October 19th, 2068 - 09:00 BST
Judge Michael Grant peers grumpily behind his black-rimmed glasses at the group of five people sitting in front of him. They have been called up for jury service but have all stated they want to give a reason to be excused from it. Grant considers this a waste of his time for all he wants to do was get on with cases and put away criminals. To him, doing Jury Service should be mandatory unless there is a good reason which he feels needs to be dealt with by somebody else. He has a big case to deal with later today and he wants to prepare for it rather than sitting doing what he is doing right now.
"Neal Partridge - please explain why you want to be excused from Jury Service?" Judge Grant sighs.
"Your Honour," a bald-headed man in his mid-fifties starts, "I am a single parent looking after seven children in total. My wife died of pneumonia only three months ago and my own parents cannot be expected to look after all those children when they are in their nineties. I therefore must request that I be excused from doing Jury Service."
"Granted, Mr Partridge," Grant nods deciding that is a good enough reason, "You may be excused." Neal breathes a sigh of relief and is escorted by an Usher from the room. Grant turns his attention to the next objector. "Roger Scarberry - please explain why you want to be excused from Jury Service?"
A dark-skinned, rather slim man with curly black hair stands up. "Jury service is waste of time. I have better things to be doing."
"I'm afraid that's not an acceptable reason, Mr Scarberry," Grant states, "You therefore are Juror 11."
"WHAT?! NO WAY!" Scarberry bellows, "I WILL NOT BE A PART OF THIS!"
Seeing this sudden outburst causes Grant to change his mind. "Security!" he calls, and two security guards came forward to move the protesting man out of the room which he gladly does. Grant sighs, annoyed. "Tanusha Kyrano - please explain why you want to be excused from Jury Service?"
"Your Honour," Kayo begins, "Whilst I accept that Jury Service is important, I must insist on being excused as I work for a highly specialised organisation that cannot continue without my services."
"Is that so?" Grant muses, "And may I ask what this organisation is?"
"Would you believe it's International Rescue?" Kayo questions.
There is a pause and for a moment Kayo believes she is in the clear.
"That would be believable if your surname was Tracy, Miss Kyrano," Grant finally says, "But it's not. If I had a penny for every time someone has tried to claim they are part of International Rescue, I'd be living on a tropical island somewhere."
"But it's true!" Kayo protests.
"ENOUGH!" Grant booms, his exasperation finally getting the better of him, "You are Juror 11. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a case to prepare for."
With that, he stands up and walks out of the courtroom leaving a fuming Kayo behind him.
5... 4... 3... 2... 1... Thunderbirds are Go!October 19th, 2068 - 20:48 NZST
Alan enters the lounge to see a rather irritated Jeff standing by the panorama window looking out over the sea. Even though he can't see his face, Alan can tell that something is wrong. "Dad?"
"Oh," Jeff mumbles as he turns sharply to see who's addressed him, "Alan. It's you, my apologies."
"Something wrong, Dad?" Alan asks as Jeff walks back towards his desk.
"Big time," Jeff sighs, "Despite mine and Lady Penelope's efforts, the Crown Court in Birmingham, UK have refused to let Kayo off doing Jury Service!"
Alan is surprised. Normally Jeff's contacts can sort out anything. "That's... unexpected," he mutters, "Did they give a reason?"
"No," Jeff replies, "The Judge was very insistent that Kayo not be excused."
"That sounds dodgy to me, Dad," Alan states, "Are we sure the Judge is to be trusted?"
"He's a man in a court of law, Alan," Jeff sighs, "Judges aren't selected at random. They need to prove themselves and be as clean and as impartial as they can be."
"Hardly impartial if he's refused to let her go," Alan remarks, "Maybe he needs a little bit of Penelope charm to get her off?"
Jeff shakes his head. "I'm afraid it's too late for that, Alan," he says, "Kayo's been given her number and placed on a trial. To take her off now would mean having to delay the trial whilst an entire new jury is chosen and I'm certain that's not what the Judge or the lawyers would be needing."
"Let's hope Kayo's not required then," Alan sighs, "Couldn't Penelope and Parker step in?"
"They would if they weren't providing Kayo with accommodation during her stay," Jeff responds, "I'm afraid we'll have to do the best we can, Alan."
"Guess there's no way of finding out how long the trial will take?" Alan nods grimly.
"Afraid not," Jeff states, "And Kayo cannot tell us anything about it. Let's hope whatever it is stays within the two-week period her service is meant to last."
October 20th, 2068 - 06:31 NZST
The next day, Alan is busy in his bedroom looking over some Tracy Industry documents. Last night, he had missed having Kayo wrapped up in his arms and didn't enjoy the uncertainty of when she'll be back. As he flips over a page, his personal com unit goes off.
"Kayo calling Tracy Island. Are you receiving me?" Kayo calls.
"Kayo! How's the bad-guy busting going?" Alan jokes.
"Al, you know I can't discuss what's taking place in the courts," Kayo mumbles.
"Yeah, I know," Alan sighs, "I just thought I'd try you."
"Try me?" Kayo smirks with a raised eyebrow, "I'm not the one who's on trial."
"I'm guessing you won't be back anytime soon then?" Alan chuckles.
"Honestly, we barely even got started today," Kayo growls, "From what I can gather though is I don't see how it can take too long. Hopefully we can get it done within a couple of days and then hope they release us by the end of the week if there are no other cases due."
"Fingers crossed then," Alan smiles.
"Enough of me," Kayo defers, "How is everyone back home?"
"Things are pretty dull around here actually," Alan muses, "Scott and Marion have gone to the mainland with Walter, Gordon is rock climbing and Virgil's painting Nina a portrait."
"Oh, good," Kayo says, "Everyone is having a relaxing time for once."
"Well, I'm doing some Tracy Industries bullshit," Alan chuckles as he indicates the papers all over the bed.
"I'm glad they're papers and not tissues," Kayo giggles, "You can't be missing me too much."
"Fucking hell, Kayo," Alan mumbles blushing red.
"I'm joking, my love," Kayo laughs, "Jeez you can't take one sometimes."
"Ass," Alan smirks.
"I will talk to you tomorrow, Alan," Kayo suddenly says, "I'm going to turn in early."
"Take it easy out there," Alan nods, "Tracy Island, out."
As Kayo lies down on the bed, looking up at the velvet covering of the four-poster bed and lets out a loud sigh. "I wish this was just a vacation," she mutters sadly to herself.
October 21st, 2068 - 04:58 NZST
Another day rolled around with Kayo remaining in the UK. Thunderbird 5 is orbiting above the Indian Ocean when John is forwarded a distress call from a location nearby via Thunderbird 10. He lets out a yawn as he reaches for his coffee on the counter before taking a sip and pressing down on his sash.
"International Rescue, we have a situation," John calls.
"Go ahead, John," Scott answers, "Dad's in bed. What have we got?"
"The Space XTreme Survival Research Station has sent out a mayday," John explains, "One of their oxygen tanks has exploded and there's a breach near one of the labs. Some highly unstable compounds are tested there and there's a danger that the station could get ripped apart by decompression."
"Is the station in danger of falling to Earth?" Scott asks.
"Negative," John replies, "The station's not actually in orbit. It's located just beyond the orbital range of the planet. It can remain in place and not be affected by the Earth's gravity."
"F-A-B," Scott nods, "I'll have Alan launch Thunderbird 3 and ride up with him. See you in space."
"F-A-B," John acknowledges, "I'll inform you of any updates. Good luck."
Alan is sound asleep, strewn out across the whole of the king-sized bed when Scott calls him.
"Wake-up, Alan," Scott states, "We have a mission."
Alan groans and turns over. "Can't you and Virgil handle it?" he asks.
"No, this is a space mission!" Scott sighs, annoyed, "Unless you don't mind us borrowing Thunderbird 3 whilst you get your beauty-sleep?"
"Space mission?" Alan shouts as he jumps out of bed, "Why didn't you say? Hang on, I'm coming!"
"Ha!" Scott chuckles to himself, "Knew that would work!"
5Alan and Scott descend and start to get suited up.
4Alan and Scott are lifted on a crane from the bottom of the hanger into Thunderbird 3.
3Thunderbird 3's blast door closes.
