May 22nd, 2068 - 04:44 NZST
Life aboard Thunderbird 5 can be an interesting if often dull for John Tracy, not that he overly minds that. It's something that none of his brothers could ever understand – why he prefers to be isolated aboard. He remembers Alan struggling significantly during the six months he spent up there when he and Ridley went through a rough patch in their relationship. He reckons that without EOS for company Alan would've gone crazy. EOS then Thunderbird 10 made John's life a lot easier, especially if he was off for a few days, he knew that any SOS can still be picked up.
There is one thing that John does enjoy more than watching the Earth below, and that's Chess. He'd often play it with either Jeff or one of his brothers, sometimes even Brains when he's on Earth, but in space it is hard to play against EOS, even though they had done it on a few occasions. John has therefore joined a Chess website and has spent many hours playing against his mystery partner. He doesn't know if it's a man or a woman who he is playing against. He only knows them by their gaming name: Lunamaxwell. Whoever they are though, they are very good at the game and John often finds himself with a real challenge on his hands.
John has just finished setting up his pieces and waits for Lunamaxwell to make their first move. "Well, EOS," John calls, "What do you reckon my odds of winning are?"
"Judging by your last twelve defeats, I'd say your chances are pretty slim, John," EOS answers.
"Quite the optimist, aren't you?" John chuckles and goes to make a move on the digital chessboard when an alarm rings out, "Aw, really? Of all the times to get an alert!"
"I'll check it out," EOS informs and runs through the systems to see what is causing the alert, "I'm sorry to say we do have a situation developing, John. A mega-earthquake is striking the West Coastlines of Canada and the United States as we speak."
"Which part?" John questions.
"All of it," EOS replies, "I'm detecting tremors from Anchorage to Los Angeles."
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
John becomes alarmed as he looks at the hologram map. Many earthquake icons are flashing along the entire length of the seaboard. "This isn't good," he muses, "Never known that to happen before. Better call Tracy Island. I think we could be in for a very long day."
John's concerns are justified. All along the coastline, people are running around in terror as cracks appear in the ground cutting up roadways, railways and avalanches into the sea. Buildings rock and some of them even collapse. Even the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco shudders due to the tremors.
The worst place affected though is another suspension bridge. The Anasta Bridge over the Anasta River located on the border between the United States and Canada. It's a long bridge with five spans and one of the epicentres just so happened to be right underneath. This causes it to shake violently resulting in pretty much every vehicle that is crossing it to be thrown either into each other or the crash barriers at the sides.
In a small control box located on one of the overlooking cliffs, the Bridge Superintendent can see that a major disaster is about to come. He grabs the radio and sends out an urgent message. "Calling International Rescue! Calling International Rescue!"
May 22nd, 2068 - 05:03 NZST
In the lounge, everyone has gathered to listen as John fills them in on the situation. They are still in their pyjamas not having time to get dressed into something else as the emergency alarm had gone off. Downstairs in the kitchen, Sally is preparing a batch of coffees to take up to help everyone get their caffeine boost to wake up fully. They're going to need it.
"The earthquakes have subsided, but the controller seems pretty anxious," John explains. "I've run a scan of the bridge, and all the support towers appear to have been weakened. There are several vehicles still on the bridge who have been ordered to stay put in case the shift in weight causes the bridge to collapse."
"Do you reckon it will?" Jeff asks.
"With the damage it's sustained it's very possible," John confirms, "We need to stabilise that bridge for as long as we can."
"Well, we'd better get moving," Jeff nods. "There's not much time."
"We'll need to send a large team," Marion notes, "People all along the western seaboard may need our help."
"Agreed," Jeff nods, "Thunderbirds are go!"
9
Thunderbird 9's hanger lights turn on and it rotates into position.
8
Thunderbird 8 awaits in a small hanger, separate to the modules.
7
Thunderbird 7 pulls out from a hanger underneath Thunderbird 1 to allow Marion to get inside.
6
Nina and Alan arrive at Thunderbirds 8 and 9 respectively to suite up and drive down to the modules.
