emtb319

[emtb319]

I love it. Thank you! Merry Christmas 🎄

From @arwensarboretum

From @arwensarboretum to @emtb319

[emtb319]

I'm glad you liked it. Merry Christmas 🎄

From @emtb319

From @emtb319 to @room-on-broom

Prompts:

-Stingray crossover

Universe: Thunderbirds 1965/Stingray 1964

Characters:  Gordon Tracy, Jeff Tracy, Sam Shore, Atlanta Shore, Marina, Troy Tempest, Phones Sheridan

Summary:  Marineville receives a surprise visitor to help them on a research mission.

Worth It

World Security Patrol had requested Stingray for this particular research mission.  It was a relatively simple one, but they needed well trained people that didn’t need much direction or babysitting.  Hence, the call to Commander Shore to borrow his Stingray crew.  

They had a new hydrofoil craft that served multiple purposes.  The first was its ability to glide over the water fast enough to rival some forms of air travel.  This would allow them to respond to water emergencies much faster.  The second was that it was also a research vessel.  When not needed for emergency dispatches, they could utilize the crew for deep sea exploration.  

Commander Shore looked over the mission notes with Troy. They needed to sort through crew and supply needs.  After all, they were expected to assist with the research, not just accompany for support.  They would have the hydrofoil crew too.  He just needed to fill in the gaps.    

“I only have room on Stingray for 1 more person.”  Troy said, “but I don’t think that we have any 1 person in Marineville that fits.  We may need to add a second vessel.”  He mulled over his list some more.  

“You need an aquanaut, historian, someone with both hydrofoil and deep trench experience.”  Commander Shore looked over Troy’s mission notes.  “They should probably be trained in rescue and a medic too.”

“Yes.  This is a unique mission with a unique craft.  My problem is space limitations on Stingray.  I need Phones and Marina with me.  Marina will be on hydrophone duty with him.  She needs practice for her exam anyway.”  Commander Shore rubbed his chin.  Troy saw the wheels turn in his head.  

“I have an idea.  I need to make a call, but I don’t think that we’ll get an answer right away.  Hell Troy, I don’t know if he'll even consider it.”

“Who do you have in mind?” 

“Wait and see Troy.  To be honest, it’s a very long shot.  While I make my call, you gather a possible second crew, in case I have to give 2 of my craft for this one, instead of just Stingray.”

–

Commander Shore went to his home to make this call in private.  It was a long shot, but maybe his old friend would do him this favor.  He knew that his former Lieutenant was in a new stage of life that didn’t include active duty with the WASP’s.  After a few short rings, the call connected.  

“Good morning Jeff.”  Jeff smiled when he saw his old friend on the other side of the line.

“Sam, it’s been a while.  How are you?”

“All’s well over here.”  Sam looked around.  “Say, are you alone?”

“It’s just me here at the moment, why?” Jeff was confused.  His old friend didn’t call often, and now he acted weird.  

“Hang on, I need to make sure that Atlanta hasn't come home yet.”  Sam disappeared from view for a moment, then returned.  “I need a favor from International Rescue.”

Jeff gave him a look.  Although he had high ranking friends in the military, only 2 knew about International Rescue, and they both knew Jeff’s feelings about any joint operations.  

“It’s not like that Jeff.  It’s a research/exploration thing.  I need Gordon.”  Sam explained the rest of the details of the mission.

“Our operation is a secret for a reason Sam.  What will your people think when they see one of my Thunderbirds approach?”

“Thunderbird 4 would approach from underwater and would only go as far as Stingray’s pen.”  Jeff shook his head and chuckled to himself.  Realization hit him, as Sam explained more.  “He would be with the Stingray crew.  Thunderbird 4 would stay parked and secure in Stingray’s pen.”

“You want to tease Captain Tempest.”  Not a question, but a statement of fact.  Jeff laughed some more, and Sam looked back at him with an impish grin.  “Let me talk to my son.  I’m okay with it, with the understanding that if I need him for a rescue, he needs to leave, but the decision will ultimately be his.”

