{Cue Zero-X theme: Zero-X's hangar appears, zooms out and the door slides down}
Commander Casey (over PA): "This is Assembly Control calling all Zero-X units. Assembly phase 1... go!"
{Zero-X's hangar slides backwards, revealing Zero-X's main body.}
Commander Casey (over PA): "This is Assembly Control. Clear launch apron. Zero-X moving into position."
{Zero-X moves up the tarmac a bit then comes to a stop.}
Commander Casey (over PA): "This is Assembly Control. Radio-controlled lifting body 2 about to take up position. All fuel tankers should now retire to dispersal area. Repeat: all fuel tankers should now retire to dispersal area."
{Lifting body 2 moves up the tarmac a little then turns 90° anti-clockwise, meanwhile Zero-X is lifted up by six support stanchions; four under the fuselage and two under the back engine part.}
Commander Casey: "Weather conditions for take-off remain at go. All take-off beacons are transmitting normally."
{Lifting body 2 comes to a halt under Zero-X's back engines then the six support stanchions lower until Zero-X is locked together with lifting body 2.}
{The six support stanchions start to move underground.}
{The overhead rail for lifting body 1 is extended out its hangar and at the very end of the rail, some of it comes down onto the ground forming a 90° angle.}
Commander Casey: "Lifting body 2 reports all systems are go. Propellant temperatures are normal. Locked and checked and fully operational. Radio-controlled lifting body 1 about to take up launch position."
{Lifting body 1 starts to come out of its hangar on a rail-like object attached underneath another overhead rail that is much thicker and after a while it turns 90° clockwise so it can join up correctly with Zero-X.}
Commander Casey: "This is assembly control calling all Zero-X units. Fuel temperatures are correct. All pre-start lights are green. All radio readings are go. Countdown continues."
{Lifting body 1 is then lowered on top of the main body at the very front and is locked together with Zero-X and the overhead rail starts going back to lifting body 1's hangar.}
Commander Casey: "This is assembly control. The Zero-X Martian Excursion Vehicle will be joining the main ship at zero minus five."
{The end of lifting body 1's wings that contain the undercarriage underneath the booster jet engine fold down 90°.}
Commander Casey: "Phase 1 now completed. This is Assembly Control, closing down."
{Commander Casey presses a button on his control desk that reads [DOWN]. His control desk along with the chair he is sitting on leaves the control room and heads down to the control tower stand-by room. When he has reached the control tower stand-by room, he presses another button on his control desk.}
Commander Casey: "Doctor Grant? Doctor Pierce? Can you hear me?"
Doctor Tony Grant: {nodding his head} "Loud and clear."
Commander Casey: "Paul, Greg, Brad. Now this is a tough assignment. But if this mission is successful {Camera pans from Paul to Greg to Brad as he speaks.} you will be the first men to land on Mars. This project has been the most costly yet devised by men. However, the safety of the crew and passengers still takes top priority. Now is that clearly understood? {Short pause} Captain Paul Travers?"
Captain Paul Travers: "Yes, sir."
Commander Casey: "Space Captain Greg Martin?"
Space Captain Greg Martin: "Yes, sir."
Commander Casey: "Space Navigator Brad Newman?"
Space Navigator Brad Newman: "Yes, sir."
{Martian excursion passenger ar.}
Commander Casey: "Doctor Grant?"
Doctor Tony Grant: "Yes, sir."
Commander Casey: "Doctor Pierce?"
Doctor Ray Pierce: "Yes, sir."
{Central Control.}
Commander Casey: "Okay. Away you go, and good luck."
Captain Paul Travers: {to Commander Casey}:"Thank you, sir." {To the crew members} "Right, this is it."
{Captain Paul Travers presses a button on his seat with his foot that turns his seat 180° clockwise, Space Captain Greg Martin's seat 180° anti-clockwise and Space Navigator Brad Newman's seat about 150° clockwise. All three pilots, along with some flight controls that are in-between Paul and Greg and in front of Brad, go down a corridor to the Martian excursion vehicle and doors close behind them. Cue Zero-X theme. They go into the Martian Excursion vehicle's cockpit, with more doors sealing behind them and the Two access bridges parallel to the MEV start to swing backwards. Inside the Martian excursion vehicle's cockpit is Captain Paul Travers and Space Captain Greg Martin, sitting opposite each other, and Space Navigator Brad Newman is sitting behind Space Captain Greg Martin. In an adjacent room to the left are Doctors Ray Pierce and Tony Grant who are sitting next to each other. The Martian excursion vehicle is lowered down to the ground from the side of the Glenn Field Spaceport main building while a green light above the Martian excursion vehicle flashes. Two access bridges previously parallel to the MEV continues swing back, so they become parallel to the launch building. The Martian excursion vehicle moves up the tarmac a little, turns anti-clockwise 90°, then starts reversing backwards towards Zero-X. The Martian excursion vehicle starts slides up the front of Zero-X to conjoin with the craft. A gantry ascends from underground holding a heatproof nose cone. The heatproof nose cone slides back on its gantry and electromagnetically locks into position over the front of the Martian excursion vehicle.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Take-off lighting."
{A light comes on inside the Martian excursion vehicle. The gantry for the heatproof nose cone slides backwards.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Here we go."
{Captain Paul Travers switches the Zero-X engine on by pressing a button to his left that is off-screen.}
Commander Casey: "This is Central Control. Ignition: 18 seconds. This is Central Control, out."
{Zero-X's engines hum. A countdown from nine to one appears on a computer screen in a control tower room. Exhaust fuel comes out of Zero-X's engines during ignition. Exhaust fuel then comes out of Zero-X's chemical rocket engines at the back of the craft. Zero-X starts moving up the runway then lifts up slowly.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Central control from Zero-X. Height: 20,000 feet. Air speed: Mach 1." {To Space Navigator Brad Newman} "Commence chemical engine countdown on green light."
Brad Newman: "Roger."
{Inside the fuselage of Zero-X is The Hood in disguise , wearing some engineering clothes and an old-fashioned pilot's flying helmet with some goggles on it. He stands up, preparing to take some photo's of Zero-X's wing mechanism.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Check trim."
Greg Martin: "Roger."
{The elevator control hydraulic starts to move, and, unfortunately, The Hood gets his right foot caught in it, dropping his camera in the process.}
Bad guy: "Agh! Agh!"
{He removes his face, which is really a mask. It's the Hood! He has a disgruntled look on his face. He tries getting his jammed shoe out of the elevator control hydraulic, but with no success.}
Greg Martin: "Elevator control's jammed."
Captain Paul Travers: "Jammed?"
{Wing compartment.}
The Hood: "Agh!"
{The Hood has no choice but to take his foot out of the jammed shoe and be shoeless on his right foot. Zero-X suddenly begins to go into a rapid descent and lose altitude.}
Captain Paul Travers: {To the Zero-X crew members} "We're going out of control!" {To Central Control} "Base, this is Zero-X, our control system is jammed! Nose is dropping. Ejecting nose cone!"
{Captain Paul Travers presses a button to his left that is off-screen and the heatproof nose cone shoots off the front of Zero-X. The Hood, with blood staining on his white sock, has started to crawl away from the elevator control hydraulic in a prone posture face downwards, leaving his mask behind.}
Commander Casey: "Zero-X control, what is your speed and rate of descent?"
