#thunderbirds original series

[laurenfoxmakesthings]

Trying the original Thunderbirds again. Turns out the streaming site had it out of order, so now I'm watching Sun Probe. And it looks like the problem I had with Pits of Peril was the exception, not the rule. IR are trying to figure out how to do the rescue immediately.

[cg29fics]

Gone

Having issues with my post’s again. So If you are reading along with this then you may need to check you’ve not missed previous chapters.

Tagging 🔖 Sorry if I’ve missed anyone: @janetm74 @drileyf @katblu42 @psychoseal @weirdburketeer @alexthefly @misstb2 @thundergeek59 @burningcowboyhoagietaco @dragonoffantasyandreality

Originally this was the final chapter. However, a year later I added the Epilogue - which some of you who originally read Gone may have missed. I’ve added the epilogue at the end of this chapter save waiting.

Thank you to everyone who’s read and commented on these posts. Hope you enjoy these final 2 chapters 🥰

Previous Chapter 53 - Home

Chapter 54. Soul

Everyone had continued to celebrate Virgil’s homecoming, with the party only being wound down when Virgil had begun to grow tired from the day’s activities and had experienced some pain. As he had not wanted to leave the gathering, Jeff and Scott had placed him comfortably on the sofa, while Brains gave him his medication. Shortly after, even though they had all been chatting quite loudly, Virgil had drifted off into a deep sleep.

As none of them had wanted to disturb him, they all made their way into different sections of the household. Not wanting to be far from Virgil’s side, all four boys and their father had gone outside and were now enjoying the evenings warmth from the side of the pool. Except, of course, for Gordon who had decided to take the opportunity, and enjoy an evening dip. Meanwhile, after completing the process of cleaning up, and packing away any leftovers, Ruth, Parker, Kyrano and Tin-Tin had decided to head to their rooms, while Brains had gone straight into his lab, so he could continue his work on some new experiment.

Penelope however, had made herself comfortable next to Virgil, wanting to be with him should he wake. She was glad she had remained when he began to stir from a nightmare. “Hey, it’s okay,”

“Pen?”

“Yes, it’s me,” she soothed, “no one’s going to hurt you!”

Virgil opened his eyes and smiled up at Penelope who was now holding him in her arms. “Hi.”

Penelope looked at him with concern. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, it was just a bad dream.”

“Anything you want to talk about?”

Virgil sighed. “It was just the usual.”

“Hood?” Penelope frowned.

“Yes,” Virgil nodded sadly.

“He’s never going to be able to hurt you or anyone else again, you do know that right?”

“Yes,” Virgil confirmed, “according to the doctors and John, the nightmares are my minds way of processing what’s happened.”

“That does sound like something John would say!” she stated, with an amused smile. “So, other than the bad dreams, how are you feeling?”

“I’m good,” Virgil answered honestly, “how could I not be when I’ve woken up next to you?”

“Charmer!” Penny smiled, kissing him tenderly.

Virgil returned the kiss and then looked around the room. “Where is everyone?”

Your father and brothers are outside,” Penny informed him, “Brains is in his laboratory, and your grandmother, Tin-Tin, Kyrano and Parker have retired for the evening.”

“And why aren’t you in bed?”

“I wanted to be here when you woke up.”

“Oh, you did?” Virgil grinned tickling her.

“Virg, stop!” Penny giggled. “Do you want me to get your dad, or one of your brothers?”

“No,” Virgil said, stopping and pulling her closer to him, “I’m very happy it’s just me and you!”

“Oh, you are?”

“Most definitely!” He replied, kissing her once more.

They both continued to hold each other until Virgil spoke once more. “So, how many of them were hassling you for details about what’s going on between us?”

“Just Tin-Tin, and what about you?”

“All of my brothers!” Virgil chuckled.

“And what did you tell them?” Penelope asked.

“Nothing, I guess I thought it was best to discuss the matter between us first.”

“I believe that would be a good idea!”

They looked at each other, both wanting to speak what was in their hearts, both slightly scared of the others reaction. Eventually, Virgil broke the silence. “I’ve always liked you, but I was always worried that if I did make a move, you wouldn’t feel the same way, and our friendship would be essentially ruined. Then there was Anderbad.”

“Mm… That was some night!” Penelope smirked.

“It certainly was!” Virgil grinned.

“And since then?”

“Well, I know we both agreed at the time that we would remain friends, but after what happened with the Hood, I realised that sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s nearly been ripped away from you… He nearly took everything, but thankfully he didn’t... And it made me reflect upon things… Life is too short to not speak out about your true feelings!”

“And what are your true feelings?” She questioned coyly.

“I want you to be more than just my friend with the occasional added benefit,” Virgil exhaled nervously, as he looked deeply into her eyes, “Penelope, I love you!”

“I love you too!”

“You do?”

Penny nodded. “Of course, I have for a long time… And I would love to be your ‘official’ girlfriend.”

“Good,” Virgil said, kissing her passionately.

They both remained wrapped in each other’s arms until Penny noticed Virgil was staring longingly at his piano. “Do you want to play?”

“I wish I could, but I can’t exactly use the pedals with two broken legs. Plus, I’ve only just started having light physio on my dislocated shoulder, so I’m not too sure how long I can use my right hand.”

“I can play with you.”

“You know how to play the piano?”

“Yes,” Penelope answered, “from ages 5 to 16, my father insisted! Although, I desperately wanted to learn to play the drums.”

“Drums?”

“Yes, what’s wrong with the drums?”

“Absolutely nothing!” Virgil answered. “Did you never get to learn?”

“No, my father said they were unladylike!”

“Unladylike?” Virgil exclaimed. “There’s been some awesome female drum players!”

“I know,” Penelope said, “that was my comeback… But father had spoken, so I made do with the piano. Secretly I loved it, but I pretended to detest every minute of course… So, do you want to play?”

Virgil nodded enthusiastically. “Where’s my wheelchair?”