5
Scott, Marion, Virgil and Gordon descend and get suited up.
4
The pod equipment and Thunderbirds 8 and 9 are loaded into Module 7.
3
Nina, Alan and Gordon board 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
Thunderbird 1 comes to a stop as the swimming pool above starts to retract.
Thunderbirds are Go!
May 22nd, 2068 - 05:14 NZST
Soon after take-off, Brains then makes contact with Thunderbird 2 over the hologram-projector. "Virgil. Gordon. I have some n-new Pod attachments that are perfect for this m-mission of yours."
"Oh, yes?" Gordon says with interest, "What would those be?"
"Exhibit A," Brains begins as he brings up the holo-schematics for them to view, "The Demolition and Object M-Moving Operator. It's three steel clamps can be l-latched onto a solid concrete object such as a w-wall and be held in place to p-prevent it from collapsing as long as p-possible. Exhibit B – Recovery Lines. Two side-mounted steel t-tubes with hydraulic winches and magnetic grapples for l-latching onto heavy objects and pulling them to safety. Can also b-be used to hold potential collapsing objects up as well. This collapsing bridge can be their first t-tests out in the field."
"Tests?" Virgil repeats, "You meant these haven't been tried yet?"
"In the lab, y-yes," Brains nods, "But not in the f-field yet. Believe m-me, they do work. Best of luck."
" He signed off rather hastily," Nina chuckles to herself internally.
"Bet Gordon bagsies the DOMO," Alan states.
"DOMO?" Virgil questions.
"Demolition And Object Moving Operator is a bit of a mouth-full," Alan shrugs.
"And he is right on both accounts," Gordon agrees.
Virgil and Nina roll their eyes.
May 21st, 2068 - 10:21 PDT
Marion flies Thunderbird 7 all the way up and down the West Coast of America surveying the damage caused by the earthquake. Having been at International Rescue for some time now, she'd seen a lot of destruction of property. She makes a few pin-drops on the IR Map to indicate to Virgil where local services need Thunderbirds 8 and 9 the most before landing in San Francisco where the GDF have declared a major incident.
Meanwhile, Scott flies Thunderbird 1 straight for the Anasta Bridge. Its supports are severely weakened and with all the vehicles still trapped on it, the situation is certainly critical. He leaves Thunderbird 1 on autopilot and enters the cargo hold to set up his Mobile Control station. Just as he finishes up, Thunderbird 2 arrives on the scene.
"Good to see you, Thunderbird 2," Scott calls over the hologram-projector, "I hope you've got the right equipment for this, Virgil?"
"Brains has provided us with two of his latest pod configurations," Virgil responds, "Gordon's gone down to assemble them now. Where's the best place for me to land?"
"On the ledge on the South side cliff overlooking the bridge," Scott informs, "There's a track you can take down from there."
"F-A-B," Virgil acknowledges, "Gordon, how are those pods looking?"
"Easy, big guy," Gordon laughs and he climbs down the maintenance stairs inside the module causing the sensor lights to turn on. He doesn't turn around to face the contents of what's inside until he reaches the bottom, "I haven't WHAAAAAAAAAT?!"
"Gordon, what's wrong?" Scott calls.
Gordon doesn't answer Scott's question. Instead, he calls up Brains. "Er, Brains, did you mean to put two of Thunderbird 3's pods in here?"
Brains checks the camera footage from inside the module whilst standing by Jeff's desk. "Oh, dear!" he mutters when he notices the two Pod vehicles are painted red instead of green or yellow. "B-Braman and M-MAX must've put the wrong ones in by m-mistake."
"This isn't an issue, is it?" Jeff enquires.
"C-Certainly not, Mr Tracy," Brains replies, "They can work on Earth as well as in space."
"Then don't nitpick, Gordon," Jeff scolds, "Get on with the job!"
"Y-Yes, Dad," Gordon stammers, who is feeling now embarrassed, "Sorry, Brains."
