Author's Note: Thanks to all those who reviewed – very much appreciated! Oh, and just as a random point – I know we all differ on the order the brothers go in, but for the record I've deliberately chosen the order Scott, Virgil, John, Gordon and Alan. Sorry for those who don't agree – but we can all chose our own ideas on this one, right?
And special thankyou's go to Fran and Emma – they're the reason this chapter got done! Because every time I've spoken to them this week, the same litany was uttered: "When's Chapter Nine gonna be up?" So here it is! Cheers guys!
Chapter Nine – Danger ZoneHighway to the danger zone,
Take a ride into the danger zone…
'Danger Zone' by Kenny LogginsThe Malaysian jungle – a hot, humid part of the world with some of the most diverse fauna on the globe. Small colonies of red ants hurried across the damp floor while gibbons called from above. Jungle cats prowled, padding silently through trees where king cobras and other snakes had wound themselves around branches on the lookout for the next meal. Some of the most deadly creatures called this area home – but even the bravest of these avoided one area in particular. Buried deep within the foliage sat a large temple, the refuge of the most dangerous animal in these parts.
The Hood sat on an intricately carved throne, the designs on it similar to those adorning the walls surrounding him. Despite the beauty of his habitat, the Hood himself was not a pleasant man. Evil leaves a mark on those who indulge in it – and this character had committed more than his fair share of atrocity over the years.
"Bah!" a calloused hand slapped the arm of the chair. "International Rescue – how I long to destroy Tracy – and the rest of his puny organisation. Too many times have I been thwarted in my efforts" He contemplated the last time he'd attempted to strike at the people behind the rescue team. "How that foolish boy survived the crash I so carefully engineered is a miracle – he should have been nothing more than broken parts on the streets of Paris! But I shall not be defeated again! Jeff Tracy and his precious family can only remain lucky for so long – and then, the glorious secrets of International Rescue will be mine!"
The Hood rose from his gilded seat, and turned slowly to a beaded curtain over the other side of the room. One swift movement of his hand, and the veil parted to reveal a gold statue, its carefully carved features making it look almost alive. The Hood's eyes flashed the same colour as the effigy before him.
"Kyrano! Kyrano, my half-brother! You will answer me!"
Many miles away, Kyrano felt the familiar pressure on his mind. He closed his eyes, determined to fight the intrusion on his thoughts, but at the same time knowing it was futile.
"Do not resist me, Kyrano! I, your half brother, demand you tell me where International Rescue are headed next"
"No…" Kyrano swayed, putting a hand out to the bathtub to steady himself and dropping the pile of freshly-laundered towels he'd been carrying, "I cannot…I must not!"
"Kyrano! You will tell me!"
Giving an anguished cry as his mind gave in under the excruciating pain Kyrano crumpled to the floor, hearing himself answer what he did not wish to.
"They are on a rescue mission to a city named Sallisaw in Oklahoma. Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2 left for America a short while ago"
The Hood cut the connection, the jewelled veil falling back into place. He considered his options, and something resembling a smile passed across his face.
After signing off the call to Thunderbird 2, Scott spent the next 16 minutes devising strategies to tackle the rescues, and attempting to put AJ out of his mind. Well, one outta two ain't bad, he thought ruefully as Thunderbird 1 approached Sallisaw. He did a quick aerial view to get a feel for the city and to see which areas had been most affected.
"Christ" Scott whistled, surveying the scene. They'd dealt with most of Mother Nature's throw at them during the course of their rescues: hurricanes, earthquakes, flash floods, forest fires – but tornadoes were a whole different ball game. They had a mind of their own, could veer from one direction to the next, taking out one house but leaving the neighbours almost untouched. One minute they were there, the next they'd be gone – the fact that twisters were so unpredictable was the scariest part.
Having checked in with the space station Scott landed, choosing a spot in the centre of the devastation. The area was swarming with emergency services, most of who glanced briefly to see the large grey Thunderbird land, but didn't stop. He'd debated setting Thunderbird 1 down on the outskirts of the city to avoid any press and simply to keep it out of the way, but if the unthinkable happened and bad weather prevented him from getting back to it…he shuddered.
