April 28th, 2068 - 02:29 BST
FAB 1 makes its way up the country roads leading back towards the Creighton-Ward Estate. Parker is taking Lady Penelope home following a new movie premier in London's Leicester Square. It had been a new action and romance movie detailing the life and career of Napoleon, and Penelope had only gone because the director of the film was an old friend of her father. As both Sir Hugh and Lady Amelia had already seen the film during advanced test screenings, it therefore fell to Penelope to represent the family at the premier.
"Did you h'enjoy the picture, m'lady?" Parker enquires.
"Not particularly, Parker," Penelope replies before letting out a loud yawn, "I thought a film about Napoleon would have shown off his vast knowledge of strategy and tactics. I thought maybe I'd learn something from it. But instead, he seemed to spend most of his time chasing his missus around a four-poster bed if you can believe it?!"
"I'd call that strategy h'and tactics," Parker whispers to himself with a chuckle.
"I beg your pardon?" Penelope questions.
"H'Oh, er, nothing, m'lady," Parker replies hastily, "H'I was just thinking to meself."
"How long before we're home?" Penelope asks as she tried to fight off another yawn, checking her watch, "I really need my bed."
"All being well in h'about ten minutes from now, m'lady," Parker responds, checking their position on the dashboard, "Shall I get Cook to prepare you a nightcap?"
Penelope considers it for a second. "No, not tonight, Parker," she says, "It's far too late. I don't want to trouble poor Cook. She suffers enough for us as it is."
"Very good, m'lady," Parker nods.
FAB 1 turns a corner and then suddenly is hit by a colossal beam of bright white light. So bright that both Parker and Penelope cry out and throw their hands over their eyes. "AAAAARGH!" they both yell. The car wavers across the road for a few moments before Parker's foot finds the brake pedal and manages to screech it to a stop.
Keeping their hands up to shield their eyes, they both look out of the left side of FAB 1 only to see a gigantic unidentified monster-object moving slowly directly towards them.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
Elegance, Charm and Deadly Danger is the motto for the Creighton-Wards and for the most part both Penelope and Parker are able to keep their calm in almost any situation. However, they have never encountered one as terrifying as this before. Neither of them can identify the mysterious vehicle that seems to be hovering low to the ground as it makes its way at a snail's pace towards where FAB 1 has almost crashed into the dry-stone wall that marks the edge of the road. As it gets closer, they heard a horrendous droning noise that sounds like some kind of engine.
"FLIPPIN' HECK! THE MARTIANS HAVE COME TO GET US!" Parker cries and tries to get FAB 1 into gear, only to find that the car's engine has cut out, "COME H'ON! COME H'ON!"
"Parker, calm down!" Penelope states loudly, "Leave this to me!" She then opens the door and steps out, much to Parker's horror.
"NO, M'LADY!" Parker yells, scrambling out of the car after her, "COME BACK!"
Penelope stands defiantly in front of the strange approaching object whilst still using one hand to cover her eyes. The vehicle then stops, about ten feet away from where she is standing. The droning noise quietens down, but the lights remain as bright as looking into the sun through a telescope.
A loud horn then blares out accompanied by a gruff voice shouting, "OI! GET OUTTA THE WAY!"
"Eh?" Parker exclaims, "Since when could Martians speak H'English?"
"It's not Martians, Parker," Penelope sighs, annoyed and turns to shout out into the lights, "I MUST POLITELY ASK YOU, SIR, WOULD YOU KINDLY DIM YOUR LIGHTS SO I CAN SEE YOU?!"
For a few seconds nothing happens, but then the bright lights dim down and the shape of what it is becomes apparent. It's largely box-shaped with some kind of strange cockpit at the front and a small platform on its left side where the figure of a stout man can be seen. He seems rather annoyed as Penelope walks sternly up to the vehicle.
It's then that Parker notices something. In the now dim light underneath what he thought was a cockpit, he can see the word CLAAS written in bright red letters, and he claps his hand to his head as he finally realises what it is. "Well, stone the crows!"
Penelope has some harsh words for the driver of the vehicle. "If I am not mistaken, Mr Giles, those lights you were using are for use when working in your fields at night, not for when you're driving down the road! You almost blinded my driver and we very nearly crashed. I must therefore ask that you pull over to the side and let us pass before you go back to your farm."
