June 4th, 2068 - 06:12 NZST
Tracy Island is slowly coming to life as, yet another morning dawns over the Pacific Ocean. The peace and tranquillity of the house is only just being slightly disturbed by the sound of the piano coming from the lounge. Virgil has been up since before the sun had even crested the horizon. He'd been sitting at the piano for almost half an hour and the tune he is playing is somewhat sombre.
The music has caught the attention of Nina, who upon entering the lounge, sees Virgil at the piano. The tune makes her feel concerned as she walks over to see him. "Everything okay, babe?" she asks.
"Yep," Virgil replies simply, not looking up and continues to play.
"Are you sure?" Nina pushes, for she'd noticed the tone in Virgil's voice.
"I'm fine, love," Virgil answers, sounding irritable, refusing to make eye contact. This forces Nina to come round and sit down next to him.
"Come on, Virgil," Nina demands, "Something's bothering you. What is it?"
"I feel overwhelmed," Virgil admits and brings himself to stop playing the piano.
"How so, darling?" Nina enquires.
"I've been apart of International Rescue for over 10 years now," Virgil explains, "Started when I was 16, just like the rest of my brothers did, except Alan of course. It's become so much of my life I don't know who I am now outside of the organization. I feel like I'm drowning in all the responsibilities of International Rescue.
Nina's heart aches for her husband as she knows how dedicated he is to his work. Even on their wedding day last year, shortly after Jeff returned from the Oort Cloud, both rushed out of the reception to attend a scene in Romania where a building had collapsed. Unlike the rest of his brothers, Virgil never took any extra holiday except for his annual leave as the extent of equipment that Thunderbird 2 has means that she is needed for most of the missions that IR attend to. Even this year, Gordon had to take Thunderbird 2 out with John during said leave.
"I know it's not easy, Virgil," Nina starts, "But you're doing an incredible job. You and everyone here at International Rescue are saving lives every day."
Virgil nods, but the exhaustion in his eyes remains. " I know, but sometimes I feel like I can't keep up," Virgil continues, "There's always another crisis, another mission and with each one, the stakes seem to get higher."
Nina takes Virgil's hands in hers, giving them a gentle squeeze. "You can't save everyone," Nina states, "But everyone knows that you always go out there and give the best you can plus another ten percent."
"You're right," Virgil agrees as he looks up and gives his wife a soft kiss on the cheek, "I just need to find out who I am again outside of International Rescue."
"Take a break," Nina agrees, "You're so much more than just a member of International Rescue. I know you first as a talented musician, a loving husband, and a kind soul."
A smile begins to form on Virgil's lips and his tongue runs along his upper lip as an idea forms in his mind. "I have an idea," he says, "Why don't we play a duet together?"
Nina's eyes light up at the suggestion, happy that Virgil is opening up. Music has always been a way for Virgil to express himself, and she nods eagerly as they both turn back to the piano.
They start to play, their fingers dancing across the keys in perfect harmony. As they lose themselves in the music, the tension in Virgil's shoulders begins to ease. He feels a sense of peace wash over him, the familiar notes and melodies bringing him back to himself.
Nina watches him with a smile, knowing that this is exactly what he needs. As they finish the duet, Virgil turns to her with a grateful look in his eyes. "Thank you, Nina. That was exactly what I needed," he says, his voice filled with emotion.
"Anytime, my love," Nina smiles back and places a gentle kiss on his lips, "I will always be here for you."
As they sit in silence, the camera zooms in on the piano, focusing on the sheet music in front of them. The title reads 'Reflections', a piece that Virgil had composed years ago but had never finished. Now, it seems like the perfect time to complete it.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!
Meanwhile, downstairs, Scott, Marion and Walter are joined by Brains, Moffy and Max.
"Good m-morning," Brains says enthusiastically.
"Morning, Brains," Scott answers, "You seem happy today."
"I am m-most excited, Scott," Brains replies, "The Ulysses has l-launched."
"Ulysses?" Marion questions as she feeds Walter his breakfast, "What's that?"
Moffy brings up a holographic image of the steampunk-style vessel. "This is the Ulysses, Marion," she responds, "It's the deep-sea exploration submarine that Professor Borender has been working on."
"The Mechanic, huh?" Scott muses, "I have to say I'd forgotten about him."
"You never d-did thank him for what he d-did to help us find your f-father, did you, Scott?" Brains asks.
Scott lets out a sigh from his position next to Marion. "No, I didn't, Brains," he admits, "All the time he was here on the island I treated him harshly and with disrespect. I didn't trust him as far as I could throw him. I hated him."
"And yet without him, your father wouldn't be home," Marion reminds him.
"If I ever see him again, an apology will be the first thing he gets from me," Scott nods sadly.