"International Rescue, boy are we glad to see you! I'm George – George Kazanski"
Scott was met with a filthy but warm handshake from the short, stocky fireman.
"Glad to be of assistance, George" the words were second nature by now. "What can we do?"
"Good question. We've got people trapped in plenty of places, my men are doing their best, but…"
"I'm sure they are. More of our organisation are on their way, they should here in 15 minutes or so. In the meantime I'd like to set up some equipment – would that be possible?"
"Sure, I'll give you a hand myself"
"And I must have assurance that no photographs of any of our machinery or crew will be taken"
"We knew you'd request that – there are press around, but most have abandoned their cameras and pitched in to help. Yeah, I know" he added, seeing Scott's surprise. "And they say miracles don' happen"
Once Mobile Control was operational George went to collect detailed plans of the city and circle the damage hotspots, and Scott radioed Virgil.
"Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control, what's your ETA?"
"ETA 9 minutes, Mobile Control. What's the situation so far?"
"I'm waiting on exact details, but from what I can tell we're gonna be busy"
At that moment Mobile Controls incoming call light lit up.
"Hold on, Alan's buzzing me. I'll open a three-way. Mobile Control receiving you Thunderbird 5, go ahead"
"Scott, NOAA just contacted me. Thunderbird 2 with us?"
"Getting you loud and clear" came Virgil's reply "NOAA? They got bad news?"
"'Fraid so, fellas. Looks like another thunder cell is headed your way"
"How severe?"
"Severe enough. They've put a warning back up for the whole area. The cell's big, fast-moving and unstable - perfect conditions for tornadic activity"
"Great" Virgil growled.
"Damn. How long have we got?"
"Maybe forty minutes if you're lucky. It could be a lot less. NOAA recommend we do as much as we can and leave if threatening weather approaches"
Gordon verbalized what they were all thinking with a snort and a "Yeah right!"
Scott felt the familiar stab of fear in his stomach – Gordon was right, International Rescue had never once left the scene of a rescue without finishing the job, and they weren't about to start now. He was acutely aware of the silence from both Thunderbird 2 and the space station – his brothers were waiting for his approval. Being the eldest, he'd been looked to for leadership since they were kids, whether the decision would lead them into trouble or not.
Nothing changes, Scott sighed. "We'll continue with the operation, and if the weather turns bad – well, we'll cross that bridge if and when we get to it. Alan, tell NOAA to keep tabs on the weather for us, and let them know what they're doing is a big help. Virgil, how long now 'til you guys get here?"
"Six minutes – three less than when you last asked" the chuckle was evident.
"Land as near to Thunderbird 1 as you can. I'll update Base on our plans, I – hold on"
George had thrust a map of Sallisaw, areas hastily circled and dotted with red marker, under Scott's nose.
"I've got more details on the rescue sites, I'll do some planning and work out where we need to be most. Be ready to get your hands dirty, guys"
"Sure thing Scott. Be seeing you!"
Alan said something along similar lines and both he and Virgil signed off. After a quick call to Base, Scott turned back to the patiently waiting fireman on his right.
"So George, what have we got?"
"Well, it's like this…"
Jeff Tracy sighed as he pushed the microphone away and closed the computer down. He'd been trying to make amends to some business reports, but as always his thoughts were elsewhere. It didn't matter that this was one of many rescues their organisation had carried out over the years, and it didn't matter that his 'team' were as competent and as prepared as possible, it was still his family that he was sending into danger every time, and no matter how old they got they would always be his kids, and he would always worry after them.
He stared at the small collection of photographs on his desk – Jeff was not one to clutter his workspace, but the plain silver frames held some great memories. John waving from the treehouse he'd built for the boys at the old place, Gordon in the pool for the first time without water-wings. Alan leaning proudly against his first car. Scott and Virgil at Christmas – one speechless by a new electric guitar, the other thrilled from the gift certificate he'd received for flying lessons.
Jeff's eyes travelled over the images, then looked up to the five portraits on the wall, done only a couple of years before. Where had the time gone? His reverie was interrupted by a cry of alarm, and someone calling his name.
Tin-Tin turned as she heard footsteps pounding down the hall where her and Kyrano's suites were. "Mr Tracy!"
