"Good news, John," EOS squeaks, "I gave the controls my virus."
"And that's good fucking news because?" John asks.
"I can stop the firing of the gas for as long as I can," EOS explains, "Just get Ned out of there."
"FAB," Alan smirks, "Thanks, EOS."
"Countdown paused."
The trio help each other through the thick undergrowth that Gladys had created as a result of being exposed to the growth serum. Ridley reaches the centre of the vault and turns to face the two Tracy Brothers as the fight their way to meet up with her.
"Ned?" Ridley yells, "Where are you?"
"Up here!" comes a voice. Everyone gazes up to see Ned hanging from the ceiling, "Can someone cut me down?"
"Hang on, Ned!" John shouts and the group starts to climb up separate stems to reach him.
"He doesn't have much of a choice, does he?" Ridley chuckles when she hears a beep.
"Ridley, my systems are failing!" EOS wails, "I can't stop the countdown much longer."
"Keep trying, E," Ridley states, "We're almost there!" They soon reach the top of Gladys and climb onto the flower itself. Alan grabs onto John, who holds onto Ridley as she reaches out to grab Ned's hand. "Uh, I can't reach!"
"Come on, Gladys," Ned cries, "Lend them a hand!"
"I've got an idea," Alan strains, "If we shift our weights side-to-side, we may be able to move the flower close enough."
"You saying I'm fat?" Ridley jokes as starts to shift herself side-to-side along with John. As Alan predicted, the flower moves back and forth, gaining momentum.
"That's it!" Ned smiles, "Nearly there!" After getting close a couple of times, Ridley then manages to grab Ned's left arm and pull him over to the flower head.
"Got him!" Ridley sighs in relief.
"Security gas dispersal in thirty seconds. Evacuate! Evacuate! Evacuate!"
"EOS! Are you there?" Ridley cries.
"Security gas dispersal in twenty seconds."
"We're leaving," Alan sighs and pushes Ned, "This way, Ned."
"Whaaa!" Ned yells as he falls down the side of Gladys and lands softly on the floor of the vault. Ridley, John and Alan quickly follow him and the group charges down the vault entrance towards the lift that Rigby and Kayo had gone down earlier.
"Security gas dispersal in ten seconds."
"There's still time, right?" Ridley asks nervously.
"We'll make it," John nods. They make it to the bottom of the lift and the bridge across to the exit chamber pulls out again, allowing them to cross.
"Sealing main chamber."
"Wait... What?!" Alan yells, "Nah, motherfucker!"
"Security gas initiated."
"What about the EOS drive?" John asks.
"The virus is taking over," Ridley sighs, "We need the source code from Havoc to give EOS control."
"Not to rush anyone," Ned interjects, "But the gas is falling."
"How does the gas get out?" Alan asks Ned, "Where's the grate?" Ned points downwards and the group run back to the centre of the bridge and see a large metal grate in the centre of the floor. "That's out exit."
"John," Ridley says as Ned and Alan jump down the grate, "If we don't make it—"
"We are," John states.
"But if we don't," Ridley says, "I want you to know that I love you."
"I know," John smirks and pushes Ridley down before going down himself.
June 27th, 2064 - 03:48 BST
"Alan to Kayo," Alan calls, "We need you to connect with Havoc's tech gloves and send us the source code."
After a few moments of silence, he gets a reply, "Source code downloading."
"We've got to keep moving," Ned shouts, "There should be an exit somewhere!"
"Somewhere?" Alan exclaims, "You mean you're not sure!"
"I don't get down here much," Ned deadpans.
"E, which way?" Ridley asks as they make it to a junction.
"Left!" EOS pants. With EOS just managing to squeak out instructions, the four of them easily make their way through the maze of vents.
"Up ahead!" John calls as these a hole in the floor, causing everyone to jump over. They continue straight one until they reach a dead end, unless they drop downwards. Not having much of an option with the gas quickly heading towards them from behind, everyone jumps down in single file. The tunnel then levels out again and after a short distance, they come to the exit of the vault, but a door has sealed over their only exit. To the side, a small control panel for the door is located.
"The door's been sealed!" Ned cries, "Just like the rest of the vault!"
"Hey, EOS," Ridley says as she attaches EOS to the panel next to the door, "Can you open the tunnel door now? Please girl. EOS!"
"Kayo," Alan contacts, "Is the download complete?"
"Hang on, it's at 95%," Kayo calls, "Rigby is a bit of a rough driver so standby."
"Rigby's driving the Shadow Bike?!" Alan cries in anger.
"Yep," Kayo states, "Thought it could be fun seeing him have a go."
"But you've never let me drive her!" Alan exclaims.
"Download complete," Rigby informs.
"EOS?" Ridley asks.
"Control regained," EOS sighs. With seconds to spare, the door opens, and everyone falls out before the door shuts again behind everyone, trapping the poisonous gas inside.
"Phew!" John pants, "We made it! We're outside!"
"Ooooh," Ned shivers, "I knew I should've worn my extra vest!"
"Oh, yeah," Ridley states, "North Pole."
June 27th, 2064 - 20:35 NZST
"Welcome back, EOS," Ridley smiles.
"Hello, Ridley, John," EOS breathes, "There seems to be a gap in my memory banks. Have I been somewhere?"
"You might say that," John chuckles, "It took a while for us to clear Havoc's virus from your processors."
"Which reminds me," Ridley trails as she turns to a hologram of Rigby, Kayo and an angry looking Alan, "Any luck down there?"
"Negative," Rigby sighs.
"Havoc got away," Kayo informs.
"At least she didn't get the serum," Rigby nods, "We were lucky this time."
"I'm thinking of moving out to London," Kayo states, "Seeing as Scott can't get the World Security Council to keep Shadow in International Rescues control, I've going to keep an eye on her by remaining her operator."
"You can't do that!" Alan cries.
"Why not?" Kayo frowns and crosses her arms.
"We need you here on Tracy Island," Alan states.
"Alan, you can handle space rescues by yourself for a while," Kayo sighs, "To be honest, I've been quite bored recently."
"Oh," Alan growls, "So our relationship is boring you then."
"That's not—" Kayo starts.
"No, no," Alan interrupts, "I've heard enough."
"Alan!" Kayo yells but he disconnects from the communication. She looks back to see the shocked faces of John, Ridley and Rigby, and realises that her relationship with Alan hadn't been officially announced to everyone else.
"Shit."