The Birds were all different .

"Two" handled like a pig and Virgil wouldn't have it any other way. Brains had tried to fit artificial intelligence( A.I ) but Virgil quietly nixed it.

"Three" was a dream and Alan flew it in the same way he approached all vehicles – fast, hard and much too close to the edge of the envelope.

"Four" was a much better craft with the impeller adjusted – Gordon admitted as such. She was able to turn faster . Gordon wasn't a fan of arnaments but the pulsed beam cannon had gotten him out of a scrape with a rogue W.A.S.P tactical sub.

"Five" was getting old . John knew every leak , every groan , every howl. He felt more at home than on the Island . His six monthly trips " downside " were a medical necessity – artificial gravity was still a toll on the body. Even so he couldn't wait to get back "upside"

Then there was "One". His own ship, even now in the maintence bay undergoing a thorough upgrade. Scott hated to see his ship so...vulnerable and offline in case of an energency. The servo-bots with their limited articial intelligence scurried across the partially exposed frame of the atmospheric rocketplane. Scott thought that they looked like metal spiders.

He hadn't been keen on having his ship offline. Brains had laid out the advantages two weeks earlier in his own inimitable manner. The presentation was held in the conference room with John on vidlink.

" The p-problems that Scott has reported on some missions will only get worse as the ships systems age. It's been over four years since the last major overhaul and we all know what strains TB1 has undergone. I p-propose to reinforce the airframe with bonded nano-carbon , which may slightly alter the flight characteristics." Brains stutter was almost absent these days especially when he was in his element." To compensate for this i propose articial intellgence assistance for some control services. Of course , Scott , you will have to get used to a slightly different "feel" to the ship but i think it is absolutely necessary. The only real alternative is ,well, a new Thunderbird 1 from scratch! "

Scott looked tense " There's years in that ship. I may have had a problem over New Mexico but that was probably me-not the ship! "

Jeff looked concerned. Scott was known for his calm but TB1 was more than just a ship to him. He was able to fly her into places that no one else could . There was an almost symbiotic bond between man and machine.Brains might have well have proposed cutting off Scott's right arm.

Jeff ventured " What about the atomic tank range rescue? I studied the datastream , it was a pretty close thing , son! The jury is still out on Thunderflash but you must know things weren't right with the ship? "

Scott didn't want to give up without a fight though . " Then you think the ship should be modified, Father? " His gaze was straight. The atmosphere in the room was electric. Virgil, Gordon, Alan and John knew better than to utter a word.

" I do , Scott. Based on the technical evidence presented by Brains , i think the modifications will increase the life of the airframe for several years beyond current projections. I know it's not a change you feel comfortable with, son. A ship gets to fit a pilot like a glove. Pilots hate change. You're a pilot , Scott . An outstanding pilot. You have to know that it's the right decision" Jeff said and looked directly at Scott.

" Even if thats true , father " Scott wasn't about to cave in straight away " What if we get a call needing TB1 and she's in bits in the hanger?"

" Thats a problem we've always faced, at least potentially. There's never a right time to take a ship offline. We haven't got a way of telling when the next emergency will come. It's a risk but at least Brains has got the upgrade time down to 96 hours by using servo-bots." Jeff finished.

Scott wasn't too proud to admit that his father was right. He had let his judgement waver because of his strong attachement to his ship.

" When's it happening then , Brains?" said Scott with a shrug.

" T-Two W-weeks , Scott ".The tension had brought Brains' stammer back. " The artificial intelligence is online in my lab but th-the nano-carbon needs sourcing through the f-front companies "

Brains was referring to the front organisations set up prior to the formation of International Rescue. Shell corporations in the Antilles which financed several manufacturing and technical companies. These companies filed tax returns and made modest profits. Their main raison d'etre was to receive source materials and parts for the machines of International Rescue.

" When the time comes , Scott , you will act as cover on TB2 primarily but obviously we hope that wont be necessary" said Jeff. " I think that's the meeting finished, everyone"

The meeting broke up. The air was still heavy . Alan and Gordon headed for the pool while Virgil loped off to tinker with TB2. He needed to be doing something involving machines. Scott went to the Gym.

" Scott will come round" said Jeff to the sunset.