Part 1
[Title card TERROR IN NEW YORK CITY appears, then fades. Cue World Exclusive Foiled! theme. At a nearby oil field, a rig is on fire; an ambulance speeds past. Scene cuts to International Rescue's primary firefighter, the Firefly, moving in. Scene cuts to Virgil Tracy in heat-resistant uniform, driving it.]
Virgil Tracy: "Firefly to Mobile Control. Going in now."
[Scene cuts to Scott Tracy, who is observing through binoculars from a neighbouring rig.]
Scott Tracy: "Okay, Virgil, you've got only one chance."
[Scene cuts to the Firefly lowering its cahelium-X shield and moving forward. It comes to a halt just a short distance from the blaze.]
[Scene cuts to Virgil, in the Firefly.]
Virgil Tracy: "Here we go."
[He pulls a black lever to his left side. Scene cuts to the Firefly's nitro-glycerine gun coming out behind the lowered blade. Scene cuts to a extreme close-up of a nitro-glycerine shell firing out the gun. Scene cuts to showing Firefly firing the nitro-glycerine shell at the fire. An explosion occurs, and the Firefly is spun 180 degrees. Pieces of burning debris fall down, but the fire has been successfully extinguished. Oil continues to gush upwards.]
[Balcony.]
Scott Tracy: "Good shooting, Virgil!"
[Scene cuts to Firefly raising its shield and heading back to Thunderbird 2.]
[Scene cuts to N.T.B.S reporter Ned Cook and his cameraman, Joe, watching from a distance.]
Ned Cook: "This could have been the greatest report of the year."
Joe: "And we can't do a thing about it."
Ned Cook: "I don't know why they're so touchy about having their pictures taken; we've got a job to do as well as they have."
[Scene cuts to Virgil, driving the Firefly back to Thunderbird 2.]
Virgil Tracy: "Mobile Control from Firefly: returning to Thunderbird 2."
[Balcony.]
Scott Tracy: "F.A.B. I'm returning to Thunderbird 1."
[Scene cuts to Firefly entering Pod 6.]
Ned Cook: "Right, Joe. Get on that camera!"
Joe: "What are you gonna do?"
Ned Cook: "We're gonna get that story of the year!"
[Joe walks away; scene cuts to Thunderbird 2 being lowered over Pod 6.]
[Thunderbird 2.]
Virgil Tracy: "Thunderbird 1 from Thunderbird 2, ready for lift off!"
Scott Tracy: "Clear to go! See you back at base Virgil."
[Thunderbird 2 activates its thrusters, and takes off.]
[Ned in the driver's seat of his van.]
Ned Cook: "O.K., Joe, as soon as Thunderbird 1 takes off, start shooting. [Ned drives off and screeches to a halt] "Right, Joe! Cover the take off!"
[Scene cuts to Thunderbird 1 taking off.]
[Automatic Camera Detector goes off.]
Scott Tracy: "The Automatic Camera Detector! Someone's photographing the ship! [Pushes H.F.C lever, and lands in front of the truck. Speaks over Thunderbird 1's loudspeaker] "I told you guys — no pictures!"
Ned Cook: [on loudspeaker] "Listen, buster! You've done a great job here today! Now let me do mine!"
[Thunderbird 1. Scott has his frown expression on.]
Scott Tracy: [on loudspeaker]: "I said: NO PICTURES! Please destroy them!"
Ned Cook: [on loudspeaker]: "If you think I'd do that, you're crazy!"
[Scott doesn't reply. Ned speeds off. Cue World Exclusive Foiled! theme again.]
Scott Tracy: (almost under his breath) "The crazy fools..."
[Scott launches Thunderbird 1, then chases after them; and we see Joe on top of the truck where the TV camera is mounted, clinging on for dear life.]
Joe: (panicking): "Ned, stop the truck!"
Ned Cook: "No deal, Joe. This is the best news story we have ever had! I'm not gonna lose it now!"
[Thunderbird 1 is still chasing them. Cuts to inside view from Thunderbird 1 at the truck. Cuts to Scott looking down. Cuts to Thunderbird 1 still chasing it. Cuts to Thunderbird 1 cabin. Scott presses a button on the left console. A blue light shines on the truck. Cut to inside the truck, where the light is filling the cab — making it difficult for Ned to see and forcing him to stop.]
Ned Cook: "What's going on?!"
Scott Tracy [on loudspeaker]: "I've electromagnetically wiped the videotape, Cook. The entire recording is blank. I'm sorry about this, but we must protect ourselves... so long."
[Thunderbird 1 flies higher and away. Scene cuts to Joe checking the recording in the camera.]
Ned Cook: "He's just bluffing! It's not possible!"
Joe: "He wasn't bluffing. And it is possible. There goes your story, Ned."
[Lots of smoking film-reel comes down on Ned's shoulders. Scene cuts to Thunderbird's 2 and 1 flying. Scene cuts to Thunderbird 1 cabin.]
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 1 to Thunderbird 2. Take-off from danger zone delayed. Everything now F.A.B. Fill you in with details later."
[Cuts to Thunderbird 2 cabin]
Virgil Tracy: "F.A.B Scott. Will radio base and report."
[Scene cuts to Tracy Island. Then we see Jeff sitting at his desk at the lounge, with Tin-Tin typing on a typewriter. Jeff is dictating a letter.]
Jeff Tracy: [dictates] "It was good to hear from you, and I was delighted to receive your kind invitation. However... [Virgil's picture beeps; Jeff stops his dictation] Oh, go ahead, Virgil."
[Connected.]
Virgil Tracy: "Rescue operation successful. Returning to base. Scott delayed on takeoff."
Jeff Tracy: "Good work, Virgil. Keep in touch. [To Tin-Tin] Now, er... where were we?"