Greg Martin: "Rate of descent: 3,000 feet a minute. Air speed: Mach 1.4."
{Commander Casey turns his control desk and the chair he is sitting on 90° anti-clockwise and presses a button on the right side of his control desk with his right hand. An air traffic control system monitoring Zero-X comes up on a computer screen on a wall.}
Commander Casey: "This is Central Control. Air-sea rescue units, immediate launch! Vector: 276 magnetic. Range: 172 miles."
{Two yellow air-sea rescue helicopters take off. Four air-sea rescue jets (silver but with different coloured tails (red, green, blue and yellow)) take off. Zero-X continues its rapid descent.}
{Zero-X wing compartment. The Hood continues crawling, his bloodied foot visible. He opens a hatch and drops down from it.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Central Control, this is Captain Travers. We are still unable to free the control system. I' m ordering to eject. Repeat: eject!"
Commander Casey: {On radio.} "Roger, Zero-X. Do not eject until you are at 1000 feet. Air sea rescue is on its way."
{Scene cuts to show the jets flying at high speed, then an aircraft carrier, and then back to Zero-X.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Flight deck to escape unit. Everyone ready, Greg?"
{Escape unit. Space Captain Greg Martin, Space Navigator Brad Newman, Doctors, Ray Pierce and Tony Grant are all there.}
Greg Martin: "OK Paul. All in position."
Captain Paul Travers: "OK Greg. Coming back now."
{He presses a button to his left and his seat moves automatically into the escape unit. It clips in. The door closes shut. Zero-X continues to crash-dive.}
{Escape unit. Captain Paul Travers has his hand on a lever. A meter shows the present height. 1500ft... 1250ft...}
Captain Paul Travers: "Stand by."
{Zero-X still descends. The scene shows the empty flight deck, where a distinct stutter can be heard as the engines shut down.}
{Escape unit. The meter moves from 1250ft to 1000ft.}
Captain Paul Travers: "Here we go!!" {Pulls a lever.}
{We hear an explosive sort of noise. The escape unit blasts out of Zero X, which continues nose-diving. The scene alternates between the cockpit stuttering and the Zero-X exterior, before finally crashing into the ocean and exploding in a blazing fire. The escape unit then appears slowly descending with a parachute attached. It lands softly in the ocean and sloshes around. Then the screen fades out.}
2 years later
{The scene fades back into the Space Exploration Centre. The administrators are distinctly conversing before the President addresses them.}
Space Colonel Harris: "Gentlemen." {Babble dies down.} "You've now had time to study the very fine report that has been produced by our aviation investigators. We at the Martian Exploration Centre wish to thank those concerned for their untiring efforts in this direction. Although the report runs to 862 pages, and meticulously describes every happening that led up to the crash twenty-four months ago, the conclusion is all too simple: sabotage." {Pauses.} "Now before we progress further with this meeting, I would ask you for a vote of confidence in the findings of this very fine report."
{Scene shows two real life human hands pressing the For button. The president looks at the voting board. All men vote [FOR]. A green light shines.}
Space Colonel Harris: "Thank you gentlemen, for your unanimous support. Twenty-four months have now elapsed since the tragic crash of the Zero-X, and in eight weeks time Earth will once again be in a suitable position in relation to Mars to make the second attempt. Can I take that I have your approval for this too?"
{Again, the two human hands show pressing For. Several vote For. Then one presses Against. The camera zooms in on it. The camera then pans along the table from the President, over the other men and focuses on one of them near the other end.}
Angry Young Man: "I think our security arrangements are inadequate, and would suggest that we ask International Rescue to be present at the next launching."
Space Colonel Harris: {Standing up, irritated.} "Are you suggesting, sir, that we are incapable of handling our own security arrangements?"
Angry Young Man [O.C.]: "I have 862 pages here, sir, which say just that."
{A lot of arguing breaks out. The camera zooms on the black area in the centre of the conference table. Then it opens to a long shot view of Tracy Island. Scene transitions to the swimming pool, then pans round to the exterior of the luxurious Tracy Villa. Scene then shows a newspaper headline reading "WORLD WAITS" with a picture of the Zero-X craft, then it drops to show Scott, Virgil, Alan and Gordon Tracy looking at their father Jeff.}
Scott Tracy: "Well, father?"
Alan Tracy: "Take-off is scheduled for tomorrow morning."
Virgil Tracy: "You'll have to make a decision soon, dad."
Gordon Tracy: "Even if it's no."
Jeff Tracy: {In thought.} "This is a tough one. I know how you boys feel. I guess you're raring to go. But as you know we have a strict rule here: no International Rescue craft is launched unless someone is in grave danger. Right?"
Scott Tracy: {In agreement.} "Right."
Alan Tracy: "Guess so, dad."
Virgil Tracy: "That's the way it's always been."
Gordon Tracy: "Guess you're right, dad."
Jeff Tracy: "Yeah... However, rules were made to be broken. Now this is what we do." {To Scott.} "Scott?"
Scott Tracy: "Yes sir?"
Jeff Tracy: "Launch Thunderbird 1, proceed to Glenn Field and stand by there for the take-off of Zero-X."
Scott Tracy: "Yes sir!"
{Scott walks off.}
Jeff Tracy: "Virgil, launch Thunderbird 2 and follow Scott to Glenn Field. When Zero-X takes off, escort it through the atmosphere on the first part of its journey."
Virgil Tracy: "Yes sir!"
{Virgil walks off.}
Alan Tracy: "Father, can I-"
Jeff Tracy: {interrupting} "Yes you can. Launch Thunderbird 3 and orbit the Earth until Zero-X has established its course to Mars."
Alan Tracy: "Gee, thanks dad!"
Gordon Tracy: {Standing up.} "What about me, father?"
Jeff Tracy: "Well it's unlikely that you'll be needed, but you'd better be ready, in case."
Gordon Tracy: {Glumly.} "Yes, sir."
Jeff Tracy: "OK boys: Thunderbirds are GO!"
{The Thunderbirds theme starts playing.) [Movie version]
Shot of Scott at the painting with the two wall lights, turning around to go to Thunderbird 1.
Shot of Virgil getting tipped onto his back, into the chute which takes him to Thunderbird 2.
Shot of Alan on the settee being lowered into the ground, onto the track which takes him to Thunderbird 3.
Meanwhile, back in the living room, the replacement couch rises up, with Gordon watching it.}
{Thunderbird 1 has trundled to the firing position. Cut to inside the cockpit.}
Scott: (Into radio transmitter) "Thunderbird 1, ready to go."
{Cut to Tracy villa, Jeff's desk.}
Jeff Tracy: "OK, Scott. Clear to go. Good luck."
{Back to Thunderbird 1.}
Scott: "Thanks, father." (He pulls the right Omni-purpose lever back, and Thunderbird 1 takes flight.)
{Shot of Thunderbird 3 igniting and flying off into space.
Shot of Thunderbird 2 trundling out to its launch deck, raising up into launch position and taking flight. Cut to Cliff House balcony, with Gordon looking somewhat sad. Scene cuts to inside.}
Tin-Tin: "Well, you made your decision, Mr Tracy."