“That’s all I can ask.  Thanks Jeff.  I really appreciate this.”

–

Jeff heard the telltale signs of Tracy 1’s return to the island.  Gordon had volunteered to do this month’s supply run to the mainland and was on final approach.  Jeff cleared him to land and went down to the hangar to discuss his call with Commander Shore.  Everyone else was off island at the moment due to callouts and other needs.    

Gordon always loved the opportunity to explore the ocean’s depths.  Not only was it beautiful, but he always found something new or unexpected.  Sam’s mission needed everything that Gordon had.

Gordon knew that Commander Shore knew about International Rescue, but no one else in Marineville did, not even Atlanta.  He felt a little guilty that he couldn’t tell his friends what he really did in the ‘family business’, but such was life, and they never gave him a hard time over it.  This mission would cross that line.

“Father, I know we can trust Commander Shore and the Stingray crew, but are you really okay with them knowing that I am part of International Rescue?  I could just as easily fly out there in Tracy 1.”

“Sam has assured me that they will keep quiet about it.”  Gordon grinned and shook his head.  

“Oh, I know they will.  That’s not my concern.  We’ve done a great job with secrecy here, because we need it…but…we’re going to tell 4 more people just to play a joke on Troy?  I mean, I love a good joke, but I can just mess with his bunk instead.”

“The only decision that you need to make is about the exploration opportunity with the WASP’s.  You’ll be back in your old uniform and have to deal with their new hydrofoil.”

“You’re worried that it’ll bring up old memories.”  Gordon admitted to himself that it worried him a little too.  The last time he was on a hydrofoil his military career ended.

“My understanding is that you’ll mostly be on Stingray. The hydrofoil crew will remain above water for most things, but Sam needs someone with experience with both.”  Jeff watched his son draw in a deep breath.  

“When does he need his answer?”  He needed to think about it.  While he loved any opportunity to explore the ocean’s depths, he was not a fan of hydrofoils.  

“Not right this minute, but soon.  I think he needs the mission to take off in a few days.”

“Okay, give me a few hours to think about it please.  I’ll give you my answer by dinner time.”

“Okay son, I’m here if you need to talk.”

—

Gordon went up to his room and grabbed a box and garment bag from the back of his closet.  The last time he wore his uniform, he was so hopeful.  His military career had gone really well, and he was happy to be considered for the research and development crew.  The hydrofoil was supposed to be a great piece of military innovation.  Years ahead of any other craft on the sea, but it wasn’t.  Corners were cut, lives were lost…lives completely changed…all because the inventor got impatient.

The parts needed to finish construction were ordered and in the process of being built, but no matter how much pressure the inventor put on them, the construction of the vessel simply took time.  He wanted to impress the military, and deliver a great ship, ahead of schedule.  In the end, his ambitions changed many lives and landed him in jail.

Gordon wasn’t sure how to feel.  He would be back in Marineville as Lieutenant Tracy and back in his old uniform.  He opened the garment bag and ran his hands across the material.  Moments later, he found himself dressed in his old WASP uniform, and he stood in front of his floor length mirror.  He put his hat on and looked at his reflection.

Gordon felt…okay…he felt okay.  No fear…no anxiety…no nagging, bad memories.  Decision made.  He put his uniform back into the bag to be laundered and went down to the lounge to tell his father.

–

Jeff wasn’t sure what to expect from Gordon.  He knew that he loved his time with the WASP’s… before the accident.  They never discussed his feelings about his discharge or even if he wanted to leave.  Once he was fully healed, he jumped into International Rescue with the rest of his brothers.  Thunderbird 4 meant that he could still be in his beloved water, and he could help make a difference in the world.  Jeff needed to give him his space to make his decision.  If he wanted to talk, he would.

He hadn’t expected Gordon to come to the lounge so soon.  Gordon had something very familiar in his hands.

“Father.”

“Yes Gordon.”

“I need to have my old uniform cleaned before I head to Marineville.”

“You want to go?  You’re sure about this?”