2Alan and Scott's chairs roll up to the controls.
1Thunderbird 3's rockets start up.
Thunderbirds are Go!October 21st, 2068 - 06:11 NZST
Thunderbird 3 leaves the Earth's atmosphere and heads towards Station XTreme. They soon catch sight of the long, white, triangular at the ends-shaped station which appears to be spiralling due to the escaping oxygen acting as a thruster.
"They're in a spin," Alan comments.
"Think you can correct it?" Scott questions.
"Only one way to find out," Alan replies, "Deploying grasping arms."
The grasping arms of Thunderbird 3 extend outwards as they move closer to the station.
"Space XTreme, this is Thunderbird 3 of International Rescue," Scott calls into the radio, "Do you read me? Over."
No response comes from the station.
"They could be getting thrown around like puppets in there," Alan explains, "Would be hard to get to the radio with the station doing that."
Before Scott can reply, they hear a frantic male voice over the radio. "Hello?! International Rescue? Can you hear me?"
"Receiving you," Scott acknowledges, "We're approaching you now. We're going to stop your spin and then come aboard to check on you."
"Please, hurry!" cries the crewman, "We can't hold out much longer!"
"Stop the spin," Scott orders, turning to Alan.
"F-A-B!" Alan replies. As carefully as he can, Alan moves Thunderbird 3 closer to the spiralling research space-station with the body of Thunderbird 3 being spun around to try and match the speed. It isn't fast but still too fast for those who are trapped inside. "Almost there," Alan states and he closes the clamps on the grasping arms. "Got it!" He then uses Thunderbird 3's thrusters to gradually slow the spin down until it stops entirely. "Ha! Piece of cake!" Alan smirks when it was done.
"Nice job," Scott compliments, "Space XTreme - are you okay?"
"Well, we've stopped spinning so that's a start," the crewman muses, "But we're losing oxygen fast. And also..." He goes silent for a moment.
"Also, what?" Scott pushes.
"They might still be here," the crewman replies, his voice shaking.
"Who?" Alan demands.
"Some strange, black-suited men who caused the explosion," the crewman responds, "It's terrifying I tell you!"
The brothers freeze and look at each other. They knew of only one crew who can do that.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Alan gulps, his own voice now shaking slightly.
"Yeah... I am," Scott replies and opens a radio link to Thunderbird 5, "Mobile Control, the situation may be worse than we thought. The crew have described that suited men caused the explosion. You know what that means?"
"The Black Phantom Gang!" John grimaces.
"FUCK! I knew this would happen!" Scott curses as he slams his fist into the control panel, "I knew that we would have an encounter with a villain whilst Kayo's on Jury service!"
"Er, hello?!" the crewmember calls, "We are still losing oxygen!"
"Keep calm, sir. We'll sort it," Scott recovers and turns to Alan, "Alan, take your astro-board. Find the leak and seal it. Mobile Control, run a scan of the station. Find me the locations of the crew and if you can The Black Phantom Gang."
"On it," John replies.
Scott and Alan don their helmets and Alan hops onto his astro-board as the hatch opens to allow him to exit. Scott follows behind with his jetpack to guide him to the station. Upon reaching one of the airlocks, Scott manages to get inside and talks to the crewman for the entry codes to enable him to open the doors.
"I'm in," Scott announces, "Mobile Control, what have you got?"
"Space XTreme has a crew of five," John explains, "I'm detecting six people in the laboratory closest to the leaking oxygen tank."
"There's a supply shuttle attached to the top of the station," Alan states as he passes it on his astro-board, "Perhaps the sixth person is the pilot?"
"That could explain how The Black Phantom Gang got onboard," John muses.
"Any sign of them?" Scott asks.
"Negative," John replies, "Guess The Black Phantom has upgraded their stealth tech."
Scott looks around the chamber he is in. It is dark, empty and felt cold. He begins to feel uneasy. He lights his light-ball and starts to make his way cautiously down the corridor. "Then they could be anywhere," he sighs, grimly.
"Watch your step, Scott," John warns.
"F-A-B," Scott responds.
Outside, Alan reaches the leaking oxygen tank. Nearly all of the contents have gone but Alan luckily has just the thing to save the rest. It is a special foam mat that can be placed over the top of the rupture and create an airtight seal on the tank and prevent anything more from escaping.
"Tank is sealed, Scott," Alan reports, "The crew shouldn't be in danger of suffocation anymore."
"Good work, Alan," Scott replies, "I'm nearly at the lab door. Looks like they've been sealed inside."
"Any sign of the gang?" John asks.
"Not yet," Scott replies as he keeps glancing around him, "However, I get a funny feeling that they won't remain hidden for long." Scott then reaches the door and places his light-ball on the table beside it, takes out his laser and gets it ready to begin work on the door. "International Rescue to station crew. Are you guys okay in there?"
"Just about," the crewman answers, "We're no longer losing oxygen, but we need power to get some from the reserve tanks put into the main one."
"Can you do that from in there?" Scott questions.
"No, but I can if you can get us out," the crewman states.
"Okay, keep everyone away from the door. I'm cutting my way through," Scott informs and activates the laser and began to cut through the door. He gets about two-thirds of the way through the door when he suddenly feels a very uncomfortable feeling pass over him like a dark cloud blocking out the sun. The temperature in his suit begins to drop dramatically too. He stops cutting and looks cautiously around the small control room he was in. "You're here, aren't you?" he says out loud, "Why don't you show yourselves?"
"As you wish," a voice says.
There is a sudden THUD as Scott feels two feet slam into his back and knock him down to the floor. He yelps loudly as the owner of the feet then cartwheeled over the top and lands a short distance across the room. Then out of the shadows three man appear in back suits, just as Scott expected. "The Black Phantom Gang!" he mumbles as he winces in pain.
"What are you doing here?" one of the members demands.
"I could ask you the same thing," Scott replies with a grimace, "As for me, I'm trying to save the crew of this station who you nearly killed!"
"Let them die, Tracy," growls the third, "Nobody is worth saving."
Scott can't believe what he's just heard. "Excuse me?!" he splutters, "Whatever gives you the right to say that?! All life is precious!"
"Life is a lie," the first man says, "But I don't expect you to understand." The middle man then lunges forwards at Scott, who has managed to stand up again, only to be kicked in the chest, throwing him back into the doors to the lab. He lets out another cry of pain as he slides down onto the floor. "We'd finish you off here and now if we could be bothered to," the first man continues as he steps next to the second, "But we've got what we came for. Good luck trying to save them in your new state, hero!" And with that they grapple up to a hatch in the ceiling and disappear through it.
It was as they go that Scott notices a vial of purple liquid attached to the third mans belt. "Owwwwww," he groans as he rubs his chest, "Good job these suits have some kind of protection."
"Scott!" John's voice cries suddenly over the helmet, "What's going on? Your vitals just went off the chart!"
"They knocked me down, Mobile Control, twice!" Scott grunts as he struggles to pull himself back up, "They've taken a vial of something. I don't know what. Now they've gone through a hatch directly above me. Any idea where that leads?"
"Yeah, I do," John says, grimly, "It leads to the shuttle docked on the top of the station."
"Then they're making an escape!" Alan yells, "We have to stop them!"
"Alan, that's not our job!" John reminds him, "I'll alert the GDF. They can intercept the shuttle either before it reaches Earth or once it's back in the atmosphere."
However, Alan doesn't care about that as he hastily races on his astro-board back to Thunderbird 3. "John, be real. Since when has the GDF been successful in stopping supervillains? Who is it that has ended the plans of The Hood? Us! Who ended The Mechanic's reign of terror? Us! Who stopped the Chaos Crew? Oh, that's right. It was us!"
"Alan, don't even think about it!" Scott warns.
"Scott, haven't you got scientists to save?" Alan asks as he re-enters the cockpit of Thunderbird 3, "I will be back for you." He releases the grappling arms just as the shuttle disengages from the top of the station and begins to race away towards the Earth. Alan fires Thunderbird 3's chemical rockets and gives chase.
Scott growls in frustration before wincing in pain. "Mobile Control, can you stop him?" he asks.
"If I wanted to, yes," John nods, "I'll monitor him. He is right though, Scott."
"About what?" Scott questions.