“Just here,” she answered, pulling herself off the sofa and pushing the chair over which had been tucked away in a corner of the room. “Do you want me to fetch one of your brothers or your father, so they can help you into this?”

“That’s okay, if you inch it a little bit closer, then with your help I should be able to slide into it.”

“Are you sure?” Penny questioned. “I really wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”

“I’ll be fine,” he assured her.

“Okay,” she said, a hint of concern still in her voice, “but if I see any indication that you’re in any pain, then I’ll be getting Jeff.”

Virgil nodded his confirmation while Penny edged the wheelchair a little bit closer. Then with her support he easily slipped into the chair on the first attempt. “Well, that was easier that I thought it would be,” Penny observed, “however, if I find out you attempt to do that without any help, then you will not hear the end of it! Understood?”

“I wouldn’t dream of it!” Virgil smiled at her innocently.

“Mm… Well, make sure you don’t!” She warned, pushing him over to the piano. “So, what would you like to play?”

“I don’t mind,” Virgil replied, while she adjusted the piano chair so both herself and Virgil could reach the keys comfortably, “there’s some sheet music just over there.”

Penelope rifled through the variety of music books that were on the shelf that Virgil had pointed at, eventually she brought one over. “How about this to start with?”

“Ah, that’s perfectly easy,” he remarked, when she rested the page on Edward MacDowell’s, ‘To a Wild Rose,’

“Well, you may be a genius when it comes to playing the piano. However, it’s been a fair few years since I attempted to play, and this was one of the very first pieces I learned.”

“Then this is perfect,” Virgil commented, gazing fondly at her.

“Okay then, are you ready?” She asked.

Virgil kissed he once more. “I am now!”

Penelope relished his lips on hers and then smiled at him sweetly, as they both began to press the keys, allowing the melody to sing out. “Virgil Tracy, you are far too good to be playing with me,” Penelope observed, as she faltered a few times, while Virgil’s fingers glided effortlessly across the keys.

“Nonsense,” Virgil remarked, “you are doing wonderfully!” As the tune built to a crescendo, a cough interrupted them. “Oh, hi guys.” Virgil said, glancing up at the five faces standing in the doorway.

Jeff gazed at him sternly. “I would normally reprimand you for getting into your chair without any help.”

“But?” Virgil grinned.

“But,” Jeff added, moving over with his four sons to stand by the piano, “it’s too good hearing you play!”

“it feels great to be playing!” Virgil stated.

“How did you get in your chair?” Scott asked.

“Penelope helped me.”

“Penny, you managed to lift him?” Gordon giggled.

“Hey,” Virgil interrupted, “I’m not that heavy!”

“After all that cake and apple pie you shovelled down earlier,” John chuckled, “I’m not too sure!”

“Hey!” Virgil protested, “Why am I suddenly getting picked on?”

“Because, you are home,” Gordon informed him, “there’s no more special treatment for you now!”

Virgil pouted for a few seconds and then grinned. “Good, I wouldn’t want it any other way!”

“Great, because the jokes will be ‘wheeled’ out!”

Virgil shook his head at Gordon’s bad pun, and then looked at Alan, who was uncharacteristically quiet. “Everything alright little bro?”

Alan nodded. “Just wondering if you could play something?”

“Yes, of course. Anything in particular? Virgil enquired.

“Can you please play…” Alan hesitated.

Virgil smiled at him knowingly. “Do you want me to play moms song?”

“Yes please,” Alan answered enthusiastically, “if that’s okay with you?”

“Of course,” Virgil replied.

“Where’s the sheet music?” Penny asked.

“There isn’t any. Mom was always going to write it down but unfortunately, she never did. Thankfully, she taught it to me and now it’s all up here,” he informed her, pointing to his head, “I really should write it down though.”

“So, do you need any help?” She questioned.

“I should be alright using my right hand for this piece, I’ll use it to count towards my physio time,” he laughed.

“And what about the pedals?” She enquired.

“Yes please,” Virgil confirmed, “they won’t be needed to much, so I’ll let you know when,”

“Okay,” Penny smiled getting herself comfortable.

Virgil prepared himself, then paused as he looked at his family. “Are the rest of you okay if I play this?”

“Yes,” Scott, Gordon and John replied.”

“Dad?” Virgil enquired.

“I would love to hear it son!”

Virgil nodded, closed his eyes, and began to play.

They all exhaled slowly, as they watched Virgil’s fingers slowly caress the keys. Each one of them becoming transfixed by the melodious tune as they all thought back to just a few weeks prior when they had sat and wept together, each believing they would never hear this captivating, incandescent sound again. Now though as the notes continued to radiate from him, each one of them was brought back into the present. Here was Virgil, he wasn’t gone, he was here with them, and his musical soul was once more filling their home.

** **

Chapter 55. Return - An Epilogue.

It had been 1 year and 3 weeks since he’d sat here, a lot longer than he’d anticipated. Yes, the doctors had told him it would take a while to get back to full physical fitness, and he had achieved that, way before they had expected him to. However, it was the unseen injuries that had held him back, the ones the doctors hadn’t picked up on, but his family had spotted straight away.

The nightmares… Ones where he was still being held by the Hood, still chained, the camera set up in front recording everything as the whip was brought down onto his bare skin again and again. These, of course, had woken him with silent screams, occasionally vocalised, but a family members presence, and the realisation that it was just a dream quickly settled him, then sleep came once more. However, there was, of course, the flipped around nightmares, the ones where he’d be the one staring at a screen, watching a brother being tortured, and he’d be screaming out in pain, but every time there had been nothing he could do to save them. Gut-wrenching cries would fill their island home, awakening all the inhabitants, and would see him physically shaking for several hours in someone’s arms… Thankfully, agreeing to talk had helped and the dreams had eventually dissipated, however, an unexpected flashback when Gordon playfully dunked him in the pool (To when the Hood’s men had submerged his head and held him repeatedly under the water) had set off an anxiety attack, which had reawakened the nightmares, and he was once again back at square one… A vicious circle that happened on more than one occasion.