“Yes, and I’m sure.  If International Rescue hadn’t come into my life, I would have fought my discharge.  It’ll be nice to be back on Stingray.”  Jeff smiled.

“So long as you come back.”  Jeff joked.  

“My life is here now.  You don’t need to worry about that.”

“You know that I’ll support you, no matter what, right?  If you find that you want to return to the WASP’s, that’s okay.”

“Thanks for the support, but I’ll be back.  Do you mind if I take the plane to have this cleaned?”

“Sure son.  I’ll call Commander Shore and let him know to expect you.”

–

“I promise to keep an eye on him, Jeff.”

“I’m not worried about Gordon.  I left the decision to him, and he’s made it.  He’s currently on his way to have his old uniform cleaned.”

“Still fits?”

“I assume so.”  Jeff didn’t know how to express to his old friend that he was nervous about this mission.  

“What is it Jeff?”  Sam saw it on his face.  There was something that he needed to say.  “Just say the words.  It’s okay.  Better to get it off of your chest now.”  He watched his old friend take a deep breath.

“I’m worried about him being on one of those hydrofoils again.  I don’t know who designed it or anything about it.  If he gets hurt on one again, I’m not sure he will pull through.”  Sam sent him a file.

“I know it’s a new hydrofoil, but the team that made this one is ours.  No private sector stuff.  No cut corners.  The timelines were realistic and unrushed.  Also, he won’t really be on it, just working with her crew.  No speed tests or anything like before.  He will mainly be on Stingray or up with me in the tower.”  That made Jeff feel much better.  He started to read over the file that Sam sent him.  

“Thank you Sam.  When do you need him?”

“Will 3 days work?”

“That should be fine.  I’ll let Gordon know.”

“Thanks Jeff, I really appreciate this.”

–

“Troy, gather Atlanta and your crew and come meet me in my office.”  About 15 minutes later, they were all front and center.

“Phones, close the door please.”  Commander Shore started.  “What will be said in the next few minutes must remain confidential.  You are not allowed to repeat any of this to anyone.”  They all nodded their heads.  “Good.  A member of International Rescue will join us for this mission.  This is a very big personal favor to me and the WASP’s.  I expect your best behavior.  Do you understand?”  They each nodded their heads ‘yes’.  

“What aren’t you telling us, sir?” Troy asked.  He saw something on his commander’s face, but he couldn’t make it out.  

“You’ll see, but I mean it Troy.  Especially you, best behavior.  Now, go to the tower. He should be here soon.”  Troy was confused, but he knew better than to push right now.

An hour later, Commander Shore cleared the tower, with the exception of Atlanta, Troy, Phones, and Marina.  

“Thunderbird 4 is on approach father.”  Commander Shore checked his watch.  

“Right on schedule.”  He expected nothing less from one of Jeff’s boys.  

“Thunderbird 4, requesting entry to Marineville.”  Atlanta knew that voice, but it had been a very long time since she had heard it over any radio.  Troy’s mouth hit the floor.  

“I’ve got this Atlanta.”  He took her place at the microphone.  “Lieutenant Tracy, permission granted.  I trust you remember your way to Stingray’s pen?”

“Yes sir.  PWOR.”  Atlanta smiled, Marina giggled, and Phones elbowed Troy.

“Go grab our guest team.” Commander Shore said to them as he turned around to face his crew.  

“He’s Thunderbird 4?!?!”  Troy managed to blurt out.  

“Yes, now go and remember to behave.  His father and I go way back.”  

Phones grabbed Troy by the shoulders and left the room with Atlanta and Marina.  Commander Shore laughed.  Jeff Tracy may or may not have received a video file simply named ‘Worth It’ a few minutes later. 

[emtb319]

Shoutout to characters that are both genuinely deeply kind and also genuinely terrifying and willing to spill buckets worth of blood to get something done. And neither of these are an act, they're just both very true.