"About you having people to save," John deadpans, "Now get on with it."
"F-A-B," Scott sighs as he goes back to cutting through the doors again.
October 21st, 2068 - 09:05 NZST
Thunderbird 3 soon catches up with the fleeing space-shuttle. Its presence does not go unnoticed by the gang inside as the shuttle is pushed to full throttle and races on towards the Earth.
Alan scoffs as he watches the shuttle trying to get away. "Really? Are they really that stupid?" He then increases Thunderbird 3's own speed and quickly catches up again.
John watches from Thunderbird 5 as Thunderbird 3 closes in on the shuttle. "Thunderbird 3, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"Disable the shuttle if I can," Alan replies, "I don't need to arrest them. All we need to do is make sure they don't re-enter the Earth's atmosphere."
"I see," John says, "I've alerted Thunderbird 10. Ridley and some of her men are on their way. They'll intercept the shuttle and arrest them. If you can disable the shuttle that is."
Someone in the crew certainly seem to be a skilled pilot. The shuttle performs various loops and rolls to try and escape from Thunderbird 3. Unfortunately for them, Alan too in extremely skilled pilot and is able to match its every move, much to the gang's frustration. Finally, after much dodging and avoidance, the shuttle's luck runs out as Alan fires the laser from one of Thunderbird 3's arms which takes out the main thruster. As the shuttle slows, three space-fighters with Thunderbird 10 branding approach. Leading the formation is Ridley.
"Thunderbird 3, I believe you have something for me?" Ridley smirks.
"Yes indeed," Alan replies, "Three of Phantom's nasty gang."
"That's good to hear," Ridley smiles, "The GDF crew on Thunderbird 10 will enjoy this one."
"I look forward to reading the report," Alan chuckles.
Ridley then contacts the shuttle as the fighters form a circle around the stricken craft. "Attention, Black Phantom Gang," Ridley calls, "This is Captain O'Bannon of the Thunderbird 10. You are completely surrounded. Surrender now and no harm will come to you."
They wait for a response, but none comes. Suddenly, there is a bright white light as an explosion rips through the shuttle, tearing it apart and sending debris flying in all directions.
"LOOK OUT!" Alan shouts.
Ridley and the other fighters have to take drastic manoeuvres to avoid getting hit by the debris. The flame from the explosion fades away quickly due to no oxygen in space and all that is left is the debris.
"Shit!" Ridley curses, "They self-destructed the shuttle."
"And probably went with it," John sighs over the radio, "As technically advanced their suits are, Alan is right I reckon. They couldn't survive in space."
After surveying the wreckage, Ridley agrees and concludes there is no way that any of the gang could have survived and order the other space-jets to return to Thunderbird 10.
October 21st, 2068 - 09:16 NZST
Scott finally gets the doors to the laboratory open and frees the trapped crew. He soon becomes acquainted with the crewman, Dr Simon Henderson and quickly they are able to restore power to Space XTreme station as well as divert reserve oxygen into the main tank.
"Thank you for getting us out of there," Dr Henderson thanks, "Are you hurt?"
"Just a few bruises," Scott replies, nursing where he'd been kicked one of the gang, "I've survived worse."
One of the female technicians then come running in. "Doctor. The ZJ-28 is missing. They must have taken it."
Dr Henderson groans and buried his face in his hands as he turns away.
"What's ZJ-28?" Scott asks.
"An experimental molecule stabilising serum," the technician explains, "It's meant to stop unstable molecules from deteriorating any further."
"Okay..." Scott trails confused, "I can't pretend to understand the reasoning behind that but, fair enough."
"That was the only full sample we had!" Dr Henderson groans, "It could take months to try and replicate it. And if she sells it to the highest bidder, then other companies may develop a more effective version before we can! We're short on manpower as it is!"
"I'm going to call Thunderbird 3 and see what he's up to," Scott announces and turns around activating his com-link, "Alan, are you done playing cops and robbers. My part of the rescue is done."
"Hold on, Scott," Alan replies, "Just retrieving something from the wreckage."
"Wreckage?" Scott questions.
"Yeah. The gang clearly didn't want to be taken alive," Alan informs, "They've self-destructed the shuttle, but it would appear that something has managed to escape destruction. There's a small vial of purple liquid floating around out here."
"Purple did you say?!" Scott cries.
"Yeah. why?" Alan enquires.
"Bring it back here, on the double!" Scott orders.
"Uh, F-A-B?" Alan mutters, surprised as he grabs the vial and boards Thunderbird 3.
October 21st, 2068 - 09:22 NZST
Alan enters Space XTreme station and hands the vial canister over to Dr Henderson who jumps with joy. "Thank you stars! You've recovered the ZJ-28! Thank you!"
"Er, you're welcome," Alan mumbles, confused. "What's—"
"Best you don't ask," Scott whispers, "They've already tried to explain to me, and I don't understand it myself. We'll tell Brains when we get back home. Maybe he can shed some light on the matter."
October 21st, 2068 - 07:38 BST
Kayo sits on her bed, listening with interest to what Scott and Alan have to say, several hours after they've returned to Tracy Island.
"You see?" Kayo growls, after they've finished, "This is exactly why I should not be doing jury duty!"
"I know you can't tell us anything still, but please say you're almost done?" Scott asks.
"This particular case will be wrapped up by tomorrow I'm certain of that," Kayo replies, "But remember I am supposed to be doing it for at least two weeks, Scott. I'm not out of the woods yet, I'm afraid."
"At least The Black Phantom Gang will be a few men down," Alan states.
"Which could simply boost the hatred of The Black Phantom to destroy us even more as he decides to up the ante," Kayo warns, "We'll have to be on our guard. Especially until I can return."
"Let's hope so," Scott nods, "Dr Henderson was certainly grateful we saved the sample. However, they do seem rather short-handed for such a large station. I wish we could do something to help with that."
The bell rings in Kayo's room. "Please, excuse me. Breakfast's ready," she calls, "I'll check in tomorrow. Stay safe."
"F-A-B!" Scott and Alan say together as Kayo signs off.
Kayo goes and stands at the window for a moment, looking at the morning sunrise. She feels homesick. She's never stayed away from Tracy Island for this long since she'd moved there. She is missing her brothers, sisters, Jeff, Brains, Sally and little baby Walter. As much as she enjoys the company of Penelope and Parker, it's not the same. She lets out a small sigh and heads out of the room to join Penelope for breakfast.
October 22nd, 2068 - 09:20 BST
The following day, FAB 1 pulls up in the side street next to the Courthouse. Kayo thanks Penelope and Parker for the lift and makes her way to meet Kes, one of the other jurors that she's become close friends with, at the front of the building. She doesn't wait to wave FAB 1 off and therefore does not see that the pink car remains in place.
"She's h'out of sight, m'lady," Parker calls, once he's seen Kayo enter the building.
"Thank goodness! I really hope she never finds out about this," Penelope sighs and opens up her compact, "Colonel Casey? The coast is clear."
"Understood," Casey replies via the hologram projector, "The plane should be arriving at the airport within a few minutes. The truck will bring him, and I will make sure that my team takes him round the back entrance, just to make sure."
As Penelope closes the compact, she and Parker exchange looks. For the past few days, they've been alerted to a special assignment by Colonel Casey regarding a special prisoner visit to the Birmingham Crown Court. As to who this is or why they are being brought there, they don't know. Colonel Casey hasn't told them who it is. They do however have their suspicions, but neither want to say it out loud to the other.
October 22nd, 2068 - 09:26 BST
Kayo and Kes are busy catching up when the Usher comes in to call together the jury for the case. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen," he says, "Normally we would take you into court prior to you starting the deliberation but unfortunately the judge has a rather urgent case that he needs to prepare for. He's therefore asked for me to have you sent to the deliberation room to begin discussing the case."
"And how long will that take?" one asks.
"For however long it takes you," the responds Usher sternly, "Follow me, please."
As he leads the other jury members through the door, Kayo shoots a suspicious look at the one who spoke up, a man called Steve Cuthbert. For of the whole case so far, he's barely said a word and now speaking up to ask a question like that set alarm bells off for Kayo. Something wasn't right with him. She remains quiet though as she brings up the rear of the group.