Jeff Tracy: "Yes, I only hope it was the right one."
Tin-Tin: "Well, I suppose now that the boys are going to be at the launching of the Zero-X, the safety of the crew is assured, but what about the saboteurs, do you think they will strike again?"
Jeff Tracy: "Say, what's the time, Tin-Tin?"
Tin-Tin: "Time? Just about 11 o'clock, Mr Tracy."
Jeff Tracy: "That makes it about 4pm in England - teatime."
Tin-Tin: "I don't understand, Mr. Tracy."
Jeff Tracy: "Well, those saboteurs you were talking about... if they do strike again, I know just the person to take care of them!"
{The camera moves to the picture of Lady Penelope near Jeff's desk.
Shot of the outside of Creighton-Ward Manor, and back to Lady Penelope's sitting room; herself is sitting down, wearing something you might see at the races. Parker is standing at the door, in his butler's garb.}
Parker: "Will that be all, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Thank you, Parker. That will be all."
Parker: "Very good, m'lady."
(He leaves, camera focuses on Lady Penelope. She pours herself some tea (human hand doing it), when the pot starts making an electronic beeping noise. The other human hand turns the decorative knob on top.)
Lady Penelope: "International Rescue, Lady Penelope speaking."
Jeff Tracy: "Hi, Penny. Well, I've made my decision. We're gonna oversee the Zero-X launch. (Cut to his office) Thunderbirds 1, 2 and 3 are on their way. I want you to go to the States immediately, and ensure that there's no sabotage attempt this time."
Lady Penelope: "F.A.B., Jeff. I'll fly over with FAB 1 right away. Now, I'll need to move around there freely on this type of assignment. Can you pull a few strings your end to see that I get the necessary passes?"
Jeff Tracy: "Will do, Penny. There's a big press-conference tomorrow evening. You'll be representing a British magazine."
Lady Penelope: "F.A.B., Jeff." (She stands up and pulls on a bell cord. We hear a bell ringing. Cut to a shot of Parker's duty room, with four bells at the top, each labelled with a different room (Library, Entrance Hall, Sitting Room and another room), with the Sitting Room bell ringing. Back over in Sitting Room. The doors open. It's Parker.)
Parker: "You rang, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Yes, Parker. Get out the Rolls Royce. I'll call the airport. We're taking off for America with FAB 1 immediately."
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control, you are clear to land."
Virgil Tracy: "Mobile Control from Thunderbird 2, F.A.B."
Scott Tracy: "Well, I guess we're all set. By tomorrow morning, Thunderbird 3 will be in the correct orbital position to keep an eye on the launch pad, and we've got all our gear here."
Commander Casey: "Thanks. I guess that's all we can do for the moment. Erm... see you at the press conference tonight."
Scott Tracy: "No, Thanks. As far as we're concerned, the only good publicity is no publicity."
Press Officer: "And in conclusion, as I always say, the only bad publicity is no publicity. So, have a good conference, but please be brief. Our astronauts can only spare you half an hour, because as I'm sure you are aware, they have a very busy schedule ahead of them tomorrow."
Lady Penelope: "Captain Paul Travers?"
Paul Travers: "Yes, ma'am?"
Lady Penelope: "I'm Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward, representing the Universal Mirror. First question: tell me, what do you find the most frightening, your ordeal at this press conference, or your flight tomorrow in Zero-X?"
Paul Travers: "Ha! Without question, this press conference, ma'am."
Lady Penelope: "Thank you, Captain Travers. Now, I'm sending a messenger over with a small Saint Christopher, specially struck for the occasion by the University Mirror. I would like to tell my readers that you'll be wearing it during the flight."
Paul Travers: "It'll be a pleasure, Lady Penelope."
Lady Penelope: "That's very kind of you. Well, it looks as if my time is up. Best of luck for tomorrow."
Paul Travers: "Captain Paul Travers."
Messenger: "Package from Lady Penelope, Universal Mirror, sir."
Paul Travers: "Right.... There'll be three crew, and two scientists.... Right.... Right again...! Yep, at 1400 hours tomorrow.... That's right, six weeks and two days.... I'm afraid I can't answer that question.... I'm afraid you'll have to refer that question to the P.R.O.... Why, sure. We'll do anything to help a friend. I've got a feeling that the take-off tomorrow is gonna be just fine."
{The Zero-X hangars appear just as in the start, Cuts to Thunderbirds 1 and 2 landed and camera turns to the Spaceport main building}
Commander Casey: "Sixty minutes to liftoff. Commence Zero-X pre-flight assembly."
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control. Are you ready, Virgil?"
Virgil Tracy: "Standing by, Scott."
Scott Tracy: "Mobile Control calling Thunderbird 3."
Alan Tracy: "OK, Scott. In orbit. I should be able to see Zero-X as it leaves the Earth's atmosphere. Unless liftoff time is altered."
Scott Tracy: "F.A.B., Alan."
Parker: "Now, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Now, Parker."
Parker: "Channel 1, m'lady."
Lady Penelope: "Good. That's alright then."
Parker: "Channel 2, m'lady."
Commander Casey: "Clear launch apron. Zero-X moving to position."
Parker: "Channel 5, m'lady."
Lady Penelope: "Thank you, Parker. Trouble, Parker!"
Parker: "I thought it was too good to be true, m'lady."
Lady Penelope: "Lady Penelope calling Scott, Mobile Control."
Scott Tracy: "What's the trouble, Lady Penelope?"
Lady Penelope: "Number 5, negative."
Scott Tracy: "OK, Penelope, here's what we do. Now, whatever happens, the countdown must continue, otherwise we miss the rendezvous with Thunderbird 3 in space. I'll attend to Number 5. Meanwhile, locate Dr Grant."
Lady Penelope: "F.A.B."
Commander Casey: "This is Assembly Control. Radio-controlled Lifting Body 2 about to take up position."
{Scott goes in the MEV passenger unit check on Dr Pierce and Grant}
Scott Tracy: "Everybody OK?"
Dr Pierce: "Yeah. Yeah, fine. Everything's just fine."
Scott Tracy: "How about you, Dr Grant? Are you OK? Keep quite still, Doctor... there's something wrong with your... face!"
[Scott umasks the fake Dr. Grant, who is actually The Hood!,
Dr Pierce: "He's got a gun!"
{The Hood jumps up to the doorway and points his gun at Scott, Scott puts his hands up}
The Hood: "I should allow yourself 10 seconds before coming through this door after me. Otherwise, you might get your head blown off!"
{The door shuts}
Parker: "I think I've located Number 5, m'lady."
Lady Penelope: "That's him, Parker."
Scott Tracy: "Well done, Penelope. Number 5 was a phoney alright. But he's got away, you'd better take care of him."
Lady Penelope: "Right, Scott, leave it to me. But before I go, you'll find the real Dr Grant on a bearing of 174, and a range of 1,204 yards from my present position."
Scott Tracy: "F.A.B."
{The Hood leaves in a blue motorcar}
Parker: "I can see the gentleman in question ahead, m'lady. He's just leaving the control tower in a motorcar."
Lady Penelope: "Right, Parker. Away we go."
{FAB 1 drives away}
[Cuts to Spaceport main building]
Scott Tracy: "You'll find the real Dr Grant somewhere in this building here."