[emtb319]

✨ love your fandom asks ✨ 

Saw the opposite of this floating around and thought the reverse might be fun.

list 3 positive things about your current fandom(s)

a headcanon you weren't sure about at first but have come to like!

a character that fandom has helped you appreciate

say something nice about a ship you don't ship (it can be another ship in your fandom, a mutual's OTP, etc)

something you see in fics a lot and love

something you see in art a lot and love

your favorite tropes to read/write/draw

you hope more people will come to appreciate ___ (a ship, a trope, an episode, etc)

a ship that isn't your OTP but that you enjoy

a blog (mutual or one you follow) that has made your fandom experience brighter

if you're a writer or artist, what fic or piece of art are you proud of making?

compliment someone else in your fandom

your favorite type of fandom event (gift exchange, ship week, secret santa, prompt meme, etc)

the ship that always makes you smile

the character that always makes you smile

a tiny detail in canon that you want more people to appreciate

the thing in canon that everyone loves and that you also love

a fandom tag that you track

your current fandom(s)

your very first fandom!

a fandom you're not active in anymore but that you still really like

the fandom friend you've known the longest

the fandom you're curious about because of a mutual

how has fandom positively impacted your life?

a piece of advice for taking care of yourself in fandom spaces

[emtb319]

The silly season is upon us so, ah, please don't be. To not put too fine a point on it, this is going to be several people's last Christmas/New Years because either they or someone else drove impaired or exhausted.

Drive sober, drive safe, drive rested.

Even just a quick, 15 minute kip makes a huge difference in your focus and alertness, and if you see someone about to get in the car drunk, please do your best to stop them, and if that doesn't work, call it in so they can be stopped before they hurt someone.

Look at the conditions around you. What is the weather doing? What is the traffic doing? Just take it easy, it's not the end of the world if you're fifteen minutes late to Great Aunt Mildred's house for brunch. Speed is the number one deciding factor in the survivability of a crash, please, slow down. Maintain a safe distance and give yourself room to slow down if something happens.

TL;DR: The vast majority of deaths on the road are completely preventable, and I want to see all my friends and family next year.

[emtb319]

Thank you! Can't wait to see what everyone has created

Okay, the due date has passed.

All the thanks to all the participants who have entered and made their gift by the deadline (yesterday).

If you haven't sent in your submission, please contact us as soon as possible. If you can't finish your gift or just can't get it in, we need to know now so we have time to create something for any recipients without a gift.

There is no shame, life happens, but we need to know asap.

Thank you to those who have already contacted us

Some time this week we will be scheduling all the fun for Christmas Day. This is always a great time for Thunderfam, with all the gifts bouncing around, so we hope you enjoy it.

[emtb319]

Come on Thunderfam

[emtb319]

We're on the home stretch.

Due date for all gifts is Monday 16 December 2024.

If you have already submitted, fabulous, if you haven't and you're in the process of a last minute dash to the finish line, we're cheering you on.

If you don't think you can make it, now is the time to let us know. Contact us asap.

In any case, best wishes for the festive season and a FABulous Christmas day.

[emtb319]

I've had this set for a while now. Finally sat down and got it built tonight.

[emtb319]

[emtb319]

I'm much better than I have been the last few weeks. Breakfast with Santa today with the kids. I'm also going to make ceviche for Aly. They've been bugging me to make it, so I finally got what I needed for it.

Roll call

Just checking to see if everyone is okay, especially folks in the UK dealing with Storm Darragh

Hope you're all doing fine

[emtb319]

It’s that time of year again children!

[emtb319]

I finally caught it on video. My youngest likes to tell me that he 'doesn't like' the 'puppet' shows, but he secretly likes Fireball XL5 and Stingray.

[emtb319]

Wildfires are getting pretty bad. Every little thing is sparking flames.