October 22nd, 2068 - 09:42 BST
Knowing that they have a little while before the GDF arrive, Penelope decides to stretch her legs and lets Sherbet have a little walk around in the side street whilst Parker stays in FAB 1. She can see that a group of GDF guards have arrived and taken up positions at the main and side entrances to the Courthouse. They have not been deployed until after Penelope had given the word about Kayo going into the building as she knew full well that Kayo would immediately be asking questions and distract her from doing jury duty.
They'd barely been out of the car for a minute when Sherbet starts sniffing at the end of a large blue industrial skip that is located beside the building. It has a long chute leading from the roof. It is here that all the rubbish from the Courthouse is placed. Sherbet sniffs around the door for a moment, then starts to bark and whimper loudly, scratching his paws against it.
"Bertie, stop that!" Penelope scolds, "There's nothing but rubbish in there."
However, Sherbet continues his whimpering, and the barking soon intensifies. This causes Parker to step out of FAB 1 and make his way over. He's seen Sherbet do this before, and normally it's because he can sense something that nobody else could.
"H'I believe 'e's trying to tell us something, m'lady," Parker states.
"Whatever could he be sensing in there?" Penelope wonders out loud and frowns, "Parker, give me a leg up, would you?"
Parker complies, positioning himself at the base of the skip's door and holding out his hands so that he can take the weight of one of Penelope's boots and lift her as she grabs the top of the skip's door to pull herself up. She peers over at all the bags of smelly rubbish. And then she sees something that makes her cry out in alarm. She jumps back and falls to the floor.
"M'lady!" Parker exclaims, "H'Are you, okay?"
Penelope's eyes are wide with shock as she tries to get her breath back. "Oh, m-my!" she gasps, "Parker, there's a body in there!"
It's at this point an Armoured Transport Truck arrives at the back of the Courthouse. Colonel Casey and Captain Rigby oversees the unloading of the container from the back of the truck. Once it is up by the back doors, she gives the word for it to be released. The doors open to reveal the prisoner inside.
"Okay, Fuse, out you come," Rigby orders, "No tricks now."
Fuse says nothing as he steps out of the container, his hands still in strong handcuffs and he walks through the doors, flanked by four soldiers. Rigby leads them into the building whilst Colonel Casey starts to follow behind. She's barely got inside when a female lieutenant calls her back.
"What is it?" Casey demands.
"Ma'am, we have a situation," the lieutenant informs, "Lady Penelope has found the body of a man inside the skip by the side of the building."
Colonel Casey stares at the lieutenant, stunned. She glances back round to see that Fuse and his escorts are already entering the elevator to take them up to the Court. "Take me there!" she orders. She makes it round to the side street with a forensics team and waits patiently beside Penelope and Parker as they recover the body. "What a tragic waste," Casey remarks, "Any idea who he is?"
"I'm afraid not," Penelope responds, "Judging by the relatively cleanness of his body, I doubt that he's been there very long."
"Meaning that whoever did it could still be h'around nearby," Parker notes.
In the back of the van, one of the detectives use a device to scan the body's eyes to get a retinal match. It works even if the person is deceased. "We have a match!" he calls, "Steve Cuthbert."
"Does that name mean anything to either of you?" Casey questions.
Penelope and Parker shake their heads. Their attention is drawn by one of the Courthouse's Security Officers who's come out to investigate what is going on. "What did you say the name was?"
"Steve Cuthbert," the Detective states.
"Have you any idea how long he might have been there?" Casey asks.
"Hard to say," replies the Medical Officer who is examining the body, "There's no visible injuries so he hasn't fallen from any kind of height that I can tell. He's not been shot, stabbed or even beaten. I am however registering electric residue inside his body. Almost like he's been electrocuted or something."
The Security Officer suddenly runs off back towards the entrance of the Courthouse. Colonel Casey, Penelope and Parker exchange looks.
"Stay here, Parker," Penelope says as she and Colonel Casey hurry off after the Security Officer.
October 22nd, 2068 - 09:56 BST
"...I honestly don't believe that Joseph was the one who carried out this crime," Kayo says to the others, "For a start, the man in the footage with the gun I've noticed is at least seven foot high. Joseph is about five-foot-ten. Neither he nor Sharon have driving licences so can't have driven a getaway car, especially as they lived so close by, they wouldn't have gone back there directly afterwards if they had. Yes, he tried to lash out at Mr Holden but having had had no previous convictions of violence, it makes him a very unlikely suspect in this attempted robbery/murder case. I therefore believe that both are Not Guilty."
The majority of the jury nods in agreement.
"Fair enough," Hugh, one of the jurors who'd previously said guilty, agrees, "You've convinced me, Tanusha. Not Guilty for both."
"Your reasoning does have sense," Michelle, another juror to say guilty, muses, "However, I'm still not entirely convinced. Maybe if we take a—"
"Oh, can we just get this over with?!" bursts out Cuthbert, "My brother is waiting for me! I have to be with him before he leaves town again."
"Look here, Steve!" Kayo growls, "I can totally understand you don't want to be here. I shouldn't be here with my line of work and yet here I am. I'm pretty sure nobody in this room wants to be here. Now the sooner you work with us, the sooner we can be done with this case. But we're also on a two-week set period so we may not be out of here by today."
"Screw the rules!" Cuthbert cries, "I'm leaving today, and nobody can stop me!"
"Yeah, well tough luck," Barney, another juror, snaps, "You don't get to choose when we're done here."
There is a moment of silence as everyone stares at Cuthbert. It's their intention to stare him into silence, but as it turns out, it did quite the opposite. "Actually," Cuthbert smirks, a rather nasty one at that, "I can!"
Before anyone can react, Cuthbert jumps out of his chair and grabs Kes. Kes screams in alarm as Cuthbert grips her with a headlock. Kayo attempts to lunge at Cuthbert and several of the other jurors also leapt to their feet but Cuthbert stops them in their tracks by pulling out a small red electronic device which he holds close to Kes's neck. "DON'T ANYONE MOVE!" he demands, "OR I WON'T HESITATE TO HARM HER!"
"LET HER GO, CUTHBERT!" Kayo yells, "THIS WON'T GET YOU ANYWHERE!"
Cuthbert rolls his eyes. "Oh, for once in your life, Kayo, SHUT UP!"
The room goes silent. The other jurors look between each other and at Kayo. Kayo's skin goes pale. "How do you know my—" she breaks off and her eyes widen when she finally realises what the device Cuthbert is holding close to Kes' neck is. "No..." she says, her voice shaking, "You can't be!"
Cuthbert grins and presses a button on the device. There is a flicker and his entire body changes to the person who is being hidden holographically. The other jurors gasp in horror. Kayo gasps too in equal shock. It isn't The Hood. "H-H-Havoc?!"
October 22nd, 2068 - 09:59 BST
Havoc sneers as she stares Kayo down. "Yes, Kayo… Me!" She then points her right arm at the rest of the jury and releases a plume of green gas at them. The other jurors instantly begin coughing and spluttering as the gas takes effect and one by one, they collapse into either onto the floor, back in their chairs or against the tables.
Kayo tries to lunge at Havoc when she isn't facing her, but Havoc is prepared and spins back round using Kes as a shield and forcing Kayo to stop with her fist inches from Kes' nose. Kes is terrified, shaking as she looks at Kayo, her eyes with looks of 'Help me' in them.
"Murderer!" Kayo growls, glancing at the other jury members.
"They're not dead," Havoc deadpans, "That's just a simple knockout, gas. Now, get your hands up, Kayo." She points the device back at Kes' neck.
With no devices of her own to use and her new friend as a hostage, Kayo has no choice but to comply. She raises her hands. "You've got me, Havoc," she sighs, "What do you want?"
Havoc sniffs the air. "Hmmm, a little stuffy in here for me," she remarks, "Let's go somewhere a bit more comfortable, shall we?"
October 22nd, 2068 - 10:02 BST
Colonel Casey and Penelope enter the lobby of the Courthouse to find the Security Guard searching through the sign-in register. "I thought so!" he exclaims, "Steve Cuthbert's one of the jurors. And he signed in this morning!" He shows the two women the book.
Penelope and Colonel Casey look at it closely. Sure enough, there is Cuthbert's name and signature in the book.