Commander Casey: "Airport Police, this is Assembly Control. Searcg the Missile Store, Block F immediately, locate the whereabouts of Dr Grant. We don't know his condition, but providing he's OK, bring him over to Central Control immediately."
Airport Police: "Roger, Control."
Commander Casey: "Say, how do you know all this?"
Scott Tracy: "A pretty little bird told me."
{Cuts to road}
Parker: "He's got a good start on us, m'lady."
Lady Penelope: "Yes, I can see him down below. My guess is he's making for that motorboat by the jetty."
{Scene cuts to MEV]
Scott Tracy: "How are you feeling, Dr Grant?"
Dr Grant: "Just fine. There was no violence, he just told me at gunpoint, tied me up, and locked me in the Missile Store. Guess it's another sabotage attempt. What beats me is how you knew where I was."
Scott Tracy: "Well, all you need to know right now is that everything is OK. The launch is taking place as per schedule."
Dr Grant: "OK, sir. So much for the good luck charm given to me by Lady Penelope!"
[Dr Grant throws the charm on the floor]
Parker: "Safety belts on, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Safety belts on, Parker."
Parker: "Lowering hydrofoils now, m'lady."
The Hood: "I don't believe it! I don't believe it!"
Paul Travers: "Take-off lighting."
Parker: "It looks as if an accomplice is waiting to pick him up in that 'elicopter, m'lady."
Parker: "It's a harmy 'elicopter, m'lady, and no doubt it's heavily armed."
Lady Penelope: "Well, let's hope they attack, Parker. Then we may have an opportunity to shoot it down."
Scott Tracy: "Mobile Control to Thunderbird 2. Launching under way. You'd better lift off yourself."
Virgil Tracy: "Thunderbird 2, F.A.B."
Lady Penelope: "Stand by to take evasive action, Parker."
Parker: "Yes, m'lady."
Parker: "Now, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Now, Parker."
[A machine gun appears outside the grill]
Parker: "Just a little bit over to the right, old son.... Thank you very much."
[Parker turns the machine gun and fires, It hits the helicopter causing it to crash into the sea]
Lady Penelope: "I don't think there's much point in looking for survivors, Parker."
Parker: "No, m'lady. Look, m'lady! Look!"
Lady Penelope: "What a magnificent sight."
[Scene cuts to Zero-X]
Paul Travers: "Central Control from Zero-X. Lift-off A-OK. Airspeed Mach 1.2, rate of ascent 3,000 feet per minute. All systems are go."
Greg Martin: "Hight 50,000 feet. Mach 2.8."
Virgil Tracy: "Mobile Control from Thunderbird 2. I'm returning to base. Zero-X is entering rarified atmosphere, and she's doing fine. In a few minutes, it'll be over to Alan."
Scott Tracy: "OK, Thunderbird 2. Thunderbird 3, can you hear me?"
Alan Tracy: "Mobile Control, I hear you."
Scott Tracy: "Alan, Zero-X entering rarified atmosphere. It should be with you in approximately one minute."
Alan Tracy: "Right, Scott."
Greg Martin: "100,000 feet, Mach 3.2."
Paul Travers: "Start countdown for chemical rocket."
Brad Newman: "Commence of countdown coming up on computer. Countdown commencing now."
Paul Travers: "Stand by to release lifting bodies."
Greg Martin: "Standing by. Height 112,000 feet. Height 120,000 feet."
Paul Travers: "Increase rate of ascent to 6,000 feet a minute."
Greg Martin: "Roger."
Brad Newman: "Computer reports Jettison lift bodies 10 seconds. Release on green light."
Paul Travers: "Roger."
Brad Newman: "Five seconds... three, two, one."
[Brad presses 2 buttons and the 2 lifting bodies lift away from the main body]
Brad Newman: "Computer reports chemical rockets, five seconds."
[Lifting Body 1 flies down from above and chemical rockets ignites]
Greg Martin: "Air speed 3,000 knots... 4,000... 5,000... 6,000... 7,000."
Brad Newman: "Leaving Earth's atmosphere. Computer reports Jettison nose-cone 10 seconds."
Paul Travers: "Roger."
[Nose-cone jettisons from the MEV and follows the lifting bodies back to Glenn Field, Scene cuts to MEV]
Paul Travers: "Central Control, this is Zero-X. Lifting bodies and nose-cone jettisoned. Escape velocity reached. We are leaving Earth's atmosphere."
[Cue Zero-X Theme part, The sky goes dark]
Paul Travers: "OK, switching arcjet engine."
Alan Tracy: "Mobile Control, this is Thunderbird 3. I can see Zero-X. She's on course, and accelerating to 100,000 miles per hour."
Scott Tracy: "OK, thanks, Alan. You'd better return to base."
Alan Tracy: "F.A.B."
Scott Tracy: "International Rescue calling Zero-X. May we offer our congratulations on a superb lift-off. Fortunately, our services were not required, although I can tell you now that a sabotage attempt was made just before lift-off. But we took care of it. Now I guess the rest is up to you."
Paul Travers: "International Rescue from Zero-X. Doctor Grant has just told us about the sabotage attempt. The only thing we really want to say is, Thanks!"
Commander Casey: "And may I add my thanks and congratulations too."
Scott Tracy: "You did pretty well yourself."
[FAB 1 returns to carpark]
Lady Penelope: "Mobile Control from FAB 1, are we clear?"
Scott Tracy: "Hi there, Penelope. All clear! I'm on my own. How did it go?"
Lady Penelope: "F.A.B."
Scott Tracy: "Well done, Penelope."
Lady Penelope: "Well, it's been a hectic time for all of us, how about us all getting together tonight for a drink? I hear there's a fab nightclub called the Swinging Star near my hotel."
Scott Tracy: "F.A.B!"
Virgil Tracy: "Oh, hi there, Penelope. I just happened to be monitoring your frequency, and I, uh...."
Lady Penelope: "Well, what do you say, Virgil? Are you game?"
Virgil Tracy: "I sure am!"
[Thunderbird 3 lands at Tracy Island]
{Int. Tracy Island. It's night-time. Jeff is at his desk, video-calling Scott.}
Jeff Tracy: "You're going where!?"
Scott Tracy: "Erm, to the Swinging Star, Father. It's some kind of nightclub."
Jeff Tracy: "But that means you won't be back here till morning."
{Shot of Alan riding back on the settee, humming part of the show theme to himself.}
Jeff Tracy: "Sure, I understand. You need a break. But this is a tough job we're doing here."
{The eyes on Alan's picture light up. Jeff presses a button on his desk, sending the settee down.}
Tin-Tin: "Mr. Tracy, all work and no play makes Scott a dull boy."
Jeff Tracy: "Hmmm... OK then, Scott. Have a good time."
Scott Tracy: "Gee, thanks, dad. I've made arrangements with Glenn Field. They'll be able to reach us by radio any time. Don't forget, dad, we'll be at the Swinging Star."
{Just then, the settee, with Alan on it, appears.}
Alan Tracy: "The Swinging Star?"
Jeff Tracy: "Yeah, that's right, it's some sort of a nightclub. They're all going out tonight, to celebrate."