[emtb319]

Completionists of 2024 - 4/4

uuuhshiny | @uuuhshiny

@atimeofyourlife | timeofyourlife on AO3

Rin | @rosalinarin | my_friends_call_me_rin on AO3

@jet-plane | jetplane on AO3

@diegoalvesisgod | lunasenzanotte on AO3

@astaldis | Molanna on AO3

@destiny-in-the-universe | Destiny_in_the_Universe on AO3

@friendship-ditch

@adzeisval | adzeisval on AO3

@crematosis | Crematosis on AO3

@mayblossomss

Arlothia | @viva-la-whump

@kalira | Kalira on AO3

@whump-me

Panini | @sicknessbysalem | ThePaniniPress on AO3

@asocial-lobster | Asocial_Lobster on AO3

@melonmass | MelonMass on AO3

SōryūAleksi | @soryualeksi | soryualeksi on AO3

@stormxpadme | stormxpadme on AO3

@lostinthe-void-666 | LostInThe_Void on AO3

YonBwekh | @yonbwekh

mj-iza-writer | @mj-iza-writer

@rose-of-pollux | Rose_of_Pollux on AO3

Nade | @nade2308 | NatalieRyan on AO3

@noblest-roman-of-them-all | AnxiouslyGoingIntoTheVoid on AO3

@starthornisscratching | StarthornFromScratch on AO3

@stardown77 | Stardown on AO3

@kybercrystals94

JoeMerl | @joemerl | JoeMerl on AO3

@pencilofawesomeness | PencilofAwesomeness on AO3

@cc-3636-wolffe & @slytherinchemistrynerd | BlackDragon12 on AO3 & ChemistryNerd on AO3

@Callaidae3

@two-birds-alone-together | two_birds_alone_together on AO3

Evan | @spiltcandycoatedpunkblood | kivancalcite on AO3

Zaki | @mosscreeper-ao3 | mosscreeper on AO3

@timdrakeismypatronus | TimDrakeisMyPatronus on AO3

Zaz | @razzle-zazzle | Razzle_Zazzle on AO3

Grey | @lostinthewanderingblue & @everythingandthekitchensink | Greyspaces13 on AO3

@moonlight0934 | Moonlight1234 on AO3

Dikhotomia | @modulatechaos | Dikhotomia on AO3

Crow | @comfort-questing

Tatl | @tatl917 | Google Drive

@areyouokaypanda | areyouokaypanda on AO3 | Instagram

@just-a-glittery-fan | Fangirl_in_distress in AO3

@serickswrites

Surro | @promptsforyourwhumpfic

@what-if-i-just-did

[emtb319]