Eventually, with time, and many one-on-one sessions with various members of his family the mental healing eventually caught up with the physical, and that had in turn led to this point, him sitting here… 1 year and 3 weeks later, which was 386 days, an exact total of 9,264 hours… Not that he’d been counting…

A tap on his shoulder brought him out of his thoughts, “are you okay?”

A short breath out, he glanced back at Gordon, who was now buckling himself into the co-pilots seat. “Yes… Yes, I am!” Turning back to the control panel… His left hand, which now had a treasured silver wedding band on, reached forwards, he didn’t need to even think about what he was doing, even after all this time, he knew his girl like the back of his hand. She moved forwards, trees parting for her, allowing the sunlight to light her beautiful green paint… God, it really had been too long…

“So, are you going to do the honours?” his brother asked.

“You bet I am!”

Gordon settled back as the green machine raised herself, ready and waiting. “Then she’s just waiting for your final command.”

Pressing the final button, then holding the controls in his hands, Thunderbird 2 shot into the air…

Virgil felt the smile light up his face… “Thunderbirds Are Go!”

[hebuiltfive]

Whilst I’m once again procrastinating from writing, have some TOS Scott in his not-usual uniform (because I find the ‘not-usual’ uniforms from both tv shows far more fascinating).

I stand by my previous statement that puppet likeness is hard to capture.

[shinygoku]

The 2 Supermarionation Thunderbirds movies of the 60′s are so easy to Vastly Improve and I can sum it up in one word: Crossover!!

To elaborate with a few more words; Crossover with the sister show that would soon be hitting TV Screens 👁👁

THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO [1966] has a plot about a manned mission to Mars, that initially fails as there was insufficient security, so they hire a ....Non-Profit Private Rescue Organisation?? Bwuh? To make sure the same two-bit domestic terrorist who’s main Deal is wearing disguises (and sometimes being armed) doesn’t stow away on an awkward flight to and from Mars.... well anyway, that rather daft plan to hire the people who should be busy with more important matters does work. They get to Mars and drive around a bit, but the Native Lifeforms of Mineral Fire Launching Snake Things scare them off. International Rescue’s actual rescue of the returning crew is very good though (albeit it’s an Operation Crash Dive copycat lol).

But, ooh! Mars? Alien Life? A Security Company being hired to supervise the launching and maybe be privy to the shocking revelations on the Red Planet? This would be SUCH a neat way to Backdoor Pilot some Spectrum action, set before the status quo of CSatM settles in... Spectrum were literally made to be an elite Security service before pivoting to having to focus so heavily on the Martian Threat!

Well anyway, let’s have a quick look’a the other movie, which was filmed at the same time as some’a CSatM

THUNDERBIRD 6 [1968] is a coma inducer of a movie, it is! Though I appreciate the attempt to have stronger focus on the characters, this is in practice only extended to a handful and leaves the others with nothing to do. The most notable part of this General Anaesthetic is Brains’ struggle to make the titular TB6 and that the Skyship One’s maiden voyage is being sabotaged by Not-The Hood and his motely crew of Imposter Crewmen, who murder and replace all the regular dudes in a shockingly cold blooded sequence by Thunderbirds standards, and this is before the cathartic finale of Thunderbirds 1 and 2 ....bombing the everloving shit out of Not-The Hood...... huh! That’s a darker shade of grey than they tend to dabble with, innit!

Hopefully you catch my drift; the crew being killed and replaced with imposters, and fiery doom befalling the Evil HQ is far more outta the Mysterons and Spectrum’s conflict playbook!

It really frustrates me that they had Carte Blanche to make whatever they wanted for these big exciting events, the movies of Thunderbirds. And they came up with some cool ideas, but wrapped it in hours of nothing significant, coming tantalisingly close to something truly special but choosing to focus on the wrong areas, like silly dream sequences or shooting lions in Africa like a fucking scumbag.

Now, TaG [66] predates the solidification of CSatM, and Thunderbird’s second season was cut short and the focus changed to an exciting new premise, but TB6 has no such excuse. If it was made to be a last hurrah, it goes off not with a bang, but like a damp squib. So many scenes go on without purpose, they even cotton on to the fact there is a Sus Imposter early-ish on but then take no action and even talk about being International Rescue in front of him! What on earth is going on, where’s the thrills, spills and automobiles that makes Thunderbirds such a cultural icon?!

I’m not saying shoehorning Spectrum into the movies we got would automatically make them better (but you’d hafta be trying awfully hard to make TB6 worse...), but rather if they had been baked in to the initial concept, with the story touching on both the similarities and the differences of International Rescue and Spectrum and how they deal with the situations presented, it would have been a radical idea that bridges the series and could whet the appetite for more of the sequel series. Instead the closest we get is that the Zero-X [or, another Z-X] made a separate mission to Mars, with Captain Black leading that mission...

There’s a lotta different ways having both Good Guy Organisations present and focused on coulda gone; cooperation or opposition, idealism vs pragmatism, the need to save every human possible and the dread of seeing the twin rings of light shining apon a rocket’s hull. It wasn’t to be, but both the series having similarities and parallels and being right next to each other still make me think they Could Have if they wanted to, but alas, they did not.

[twistedoliver]

I have began a discord server for thunderbirds related..stuff? Space for fanart, fanfics, general chatting, theories, etc and wanted to make it available to anyone who might want to maybe join?

I’m super duper open to advice about changes to make to the server 🙂

[cg29]

Gone

Issues with previous updates, so if you’re reading along you may want to check out the links for previous chapters. The complete fic is also available via FF.Net & A03 - CreativeGirl29

Tagging 🔖 Sorry if I’ve missed anyone - If you would like to be tagged in these updates then please let me know and I’ll add you to the list: @janetm74 @drileyf @katblu42 @psychoseal @weirdburketeer @alexthefly @misstb2 @thundergeek59 @burningcowboyhoagietaco @dragonoffantasyandreality

Posted on wrong page - Fics usually via my fic page @cg29fics

Previous. Chapter 43. Emotions.

