June 20th 2067 - 06:43 NZST
The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a warm orange glow over the turquoise waters and lush green trees. It's a peaceful morning, but little does Kayo know, it's about to be interrupted in the most wonderful way.
Over in her and Alan's private villa, Kayo is still fast asleep in her bed. She's curled up under the covers, her dark hair splayed out on the pillow. The room is filled with soft pink light from the sunrise, giving it a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
Suddenly, there's a faint sound coming from outside. It's the sound of footsteps, getting closer and closer to the house. Alan, who had spent his morning preparing a full English Breakfast is, tiptoeing towards the door of Kayo's room. He has a huge smirk on his face as he holds a present in one hand and the breakfast on a tray in the other. Alan carefully opens the door and creeps inside the room. He makes his way to Kayo's bedside and stands there for a moment, admiring her peaceful expression.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, he takes a deep breath and yells at the top of his lungs, "Happy Birthday!"
Kayo jolts awake, her eyes wide with surprise. She quickly sits up and goes to grab her stun gun from the bedside table with her right hand while trying to get the sleep out of her eye with her left. As sees blinks a couple of times she then makes out the familiar figure of Alan standing there with a huge grin on his face and can't help but smile.
"What are you doing, Alan?" Kayo asks, trying to stifle a laugh.
"It's your birthday, Kayo!" Alan chuckles and places the breakfast down on her lap, "I couldn't let you sleep in on such a special day."
Kayo's eyes widen in surprise. She almost forgot that it's her birthday today. She takes one look at the meal presented on her lap before looking up and spotting the present in Alan's hand. Alan notices Kayo's gaze and hands over the gift to her. Without wasting another second, Kayo eagerly tears off the wrapping paper. Inside is a beautiful necklace with a pendant in the shape of a bird. Kayo's eyes fill with tears as she realizes the significance of the gift.
"It's a phoenix," Alan explains, "It represents your strength and resilience. You've been through so much and you always rise from the ashes."
Kayo is touched by Alan's thoughtfulness. She embraces him in a tight hug, before pulling away slightly and bringing him into a deep kiss. Alan turns slightly pink, not expecting Kayo's eagerness but happily returns the gesture.
"You know," Kayo mutters as a smirk of her own develops on her face, "I'm surprise you didn't get me a horse like Gordon did for Penelope."
"Fuck that," Alan laughs, "A, we wouldn't have the time to look after a horse on Tracy Island and B, we all know what happened when it came to its big race."
Kayo laughs and shakes her head thinking back to that fateful day a couple of months ago.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
April 16th 2067 - 08:34 BST
One of the many hobbies that Lady Penelope has when she isn't doing things for International Rescue is horses – especially racehorses. The Creighton-Ward estate have a set of stables located about three-quarters of a mile away to the east of the mansion. It's currently the home for three horses yet many had lived there over the years and Penelope has spent many happy hours in her younger days riding and looking after them.
Following her birthday incident, Gordon had bought her a new horse. He is a thoroughbred grey-coloured racehorse and didn't have a name when he arrived. As a result, he soon gained the name FAB 4. Parker had been relieved that he wasn't pink, but that didn't last long when Penelope soon kitted him out with pink riding gear.
Due to Penelope being a busy woman, she couldn't be there all the time to look after FAB 4 so he is usually left in the capable hands of Mavis, a young brown-haired girl with glasses. She is employed by the Creighton-Wards to look after the horses, and she lived in a small old Gypsy Caravan in a clump of trees behind the stables.
Today is to be a big day for FAB 4 as that afternoon he is to take part in his first ever Grand National race. Penelope is very excited, and as she had no commitments that morning, she put on her riding gear and went down to the stables in order to give FAB 4 some exercise before the big race.
When she arrives, she finds FAB 4 outside and all kitted up ready for her. Mavis is feeding him some hay and she performs a curtsy when she sees Penelope approach. "Oh, Mavis, you really don't need to do that," Penelope laughs.
Mavis blushes, feeling a little bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Your Ladyship," she says, "I just see you as very important and my father always told me to respect those with great power."
"It's okay," Penelope smiles placing a hand on her shoulder, before turning her attention to FAB 4. "How is he this morning? Oh, hello!" FAB 4 nuzzles her with his head. "Good morning to you, FAB 4!"
"He's fine," Mavis states, "All cleaned up and ready for his big debut."
