We cut to the Zero XL about to launch at a moment's notice. In order to avoid needless repetition, the sequence of the launch can be tightened and cut down. After viewing the interior of the ship, all instruments display the green light for launch.
Jeff:
Brains?
Brains:
All lights are green and g-go for launch!
We see the faces of the Tracy family, ready and confident for action as Jeff counts down...
Jeff:
F.A.B. Launching in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1!
Alan pushes down the lever closest to his left. KABOOM! The craft blasts its engines as we see the same footage of the ship taking off into the skies. After viewing the exterior of Glenn Field's control tower, we are back inside the control room with the Controller. We hear Jeff's voice on the radio.
Jeff:
Zero XL to Glenn Field, we have taken off from our base and will be rendezvousing with the Zero X.
Controller:
Thank you, Mr Tracy. Well, you heard that gentlemen. International Rescue are in orbit of the Earth now. Dr Grant, Dr3 Pierce, do you hear me?
We see the two scientists aboard awaiting inside their scientific cabin inside the Zero X. The interior is, as again, designed as close in terms of the set as to the original version. The shot of them inside their cabin lasts for a few seconds only.
Pierce:
Hearing you loud and clear.
We look back at the Controller and the three astronauts.
Controller:
Paul, Greg, Brad. Now this is a tough assignment. You will be entirely in the dark in this operation, and we have no idea what you may encounter wherever you arrive at. But whatever does happen, the safety of the crew and passengers is your top priority. Is that clearly understood? Captain Paul Maxwell?
Maxwell:
Yes sir.
Controller:
Space Captain Greg Martin?
Martin:
Yes sir.
Controller:
Space Navigator Brad Newman?
Newman:
Yes sir.
We hear the Controller's questions on a radio as the men in their cabin are seen again.
Controller:
Dr Ray Pierce?
Pierce:
Yes sir.
Controller:
Dr Tony Grant?
Grant:
Yes sir.
We are back in the control room again.
Controller:
Ok gentlemen, good luck.
Maxwell:
Thank you sir. Well, it's really it now. Here we go.
They swivel around in their chairs with part of their console between them. The three of them are elevated down through an entrance as the doors slip back behind them. The same sequence as seen in the original series follows scene by scene and camera angle by the camera angle. Once the crew are elevated inside, the Zero X MEV detaches itself from the control tower and is transported to a turntable in front of the main body. After reversing into position, the streamlined nose cone is attached. The lighting is turned on inside the ship, and the crew are ready to launch. The build-up continues. We see the massive ship on the runway. KABOOM! KABOOM! The jets blast and the ship begins rolling along and picks up speed. Zero X rockets along the runway now, and then picks up into the air and blasts off into the air.
Zero X to Central Control, now at 20,000 feet. Airspeed Mach 1.
After now seeing the shot of the ship in the upper atmosphere.
Zero X to Control, am now detaching Lifting Bodies and nose cone in 3...2...1!
The lifting bodies blast off and return away back to Earth. (The script is quite vague with the Zero X launch, but is in more detail for the 1966 feature film). The Nose Cone then follows. The back of the craft then blasts again. We can see the window from the view of the Zero X crew.
Zero X to Central Control, we are now leaving Earth's atmosphere. Repeat, we are leaving Earth's atmosphere!
The blueness of the sky fade into blackness, followed by the view of the stars. We cut to the Zero XL hovering in space. Thunderbird 5 has been attached, and John greets the family as he takes up his seat.
John:
All five Thunderbirds are locked in.
Virgil:
The Zero X has left Earth's orbit now.
Brains:
C-course r-r-relayed.
Scott:
Well, we're all ready to leave.
Jeff:
Zero XL calling Zero X.
We have alternating shots inside the Zero X and XL and may hear/see each other on the holographic radio.
Maxwell:
This is Zero X, receiving you loud and clear.
Jeff:
I would like to relay our congratulations on a superb takeoff.
Maxwell:
Thank you International Rescue. We are ready for hyperdrive activation.
Grandma's face flashes up on the screen of the Zero XL.
Grandma:
Well boys, I cannot underestimate how proud I am feeling with all of you today. I think what I would just like to say now is good luck to you all. And be careful out there. You have no idea what you might be facing when you get there.
Jeff:
I'm familiar with the area, mum. But because it's been a little while since I was there, anything could be there now. And let's go and find it! Begin the countdown!
The Tracy's look strong as they face one another, and then the crew of the Zero X.
Maxwell:
Powering up hyperdrive!
5...
We look at John.
4...
At Gordon.
3...
At Alan.
2...
At Virgil.
1...
At Scott. Alan pushes the lever down, whereas Martin activates a red lever to his right and pushes it down. The Zero XL and Zero X jump through space. They had now gone...
YOU ARE READING
Thunderbirds Are Go!: The Movie
FanfictionThe Zero X and Zero XL are ready to launch again! Their mission to explore the deepest reaches of space such as where Jeff Tracy was trapped for years is now finally ready. Both ships launch off into the universe, but strange alien signals transmitt...