Chapter 44. Accused.

The following morning:

The previous evening and night had been incredibly long and draining, with none of the family being able to get much sleep. As Maria Andrews was still a potential suspect the boys had decided to keep tabs on her and had followed her to her meeting. When she had come out Gordon and John had continued to tail her, while Scott and Alan received an update from Gerry. To both Alan and Scott’s horror, the board had decided that because no charges had been made, she would be allowed to take some leave if needed. However, she could also return to work whenever she wanted, and had requested to do so the following morning. Due to this development Scott and Alan had joined John and Gordon, who had hired a car and were staking out her home. None of them wanting to let her out of their sights just in case she tried to attack Virgil one more time.

Jeff had immediately returned to the hospital and received the full update on Virgil’s condition from his mother. Due to the side-effects continuing and Virgil’s emotional state, Jeff decided he would stay with him overnight, while his mother returned to the hotel for some rest. The night had brought some good news, when Doctor Knight updated Jeff on Virgil’s recent test results. He reported that even though the migraines and the sickness were currently persisting, after some further checks it was confirmed that they were indeed temporary, and would begin to fade within the next 24 hours. Also, thankfully Virgil’s breathing had improved, and he would no longer require any additional support. This however, did bring added worry for Jeff when the doctor happily revealed that Virgil would be moved from ICU and back onto a regular ward in the morning.

Meanwhile, Penelope had her eye on Emily Sanderson after she had talked the Commissioner into allowing herself and Parker to remain at the station and observe the interview via a live feed from another room. The first round of questioning had been brutal. The police had started by going over stuff they had asked previously. Everything from her alibi on the night Virgil was poisoned by the Hood, to the choices she had made on Virgil’s treatment. They had then continued by interrogating her on the first 10 years of her life, so they could discover how her childhood had affected her as a person. Asking how she had dealt with her mother’s boyfriend, who Emily confirmed had beaten them both, and how she had felt about his eventual death. It had been clear to both Penny and Parker, that because of the way Emily had reacted to the questioning, she was still deeply troubled by her childhood years. However, she had still managed to answer all the questions posed to her, and it was becoming obvious that the police seemed to believe she was telling the truth, but neither Penny or Parker felt confident enough to say either way. Thankfully, the police had decided more questioning was necessary, and because of that Emily would be staying at the station overnight, with the second part of the interview commencing the next day. Which Penelope hoped would yield some sort of clue into whether she was innocent or guilty.

… …

Jeff paced back and forth in Virgil’s room, as he awaited an update on Nurse Andrews current location. Virgil had been moved back to the ward two hours previously and since then he had been constantly worried for his son’s safety.

“Jeff, sit down,” His mother scolded.

Jeff glanced over at his mother, and then at Virgil who was clutching tightly to the sick bowl. Dropping onto the seat next to his son, Jeff stroked his hand softly through Virgil’s hair. “How are you feeling son?”

“Migraines not too bad,” Virgil answered.

“And the sickness?” Jeff asked. As if on cue, Virgil curled up over the sick bowl and threw up. “It’s okay son,” he soothed, while Ruth called the nurse.

The nurse entered, changed the bowl for him and handed Virgil some water. “Thank you,” Virgil muttered, “throwing up loads.”

“Yes, I can see,” she replied, “but don’t worry, as soon as the Rynax is out of your system, you’ll start feeling much better.”

“Hope so,” Virgil muttered, “Want to go home!”

“Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be happening,” The nurse responded sympathetically.

Virgil scrunched up his face. “Why not?”

“You’ve got two broken legs, a fracture to your back, plus a few other injuries. I really don’t think any of the doctors will want to let you out of their sights for a while!” She stated.

“Oh,” Virgil sighed.

Noticing the sadness in his son’s eyes Jeff leaned in and whispered. “Look, as soon as I get any hint that you are strong enough to be flown home, then I’ll be organising your brothers to help in your escape from here… Okay?” Virgil nodded with a half-smile and settled himself back down. As soon as he was comfortable, and the nurse had left, Jeff continued to speak. “Your grandma mentioned what happened yesterday.”

“Oh,” Virgil remarked, turning slightly red as he glanced at both his dad and grandma.

“Now, I’ve told you before, you’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about!” Ruth said firmly.

“Please son, don’t be ashamed of your feelings,” Jeff added, “and please, don’t bottle things up! If you ever need to talk, then all of us are willing to be there… There will be no judgements from any of us, just an open ear, ready to listen!”

Virgil reluctantly nodded, then glanced at the door when he noticed Alan poke his head inside the room. “Al.”

“Hey Virg,” Alan grinned back, “dad, we need you a sec.”

Jeff stood and smiled at Virgil. “I’ll be back in a bit.” Jeff made his way over to Alan. “What’s up?”

“Scott needs to fill you in on some stuff,” Alan reported, “he’s just down the hallway.”

Jeff nodded, and then noticed Alan’s eagerness to go in the room. “You can sit with him for a bit if you want!”

Alan grinned and happily went over to Jeff’s seat, taking his brothers hand in his.

… …

“Hey,” Jeff said, when he reached Scott, “what’s the update?”

“Maria’s currently working on a different ward,” Scott replied, “but it’s not too far from here, so Gordon and John are currently watching her movements.”

“Any suspicious behaviour?” Jeff questioned.

“A lot!” Scott scowled. “Firstly, she left her home for work 2 hours early. We checked with Gerry and she wasn’t due in until 8am.”

“What was she doing?” Jeff asked.

“She arrived at the hospital, went to the canteen, then she got changed. After that she stayed in a common room near the ICU until she started work,” Scott answered.

Jeff frowned. “While Virgil was still there?”