"Excellent," Penelope nods and climbs onto his back, "Then I'll take him for a little trip around the estate whilst you get some rest. It's your big debut today as well, don't forget."
Mavis grins, a little nervously. As well as the caretaker for the horses, she is also a trained jockey who has raced in small horse events before. However, Penelope had selected her to be FAB 4's jockey for the day and it will be the first time she'd ever done anything big like the Grand National. "I won't let you down, Lady Creighton-Ward," Mavis replies, stepping back to allow them to leave.
Penelope smiled. Then she clicked her tongue. "Come on, FAB 4, let's go," she says.
FAB 4 makes a whinny sound before trotting out of the yard. Penelope smiles as FAB 4 picks up speed and gallops happily across the large open lawn near to the front of the Creighton-Ward Mansion. Parker soon comes out to watch them accompanied by Sherbet. Seeing them approach, Penelope slows FAB 4 to a trot and heads over to them near the edge of the lawn.
"'E seems h'in top form for this h'afternoon's race, m'lady," Parker observes.
"I do hope so, Parker," Penelope replies, patting FAB 4's side, "It would be wonderful if he won in his first ever Grand National appearance."
"So do h'I, m'lady," Parker agrees, with a small sly twinkle in his eye, "I've got h'a little bet on 'im winning."
Sherbet however didn't share his mistress's love for FAB 4. He eyes the horse with great suspicion and lets out a small growl of jealousy. FAB 4 simply looks back at him and snorts. He isn't intimidated by such a small dog. This only angers Sherbet even more for he isn't the one getting Penelope's attention. However, he can't continue with this for at that very moment he begins to sense something else. Something strange and not welcoming. He turns away from FAB 4 and plods towards the main driveway that cuts the massive lawn into two sections. Whatever it is he can sense, it's coming from the trees that surround the estate.
Sherbet begins to yap loudly which startles FAB 4 a bit and also makes Penelope and Parker jump.
"Oi! Quiet you!" Parker snaps, "You're h-upsetting 'im!"
"Bertie? What's the matter?" Penelope asks, concerned. Sherbert never simply barks at a large open ground unless something is wrong.
It's then that they hear a strange humming sound coming from somewhere nearby. It slowly gets louder and then a small yellow heli-jet emerges from behind one of the trees and flies over the estate.
"Are we expecting visitors, Parker?" Penelope questions.
"Not to my knowledge, m'lady," Parker responds.
Suddenly, the heli-jet banks steeply and nose-dives straight at them.
"BLIMEY!" Parker exclaims, "LOOK OUT!"
FAB 4 rears up in fright, almost throwing Penelope off but she manages to keep hold of his reins. "Oh, no!" she cries, "The noise is frightening him! Steady FAB 4!"
FAB 4 whins loudly as the heli-jet comes around again and starts to fly very low directly towards them. The loud roar from its jet engines terrifies FAB 4 and before Penelope can do anything he bolts it.
"Gracious!" Penelope yelps, holding on for dear life, "Easy boy!"
Parker grabs Sherbet and then dives down to avoid getting hit by the downdraft from the heli-jet as it chases off after Penelope and FAB 4. "What h'is that pilot doing?!" Parker mutters. He grabs the keys from his pocket and presses the fob. It sends a signal to the garage and opens the doors before another press of the button causes FAB 1 to start up remotely and drive quickly out on autopilot to their location. Hastily putting Sherbet in the back, Parker jumps into the driver's seat and begins to chase off after FAB 4.
It isn't often that Penelope feels fear, but she is right now as she clings desperately onto FAB 4 as he races across the estate with the heli-jet in pursuit. Then as if that isn't bad enough, two black motorbikes come zooming out from the undergrowth and also joins the chase. Their sudden appearance causes FAB 4 to whine loudly and change direction, sprinting into the woods. Penelope is almost thrown off again but just manages to save herself in time and hang on even tighter. She begins to suspect knew what is going on.
"I don't think it's me they're after," Penelope thinks and glances back, "They must be after FAB 4!"
FAB 4 is only just keeping ahead of the two motorbikes whilst the heli-jet buzzes like a giant hornet overhead.
"Go, boy, GO!" Penelope calls FAB 4, "We might be able to lose them in the trees!"