Alan Tracy: "A nightclub? And I'm stuck here at base. Just my luck! (To Tin-Tin) Say, Tin-Tin, why don't we go off to the mainland tonight? Just the two of us?"
Tin-Tin: "That would be lovely, Alan. I'll wear my new dress!"
Jeff Tracy: (angrily) "What goes on around here? Have you all gone crazy? This is International Rescue, remember? We can't leave the base unmanned." (To Tin-Tin) "Sorry, Tin-Tin."
Tin-Tin: "Oh, that's all right, Mr. Tracy. I understand."
Alan Tracy: (frowning) "Well I don't. I'm going to bed."
Tin-Tin: "But won't you have some coffee, Alan?"
Alan Tracy: "No thanks. It keeps me awake!" (He storms off)
{Shot of Tracy Island's outside, later on in the night.
Shot of Jeff, working at his desk, obviously quite tired.
Shot of Alan, sleeping in his bed. He is groaning heavily, as though he can't sleep very well.}
Scott v/o: "We're all going to the Swinging Star."
Jeff v/o: "No, Alan. Have you gone crazy? We can't leave the base unmanned."
{The scene changes to dry ice and brightly coloured lights. The camera rises, and we seen Alan, wearing a prom suit and top hat, standing alone in a construction of wire.}
Alan Tracy: "Penelope, you're 30 seconds late. Swinging Star... sounds great! (Just then, we hear a car horn; that Mexican dance song) Why, here she is!"
{FAB 1 pulls up in front of Alan. The door opens to reveal Lady Penelope in a blue glitzy dress and white fur drape, and Parker, in his chauffeur's garb, which is slightly pink.}
Alan Tracy: "Why, hello there, Penny."
Lady Penelope: "Have I kept you waiting?"
Alan Tracy: (Stepping into FAB 1) "Of course not. You're dead on time. (The door closes as soon as he's seated)"
Parker: "Where to, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Why, the Swinging Star, of course."
{FAB 1 drives off, along a bridge. Cut to inside FAB 1.}
Parker: "Now, m'lady?"
Lady Penelope: "Now, Parker."
{Cut to ext. FAB 1, as it starts flying off the bridge, into space.
Back to inside FAB 1.}
Alan Tracy: "Why, we're flying!"
Lady Penelope: "That's right."
{Shot of FAB 1 flying through space.}
Lady Penelope (To Parker): "Turn right just past planet Mars, and you should see the Swinging Star straight ahead of you, Parker."
Parker: "Right, m'lady."
Parker: "Here it is, m'lady. Straight ahead."
Alan Tracy: "Gee, it's fabulous!"
Lady Penelope: "I thought you'd like it."
Parker: "No parking problem here, m'lady." ()
{Alan and Penelope sits down and watches the Shadows play}
Alan Tracy: "Wow, what a terrific group."
Lady Penelope: "Yes, they always play at the Swinging Star. You see, they're... way out."
Alan Tracy: "Say, Penelope... how did you enjoy your night here with Scott and Virgil?"
Lady Penelope: "Oh, we didn't come to this Swinging Star."
Alan Tracy: "Oh, really?"
Lady Penelope: "Oh, no. This is reserved specially for you."
Alan Tracy: "Oh, er... gee. Have some more champagne."
Compere: "And now, ladies and gentlemen, we present the biggest star in the universe. None other than Cliff Richard Junior."[ Actually Cliff Richard HIMSELF! (born 1940 age 81)
Cliff Richard (singing):
"Sometimes I feel you are cheating me
Then you kiss me and my mind is free
But then I think I should let you know that
I've got friends - so baby listen to me....
A shooting star will shoot you and Mars will go to war
The man in the moon will jump on you if you don't love me no more....
I saw you in someone else's car
You told me that - he won't go too far
That may be so but you let him know that
I've got friends, so baby listen to me....
A shooting star will shoot you and Mars will go to war
The man in the moon will jump on you if you don't love me no more....
You tell me then I'm the man for you
But you do things you should never do
So now, hear this warning once again, yes,
I've got friends, so baby listen to me....
A shooting star will shoot you and Mars will go to war
The man in the moon will jump on you if you don't love me no more....
If you don't stop making me lose face
I will have you put up there in space
So, just do what I'm a-telling you, 'cos
I've got friends, baby listen to me....
A shooting star will shoot you and Mars will go to war
The man in the moon will jump on you if you don't love me no more....
Alan Tracy: "What an evening!"
Lady Penelope: "It isn't over yet, Alan. The night is young. Come on, let's dance."
Alan Tracy: "Yeah, let's dance." (Just then, we hear an electronic beeping. It's his watch-phone) "Alan Tracy, International Rescue." (Cut to Alan's POV. It's Jeff on the other end.)
Jeff Tracy: "Oh, Alan. Sorry to disturb you, but this is an emergency."
Alan Tracy: "Look, Father, can't Scott and Virgil handle this? I'm kinda tied up right now."
Jeff Tracy: "I'm afraid Scott and Virgil are away enjoying themselves, as usual. You are the only one I can rely on, Alan."
Alan Tracy: "I quite understand, dad. I´ll be down right away."
Jeff Tracy: "F.A.B."
Alan Tracy: "Penelope, we've got to go."
Lady Penelope: "Oh, Alan! Must we?"
Alan Tracy: "Penelope, I'm afraid we must. Duty calls."
Lady Penelope: "But is there no way you can get out of this, Alan?"
Alan Tracy: "Look, Penelope. Dad needs me. He's depending on me. I've just got to go."
Parker: "Mind the gap, m'lady. For when you step into the car."
Lady Penelope: "Thank you, Parker. We don't want to fall back to Earth, do we? Mind the gap, Alan. Mind the gap Alan. Mind the gap, Alan."
Alan Tracy: "I can't possibly make it!"
Lady Penelope: "What's the matter, Alan? What's the matter, Alan? Don't tell me you're afraid."
Alan Tracy: "I'm not afraid."
Lady Penelope: "A brave astronaut like you... afraid."
Alan Tracy: "I am not afraid!" (He steps out of the star, and falls immediately. Cut to a shot of Alan falling past the moon, with Lady Penelope laughing evilly at him. Cut to an expanding, spinning Tracy Island, until the screen goes black. We hear a thud. We are now back in Alan's room. The door opens. It's Jeff.)
Jeff Tracy: "Alan? Alan, are you OK? Alan! Alan, where are you?"
Alan Tracy: "Gee, sorry, dad. I... I guess I fell out of bed.
(Daylight, and down at the swimming pool. Jeff and Scott are discussing something, whilst Virgil and Brains face off across a chessboard. Alan is sitting off by himself, behind some rather loud-looking sunglasses. Off-camera shouts, squeals and splashing indicate Gordon and Tin-Tin are having a good time in the water.)
Scott Tracy: "Look, dad. I've had a word with Brains, and he agrees that this modification is possible. Right, Brains?"
Brains: "Check."
Virgil Tracy: "Check? What the heck are you talking about?"
Tin-Tin: "Oh, come on, you two. The water is lovely and warm."
Gordon Tracy: "Thunderbird 4, at your service. Catch!" (From the pool, he lobs a multicolored beach-ball at Alan - who's definitely not amused.)
Alan Tracy: "Can't a guy get any peace around here?"