"Very well, your Ladyship," Mr Giles grumbles, "My apologies." He steps back inside the cab and revs the engine before moving it over to the left side of the road and leaving just enough space on the opposite side that will allow FAB 1 to pass.
Penelope walks back to Parker and FAB 1. "Come on, Parker," she says, irritably. "Let's get home. Of course I'm now wide awake thanks to that!"
Parker is still trying to come to terms with what had just happened. "Spooked out of me wits by h'a blinkin' Combine 'arvester!" he mutters as he follows Penelope to the car, "Never thought I'd see the day!"
April 28th, 2068 - 10:28 BST
It isn't often that Penelope gets to have a lie-in, but due to the late night she needed it. She finally rose out of bed and gets ready for the day before heading down into the kitchen where Parker brings her a late breakfast.
"Good morning, Parker," Penelope smiles, "Hope you slept, okay?"
"I wish it were, m'lady," Parker replies, sounding irritable, "Those pesky workmen h'are back. H'and they've brought one of them new-fangled diggers with them!"
"And what's wrong with that?" Penelope asks, "They're laying new cables, remember? They need to be able to dig up the ground in order to lay them."
"Yes, h'I know, m'lady," Parker grumbles, "But those men 'aven't got h'a clue what they're doing. It's like they think it's some kind of game!"
Penelope rolls her eyes as she takes her breakfast on a tray. "Just leave them to it, Parker. They'll be gone before you know it."
April 29th, 2068 - 01:56 NZST
Jeff looks up from his desk as the sound of approaching feet catches his attention. He smiles as Scott walks in looking a lot better since he'd recovered from his encounter with The Black Phantom.
"How do you feel, son?" Jeff asks.
"Really good actually," Scott replies, "Marion seems to be a lot happier now we're all going to be armed from now on."
"How's my grandson?" Jeff smiles.
"Adorable as ever," Scott laughs, "It seems when it comes to babysitting it's his Auntie Kayo and Uncle Alan who he loves the most."
Before Jeff can answer, the eyes on Alan's portrait flash accompanied by the familiar beeping.
"Go ahead, Alan," Jeff orders.
Alan's hologram appears from the eyes of the portrait. "Dad, we have a situation, but I'm not sure if we'll be able to help."
"What is it, son?" Jeff enquires.
"There's been a minor avalanche near to the Matterhorn," Alan explains, "Two climbers have gotten caught up in it. There's a strong wind and local rescue don't think they can get a helicopter up there. I said we'd respond if we could but Thunderbird 2's still dealing with that flood in Cambodia and Thunderbird 3's on space junk duty. I could divert Thunderbird Shadow but I'm not sure Kayo would get there in time."
"Or you could send me?" Scott interjects.
"Oh, Scott!" Alan blinks in surprise, "So sorry, I didn't see you there!"
"Sure, Alan," Scott chuckles and stands up, "May I, Dad?"
"F-A-B," Jeff nods, "Take it easy."
5
Scott descends and starts to get suited up.
4
Scott is carried across on a platform into Thunderbird 1's cockpit.
3
The front doors close as Scott gets into the pilot seat.
2
He starts moving along and towards the launch pad.
1
Thunderbird 1 comes to a stop as the swimming pool above starts to retract.
Thunderbirds are Go!
April 28th, 2068 - 16:19 CEST
Thunderbird 1 soon reaches the mountains near to the Matterhorn. Scott finds there are very strong winds battling against the hull of his ship, so he puts it into a hovering position high above the tops of the mountains and used his jetpack to search for the missing climbers. He soon finds a distressed young woman in a bright red coat waving frantically to him.
"Hello there," Scott calls as he lands, "I'm with International Rescue. Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm fine," the woman says, "But my husband's trapped. You have to help him!"
"And where is he?" Scott questions, "What's your name?"
"Dilly," the woman replies, "My husband is Ahmed. He's over there."
Scott looks in the direction Dilly is pointing. He has to be very careful not to laugh when he catches sight of Ahmed. All he can see is a pair of black climbing boots poking out of the ground and kicking. Scott composes himself and hurries over to Ahmed's feet. "Hello?" he shouts down into the snow. "Ahmed? Can you hear me? I'm with International Rescue!"