Taking a sharp right, FAB 4 starts running as fast as his legs can carry him through a narrow avenue of trees. The motorbikes aren't fast enough to follow in turning and have to recover before getting back on the chase. The canopy of the trees mean that the heli-jet has to sharply pull up to avoid a collision before flying over the tops. Glancing back over her shoulder, Penelope can see the bikes are still on their trail, but the uneven ground amongst the trees is making it difficult for them to get too close.
"You're doing it, FAB 4!" Penelope shouts encouragingly, "Keep it up!"
FAB 4 seems to find some more energy from this and he goes even faster. However, their luck isn't to last. As they reach the end of the avenue and exited out into a small clearing, the heli-jet soon begins buzzing overhead again. It's then that to Penelope's horror, she sees a dark green Horse Box standing nearby. Its back door is open like it's waiting to take FAB 4 away.
"QUICK, BOY! THIS WAY!" Penelope yells, desperate trying to get FAB 4 to turn left away from the Horse Box. But the brief delay in getting him to do this allows the motorbikes to catch up and they start to circle around them with the heli-jet buzzing loudly overhead. "Sweet cheese and crackers!" Penelope exclaims, "We're surrounded!"
As FAB 4 dances frantically around trying to find a way out, one of the motorbikes suddenly revs its engine very loudly which causes him to rear up again in fright.
"AAAAAAAAHHHH!" Penelope yells as this time she is unable to hold on and is thrown to the ground.
"NEEEEEEEEEIGH!" whins FAB 4.
"GRAB THAT HORSE!" bellows one of the bikers as he positions his bike between Penelope and FAB 4. He pulls out a gun and points it at Penelope to make sure she doesn't interfere.
The other biker drives in close and grabs one of FAB 4's reins before guiding him over towards the two men waiting by the Horse Box. Penelope watches sadly and with growing fury as she witnesses FAB 4 getting led away into the back of the box before venting her anger at the biker.
"You cowardly thief!" Penelope hisses furiously, "If anything happens to my horse-"
"You'll get him back after the race," the biker says sharply, "But only if you behave yourself. And that means no calling for help." He then calls over to the two men. "OI, DEMPSEY! DID YOU SORT OUT THE RIDER?!"
"DON'T WORRY, SHE'S SAFE!" the man in the dark blue jumper shouts back.
The two men close the back of the Horse Box and climb into the cab before starting the engine and driving off down a pathway to an unused gate leading out of the estate and onto the main road. The biker puts his gun away and along with the other biker revs their engines and race away in the opposite direction whilst the heli-jet simply climbs up over the trees and disappears from view as well.
Penelope climbs shakily to her feet. She winces slightly due to the sharp pain in her back from where she had landed but otherwise, she isn't badly hurt. Unable to believe what had just happened, but only confirming her suspicions. Clearly someone who also has a horse taking place in the Grand National today day sees FAB 4 as a threat and has decided to pay a group of thieves to steal him to ensure he doesn't take part in the race. And Penelope has a deep suspicion she knows who it might be.
A few moments later, Penelope hears the sound of a familiar engine heading in her direction. She sighs with relief as FAB 1 appears from behind the trees and stops close by. Parker jumps out and rushes over to her.
"Your ladyship!" Parker cries in alarm, "What 'appened?"
"Oh, Parker! Thank goodness!" Penelope exclaims, "They took FAB 4!"
"Who did?" Parker demands, "That nasty heli-jet?"
"No, two men in a Horse Box," Penelope explains, catching her breath, "Two motorbikes and the heli-jet herded us to this location and then they got FAB 4 to throw me off before they took him away!"
"Of all the blinkin' cheek!" Parker says angrily, seething with fury as he helped Penelope into FAB 1, "Well h'are we going h'after them then?"
"Not yet, Parker," Penelope says, "I heard one of them say they'd got Mavis as well. We need to go to her caravan. They may have left some clues that we can use to find her. I knew I should have gotten Brains to make a signal watch for her."
"But what h'about FAB 4 h'and the race?" Parker inquires, "This isn't going to go h'unnoticed when 'e doesn't show h'up this h'afternoon."
"It's okay, Parker," Penelope states as she pulls out her compact and opening it, "Despite that horrible biker telling me I wasn't to call for help, he couldn't know who I would really be calling to help us find him. Lady Penelope calling International Rescue. We have a situation!"