“Yes… And she had no reason to use that particular one either,” Scott stated, “especially when there’s one next to the ward she’s on today.”

Jeff breathed out. “What about Penny and Parker, have we heard from them?”

“Yes,” Scott confirmed, “Penny called about half an hour ago, and said the police were just about to start with the second round of questioning. She promised to update us later.”

“Good,” Jeff responded.

“What’s wrong dad?” Scott asked, noting the sadness in his father’s eyes.

“Just thinking that no matter who is guilty, the outcome for both would be bad,” Jeff sighed, “Emily went through so much as a child, and she seems to have pulled herself through it, if she’s guilty then she’s possibly thrown it all away… For a father who doesn’t care… And if it’s Maria, then she’s got three younger brothers who will lose their sister and guardian. There’s no way any authorities would let the 18-year-old look after his two younger brothers… So, they will probably be taken into care.”

“I know dad, but what can we do? We can’t let whoever did this get away with it!” Scott stated.

“No, we definitely can’t,” Jeff agreed, “whoever’s done this is a danger to Virgil, themselves and others, and they need to be caught… It’s just... It’s really sad!”

“I know!” Scott replied, placing his arms around his father and hugging him tightly.

Jeff returned the hug and then pulled himself up straight. “Are you heading back to join John and Gordon?”

“Yes, and Alan as well,” Scott replied.

“That’s if we can drag him away from your brother!” Jeff said with a laugh.

… …

Auckland Police Station: 11am.

Penelope exhaled deeply as the second round of questioning ended. The police had focussed their interrogation on Emily’s mother Rebecca. How she had felt about finding her mother unconscious from the drugs overdose, to both herself and her brother being placed in the custody of her aunt. Emily had been brutally honest with her answers and had stated that if it wasn’t for her aunt she would probably be dead now. When the police had questioned if she ever saw Rebecca, she confirmed that her mother had tried to make contact on several occasions, that she knew that she was married, and now had more children, but was quite firm in her response that she had no desire to ever see her again or meet her siblings.

“To be honest Parker,” Penny said, breaking the silence, which had naturally occurred at the end of the questioning, “I don’t know if she’s guilty… She appears to be very honest with her answers, but I just can’t get a proper read on her.”

“I have to agree,” Parker confirmed, “as you know, I can normally tell someone’s character, and I can usually spot a crook a mile away, but with this Emily Sanderson, I’m just not sure. She’s either innocent or she’s a really good liar!”

Penny frowned. “Well, hopefully this next lot of questioning will help.”

“Well, it looks like it’s starting now,” Parker replied, pointing to the screen that was displaying the live feed from the interview room.

… …

“So, Emily,” the officer began, “what can you tell me about your relationship with your father?”

Emily sighed. “There’s not much to tell.”

“Well,” he continued, “from what we’ve discovered Miss Sanderson. Your father is possibly a Christopher Harrington, who you were arrested for stalking when you were 14 years old!”

Emily nodded. “Yes, he’s my father… And yes, I did stalk him when I was 14, but I was just a kid!”

“And since then?” He asked.

When Emily remained quiet the other officer pushed further with the questioning. “From what we’ve found, he was paying money into your aunt’s bank account since you were 10... Did you know that?” Emily silently nodded her confirmation. “When you were 22, he stopped and started paying some money to you instead. Plus, when your brother Warren got arrested for car theft we believe your father paid him out of trouble. Your father seems to do that a lot, doesn’t he? Pays his way out of trouble… He’s done it for you, your brother, and for himself… Did you know, your father was reported by Jeff Tracy for some bad business tactics he had used?”

“My father was innocent!” Emily suddenly snapped.

“You have quite a temper brewing their Miss Sanderson!” The man remarked.

Emily breathed out, the frustration behind her eyes evident.

The officer went to continue but was stopped by someone else entering the room, who summoned both men to follow him out of the room.

… …

Meanwhile: Good Hope Hospital.

Jeff quietly stroked his hand over Virgil’s head, as he continued to clutch onto the sick bowl, while Ruth sat in a nearby chair. The silence broken by Gordon running into the room. “Maria’s on the ward,” he puffed out.

“What… Why?” Jeff frowned.

“It looks like she was sent here to get something,” Gordon replied, “Scott, Al, and John are keeping their eyes on her, but we just wanted to let you know.”

Jeff frowned and went to respond but stopped when Virgil threw up again. Ruth immediately pressed the button to summon a nurse, while Gordon joined his dad by Virgil’s side.

The door opened, and Nurse Maria Andrews stepped inside, stopping immediately when she saw that she was in Virgil’s room. “I’m, sorry… I, err… I shouldn’t be here,” she stuttered, turning to leave and noticing the entrance was blocked by Scott, Alan and John.

“No, you shouldn’t be here!” Scott scowled.

“I heard the buzzer,” She said

Virgil looked up at her and smiled. “Hey.”

Maria glanced around the room looking uncomfortable, but managed to eventually return the smile. “Hi Virgil, how are you feeling?”

“Sick,” he sighed.

She nodded, noting the sick bowl. “I’ll go and get another nurse for you.” Maria stepped around Scott, who had been standing in front of the door, and left the room.

Scott glanced at all of them. “She’s not guilty!” He stated, following her out, with his brothers close behind him. “Maria,” he shouted down the corridor, “wait.”

Maria turned to speak to them, but was stopped by a police officer. “Maria Andrews?” He asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“You’re under arrest for the attempted murder of Virgil Tracy,” he said, placing handcuffs on her.

“But, I haven’t done anything!” She exclaimed.

“We have evidence which places you at the scene,” he stated, leading her away.

“What evidence?” The boys all remarked, looking at each other in shock.

… …

Auckland Police Station:

“What evidence?” Penny questioned the officers after they had left the interview room.

“Our computer experts have managed to finally get an image from the computers. It clearly shows Nurse Maria Andrews with the Hood in Virgil’s room,” they replied.