"Time of entry, 09:28 am?" Penelope notes, "But Parker and I arrived with Kayo at 09:20 am."
"When did you find the body?" Casey enquires.
"About 09:45, before you arrived," Penelope states, "But that doesn't make sense. How can—" She pauses as a thought strikes her and quickly pulls back the page showing the sign-in sheet for the day before. As she looks for Cuthbert's name and spots it, immediately noticing something. Both the handwriting and the signature are totally different. "They don't match!" Penelope cries, her eyes widening in realisation, turning to Colonel Casey, "Colonel, I need to know, who is it you've brought to the Courthouse?"
October 22nd, 2068 - 10:03 BST
Havoc forces Kayo and Kes out of the deliberation room to the small lobby that separates the room from the corridor outside. It is here where the refreshment table and the two lavatories are located. She then makes Kayo push Kes into one of the lavatories and makes her close the door behind her. "Turn and face me," Havoc orders, "Keep them up."
Kayo turns to face her with her hands raising once more. "What is all this, Havoc?" she demands, "How did you get out of Aquatraz? How did you get your equipment and uniform back? And how did you know I was even here?"
"So many questions," Havoc chuckles, amused, "Well, you might as well know. I was never in Aquatraz. I never joined Fuse in the attack on Tracy Island when the brothers went to get their precious father. What you have seen in there is an android made to look like me. Because of that, I've always kept this uniform and all of my equipment."
"You're bluffing," Kayo sneers, "That's ludicrous."
"Don't interrupt me, I don't have time," Havoc snaps, "As for knowing you'd be here, I'm the one who arranged it."
"Okay, now you're definitely bullsh—" Kayo starts before actually processing what Havoc has said, "How?!"
"Simple," Havoc continues, "Fuse has been brought here by the GDF. He's apparently been a model prisoner and has a parole hearing. I'm here to make sure he gets it, regardless of what Grant or his jury say. I had to make sure that you wouldn't be part of the security force to interfere. I didn't count on Fuse being brought to his Courthouse though. It was an unexpected issue that I've had to resolve."
"You planned all this?" Kayo asks, shocked, "All to get revenge on me?"
"No, I hadn't planned for you to be jury in the same Courthouse," Havoc interjects, "But seeing as you both are now, I saw the perfect opportunity to get even with you for all the times you humiliated me and my brother!" She lunges forwards and punches Kayo hard in the face, giving her a nosebleed. Kayo cries out and falls to the floor. She'd bangs against the lavatory door which makes Kes yelp inside.
"You won't get away with this, Havoc," Kayo states as Havoc pulls her up off the floor, "No matter if you and Fuse escape today, we will find you and put you back in prison. I can promise you that."
Havoc punches Kayo again, making her fall back on the floor. "Oh, you can certainly try," she cackles, "But I'm smarter than you are, Kayo. we'll always be one step ahead of you and the GDF from now on. Trust me, you will never lock us up again!"
Havoc takes a step back before pelting her boot into Kayo's stomach. Without her suit, Kayo finds herself in great pain. However, she manages to tap the face of the watch without Havoc noticing. She groans as Havoc pulls her up off the floor, pulls open the door of the lavatory where Kes is. Kes trembles at the sight of Havoc as she throws Kayo into the lavatory as well and pushes the door shut before sealing it with a quick-setting foam. "See ya never, Kayo!" Havoc calls through the door before walking away and presses the button outside to call the Usher. When he opens the door, she gasses him the same as she'd done with the other nine jurors before throwing him onto the floor in the small lobby area. Satisfied with her work, Havoc closes the door behind her as she sets her suit to stealth mode and becomes invisible.
October 22nd, 2068 - 21:17 NZST
Jeff and Marion are relaxing in the lounge but are rather startled when Alan comes charging into the room with a look of panic on his face.
"Alan?" Jeff asks, "What's wrong?"
"It's Kayo!" Alan exclaims causing Jeff and Marion to freeze, "She's set off her private emergency beacon!"
"What?!" Marion cries and turns to face Jeff.
"You'd better scramble Thunderbird 7, Marion," Jeff orders, "She could be in trouble."
"I'm coming too!" Alan shouts and rushes out of the room once again.
"F-A-B!" Marion says and rushes over to the revolving wall panel.
"Thunderbird 5 from base," Jeff contacts, by pressing a button on his desk, "John, are you up?"
"Receiving you, Dad," John replies, "What's the problem?"
"Kayo's activated her emergency alarm," Jeff informs, "I need you to try and track her down and see if you can figure out what's wrong."
"Understood," John nods, "Are we responding?"
"Affirmative," Jeff replies. "Marion's launching Thunderbird 7 now. Give her a fix on Kayo's location as soon as she's airborne."
"F-A-B," John acknowledges.
7Thunderbird 7 pulls out from a hanger underneath Thunderbird 1 to allow Marion and Alan to get inside.
6A crane comes down and lifts Thunderbird 7 onto a platform.
5The platform starts to move out of the hanger.
4Marion prepares Thunderbird 7 for flight.
3The hanger doors open to a flat concrete surface on the back of Tracy Island.
2Alan makes the last pre-flight checks.
1The engines start.
Thunderbirds are Go!October 22nd, 2068 - 21:38 NZST
Thunderbird 7 is already halfway across the Pacific Ocean when John calls in from the space-station. "Thunderbird 7 from Thunderbird 5. Come in, Marion."
"Loud and clear, John," Marion responds, "Do you have Kayo's position?"
"I do," John replies, "She's in the Birmingham Crown Court. Not in one of the actual courts but a side room. She appears to be in the bathroom... with someone."
" With someone?" Alan repeats, confused.
"Yeah, I don't get it either," John muses, "There's more, I've checked the adjacent room. There are nine other life-signs in there. None of them appear to be moving."
"Then something's happened with one of the other jurors," Marion realises, "Is Lady Penelope nearby?"
"Actually yes," John says after a pause as he checks the aerial view camera, "I can see FAB 1 in a side street. And the GDF appears to be there as well!"
"There's something mighty strange going on here," Alan frowns.
"Agreed," John nods, "What's your ETA?"
"Thirty minutes," Marion informs, "But I'll try and cut that down if possible."
"F-A-B," John acknowledges, "Meanwhile I'll try and contact Lady P and see what's going on."
October 22nd, 2068 - 11:01 BST
"I'm sorry to keep you in the dark, Lady Penelope," Casey finishes as she explains the whole of the situation to Penelope about Fuse and his parole, "But we didn't want too many to know about this."
"And as a result of this, Colonel, we now have a security leak in the Courthouse," Penelope sighs and turns to the Security Guard, "Sir, there's an imposter in this building. It needs to be sealed off!"
"Right away," the Security Guard nods, grabbing his radio, "Richards to all units. Security breach in the Courthouse. Seal the building! Repeat – security breach! Seal the building!"
Alarms start ringing out, startling everyone else in the building. Colonel Casey gives the order for the majority of the GDF soldiers to stand guard on all entry and exit points of the building. Two Flyers that are in the area are instructed to come and overfly the site to keep a close watch out for anyone trying to escape that may have gotten past the guards.
"Captain Rigby, where's Fuse?" Casey asks.
"Still waiting to go into court, Colonel," replies Rigby over his radio, "There seems to be a delay with the judge. What's happening?"
"One of the jurors on another case has been killed and replaced by an imposter," Casey informs, "I'm not taking any risks. Get Fuse back in the container and out of the building – on the double!"
"Roger!" Rigby responds and signs off.
"Where would the jury with Cuthbert be right now?" Penelope asks the Security Guard. Without saying it, she is worried for Kayo as much as the rest of the jury who could very well not have any idea of what was happening for all they knew.
"I believe they're in Deliberation Room 4, ma'am," replies the Guard.
"Can you take us there?" Casey questions.
"Of course," the Guard nods, "Follow me!" He leads the way with Penelope, Colonel Casey and another group of five soldiers to investigate.
October 22nd, 2068 - 11:03 BST
Kes and Kayo remain trapped in the lavatory. Kes is holding a large piece of lavatory paper up against Kayo's nose to try and stop the bleeding.
Although she is still shaking from the terror she's just gone through, Kes does her best to try and stay calm for Kayo. "Are you okay?" she asks.