A muffled sound can be heard from deep within the snow, but Scott cannot make out what he is saying.
"Stay calm, sir," Scott orders, "I'm going to pull you out."
"I've tried that," Dilly cries as some tears trickle down her cheeks, "But he's stuck fast."
"First things first, Dilly," Scott starts as he pulls a tissue out of his sash, "Wipe those tears away before they freeze to your face. Trust me that hurts. Second, stand back please."
Dilly takes the tissue and quickly wipes her eyes before stepping back. Scott grabs hold of Ahmed's feet and activates his jetpack. With the added thrust he is able to easily pull Ahmed out of the snow. Like Dilly he is also dressed in a bright red coat and has a large black bobble hat covering his bald head. He lets out a cry of alarm at first but calms down quickly once Scott has settled him back down the right way up on the ground helped by Dilly.
"It's okay, Ahmed," Scott smiles, "You're safe now."
Ahmed tries to answer but his teeth are chattering from the cold.
"What's wrong with him?" Dilly asks, concerned.
"Possible hypothermia," Scott muses, "We'd better get him to hospital right away!" He remotely pilots Thunderbird 1 to right above their position. "Lowering the rescue capsule." The hatch underneath Thunderbird 1 opens, and the winch lowers the rescue cage down to them. Scott and Dilly quickly help Ahmed inside and the winch begins to lift the capsule with Ahmed back up. "Grab onto me," Scott tells Dilly. She does so and he uses his jetpack to carry them both up after the capsule to the hovering Thunderbird. Once inside, Dilly straps herself into a seat whilst Scott directs Thunderbird 1 towards the nearest hospital. "Don't worry, Dilly," he calls as he looks back, "I'm sure he'll be okay."
Dilly sniffs as she looks at her husband who is now getting warmed up by the capsule's internal heaters. "Thank you, International Rescue," she replies with a grateful smile.
Scott beams. This is what International Rescue is all about.
April 28th, 2068 - 17:59 BST
Penelope sits alone in the drawing room waiting for the evening news to begin. She nibbles delicately at a biscuit when a sudden beeping noise startles her. It's coming from the table. "That must be from Mustapha Farrah," she mutters aloud to herself, "I do hope he has good news."
Mustapha Farrah is one of Penelope's many secret contacts from around the world. He is stationed in the Middle East and Penelope has been expecting a call from him. As Penelope presses a concealed button on the table, she hears the agent's voice sounding rather severe.
"Agent 997 calling London," Agent Farrah calls, "President Barach is to ignore the World Council. He will go ahead with his missile test in three hours."
Penelope gasps in surprise. President Barach is the leader of Iran whose is the only one not to have agreed to the Nuclear Disarmament deal in 2043. His military still has a small number of nuclear Vanta-7 missiles, and he has been threatening to launch them at an undisclosed target in a remote area of the Pacific Ocean. Up to now, with the rest of the world protesting, Barach has listened to reason. Or at least it seemed as though he had. Unfortunately, it now seems he is about to ignore the World Council's decision and launch them anyway.
"Do you have information about the target area, 997?" Penelope inquires.
"Yes," he replies, "Three Vanta-7 missiles will be launched on course for the South Pacific. Target coordinates are West-Three-Eight, South-One-Six. Launch time is 08:00 hours local time."
"Thank you, Mustapha," Penelope mutters, "Now make sure you stay out of sight. Don't let security find you."
"They won't, Lady Penelope," promises the Agent, "Over and out."
Penelope stands up and goes over to a painting of one of her ancestors. She presses another concealed button at the side of the frame and the portrait moved to one side to reveal a holographic map of the world. "West-Thirty-Eight," she says aloud as she types in the coordinates on a hologram keypad. "South-Sixteen." Bright laser lights flicker across the map and Penelope looks on with concern at the spot where they cross.
"Oh dear," Penelope mumbles, "I was afraid of this. I must call Jeff at once!" She quickly moves to another part of the drawing room and presses a button to call Tracy Island. "International Rescue, England calling Tracy Island. Are you receiving me?"
"Go ahead, Penny," Jeff responds as his hologram appears from the face of the Grandfather Clock, "Receiving you loud and clear."
"Jeff, I'm afraid I have some distressing news," Penelope explains, "Have you heard about President Barach's plans?"