Tin-Tin: " 'However...' "
Jeff Tracy: "Oh yeah. [He resumes his dictation] However, due to other pressing business I shall have to decline. But I would like you to know that your scheme, to move the Empire State Building, strikes me as being daring and imaginative. Redevelopment of obsolete areas is vital. But so too is the preservation of national monuments and institutions. [pauses] The Empire State Building is such a monument."
[Scene cuts to Thunderbird 2, flying over the sea. Cuts to cabin interior.]
Virgil Tracy: "Thunderbird 1 from Thunderbird 2. Picking up radar reflection of surface vessel."
Scott Tracy: "Well, what's so special about that?"
Virgil Tracy: "Its speed, Scott! It's phenomenal!"
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "Hey, it could be the Sentinel. The Navy's new strike vessel."
[Scene cuts to the USN warship Sentinel speeding across the water. Cuts to the bridge of the ship. The Commander is looking out whilst his first officer, Clayton, is checking speed.]
First Officer Clayton: "Speed 200 knots, sir."
Sentinel Commander: "Right. Ask Missile Control for routine report."
Scanners: "Unidentified object approaching. Height: 2000 feet. Air speed: 5000 miles per hour."
Sentinel Commander: "O.K., Scanners. I have it on my screen. Give me its course."
Scanners: "Yes sir. 0-9-6, magnetic."
Sentinel Commander [to Clayton]: "You realize what this could mean?"
First Officer Clayton: "I'm afraid I do, sir."
Sentinel Commander: "Any notification from Central Control of military aircraft in this area?"
First Officer Clayton: "Last report indicated this whole area to be at green."
Sentinel Commander: "Right. Standby intercepter missiles. Get immediate clearance for launching."
[Scene cuts to Thunderbird 2 cabin]
Virgil Tracy: Thunderbird 1 from Thunderbird 2. I'm gonna change my course, Scott. The Sentinel must be tracking us and we don't wanna give em a steer to our own base."
[Thunderbird 1 cabin.]
Scott Tracy : "Yeah good idea, Virgil. I'll do the same when I get closer."
[Thunderbird 2 cabin.]
Scott [on radio]: "Resume course for base when you're out of range."
Virgil: "F.A.B."
[Virgil turns the craft to starboard a little. Scene cuts to Sentinel bridge]
Sentinel Commander: "It's changing course. Scanners, what's the new heading?"
Scanners: "0-7-5 degrees, magnetic, sir."
Sentinel Commander: "That puts it on a direct course for New York. What is it Clayton? What is it?
First Officer Clayton: "I only wish I knew, sir. It's too fast for an aircraft and it's too slow for a missile..."
[Brief scene of Thunderbird 2 flying.]
Scanners: "Message from Central Control, sir. No aircraft scheduled in your area. Treat unidentified craft as hostile."
Sentinel Commander [to Clayton; raising his voice a little]: "Sound battle stations! All missile launchers to be at go!"
[A klaxon starts sounding. Scene cuts to a deck of the Sentinel where missiles are aimed upwards, primed and ready. Brief scene of Thunderbird 2 flying before the scene fades out.]
Part 2
[Scene fades back in to the U.S.N. Sentinel crossing the water.]
Scanners [on loudspeaker]: "Attack stations! Trigger interceptor missiles standby! Ten seconds!"
[Another brief scene of Thunderbird 2, before cutting back to the Sentinel crossing.]
Scanners [on loudspeakers]: "7! ... 6! ... 5! ..."
[Cuts to Sentinel missile deck. The missiles are smoking at the rear.]
Scanners: [on loudspeakers] "4! ... 3! ... 2! ..."
[Cuts to Sentinel bridge.]
Scanners: [on loudspeakers]: "1! ... 0!"
Sentinel Commander (raises arm): "FIRE!"
[Missiles 1 and 2 are fired.]
[Thunderbird 2 cabin.]
Virgil Tracy: "MISSILES!"
[Brief shot of the missiles in flight.]
Virgil Tracy: "Thunderbird 1 and Base from Thunderbird 2: under missile attack!"
[Thunderbird 1.]
Scott Tracy: "Virgil, switch on the jammer!"
[Tracy Villa Lounge. Jeff and Tin-Tin are listening in.]
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "Try and throw them off course!"
Virgil Tracy [on radio]: "I think it's too late, Scott!"
[Thunderbird 1]
Scott Tracy: "Well, take evasive action!"
[Thunderbird 2]
Virgil Tracy: "F.A.B!"
[Virgil turns the craft to port side. Another brief shot of the missiles. Cuts back to Thunderbird 2.]
Virgil Tracy: "It's no good, Scott! They still coming dead at me!"
[Thunderbird 1]
Scott Tracy: "Gain altitude, Virgil! Pull her up!"
[Virgil gains more height. One final shot of the missiles before they explode just under Thunderbird 2's tail section. Virgil levels out.]
[Thunderbird 1]
Scott Tracy: "Are you OK, Virgil? Come in, Thunderbird 2!"
[Thunderbird 2]
Virgil Tracy: "Still here, Scott. Boy, that was close. It exploded right beneath me. Feels like I've got some damage on my tail unit."
[Close up shot of the Sentinel]
Scanners: [on loudspeakers]: "Trigger interceptor missiles, for second attack! Five seconds!"
First officer Clayton: "Changing frequency to automatic jammers."
[Scanner Monitor begins talking just as Clayton says "jammers".]
[Cuts to missile deck.]
Scanners: [on loudspeakers] "4! ... 3! ... 2! ...
[Cuts to Sentinel bridge]
Scanners [on loudspeakers]: "1! ... 0!"
Sentinel Commander: "FIRE!"