"ULYSSES!"
Scott and Marion jumps causing Walter to start crying as Gordon suddenly appears and skids to a stop beside them. His eyes are wide with wonder as he gazes at the hologram image of the Ulysses.
"Has it launched yet?" Gordon asks and he heads over to the coffee machine.
"Yes, Gordon," Moffy deadpans, "It's now heading down to explore under the ice near to the North Pole."
"Asshole," Marion grumbles as she exits the kitchen to try and calm Walter down from his uncle's outburst.
"Awesome!" Gordon cries, ignoring Marion's comment, "Man, I wish I was there to see it."
"It's got an impressive c-compliment aboard t-too," Brains explains, "Professor H-Heinrich Bodman is the expedition l-leader. My former Cambridge associates Dr Samson and D-Dr Becker are aboard as well. Not to m-mention the c-commander is a m-member of your old outfit, G-Gordon."
"The World Aquanaut Security Patrol?" asked Gordon. "Do you know who?"
"Lieutenant Atlanta Shore," Brains answers.
"Ah, they're fucked," Gordon nods nonchalantly.
"And why's that?" Moffy enquires.
"She's the daughter of Commander Shore," Gordon explains, "When I left WASP, she could barely perform simple duties at the Marineville Control Tower and only got that position because of her father."
"Well, it's been a few years now," Scott states, "Maybe she's changed."
"Doubt it," Gordon mumbles before getting his coffee and leaving the room.
June 4th, 2068 - 13:24 NZST
Scott, Nina and Gordon are in the lounge with Jeff when Brains comes hurrying in.
"M-Mr... T-Tracy!" Brains pants.
"Whoa there, Brains!" Jeff says, "Slow down, man! What's wrong?"
"D-Distress beacon... from Professor B-Borender..." Brains mutters between gasps of breath.
"The Mechanic?" Scott asks, "But isn't he—"
"The Ulysses!" Gordon cries, jumping to his feet, "Wasn't he aboard the Ulysses, Brains?"
"Yes, G-Gordon," Brains nods, looking very grave, "He is."
"Can you track his beacon, Brains?" Jeff questions.
"Y-Yes," Brains replies, hurrying to the table in the middle. He brings up a holographic map of the planet and uses Max to home in on where Borender's signal is coming from. "Deep b-beneath the ice of the Arctic O-Ocean."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Gordon demands as he begins to hurry towards his launch tube, "We need to go!"
"Gordon, why are you so desperate to help The Mechanic?" Scott questions.
"Because he's a human being and who we owe our thanks to for Dad being home?" Gordon deadpans.
"I agree with Gordon," Jeff states as he comes down from his desk, "Let's get moving. Professor Borender is in trouble and it's our duty to help him. Scott, Mobile Control, find the Ulysses' support vessel. See what you can find out."
"Yes, sir," Scott nods and he hurries to the revolving wall.
"Nina, Gordon, take Thunderbirds 2 and 4. Once we have a proper fix on The Mechanic's location, we can help him and whoever else is in trouble."
"F-A-B," Nina acknowledges.
"See you down there, Nina!" Gordon calls.
"Brains and I will monitor from here," Jeff informs.
"Er, actually M-Mr Tracy, I'd like to be out t-there as well," Brains interjects, "The P-Professor and I are v-very close after last y-year. I n-need to be out there f-for him."
"Very well, Brains," Jeff agrees in understanding, "I'll monitor from here. No need to disturb John and Alan unless it's necessary. Are you going with Scott or Nina?"
"Scott," Brains states, "I need to find out everything."
"Fine," Jeff says, "Thunderbirds are go!"
5
Scott and Nina descend and get suited up.
4
Thunderbird 4 is loaded into Module 4.
3
Brains joins Scott while Gordon 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
Thunderbird 1 comes to a stop as the swimming pool above starts to retract.
Thunderbirds are Go!
June 4th, 2068 - 13:36 ANAT
As they make their way towards the location of the Arctic Odyssey, Brains can tell there's still a bee in Scott's bonnet.
"You're still not t-trusting of Borender, are you, Scott?" Brains questions.
"It's not a lack of trust, Brains," Scott replies, "I know without him we would never have been able to have built a T-Drive engine and gotten Dad back in time."
"But?" Brains presses, sensing there would be one.
"I just can't seem to find forgiveness," Scott sighs, "The things he did. Wrecking Thunderbird 2. Ripping Thunderbird 4 in half. Disabling Thunderbird 7. Knocking Thunderbird 3. Not to mention breaking into our second home. I, I, those are breaches of personal rights! I don't think I could ever forgive him for what he did to us, Brains."
"You forgot something, Scott?" Brains asks, "Why was it that Professor Borender did those things. In most of the cases, who made him do it?"