"No," Jeff answers, "The last we heard he'd cancelled his missile launch. We were waiting news from your—"
BANG! Penelope cries out in alarm as a blinding flash of blue-white light comes from outside. She blinks to clear her vision and then realises Jeff's hologram is no longer there. The link has been cut.
"TUCKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRR!" a voice bellows from outside.
"What on earth was that?" Penelope asks herself. She gets up and looks out of the windows but can't see anything. She then goes and pulls the bell tassel to summon Parker. However, after waiting a minute and seeing no sign of Parker, which has never happened before, Penelope walks out to see where he'd got to. Straight away she finds one of the front doors open and after walking outside she finds Parker shouting furiously at three workmen. However, they don't seem to be hearing him for two are equally shouting expletives at the man, presumably Tucker, who is looking somewhat sheepish in the cab of the digger. His fast digging had found the electric cable pipe and has damaged it causing the electricity to cut out.
"YOU BLINKIN' FOOLS!" Parker bellows as he shook his fist at them, "'IS LADYSHIP WILL 'AVE YOU FOR THIS!"
"It's no good shouting at them, Parker," Penelope mutters as she pulls him away, "They will sort things out much quicker without you making things worse for them."
"Make things worse?" Parker splutters, "Beg pardon, m'lady, but those three couldn't h'organise a p—"
"Watch it!" Penelope snaps, cutting Parker off before he says anything explicit, "You know I do not approve of that language, Parker. Now, I need you to get the car out for me. We have a much urgent situation that I need to speak to Jeff Tracy about. And yes, it's much more important than the mess they're causing."
"Sorry, m'lady," Parker sighs, "H'I'll get the car." He takes out his keys and presses the fob to remotely drive FAB 1 to their position.
April 29th, 2068 - 05:04 BST
Jeff taps his fingers on the desk as he tries to call Penelope back, but there is no response. Marion comes in with some coffee. "Mr Tracy, you really need to be in bed now, you've been up all night."
"Sorry, Marion," Jeff sighs, "But Lady Penelope called with some urgent information and was cut off. I need to find out what it was."
"Due you want me to investigate?" Marion asks.
"If you don't mind Marion," Jeff responds, "If you can fly over to her mansion and find out what went wrong that would be great."
"F-A-B," Marion nods, "I'm on my way."
"Base calling Thunderbird 5," Jeff calls, as he presses down on Alan's communicator.
"Yes, Dad?" Alan asks as his hologram appears.
"Alan, have you heard any information regarding President Barach's plans?" Jeff asks.
"No, Dad, I haven't," Alan replies, "I thought that tyrant had abandoned his plans to test those missiles?"
"That's what we thought," Jeff says, grimly, "But Lady Penelope called and was cut off before she could relay her message. I have a hunch it's got something to do with that wretched president. I've sent Marion to find out what's gone wrong."
7
Thunderbird 7 pulls out from a hanger underneath Thunderbird 1 to allow Marion to get inside.
6
A crane comes down and lifts Thunderbird 7 onto a platform.
5
The platform starts to move out of the hanger.
4
Marion prepares Thunderbird 7 for flight.
3
The hanger doors open to a flat concrete surface on the back of Tracy Island.
2
Marion makes the last pre-flight checks.
1
The engines start.
Thunderbirds are Go!
April 28th, 2068 - 18:11 BST
Penelope slides gracefully into the back seats of FAB 1 on the driveway in front of the mansion after Parker has opened the door for her. "Thank you, Parker," she acknowledges, "Let's hope the car's radio can reach Tracy Island without any trouble."
But she never even gets as far as turning the radio on for there comes another huge rumble as an explosion suddenly erupts from nearby, ripping up the ground and tossing FAB 1 across the driveway with Parker following like a piece of wind-flung paper. The car finishes up on its roof with Penelope inside, now unconscious from striking her head on the doorframe.
Across the estate the three workers stand frozen to their spots, staring at the devastation that lies in front of them. Tucker's hands are over his mouth. The one with scruffy hair grabs onto it and almost rips it out. The final worker in the digger looks like he's just been caught with his trousers down. They knew they are in trouble now.