“John couldn’t get anything from those computers,” Penny whispered to Parker, “they were completely wiped.

“I’m not sure how she’s done it,” Parker commented, “but that photographs a fake… And Emily Sanderson is one clever liar!”

“Wait here Parker,” Penny stated, as she trailed behind Emily Sanderson as she left the station. Penny followed Emily down the entrance steps, and knocked into her, toppling Emily right off her feet. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” Penelope lied, “here, let me help you up.”

Emily scowled, but noticing her aunt waiting for her, allowed Penny to help her to her feet. “That’s okay, it was just an accident.”

“Penny smiled, and took her hand, noting that it was bandaged. “Oh dear, that looks painful. What happened?”

“Nothing serious, and thankfully healing nicely,” Emily responded, “I’m sorry, I need to go. I have family waiting.”

“Of course,” Penny replied, as she watched Emily Sanderson leave with her aunt.

Parker stepped up to Penny and looked at her curiously. “What was all that about?”

“Oh, I just planted a tracking device on her,” Penny grinned, “from now on we will know exactly where Emily Sanderson is... If she thinks she’s getting away with this… Then she’s got another thing coming!”

Next. C45

[idontknowreallywhy]

Well that worked out ok…

So maaaaaybe I had a mad moment yesterday and bid way too much money on a 2015 Tracy Island on eBay and then had a minor breakdown when I was outbid at the last second 😭 possibly residual feelings from not managing to get one in the 90s…

(aside: wow I forgot how emotional eBay auctions actually are, it was like being in the noughties all over again)

Anyway, Mr idontknowreallywhy (who is a legend) spotted a local lady selling this beastie for very little cash and so suddenly kiddo, hubby and I are the proud (and very much JOINT) owners of a 90s model. Even the sounds work!

Happy happy days!

[justrandomthoughtsandthings]

I have. a very specific 'guess the song' emoji game. and I don't know enough people other than my siblings who've watched the show. so.

🌠🔫🙍‍♀️

🔴🛡⚔️

👨🌑🕴🏻🔛🙍‍♀️

🙍‍♀️🚫❤️👨

[arttsuka]

Just, sharing this...

[cg29fics]

Gone

Tagging 🔖 Sorry if I’ve missed anyone - If you would like to be tagged in these updates then please let me know and I’ll add you to the list: @janetm74 @drileyf @katblu42 @psychoseal @weirdburketeer @alexthefly @misstb2 @thundergeek59 @burningcowboyhoagietaco @dragonoffantasyandreality

7 Chapters Left: The complete fic is also available via FF.Net & A03 - CreativeGirl29

CHAPTER NOTES: A little bit flirting 😍 Please remember this is original series 😊

Previous: Chapter 47. Talking.

Chapter 48. Dreams.

Virgil opened his eyes and surveyed the barren land before him. Nothing made sense. He could have sworn that he had been at the hospital. However, instead of being safe and sound with his family, he had woken to find himself completely alone, with only the noise from the swirling wind and the thick fog that surrounded him to keep him company. Suddenly Virgil could hear the distorted laughter of two people, frantically he looked around searching for the voices, until his eyes rested on both Emily Sanderson and the Hood. “Oh God,” he muttered, attempting to pull himself to his feet.

“Going somewhere?” The Hood snorted, his eyes changing to a penetrating orange.

Virgil’s legs buckled, causing him to stumble forwards and fall flat on his stomach. Now unable to move he desperately yelled for help.

“You can shout all you like, no one can hear you,” Emily sneered, her eyes beginning to grow into an emerald green.

“This isn’t real,” Virgil whispered.

“Oh, it’s definitely real!” Emily spat venomously.

Virgil squeezed his eyes tightly shut hoping that this would make them both disappear.

The Hood released a disdainful laugh. “Oh, that’s not going to work!”

Virgil shook his head defiantly. None of this made sense. He had been with Scott and John. They wouldn’t abandon him here. “Would they? No, I’m not alone!”

Both the Hood and Emily looked at each other and then back at Virgil, before releasing more heinous laughter.

“Well, I’m very happy to say that you are alone,” Emily scoffed, “so, this time no one is coming to help you!”

“But Don’t worry we won’t leave you,” the Hood added.

Virgil felt his heart pulsating faster and faster, as the Hood and Sanderson leered over him, their hands reaching out menacingly towards his throat…

… …

“Virgil, wake up!”

Virgil’s eyes shot open, instantly resting on the woman sitting next to him. “Penny?”

“Yes, it’s me,” she soothed, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

“Hood, Sanderson… They were…” Virgil’s voice trailed off.

Penelope wrapped Virgil’s hand in hers. “It’s okay, they are both locked away, remember?”

“It was just a dream,” Virgil questioned.

“Yes, you’re safe now!” She reassured him.

“And I’m not alone?” He asked.

“Of course not,” she answered, hating to see him in such a state, “why would you think that?”

“The dream, I was alone and…” Virgil paused and glanced around the room. “Where’s Scott and John?”

“I sent them back to the hotel around an hour ago. I wanted to make sure they could join the rest of your family for dinner. Parker went with them, to make sure they all eat before returning,” Penny explained, “they did say that you asked them to stay, do you want me to call them and get them to come back?”

“No, that’s okay,” Virgil answered, exhaling slowly to calm himself down, “sorry if I scared you.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for!”

Virgil squeezed Penny’s hand. “I’m glad it’s just me a you?”

“Oh, and why’s that?” She enquired with a smile.

"I heard what you did to Sanderson and I wanted to thank you.”

“Virgil, you don’t need to thank me for anything. You’ve been there for me far too many times to recall, and she definitely deserved a lot worse than what I did to her!”

“Well, I’m going to say it again, thank you,” Virgil lifted her hand and gently kissed it.

“So, apart from the obvious nightmares, how are you feeling?” She enquired.

“A bit brighter after waking up to such a pretty face!”

“Virgil Tracy, you are such a charmer!”