He quickly sets to work selecting the new features from the holographic menu. Within a minute, both the Pods have tracks fitted with Pod G being fitted with the A-Frame with magnetic clamps to form the DOMO and Pod H getting fitted with the recovery clamps.
"DOMO and Recovery Vehicle set up," Gordon shouts.
"DOMO?" Scott asks.
"Demolition and Object Moving Operator," Virgil explains, "Alan and Gordon thinks it's too much of a mouthful and has decided to call it DOMO instead."
"Well, they're not wrong," Scott mutters to himself with a chuckle.
"I did w-wonder if that name was too long," Brains groans as he overhears Scott's comment.
"Don't mind it, Brains," Jeff smiles, "It's what it is, and it works either way. Good luck, boys."
Virgil sets Thunderbird 2 down on the cliff overlooking the bridge. The hydraulic legs raise the main body clear as Virgil makes his way down into Module 7 to join Gordon. Gordon is already inside the DOMO looking eager to start whilst Virgil climbs into the Recovery Vehicle. Once he is inside the door of the module opens to allow them to drive out. The DOMO nearly flies out due to how fast Gordon has put his foot down.
"Pods are go!" Virgil announces.
"YEEE-HAAA!" Gordon cries excitably.
"Gordon's such a child," Scott remarks, rolling his eyes.
"You'd have thought his birthday and Christmas had come at the same time," John jokes over the comm channel.
May 21st, 2068 - 10:39 PDT
The Pods soon arrive at the bridge and Brains fills the brothers in on what they need to do. "G-Gordon, you will need to d-drive the DOMO under the main roadway just under the nearest s-support tower," he explains, "Then use the c-clamps to hold it in position. Virgil, use the r-recovery lines to latch onto the tower and gently p-pull it back. That s-should hold it l-long enough for the v-vehicles to clear the bridge."
"Should?" Gordon questions.
"That b-bridge could give way at any m-moment," Brains informs, "All we can d-do is hope it holds."
From his position in Thunderbird 1, Scott can already see a crack forming in the roadway across the bridge near to the south-end tower. "It's already breaking up! Hurry!"
Gordon drives the DOMO underneath the bridge and goes as close as he dares to the edge of the river. He then raises the clamps on the A-Frame and fastens them into place under the roadway. "DOMO secured," Gordon calls.
Virgil moves the Recovery Vehicle into position and uses the targeting computer to take aim at the concrete tower before launching the clamps onto the supports. "Dead-eye Virgil strikes again!" he smirks.
With the bridge as secure as it is going to be, Scott and the local emergency services start to instruct the terrified people in the vehicles to start moving as quickly but as carefully as possible. Their movements can easily weaken the bridge further and cause it to collapse. They could only pray that it doesn't.
Scott watches the Mobile Control cameras with scrutiny. The evacuation is slow going by the cracks in the roadway are getting wider and he watches as another crack starts to form in the support tower that Virgil is trying to keep up.
After a few more minutes, the last of the vehicles heading North into Canada become clear but the ones heading south into the United States are still trying to get through. Virgil and Gordon are feeling the pressure as they can feel the Pods straining to keep the bridge in place.
"We're not going to be able to hold it for much longer, Mobile Control," Virgil informs.
"Just eight more vehicles to clear the bridge, Virgil," Scott replies, "Keep it up."
Virgil can feel the sweat trickling down his brow. It is getting in his eyes which makes it hard for him to concentrate. He grits his teeth and after wiping the sweat away, carries on. "Come on," he urges, "Just a few more seconds!"
The last few cars and a lorry ease their way off the bridge. As they do, the cracks grew bigger, and a number of the suspension cables begin snapping.
"Virgil, you'd better let g-go!" Brains said. "It's going to g-go!"
Virgil waits a few moments longer until the final car is off the bridge before releasing the clamps. There is a horrendous crash as part of the roadway between the south tower and the first of the middle towers gave way and fall into the river. The middle tower also collapses taking a part of the next road section with it. The tower that Virgil had been holding in place only partially collapses but the rest and the road that the DOMO had been holding up remain firmly in place.
