To The Moon And Back

Chapter Three

Far below Thunderbird Five, the sun blazed down on the tropical paradise that was Tracy Island, the secret base of International Rescue. Jeff Tracy, former astronaut, father of the five Tracy brothers and founder of the secret organisation, sat at his desk, his brow creased with concern as he listened to his youngest son's report.

"So that's the situation, Father," Alan finished, his video feed broadcasting from his portrait on the far wall.

"Why would they go and do a fool thing like that?" he grumbled, tutting to himself. "Some people don't have the sense they were born with. How many people are we talking, Son?"

"Three men including the pilot, and four women, so seven total."

Jeff shook his head in disgust, his broad shoulders lifting as he sighed deeply. "I'd better call the boys. Thanks, Alan, keep me posted."

"F.A.B." Alan cut his feed, his video link vanishing to be replaced with the original portrait view.

Turning in his chair, Jeff pushed the button that would connect him to the poolside. "Scott? John? Look lively, we've got a rescue on our hands."

Jeff's middle son, John, sat up on his sun lounger and pushed his sunglasses up on the top of his head, looking over at the pool where his eldest brother, Scott, had been completing his daily laps.

"Did you hear?" John started, but Scott was already pulling himself up out of the pool.

"Sure did, let's shake a leg."

"Right behind you," John assured him, tossing a towel to his brother, who caught it one-handed.

Scott was still rubbing his dark hair dry as they entered the lounge less than two minutes after they had been summoned, both still in their swim gear. John glanced at the empty couch, surprised to find that their brother, Virgil, wasn't there already. Virgil flew and operated Thunderbird Two, their heavy-duty equipment transporter, and as such he was involved with most rescues. This could only mean one thing.

"Time to suit up, boys, you're needed in space," Jeff announced, confirming John's suspicions. Virgil and Gordon would be staying behind in case another rescue call came in.

"Alan will fill you in after you lift off," Jeff continued as the two men made their way to the seemingly ordinary couch that was really a hidden launch chute to their rocket ship, Thunderbird Three.

"Where are we going?" Scott asked, sitting down on the couch where John joined him.

"The Moon, so I hope you packed your toothbrushes," Jeff answered as he pushed a button on his desk, starting the couch on its downward descent to the hangars below.

-x-

"And you say you never get to go on rescues," Scott teased as he straightened his distinctive blue sash. "You know what they say about being careful what you wish for, this is the third this week."

"I guess I spoke too soon," John chuckled as he settled himself behind the controls of the Thunderbird. "But at least this one means I get to take this baby somewhere other than the space station."

Scott grinned. "Then get a move on, fella. Less talking, more blasting off."

John's smile widened as he checked their feed one last time, his fingers flying over the complicated controls with the ease of much practice. Much as he loved his space station it always felt so good, so right, to be sitting behind the controls of their rocket ship. It had been too long since he'd gotten to pilot her on a long run like this and he was determined to make the most of it.