April 16th 2067 - 20:08 NZST
Jeff, Virgil, Nina and Gordon listen with surprise and intrigue at the situation as Penelope fills them in on it. Even John has tuned in from Thunderbird 5 after realising something serious is going on.
"And he's due to race this afternoon in England?" Jeff asks.
"Correct," Penelope replies, "It's his first ever race in the Grand National. I should have suspected that something like this might happen."
"But who would want to?" Virgil questions, "I can't think of why anyone would want to steal a horse?"
"Rivals are strong in the racing community, Virgil," John explains, "It's rare but not entirely unusual for a rival team to have a horse stolen so that their horse can win instead."
"Then we have to find him!" Gordon states, "Not just for the race but for Penelope as well!"
This made Penelope feel a little better, but she remains uneasy. "They also took Mavis, FAB 4's carer and jockey as well," she explains, "Parker and I are going to search around her caravan for clues that may lead us to her. We need her as much as FAB 4 for the race, providing they haven't hurt her. I must ask, can you locate FAB 4 and rescue him for me, please?"
"You got it, Penny," Jeff nods, "John, get to work finding FAB 4's collar-tracker. Virgil, Nina and Gordon, take Thunderbirds 2 and 8 to England and be ready to extract him. I'll contact Colonel Casey and have a GDF squadron assist with the arrest of the criminals behind this."
"Thank you, Jeff," Penelope sighs, feeling relieved, "Good luck."
"Okay, everyone," Jeff orders as Penelope signs off, "On your way!" he said.
"FAB," Virgil, Nina and Gordon reply, hurrying off to their launch tubes.
"I'll start locating FAB 4," John adds as he signs off as well.
Jeff ponders for a moment. Things have been very quiet around the island lately with retirement suiting him well, but he is starting to get a little bored. Then an idea pops into his head and runs his hand through his stubble as a smile forms.
8
Thunderbird 8 awaits in a small hanger, separate to the modules.
7
Nina jumps down a slide next to the stairs that go up to the living quarters.
6
Nina arrives at Thunderbird 8 suited up and drives down to the modules.
5
Virgil runs over to the painting of a rocket and gets suited up.
4
The pod equipment and Thunderbird 8 are loaded into Module 2.
3
Nina and Gordon board Thunderbird 2 via the passenger elevator along with...
"Dad?!" Virgil exclaims as Jeff appears into view wearing his newly repaired uniform, "What are you doing here?!"
"Your Grandma isn't the only one who likes an occasional change of scenery," Jeff chuckles as he sits in the co-pilot seat next to Virgil with Nina in the navigational seat behind him and Gordon in the passenger seat. Virgil shakes is head in disbelief before shifting his focus back to the opening of the hanger door.
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!
April 16th 2067 - 11:17 BST
Thunderbird 2 is flying over the Atlantic Ocean and approaching the South-West coast of England. John then calls in to check on progress and to give them an update on his attempts to track FAB 4.
"With Brains' help I've managed to lock onto the signal in FAB 4's collar," John explains, "The signal indicates that he's no longer on the move and is coming from an abandoned quarry about ten miles south of the Creighton-Ward Estate."
"Sounds like an ideal hiding place," Gordon remarks.
"There's more," John continues, "And it's a good job you launched. I've done a scan of the area, and it looks like there's been a landslide. Several boulders have fallen down and blocked off the entrance to the tunnel that the Horse Box has driven into."
"As bad as that is, at least we know they won't try to run away when we get there," Nina comments, "What of the GDF?"
"Colonel Casey reported that she's leading the squadron," John states, "I'll give her the same location so they can meet you there."
"FAB," Jeff nods, "Thanks, John."
"Crossing the coast now," Virgil informs as Thunderbird 2 flies over Land's End and starts making its way across Cornwall.
April 16th 2067 - 11:20 BST
John floats around the Mission Room keeping an eye on FAB 4's tracker, making sure that there isn't any further attempt at movement. He also receives another distress call that comes through from Thunderbird 10 and forwards the details onto Kayo who is currently out in Thunderbird S. Feeling a bit peckish, he asks EOS to keep an eye on things while he heads down to the kitchen area and grabs a bagel. As he goes to take his first bite, his communicator goes off and a hologram of Penelope appears in front of him.
Lady Penelope to International Rescue," Penelope calls, "Do you read me?"
"Receiving you, Lady P," John acknowledges.