Completionists of 2024 - 3/4

@ahmoseinarus | Ahmose_Inarus on AO3

@jamietarttsnorthernattitude | Cartwrong on AO3

@whumpdoyoumean

@mischamouse | Worried_Mouse on AO3

Eve | @e-v-e-l-l-e

Drunk Breadstick | @drunkbreadstick Masterlist | Drunk_Breadstick on AO3

Moni | @minu-moni | Advogada_do_huaisang on AO3

@crimsonlyinglilly | CrimsonLyingLilly on AO3

Taxi | @taxi-cab-to-slowtown | TaxiCabToOwTown on AO3 | BlueSky

@galaxymagitech | GalaxyOwl13 on AO3

JRourke | JRourke on AO3

Sevenlemen | @sevenlemen | sevenlemen on AO3

Kat/Server | @amood | ServerNotFound on AO3

@andthentheybow | andthentheybow on AO3

Kyanako | @kyanako5972

FartasticDurge | @fartasticdurge | FartasticDurge on AO3

Jaelijn | @jaelijn | jaelijn on AO3

Zaniida | Zaniida on AO3

Dashing_through_snow | @dashingsnow | Dashing_through_snow on AO3

Max | @kidzwithbugz | gardensofedenx on AO3 | Scarlettbutterfly622 on Wattpad

Orso | @perpetuallylatetothefandomparty | OrSomething23 on AO3

@machaonreads | Machaon_Wahnsinn on AO3 | Fanfiction.net

Nataliya | @natk2002 | NatK on AO3

@emerald-hobbit | Emerald_Hobbit on AO3

Jayce | @fantasyismyonlyrealescape | wrestlinginjeans on AO3

@nagisreader | nagisreader on AO3

@geelizzzie | geelizzzie on AO3

@doctordiscord123 | Doctor_Discord on AO3

Quietlyimplode | @quietlyimplode | Quietlyimplode on AO3

Val | @ifitmeanslosingyouthenno | ifitmeanslosingyou on AO3

@b0amagination

@ronilani | LaniAhava on AO3

@actress4him

@2day4u-2morrow4me | 2day4u_2morrow4me on AO3

Freckles | @sylvanfreckles | sylvanfreckles on AO3

DaFlangstLairde | @daflangstlairde-art | DaFlangstLairde on AO3

CorpseBrigadier | @corpsebrigadier | CorpseBrigadier on AO3 | NeoCities

VHS_Scientist on AO3

@astralpenguin | astralpenguin on AO3

Teddog | @teddog | Teddog on AO3

NWA Creative Completionists | Creative Completionists AO3 Collection

Phase | @set-phasers-to-whump | escapsimandsharpobjects on AO3

SciFiMedic | @scifimedic | SciFiMedic on AO3

@musewrangler | Wishfulthinking1979 on AO3

@tildeathiwillwrite

[emtb319]

Completionists of 2024 - 2/4

Enthusiasm Girl | @enthusiasmgirl | enthusiasmgirl on AO3

14rainyday | @14rainyday | 14rainyday on AO3

Will Soulsby-McCreath | @nopoodles | WordPress

@lokigodofaces | lokigodofaces on AO3

@runicmagitek | runicmagitek on AO3

Kim & Nico | @sayitcanonlybeme | Playmeslow on AO3

Blooming Alyssum | @bloomingalyssum | BloomingAlyssum on AO3

nova | @thefootnotes | reyesdiaz (whateverthecalamity) on AO3

@glamphantasm | Avarici0us on AO3

Feevee | @bloodyfeverdreams | messedupstargazer on AO3

@laffy-taffy-creations | Laffy_Taffy_C on AO3

@vivifriend | Vivifriend on AO3

The_Golden_Wolf | @theoneeyedgoldenwolf | The_Golden_Wolf on AO3

@redring91 | Redring91 on AO3

@summonfi | summonfi on AO3

Huffle | @hufflepuffwritingstuff2 | hufflepuffwritingstuff2 on AO3

@itooaminthisepisode | itooaminthisepisode (anarchy_opossum) on AO3

G | GTheWriter1224 on AO3

@killjoyconstruct

@overdueforarevival | Sokeyy on AO3

Ace | @buckynerdycore | ducksandbooks on AO3

@britishsass | the_angst_alchemist on AO3

The Ultimate Fangirl | @blogger360ncislarules | OPSManager on AO3 | HettyRules on Quotev

Void | @thevoidismyhome2000 | TheVoidIsMyHome on AO3

Eternal | @eternalera | Eternal_Era on AO3

Ruin | @crash-bump-bring-the-whump

bones | @the-fabulous-51 | vosian_nightmare on AO3

@darkplaceblankface | SilentMocha on AO3 & JustBagel on AO3

@ouzoathena11 | OuzoAthena11 on AO3

TheOtherAsh | @theotherash | TheOtherAsh on AO3

Hummus654 on AO3

AtiRosnor | @atirosnor | AtiRosnor on AO3

Kittymobabas | @totalstupidityaddict | Kittymobabas on AO3

@lettersfromaplatypus | 525600thoughtsofaplatypus on AO3

@desired-misery | Desired_Misery on AO3

Alyssaromantic & BagOfGroceries | Alyssaromantic on AO3 & BagOfGroceries on AO3

@draconic-distress | Draconic_Distress on AO3

@alllthequeenshorses | AllTheQueensHorses on AO3

@papa-goose-ollie | PapaGooseOllie on AO3

OldGodLover | @oldgodlover | OldGodLover on AO3

@a-sin-to-be-rin | aSintobeRin on AO3

@cynicalone94 | Iburninsideatnight on AO3

@bubblebee10230 | Bubblebee10230 on AO3

Sourboi | @sourb0i | Sourboi on AO3

Kira the Angel | @kira-angel24