Scott says nothing for a moment and just closes his eyes and sighs. He knows exactly what Brains is getting at. "The Hood."
"Exactly," Brains states, "If anyone was the victim, it's B-Borender. Not us."
"We just happened to get in the way," Scott says, "I'm sorry, Brains. I need to make more of an effort to be more tolerant of The Mechanic."
June 4th, 2068 - 14:01 ANAT
Thunderbird 1 soon arrives at the location of the Arctic Odyssey and after getting permission, lands on the helipad located near the stern of the vessel.
Captain Jones greets Brains and Scott warmly. "International Rescue! I don't know who called you, but we are certainly glad that you have been. It would take us days to get another sub out here to search."
"D-Do you have a f-fix on where the Ulysses is?" asked Brains.
"I'm afraid there's no Ulysses to find," Captain Jones mutters sadly and points over to a group of the crew that are huddled in blankets across the deck, "Those are the survivors who we've recovered so far. They only just managed to abandon ship before the Ulysses blew up."
"Blew up?!" Scott exclaims, "What happened?"
"They say they were attacked," Captain Jones informs, "But none of them are sure what. Whatever it was, it was horrendously powerful to have destroyed such a massive submarine."
"What about Professor B-Borender and the Lieutenant?" Brains asks.
"Still unaccounted for," Captain Jones states, "The XO over there said they got chased off by the hostile and lost sight of them. They're probably dead."
"Don't be so sure," Scott says as he presses his sash, "Base from Mobile Control, do we still have a fix on The Mechanic's signal?"
"Affirmative, Mobile Control," Moffy answers, "About five miles east of your current location."
"Did you get that, Thunderbird 2?" Scott calls.
"F-A-B," Nina replies, "Approaching drop-zone now."
"Wait, how do you have a fix on Professor Borender?" Captain Jones enquires, "We can't find anything down there on sonar."
"The Professor and I are o-old friends," Brains informs, "I g-gave him a personal emergency b-beacon in case of e-emergencies. The fact he's activated it s-suggests that he is still alive."
"Meaning Shore and Bodman could be as well!" Captain Jones cries, "Thank goodness!"
They watch as Nina brings Thunderbird 2 down low to hover over the sea whilst Gordon powers up Thunderbird 4. "Thunderbird 2 in position," she announces, "Ready, Gordon?"
"Systems check complete. Docking clamp released," Gordon says, "We are go for module deployment." Module 4 is then dropped into the water and Gordon waits for the hatch to open for him before pressing the button to go at a 45 degree angle.
"Thunderbird 4 is go!" Gordon says and launches Thunderbird 4 into the depths below, "Dive planes at forty! Accelerating to full speed. Heading for Professor Borender's location."
"B-Be careful, Thunderbird 4," warns Brains over Thunderbird 4's holo-projector, "Survivors from the U-Ulysses said that they were attacked. Whoever is r-responsible could still be down there."
"Understood, Brains," Gordon acknowledges, "Nobody's destroying my ship again. I won't allow it!"
June 4th, 2068 - 14:17 ANAT
Thunderbird 4 goes down deep and begins scouring the seabed with its powerful lights. It isn't long before Gordon begins to notice pieces of wreckage all over the place. Pieces that are quite obviously part of a vessel that has not long been destroyed.
"Have found a lot of wreckage down here," Gordon reports, "It has to be from the Ulysses. Man, what a waste of a ship!"
"And lives," Scott adds over the holoprojector, "Only twenty of the complement of fifty have made it to the surface. There's at least one more escape pod which brings another five possible survivors. But apart from that, it looks like nobody else made it."
"Whoever did this ought to pay for it," Gordon grimaces, "This is murder!"
"How f-far are you from B-Borender's location?" Brains questions.
"Getting close," Gordon informs, checking his instruments, "Should be just around this mountain here."
Looking around the base of the mountain, Thunderbird 4 soon comes across the big pile of rocks that are blocking the cave entrance.
"I've found where they are," Gordon calls, "But there's been some kind of rockslide. The cave entrance is blocked off and I can't get to them."
"Can you use your demolition missiles?" Nina asks.
"Negative," Gordon replies, "I don't know how stable the mountain, or the cave are. If I cause an explosion, it could bring the whole thing down and crush them. I'll have to use the grasping arms to try and dig my way in."
"Or we could use Aqua-Mole," Brains suggests.
"Aqua-Mole?" repeats Jeff, Nina, Gordon and Scott all at once.
"Yes!" Brains smiles, "N-Nina. If you leave Thunderbird 2 on autopilot and d-drop down into the module, you will find a P-Pod with some attachments for both the Aqua and M-Mole Pods. Then you can p-pilot that down and use the d-drill to h-help Thunderbird 4 get through q-quicker."