[Missiles 3 and 4 are fired. Scene cuts to Thunderbird 2]
Virgil Tracy : "Here we go again, Scott!"
[Thunderbird 1]
Scott Tracy: "Get that jammer working, Virgil. I'm catching up on you fast!"
[Brief scene of Thunderbird 1 flying, before cutting back to the pilot cabin.]
Virgil Tracy [on radio]: "They've changed frequency, Scott!"
[Thunderbird 2]
Virgil Tracy: "They're on check! They're coming straight for me!"
Scott Tracy: "Hold present altitude, then climb one second before impact. We might be able to throw 'em."
[Alternating shots of the missiles in flight and Thunderbird 2 gaining altitude.]
Scott Tracy [raising his voice]: "More height, Virgil! You need more height!!"
[Virgil climbs higher still. Both missiles unfortunately explode upon contact with Thunderbird 2's tail section, sending him crashing down. Cue Monorail to Disaster theme. Virgil tries to get it back up, but the controls don't respond.]
[Thunderbird 1]
Scott Tracy: "International Rescue from Thunderbird 1."
[Tracy Villa Lounge]
Jeff Tracy: "Scott, how's Virgil?"
Scott Tracy [on screen]: "I don't know, Father... I can't get through to him, but he's on fire. I can see him in the distance."
Jeff Tracy: "I've been on to Washington and let's hope they can stop this senseless attack."
[Cuts back to Sentinel missile deck. Missiles 5 and 6 are launched, to finish off Thunderbird 2. Scene cuts to Sentinel bridge.]
First Officer Clayton: "Washington, sir. Emergency call."
Washington: "Message to Sentinel Commander. Stop attack immediately! Unidentified aircraft is a Thunderbird machine of the International Rescue organization."
Sentinel Commander: "Clayton, missiles 5 and 6, destroy them!"
[Scene cuts to missiles being destroyed mid-flight.]
[Thunderbird 1.]
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 2 from Thunderbird 1. Come in Virgil!"
[Thunderbird 2 cabin. Virgil has been knocked out.]
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "Virgil, are you OK?"
[Cuts to Thunderbird 2 crashing down, with its tail on fire. Thunderbird 1 descends.]
[Thunderbird 1]
Scott Tracy: "Virgil, pull her up! Can you hear me? Come in Thunderbird 2...!"
[Thunderbird 2 cabin. Virgil slowly regains consciousness.]
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "Virgil, you're crashing! Pull her up!
[Thunderbird 1 cabin.]
Scott Tracy: "Virgil, get a grip on yourself..."
[Thunderbird 2 cabin.]
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "You've gotta pull out of that dive!"
[Virgil finally wakes up. Just before Thunderbird 2 crashes into the water, Virgil pulls the wheel up and levels the craft out. Thunderbird 1 follows.]
[Thunderbird 1 cabin.]
Scott Tracy: "Well, how does it look, Virgil?"
Virgil Tracy: "I'm not sure, Scott. Engines are running smoothly, but the tail section is giving trouble."
Scott Tracy: "Will you be able to make it back to base?"
Virgil Tracy: "I'll let you know..."
[Tracy Villa Lounge. Jeff has called Alan, Gordon and Brains with him.]
Jeff Tracy: "Right, here's the position: Virgil is trying to bring Thunderbird 2 back to the island. It's on fire and badly crippled. [to Gordon and Alan] Gordon, Alan, standby on the fire fighting equipment."
Alan Tracy: "Yes, Father."
[Alan and Gordon exit.]
Jeff Tracy [to Brains]: "What are his chances, Brains?"
Brains: "Uh, well, s-so as the, uh reactor plant hasn't been damaged, uh, her chances are good."
[Thunderbird 1 cabin.]
Scott Tracy: "Is the reactor damaged Virgil?"
[Thunderbird 2 cabin.]
Virgil Tracy: "I can't tell, Scott. Instrumentations has suffered severe damage.
[Cuts to shot of Thunderbird 2 flying but the tail is smoking.]
Virgil Tracy [coughing from smoke]: "How much further to base, Scott?"
[Thunderbird 1 cabin.]
Scott Tracy: "Just another ten minutes, Virgil. It's just another ten minutes. You'll make it, Virgil. I know you will."
[Cuts to repeated shot of Thunderbird 2, before switching to Tracy Villa Lounge. Jeff, downcast, is thinking things through. Kyrano is serving coffee.]
Kyrano: "Mr Tracy, have some coffee. Your boys will be safe. You'll see."
Jeff Tracy: "Hmm? Oh, er, what did you say, Kyrano?"
Tin-Tin: "Father asked you if you would like coffee, Mr. Tracy."
Jeff Tracy: "Oh. No, thank you. I'd better get over to landing control. If they arrive at all, they'll be here in a few minutes."
[Scene cuts to Thunderbird 2 launch runway. The palm trees fall back, and in their place rise foam poles that run along the length of the runway. Cuts to Landing Control. Gordon and Alan have already set up when Jeff and Tin-Tin enter.]
Jeff Tracy: "Good. You're ready."
Alan Tracy [checking his watch]: "Two minutes..."
Gordon Tracy: "I think I can hear them now."
[Thunderbird 1.]
Scott Tracy: "We're nearly home, Virgil. We're nearly home."
[Thunderbird 2. Virgil pushes a lever to his right.]
Virgil Tracy: "Undercart, down. Flaps, down. Banking for, final approach..."
[Virgil tilts the craft to starboard, and glides over to the end of the runway.]
Virgil Tracy: "Easy does it. Easy..."
[Cuts to runway view. Thunderbird 2 lands hard, temporarily, and then again.]
Scott Tracy [sighing] :"He's down..."
[Landing Control.]