Jeff Tracy: "I wish John was here to enjoy the fun. But I guess someone's got to man the space satellite."
Paul Travers: "Zero-X to Earth. We have just touched down successfully on the surface of Mars. All systems are go, we'll radio a full report to you in 30 minutes ground-elapsed time."
(Jeff opens a family book and turns it to John's photo)
Jeff Tracy: "Go ahead, John."
John Tracy: "Father, I was just listening to the Zero-X' transmission to Earth. They've just announced they've safely landed on Mars. Thought you'd all be interested down there to hear the news."
Jeff Tracy: "Thanks, John. Keep in touch."
John Tracy: "F.A.B."
Jeff Tracy: "Listen, everyone. Just heard from John: after six weeks in space, Zero-X has safely landed on Mars."
(Scene cuts to Mars, The MEV drives along Mars, Cuts to MEV interior)
Paul Travers: "Well, Doctor Grant, what do you think?"
Dr Grant: "My first thought is to get as many samples back to Earth as possible so that we can look into the whole question of the possibility of life existing on this planet."
Paul Travers: "Sure, but what is your initial reaction?"
Dr Grant: "I think the atmosphere would be breathable, but too thin to sustain life as we know it. But it looks as if the early Martian photographs are going to prove right, inasmuch as there's no water up here."
Greg Martin: "And you can tell all this from your instruments, Doctor?"
Dr Grant: "Eighty percent instruments, twenty percent intuition."
Dr Pierce: "I agree with all Doctor Grant has just said, but I've always been fascinated by that phrase 'Life as we know it'. I have a feeling that we may encounter life as we don't know it."
Dr Pierce: "These strange formations seem to be all over this part of the planet's surface. Don't ask me why, but they worry me."
Dr Grant: "Now, Ray, don't let your imagination run riot."
Dr Pierce: "Yeah, Tony, I know it would be all too easy to happen up here, but can you account for the strange formation of those rocks?"
Dr Grant: "Well, obviously considerable study would have to be made before we know the answer, but erm... my first impression is that when the crust of the planet was very thin , it was struck by meteorites. As the meteorite punctured the shell, so the hot rock exuded onto the planet's surface. Like toothpaste out of a tube."
Dr Pierce: "Good theory, Tony. Now explain to me how the exuding rock wrapped itself into a coil."
Dr Grant: "You know, Ray, you've got a point."
Paul Travers: "Now, clearly, gentlemen, this is one of the things we have to investigate. We are falling behind schedule, can we move on?"
Dr Grant: "Sure, Paul. Sorry about that."
Greg Martin: "You know, Ray, I don't like the look of these peculiar formations either, though I'm sure they're just rocks. I've been watching them very carefully, there's no sign of movement."
Dr Grant: "I think we'd better take a sample back to Earth."
Dr Pierce: "I must say I think that would be a wise precaution, Tony. Can you break one up for us, Paul? Then I'll go out and collect some pieces."
Paul Travers: "Sure."
Dr Pierce: "OK, Paul. Not too big a charge now, I want to get a sizeable piece."
Paul Travers: "OK, Ray."
Dr Pierce: "And Paul...."
Paul Travers: "Yeah?"
Dr Pierce: "As soon as you fire, I recommend you stand by at the ready."
Greg Martin: "Stand by at the ready? What for?"
Dr Pierce: "I don't really know. I've just got a feeling, that's all."
Dr Pierce: "Right, I'll go and get my gear."
Paul Travers: "Greg, get the airlock ready."
Greg Martin: "OK, sir."
(A rock form uncoils and it turns out to be a snake like rock, It fires at the MEV)
Greg Martin: "Doctor Pierce! Come back in here, quickly!"
Paul Travers: "Zero-X from MEV. We're under attack from a form of life we do not understand. Require immediate rendezvous with main body."
(Scene cuts to Zero-X main body, Brad Newman is controling it)
Brad Newman: "I've just come round on third orbit. Will be in rendezvous position in four minutes."
Paul Travers: "OK, Brad. We'll take evasive action down here until you're in position. Give us lift-off clearance the second it's OK."
Brad Newman: "Will do."
Dr Grant: "But Paul, we must lift off immediately. We don't know what damage these things can do to us!"
Greg Martin: "Take it easy, Doctor. We can't lift off until the main ship is in the correct rendezvous position. Otherwise, we'll run out of gas and be stranded in space."
Paul Travers: "Turn to starboard, Greg. There's a whole line of them ahead of us."
Paul Travers: "OK, Greg, we'd better return their fire. We can't take too much of this punishment."
Greg Martin: "OK, skipper. So far, all systems are go."
Paul Travers: "Zero-X from MEV. How are we doing, Brad?"
Brad Newman: "Approaching orbital position. Starting countdown now. Rendezvous lift-off minus 100... 99... 98."]
(Firing continues between the Rock Snakes and the MEV
Brad Newman: "34... 33... 32..."
Paul Travers: "Brad, skip the countdown, we're lifting off."
Brad Newman: "But Paul, you may not make it. You may not have enough fuel!"
Paul Travers: "We have no choice, we're coming up. OK, Greg, lift off."
Greg Martin: "Leaving atmosphere, Paul."
Paul Travers: "Right."
Brad Newman: "MEV from Zero-X, I have you on my screen. You're approaching Zero-X orbital path. Five seconds till retro-firing. 4... 3... 2... 1... Retros."
Paul Travers: "Thanks, Brad. Guess we'll make it OK now. All systems here appear to be at green."
Brad Newman: "OK, Paul, stay where you are. Conserve your fuel. I'm coming up right behind you."
Jeff Tracy: "Well, at least the Martian excursion vehicle has joined up successfully with the main body of Zero-X."
Scott Tracy: "These so-called rock snakes, Father... what do you make of them?"
Jeff Tracy: "Well, clearly there is life on Mars, but I guess it's not life as we know it."
Scott Tracy: "Do you think they'll get back OK?"
Virgil Tracy: "Well, according to the report that John monitored in the Space Station, the damage to the MEV has not impaired their efficiency. So there shouldn't be any problem."
Jeff Tracy: "As a matter of fact, I had a word with the controller at Glenn Field this morning. He reckons their re-entry into Earth's atmosphere will be pretty straightforward. They've done it a hundred times before on test flights."
Virgil Tracy: "What's the scheduled date for the re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, dad?"
Jeff Tracy: "Well, their flight takes them six weeks, so they should be arriving on the morning of September second."
Greg Martin: "Doctor Grant, Doctor Pierce, are you ready for re-entry?"
Dr Grant: "OK, Greg, we're ready."
Greg Martin: "Roger. OK, skipper, all set."
Paul Travers: "Central Control, this is Zero-X. Computer reports fire retros, thirty seconds."
Commander Casey: "Ground stations verify computer countdown. You have a green light. Five seconds."
Brad Newman: "Four, three, two, one, retros."
Goldstone Tracking Station: "Central Control from Goldstone. Retro firing A-OK, Zero-X re-entry attitude correct."
Woomera Tracking Station: "Woomera to Central Control. Verifying Goldstone's report."
Commander Casey: "Zero-X from Central Control. You are in correct re-entry attitude, and are about to enter Earth's atmosphere."
Paul Travers: "Roger, Central Control."