"I've been better," Kayo mutters in a low voice, "How did I not see through her? I'm head of Security for International Rescue, I'm supposed to spot villains like her from high in the sky! How could I have been so damn stupid!" In angry, she reaches out and punches the wall opposite, making Kes jump, before wincing in pain for the wall is solid.
"I thought you worked for Lady Penelope?" Kes questions, stunned at this information.
Kayo suddenly realises what she'd said and knows the game is up. "I'm not," she admits, hanging her head in shame, "Lady Penelope is a close friend of mine and everyone at International Rescue. When I found out I was to be doing this jury thing she offered me a place to stay. I'm sorry for not telling you this before, but I need to try and keep my real life as secret as possible. I've let you down, Kes. I'm sorry." She buries her head in her knees.
Kes instead places her hand on Kayo's arm. "It's okay, Kayo," she whispers kindly, "I totally understand that."
Kayo lifts her head. Now she is the one with tears in her eyes. "You do?" she mumbles.
Kes gives Kayo a warm smile. "I've always admired International Rescue for what they do. It's been a long ambition of mine to meet someone from it. I just never thought it would be like this."
"Thank you for understanding," Kayo sighs as she wipes her nose again removing more blood, "Ugh, it's still bleeding."
"You took quite a blow from that horrible woman," Kes muses, "Just keep applying pressure. It will stop eventually."
Outside, the Security Guard leads Colonel Casey, Penelope and the GDF soldiers to the floor where the deliberation room is located for Court 4. When they arrive, they are shocked by what they find. The door handle has been ripped off and had been sealed shut with a strange looking kind of glue.
"Whoever's responsible for this has already made their exit," Casey growls, "I'll send out an alert and give a description of our man." She moves away to use her radio.
"HELLO?!" Penelope calls through, banging on the door, "CAN ANYBODY HEAR ME IN THERE?! KAYO?!"
From inside the lavatory, Kayo and Kes think they can hear the voice of someone shouting.
"Did you hear that?" Kayo asks.
"Someone's out there!" Kes exclaims, "Sounds like they're calling your name!" She then bangs on the door. "HELP! WE'RE IN HERE!"
"It's no use," Penelope sighs, unable to hear Kes calling back, "Whatever's happened in there, they can't hear me."
"How do we get in?" the Security Guard questions.
Before Penelope can reply, her contact starts beeping. Expecting it to be Parker, she answers it. To her surprise, it isn't Parker. "Oh, John!" she cries, "This is unexpected."
"Lady Penelope, we've picked an emergency signal from Kayo," John informs, "Marion and Alan are on their way. Are you in the building already?"
"Yes, we suspected something was wrong when we found the body of one of the other jurors," Penelope replies, "We're outside the deliberation room but whoever's behind this had sealed the door. We can't get in."
"Well, I can tell that Kayo's alive," John notes, "I have a fix on her position. She's in one of the bathrooms with one of the other jurors."
Penelope is just as surprised by this as Alan had been. "IN one of the bathrooms?" She peers in through the window of the door again and notices that the lavatory door nearest her is also missing its handle and has been sealed up the same way as the outer door. "Well, that's something," she comments, "But John, we have no means of entering the room."
"Marion's approaching now," John states, "I suspect she'll have a way. Thunderbird 7, what's your ETA?"
"One minute, John," Marion responds, "Is there anywhere for me to land?"
"Negative," John informs, "You'll have to put her on a remote hover and jetpack down to the building."
"F-A-B," Marion acknowledges, "Where am I going once I'm in?"
"Third floor," John says, "Lady P is already outside but says they can't gain access. Someone's sealed up the door."
"It'll take too long for us to go in the conventional way," Alan muses as he prepares his helmet and winged suit, "We'll have to make our own entrance."
The people out in the streets of Birmingham remain oblivious to what is going on inside the Courthouse. They stay oblivious until the roar of Thunderbird 7's engines make those in the area stop and look up. Marion brings Thunderbird 7 into a hover just above the side street where FAB 1 is parked, much to the surprise of Parker who had remained unaware of what was going on inside.
"What the blinking 'eck is she doing 'ere?!" Parker mutters.
The cockpit of Thunderbird 7 opens to allow Marion and Alan to exit from the ship. Marion activates the jetpack and glides down to the window outside the deliberation room's lobby while Alan does the same by opening up his arms out and using his wingsuit to glide down. They perch on the window ledge and look inside and can just see Penelope waving at them through the door's small window. After acknowledging her, Alan activates his laser and begins to cut his way through the window. It is quick and soon he is inside with Marion hot on his heals. Alan makes a beeline for the lavatory door and knocks on it.
"HELLO?!" Alan yells, "KAYO, CAN YOU HEAR ME?!"
"AL?!" Kayo's voice cries from inside, "IS THAT YOU?!"
"ARE YOU HURT?!" Alan demands.
"A BLOODY NOSE BUT OTHERWISE I'M FINE!" Kayo shouts back, "CAN YOU GET US OUT OF HERE?!"
"STAND BACK FROM THE DOOR!" Alan instructs, "I'M GOING TO CUT IT FREE!"
Kayo and Kes move as far back in the lavatory as possible and huddled together whilst Alan begins to use his laser to cut through the door. Meanwhile, Marion goes over to the door that leads into the main corridor and starts to cut her way through that. Alan almost falls through the door once he finishes cutting through and is immediately engulphed into a hug by Kayo and Kes.
"Woah, easy ladies!" Alan chuckles, just as Penelope and the GDF enter.
"Kayo!" Penelope gasps, pulling Kayo into a hug as well, "Thank Goodness! Are you okay?"
"Never mind about me," Kayo growls, "Where's Havoc?"
"HAVOC?!" Alan, Marion, Penelope and Colonel Casey exclaim all at once.
"That's not possible!" Casey protests, "Havoc was left in Aquatraz!"
"That's not her, Colonel!" Kayo reveals, "She said she never was in the attack on Tracy Island. What we captured along with Fuse was an android."
"Then she's been free this whole time!" Marion realises.
"She was disguised as one of the jurors," Kayo sneers, "She said she's come here for Fuse?"
"Casey to Captain Rigby," Casey calls, grabbing her radio, "What's your status? Over."
No reply comes.
"Shit," Alan mumbles so that only Marion, Kayo and Penelope can hear.
"Captain Rigby, do you read me?" Casey asks again, "Respond!"
Still no answer.
"Where were they?" Penelope demands.
"Central elevator," Casey informs before making a run for the door, "I need to get there now! You, with me now!" The rest of the GDF soldiers follow her in quick fashion.
"I'm going with them," Penelope tells Alan, Kayo and Marion, "Can you check on the other jurors?"
"Sure can," Alan nods as Penelope dashes after the GDF.
"I'm going to head back to Thunderbird 7 and see if I can offer assistance," Marion adds and leaves via the window that Alan had broken in through.
October 22nd, 2068 - 11:26 BST
Upon reaching the central elevator, Penelope and the GDF personnel find the unconscious Rigby and the four escorting officers.
"How are they?" Casey questions.
"They're alive, ma'am," one of the soldiers states.
"That's good," Penelope muses.
"Yeah, but Fuse is gone! How could we have let this happen?" Casey cries angrily, taking her radio out again, "All units, this is Colonel Casey. Lockdown the entire building. All guards double your positions. Havoc and Fuse cannot be allowed to escape!"
It is then that Penelope notices something strange with the elevator. The number showing its location indicates five. "They went up! They're heading for the roof!" Penelope points and immediately contacts John, "Thunderbird 5, can you scan the Courthouse? We need to confirm the location of the Chaos Crew."
"The Chaos Crew?!" John repeats, "How did they—"
"John, there's no time to explain!" Penelope says sharply, "The scan. Now, please!"
"F-A-B!" John acknowledges as he realises the urgency of the situation. He runs another scan of the Courthouse and immediately finds two life-signs in the elevator which is nearing the roof. "Got them! They're about to go onto the roof of the building."
"Why have they gone up there?" Casey enquires as she and Penelope hurries up a flight of stairs towards the roof, "They haven't got the Chaos Cruiser anymore."
"The skip!" Penelope cries and opened her compact again, "Parker, come in!"