"Gordon!" Scott shouts into the radio, "Are you okay?"
"Fine, Mobile Control," Gordon replies, "The DOMO's still holding strong. But this part of the road will probably collapse too if I let it go."
"So, we need to remove that section to free you," Scott muses.
"Don't worry, Gordon," Virgil says, "I'll return to Thunderbird 2 and then use her to hold up the road until you get clear."
"F-A-B, Virgil," Gordon acknowledges.
Up in Thunderbird 5, John watches the whole situation unfold using the Mobile Control cameras Scott is using. He remains on-hand to help in any way he can, but it seems this time he isn't going to be required. That's until EOS alerts him to something down the road from the bridge.
"John, we may have another situation," EOS informs, "A tourist coach has just crashed through the roadblock stopping all vehicles from going down to the bridge."
John brings up a satellite image of the road leading to the bridge. Sure enough, there is a dark blue coach racing down the road at a rather alarming speed. "What is that driver playing at?" he mumbles, but before he can think any further, he receives an urgent call from a Police Sergeant who had been at the roadblock.
"Calling International Rescue! We have an emergency! A tour coach has just crashed through onto the road leading to the Anasta Bridge," the Sergeant cries, "The driver's reported that the brakes have failed and they're unable to stop. Can you help?"
"Message received, Sergeant," John nods, "I'll alert them down at the bridge. They need to be warned. EOS, how long before the coach reaches the bridge?"
"At current speed, I estimate four minutes, John," EOS replies.
"That's hardly any time to come up with a plan," John grimaces as he contacts the others, "Mobile Control, we have a new situation. A tourist coach is heading straight for you. The brakes have failed, and it can't stop."
"How long until it gets here?" Scott asks.
"EOS estimates less than four minutes," John informs.
Scott, Virgil and Gordon gulp. They are thinking exactly what John had been. There isn't enough time to come up with a plan.
"If that coach gets here, it's going to fly off the bridge!" Gordon cries, "And we don't have Thunderbird 4 with us!"
"Any ideas, Brains?" Jeff asks turning to the engineer as they listen into the com channels.
"Give me a minute, Mr T-Tracy," Brains stutters, "I'll t-think of s-something."
"Brains, we haven't got a minute!" Scott cries as he rushes over to the controls of Thunderbird 1 and prepares to fly over the road leading to the bridge to get a clearer view, "I can already see it! It's going to be here in around two minutes!"
The people in the coach are terrified. As the driver spins the wheel left and right in order to keep it on the road. It scrapes the side of the cliff, causing the passengers to scream louder. With every bump into a rock or scrape against the safety barrier that the bus makes, they remain blissfully unaware that there is an even bigger danger few miles further on from their position.
The International Rescue team rack their brains for a solution to the problem when Virgil gets a massive brainwave. He races back to Thunderbird 2, bringing the Pod to a stop outside and scrambles out of it. He uses his wrist controller to close up the module and lower the main body back down before entering the craft via the elevator in the nose. He then dashes into his seat and lifts off.
"Thunderbird 2 to DOMO," Virgil calls, "Gordon, hold your position a little longer. "I have an idea."
"F-A-B," Gordon replies.
"What are you going to do, son?" Jeff asks.
"I am filling the module with foam from the crash-canisters," Virgil explains as he moves Thunderbird 2 towards the bridge, "That should be enough to cushion the coach's impact."
Thunderbird 2 moves out over the river and positions at the end of the broken section of the bridge. Virgil then re-lowers Module 7 and opens the door so that it is resting just under the edge of the roadway.
Seconds later, the runaway coach comes zooming around the corner. A tense silence fills Thunderbirds 1, 2 and 5, the DOMO and the Tracy Villa lounge as everyone watches either visually or on their screens as the coach races out onto the bridge straight towards the waiting module which is now full of Brains' special crash-foam. The coach goes flying off the end of the bridge and lands with a squelch inside the module. Just a Virgil had hoped, the foam is thick enough to stop the coach and bring it to a standstill.