"F-A-B!" Nina says eagerly, switching Thunderbird 2 to autopilot and using a zip-line to drop down into Module 4. Sure enough, behind where Thunderbird 4 had been, she finds the body of Pod A with the aqua-jets and the front attachment and drill nose that The Mole uses. With the help of the robotic arms, the Pod is soon assembled, and once Nina is inside, it is launched out into the ocean.
"Aqua-Mole is go!" Nina announces, "Get started, Gordon. I'll join you when I can. This baby isn't as fast as Thunderbird 4."
"Already on it, but first I'm going to fire a sonic-amplifier and attempt to make contact with them," Gordon notes and he presses a button and launches a small device onto one of the rocks, "There, hope that will work." He then clears his throat and puts on a deep voice. "This is International Rescue. Thunderbird 4 calling Ulysses escape pod. Are you receiving me?"
At first there is no reply. When one is about to come however, Gordon hopes it will be the voice of Borender that answers. But to his dismay, it is not. In fact, the voice that answers is the one he does not want to hear.
"Gordo'? Is that you?!"
"Oh..." Gordon gulps, "Hello, Lieutenant."
"How many times have I told you to call me Atlanta," Atlanta replies with a giggle, "How's my little Squidward?"
"Lieutenant, now's not the time," Gordon replies, "I've come to get you all out of there."
"But we have so much catching up to do," Atlanta starts but quickly stops in her tracks when she hears a loud cough behind her. She turns around to see Professor Bodman, Dr Samson and Dr Becker all looking at her in complete and utter bewilderment. Similarly, those who'd picked up the conversation on Gordon's comms are staring at each other in disbelief. Only Nina knowing the reasoning behind it.
Professor Borender reaches over Atlanta and takes the radio microphone out of her hand. "Excuse me, Lieutenant," he says, "But I think you have the wrong end of the stick. Allow me. International Rescue, this is Professor Borender."
"Borender!" Brains smiles, "Thank g-goodness you're okay."
"We are for now," Borender replies, "But we're slowly losing oxygen. Thunderbird 4, are you alone out there?"
"For the moment, yes," Gordon responds, "I'm starting to clear the rocks away. But Nina is coming down with a special Pod that will make things quicker."
"That's not what I meant," Borender dismisses, "Can you see anyone else out there?"
"No, why?" Gordon asks as he looks around, "A group of survivors on your mothership said you were attacked?"
"Yes," Borender confirms.
"Don't suppose you saw what kind of sub it was?" Brains questions.
"Sub?" Atlanta interjects, "It wasn't a sub that attacked us!"
"She's right," Borender nods, "This is going to sound crazy but, it looked like a man in a suit."
All of a sudden, the International Rescue crew became very tense.
"What... did he look like?" Scott carefully asks.
"Please don't say what I think you're going to say," Nina mumbles anxiously.
"Black armour," Borender describes, "Head shaped like some kind of manta. Had glowing red eyes that fired lasers. That's what caused the rockslide that trapped us in here."
The International Rescue team are now all feels very sick and extremely worried.
"Oh, s-shit!" Brains mutters.
"The Black—" Scott starts.
However, Scott is cut off by Gordon crying out in alarm as something slams into the side of Thunderbird 4 knocking it into the rocks. As the craft spins around, Gordon sees the culprit and fear floods through his veins as he sees the glowing red eyes staring at him.
"THE BLACK PHANTOM!" Gordon shouts, "HE'S HERE!"
"GORDON, GET OUT OF THERE!" Jeff bellows.
Gordon just manages to dive Thunderbird 4 out of the way as The Black Phantom fires his lasers. He only just misses. The Black Phantom then turns and begins to swim away.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Gordon growls and he sets off in pursuit.
"Gordon, what are you doing?!" Nina demands as she arrives on the scene and can see Thunderbird 4 hurrying away.
"I'm going to keep him away until I can bring him down," Gordon informs, "Nina, you need to clear those rocks. I'll be back shortly."
"Gordon, no!" Nina cries but to no avail. Thunderbird 4 disappears from sight and Gordon turns off his coms.
"I'll have him for this!" Jeff mutters over the holo-projector, "I'll keep tracking him, Nina. He is right about one thing; you need to clear those rocks."
"F-A-B," Nina sighs and makes her way over to the rocks.
June 4th, 2068 - 14:25 ANAT
Thunderbird 4 passes between two underwater mountain peaks. Gordon looks around. There's no sign of The Black Phantom.
"Gordon!" Jeff's angry voice calls over the radio, "ANSWER ME, BOY!"
"Dad, I'm here," Gordon sighs, "Sorry for my disobedience. I just need to make sure this creep can't stop us from rescuing those trapped people."