April 28th, 2068 - 18:43 BST
Marion is alarmed by the scene she is looking down upon from Thunderbird 7. She'd been to the Creighton-Ward estate many times before now, but it has always been a beautifully well-kept place. Now the front looks like a scene from the Second World War for a long fifteen metre hole stretches out from the lawn to just in front of the house. She can see all the windows in the front of the mansion around the area where the trench is had been smashed and there's a yellow digger by the hole that's missing half of its backhoe arm. The most alarming sight of all though is seeing the underbelly of the upturned FAB 1 on the other side of the drive having been thrown by the blast through the water-feature that's situated in the middle of the drive, surrounded by staff from the mansion and the three workmen. There are also two Police Cars, three Ambulances and a Fire Engine on the scene.
"How does it look, Marion?" Jeff asks over the radio.
"Not too good, Sir," Marion replies, "Looks like there's been some kind of engineering accident. FAB 1 is upside down and surrounded by emergency services."
"You'd better get down there and get rid of them if you can, Marion," Jeff states, sternly, "Penelope has vital info that we need to know about. Hopefully she's not badly hurt."
"I'll land away from the house," Marion informs, "I'd rather not present them with any more surprises."
Thunderbird 7 descends and lands in the midst of a few trees about half a mile away from the mansion. After exiting, she presses a button on her sash which activates an amended piece of cloaking tech that had been confiscated from The Hood to hide his uniform and show his civilian identity to anyone who sees him. He then hurries over to the mansion to see what has happened.
Penelope has been pulled from FAB 1 and is steadily recovering. Despite getting hit on the head she luckily isn't hurt badly. She holds an icepack to her forehead whilst the Paramedics look her over.
"We'll have to get you to the hospital, your Ladyship," one of the Paramedics states.
Penelope shakes her head in protest when she hears the voices of a Policewoman and someone whose voice she recognises instantly as Marion's. Turning her head, she sees that two Police Officers are trying to keep her away from the scene.
"Let her through, officers!" Penelope orders, "She's my personal doctor!"
Marion blinks in surprise as the officers step back to let her in. "Penelope?" she asks, "Are you hurt?"
"Just a minor bump, Marion," Penelope smiles, "Nothing to worry about."
"Thank goodness," Marion breathes, "Where's Parker?"
"H'Am 'ere, Miss Marion," mumbles a disgruntled voice.
Marion looks and nearly falls over in surprise when she sees Parker sitting in the open door of one of the Police Cars with handcuffs on. "What is this?!" Marion demands, "Release this man at once!"
"Calm down, miss," the Policeman orders standing guard, "He's under arrest for assault."
"Assault?" Marion cries angrily, "There's no way he's responsible for this! I know this man, Officer. He would never hurt Lady Penelope!"
"I know, miss, but it's for assaulting them," the Policeman says nodding over to the three workmen who are looking very down.
Marion can now see all three are being treated for minor injuries by the other Paramedics. Whilst some had been caused by the explosion, Marion recognises some of the injuries as strike-marks. She looks back at Parker. "Did you do that?" she questions.
"Yus," Parker scoffs, not sounding remotely sorry, "Those mongrels are the reason for all this mess!"
"What happened, gentlemen?" Marion asks the workman.
"It was the digger," the one with scruffy hair replies, "It went straight through the gas main... and a spark did the rest."
"You really do 'ave h'a smashing time, don't you?" Parker states, grudgingly.
"Be quiet!" the Policeman orders.
Marion sighs. She knew precious time is being wasted. Penelope has stated she is fine and that is good enough for her. She therefore takes charge of the situation. First, she orders Parker to be released and for no charges are to be given. Secondly, he tells the three workmen to do what they can to clear up the mess. Finally, she helps Penelope from FAB 1 and dismisses everyone else. She helps her back to the mansion with a very annoyed and confused Parker leading the way. Marion having ordered him to stay away from the workmen.
Once inside the mansion, the trio go into the drawing room and Marion sits Penelope down in a seat. Parker also brings in some tea for them both.
"H'I didn't know you were a doctor, Miss Marion," Parker comments, "H'I keep getting this pain h'in my right toe... the big one. Do you think you could take h'a look at it?"
"Oh, honestly, Parker," Penelope laughs, "Marion isn't a doctor. I only said that so we could get rid of the emergency services."