"Coach secured!" Virgil announces, triumphantly.
"Nice work, brother!" Scott says, impressed, "That was a close one!"
The section of road just before the bridge was cleared of emergency vehicles to allow Thunderbird 2 to settle the module down. Virgil then remotely brought the Recovery Vehicle down from where he'd originally landed and used its clamps to tow the coach full of grateful passengers out of the foam. Scott also used Thunderbird 1 to hold up the section of bridge to allow Gordon to release the DOMO and drive out before it predictably collapsed into the river.
"Nice work," Scott says after joining Virgil and Gordon on the ground, "But..." Scott trails as he looks around at the amount of foam that lies everywhere that the coach had brought out with it. "It looks like we've got some cleaning up to do."
They are surprised when a Fire-Fighter comes over to them carrying a hose from his Fire-Truck. "Hey, guys," he says cheerfully, "Allow us to help you with that. It's the least we can do after all you've done."
Scott, Virgil and Gordon are surprised by this but certainly grateful as the Fire-Fighter is joined by several others with hoses from their trucks and began to pump the foam away.
"Well," Gordon chuckles, "Looks like even we need a little help sometimes."
Scott and Virgil nod in agreement.
May 22nd, 2068 – 13:17 NZST
John observes the hologram globe as he watches the situation icons on the West Coast disappear one by one as each is finished up by local services with the help of Thunderbirds 7, 8 and 9. With the situation now under control in pretty much every location, he feels the need to relax now.
"All situations are in hand now," John tells EOS.
"Perhaps you can get back to losing your next chess game?" EOS asks cheekily.
"Very funny, EOS," John remarks with a scowl directed at EOS' camera eye. He goes over to the game board. "Let's see if Lunamaxwell is online," he mutters to himself and sees a green light in the top right corner of the board show that they are indeed, "Good they are. Okay, my friend, this time I'm going to beat you!"
John always played Black whilst his opponent played White in these games. He gets ready to make his first move when to his surprise, the chess pieces start moving by themselves. It isn't just his either. Several of the white pieces moved as well. John watches in bewilderment as seven of his Pawns move down to the left of the screen and shape themselves into what looks like a letter.
"An H?" John questions, "EOS, what are you doing?"
"I'm not doing anything, John," EOS answers, "It seems your opponent is playing Black this time."
But then six of the white Pawns move one after the other and position themselves next to the black ones to make another letter.
"E?" John mumbles, "What's going on here?"
Next the two black Bishops and Rooks moved to create another shape.
"L, John," EOS notes, "Looks like someone's trying to send us a message."
"I think you could be right, EOS," John agrees, "H-E-L. Could this be a cry for help?"
He isn't wrong for the two white Bishops, one Rook, one Knight and two remaining Pawns move and form the letter P.
"H-E-L-P. Help!" John cries, "EOS, trace the signal. I need to know where this is coming from." He presses down on his sash and actives his comm-link to Tracy Island. "Dad, I might have a situation."
"Go ahead, John," Jeff replies.
"My internet Chess partner has sent a help signal via the Chess software, Dad," John explains, "I'm worried about them, so I've got EOS to try and track it down."
"F-A-B, John," Jeff acknowledges, "Let us know if you need help. Although the boys are still cleaning up at the Anasta Bridge currently, so may not be able to respond immediately."
"Fascinating," Brains remarks as he scratches his chin thoughtfully, "I didn't k-know that Professor Maxwell's game boards could control both sets of p-pieces."
"I'm more interested in who John's partner is," Jeff replies, "I know he likes to play but I presumed he only played when he was down here."
"That's s-something we've all w-wondered," Brains states.
"John," EOS calls, "I've managed to hack into the controls of the game. Now you can control all the pieces. It may be an idea to send whoever your partner is a reply to let them know you've received."
"Good thinking, EOS," John smiles, "Now let's give this a try."