Paul Travers: "Retros."
Commander Casey: "Zero-X from Central Control. Lifting bodies now at 50,000 feet. Radio-control over to you in five seconds, four, three two, one, over."
Brad Newman: "OK, Paul, we've got the lifting bodies under radio-control now."
Paul Travers: "Roger."
Brad Newman: "Rendezvous with lifting bodies at 120,000 feet, twenty seconds."
Brad Newman: "Reduce speed to Mach 2. Rendezvous about to take place."
Paul Travers: "Roger."
(Lifting Body 1 comes up above Zero-X and successfully connects to the main body)
Brad Newman: "Right, hold her steady, skipper. I'm bringing in lift-body two."
Paul Travers: "Roger."
(Lifting Body 2 come up below Zero-X)
Brad Newman: "Keep her steady, skipper."
(Lifting Body 2 almost connects)
Brad Newman: "Radio-control failure. I can't hold her!"
(Lifting Body 2 crashes into Zero-X)
Paul Travers: "What's happened?"
(Lifting Body 2 flies downwards before exploding)
Paul Travers: "Central Control, this is Zero-X. This is an emergency. We have lost lift-body two following a collision caused by a fault in our remote radio-control unit."
Commander Casey: "Roger, Zero-X, I'm sending up another lift-body immediately."
Paul Travers: "That won't help us, I'm afraid. The locking gear was damaged in the collision. Check on all systems shows fuel system go. All control systems go. Remote control radio circuits are dead. Escape unit is... Central Control from Zero-X, escape unit circuits are dead!"
Jeff Tracy: "OK, John, I get the picture. Continue to monitor their frequency."
John Tracy: "F.A.B."
Jeff Tracy: "Right. We've got to move fast. Zero-X is coming in on one wing. Due to damage it's impossible to get another wing attached. She's unable to maintain hight, and will crash in approximately 30 minutes. The most recent check of the control systems aboard shows they have an escape unit failure. Unless we can get the crew and passengers out before that aircraft hits the ground, they are all doomed men. OK, Scott, you know what to do. Take Brains with you, you'll need technical advice."
Scott Tracy: "Yes, sir."
Jeff Tracy: "OK, Virgil, take Pod 4 with the air-to-air rescue equipment, and rendezvous with Zero-X."
Virgil Tracy: "Yes, sir."
Jeff Tracy: "Alan."
Alan Tracy: "Yes, sir."
Jeff Tracy: "I want you to board the Zero-X, and fix that hatch."
Alan Tracy: "Yes, sir!"
Gordon Tracy: "Father?"
Jeff Tracy: "Yes Gordon, you'll be needed too. Off you go."
Gordon Tracy: "Yes, sir!"
Jeff Tracy: "Tin-Tin, I want your help. Thunderbirds are go!"
Brains: "Maximum speed, Scott. We're gonna need all the time we've got."
Scott Tracy: "Hm-hm."
Commander Casey: "Zero-X from Central Control. What is your rate of descent now, and what is your air-speed."
Paul Travers: "Rate of descent stabilized at 3,000 feet a minute, air-speed Mach 1.2. We can't slow the rate of descent, the motors are flat out, over."
Commander Casey: "Zero-X, roger, stand by."
Commander Casey: "Emergency Control, this is Central Control. Contact Washington immediately. Zero-X crash position established as Craigsville, population 4,800. Impact time 35 minutes, so you'll need to move. International Rescue, Zero-X Central Control here. This is an emergency."
Scott Tracy: "Central Control, this is International Rescue, Thunderbird 1. Anticipated your call, we're on our way. ETA Glenn Field 10 minutes. Will you give Thunderbird 2 a course to steer for a rendezvous with Zero-X. They're on this frequency."
Commander Casey: "Roger. Thunderbird 2 from Central Control. I've been requested to pass a steer to you. Zero-X's present position is International Fix System 2404, on a heading of 143 magnetic."
Virgil Tracy: "Roger, Central Control."
Brad Newman: "I've tried everything in the book, but the escape unit system is dead."
Greg Martin: "If only International Rescue had been with us this time, they might have come up with something."
Commander Casey: "Zero-X, this is Central Control. Change to channel 4. International Rescue are on their way, and they require to make contact with you. Is that understood?"
Paul Travers: "Yes, sir, that's understood. Changing to channel 4."
Virgil Tracy: "Gee, I'll be glad when Scott's got his Mobile Control operating. We'll need his assistance in locating the Zero-X."
Alan Tracy: "We must be getting pretty close by now. I'd better get my rescue gear on."
Virgil Tracy: "Right. Gordon, you'd better get up the Astro-Dome."
Gordon Tracy: "OK, Virgil."
Scott Tracy: "Zero-X, this is International Rescue, Mobile Control. Can you hear me, over."
Paul Travers: "International Rescue, this is Zero-X. Yes, we can hear you, loud and clear."
Scott Tracy: "Zero-X and Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control. Transmit 10 seconds of unmodulated carrier waves on this frequency. One at a time, please. Zero-X."
Paul Travers: "Zero-X, roger."
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 2."
Virgil Tracy: "Roger, Thunderbird 2."
Scott Tracy: "Thunderbird 2 from Mobile Control. Steer 002. Fly at 45,000 feet. With your present air-speed, you should sight Zero-X in approximately 4 minutes."
Virgil Tracy: "Roger, will do."
Commander Casey: "What do you intend to do?"
Scott Tracy: "Well, we hope to put a man aboard Zero-X. If we succeed, we may be able to fix the escape unit. Excuse me. Zero-X, this is Mobile Control."
Paul Travers: "Mobile Control, this is Zero-X."
Scott Tracy: "Here are your instructions. They must be followed precisely if we are to succeed in rescuing you."
Paul Travers: "OK, go ahead."
Scott Tracy: "There are approximately 15 minutes left before your aircraft crashes. For the next 10 minutes, lose as little hight as you possibly can. Keep your aircraft steady, watch the trim. In precisely 10 minutes, switch to automatic pilot, and go together with your passengers into the escape unit. And then, pray. In the mean time, take further instructions from the pilot of Thunderbird 2."
Paul Travers: "Mobile Control, this is Zero-X. Your instructions have been received, and will be complied with. Thanks."
Greg Martin: "What are they gonna do?"
Brad Newman: "Maybe we'll learn more when Thunderbird 2 makes contact with us."
Virgil Tracy: "Scott, I can see it! Alan, Gordon, stand by. Zero-X dead ahead."
Gordon Tracy: "F.A.B. Virgil."
Virgil Tracy: "Zero-X, this is Thunderbird 2. We're coming in below you. Reduce speed to low safe cruising, and lower nose landing gear. We're gonna put a man aboard, and attempt to fix the escape unit."
Paul Travers: "So that's what they're gonna try to do."
Greg Martin: "Suicide...!"
Paul Travers: "Release air brakes, Greg."
Greg Martin: "Right."
Paul Travers: "Lower nose wheel, Greg. Thunderbird 2, this is Zero-X. Lowering nose wheel. Are you sure you wanna try this? It sounds mighty dangerous to me."
Virgil Tracy: "It is mighty dangerous, and we do want to try it. Now, hold her steady. Gordon, flight control over to you."