"Tin-Tin, what…oh no"
One of his closest friends was slumped against the bathtub, face pale and eyes flickering.
"I heard him cry out, Mr Tracy, and I found him like this" She sounded almost tearful. Jeff leaned closer to help sit Kyrano up as a faint moan escaped him. Tin-Tin had placed a towel under her father's head from the many that were scattered around him.
"M-Mr Tracy?"
"It's alright Kyrano – I think you had one of your turns again. Can you open your eyes?"
Kyrano did so, and Jeff checked for signs of concussion.
"I think he's just bruised and shaken, Tin-Tin"
"Oh thank goodness"
Kyrano struggled to sit up, and was immediately aided by his daughter.
"How do you feel, Kyrano?"
"A little dizzy, but I am fine. I am sorry, my dear, I did not mean to scare you"
"Do not apologise, Father – I was only worried that you'd hurt yourself"
"As Mr Tracy said, I am just a little shaken. Perhaps a lie-down will help"
"Of course, Kyrano. I'll help him to his room, Tin-Tin – would you get a glass of water for him?"
"Certainly, Mr Tracy" She hurried off, throwing a concerned glance at her father as she left. Jeff studied the Malaysian for a moment, assuring himself that he'd suffered no real harm.
"Okay Kyrano, lets get you out of here"
"Thankyou Mr Tracy – and I am truly sorry"
Jeff waved the apology away "As long as no real damage was done"
"…and there's another family trapped in a bunker here…" Scott tapped another red dot on the map. Having had detailed discussions with George (interrupted only by the arrival of Thunderbird 2) he was now outlining the various situations to his brothers. Gordon chewed his lower lip.
"What say I take the Mole and start getting those people out?"
Virgil gave him a look "Oh no you don't pal. I get the Mole, Johnny gets the Firefly and you get the cutting equipment, remember?"
"You're no fun" Gordon mock-pouted. Scott could see the logic – Virgil was the most adept of all of them when it came to handling the Mole, and though Gordon could manage the Firefly fine he was better suited to manual labour than the more lithe and wiry middle Tracy brother – who broke in at this point.
"We've only got maybe another half hour before that weather could hit. Surely it'd be better to leave the people who are in the bunkers until last – they're trapped, but they're safe for now. Concentrate our efforts on those who are stuck or injured elsewhere"
"Good thinking John. Okay then – Virgil, leave the Mole for now. There's a whole bunch of houses here…" he showed them on the map "…where people are. The emergency crews are bogged down with getting to the critically injured and our cutting saws and laser torches are a lot more efficient. Take Gordon and join them there. Johnny, you got the Firefly. There's a warehouse on the other side of town at the end of the tornado path where a bunch of teenagers took refuge. The building's a mess – but the Firefly should be able to clear a load of it away so the EMT's can get in"
"FAB"
"And keep in touch. I want regular updates off everybody, if twenty minutes goes by without you calling in I'll be on your tail and kicking your ass before you know what's hit you"
The three exchanged grins.
"And watch the weather" John added. He loved wild weather, and knew the warning signs well. "Any green skies or low wall-like clouds with rotation at the base and finger-like projections coming off them is bad news. And if you get pelted by golf-ball hail – run for the nearest safe place. The locals will know what to look out for too"
"Okay then"
Having marked positions the three headed off for Thunderbird 2 – John to start up the Firefly, and Gordon and Virgil to load up all the equipment they could onto the hover bikes.
Scott settled behind Mobile Control again, casting a glance upwards. Nothing yet. Let's hope it stays that way.
Forty minutes later, and still no bad weather (although dark clouds had built overhead and were a little low for his liking,) Scott was fielding the latest round of updates from his family. John had finished at the warehouse and was now clearing debris from outside one of the city's elementary schools so the frightened children could leave their bunker. Virgil and Gordon had now gone their separate ways – Gordon was still cutting through obstacles preventing the EMT's getting to casualties, whereas Virgil had been called to a gas mains nearby. There was a suspected leak, but the fire crews couldn't get to it due to part of a roof being in the way. International Rescues tools made the operation easier and faster.