They reset the pieces in the game before starting to move them again. John moves the black Pawns first into a shape of an 'O' before using the white ones to create 'K'. John leans back and hopes this is enough to reassure whoever his partner is that help is on the way. Suddenly, EOS' camera lens flashes green.
"Got it!" EOS cries and displays the position on the holo-globe.
"It's coming from England," John points, "And Dad said the others are still busy. But that's not a problem for I know just the person we need for this!"
"International Rescue – England, Lady Penelope speaking," Penelope answers after receiving a call from her IR frequency.
"Lady Penelope, I need your help," John states.
"John! What a lovely surprise," Penelope says sweetly, "Of course. Whatever you need."
"My internet Chess partner has gotten into some kind of trouble," John explains, "They've sent a signal through whatever device they're using to play on. EOS has tracked the signal to somewhere in England. They've been using kings and queens which suggests they could be around London. EOS is trying to triangulate it further."
"Understood, John," Penelope nods, "I'll have Parker get FAB 1 ready and we'll be on our way."
"F-A-B," John smiles before ending the call.
May 22nd, 2068 – 13:31 NZST
Thunderbird 7 heads back out across the Pacific Ocean towards Tracy Island as it is joined by the arrival of Thunderbirds 1 and 2. Virgil and Gordon were grateful for the assistance of the Fire Department in cleaning up the crash foam as it would've taken a lot longer without their hoses.
"Something we ought to mention to Brains," Gordon remarks, "That foam is great for stopping a runaway vehicle, but boy does it make a mess of the module."
"He didn't exactly design it to be used inside the module to be fair," Nina chuckles, "But maybe now he can fit some pumps that we can use to clear the foam up from now on."
"I'll let your father know we're on our way back," Marion calls and presses on her communicator, "Thunderbird 7 to base. Mission complete. We're heading home."
"Hold up there, Marion," Jeff calls, "I'm just waiting to hear back from John. He's dealing with a situation of his own and may need some back-up."
"Like me to call him and ask?" Marion states.
"Thank you, Marion," Jeff smiles.
"Thunderbird 5 from Thunderbird 7," Marion calls, "You there, John?"
"Hello, Marion," John says as his hologram appears beside his father's, "The GDF situation all wrapped up?"
"Affirmative," Marion nods, "Your fathers just said you have another situation. Where do you need us to go?"
"Actually, you can all return to base," John informs, "The situation is in England, and I've got Lady P on the case."
"What?!" Gordon exclaims, "You've been talking to Penelope without my permission?!"
Everyone looks across at Gordon giving him a look.
"Gordon, may I remind you that Penelope is our top agent as well as your girlfriend?" Alan deadpans.
"Listen to your brother, Gordon," Jeff says sternly, "None of us need your permission to talk to her. Understand?"
"Yes, Dad," Gordon gulps, "Sorry."
"Good," Jeff nods, "See you soon then."
Virgil watches as Thunderbird 7 docks with Thunderbird 1 before they fly on ahead. As they disappear out of sight, he turns back at his younger brother who appears to be pouting. "Was that really necessary?" he asks.
"No, I guess it wasn't," Gordon sighs, "I'm just a bit protective of her, that's all."
"Well don't make a habit of it," Nina glares, "I know you love her and that's fine. But you can't let your feelings get in the way of your job."
"I know," Gordon mutters, "I know."
May 22nd, 2068 – 02:36 BST
After exchanging another message with his Chess partner, EOS manages to triangulate the signal more clearly and is able to show John the exact location of where the signal is coming from.
"They're using Knights and Rooks," John explains to Penelope, "Maybe they're at a castle North of London. Is that possible?"
"Indeed," Penelope replies from the back of FAB 1, "It could be Northleigh Castle. We can be there in no time."
Northleigh Castle is an old ruin that's located on a hill just beyond the outskirts of North London. It isn't a tourist attraction due to its crumbling walls being deemed unsafe for visitors, which also makes it the ideal place to hide a hostage as nobody would think of looking there.