“I try!”

Penelope shook her head and then pushed some hair out of Virgil’s eyes. “I’ve really missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too.” Virgil replied.

“When you are out of this hospital and feeling strong enough you really should come and visit me. A holiday away from everything. A chance for you to escape the smothering that we both know will drive you crazy!”

“You’re definitely right about the smothering,” Virgil laughed, “and I would love to come and visit you.”

“Good!” Penelope responded, leaning in closer and kissing him on his cheek.

Virgil raised his eyebrows. “A kiss on the cheek, is that all I get?”

Penelope released a light laugh, placed her hand on his face, leaned in and kissed him softly on his lips. “Is that better?”

Virgil grinned. “Much!”

Just then a short knock came at the door. Penelope and Virgil glanced across the room and smiled at the young nurse, Hannah, as she entered the room. “Sorry to disturb you.”

“It’s okay,” they both chimed.

“Virgil, how are you feeling?” She questioned, while checking all the equipment.

“I’m okay, thank you. Feeling a bit hungry though.”

Hannah picked up Virgil’s notes. “Well, I can see from your notes that you weren’t consuming much during the bouts of sickness. However, if you are feeling a bit better, then I can arrange something.”

Virgil nodded. “Yes please.”

Hannah finished checking his obs, then leaving the room she stopped and leaned back in. “Oh, looks like the herd are on their way.”

Both Penelope and Virgil laughed at the ‘herd’ comment and awaited the incoming.

Alan was the first to bustle his way inside the room, followed by Gordon, John and Scott. All of them coming to an instant stop when they saw the cheerful face of their brother.

“Hey Virg, you’re awake!” Gordon beamed.

“And you’re smiling… Penny, what on earth did you say to him?” Alan questioned.

“Nothing much,” Penelope answered, standing up, “I just have my ways!”

“Well whatever it was, it’s certainly helped,” John stated.

“I bet I can guess!” Scott chuckled, earning him a glare from Virgil, as he dropped into the now vacated chair. “How have you been?”

“I’m okay,” Virgil replied, “where’s dad and grandma?”

“We’re here,” Ruth responded, hurrying over to Virgil and giving him a kiss on the forehead.

Jeff walked in the room chatting happily away to Parker.

“Hey dad.”

“Virgil!” Jeff shooed Scott out of his chair, so he could pour some water for his son. “Any nightmares?”

“The ones the Hood gave me have definitely stopped, “Virgil confirmed, “and I don’t remember dreaming.”

“Virgil!” Penny warned.

“Okay, I may have had a dream,” Virgil admitted, “but it really wasn’t that bad.”

“Not too bad,” Penelope frowned, “Virgil, you were screaming!”

Jeff frowned. “You promised you would talk to us!”

“I didn’t want to worry you,” Virgil replied.

“Stop worrying about us,” Jeff scolded, “now, can you tell us was this nightmare all about?”

Virgil gazed at all of them staring at him and shook his head.

Sensing Virgil was struggling Scott turned to all the others in the room. “Hey everyone, why don’t we go, and all grab some coffees from the canteen. Virg, you’ll be alright with just dad, right?”

Virgil nodded, while Jeff mouthed, “thank you,” as they all silently left the room. Once they were alone, Jeff sat himself on the side of Virgil’s bed and placed his arm carefully around him. After a short silence, Virgil started to speak. “I was alone with just the Hood and Sanderson, their eyes were glowing, and I couldn’t move and they…”

“It’s okay Virgil,” Jeff said supportively, “take a deep breath in and then a deep breath out.” Once Virgil had followed his father’s commands, Jeff continued. “Now, when you feel ready keep talking, okay?

Virgil nodded, took a few more calming breaths, before continuing to speak. “They told me that I was alone, and no one was coming for me.”

“Virgil, you’re never alone!” Jeff stated.

“I know, it’s just... When I was missing I knew you would all somehow find me but there was always a small voice in the back of my head… It kept telling me that you had all abandoned me, you were never coming to get me and that I was going to die there alone.”

“Virgil, no matter where you are, if you need any one of us then we’ll always come for you!”

“Thank you,” Virgil sniffed.

“You don’t need to thank me for anything.”

Virgil leaned his head on his father’s chest. “I love you dad!”

“I love you too!” Jeff replied, allowing his son to silently weep.

Next. C49.

[edorazzi]

It’s Tintin Day again! 💖

I’ve been watching Thunderbirds (original and reboot!) lately and I’m just obsessed with the whole thing, so here’s a fake book cover with both my beloved Tintins! 🚀🔎

[hebuiltfive]

WIP i-haven't-done-one-of-these-in-a-while-so-screw-waiting-for Wednesday

“I could still create the scene, if you so wish.”

She held up her ungloved hand. “Please, do not. I do not wish for you to injure yourself.”

“Your concern for me is gratefully accepted, but I assure you, I would be perfectly fine.”

“I believe gravity would have something to say about that.”

“Gravity would only be a problem if I fell.”

“Which is something you would likely do if you tried to scale the wall of my home.”

Scott turned to her fully, eyes alight with the prospect of a challenge and with all his earlier woes forgotten. “You do not believe me to be a skilled climber?”

“Have you scaled walls before?”

“… No, but I am rather skilled.”

“In climbing?”

“In many things.”

“But not in climbing?”

“I think you’re missing my point.”

“I think you’re failing to make a point.”

[yki-dolls]

Found these guys in an antique shop yesterday

Virgil is from 1999, and Scarlet is from 2001, so not exactly antique lmao, but a super fun find!

It'd be nice to get all of them they made but that's probably pretty unlikely lmao.

The boys are DUSTY. I don't think they've been moved more than once since they were bought!

[skymaiden32]

Off Duty

Read on AO3 here

Fandom: Thunderbirds

Tagging: @dragonoffantasyandreality @thundergeek59 @janetm74 @katblu42 @liseylou @amistrio @uniwolfcorn @idontknowreallywhy (Please ask if you would like to get alerts when I update or post new stories.)