"Some good news to report, John," Penelope says, "Parker and I have found FAB 4's jockey. Any news on finding FAB 4 himself?"
"Affirmative," John confirms, "I got a lock on his signal, and he's being held inside an old quarry south of your location."
"The Moordust & Chippings Quarry!" Penelope exclaims, "Clever!"
"There's been a landslide that's blocked their exit route as well so there's no running away for them," John adds, "Thunderbird 2 is on approach with the GDF not far behind. Don't worry, we'll get him to you in time for the race."
"Tell Nina to take him straight to Aintree," Penelope says as an idea forms, "We'll be waiting for him there."
"Will do," John nods, "By the way, I don't suppose you have any idea who would be behind this, do you?"
"As a matter of fact, yes," Penelope states, "Mrs Andrea Prentis. She owns a horse called Lightning. He was favourite to win the race before we entered FAB 4. She's a real nasty woman as well. Always gets what she wants and when she wants it."
"Sounds plausible then," John muses. He then hears Parker cough in the background and Penelope turns away from the holo-projector for a brief second before looking back at him.
"Thanks, John. Got to go," Penelope informs, "Tell the boys to alert me when they have FAB 4 safe."
"FAB," John replies and watches as Penelope's hologram disappears.
April 16th 2067 - 11:23 BST
Meanwhile, Thunderbird 2 comes into land on the outskirts of the quarry. Gordon uses the link from Thunderbird 5 and is able to pin-point exactly where FAB 4 is.
"Scanners show he's just beyond that rock-pile," Gordon informs after he, Jeff, Virgil and Nina have stepped out for a closer inspection, "It's not going to be easy to clear this away without more rocks coming down."
"What about the horse-nappers?" Nina asks, "What do we do with them? They might be armed."
"So are we," Jeff replies and produces one of The Hood's former gadgets which had been confiscated by the GDF and had been given to Tracy Industries for modifications, "Here's what I propose; Two of us go in with a Mole-Pod and take care of those miscreants. Once that is done then we use a Bulldozer-Pod to clear away the rocks so that Thunderbird 8 can tow the Horse Box out and hand the culprits over to the GDF."
"It could work, Dad," Virgil says but shares a worried look with the others, "But there's a chance the Mole might cause an even bigger rockslide."
"I know, Virgil," Jeff agrees, "But there's only an hour and a half to go until the deadline before the race. We can't wait for the GDF to arrive before we move in."
Everyone agrees that Jeff is right. It is very risky to do but they really don't want to upset Penelope.
After raising the main body of Thunderbird 2 clear of Module 2, Virgil and Gordon set to work configuring the Pods for action while Nina hops into Thunderbird 8. Virgil creates the yellow Mole-Pod whilst Gordon sorts the green Bulldozer-Pod.
"You know," Jeff remarks once the brothers had brought the machines outside, "I still don't know why Brains insists the Mole-Pod should always be yellow."
"I guess he's one for nostalgia," Virgil shrugs, "I presume you're coming with me?"
"Too right I am," Jeff chuckles as he climbs into the rear seat of the Mole behind Virgil, "Gordon, as soon as we have secured those crooks, clear the rocks away."
"And warn us if another rockslide happens," Nina adds, from inside the Module still, "Thunderbird 8 will be able to assist."
"FAB," Gordon acknowledges from inside the Bulldozer, "Good luck."
After plotting a course that will take them into the tunnel where the criminals and Horse Box are, Virgil tilts the Mole downwards and begins to burrow into the ground. The vibration from the drilling causes the old passageways of the quarry to shake slightly but Jeff monitors that they are within safe limits.
Suddenly, Virgil breaks through the ground in front of the Horse Box and brings the Mole to a stop.
"Wow!" they hear from outside, "I knew Mrs Prentis had some serious dough, but I never thought she'd have a machine like that! See, Kenyon, I told you we'd be safe!"
"Oh, you'll be safe alright," Jeff chuckles dryly, "Once you're behind bars."
He steps out from the Mole and sees two men freeze at the sight of him. A dark glare covers his face and despite his age, Jeff is still very tall and quite imposing. The two crooks gulp as the hard stare doesn't leave Jeff's face as he produces The Hood's device to ensure they did as they are told.
"We're International Rescue," Jeff announce, "And you two aren't going anywhere! On your knees!"