"You'll need to take it easy for a while, Penelope," Marion says gently, "Good job Gordon's out on a mission. He would have flipped out if he had any inkling that something was wrong."
"I wouldn't doubt that for a second," Penelope smiles.
"I'm sorry to have to ask you this," Marion starts as she takes a seat in another chair, "But Jeff sent me to find out what you were trying to get in touch about... if you can remember that is?"
Fortunately for Marion, Penelope does remember. "Oh, yes!" she states, turning very serious, "I had a call from my sub-agent in the Middle East. President Barach is indeed going ahead with his missile test. And I know what the target is."
"Which is?" Marion asks as she begins to drink her tea.
"Moratoa Island," Penelope sighs gravely.
Marion spits her tea out again. "M-M-M-Moratoa?!" she gasps, sounding like Brains for a moment before he recovers herself, "Are you serious?!"
"I'm afraid so," Penelope confirms as she glances at her watch, "08:00 hours in their time. You don't have long, I'm afraid."
Marion hastily puts her teacup back on the tray. "I have to warn Jeff," she announces as she gets up, "Do forgive me for spitting my tea, Penelope."
"Oh, don't worry about that," Penelope smiles, "Much more urgent matters, Marion. Oh, and Marion?"
Marion, who has begun to hurry towards the door, stops and looks back. "Yes?"
"Thank you for saving me from the paramedics," Penelope says.
"F-A-B," Marion smirks and with that she rushes out of the drawing room, almost knocking over Parker as she goes.
"Woah!" Parker exclaims, "Careful, miss!"
"Sorry!" Marion calls back as she sprints out of the front door.
Penelope watches through the window as Marion hurries back to where she'd hidden Thunderbird 7 whilst Parker sets to work clearing up the spilled tea.
"Beg pardon, m'lady," Parker enquires, "But what h'is so special h'about that island?"
"Moratoa is where International Rescue keeps all their auxiliary stores and fuel, Parker," Penelope informs, "If those missiles hit the island, it will cause a tidal wave that will be felt all around the Pacific!"
"Oh, sorry I h'asked," Parker gulps as he scuttled out of the room.
April 29th, 2068 - 14:50 NZST
Thunderbird 2 has not long returned to Tracy Island following its mission in Cambodia. Gordon and John had gone straight to bed whilst Virgil and Nina have gone to see Jeff to give a report, who had planned to turn in himself when Marion's urgent message had come in. After explaining what Penelope had told her, Jeff urgently summons Brains and Moffy to the lounge to discuss the situation.
"The missiles are due to be fired in less than two hours," Jeff notes, "What do you think, Brains?"
"Well, M-Mr Tracy," Brains replies after some thought and brings up a holo-schematic of the mission, "The V-Vanta-7 missile is a remote-controlled w-weapon. It h-homes in on its t-target, controlled by radio and l-laser beams linked to a n-network of orbiting satellites."
"When it gets within the target area," Virgil adds, "a robot camera eye system takes over for the final run-in."
"And b-believe me, Mr Tracy," Brains nods grimly, "Once that r-robot lens has spotted M-Moratoa Island, there's no turning it off c-course."
Jeff ponders the information. "So, the missiles can't be intercepted, and once they're on course, there is very little we can do to stop them. And there's no point appealing to that idiot Barach. He wouldn't even care if we told him what was stored on Moratoa."
"And to explain that would mean blowing our cover as International Rescue," Nina states.
Moffy, who had been doing some hard thinking, has an idea that suddenly springs to her. "I may have it," she announces, "Mr Tracy, the store of silver nitroglobe particles... what is the present strength?"
"Two-hundred tonnes, I guess, Moffy," Jeff responds, puzzled, "But the store is not on Moratoa - it's here on Tracy Island."
"We use it to cool the fuel supplies," Virgil reminds them.
"Exactly!" Brains exclaims, " Good t-thinking Moffy! This is what we h-have to do. L-Load as much of the SNP as we can spare aboard Thunderbird 2. Then, Virgil, you must scatter the p-particles over the sea in the specific area that I will p-plot. Come on, Max. We have w-work to do." Brains hurries out to his lab followed closely by Max and Moffy.
Jeff, Virgil and Nina look at each other, confused. "Well," Jeff sighs after a moment, "You heard him. Let's get on with it. They'll will tell us the plan when they're ready."