Thundertober Day 10: Mute

While off duty at an event, Gordon meets someone very special…

Continuity: TAG

------

It was the latest in a string of children’s hospitals that had been founded and set up in recent months. As frequent donors to these causes, a member of the Tracy clan had been present to see the opening ceremony almost every single time, only missing out when the whole family were out on rescues. This time around, it was Gordon’s turn to attend.

He stood amongst the crowd, trying his best to be inconspicuous. It hadn’t worked. Within the first ten minutes, he’d been bombarded by journalists from about six different papers and tabloids, all wanting an exclusive or just straight up taking a photo without his consent. He thanked his lucky stars that Brains had given him his new favourite gadget, designed to distort images of him. That man was a literal miracle worker.

Gordon watched as the owner of the hospital finished off her speech, and reached her hand out to beckon a young boy up to the front with her. The child tentatively took the little golden scissors, and helped by another woman Gordon was sure was his mother, cut the ribbon. Raucous applause followed the opening. After a few moments, it finally quieted down, allowing the guests to mingle.

He’d been speaking with an associate of the Dandridge Corporation when he felt a tug on his leg. Looking down, he saw the same boy from before, who was looking up at him curiously. Saying farewell to his conversation partner for the time being, the aquanaut crouched down to the child’s eye level, a small frown on his face. 

“Hey kid,” he started, a little uneasily, “where are your parents?” The boy just looked up at him, blinking. Now that they were face to face, Gordon noticed a small scar running along his neck. His frown deepened, lifting his head to see if he could spot the woman who had helped the kid cut the ribbon, or even just the hospital owner. He sighed, not seeing either of them. “Let’s go find them, shall we?” 

He reached out a hand to the boy, who gladly took it, and made his way up to the front steps of the hospital. If any of the responsible adults were somewhere, that’s where they’d be. Gordon hummed thoughtfully when he didn’t see anyone. The boy was still clinging to his hand. “What does your mother look like, kiddo?” No answer. “Or your dad?” He tried again. Still nothing. Gordon chuckled. “A quiet one, huh?”

Dodging a few more cameramen and frantic press with notebooks, the two of them continued their search. Further investigation finally yielded results when the woman from before dashed in front of him, dropping to her knees in front of the young boy. “Thomas!” She almost cried, relieved that he was okay. “You had me worried sick! Never run off like that again…” The boy, now known to Gordon as Thomas, nodded his head. “Now, your father will take you home,” she pointed to a man behind her, “go to him and try not to wander off.” Thomas’s mother held his cheek in the palm of her hand, giving him a loving kiss on the forehead. “I’ll be back with you and Dad later, okay?” 

Gordon felt Thomas’s hand slip from his, and both he and his mother watched as he ran to his father, still not uttering a thing. “Quiet, isn’t he?” Gordon mentioned, causing the woman to look at him. “He didn’t say a word while he was with me…”

The mother sighed. “He’s mute, but he wasn’t always...” She explained, sadness etched into her words. “He actually used to be the most talkative boy you’d ever meet.”

The aquanaut raised an eyebrow. “What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“It wasn’t that long ago.” She stated apologetically. “I don’t really feel comfortable yet talking about it.” Gordon simply nodded in understanding. “But, you’re something of a hero to him, Mr Tracy. Even off duty, you saved him before something awful might’ve happened.” She beamed from ear to ear. “I can never thank you enough for bringing my Tommy back to me.” She reached forward to shake his hand. He took it in an instant.

“It’s my pleasure, Mrs…?” He hung onto the end of the sentence, waiting for the woman to reveal her name.

“Carter.” She answered quickly. “Blanche Carter.”

“Well, it’s my pleasure Mrs Carter.” Gordon smiled warmly. “Your son is very special indeed…”

[avatarskywalker78]

It's Work-in-Progress Wednesday!!!!! And I decided to write a snippet from my Thunderbirds idea (since I'm currently rewatching that). The story needs developing but I also wanted to get some scenes out of my head so this is when the ship Sheridan Ó Séaghdha (test pilot and close friend of John and Gordon Tracy) is copiloting, Starfinder One, begins hurtling towards the ground after two of its engines explode.

“Backup engines up and running!” Taryn’s voice, this time, and Sheridan breathed a small sigh of relief as their dive lessened to two thousand feet a minute. Still wasn’t great but right now that was the best they could hope for. “Taryn, what the hell just happened?” “Engines Two and Four exploded due to overload.” “Overload? But their capacity is—” “I know what it is, but that’s what all systems are saying – the automatic sensors put out the internal fire but looks like we’re gonna be lighting up the sky as we come down.” “What about ejector pods?” Henson enquired. “Mostly damaged.” Karl’s voice crackled. “You might launch one or two but I wouldn’t risk it.” “What about the passengers?” “The attendants have been trying to keep them calm but they’re gonna want to hear from you pretty soonish.” “Is there a way to slow our rate of descent further?” Her copilot asked. “Possibly, but if the other two engines explode—” “We’ll deal with that when it comes to it.” Sheridan said sharply. “Either way, if we can’t get out of this dive our landing gear’s gonna be useless.”

This story started from the idea of 'what if John Tracy answers a call from someone who knows him' because none of them make any attempt to disguise their voice , and the boys did have lives before International Rescue so probably have plenty of friends on the mainland, so there's always an outside chance of this happening, and it kind of grew from there.

One of my main obstacles to this is how the rescue is even going to play out; whether they're gonna try and ensure a safe-ish landing (like with Fireflash), try to repair what ejector pods they can, or actually attempt on-board evacuation somehow - and despite being a fan of the original show I'm not one hundred percent sure what equipment they'd use for that.

Another obstacle is that aside from this rescue I don't really have much of a plot, so still early days 😅😅

Tagging (let me know if you want to be added or removed): @shrinkthisviolet @starstruckpurpledragon