The guy who is yet to speak, Kenyon, obeys without question. However, the other crook decides that no old man is going to tell him what to do.
"Now look here, old timer!" the crook cries rudely to Jeff, "You are a rescue team! So, I demand that you-AAAAARRRRRRGGGHHHHHH!"
He yells out in pain as Jeff zaps him with the taser in the device causing him to fall to the ground, whimpering.
"Imbecile!" Jeff snorts before looking over to a terrified Kenyon, "You want some?"
Kenyon smartly shakes his head and places his hands on his head.
"Dad, the GDF have arrived," Gordon informs via the radio in Jeff's helmet, "Have you got them?"
"Sure have, son," Jeff acknowledges, "You may start clearing."
"FAB!" Gordon states. He starts up the engine of the Bulldozer and begins to clear away the rocks.
April 16th 2067 - 11:36 BST
It takes a few minutes, but Gordon soon clears out the last of the rocks. As he does so, the crook Jeff tazed, sees an opportunity.
"Come on!" he cries and grabs Kenyon, pulling him to his feet, "Let's make a run for it!"
However, they didn't get far, for they found Colonel Casey and a group of ten GDF soldiers waiting for them.
"No!" the crook cries as the soldiers grabbed and handcuffed them, "It cannot be!" They are then pushed down onto their knees in front of Colonel Casey.
"Stephen Dempsey and Rupert Kenyon," Casey announces, standing over the two men, "You are under arrest for the theft of a racehorse."
"Hey, it wasn't our fault!" Kenyon pleads, "Mrs Prentis told us to do it!"
"Shut up, you idiot!" Dempsey snaps, kicking him in the leg.
The Mole-Pod returns to the surface and Virgil, Gordon and Jeff join in what has suddenly become an interrogation party.
"Do go on," Casey orders, seeing a chance to exploit information out of a weak criminal.
Kenyon, being the gullible fool that he is, falls for her question and immediately begins spilling the beans on the entire plan. "Mrs Prentis's horse is running in the Grand National this afternoon," he starts.
"Shut up!" Dempsey hisses.
"And he was the favourite to win until Lady Penelope's horse joined the line-up," Kenyon continues.
"I said, SHUT UP!" Dempsey cries.
"So, Mrs Prentis hired up to steal FAB 4 so he couldn't take part," Kenyon finishes.
"SHUT UP!" Dempsey shouts before yelping as Gordon kicks him in the knee.
"Why don't YOU shut up?!" Gordon spits.
"GORDON!" Virgil and Jeff bark, pulling him back from Dempsey.
"Yes, I think we've heard enough," Casey nods and turns to her team of soldiers, "Take them away. We will question them later."
The soldiers drag the two criminals away towards the waiting GDF Flyer. Kenyon bawling his eyes out whilst Dempsey kicks and struggles to break free. Nina then rocks up in Thunderbird 8 and is followed by Casey and the Tracy's inside the tunnel, so they are able to check up on FAB 4 who remained inside the Horse Hox rather frightened.
"There now," Gordon says soothingly, "Easy boy."
FAB 4 views Gordon anxiously, but when Gordon uses some of the tricks he'd been taught as a child to get a horse's trust, he starts to calm down allowing Gordon to get closer before recognizing him from those couple of months ago. This allows Gordon to open the back of the Horse Box and taking hold of FAB 4's reins, gently guiding him into the back of Thunderbird 8.
"Wow," Virgil marvels, "He's beautiful. I can see why you picked him Gordon."
"Indeed he is," Jeff agrees, "Let's just hope we're not too late to get him there in time."
April 16th 2067 - 14:50 BST
The crowds have gathered, and excitement is mounting at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool where the Grand National takes place. The bets are being laid, the sun is shining, and all the horses are being given their last round of preparations before the race. All that is except for one – FAB 4.
"Well good afternoon there, Ladies and Gentlemen!" the announcer's voice booms across the stands, "What a magnificent day we have here at Aintree Racecourse in readiness for this year's Grand National. All of the horses are present and correct, with the exception of the last-minute favourite to win this race which is FAB 4 of the Creighton-Ward family. However, for some unknown reason he has yet to even show up. With only ten minutes to go before the final entry deadline, will FAB 4 make a last-minute dash or are we in for a big upset before the race has even started?"
Penelope, Parker and Mavis are anxiously waiting near the horse paddock watching the other horses as they are prepared.