"At the potential cost of your life?!" Jeff growls.
"Ground me if you must, Dad, but not until we get back," Gordon mumbles, "And besides, I've got Thunderbird 4 to protect–AGH!"
The Black Phantom reappears out of nowhere and slams himself into Thunderbird 4 causing it to spiral out of control. Gordon wails as he battles to regain control. The Black Phantom then fires his lasers that run down the port-side of Thunderbird 4 leaving a black mark which luckily is only superficial. Brains has built this Thunderbird 4 with a much stronger metal compound than the previous ones have been.
"Still intact?!" The Black Phantom cries, "Impossible! Nothing can withstand my optic-beams!" He goes to try again but Gordon manages to stop the spin and gets his craft out of the way so only the rocks behind are hit instead. Roaring with rage, The Black Phantom chases after Thunderbird 4, shooting blast after blast but Gordon is able to keep dodging just about.
"That's it, freak!" Gordon yells, "Wear yourself out. Your suit's power won't last forever."
Suddenly, The Black Phantom fires at the nearby cliff which causes some rocks to come crashing down around Thunderbird 4 forcing it to the seabed and pinning it to the ground. "No, NOT AGAIN!" Gordon cries, but to his relief Thunderbird 4 remains intact, just stuck. The system shutdown so Gordon goes to frantically try and reboot it. When he looks back to face the front, he finds The Black Phantom floating a few feet in front of the screen. As he stares at the sinister red eyes, he thinks he can see a pair of human eyes glaring through at him.
"You're finished, Tracy," The Black Phantom announces, having hacked into Thunderbird 4's communications, "No more running. No more games. Time for you to die!"
"Look, pal, I have never met you before in my life!" Gordon shouts angrily, "None of us have! What is it we did that makes you hate us so much?!"
"Never... met... ME?!" The Black Phantom scoffs, sounding very offended, "YOU KNOW FULL WELL WHAT THE REASON IS! AND NOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MUST PAY FOR IT WITH YOUR LIVES!"
"You know what, BLACK PHANTOM?!" Gordon yells, deciding he's heard enough, "I DON'T CARE WHAT WE DID! I'M TAKING YOU DOWN!" He presses the system restart button on his console and fires two cables from the front of Thunderbird 4 that latch onto the cliff on the opposite side of the canyon. Gordon then fires the impellers at full speed which move the craft out from under the rocks.
The sudden movement causes The Black Phantom to lose his grip and fall off. He roars with rage and powers up his optic-beams ready to blast Thunderbird 4 again as it turns around to face him. He decides to blast the shield protecting Gordon as he hopes it wouldn't be as strong as the rest of the craft is. However, he doesn't even get the chance to even aim at Thunderbird 4 for Gordon turns on all of the front lights to full-beam and shines them in his face.
"AAARRRGGGHHH!" The Black Phantom screams, throwing his head back which causes the beams to fire upwards, smashing through the ice above and sending a beam of red light into the sky which is seen by those on the Arctic Odyssey.
"What was that?!" Captain Jones exclaims.
"The Black Phantom's optic-beams!" Scott responds, "Gordon, do you read me? What's going on?"
Gordon doesn't answer because he is too busy putting an end to The Black Phantom's attack. Whilst he is still dazzled, Gordon makes his move. He activates Thunderbird 4's grasping arms and reaches out to grab The Black Phantom.
"What are you doing?!" The Black Phantom demands, "LET GO OF ME!"
Gordon grimaces as he slams Thunderbird 4's port thruster into full forwards and the starboard one into full reverse. This causes the craft start spinning around with the frustrated villain crying out as they go. Gordon then releases the grab and stops the spin as The Black Phantom is thrown into one of the nearby cliffs. He cries out in pain and falls to the seabed.
"IDIOT BOY!" The Black Phantom roars, "YOU'RE ONLY DELAYING THE INEVITABLE!"
"I'll tell you what's inevitable, Phantom!" Gordon replies, "Your defeat!" Leaning across the console, he fires two demolition missiles. They blast the cliff apart and the rocks come crashing down around The Black Phantom.
"NOO!" The Black Phantom shouts as he is buried under the rocks.
"Sorry, pal," Gordon calls as he turns Thunderbird 4 away, "But we can't have you interfering with the rescue operation! You've already claimed too many lives. Thunderbird 4 to Aqua-Mole. Nina, I'm on my way back."
"Good to hear," Nina replies, "I'm almost through. We're going to need you."
"Be there in three," Gordon acknowledges, "Thunderbird 4, out."
June 4th, 2068 - 14:42 ANAT
The last of the rocks fall away as the Aqua-Mole finishes drilling through the rockfall that has blocked the cave entrance. From inside their Escape Pod, Atlanta and Professor Borender can see the lights as it slowly makes its way into the cave.