October 22nd, 2068 - 11:29 BST
Marion sits patiently in the cockpit of Thunderbird 7 listing to all the comm frequencies from IR and the GDF when she spots something on the roof. Havoc is storming across with purpose while an agitated and reluctant Fuse follows. Marion thanks the stars that the one-way glass of the cockpit is on, so the Chaos Crew are unable to see her inside. She watches as a smirk spreads across Havoc's face as she spots the Thunderbird hovering nearby. Havoc then aims her wrist gauntlet towards her and fires a magnetic grapple at the hull. However, instead of attaching onto the craft, the grapple bounces off a concealed forcefield that Marion has turned on and the grapple falls harmlessly down the side of the Courthouse.
"Nice try, Transom," Marion smiles, using Havoc's legal name and revealing herself to the woman in purple, "You're never going to steal another Thunderbird again."
Havoc growls in frustration and the sound of footsteps hurrying up the stairs can be heard causing the Chaos Crew to turn as Colonel Casey, Penelope and the GDF soldiers come running onto the roof after them.
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" Casey shouts.
Havoc has no intention of doing so. She grabs the reluctant Fuse and drags him towards the chute that the rubbish is thrown down into the skip below. "GET IN THERE!" Havoc instructs as she tries to push him in.
"I'M NOT GOING IN THERE!" Fuse protests, "I WON'T FIT!"
"STOP... ARGUING!" Havoc screeches and forces him in with a kick up his backside. She throws a glance back at the GDF soldiers who are running towards her and sticks her middle finger up at them before diving in after Fuse.
"As I suspected," Penelope smiles and speaks into the compact, "Parker, now!"
Despite thinking he had been too large to fit, Fuse slithers down the rubbish chute and lands face first in the large piles of rubbish bags. Havoc pops out a few moments later. She believes they are in the clear until a voice shouts, "FREEZE!" They look up and to their dismay see two armed Police Officers, two more GDF soldiers and FAB 1 blocking the way out. The soldiers on the roof also have their weapons drawn and aimed at them. They're trapped.
"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" Havoc roars angrily and punches one of the rubbish bags beside her. It burst and the contents flew all over her. "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYUUUUCK!"
October 22nd, 2068 - 11:37 BST
With a perimeter placed around the Courthouse, the GDF work quickly to remove Fuse and Havoc from the skip and march them round the back to the waiting transports. Rigby and the other soldiers have recovered and are back on their feet.
Rigby stands with Colonel Casey, Marion, Alan, Kayo, Penelope and Parker and they all watched as the former Chaos Crew members are brought round from the side of the building. "Well, Fuse," Rigby says, "Looks like you will be waiting longer for your parole hearing."
"Thanks a lot, sister!" Fuse growls back at Havoc as he is placed back in the container cell that he'd been brought in whilst a second is taken out of the transporter for Havoc to be placed in.
Havoc looks at the senior GDF and the International Rescue members sending a death glare towards Kayo. "Why do you always have to ruin everything?" she spits.
"I have to say, Havoc," Kayo starts, surprisingly remaining calm, "I must congratulate you. This was quite a plan you dreamt up."
"What are you talking about?" Casey questions, not understanding.
"It took me a little while, but the pieces finally fell into place," Kayo continues, with a smile, "As she was never in Aquatraz, Havoc has been spying on numerous GDF Bases and personnel, trying to find a way to get Fuse back. Somehow, she would have learned that he was due to get a parole hearing due to his good behaviour. She decided she would ensure he would be freed. She also wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be a part of the security detail keeping an eye on Fuse. So, over the past few weeks, she secretly worked behind the scenes, blackmailing court officials to make them not only have my name selected for Jury Service, but also so that it was a short notice, making it next to impossible for Mr Tracy to win over any officials. And even when he did talk to those directly involved, they couldn't comply with his wishes due to the risk of their families being hurt if they disobeyed Havoc's instructions. Judge Grant in particular was harassed. I'm guessing that you made your presence known to him between imprisoning me and going to retrieve Fuse? Is that why he jumped out of the window?"
Havoc remains silent.
"You just be thankful that there was a bush there to cushion his fall," Kayo adds, "Otherwise you would be going to Aquatraz for the rest of your life. With no chance of parole."
"DAMN YOU!" Havoc shouts and goes to lunge at Kayo but this time it is Kayo who has the edge, and she punches Havoc hard in the face. Havoc yelps and falls to the floor.
"I don't believe in eye for an eye, Transom," Kayo concludes, "But for you, I make an exception." With that, Kayo turns and walks away as the soldiers picked Havoc up and load her into the container.
Kayo goes and walks around to the front of the courthouse with Alan at her side to find the other jurors from her case now all awake and sitting on the steps looking all shaken by the ordeal. They find Kes in the crowd wrapped in a blanket and approach her.
"How are you feeling?" Alan asks.
"Bit shaky still, but I'll get there," Kes answers and sips at the hot drink that has been given to her, "I guess it's over?"
"It is," Kayo confirms, "The Chaos Crew are heading back to prison as we speak."
"Oh, I meant the jury service," Kes clarifies, "Surely they're not going to let us carry on given what we've all just been through?"
"No. No, I guess not," Kayo says after a pause.
At that moment, one of the Ushers came up to the jurors. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen," he starts. "Firstly, I cannot apologise enough for what you've all been through. It's been a horrific day let me tell you. I have just been in a meeting with the Supreme Judge of the Court, and he has decided that it would be unfair and unwise to have you all continue with your service. You are therefore all relieved as of now."
All the remaining juror's breath sighs of relief.
"Excuse me," Kes pipes up, "What will happen to the trial?"
"You never had a chance to deliver the verdict," the Usher states, "Therefore, the case must be started all over again with a different judge and jury. It's not what the barristers, the defendants, witnesses or any of us wanted. But the jury needs to be complete in order to give the verdict. I'm sorry." He then turns and walks away.
Kes and Kayo looks at each other. "Definitely it then," Kes smiles.
"What will you do now?" Alan asks.
"Go back to trying to find a job I guess," Kes sighs, taking another sip of her drink, "And face more discrimination no doubt for being the shy one."
"What kind of job are you looking for?" Kayo asks.
"Something in biology, chemistry, medical research," Kes informs, "Although I'll take anything right now. I just need a job and to earn some money."
Kayo and Alan share a look and have one of their silent conversations. An idea has sprung to mind.
October 22nd, 2068 - UNKNOWN
Colonel Casey joins the task force that is delivering Fuse and Havoc back to Aquatraz. Once down in the Block where their cells are located, Fuse is placed back inside his. He doesn't say a word. He gives the guards no resistance. He complies and they treat him well.
Havoc on the other hand isn't so obedient. She struggles to break free of her escorts. She tries to kick and headbutt them and have to be zap by taser-sticks numerous times to get her back in check.
"Will you just go quietly?" Rigby snaps after what has to be the sixth time that Havoc has been tasered.
Havoc looks up at him from where she lies on her knees and spits at him. "I'll kill you all for this!" she hisses.
"Get on your feet!" Casey demands, "If she does that again, muzzle her."
Havoc is pulled up off the floor and walked down the gantry to where her cell is located. When the outer door is opened, they see the so-called android that Havoc has mentioned sitting inside.
Android Havoc looks up at them and then stands to face them. Her face remains expressionless.
"What do we do about that one?" one of the guards asks.
"We'll have her removed, taken to the Medical Centre and then deactivated," Casey explains and turns to the Havoc outside the cell, "You have played us for long enough, Havoc. Your evil ends now."
Havoc doesn't swear or try to attack this time. Instead, she looks at the gantry floor and begins to laugh.
"What's so funny?" Rigby demands, coming in close to Havoc.
Havoc turns to face him. She stops laughing and looks him directly in the eyes as her lip curled up in her usual sly way. "Tick-tick-boom," she whispers. Then smoke starts to seep out from within her Chaos Crew uniform. Her eyes turn a menacing black and she begins to emit a strange smell. A mysterious heat can also be felt radiating off of her. Rigby, Casey and the guards took a step back.
"What the hell?!" Rigby exclaims.
"See you in hell!" Havoc cackles as the black cloud of smoke intensifies.
"GET DOWN!" Rigby yells to the others.
