We are back at the Zero X launch site at Glenn Field. We see two launch ramps in the distance and are beginning to see the hangers slide to the side and reveal a craft. In the control room, the Controller communicates with a hologram of Colonel Casey.
Controller:
As of now Colonel Casey, the Zero X and Zero XL are both well underway in their operations of exploring further of our universe. The SKR5 and TVR19 will be launched in orbit shortly and will help to ensure the safety of the return of both ships.
Colonel:
Excellent. You have some of the best men in the business.
A hologram of the man flying the SKR5 appears. He is outgoing, bombastic, and easily recognizable – Ned Tedford...
Ned:
Hi there, Controller! Everything is A-OK for the launch of my ship. Gladys and I are fully prepared for anything to go wrong, and we know exactly what to do if anything were to go horribly awry.
Controller:
Him? Hasn't this man been involved in many failed programs on and off land?
Colonel:
Mr Tedford is indeed prepared for anything to happen.
Controller:
Well then, I see. And the pilot of the TVR19?
The hologram appears of... Langstrom Fischler! The Controller is hardly impressed by any of these two men.
Fischler:
Hello? Langstrom Fischler here of Fischler Industries on behalf of the Global Defence Force?
Controller:
Fischler Industries? What's he doing in my base? He's caused a serious risk to air and space traffic in the past!
Casey:
Like Mr Tedford Controller, Mr Fischler is also fully experienced in dealing with any serious hazards should they arise. I'll be brutally honest Mr Fischler, because of your companies' miserable loss of profits time and time again, it would seem better that you are under the eye of the GDF so you don't spark another potential life-threatening disaster.
Fischler:
Well erm, yes, Colonel.
The two ships are brought up to their rocket podiums, designed with a red colour scheme and sees the ships being elevated via a lift into the centre for takeoff. The interior of the ships is identical to that of the TVR17 and SKR4 (for those who understand the references). We see inside the TVR19 with Fischler at a desk with earphones on like he's a jockey. For the radio, we only hear the voices of others talking to him.
All systems are go for launch. And presenting to you, Fischler Records. Tunes from your favourite artists! From our communications satellite powered by four rear-mounted solar arrays, we broadcast non-stop music to the Earth from a geostationary orbit some 22,236 miles from above the equator. And a crew down on Earth comprise as our technical staff and music presenters. Fully reusable, designed for remote controlled re-entry and safe descent, we return back to our home after a four-week tour of duty. Travelling at a standard speed of 7,000 MPH in orbit, we slow down to Mach 3.2 for re-entry...
Casey:
Fischler! That will be enough! A radio satellite has only been made so that you can easily disguise yourself for the time being until the Zero X and XL return to Earth!
We the exterior of the SKR5 Recovery Vehicle, and then cut inside to Ned and his plant sat on different seats.
Ned:
And my ship Commander sir is a re-usable low Earth orbital spacecraft orbited by the Euro-Space Tracker Station as opposed to Glenn Field. My ship is disguised to look like it chases down space junk and destroys them with an explosive pack if it proves a menace to the satellite. Travelling at 19,600 MPH at top chasing speed before firing lift rockets enter transfer trajectory for rendezvous with a target. If my explosive pack is unused for any reason, it can be ejected before the vehicle touches down in the recovery area, 150 miles due East of the Canary Isla...
Controller:
Oh I know all that man. Now just get up there into space and be gone with you!
The engines fire up in their crafts as they await launch on their pads. A countdown begins at Glen Field. A clock that begins counting down for a minute.
Launching in sixty seconds!
The engines continue revving up. Fischler prepares himself for launch, as does Ned.
Ned:
Ready Gladys?
The plant vibrates giving the impression it's nodding. The Controller narrates over the radio and his echoing voice across Glenn Field. 45 seconds...
Controller:
Forty-five seconds!
We see the countdown continue and see the faces of the Controller, Ned, and Fischler. The countdown reaches thirty seconds...
Thirty seconds!
We then see it approaching twenty. We then see the ships on their launching platforms, ready to blast up at a moment's notice. Twen3ty seconds!
Twenty! Nineteen! Eighteen! Seventeen! Sixteen! Fifteen!
KABOOM! KABOOM! The ship's rears explode its blast behind it.
Blast off complete. Lift off!
A diagram showing a countdown from left to right of 10-1 lights up!
Blast off, minus eight, seven, six, five...
We see the ships ready for launch!
Four... three... two... one!
The clamps are released. KABOOM! KABOOM! Both ships launch off into the air! The G-force we see affect both men as the ships launch off into the sky after some shots of each ship taking up. This lasts for some time until the effects wear off and see both crafts now in space. The effects of the G-Force fade away.
Ned:
Phew! We made it Gladys. Now as the ship diverts to its correct orbiting procedure, would you like me to tell you about the Zero X men?
The plant seems to be nodding yes again. Ned then picks up a book and begins reading upon them.
Just to pass the time, eh? After all, we need to know who we are dealing with. Now then, Paul Maxwell. Born in East America, the 25-year-old showed an interest in science at an early age, becoming a trainee space freighter navigator at the age of 17. Soon he was promoted to the position of freighter pilot, and initially employed on commercial lunar cargo services from the Siberian Space Freight Base. Joined as SSEC pilot training scheme as part of its first intake due to his skill and experience.
Gladys seems to continue swaying as though the plant is personified by nodding its head.
Captain Greg Martin. A fellow employee of the Lunar Cargo Cooperation, the 22-year-old Hawaiian born worked closely with Travers for some years as junior flight controller. Recommended by Travers for the Zero X and took parts in early ground tests and was unanimously selected as second in command. Hmm, they all seem to be a bit young these days, don't they Gladys?
Gladys is still shaking its head. Ned's eyes begin to tire out, and then he yawns.
Even though the International Rescue outfit seems a bit young for my taste. But anyways – Lieutenant Brad Newman. At only 17... 17? Did he go to school or anything like that? Electronics specialist with an in-depth knowledge of the latest space communications systems. Familiar with advanced navigational aids having trained as a guidance system operator in the World Air Force. All this was thanks to his role model of his mother and father. Ah, well that explains...
He yawns and drops the book as it floats aboard the ship. Ned falls asleep from the reading. We then cut to seeing the SKR5 and TVR19 head off in different directions and begin their orbit around the Earth...
YOU ARE READING
Thunderbirds Are Go!: The Movie
FanficThe 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...