Jeff Tracy : "The wheels! They've collapsed!"
[Tin-Tin gasps. Thunderbird 2 is sliding hard along the runway. Cuts to Thunderbird 2 cabin. Everything is shaking about.]
Virgil Tracy: "The wheels have gone! I can't hold her! I'm — I'M GONNA CRASH!"
[Landing Control]
Jeff Tracy: "Release foam! Section B!"
[In unison, the poles fire foam at Thunderbird 2, which gives off a small explosion and comes to a halt. Once the fire has been extinguished, the camera has a zoom-in of Virgil having passed out before momentarily blacking out... and shows a distorted shot of Scott's and Jeff's faces. It then shows a shot of Virgil, his head bandaged, in his own bed. As he slowly wakes up, Scott's and Jeff's faces become clearer...]
Jeff Tracy: "How are you, Virgil?"
Scott Tracy: "Welcome back to the land of the living."
Virgil Tracy [sitting up]: "Wh-what happened to Thunderbird 2?"
Jeff Tracy: "Now, quit worrying about that. She was badly damaged, but she's gonna be O.K."
Scott Tracy: "It's nothing a few weeks hard work won't put right."
Virgil Tracy [shocked]: "A few weeks! But that's terrible! Suppose she's needed on call?"
Jeff Tracy: "Well, let's hope she's not. Now, you relax. You need a lot of rest. You take care of yourself, and we'll take care of Thunderbird 2."
[Virgil lies back against the pillow. He's not happy. Scene cuts to Thunderbird 2's cabin, badly damaged by the landing. Brains is doing work there, as Tin-Tin comes in.]
Tin-Tin: "How's it going Brains?"
Brains: "Uh, well, uh, slowly, uh, Tin-Tin, it's, it's g-gonna take, some time."
[Overhead view of Thunderbird 2's crippled tail section. Scott and Jeff look on, from a nearby balcony.]
Scott Tracy: "Boy, what a mess."
Jeff Tracy: "Once the new components arrive, we'll have to work round the clock to get her right."
Scott Tracy: "Well, this is the tricky part of our operation. Trying to keep everything secret."
Jeff Tracy: "Look, Scott. We ordered each component from different aircraft corporations. None of them know what they're making. It's only when they all arrive here, that the jigsaw fits together."
Scott Tracy: "I guess I worry too much..."
[Scene cuts to Virgil's sickbed. Kyrano is taking away his lunch.]
Kyrano: "It is good that you are eating again, Mister Virgil."
Virgil Tracy: "Mmm, how can I help it with your marvelous food, Kyrano?"
Kyrano [chuckles]: "Oh, thank you sir."
[Kyrano leaves. Gordon enters.]
Gordon Tracy: "Hi, Virgil. Got your TV switched on?"
Virgil Tracy: "No sir. I've seen enough TV to last me the rest of my life."
Gordon Tracy: "Oh but this is a special programme. They're moving the Empire State Building."
Virgil Tracy: "What, today?"
Gordon Tracy: "Today. And furthermore [checks his watch], right now!"
Virgil Tracy: "This I must see."
[Virgil leans to his right and presses a button that switches on the TV.]
[Cuts to Tracy Villa Lounge. Jeff, Scott, Brains, Tin-Tin and Alan are also watching the broadcast - reported by none other than Ned Cook.]
Ned Cook [on screen]: "You are about to witness, folks, one of the greatest pieces of engineering feats of all time."
Scott Tracy: "Say, that's Ned Cook. You know, the guy I had to stop filming us at the oil well."
Jeff Tracy: "Yes, Scott. He'd do anything for a story."
[Scene cuts to a New York City alleyway. Ned is broadcasting from there. Joe the cameraman is filming him.]
Ned Cook: "In a few moments, the National Television Broadcasting System will show you a construction job that leaves the building of the Pyramids in the shade. Today the Empire State Building here in New York City is going to be moved 200 yards, not piece by piece but as it stands, all 1,250 ft of it. First of all, we'll explain how this tremendous task is going to be performed."
[Virgil's sickbed. Gordon is sitting beside Virgil as the pair are watching the broadcast.]
Ned Cook [on screen]: "Incidentally, the reason why the Empire State has to be moved is simple. The whole area around the great monument has been demolished to make way for modern development."
[Tracy Villa lounge]
Ned Cook: [on screen]: "But of course we couldn't have the old Empire State knocked down, could we? No sir."
Jeff Tracy: "Sure would have liked to have been there today."
Scott Tracy: "Yeah, me too."
[Cuts to a view of the TV. A simulation is showing how the plan to move the Empire State Building came about.]
Ned Cook: [on screen, off-camera]: "Now after tunneling under the foundations, hydraulic jacks were placed beneath the building. Then the jacks were raised. And up she came! The next step was to lay a heavy duty track under the building and run it to the new site."
[The diagram shows hydraulic jacks under the building, another shows it raising the building. Then another shows the building moving along the track.]
Ned Cook: [on screen, off-camera]: "Now all that remains to be done is to move the giant building, inch by inch, to its new site. [pauses] Sounds easy, doesn't it? But it took ten years of planning and two years of construction, to get this far."
[Scene cuts to a view of the magnificent Empire State Building, attached to a large gantry on a long lined heavy duty track.]
[NYC alleyway.]
Ned Cook: "Any minute now, the tremendously powerful atomic engines will start to move its gigantic load to the new site."
[Another shot of the building. Cuts to NYC alleyway]
Ned Cook: "Wait for it..."
[A warning alarm sounds. Cuts to Tracy Villa lounge.]
Ned Cook: [on screen] "The signal's been given."
[Cue Empire State Building theme. Scene cuts to view of the Empire State Building slowly, but gradually, moving...]