"Escape Pod from Aqua-Mole," Nina calls over the radio, "I have made it through the rockfall. Do you have a visual on me?"
"Affirmative," Borender replies, "I'll flash lights so you can see us." As he does, Nina spots them.
"I see you," Nina informs, "I'll guide Thunderbird 4 to you then we can get you out."
"Please hurry," Atlanta calls, "It's getting cold in here and the oxygen's going fast."
"We must have taken a hit," Borender adds, "The scientists are slowly losing consciousness."
"Keep them awake," Nina instructs, "Thunderbird 4 will be here any moment."
As if on cue, Thunderbird 4 comes through the hole made in the rocks by the Aqua-Mole. Seeing it is a very welcoming sight for Atlanta and Borender. "Sorry I'm late," Gordon announces over the radio, "And sorry for what I did."
"Don't worry about that, Gordon," Nina replies, "Let's just get these people out of here."
"F-A-B," Gordon responds. He moves Thunderbird 4 over the top of the Escape Pod and attaches the tube to cross between the two which secures over the top hatch and is pressurised. Gordon then goes down and knocks on the hatch to which Borender opens.
"Good to see you, Gordon," Borender acknowledges.
"Likewise," Gordon smiles, "Is anybody hurt?"
"No, but Professor Bodman, Dr Becker and Dr Samson are weak from lack of oxygen and warmth," Borender answers.
"Pass them up first," Gordon orders, "Then Lieutenant Shore and finally you."
"Deal," Borender agrees, "Could you lend us a hand, Lieutenant?"
"Of course," Atlanta answers.
It's a tough job getting the three scientists from the pod to Thunderbird 4. Atlanta and Borender would lift them up into the tube where Gordon would grab hold and then pull them safely into the sub. Professor Bodman is first to be moved, being the eldest. He is almost completely out cold from exhaustion. Dr Becker goes next although he's just about conscious and is able to comply with assisting. Dr Samson too is able to move himself and only needs a small boost from Atlanta and Borender to get up into Thunderbird 4.
"You next," Atlanta says to Professor Borender.
"Me?" Borender asks, "Surely you should go next, Lieutenant? Ladies first?"
"I may be a lady but I'm also the Lieutenant," Atlanta dismisses, "And as the most senior officer on board I should be the last to leave the ship."
"But—" Borender starts.
"You're next, Professor," Atlanta informs, putting her hand on his arm, "That's an order."
Reluctantly, Borender gives in, and he pulls himself up with some assistance from Gordon at the top.
"Your turn, Lieutenant," Gordon calls down.
Atlanta jumps up and grabs onto the handles by the hatch. She tries to reach in but can't quite get a hold. "It's no use, I can't grab on!" she shouts up.
"Lower me down," Gordon orders as he turns to Borender, "Then she can grab onto me." Borender nods in agreement and holds onto Gordon's legs as he leans himself over. He then lowers Gordon down slowly and carefully in order to not drop him.
"Hang on, Atlanta. I'm coming," Gordon states.
"Very funny, Gordon," Atlanta chuckles as she rolls her eyes, "Have to say, I never thought I'd be happy to see you again."
"You're not gonna kiss me, are you?" Gordon winces.
"For coming back to me?" Atlanta jokes, "Of course. But get me out of here first."
However, before Gordon can get to her there's a sudden rumble. The Pod and the tube shudders and rocks. Atlanta loses her grip and falls to the floor of the pod.
"Guys, the ledge is giving way!" Nina shouts urgently as she watches the scene in front of her unfold, "GET OUT OF THERE!"
However, it is too late. Before Atlanta can even pick herself up again, the tube suddenly detaches from the Pod and water gushes in and onto Atlanta who cries out in horror. "AAAGHH! GORDON! HELP!"
"NO!" Gordon yells as water also gushes up into Thunderbird 4. Borender pulls him inside. An alarm sounds and the hatch automatically seals to prevent any flooding. The tube is also detached and falls away. "Atlanta?" Gordon cries. He looks through a small porthole and sees the Pod falling away as the ledge collapses. "Atlanta!"
Nina races the Aqua-Mole forwards towards the falling Escape Pod and rams it into the cliff and holds it in place with the drill-nose. "Got it!" she yells triumphantly, "Now to get her out." She begins to flood the cockpit of the Aqua-Mole.
"Hold it there, Nina!" Gordon calls as he scrambles back into the cockpit of Thunderbird 4, "We're coming down."
"Be quick, Gordon," Nina orders, "I'm going to get Lieutenant Shore out and bring her to you."
"And how are you going to do that?" Gordon enquires, "The Aqua-Mole doesn't have arms."