Gordon Tracy: "OK, Virgil. Left-left, one degree. Right-right, two degrees. Right, Virgil, stand by to hold position."
Virgil Tracy: "OK,Gordon."
Gordon Tracy: "Now!"
Alan Tracy: "Good shooting, Gordon!"
Gordon Tracy: "Zero-X, this is Thunderbird 2, air-to-air rescue compartment. Keep it dead steady. Man coming aboard now."
Paul Travers: "Roger, Thunderbird 2."
Alan Tracy: "OK."
Paul Travers: "How are you doing, Thunderbird 2?"
Virgil Tracy: "Fine. Just keep her dead steady."
Alan Tracy: "Slow right down... and stop. Give me a time check, Gordon."
Gordon Tracy: "You've got four and one half minutes."
Alan Tracy: "Mobile Control from Alan. OK, Brains."
Brains: "On the right of the master cylinder that supplies power to the hydraulic system of the nose wheel, you will find a yellow wiring harness. Follow this through to a red junction box marked EUC."
Alan Tracy: "Got it."
Paul Travers: "Doctors Grant and Pierce, hold tight. I'm removing you to escape unit."
Dr Grant: "OK, Paul."
Dr Pierce: "OK, Paul."
Alan Tracy: "OK, cover removed."
Brains: "Place transistorized radio induction unit on the side of the junction box."
Alan Tracy: "OK, Brains."
Brains: "Right, Alan. Now, all you have to do is remove the screws that are anchoring the yellow and green lines, and reconnect them on one block, so we get a direct link green to yellow, all the way down the bank."
Alan Tracy: "OK, Brains. Time check, please."
Brains: "Two and one quarter minute."
Alan Tracy: "Right."
Paul Travers: "Brad, Greg, I'm sending you both back to the escape unit."
Greg Martin: "Right, sir. Switching to automatic pilot."
Paul Travers: "No, no, don't switch to the automatic pilot. I'm staying here. I'll come back when we're at zero feet. That guy is risking his life down there, and it's the least I can do."
Greg Martin: "I'll stay with you."
Brad Newman: "Me too."
Paul Travers: "No. There won't be time for us all to get into the escape unit at the last moment. I'm sending you two back now, and that's an order!"
Greg Martin: "Yes, sir."
Brad Newman: " Good luck, Paul."
Virgil Tracy: "Zero-X from Thunderbird 2. Are you all in escape unit?"
Paul Travers: "Thunderbird 2 from Zero-X. All in escape unit, except me. I can do better than the automatic pilot in holding this craft steady. I'll go back into the escape unit either when it's fixed, or when we're at zero feet."
Virgil Tracy: "It'll help. Thanks!"
Commander Casey: "He won't be able to make it on time, surely!"
Scott Tracy: "They're all running out of time up there."
Brains: "How are you doing, Alan?"
Alan Tracy: "OK. How much time have I got?"
Brains: "One minute."
Virgil Tracy: "Gordon, Alan isn't through yet, and we're dangerously near the ground. Play out more cable, I'm coming alongside Zero-X."
Gordon Tracy: "OK, Virgil."
Washington Control: "Glenn Field, this is Washington. Evacuation of Craigsville is now complete."
Paul Travers: "Thunderbird 2 from Zero-X. Is he through yet?"
Virgil Tracy: "No, not yet."
Paul Travers: "I'm going to overrun my engines. It'll give us a few more seconds."
Virgil Tracy: "Zero-X from Thunderbird 2. Into escape hatch immediately! Alan from Virgil, jump at end of five-second countdown. Five, four, three, two one. Now!"
(Alan unclips from the Zero-X Escape Unit power)
Virgil Tracy: "Now, Scott! Now!"
(Scott flicks a switch on the mobile control unit and the escape unit flies out of the MEV just as Zero-X crashes into Craigsville, Virginia)
Virgil Tracy: "Are you OK, Alan?"
Alan Tracy: "OK, Virg. Did they make it?"
Virgil Tracy: "This is Thunderbird 2 calling Zero-X escape unit. Are you OK?"
Brad Newman: "Thunderbird 2 from Zero-X escape unit. Yes, we are OK. Paul only just made it, he's badly shaken up. He's gonna be alright."
Virgil Tracy: "Did you hear that, Alan?"
Alan Tracy: "I heard."
Virgil Tracy: "Did you hear that, Central Control?"
Scott Tracy: "We heard, well done!"
Gordon Tracy: "Virgil from Gordon, we can't retrieve Alan. Due to his hurried departure, the cables are now fouling the side of Thunderbird 2. We'd better drop him to the ground."
Virgil Tracy: "F.A.B., Gordon."
Alan Tracy: "Say, Virgil, I think that's FAB 1 below!"
Lady Penelope: "Thunderbird 2 from FAB 1. Virgil, we're down below. Why not drop Alan down here?"
Virgil Tracy: "Yeah, Penelope, I can see you. Say, how did you get here?"
Lady Penelope: "As soon as we heard the forecast crash position, we made our way here."
Alan Tracy: "OK, I'm down. Cable released. Gee, it sure was swell of you to come here and pick me up, Penelope."
Lady Penelope: "After that brilliant performance, I think that's the least you deserve. Now, jump in."
Parker: "I assume, madam, that the first call will be Glenn Field, and then on to your hotel. Is that correct?"
Lady Penelope: "That, Parker, is quite correct."
Alan Tracy: "Gee! You mean you're going to take me to the Swinging Star? Just the two of us?"
Lady Penelope: "Just the two of us."
Alan Tracy: "It's like a dream come true...."
Alan Tracy: "Gee, this must be the most memorable day of my life. You know, Penelope, I'm always treated like a kid back at the base. You know, being the youngest, and all. But tonight, being alone with you, I feel like a real grown man."
Lady Penelope: "But you are, Alan, you are! Particularly with that snazzy moustache you're wearing. It adds years to you, Alan."
Alan Tracy: "Well, er... you see, we have to wear a disguise sometimes, when we're out in public... in case we're recognized! Do you really think it suits me?"
Lady Penelope: "Oh, excuse me, Alan, I think the gentleman on the next table wants something."
Alan Tracy: "Hmm?"
Jeff Tracy: "Would you mind passing that ashtray? Disguise... pretty good, eh?"
Alan Tracy: "Why, dad! What are you doing here?"
Jeff Tracy: "Just thought I'd come along and congratulate you on your great performance today, boy."
Scott Tracy: "Me too, Alan. A great job."
Alan Tracy: "Scott!"
Virgil Tracy: "Thanks to you, Alan, another International Rescue success."
Alan Tracy: "Virg! Who else is here?"
Brains: "And I think it was a splendid effort, I really do. Even though I can't see you."
Alan Tracy: "Thanks, Brains. And I guess the little lady with you must be Tin-Tin."
Tin-Tin: "Yes, Alan. Congratulations on your performance today... and tonight."
Alan Tracy: "And there was I, thinking we were all alone."
Lady Penelope: "Remember, Alan, one of the most comforting feelings a man can have in this world of ours is never to be alone."
Jeff Tracy: "To Alan, the hero of the day."
All: "To Alan!"
Charles Bowden: "Thunderbirds Are Go!"
(Band plays the Thunderbirds theme)
THE END