[NYC alleyway]
Ned Cook: "She's moving... yes, she's moving!"
[Cuts to the Empire State Building, which really has begun moving. A puff of steam escapes the gantry.]
[NYC alleyway.]
Ned Cook: "In all the years of my broadcasting, this must be the most breathtaking moment I have ever experienced! [Camera suddenly zooms on in him.] Hold everything. Somethings gone wrong!"
[Cue destruction theme. Scene cuts to a overview layout of the track, where deep fissures in the ground begin to appear.]
Ned Cook: "The ground is cracking under the track! It's like an earth tremor beneath my feet!"
[Cuts to a view of the Empire State Building slowing down.]
Ned Cook: "There is something wrong. The atomic motors are shutting down."
[The Empire State Building comes to a halt. A brief shot of the track reveals that the ground between the parallel tracks is cracking.]
Ned Cook: "This is a mighty dangerous situation. The ground around the building is crumbling. We are directly in line of fire. [Sudden shot of the ground breaking slightly under Ned's feet.] But in the tradition of N.T.B.S., we will stay in the danger zone to bring you up-to-the-minute pictures of this fantastic spectacle."
[Second sudden shot of the ground cracking again, before cutting to Tracy Villa lounge.]
Jeff Tracy: "Crazy fool, why doesn't he get the heck out of it?"
Scott Tracy: "Well, it's like you said, Dad. He'll do anything for a story."
[NYC alleyway.]
Ned Cook: "It looks as though it's going to be all right, folks. The ground subsidence has stopped, but I don't think we're gonna see the Empire State move any more today."
[Brief shot of the building before back to Ned, who nods to someone off-screen.]
Ned Cook: "We have just been ordered off this site by the police. There is, I understand, a very real danger that the entire building could collapse at any moment. We'll be on the air again as soon as we have — ARRGGHH!"
[The ground finally gives way, and Ned falls in — followed by Joe and the camera. They land hard on the pit floor, and the camera gets destroyed. They slowly get up.]
Ned Cook: "Joe, are you OK?"
Joe: "Ye-yeah, I'm all right, Ned..."
Ned Cook: "The whole area's subsiding, Joe. We've gotta get outta here. And fast.
[Cue destruction theme. Scene cuts to the Empire State Building, which suddenly explodes. A brief shot of the now larger fissure in the ground, and a second explosion of the building, before cutting to Tracy Villa lounge. Due to the crisis, no pictures are being displayed.]
News Reporter: [sound only] "We apologize for the loss of your picture, and we have grave fears for the safety of Ned Cook. We hope to bring you pictures of minute-to-minute happenings here in New York City in a few moments, as soon as we can get a new outside broadcast unit in position."
[Scene cuts to the Empire State Building, as a bigger explosion has it slumped down slightly. A brief shot of the track, then a shot of another explosion, before cutting to the pit where Ned and Joe are.]
Ned Cook: "She's coming down! Right on top of us!"
[The gantry explodes and sinks below ground, causing the Empire State building to collapse in an almighty crash. The camera zooms in on Ned before it fades out.]
Part 3
[Scene fades back in to reveal what is left of the Empire State Building: a colossal mound of rubble and debris. Cuts to Tracy Villa lounge.]
Jeff Tracy: "They couldn't have stood a chance..."
News Reporter: "What you are seeing is the result of this terrifying tragedy. The Empire State Building has crashed into a mountain of rubble. It is no more."
[Pause.]
Ned Cook [on screen]: "Help! Can you hear me? HELP!"
Scott Tracy: "That's Ned Cook's voice!"
Jeff Tracy: "He's still alive!"
News Reporter: [on screen] "One moment, it seems we have a miracle on our hands. That was Ned Cook's voice that we just heard!"
Scott Tracy: "Well, how can anyone be alive under all that lot?"
Alan Tracy: "I dunno, but one thing's for sure: they'll never get him out."
Scott Tracy: "Our equipment could do it, father. We've got to get Thunderbird 2 there right away."
Jeff Tracy: "Scott, you're forgetting: Thunderbird 2 is out of commission. There's nothing we can do."
[Cuts to New York City.]
News Reporter: "Ladies and gentlemen, there will be no more transmissions by this station for the moment. Ned Cook is trapped under the ruins of the Empire State Building, and is in touch with us via his radio microphone. We will be using this channel in order to maintain contact with him."
[Tracy Villa lounge.]
News Reporter [on screen]: "All right, Ned Cook, can you hear me?"
Ned Cook [on screen]: "I can hear you. Just before the building crashed, the ground collapsed beneath our feet, then the building came down on top of us. Don't ask me why we weren't crushed. It was a miracle. We're now sitting in a hollow about ten feet wide. We're not hurt, but I can hear water seeping in from below."
Brains: "O-of course! Th-that's the answer!"
Jeff Tracy: "The answer to what, Brains?"
Brains: "Well, I-I-I've been trying to figure out, why that area should suddenly collapse? U-underground rivers!"
Scott Tracy: "Underground rivers?"
Tin-Tin: "Yes! Brains could be right! Many cities have rivers running beneath them!"
Brains: "I-if there was a river, running under the Empire State Building, an undetected river, th-that could have caused the trouble."
Jeff Tracy: "That means water will continue to seep into the hollow that's protecting Ned Cook. He'll drown."
Scott Tracy: "If only we could get along that river..."
Brains: "That might be possible, w-with Thunderbird 4."
Tin-Tin: "But we can't airlift it to New York without Thunderbird 2."
[Gordon and Virgil enter.]
Gordon Tracy: "Then I'll have to go all the way by sea."
Virgil Tracy: "You'd never make it. Thunderbird 4 is only a scout craft. She's got to be airlifted, somehow."