5
Virgil's rocket painting tilts backwards and Nina descends as she gets suited up.
4
Module 5 is filled with SNP.
3
Nina 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 raises as the engines begin to start.
Thunderbirds are Go!
April 29th, 2068 - 16:23 NZST
Moratoa Is located a mere fifty miles to the North of Tracy Island and with such high speeds, it takes no time at all for Thunderbird 2 to reach the area where the island is located.
"Approaching the area now," Nina announces, "Just say the word, Brains."
Brains doesn't reply, but he nods to show Nina that he'd heard her. He watches his instruments with a stern expression. Virgil's finger hovers anxiously over a purple button on the steering console.
"Stand-by," Brains orders, "Steady. Steady. Now!"
Virgil presses the button. The hatch on the underside of Module 5 opens and the silver nitroglobe particles are released.
"Particles released," Virgil announces.
"G-Good, Virgil," Brains smiles, "Now all we d-do is sit and wait. Thunderbird 7 will be here soon. We'd better warn Marion that there might be some changes to v-visual bearing marks."
April 29th, 2068 - 16:32 NZST
Thunderbird 7 reaches the area near Moratoa Island shortly after 08:00 in Iran. Two miles ahead Marion can see the outline of Moratoa Island, shimmering on the glass-like sea. Every rock, boulder and palm tree seem to stand out to her even at that distance as she made her rendezvous with Thunderbird 2.
"Nice of you to join us, Marion," Virgil jokes over the hologram projector.
"No time for sarcasm, Thunderbird 2," Marion scoffs, "What's the plan of action?"
"P-Plan already done, Marion," Moffy informs as her hologram appeared beside Virgil's.
Alan's also appears. "Heads up, guys," he calls, "You've got incoming – twenty-thousand feet."
Marion, Virgil, Nina and Moffy look up from their respective craft. High above them and streaking across the sky from the west are three slivers of black which they know could only be one thing.
"The Vantas!" Marion exclaims, "There's nothing we can do! Your plan has failed! The robot-camera eyes are guiding them in! We can't stop them!"
Brains' hologram appears as well, and he doesn't seem to have heard Marion's words. They watch in fascination as the missiles suddenly take a new course and swing into a steep dive towards the island.
"It's w-working!" Brains shouts, "L-Look, they're diving! Plunging for their final run at the target!"
Marion can't believe her ears. "Are you crazy?!" she cries, "The island and millions of dollars' worth of supplies will be destroyed!"
The missiles continue their dive and next second, struck the island and explode in a devastating, eardrum-splitting, eyeball searing flash of destruction. Virgil, Nina and Marion cover their faces to shield their eyes.
Jeff and Sally, who have been watching from the balcony outside the Tracy Villa, also have to protect their eyes from the bright white light that they can see from Tracy Island. Once the light fades, they are able to watch without binoculars as the mushroom cloud rises high into the sky before fading away into nothingness.
Marion's jaw falls as her lungs expelled a long gasp of air. Moratoa has disappeared. Not a single trace of it remains.
"The fu–?!" Marion gasps, "Brains... was I seeing things? The island was there. I saw it! And then, just as those missiles plunged in, it disappeared!"
Brains nods as a slow smile of relief crossed his face. "Yes, you did, Marion," he says, "And also, you didn't. But that's because it was only a mirage... not the real thing."
"A mirage!" Marion gasps, "You actually created a mirage?"
"Yes," Moffy pips up, "An optical illusion for the robot camera eyes to home in on. You see, mirages occur when the air is very still and either very warm or very cold in its lowest part. The air settles into layers and the light is reflected from the surface of these layers as it passes through them. This reflection of light distorts it, and the image of distant objects – in this case Moratoa Island – is raised in the air to become a mirage."
It all makes sense now. "So that's why Thunderbird 2 spread the load of ice-cold silver nitroglobe particles over this area," Marion realises, "By creating the mirage before the missiles reached the real island, you fooled those robot camera-eyes into detonating too soon."
"Exactly!" Brains smiles.
As Thunderbirds 2 and 7 set courses to return to Tracy Island, Marion can just make out the shape of the real Moratoa Island in the distance. Even though she knew that islands don't have feelings, she feels sure that it would be thanking them for saving it if it could.