Casey and the guards all dived on to the gantry floor as Rigby perform a roundhouse kick on Havoc. She shoots backwards and falls over the railing before plummeting towards the floor, several feet below. Rigby then throws himself onto the floor as there comes a sharp and powerful explosion which shakes the gantry and rattles all the metal cells, startling the occupants of those that have been filled.
Once it quietens down, Rigby and Colonel Casey shuffle themselves to the side of the gantry and peer over. All they can see are small pieces of Havoc's uniform having been shattered by the blast.
"A suicide-bomber!" Rigby stutters, his voice shaking, "Even in capture, she had a plan to make sure that she could not be imprisoned. And she tried to take us with her!"
"Captain, I don't think that was Havoc either," Casey signs as she gets back to her feet, "I don't see any blood or anything."
Rigby stares down and realises that the Colonel is right. There should have been a mess down there and yet there isn't. As they stand there, trying to make sense of what had just happened, they hear Havoc's laughing again. This time it's coming from the cell where her double is. Looking inside they see the other Havoc laughing at them. Now this one is smoking from inside.
"Tick-tick-boom!" the duplicate shrugs as the smoke intensifies. There is no smell or heat that can be felt or smelt due to the reinforced glass protecting those outside.
Rigby doesn't chance it; he hastily presses a button on a control pad which seals the strong outer doors of duplicate Havoc's cell. Not a moment later, they hear a second explosion, identical to the first from inside. Once they feel certain it was over, Rigby opens the outer doors again. The glass is intact but smeared with whatever substance had been inside the android.
"Two fake Havocs," Rigby growls, "Once again, she's evaded us!"
"Patience, Captain," Casey says, "One day she'll slip up. And then she'll be made to pay for all that she's done."
October 22nd, 2068 - 22:51 BST
Kes lies on her bed reading when she hears her phone ringing. She is startled as she doesn't remember the last time it had rung. She picks it up and looks at the screen. It gives no number or a name, but curiosity gets the better of her and she answers it. "Hello?"
"Hey, Kes."
"Kayo!" Kes exclaims as Kayo's hologram emerges from the phone screen with Alan beside her, "How did you get my number? Oh, wait, I forgot, you're a member of International Rescue. You can do anything!"
"Sorry about that," Kayo smiles, "I realised I never actually got to say goodbye to you."
"Goodbye?" Kes asks, "You mean I might not ever see you again?"
"Maybe. Maybe not," Kayo states sadly, "I'm afraid my job involves me working a lot in the shadows. It is very rare that I am seen in daylight."
"I understand," Kes nods, her eyes starting to fill up with tears.
"Never say never," Kayo adds, "But I doubt you will have time to miss me, Kes."
"What do you mean?" Kes enquires.
It is then that the phone starts ringing again, showing that a second caller is trying to get through on the same line. Kes is confused.
"Go on, answer it," Alan encourages.
With a shaking finger, Kes presses the button. A hologram of a man in his mid to late forties appears. He is wearing a uniform that resembles a spacesuit and a laboratory coat.
"Miss Janeway, I presume?" the man asks.
"Er, yes, that's me," Kes answers nervously.
"Pleasure to meet you," the man replies, "I'm Dr Simon Henderson, head of research and medical science aboard the Space XTreme Survival space-station. I understand you are in need of a job?"
Kes is frozen to the spot. She falls back onto the bed with a hand over her mouth. She looks at Alan and Kayo and then back at Dr Henderson. "Y-Yes, I've b-been looking for a l-long time," she stammers.
"My team's always looking for new blood," Dr Henderson states, "And you've been recommended by International Rescue. I understand you have degrees in medical science and have a wish to travel in space, Miss Janeway?"
"Y-Y-Yes!" Kes says quickly, the excitement growing inside her.
"Good," Dr Henderson nods, "Well, I'll be coming back to Earth next week for a few days. How about we arrange an interview for you?"
"Y-Y-Y-Yes, p-p-p-p-please!" Kes cries, tears of joy now coming to her.
"Excellent," Dr Henderson says, "Well, I must get back to work. But I'll be in touch, Miss Janeway." He turns to Alan and Kayo. "Miss Kyrano. Mr Tracy."
"Doctor," Alan and Kayo nod as the doctor signs off.
They look back at Kes whose hand is back over her mouth again before removing it. "You did this for me?"
"Of course," Alan responds with a warm smile, "Kayo told me you were very brave whilst we were in the Courthouse."
"Especially when we were captured," Kayo adds, "You didn't crack."
"Oh, I don't know," Kes mumbles, "I was pretty scared when that horrible woman grabbed me and when we were locked in that toilet together."
"And so was I," Kayo admits, "I hate to admit it due to the nature of my job, but I was scared. For you more than anything."
"Kayo told me your story and we both thought you deserved some happiness in your life," Alan continues, "You mentioned that you wanted to go into space and work in medical science. Yesterday that space-station had to be rescued by me and one of my brothers, and when they told me they were looking for people, it made me realise that perhaps it could be the right job for you. So, we contacted Dr Henderson and arranged this call."
Kes is overwhelmed with gratitude. "I...I don't know what to say," she mutters, "Actually, I do. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Kes," Kayo smiles, "Best of luck with the interview. I know you can do it. Goodbye." And with that the IR couple sign off.
Kes walks around her bedroom several times as she tries to process what had just happened. On the one hand, she is very sad at the thought of possibly never seeing Kayo again, but on the other she is over the moon at what Alan and Kayo have set up for her. Eventually, she lies back on her bed and looks up at the ceiling with a broad grin on her face. "Yes. Thank you, International Rescue."
October 23rd, 2068 - 19:23 NZST
Kayo sits on a rock at the top of the Tracy Island beach and looks out across the ocean. She isn't sure how to feel right now. So many thoughts are going through her mind that she loses track of time and ends up where she is for several hours.
Eventually, Alan finds and sits next to her. "Are you okay?" he asks.
"Yeah," Kayo replies, not looking at him.
"You took quite a beating from Havoc," Alan remarks, "It's... not like you."
"I wasn't ready for her, Al," Kayo sighs, "I'm trained to look out for suspicious people. I had my suspicions about the man she was posing as when he started urging us to hurry up with the deliberation. It never occurred to me that it might be Havoc."
"And yet it wasn't," Alan states.
"I know," Kayo mumbles.
The news of what had happened with the two Havocs in Aquatraz have been reported to them by Colonel Casey. It had not gone down well with anyone, especially Kayo.
"That's not the only thing on your mind though, is it?" Alan pushes.
"You know me too well, Al," Kayo chuckles dryly, "Justice wasn't served."
"No, I know," Alan responds, looking out at the sea, "Havoc will be caught eventually, we just—"
"I don't mean Havoc," Kayo interrupts, "The jury case. Justice wasn't served. The two that were being tried weren't the ones who committed the crime. The shopkeepers got it wrong. The Police got it wrong!"
"From what you said, they weren't entirely innocent," Alan interjects.
"No, they're not," Kayo agrees, "But a man was shot in the leg, Al. His wife was threatened with a knife! Those two need to be brought to justice."
Alan claps his knees and stands up. "And let me guess. You're going to try and catch them yourself?"
"Maybe," Kayo shrugs, standing up with him, "I know Scott wouldn't approve. But I don't feel that I achieved anything whilst in that Courthouse. I intend to rectify that." She starts to walk off down the beach.
"Afraid I have to disagree with you," Alan calls out causing Kayo stop and turn back, allowing Alan to catch up.
"What?" Kayo questions.
"You did achieve something whilst you were there," Alan smiles, "You made the life of a troubled young individual a whole lot better than it was before you both went in there. Maybe you shouldn't think about what didn't happen and focus on what did? You'll find yourself feeling a lot better. Trust me." He then places a kiss on Kayo's right cheek before heading back up the stairs towards their villa.
Kayo thinks about continuing along the beach, but she doesn't. Instead, she thinks long and hard about what Alan had said. Whilst the urge to find those responsible for the shooting is still strong in her mind, the thought of Kes and what she'd done for her is indeed enough to block it out. She looks out at the ocean once more and smiles.
"Al's right," Kayo thinks to herself, "That is much better."
END OF SEASON 4B