"Don't worry, m'lady," Parker says, "H'I believe h'in miracles."
"So do I," thinks Penelope. She looks at her watch. There are only eight minutes to go now. In the distance, she sees a smug Angela Prentis looking over at her. Penelope grits her teeth. She is certain that Mrs Prentis is the one behind FAB 4's abduction but without evidence she can't say anything. As Mrs Prentis starts to approach Penelope, the roar of an engine coming down the road causing her to pause. Penelope looks around in confusing before the more familiar sound of a rumbling engines from above can be heard. Her heart flutters and she turns in the direction it's coming from.
Soon the whole crowd and staff are turning and watching in amazement as Thunderbird 8 appears down the entrance road heading towards the starting lineup. Above, Thunderbird 2 comes flying over and lands in the middle of the grass area inside the racetrack.
"Good lord!" the announcer exclaims, "Is that the Thunderbirds?! What's are they doing here?"
Everyone except Penelope and Mavis continue to watch as Thunderbird 8 pulls up alongside the giant green goliath. They make a dash over to them as Nina hops out of the driver's seat and walks around to the back of her vehicle. As the doors open, nobody can see inside due to it being pitch black, but then came the sound of hooves. Many gasps of surprise ring out as FAB 4 then emerges from the Thunderbird and trots happily down the ramp with Nina walking him.
"FAB 4!" Penelope and Mavis both cry, hugging the horse. Mavis sobs with delight at being reunited.
Penelope goes slightly teary as well as she hugs Nina. "Thank you, Nina," she whispers.
"You're welcome, Lady P," Nina smiles.
A lot of cheering erupts from the stands at the sight of FAB 4's sudden late arrival. But not everyone is pleased to see him as Mrs Prentis seethes and points over to the horse angrily shouting at her bodyguards.
April 16th 2067 - 15:31 BST
As FAB 4 is prepared for the race, Nina brings Penelope into Thunderbird 2's Module so she can see Jeff, Virgil and Gordon to explain to her what has happened.
"So, they confessed to everything?" Penelope asks in amazement.
"Indeed," Jeff confirms, "Even gave away the person behind all this. A Mrs Prentis I believe?"
"I KNEW IT!" Penelope cries punching the air with triumph and causing the Tracy's jump, "If anyone could be behind it, it would be her! I'll have the GDF take her in immediately."
"Actually, we have a better idea," Gordon smirks slyly, "How about we wait until after the race? It would be a pity for her to get arrested before seeing her horse lose?"
"Then that it shall be," Penelope grins.
April 16th 2067 - 15:57 BST
So, with FAB 4 safe and ready, the horses trot out onto the racetrack and take up their positions. FAB 4 is numbered 4 for the race, unsurprisingly. The IR Team join the spectators but stand at the very edge so they can remain close to the security team after Penelope has favoured them with a word. Penelope joins Parker in the stands a short distance from Mrs Prentis and her group of four bodyguards. She does not say a word about the way FAB 4 had arrived in the nick of time but has said that it does not matter as she still believes that Lightning would still win the race easily.
"AND THEY'RE OFF!" shouts the announcer as the race gets underway, "And straight from the off it is Number 7, Lightning who is leading the charge with FAB 4 following a short distance behind. Whilst he may have made a late arrival to the point, we all didn't think he'd get here in time, I have to say he sure arrived in style. But will he be able to overcome the hurdles of his first ever Grand National Race? We shall see, folks! We shall see!"
It is an incredible race in the end. FAB 4 loses a few places to horses 6 and 1 but by the time they are on the final lap he has regained his position in second place but is still behind the leader which is Lightning. For a short time, it looks as though Mrs Prentis had been right and that Lightning would indeed win easily. But then, to the surprise of everyone, FAB 4 suddenly begins to pick up speed. He goes faster and faster until just before the final bend he is neck-and-neck with Lightning.
"COME ON, FAB 4!" Penelope shouts as the crowd grows even louder, "IT IS YOURS, BOY! COME ON!"
"DON'T YOU DARE LET THEM PASS!" Mrs Prentis bellows furiously, "KNOCK HIM OVER!"
FAB 4 then picks up more speed and starts to get in front of Lightning as they round the final bend and gallop as fast as his legs would carry him to the finish line. Mrs Prentis's shrieks of fury would shatter all the windows in a five-mile radius if she could be heard above the roaring of the rest of the crowd. The IR Group can only watch on in delight as FAB 4 crosses the finishing line with a whole ten metres between him and Lightning.