Gordon Tracy: "I tell you I can make it on my own!"
Jeff Tracy: "Look, Gordon, your suggestion is not only dangerous, it's also highly impractical. Even if you made it, you'd only be in time to attend Ned Cook's funeral. Right now I could get the commander of Sentinel and—"
Virgil Tracy: "That's it! THAT'S IT! The Sentinel, they put us out of action, they can put us back into action!"
Jeff Tracy: "I get the picture, and I like it. Now here's what we do. Scott, take off for New York."
Scott Tracy: "Yes, sir!"
[Scott leaves.]
Jeff Tracy: "Gordon, launch Thunderbird 4 using the emergency procedure, and then proceed to the position where the fleet exercises are going on. I'll contact Washington and arrange for them to pick you up and rush you to New York."
Gordon Tracy: "Yes, sir."
[Gordon exits.]
Virgil Tracy: "Good luck, Gordon. What can I do, Father?"
Jeff Tracy: "Go back to bed."
[Cue Thunderbirds are Go! theme. Cuts to Thunderbird 1 launching; then, back to Tracy Villa lounge. Jeff is on the phone.]
Jeff Tracy: "Thanks, Washington. That will be really great."
Washington: "That's the least we can do, Mr. Tracy."
Jeff Tracy: "Thunderbird 4, this is base, over."
[Scene cuts to Gordon on board Thunderbird 4, zooming down Thunderbird 2's runway.]
Jeff Tracy: "That's right Gordon. The Sentinel will pick you up and transport you and Thunderbird 4 to New York as fast as they know how."
Gordon Tracy: "F.A.B.!"
[Thunderbird 4 dives into the ocean. Scene cuts to Thunderbird 1.]
Scott Tracy: "This is Thunderbird 1 of International Rescue calling New York. Come in, Empire State Site Control."
[Scene cuts to police van in New York.]
Policeman: "Site Control to Thunderbird 1. Boy, are we glad you guys are around."
Scott Tracy: "Is there any news of the trapped men?"
Policeman: "Well, we've drilled a pilot-hole to supply them with air, lighting and food. The trouble is the water level is rising."
Scott Tracy: "Now listen carefully. I want the entire area cleared."
Policeman: "Already done, pal. This site is unsafe. Could give way any time."
Scott Tracy: "Right. I'll be arriving in under thirty minutes. I'll need detailed plans of the underground river systems.
[Scene cuts to Thunderbird 4 being hoisted on board the Sentinel.]
Gordon Tracy: "Thunderbird 1 from Thunderbird 4. I have made contact with Sentinel. I'm being taken aboard."
Scott Tracy: "F.A.B. What is your estimated time of arrival at danger zone?"
Gordon Tracy: "Twenty-four hours, I'm afraid."
Scott Tracy: "OK, Gordon. Do the best you can."
[Scene cuts to police van.]
Policeman: "I never knew thirty minutes was such a long time."
Second Policeman: "Yeah, it sure does drag. Hey... can you hear something? It's them! International Rescue."
[Briefly cuts to Thunderbird 1's wings opening, before cutting back to the crash site.]
'Second Policeman: [through megaphone, off-camera]: "This is New York City Police. This area is dangerous due to earth subsidence. Keep clear. Keep clear."
[Scene cuts to Thunderbird 1 landing, then to Tracy Island. Brains is studying a map.]
Brains: "I've been studying Manhattan Island, Mr. Tracy. Its base is solid rock. Now, underground streams do exist. But they've never been considered a threat."
Jeff Tracy: "Does that wash out your underground river theory?"
Brains: "No, it's possible that over the last hundred years, the minor streams have eaten away the rock until they've become rivers."
Jeff Tracy: "What are you getting at, Brains?"
Brains: "Well, no recent surveys have been carried out. It's gonna be a difficult task to locate the river."
Jeff Tracy: "I see. Already, it's touch and go whether Thunderbird 4 can arrive on time. And now the rescue could be delayed even further..."
[Scott's portrait beeps repeatedly.]
Jeff Tracy: "Go ahead, Scott."
[Connected.]
Scott Tracy [on screen]: "OK, Father, I'm here, and I'm set up. Now here's the situation: Ned Cook and his cameraman are still alive. We can get food down to them, but the water is rising. Now, according to our calculations, they'll be under around the same time as Gordon arrives."
Jeff Tracy: "Right, Scott. Here's what you do. Pass breathing apparatuses down to them and keep them alive till Thunderbird 4 gets there."
[Scene cuts to the hollow where Ned and Joe are. They both look down. There is a medium-sized hole, where water is filling in from. Scene fades out.]
Part 4
[Scene fades back into the rescue site. It is evening in New York. Scott is at the Mobile Control unit.]
Scott Tracy: "Hello, Ned. How are you feeling? Now, whatever happens, you stay with it."
Ned Cook: "That's easy to say, buddy. But it's been nine hours since you got on the scene."
Scott Tracy: "I know, Ned. We're doing all we can."
Ned Cook: "Sure... I'm sorry. Guess this hanging around is getting me. We're so helpless. And the cold..."
[Rescue site. Scott has his frown expression on.]
Ned Cook: [on radio]: "the water is freezing."
Scott Tracy: "Is it still rising?"
[Hollow.]
Ned Tracy: "Yeah... it's coming up faster now. At this rate, we have less than ten hours. We'll be under around 10 AM."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "New York to Sentinel. What is your ETA?"
[Scene cuts to Sentinel bridge. Gordon is there.]
Gordon Tracy: "We calculate 10:05 AM, Scott."
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "Well that uh.... that's gonna leave things pretty tight. Can you get more speed?"
Sentinel Commander: "Afraid not. We're at maximum speed now."