"Don't need the Aqua-Mole," Nina states, "I'm going to swim out."
Scott, as Mobile Control, has been listening in and gives a horrified look over to Brains at what he hears.
"What?!" Scott cries, "Nina! Your suit isn't designed for underwater work. Especially at those depths!"
Nina lets out an agonised groan as she exits the Aqua-Mole. The pressure of the deep water pressing against her body is immediately felt. "No choice, Mobile Control!" Nina strains as she heads for the Pod's hatch, "We've come so far. We can't leave Lieutenant Shore to die down here! I'm going in." Pulling herself inside, she finds the drifting body of Atlanta who has been overcome by the water and is completely unconscious. "Gordon, I've got her! We're coming!"
As it turns out, Gordon has put on his deep sea exo-suit and has swum out to them. With him is a spare oxygen breather. "Nina, put that in her mouth!" Gordon orders, "It may help her."
Nina compiles. Then she passes Atlanta up to Gordon before pulling herself out. By now the pain is starting to become too much for Nina thanks to the pressure of the water. "Ow, this is getting painful!" she mumbles.
"Grab my leg!" Gordon yells. Nina did so and Gordon used his underwater jetpack to take them all as fast as he can back to Thunderbird 4.
June 4th, 2068 - 14:57 ANAT
Having gotten inside Thunderbird 4, Nina feels the pressure drop and gradually get back to normal, but she shrugs it all off as her attention is fixed back to Atlanta who is still unconscious on the floor.
"We need to wake her up," Gordon cries frantically, "Her lungs must be full of water."
"What can I do?" Nina asks.
"CPR," Gordon states, "I'll do mouth-to-mouth. You do the rest."
Everyone in Thunderbird 4 watch anxiously as Nina and Gordon get to work. As they're waiting the comm-link goes off and a hologram of Jeff appears on the control panel.
"What's going on?" Jeff asks, "Gordon? Nina? Someone talk to me!"
"Mr Tracy?" Borender replies, "Borender speaking. They're performing CPR on Lieutenant Shore."
"How does she look?" Jeff questions.
"Not good," Borender sighs sadly as he looks back at Atlanta's lifeless body, "I'd say she's drowned."
Nina and Gordon stop what they are doing and looked at Borender and Jeff's hologram before looking back at Atlanta. They've been doing the CPR for three minutes now and it has made no difference. Atlanta remains lifeless on the floor.
"No!" Nina curses, "After all that. She can't be—"
Gordon goes to feel Atlanta's wrist for a pulse. He can't feel anything. He falls back against the wall of Thunderbird 4's passenger bay in a heap. "She's... gone."
An unearthly silence falls throughout Thunderbird 4, Tracy Island and aboard the Arctic Odyssey. Captain Jones, who is deeply in love with Atlanta, runs to the side of the ship and burst into tears, much to the surprise of everyone. Scott and Brains exchange sad looks. They haven't known or met Atlanta but the fact they knew they'd failed to rescue someone is hitting hard. Not as hard as it is hitting Nina and Gordon though. Gordon buries his face in his hands.
"I'm sorry, Lieutenant," Nina whispers as tears fill her eyes and picks Atlanta's body off the floor and into her arms like she is cradling a baby, "I'm so sorry." She screws up her eyes as her emotions take over her and tear start falling out of her eyes and onto Atlanta's pale white face.
Suddenly, there is a loud gasp and Atlanta sits bolt upright coughing up a massive amount of water from her lungs. This causes everyone in Thunderbird 4 to cry out in alarm. Despite this, Nina, Gordon and Borender react quickly to grab Atlanta and sit her up against the wall. Gordon pats her on the back to get her to cough up more of the water.
"Atlanta?" Gordon cries, "Atlanta, are you okay?"
Atlanta continues to cough as she adjusts her eyes to her surroundings. "G-Gordon?" she splutters, "Where am I?"
"Inside Thunderbird 4," Gordon sighs in relief, "You're safe. You're alive!"
"But... but how?" Atlanta asks confused, "I was drowning. My life was flashing before my eyes. How did you get me out?"
"I didn't," Gordon informs, "Nina did."
Atlanta looks at Nina who is slowly wiping the tears from her eyes in relief to see that she had made it to her in time. "Lieutenant Shore," she smiles, "Thank God you're mph?!"
Atlanta thrusts herself at Nina, throwing her arms around her neck and nestles into the crook of her neck and just starts crying. Nina is taken aback. So is everybody for that matter. Atlanta then draws her head back and tearfully looks at Nina. "Thank you, Nina!" she says, "For saving me!"
"You're welcome," Nina nods.