"HE'S DONE IT! FAB 4 HAS WON HIS FIRST TITLE ON HIS DEBUT RACE! WHAT A PERFORMANCE! WHAT A HORSE! AND WHAT AN UPSET FOR THOSE IN TEAM PRENTIS!" exclaims the excitable announcer before drawing a breath, "They aren't going to forget this in a hurry."
Mrs Prentis is shaking with fury. She takes off her hat and throws it to the ground. Lightning's jockey does the exact same after dismantling and bellowing with rage as he does so. He then fixes Mavis and FAB 4 with a hateful stare before stomping off to sulk leaving Lightning in the hands of his carers. Mavis never notices him for she is too overjoyed by winning. Jeff watches with a proud father look as he watches Virgil and Gordon embrace their partners and share a celebratory smooch. It is a happy occasion with even Parker hopping, skipping and jumping with joy.
April 16th 2067 - 16:18 BST
A short while later, everyone is sipping on some champagne with Penelope thanking International Rescue for what they'd done.
"That was quite a race," Gordon smiles as he wraps a hand around Penelope's waist bringing her into his side.
"Indeed," Penelope agrees, tilting her head up slightly, kissing Gordon on the cheek, "And no worse for his experience today."
Virgil smiles and nods but the look on his face suddenly drops. "Er, Penelope?" Virgil mutters, nodding behind her.
"I hope you're happy," said a bitter-sounding voice. This causes everyone to turn to see a very angry-looking Mrs Prentis glaring at them. Her four bodyguards are flanked beside her as though they are waiting for her to order an attack. "Your stupid horse has denied me the honour of having the most consecutive wins at the Grand National! It would have been five years on the trot if not for your precious FAB 4."
"On the trot?" Gordon sniggers, before Nina elbows him to be quiet.
"Mrs Prentis, I presume?" Jeff enquiries.
"How do you know my name?" Mrs Prentis demands, frowning.
"And I suppose you want to know how we managed to retrieve FAB 4 from your men after you ordered him stolen?" Gordon asks smugly.
Mrs Prentis suddenly goes a bit pale in the face and seems to lose her voice as she is unable to answer Gordon's question.
"The one of the goons with the Horse Box confessed everything," Nina adds, "He even let slip your name despite his buddy trying to shut him up."
"Utterly ridiculous!" Mrs Prentis cries, quickly finding her voice again, "And I don't see what evidence you International Rescue cowboys have to prove it?"
"We have the evidence," says a new voice which turns out to be Colonel Casey. Behind her are some of the GDF soldiers who had arrested Kenyon and Dempsey earlier on. Casey holds up a small recorder and pressed the play button. Straight away they heard the sounds of Kenyon's voice confessing and Dempsey trying to get him to stop.
"Mrs Prentis's horse is running in the Grand National this afternoon."
"Shut up!"
"And he was the favourite to win until Lady Penelope's horse joined the line-up."
"I said, SHUT UP!"
"So, Mrs Prentis hired up to steal FAB 4 so he couldn't take part."
"SHUT UP!"
Casey clicks off the recorder and looks at Mrs Prentis who has gone as white as a sheet. "Well, Mrs Prentis?" she questions, "Do you have anything to say?"
"FINE!" Mrs Prentis snaps, realising there's no point in denying it anymore, "I couldn't let anything, or anyone ruin my chances of winning this race."
That's all everyone needed to hear. The soldiers move in. First, they handcuff Mrs Prentis' bodyguards and then one handcuffs Mrs Prentis herself.
"Angela Prentis," Casey announces, "You are under arrest. Take them away!"
The soldiers march the disgraced woman away along with her equally frustrated bodyguards, two of which attempt to resist but are swiftly taken down.
"Hey, guys?" Gordon calls, "Why the long faces?" He then hoots with laughter much to Virgil, Nina and Jeff's annoyance. Penelope rolls her eyes but the crowd that had gathered after hearing the raised voices all joined in with Gordon laughing at the humiliating joke.
Mrs Prentis fumes as she is taken away, it is all too terrible.
What nobody notices however is a mysterious black figure that is standing on the roof of the main building. It watches what is going on for a few moments before turning around and disappearing behind the stands.