Gordon stopped the laser cutter for a moment, lifted his mask and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Phew" he muttered "Man, what I wouldn't give for a soda right about now"
The paramedic perched behind him on a pile of broken wood and bricks grinned and shifted carefully.
"You're tellin' me, buddy. How much longer?"
Gordon squinted at the wall of debris in front of them.
"Not much more, I think"
"Here's hopin'. M'am?" the paramedic called through what was left of the house.
"I'm still here"
"How's your husband?"
"He's alright, I guess" came the drawled reply. "The bleedin's stopped for now"
"How responsive is he?"
There was a pause, then a muffled exclamation. The lady in question had obviously poked something delicate.
"Guess that answers that one"
Gordon chuckled as he yanked his mask back into place and fired up the laser once more.
John hauled himself out of the Firefly, a cheerful expression on his fair features as the first group of dirty but unhurt children emerged from the school. The expression faded as he stretched his cramped muscles and saw the sky. The clouds that had been slowly building earlier were now a low solid wall. Cursing silently he raised one wrist and activated the com-link.
"Mobile Control from Firefly"
"Receiving you John, go ahead"
"Scott, you seen the weather?"
"I was afraid you were gonna mention that. That our wall cloud we were looking out for?"
"That's the –" he was cut off by a rumble of thunder.
"What's your status?"
"I'm finished up here for now. What about the others?"
"Virgil's close to his gas leak, but Gordon's still in the process of getting the medics to a couple trapped in their house"
"Any suggestions?"
Scott sucked in a breath. As field commander he was obligated to ensure the public's safety. As an older brother his instincts were screaming at him to shove his siblings onto the Thunderbirds and get them the hell out of here.
"Unless there's anything more you can do with it, take the Firefly back to Thunderbird 2. Then its just a case of warning people, I guess"
"I don't think that's gonna be a problem, Scott" John was eyeing the scared faces that were turned skywards. "They know the signs better than anyone. I'll load the Firefly, and see what else I can do"
"FAB, keep in touch. Scott out"
"At the risk of sounding five years old, are we there yet?"
"We…sure…are!" Gordon aimed a last kick on the final word and broke through to the other side. He and Dave the medic coughed a bit, their eyes searching through the dust for their target.
"There!"
Dave clambered over unidentifiable objects and reached his patient – a 44-year old man who'd been struck on the head and suffered a broken ankle. His wife was kneeling beside him, determined to keep him conscious until help arrived. As Dave set about taking vitals and checking the casualties pupils with a tiny flashlight Gordon caught sight of the red semi-circles dotted up and down the man's arm. The question died on his lips as he saw the wife's fingernails, and he bit back a laugh.
"He's gonna be just fine" Dave assured with a smile. Gordon turned slightly as his watch began to beep shrilly.
"Gordon from Mobile Control"
"Hey Scott, what's up?"
He could hear his brother's sigh at the lapse in protocol, but Scott carried on anyway.
"We got weather trouble. Those clouds that were building? Definite storm brewing – can you hear it?"
Gordon shook his head "Uh-uh. I'm under half a house here dude – I can't hear nothin'"
"It's picked up – lightening, thunder, the whole deal. And I could be wrong, but at the base of the cloud it looks like it's turning"
"Rotation?" Gordon felt a chill run up his spine.
"Yeah."
"Dave" he caught the doctor's attention "How long 'til we can get moving?"
"This guy ain't going anywhere for a bit, why?" Dave obviously read something in Gordon's face. "Oh"
"Yeah, oh. Scott?"
"I'm still here" his brother answered dryly.
"I can't leave for the moment. The house is unstable, something could fall and I'm the best chance of clearing anything outta the way. What's the game plan your end?"
"Virgil's just finishing up, John's loading the Firefly into the pod"
"You planning on moving the 'birds?"
"I don't want to, but…if we need to…"
"Okay. If you need to, get them airborne and out. Don't hang around for me"
"Gordon…"
"There's shelters set up here, if need be I'll be in one. You don't even know if the weather'll get that serious. Lighten' up bro'!"
Scott shook his head "Fine. But I'm warning you, you even get a slight bump or bruise and…"
"Chill, dude!"
"Keep us posted, Gordon"
"FAB. Gordon out"