Gordon Tracy: "Answer negative, Scott. Ten hours to New York it is."
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "OK, Gordon. I guess there's nothing we can do about it."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy [to Policeman]: "Say, how about that breathing gear?"
Policeman: "We located some units at the Navy yard. They're on their way."
Scott Tracy: "Well, that's something...."
[Scene cuts to Ned and Joe, who are shivering. Several hours have passed. Ned's watch shows 3:10 am.]
Joe: "The water's rising faster, Ned. We're not gonna drown, are we?"
Ned Cook: "Hold on, Joe. Those rescue guys, they know what they're doing. They'll get us out."
Scott Tracy: [on radio]: "Any increase in the rate of level, Ned?"
Ned Cook: "Yeah... we'll be under by nine o'clock."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "Dang! That means Gordon's gonna arrive one hour too late."
Policeman: "Johnson is sending down the breathing gear now."
Scott Tracy: "And what capacity are the air tanks?
Policeman: "Two hours supply."
Scott Tracy: "The safety time is cut to only one hour then. And that allows for no set-backs."
[Scene cuts to the bridge of the Sentinel. The clock shows 5:00 am.]
Gordon Tracy: "Five more hours. Is there no way we can get more speed?"
Sentinel Commander: "Afraid not. We're tearing the motors apart now."
[Rescue site. It's night-time.]
Ned Cook: "Hey... the water is coming up faster still. I reckon we've got two hours left."
[Rescue site.]
Ned Cook [on radio]: "Just two short hours."
Scott Tracy: "That means you'll have to wear your breathing gear for the last two hours."
Ned Tracy: "You're sure cutting things fine. It's not gonna leave much air in our tanks."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "I know. But we can still do it. And we're gonna do it, O.K.?"
[Some time later. The water is up to Ned and Joe's necks.]
Ned Cook: "We'll have to use the air soon. Or we'll drown."
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "Hold on as long as you can."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "The last atom of air in those tanks could mean the difference between life and death."
Ned Cook: "Joe's in a bad way. This freezing water is getting him. We can't hold on. The water is up to our mouths. We'll have to... *blub-blub*..."
Scott Tracy [camera zooms in on him]: "The MASKS! PUT THE MASKS ON! ... Ned, can you hear me? Are you O.K.? Ned, come in!"
[Hollow.]
Ned Cook: "It's O.K., we've got the gear on. Now, we've got to sit here and wait for our air to run out."
[Scene cuts to the bridge of the Sentinel. Dawn is just breaking...]
Gordon Tracy: "We're slowing down. What's wrong?"
Sentinel Commander: "Well, we're approaching coastal limits. The Hudson and East Rivers are crammed with shipping. We can't possibly go any farther at maximum speed."
Gordon Tracy: "Well, wouldn't it be quicker in Thunderbird 4? Under the shipping?"
Sentinel Commander: "Much quicker."
Gordon Tracy: "Okay, I'll take it from here."
[Scene cuts to rescue site. It is morning.]
Gordon Tracy [on radio]: "Sentinel to Mobile Control. Approaching New York. I am returning to Thunderbird 4."
Scott Tracy: "F.A.B. Gordon. When is your ETA now?"
Gordon Tracy [on radio]: "I'll be near danger zone in twenty minutes."
[Sentinel bridge.]
Gordon Tracy: "Hope I can find that river mouth."
Scott Tracy: [on radio]: "So do I. In twenty minutes, Ned and Joe run out of air."
[Cue The Rescue of Ned Cook theme. Cuts to Thunderbird 4 being lowered into the water, and heading towards the underground river.]
Gordon Tracy: "Mobile Control from Thunderbird 4..."
[Rescue site.]
Gordon Tracy [on radio]: "...moving towards East River estuary now."
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 4's on its way, Ned. How's the air going?"
[Hollow.]
Ned Cook: "Too fast for my liking. Can your buddy get here in that time?"
Scott Tracy: "Yep, he can make it. [to himself...] He's gotta make it..."
[Thunderbird 4]
Scott Tracy: [on radio]: "Any luck, Gordon?"
Gordon Tracy: "Negative. No sign of an entrance. [Bleeping.] Hey wait, I've picked up something. I think I've got it."
Scott Tracy: "He's still gotta navigate that underground river and he'll never reach him in time. [turns to microphone.] Ned, you've got to find that underground river from your end. That water is flooding in from some hole."
[Hollow.]
'Scott Tracy: [on radio]: "You find it, Thunderbird 4 is on its way."
Ned Cook: "I'm not sure if Joe can make it."
Scott Tracy: [on radio] "Well, he's got to make it."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "Snap him out of it. Swim around and find that entrance."
[Cuts to Thunderbird 4, heading towards the hole.]
Gordon Tracy: "I've found it, Scott. I'm moving upstream. So far, we're in luck. It's big enough for navigation."
[Cuts to Ned and Joe swimming.]
Scott Tracy: [on radio]: "Keep at it Ned, Thunderbird 4 is on its way."
[Rescue site.]
Second Policeman: "Sir, there's a message that's just come in from Central Control. It's pretty serious, I'm afraid."
Scott Tracy: "Well, things couldn't be much worse than they are now. What's their problem?"
Second Policeman: "The land subsidence is spreading. It looks like the Fulmer Finance Building is in danger now. It could go over, as well."
Scott Tracy: "Fulmer Finance?! And which building is that??"
Second Policeman: [looking towards it] "That one."
[Scott looks to his right. Scene cuts to a large building, standing directly over where the Empire State Building collapsed.]
Second Policeman: "Lucky everybody was evacuated from that area."
Scott Tracy: "Well, that's not the point. That building is going to collapse right on top of that rescue hole and it's going to start a tidal current that will hit those guys like an avalanche!"