June 4th, 2068 - 15:14 ANAT
Thunderbird 4 returns everyone to the Arctic Odyssey where those rescued from the cave are reunited with the other survivors from the Ulysses. Atlanta has a slightly emotional reunion with Captain Jones where she shrugs off his demand for her to get medical treatment. She feels unwell from having had so much water in her lungs, but she wants to have a long overdue talk with Gordon first.
As Gordon sees her approaching, he braces himself for what is going to come. "Ugh, here we go," he mutters and shuts his eyes, waiting for the incoming kiss he'd been expecting.
Atlanta hesitates. Over time Atlanta came to realise that while there was certainly some attraction she still has towards Gordon, he is now nothing more than an old teenage crush. So, she gives him a hug instead. "Thank you, Squidward," she smiles.
"Er, you're welcome," Gordon stutters surprised, "Just doing my job."
Atlanta lets go and steps back. She looks at Thunderbird 1 that is parked nearby and then over to Thunderbird 2 which is collecting Thunderbird 4 under remote control from Nina. "So, this is why you left all those years ago, huh?"
"Yeah," Gordon sighs, nervously, "Atlanta, look. I respect you and looking back while I thought you were a bit crazy; you were probably the only friend I had at WASP. It's just... the Zero-X happened, and International Rescue became my life."
"The Zero-X?" Atlanta questions, "You mean that spaceship that got hi-jacked and then exploded? I don't recall International Rescue getting involved with that."
"None of us were," Gordon admits, "But my Dad was. He managed to sneak aboard and forced The Hood to abandon ship. But he got trapped aboard and was then launched into space. It took us eight years to find him and bring him home."
"Your Dad sent you to the WASP to train," Atlanta states as she starts putting the pieces together, "He was preparing you for what you do now?"
"All those underwater rescues you may have heard about that have occurred since we went into service?" Gordon nods, "Yeah, those were all me."
"Gordon, I'm sorry for being a lovesick teenager towards you," Atlanta says, "I'm sorry for my outburst over the radio. It was unprofessional of me. I guess hearing your voice caused my former self to come out again."
"Forget it, Atlanta," Gordon smiles, "I'm just glad you're safe."
Both fall silent for a moment. They hear Nina call out to Scott and turn their attention to her.
"Is she your sister-in-law?" Hayley asks.
"One of them," Gordon admits.
"How far is she along?" Atlanta asks, "Pregnant I mean."
"I'm surprised you can tell," Gordon admits, "Her partner is yet to know. Six weeks."
"Girl intuition," Atlanta smirks, "No wonder she got as emotional as me back there. And held me the way she did."
"Yep, that explains it," Gordon nods.
"Well, I hope our paths cross again in the future, Gordon," Atlanta smiles and brings him in for another hug, "It has been good seeing you again despite the circumstances."
"Right back at you, At," Gordon smirks before reaching his hand out towards her right trouser pocket, "Can I have your communicator?"
"Sure," Atlanta replies, handing it over, "What for?"
"I'm putting the frequency of our large space hub onto your com link," Gordon explains, "It's Captain O'Bannon's personal one."
"You mean the Captain O'Bannon," Atlanta questions gobsmacked, "The one in charge of Thunderbird 10?!"
"The very same," Gordon smiles, "She might have just the job for you if you wanted it. I'll happily give you a reference."
"Oh shit," Atlanta squeals, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Over on the other side of the Arctic Odyssey Scott approaches Brains who is catching up with Professor Borender.
"It's a c-crying shame about the Ulysses," Brains is saying.
"She was just a ship, Brains," Borender replies, "She was the most beautiful I ever built. But she can be rebuilt. Those lives lost cannot though. Seeing those men drown will stay with me for a long time."
"That's life I'm afraid," Scott interrupts, "We can only do what we can do. Even International Rescue can't save everyone."
"Indeed," Borender agrees, "You guys saved me and the most important people on the mission. We are forever grateful for that."
Scott clears his throat. He knows it is now or never. "Mechanic... I mean Professor Borender?" he begins, awkwardly, "I... I owe you an apology."
"What for?" Borender asks puzzled as a frown forms on his face.
"For the way I treated you when you were on Tracy Island," Scott states, "I never got to thank you for helping bring Dad home. And the hostility I gave to you was... well... inexcusable. So, I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Scott," Borender replies as his frown turns into a smile, "I did a lot of terrible things to you and your family whilst I was under The Hood's influence. You had every right to be wary of me."
"But the seal was b-broken," Brains says, "We k-knew you were n-no longer a threat to us."
"True, but it takes more than that you earn trust with someone who's hurt you, Brains," Borender adds and turns back to Scott, "I too apologise for all the harm I did."
"Truce?" Scott enquires as he holds out his hand with a huge smile on his face.
"Truce," Borender replies with the same expression, taking Scott's hand.