As FAB 1 pulls up to the castle, they see two men step out of a black car. Parker switches on his high beams to illuminate the men. He carries on up the driveway of the castle and brings FAB 1 to a stop a few metres away.
The two men stepped out of the car when they were suddenly illuminated by a pair of powerful lights.
"H'I suggest you step h'away from the car, gentlemen," Parker calls over the tannoy.
"WHAT ARE THEY DOING HERE?!" cries one.
"NEVER MIND THAT!" shouts the other, "GET BACK IN! WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!"
The panic-stricken men scramble back into the car and spun the wheels to try and make their escape.
"I believe they're going to try and run away from us," Penelope observes calmly, "Parker, would you kindly see that they stay put?"
"With pleasure, m'lady," Parker replies slyly. He presses a button on the dashboard. The grill on the front of FAB 1 opens up to reveal the missile launchers housed inside. As the criminals' car spins around, two missiles shoot out and slam into the wall of the castle directly behind them. The resulting explosions brings down a large amount of rubble that surrounds the car, trapping it. One-piece lands on the bonnet and wrecks the engine causing it to conk out. Another piece hits the windscreen and shatters it, leaving the kidnappers utterly terrified.
"Nice shooting, Parker," Penelope complements.
"Thank you, m'lady," Parker smirks.
The men are still trying to clear the dust from their eyes as Penelope and Parker approach. Parker keeps them covered with a stun-gun forcing them to put their hands on their heads whilst Penelope goes to remove the prisoner from the back of the car. She soon has the gag removed and the tape binding her cut.
"Oh, thank you!" the woman gasps with relief, "I thought I was done for."
"You're welcome," Penelope responds, "Say, aren't you Professor Kate Maxwell who created the online Chess game Checkmate?"
"Yes, I am," Kate confirms, "And I can't thank you enough for saving me. Although how did you know where I was?"
"I have a friend who is a long way up and can see all over the world, Professor," Penelope informs. She turns to the two criminals only to go and recognize them as well. "I say! Never thought we'd see you two again."
"And we certainly never wanted to see youagain!" Terry snarls.
"Why did you have to ruin our plan?" Bill cries.
"A better question," Parker starts, "Why didn't you two stay h'in prison where you belong? Cause that's just where you'll be going."
The criminals sulk as sirens fill the air and two Police Cars come racing up the hill to see what the commotion is about.
May 22nd, 2068 – 03:02 BST
FAB 1 heads back towards the Creighton-Ward estate with Kate sitting in the back with Penelope. The Police have arrested Bill and Terry and are taking them into custody.
"I still want to know how I can thank you, Lady Penelope," Kate says.
"You've no need to, Professor," Penelope replies, "If there's anyone you should be thanking then it is John."
"John?" Kate questions, "Who's John?"
"Your Internet Chess Partner of course," Penelope smiles and presses a button on the back of Parker's driving seat, "FAB 1 calling Thunderbird 5, are you there?"
"Go ahead, FAB 1," John answers, "Any news?"
"Mission complete success," Penelope responds, "John Tracy, meet Professor Kate Maxwell, your Chess opponent."
"Lunamaxwell?" John asks in amazement.
"JGTB5?" Kate cries.
"Wow!" they exclaim together.
"I had no idea my Chess opponent was the genius behind the game!" John cries excitedly.
"And I had no idea my opponent was a member of International Rescue!" Kate blushes, "Oh, my Gosh! This is amazing!"
"Am so glad you're safe now, Professor," John states, "What did the kidnappers want with you?"
"To make me play a twisted version of my own game of hacking the security system so they could get into the Bank of England," Kate explains, "They told me to practice in the back of the car so I hoped by sending a secret message, whoever I played with would send help. And golly, did they?"
"Just doing my job, Professor," John grins. "I'm just not very good at winning against you."
"Very true, Mr Tracy," Kate laughs as she takes out a small device, "But one thing's for certain. You definitely checkmated my kidnappers! Let's see if you can checkmate me now?"
"You're on!" John cries with determination.