[Scene cuts to the building falling apart. The ground outside the entrance begins to crack, and debris falls down. it suddenly slumps slightly to its right. Scene cuts to Thunderbird 4 navigating, and then back to New York]
Garner: "Tell International Rescue they got about two and one half minutes before that building goes over. The geologists reckon that after that, anything can happen!"
Second Policeman: "Thanks, Garner. [to Scott] I guess you heard that."
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 4 from rescue control, Gordon, do you hear me?"
[Thunderbird 4.]
Gordon Tracy: "Loud and clear, Scott. No sign of these fellows as yet."
Scott Tracy: "Gordon, now listen! You've got to locate them within the next two minutes!"
[Thunderbird 4.]
Scott Tracy [on radio]: "There's another building up here that's gonna collapse!"
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "And the impact could cave in the whole area where those guys are swimming!"
[Thunderbird 4.]
Gordon Tracy: " I tell you what Scott, leave the frequency open and they can try to guide me to them. I wonder where the heck they are!"
[Cuts to Joe looking unconscious on the river bed, and Ned swimming towards him.]
Ned Cook: "The air level gauge reads empty, and Joe's in a bad way."
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "Don't panic. There's probably still some air left in those tanks."
[Ned looks up while touching Joe, and sounding out of breath.]
Ned Cook: "We've found it! There's just enough room to get through. Come on Joe, swim!" [He helps Joe through the hole.]
[Cuts to building falling apart again.]
Second Policeman: "That tower's gonna give any moment!"
[Scene cuts to the Fulmer Finance Building exterior entrance. The ground has cracked more, and the car parked outside has partially sunk into it.]
Second Policeman: "Boy. I wouldn't like to be under that baby when she goes over..."
[Scott at mobile control]
Scott Tracy: "Hey Gordon, any signal from them yet?"
[Thunderbird 4.]
Gordon Tracy: "'Afraid not, Scott!"
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "Well keep going! We've got to find them!"
[Cut to Thunderbird 4, floating towards a wall of rock.]
Gordon Tracy: "I've come to a wall of rock. It's a dead end. Er, hold it. No. It's a sharp bend. The tunnel goes off to the right."
[Cuts to Ned and Joe, who are struggling to breathe, and collapse to the floor.]
[Thunderbird 4.]
Gordon Tracy: "They're close. If only they can hang on just a few more seconds...!"
[Cuts to Ned, lifting his head up.]
Scott Tracy [on radio]: Ned, you've gotta keep going. Search for Thunderbird 4's beacon. Look out for a beacon. Ned, Joe, swim!"
[Up above, we see Thunderbird 4 coming towards them with its bright lights on, and then it cuts back to Ned.]
Ned Cook: "Joe, they, they've found us. Joe, c-come on. We've gotta swim."
[Cuts to Gordon, who is listening to Ned on the radio.]
Ned Cook [on radio]: "Swim Joe! C-Come on! Swim!"
Gordon Tracy [standing up now, at his controls]: "I can't see them Scott! I can't see them!"
[Cuts to the Fulmer Finance Building slumping, and back to Ned and Joe, and then back to Gordon. He sees Ned and Joe, coming around a corner.]
Gordon Tracy: "OK. I've got them. Ned, this is Thunderbird 4. I'm opening hatch. Swim into hatch!"
[Cuts to Ned and Joe swimming in to Thunderbird 4. Cue destruction theme. The Fulmer Finance Building has slumped to its right even more now...]
[Thunderbird 4.]
Gordon Tracy: "I've got them, Scott! THEY'VE MADE IT!"
[Rescue site.]
Scott Tracy: "Right, now beat it, Gordon! Get the heck outta there!"
[Scene cuts to the previous large shot of the rescue site and Fulmer Finance Building. Scott continues to watch. The ground around the building cracks more, the car seen before falls into the fissure, and the building slumps yet again...]
Scott Tracy: "GORDON! [camera zooming in on his face] SHE'S FALLING!!"
[Scene cuts to building. Only moment left now...]
Scott Tracy [to both policemen]: "DOWN!!!"
[Scott and the policemen take cover, just as the Fulmer Finance Building finally collapses over the remains of the Empire State Building. Scene cuts to Thunderbird 4 reversing while debris falls around it; then... to a television theatre. A fanfare sounds and the curtain opens, revealing a large sign that reads The Ned Cook Show. Camera pans over to a compere...]
Compere: "Good evening, and welcome once again to The Ned Cook Show. As you know, Ned has not missed a performance in the last 167 weeks. A few days ago, Ned was involved, with his cameraman, in a disaster from which there seemed no escape. But, true to his unique record, Ned is here tonight. Ladies and gentlemen: Ned Cook!"
[Cheers greet Ned as he comes on stage, He has two plasters on his face and is sitting in a wheelchair.]
Ned Cook: "Thank you. Thank you, friends. As you see, I made the show. And what a show we have for you tonight. But first, I have one very important thing to say. My cameraman and I are only alive today because of the unselfish action of an organization that is dedicated to its chosen task of rescuing people who normally would certainly die. I refer to International Rescue. I'm going to take this opportunity to thank the people behind that great organization. No-one knows who they are, or where they come from. But come they do, and help they bring. I only hope that somehow, my words will reach those gallant people...
[Scene suddenly cuts to the very back of the audience... where, unknown to anyone, the International Rescue team is present. Camera pans from left to right — revealing Gordon, Alan, Tin-Tin, Scott, Virgil, Brains, Grandma and Jeff — as Ned says his final line...]
Ned Cook: International Rescue, on behalf of Joe and myself, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
[The crowd cheers and applauds. Cue orchestral crescendo. At the optimum of it, camera zooms in on Ned; and the scene fades out.]